#it's.. really important to me. really really really special

[kathaynesart]

And here we go. For the full experience I would recommend reading while listening to THIS SONG. It inspired a vast majority of the scene as well as the timing, though I fear you'd have to read pretty fast to get to the ending at the same time as the song ends, so uh... good luck! Trigger warnings below:

The Day the Sky Bled Red

BEGINNING || PREVIOUS || NEXT (SOON) MASTER POST

Whew. I'm so glad to finally be done with these big updates. After over a year I will finally be able to return to my smaller update format.

Some keen viewers might notice the reuse of certain shots from the series. There is very much intentional, though the reason for this will not be made clear until the ending of the arc.

As of the final shot we are FINALLY back to present-day in the Replica timeline (if it wasn't obvious). I'd drop in a timeline for reference but uh... I maxed out on the Tumblr images. Oh well. Hopefully the context clues were enough to help though!

I do want to take a moment to TED Talk about Raph's ninpo, if that's alright. Unlike his brothers, Raph didn't really spend much time trying to come up with unique ways of using his abilities. Why improve what already worked for him? However, I do think one interesting ability could have come naturally to him over time. I always found his way of mentally connecting with his brothers as "Mind Raph" to be a fascinating joke in the series. They way he could help and communicate with his brothers is something that was always really important to him and I see that ability bleeding into his ninpo. Because of this I feel that his Raph clones were always able to find and reach his brothers no matter the distance. His ability to interact with them at the same time was something he was still learning in the series, like when Mind Raph apologized to Leo for taking a moment too long to respond because he was busy helping someone else. Because of this I see his clones being able to react and communicate independently (kind of like Naruto clones), but are in constant connection to the original source, Raph himself. This made it really easy for Raph to relay information to the brothers, though it was seldom needed since Donnie's ninpo tech normally had that covered. On another note, I also wanted to make a point that whenever one of the brothers died in the bad future timeline, it was when they were separated from their brothers. I always liked in the movie how it wasn't until the brothers worked together that they were able to regain their abilities, confront the Krang, and even open portals to different dimensions. I wanted that lesson to resonate in Replica as well, even if subtly. Anyways, thanks for coming to my TED Talk!

The rest of the arc will be a lot less action, but still plenty more emotions. I can't promise that we won't be doing more flashbacks in the future but nothing to the extent of the "Holiday Special." We got a story to get through after all!

Thank you so much everyone for your patience with me as I slowly inch my way through this big story. It means a lot to me! I promise the next update will not be so emotionally draining.

[oneofstarkskids]

girl back home

pairings: bucky barnes x reader

word count: 1822 (new record?? 🤭)

genre: a lil bit of everything, but mostly fluff. you know.

warnings: MAJOR SPOILERS FOR CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD ‼️

It was already February, and you were long overdue for some sunshine. The snow is always beautiful, especially with twinkling lights reflecting off of it. But those lights are gone now, and all you're left with is this chill to your bones.

You cling tightly to Bucky's arm, watching your steps carefully. "You okay?" He asks with a pink nose.

You can't speak without your jaw shaking violently, so you simply nod.

"I told ya' you should've brought gloves," he says with a know-it-all essence. The low temperatures must've been slowly freezing your brain cells because you didn't even make a snide remark.

The two of you finally reach your apartment building and make your way up to your floor. As soon as you're in the door, he takes your coat for you. "And you wanted ice cream," he snickers before hanging the coats and starting on a pot of coffee.

"I'll admit, I've had better ideas," you say before hurrying over to the messy pile of blankets on the couch, desperate for warmth.

After a few moments behind the counter, he walks over carrying your favorite mug. The one with the little yellow duck on it.

"Here ya' go, doll."

You give him a grateful peck on the cheek and grab the mug, careful not to burn yourself.

He moves to scooch in close to you, but his phone rings right on que. He sighs before pulling it out of his back pocket, "Hello?"

There's a pause and Bucky's face falls. "Not really a good time," he says with annoyance.

After a much longer pause, he nods as if the person on the other end can see him. "Alright, I'll be there."

He takes the phone away from his ear and hangs up. You give him that look.

"They're calling me into Washington. They want to have another meeting about the whole congress thing." Bucky trails off.

You nod, "Well, when do you leave?"

"Tonight."

The word hangs in the air for a moment as both of you contemplate the next move.

"And when are you supposed to be back?" You asked.

Bucky gave you an apologetic smile, "Valentine's Day."

You tried not to overreact. This was his job. It was important to him, and you wanted to be supportive. Besides, it wasn't like Valentine's Day was any more special than the other days when you got to spend your entire life with the man you loved.

"That's okay! We can work with that, we'll just celebrate later that night. Dinner, maybe?" You tried to be optimistic.

Bucky's demeanor changed, "You know, that's what I love about you?" He set his mug down on the coffee table and leaned over you.

"Oh, really?" You asked with the biggest grin.

"Mhm," he placed a soft kiss on your jawline.

You bit your lip to keep from grinning, "What else do you love about me?"

And Bucky did leave that night, with a dazed look and smirk on his lips. If that was how you said goodbye, he couldn't wait to see how you welcomed him back.

He kept in touch with you the entire time he was in Washington. Phone calls, FaceTime, endless texting. It was only for a couple days, but he never wanted to go a minute without hearing your voice.

But the plane ride there. It was hell. Not being able to see your eyes light up. Not being able to kiss those perfect lips. The guilt of leaving you behind began to weigh him down. Another fight he couldn't avoid.

The only moment he got a break from his self loathing was when he visited Sam. "Hey, buddy." The two patted each other on the backs.

"Got a knack for getting yourself in trouble don't you, Sam?" Bucky teased.

Sam raised an eyebrow, "If I recall, a lot of the trouble I've gotten into has been on your behalf."

Bucky laughed and nodded his head as if to say "touché".

"How's the girl," Sam asks, his smile reflecting his fondness for you.

Your beautiful boy just grins from ear to ear, "She's great. She's always great."

"Would you look at that," Sam says. "The man who never smiles just can't seem to stop."

Bucky shakes his head, still the flicker of a smile on his face, "She makes me...a better man."

Sam looks down at the ground. Grappling with his thoughts.

Bucky notices and turns to him.

"None of this," he gestures to Joaquin in the hospital bed, struggling to maintain stability, "is your fault."

"I don't know, Buck. I'm not cut out for this," Sam said. It wasn't something Bucky hadn't heard before. He knew his friend had always dealt with feeling unworthy of Steve's title.

"This shield was made for you, just as much as it was made for Steve. He wouldn't have given it to you if he didn't believe that himself," Bucky reassured him.

Sam let it sink in for a minute before cocking his head towards Bucky, "Damn. We're doing pep talks now?"

Bucky let out a laugh that was partially a scoff. He couldn't catch a break. "I meant it, Samuel. This was my last day here, and I had to make sure you knew that before I left."

Sam nodded, "Thank you, Bucky."

"I love you, Buddy." The blue eyed man said back.

"Now, I've got a plane to catch and a girl back home to surprise," He said with a skip to his step.

Sam watched him leave before muttering under his breath, "Damn soldier's gone soft."

The airport was packed with people. Long lines wrapped through the hallways. Bucky tried to push his way through. Tried to get an answer.

"What's going on?"

A stranger turned around, "They're delaying all the flights. Something about a security issue nearby."

Bucky found a group of people crowded around a television and squeezed in to get a better view. "President Ross reportedly transformed into what people are already calling 'Red Hulk' after massive White House meltdown." Footage flashed across the screen of what was indeed a cherry tomato colored Hulk surrounded by a burning white house.

The growl that erupted from the beast vibrated the speakers. Bucky's shoulders dropped in disappointment as he picked up the phone to call you.

You answered almost instantly, "Buck?" Your voice was weak with worry and it sounded like you were already expecting bad news.

"The flights are delayed, doll. Turn on the news," Bucky said.

"I've seen it," You replied softly.

"I don't know how long-" Bucky started but you cut him off. "Hey, don't worry about that. Just, get home safely. Please."

Bucky swallowed, "I will."

"I love you, James."

"I-" The line went dead. He quickly checked the phone to see what had happened. NO SERVICE.

Bucky was desperate to find a way back to you.

Meanwhile, Sam was getting his ass kicked by a giant blood clot. "Ross, listen to me. You know this place. You used to go here all the time with, Betty."

The creature that was once the president growled in his face.

"Alright, that didn't work."

Sam dove behind a car, narrowly avoiding another blow from the hell hulk. "You don't want to talk it out. Fine by me," Sam rolled away from the car just as the hulk smashed the gas tank.

The explosive vehicle flew towards the now Captain America, and with his improved vibranium wings from the Wakandan's he was able to slice the car in half.

His victory was short lived as the hulk grabbed him by the wing and ripped it off. Sam fell to his knees, feeling like he'd lost the war. At that moment, a spray of bullets bounced off of the angry monster's back. It turned around, focusing it's deep red eyes on the all too familiar Winter Soldier.

Sam was now an afterthought as the Red Hulk raced towards Bucky. The soldiers vibranium fist made a loud clank as it collided with the much larger one.

The high pitched whip of metal rang through the air and Sam's shield dug into the President's back. Bucky smiled like a proud father.

Together, Sam and Bucky were able to keep the hulk away from civilians and wear him out until backup arrived. But it was the memory of his daughter and the drive to be a better man that transformed his outer appearance as well.

Bucky was slouched against a police car as paramedics carried the President away. "What happened to the girl back home thing?" Sam walked over to him.

"Couldn't catch my flight. Besides, I figured you needed me more." Bucky said.

"Stop tryna butter me up," Sam shook his head. "I'll get you on a private jet, but you owe me."

Bucky extended his fist, starting off their handshake. "Take care, pal."

Sam finished it off, "Same time next week?"

You were curled up on the couch, exactly where Bucky had left you. It was Valentine's Day, and your husband was off to God knows where probably risking his life.

And the only thing you could do about it was sit here and wait. With a box of chocolates. And a few Ryan Gosling movies.

Then, you heard the rattling of a key in the door. It was so unexpected that you almost considered it had just been people that came to take you away.

Bucky pushed the door open, dropping his heavy duffel bags and extending his arms to you. You quickly jumped up, chocolates flying, and ran over to him.

The contrast between being out in the cold and now being in your warm embrace was a shock to Bucky's system.

He smelled like ash and sweat, but underneath that he smelled like him.

"I thought-" Your eyes involuntarily began to tear up.

He cupped your face in his hands and looked into your eyes with an intensity that made you blush, "I couldn't leave my best girl alone on Valentine's Day."

Your heart skipped a few beats and your face was permanently carved into a smile.

"Oh, almost forgot." He reaches into his pocket.

When he held out the palm of his hand, a silver chain with the letter B dangling from the end of it replaced the empty space.

"Bucky," you said, wiping away more tears to no avail. It was so much more than jewelry to you. It was proof that time after time, Bucky would find a way. That you were his priority and that would never change.

"It's beautiful."

He unclasped the necklace before gently turning you around to put it on you. "For the most beautiful girl," he said when he was done.

You turned around and kissed him, combing your hands through his hair. He looked into your eyes, feeling overwhelmed with joy.

"I've got something for you too," you smirked.

"You do?" He asked knowingly, kicking the door closed behind him.

"Mhm," you pulled him closer by his shirt. You were going to do more than just tell him how much you missed him.

[cherrycheolkat]

• random slutty CUTE thoughts - seungcheol •

the valentine’s day one with clumsy cheol

seungcheol has big plans for valentine’s day, but everything seems to be going wrong - he just wants to make it the best valentine’s day you’ve ever had, no matter what

seungcheol had plans for your valentine’s day evening - he planned the food, the jewelry, the flowers, literally everything PLANNED

but now he’s lying on his back in a hospital bed because he tripped in the bathroom - he wasn’t even showering - he just slipped and whacked his head on the tile and maybe got woozy when he saw some blood

it was so embarrassing, literally everything about tonight was supposed to be sexy

but when you come into the hospital room, worried and squishing his cheeks, asking if he’s ’okay’ and ‘what can you do’ - all he can think is how you’re so cute when you’re worried about him, cooing over him and petting him, calling him ‘baby’ and kissing his forehead - he certainly doesn’t hate it

plus, he’s usually the one who’s protective, but you’re kind of scary when the nurses can’t answer basic questions, like whether it’s a serious head injury or a mild concussion

he’s annoyed when the doctor says he needs to stay the night because he can literally imagine everything he planned sitting at home and going to waste, but at least they say you can stay the night too

you had planned for that, of course, and already brought some extra clothes for yourself and for him, plus a tablet full of downloaded shows and movies and the pillow he likes and an extra blanket

it’s funny to him how a few things from home and having you curled against him make a hospital room seem almost homey

he’s almost okay with things, but also he isn’t at all - tonight was important - he had been waiting to tell you something and this wasn’t the romantic evening he had planned

but when you lean up to kiss him, your warm lips pressing to his, he immediately feels all the warm, quivering feelings you always make him feel - he loves those feelings dearly

you lean back slowly, smoothing his hair and staring at him quietly for a few moments, he returns your gaze, adoring the gentle way you look at him, like he’s someone truly special to you

you lean down again, kissing his cheek softly, “you’re so sweet for planning everything,” you whisper

he flushes slightly, “you weren’t supposed to see that,” he whines

you just smile, “but i did and it was so perfect” —

he stops you, “i know, but then i fell and ruined everything”

you shake your head, “you didn’t ruin anything, cheol,” you assures him, “it’s just a special story we can tell everyone one day,” she smiles, “the day i realized i was completely in love with you,” you kiss him again, lingering for a moment before pulling back

his eyes were large, “i was supposed to confess today!” he whined again

you laugh softly, “so go ahead then - it’s not like we can’t realize it the same day”

he shakes his head, “no, i’ve known - i just wanted to tell you today so it’s romantic…special,” he pouted

you nod, “ah, so you wanted it to be memorable when you told me?” you giggle, “there’s nothing memorable about today, i guess”

he knew you were joking, but he still sulked, and you press closer, “cheol,” you stroke his cheek, “really, i mean it, i love you,” you whisper, “just you,” you press another kiss to his cheek

“maybe i’ll pick another romantic day,” he exaggerated his pouting, making you laugh softly

you nuzzle close, “at least i told you as soon as i knew how i felt”

he sighs, “i knew at christmas when you picked the matching necklaces and refused anything else they had”

she laughed, “that? can it be something else?”

“no - it’s just when i knew you were really the person i love,” he strokes your cheek

you smile, “i guess it’s okay then”

he rolls his eyes, “i love you too,” he finally confesses

you nuzzle closer, enjoying his warmth, “i love you more”

he swats your arm gently, “i’m injured, let me win,” he pouts

you grin, “of course you win, my perfect cheol”

────୨ৎ──── ────୨ৎ──── ────୨ৎ────

a/n: i just wanted something cute for cheollie

♡ kat

if you want to be tagged, go [here] my [master list] if you want to read more

[rositxespinosa]

@redeemingvillains P.S, this is one of the most heartfelt, amazing fics I've ever read!

What Mattheo did for reader on a special day is the definition of if he wanted to, he would. And the fact that his friends were involved made me feel so incredibly happy. One of the many things I loved about this fic is that it showcases not just a healthy relationship between reader and Mattheo, but healthy relationships with reader and his friends. I think that's really important. I could seriously go on and on how about wonderful this fic is. Just know that it was perfect and I absolutely adored it. It cheered me up, too! I could see myself coming back to re-read it when I need a pick me up <3

P.S, this deserves so many more reblogs. your work (as well as so many other's) is amazing and deserves all the praise <3

~Megan

ps i love you - mattheo riddle ft. the slytherin boys

summary: mattheo plans an unexpected valentine's day surprise for you

word count: 3.3k

a/n: honestly, this healed me a little bit. this is for anyone that just needs a heaping dose of love from our favorite boys, all of whom are absolutely head over heels for you. ♡

Your eyes fluttered open slowly and you smiled as you curled into your soft sheets, yawning and stretching your sleep-heavy limbs, enjoying the sacrosanct moment of a new morning, before the noise and thoughts from the day invaded you.

But the feeling faded almost as soon as it came and within moments your brain switched on and you felt a pang in your chest as you remembered...today was Valentine's Day and despite the devilishly handsome curly haired boy that had stolen your heart and claimed you as his own, you would be spending it alone; his father had whisked him away to something urgent, and he wasn't the type of man to argue with.

Mattheo had all but disappeared last night with quick but searing kiss and a promise to make it up to you. And how could you possibly be angry with him when you melted at his touch, at the look in his amber eyes, at the feeling of his lips against your own which you sensed even now as you ran your fingers over them?

You sighed, slowly dragging yourself out of bed despite the weighted sadness you felt and began readying yourself for the day.

You were in no rush to see the rest of the castle gushing over the holiday; the Great Hall would inevitably be awash in red and pink, filled with flowers and owls delivering love letters. There would be the predictable wave of students dosed by love potions, and an obscene amount of PDA that you would have loved to participate in that now made you sick to think about. Ugh. That alone made you want to stay in your room, but you took your time getting ready, grounding yourself as you did a full self-care routine.

Once dressed, you wandered down the corridor by your dormitory into the common room and found a tall, lanky figure leaning against the stone wall, eyes focused on his feet which he shuffled back and forth as he twirled a toothpick in his mouth.

"Enz?" you asked, as you got closer.

His eyes shot to you as they widened, brightening.

"There she is!" he said excitedly as he straightened up and righted his suit jacked. "You look divine today. Simply beautiful" he winked.

You blushed as you shoved his shoulder in reprimand and laughed at him.

"You're sweet" you conceded.

"You're sweeter" he cooed. "And I could keep this up for hours, babe, but it's my honor to escort you to our breakfast date."

"What?" you asked through another laugh as your face scrunched in confusion. Surely he has to be joking, you thought. Mattheo would strangle him with his bare—

"Oh! Shit! Yeah, uh here" he said, reaching into the inner pocket of his jacket and handing you a sealed envelope.

You narrowed your eyes skeptically at him as you reached for it until you recognized your name scrawled in Mattheo's small script on the front and eagerly tore it open.

Good morning. You look gorgeous. I don't have to be there to know that you do. I love starting my days with you, and it kills me not to be there this morning especially. Enz will have to do. Tell him to stop laying it on so thick, this isn't a hallpass to eyefuck you all morning—

You peered over the top of the letter to see Lorenzo smirking appreciatively at you and smiled.

—And tell him if he steps a single toe out of line with you, I will take sincere pleasure in rearranging his face.

You laughed quickly and covered your mouth with your hand. Lorenzo's eyebrow quirked inquisitively but you shook your head, dismissing it.

Tell. Him. It's for his own safety. Enjoy breakfast. PS, I love you

You folded the letter slowly, unable to contain the smile on your face, absolutely giddy at the penned words you held and the notion that Mattheo had planned something like this.

"Gorgeous?" Enzo said as he offered you his arm.

You linked arms with him cheerfully, a new pep in your step as he led you through the common room and into the castle.

You received a fair share of confused glances which Lorenzo reveled in, beaming at everyone who did a double take at the two of you together, knowing full well who you really belonged to.

"Wonder what's for breakfast?" you mused as a pair of Hufflepuffs shuffled to get out of your way.

"Oh, we're not going to the Great Hall" Enzo clarified as he took a last-minute turn down an unfamiliar corridor.

You looked up at him, surprised, and he caught your eye.

"And have you eat with these peasants? Please" he scoffed, stopping in front of a door you'd never seen before. "No, Matty boy flew you breakfast, from Paris" he said with a flourish as he pushed the door open wide and you gasped at the scene in front of you.

The doorway opened to a small balcony with an astonishing view of the grounds, the myriad pine trees frosted with snow and the Black Lake that was shimmering like a sheet of obsidian in the cold.

Despite the wintry scene, there was a small table laden with steaming cups of hot chocolate, a mountain of pastries, macaroons, croissants and treats all the way from France. Gods I love magic you thought to yourself as Enzo pulled out your seat and handed you a blanket from a large pile which you took eagerly as you wrapped your hands around the warm mug in front of you.

The hot chocolate was rich with a large helping of whipped cream that warmed you all the way through to your toes and brought you right back to the time Mattheo took you to Paris himself and you sipped on the decadent drink by his side. Your heart ached briefly at the memory, but Enzo was quick to pick up on it, and eagerly began chatting away with you about classes, quidditch, and even the Ravenclaw he had his eye on and you realized how nice it was to have this time together to sit and really talk to one of your closest friends, to hear how he was doing.

"You didn't want to take your crush to breakfast?" you teased, kicking him gently under the table.

"And miss this? Babe. This is the highlight of my month, maybe my entire fucking year" he said as he smirked at you and popped another macaroon in his mouth.

You knew he was laying it on thick, but there was a hint of truth to it too, and the knowledge that he valued your friendship that way made you awash with emotion.

His eyebrow quirked as he looked over your shoulder and smiled sadly.

"Well, my lady, this is where I leave you. Our love shined bright though brief."

You turned to see Blaise and Draco behind you, each carrying an extraordinarily large bouquet of flowers that they were peeking out behind with equally large smiles.

"Guys! This is so sweet!" you exclaimed as they set the bundles down and embraced you, your feelings starting to bubble to the surface again at the amount of love and affection you felt.

"Of course, darling, Happy Valentine's Day" Draco said as he kissed your cheek.

"Here you are, love" Blaise said, flourishing a letter that sent your heartbeat soaring.

Another? You reached for it eagerly, tearing into it haphazardly, craving Mattheo's words.

Did you like the hot chocolate? I hope it reminded you of our trip to Paris. I'll never forget how happy you were, the way you shined brighter than that whole fucking city... And what we got up to in the hotel that first night, when you wore that red lace set... Needless to say, don't let any of these idiots read these letters—

"Soooo, what's he writtennnn?" Blaise asked, peering over page.

"Nothing!" you replied, bending the top of the note protectively as you kept reading.

You deserve breakfast from Paris and everything your heart desires. The boys have my credit card, go get whatever you want in Hogsmeade. No smutty books, though, you have a real boyfriend that's better than any book boyfriend. And no clothing that's too revealing, unless it's for me... in which case, you should know, I'm partial to red lace... PS, I love you

Your eyes twinkled as you looked up at Draco and Blaise with excitement.

"It's fucking on" you said, as they cheered.

You went into every. single. store. Lollipops, chocolate frogs, candy hearts and pumpkin pasties from Honeydukes, the most divine stationary and a new set of quills from Scrivenshaft's, and then cue the full montage of you trying on outfits for hours while the two boys sat amidst a pile of shopping bags, enjoying their candy and eagerly goading you on.

"Yes, babe."

"Smashing it!"

"Absolutely."

"You have to get it, get both actually."

"Love, you're wearing it better than the fucking model."

Until Draco turned, finally, yelling over his shoulder to a passing attendant.

"We'll take the lot!"

And gods help the people in the bookstore. Draco could barely see over the bags and boxes he was carrying and now Blaise's arms were laden with every single book you've had on your TBR list, chatting excitedly with you about them.

"Nooo, isn't that the latest one in the series? Didn't that come out like, yesterday?!" he exclaimed as you held the hardcover book in your hands like a holy relic and nodded.

"Can I borrow it when you're done?" he asked quietly.

"We'll just get you one too!" you said excitedly, grabbing a second.

Both of them followed you without complaint, cheery and upbeat, treating you like the princess Mattheo saw you as, they all saw you as, as you made your way back to the castle in the pending twilight, high on candy and your shopping spree.

Mattheo had undoubtedly pulled out all of the stops today, so surely there had to be a something big for the evening?

You tried every way you knew how to coax it out of Draco and Blaise but they held strong, insistent that you be patient as they led you through the castle, down a first floor corridor you hadn't been down before as you continued to question them incessantly.

Was it a five-course meal from your favorite restaurant in London? A private concert from Taylor Swift? I mean, what could possibly top the day you'd had already? They stopped in front of a plain door and pushed it open to reveal... the kitchens, large, industrial-looking, and decidedly...not what you had expected.

But then your eyes swept the space and landed on Theo, in an apron, working diligently at the counter on something as Enzo moved quickly around him, in an apron of his own, a dash of flour on his cheek.

And then you saw the small wooden table just big enough for the five of you, replete with mismatched chairs and a few floating candlesticks.

And then the smell hit you.

"Bella!" Theo shouted, waving you over in flurry of Italian you couldn't follow.

You approached slowly, taking in the scene of him rolling homemade pasta with practiced ease and the steaming pot of sauce on the stove that smelled divine, like fresh tomatoes and roasted garlic, and your stomach growled in response.

"You're cooking for me? you asked, your voice a hoarse whisper at the overwhelming gentleness and kindness, the domesticity of it all.

You'd seen Theo break someone's nose, you'd seen him put puking pastilles in someone's goblet and trip a first year just for the fun of it, but you'd never seen him do anything so... tender.

"Yeah" he said quickly, acknowledging you. "And if you don't start rolling, we're not eating, tesoro" he said, tossing an apron at you, which you caught with a laugh, tying it on eagerly as you moved next to him, bumping his shoulder as you copied his movements and the gentle rolling of his hands.

Draco and Blaise poured wine and helped set the table and the three of you shared stories about your afternoon, all of you chatting about your day, about everything and nothing in the way a family would, natural, easy, unforced and relaxed.

Theo wiped his hands with a towel and then reached into his back pocket, brandishing your letter, which you unfolded and read as you leaned back against the counter, shifting into a world where it was just you and Mattheo's words.

Gorgeous - Theo promised he'd make you something good for dinner, and if I trust him with anything, it's food. Fuck. This one's hard. Because it should be me with you tonight. Please know there's nowhere else on earth I'd rather be than right there with you, right now. The boys will do the best they can, I know they will. Try not to laugh too hard when Theo tells you about the time his Nonna ran from the cops in Sicily. He thinks it's hilarious, and it's his way of trying to impress you. He knows how much you mean to me. Enjoy, my 'bella donna' PS, I love you

You smiled at the familiar last sentence, tracing your fingers over the ink, like you could feel him through it and you realized you were biting your lip to keep from crying. You had kept the feelings at bay all day, but this, being here tonight without him, was hard on you too. You missed him so fervently it was like your whole body ached.

"Ok, ok" Theo said, gently putting his arm around you as he guided you towards the table. "Sedere, sit down, now we spoil you."

You sniffed and swiped quickly at your eye as you settled into your chair and the boys followed suit, surrounding you. And then Theo placed the most perfect bowl of pasta you'd ever seen in front of you, more beautiful and better plated than any restaurant you'd ever been to.

"Theo, this is..." you said, looking up at him, at a loss for words.

He nodded his appreciation. "It's my Nonna's recipe. Best fucking sauce in Sicily" he said as he scooted his own chair in across from you and winked as he raised his glass in a toast.

"To the most beautiful girl in Hogwarts" he said as you all raised your glasses alongside him.

"Here's to cheating, stealing and drinking. May you cheat death, steal hearts and always drink with me!"

The boys cheered and you laughed as you clinked glasses and settled into your meal.

You twirled the pasta and delved into your first bite, the most incredible taste taking over your tastebuds as your eyes fluttered closed.

"Mmmmm Theeeeooo" you said.

"Fuck. That was hot" Enzo whispered as you opened your eyes to glare at him.

"I'm telling him you said that to her" Draco muttered as Enzo kicked him under the table.

"It's soooo good!" you exclaimed, ignoring them all as you dug in for your next bite.

"Did I ever tell you about the time Nonna dodged the cops?"

Your eyes watered with tears at his story, just as much from laughing as from the overwhelming joy you felt at Theo telling it to make you happy, to impress you, consistently eyeing your reaction to his every word.

After awhile you gestured around the room with your fork, savoring the last bites of your meal.

"It's hard to imagine that the heartthrob of Hogwarts himself isn't doing this for one of his girls tonight" you said, teasing Theo.

Theo put down his wine glass and looked at you like you'd asked him if he wanted to be a muggle.

"This?! Bella. Please" he said, shaking his head. "This is marriage shit right here. I don't just do this for anyone. Matty boy loves you, that's for fucking sure."

You smiled and nodded as you looked back down at your plate.

"Yeah he does" you agreed, thinking to yourself just how much he'd proven that today.

You sat around the table for hours, listening to the boys talk and laugh and joke, the night washing away in a haze of a perfect meal, a full belly and a couple of glasses of wine. You eventually dropped your head onto Blaise's shoulder comfortably.

"We wore her out boys" Enzo said affectionately, tilting his head to mirror your own and smile at you.

"Let's get you back" Blaise said, standing with you.

The two of you walked with your arm wound around his in amiable silence all the way back to your dorm, and it wasn't until you were nearly there that Blaise whispered, "Did we do alright?" with a sense of vulnerability you'd never heard from any of them before that stopped you in your tracks.

"Blaise" you reassured him, grasping his arms as you looked up at him. "I was dreading being alone today, I think you could all tell I was teetering on the edge of a breakdown the entire day..."

He nodded his head sadly.

"But each of you completely swept me off my feet, and made me feel so loved, so cherished, and so special. I couldn't have asked for four better stand-in-Mattheo's" you said, smiling widely. "Thank you" you whispered, pulling him into a warm hug.

"You deserve it, and more" he murmured against you, squeezing you tightly. "Sweet dreams, YN" he said, as you unwound from each other and you made your way towards your room.

The warmth you'd felt throughout the day carried you up to bed, lingering with you as you crawled into your pajamas and under your covers as you reached for Mattheo's letters, reading and re-reading his words as you traced your fingers over his script.

I love you, I love you, I love you he'd written and you marveled at how someone could be so far away yet still make you feel so deeply cared for. Your heart squeezed, the sadness you'd felt throughout the day numbing to a dull ache as your eyes fluttered closed.

You slipped into a deep sleep, lost to all sense of time when your mattress dipped, rocking you awake. You turned slowly, groggily to see Mattheo crawling under your covers, his eyes bright, cheeks flush with exertion.

"Matty?" you whispered hoarsely, your heartbeat quickening as you tried to wake your brain, your body up fast enough to respond.

"Gorgeous" he whispered, with a sigh of relief as he reached for you, pulling you quickly into his arms and nuzzling into you as your limbs intertwined with his, your heart resting against his own.

"How are you here right now?" you asked.

"Told 'em to fuck off, he didn't need me anyway" he replied quietly.

You pulled back to look at him, the confusion clear on your face.

"Alright, not exactly like that — it doesn't matter, I'm here and I'm so fucking sorry about today, I had this whole thing planned for us and —"

"—Matty—"

"—You deserve everything, gods everything you do for me—"

"—Matty—"

"—I just love you so fucking much, please don't be mad at me—"

And finally you leaned forward, pressing a kiss to his lips and winding your hands up to grasp his face, to center him, to force him to hear you, to feel you, and within a moment you could feel the stress leaving his body as his shoulders fell, and his body molded against yours, his hands wrapping around you as he slid you beneath him and kissed you back earnestly, passionately.

You pulled back for just a moment, meeting his twinkling brown eyes, taking in his lips, swollen from your kiss.

"I missed you every moment of the entire day" you whispered. "But there wasn't a second I didn't feel completely loved. Thank you."

"I love you so much" he said, his head shaking slightly as his eyes met yours and he brushed the back of his fingers over your cheek. "You really have... no idea."

You blushed, nibbling at your bottom lip.

"Actually, I think I do" you said, pressing your lips to his again.

@kenjikishimotoswifey @mattiesgf @sleepiibunniiii @darlingshecried @girllblogging777 @foivetimesacharm @clar2aa @broadwaybaby123 @slytherinscreamqueen @chelawrites @loverliner @smut-anarchy @locknco

[itsnesss]

𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 | miguel diaz × fem!reader

summary | you accompany miguel to visit his newborn sister at the hospital. as you witness miguel's tender and protective side, you feel your connection with him grow deeper

warnings | fluff, heartwarming moments

word count | 1.1 k

author's note | it would help me a lot if you liked, commented and reposted so that more people read what I write and don't forget to follow me, thanks ᡣ𐭩

You had never seen Miguel so excited.

From the moment he received the news that his little sister had been born, he hasn’t stopped smiling. It’s a refreshing change, especially after so many weeks when he was worried about exams, competitions, and everything else. Now, he’s radiant, full of energy and happiness. It’s contagious because even though you don’t say it out loud, his enthusiasm makes butterflies flutter in your stomach.

"Are you ready?" he asks with a smile so wide that his dimples are charmingly marked as he holds the hospital door open for you to enter.

You nod, a mix of excitement and nervousness filling you. It’s not your first time in a hospital, but this occasion is special. Miguel invited you to meet his newborn sister, Laura, and that means more than anyone could imagine. You know how important his family is to him, and for him to choose you to share this moment makes you feel like you’re part of something much bigger.

"You know," he starts to say while walking down the long hallways, "when my mom told me she was having a baby, I was a little worried."

"Why?" you ask curiously.

"I don’t know, I thought it would be weird. I’ve been an only child my whole life, and suddenly, I was going to have to share my mom, my grandma... everything," he admits, shrugging his shoulders. "But then I realized... I don’t know, I like the idea of having someone I’m going to take care of. Like... a team."

Your heart melts a little. Miguel has always had that protective side, the one that makes everyone around him feel safe, and thinking of him taking care of his little sister like she’s his greatest treasure makes you smile.

"You’re going to be a great brother," you say sincerely. "Laura is lucky to have you."

He looks at you, his smile softening.

"Do you think so?"

"I know so," you reply without hesitation.

When you reach the elevator, Miguel presses the button, and as you wait, you realize that he hasn’t let go of your hand since you left the car. It’s a small gesture, but significant. It makes you feel calm, connected to him in a way you don’t need to explain. You’re just there, next to him, on one of the most important days of his life.

The elevator arrives, and you both step in. Miguel checks his phone quickly, reading a message from his mom telling him what room they’re in. You see him take a deep breath, as if trying to calm himself.

"Nervous?" you ask, giving him a gentle nudge with your shoulder.

"A little," he admits, laughing softly. "It’s weird, right? I’ve been waiting for this moment for months, but now that it’s here... I just want everything to be perfect."

"It already is perfect," you say without thinking too much.

He looks at you with a mix of gratitude and something else, something that makes your heart skip a beat. Before you can try to decipher that look, the doors open, and you both walk toward the room.

Carmen is sitting in the hospital bed with a small pink blanket wrapped around her arms. Her face is tired, but her expression is serene and happy. She smiles warmly at you as she sees you enter.

"Hey! So glad you came," she says softly.

"Thank you for inviting me, Mrs. Díaz," you reply shyly, suddenly feeling self-conscious about the importance of the moment.

Miguel immediately approaches his mother and leans in to get a better look at the baby. You stay a few steps back, watching with your heart pounding in your chest.

"Hello, Laura," Miguel whispers with a softness you’ve never heard from him before. "I brought someone really special to meet you."

Your chest tightens with tenderness as you watch the little creature in his arms stir slightly. Her skin is soft, and her cheeks are rosy, like the most fragile thing in the world.

"Come on, come closer," Miguel says, looking at you sweetly.

You step forward, almost afraid to breathe too loudly. Miguel gestures for you to sit next to him, and when you do, he leans a little closer to you so you can see the baby better.

"She’s... so small," you whisper, fascinated.

"I know," Miguel laughs. "I can’t believe I’ve been waiting so long to meet her, and now she’s here."

Carmen watches you both with affection, and then looks at Miguel.

"Do you want to hold her?"

He nods immediately, but before picking her up, he turns to you with a mischievous look.

"Do you want to try holding her first?"

Your heart races.

"Me?"

"Yeah. My mom says holding a baby is the best experience in the world."

You glance at Carmen uncertainly, and she nods with an encouraging smile.

"If you want, of course. Just be careful with her head."

You take a deep breath before nodding. Carmen passes you the little Laura with extreme delicacy, and when you finally have her in your arms, it feels like the whole world has stopped.

"She’s so light," you murmur, feeling more protective than you’ve ever felt.

Miguel watches the scene with an expression of absolute tenderness.

"She looks good with you," he says softly.

Your chest warms at his words, and when you look up at him, his expression is different. There’s something else there, something deep and sincere, something that makes you feel like this moment means as much to him as it does to you.

Laura stirs slightly in your arms, and when you look at her, her little mouth opens in a small yawn. Your heart melts completely.

"I think she likes you," Miguel whispers, coming a little closer to you.

"You think so?" you ask softly, smiling as you gently stroke the baby’s cheek with the back of your finger.

"Yeah. And... I think I do too," says Miguel, his voice almost a whisper.

Your gaze locks with his, and the air between you changes. There are so many things that could be said, so many emotions floating in that moment, but no words seem enough.

"Thanks for bringing me," you finally say, breaking the silence with a sincere whisper.

"I couldn’t imagine this moment without you," he replies.

His words take you by surprise, and you feel your heart beating fast in your chest. Miguel has always been sweet and attentive, but this... this is different. This is intimate, real.

Laura shifts a little more in your arms, and Miguel laughs softly.

"I think she wants me to hold her now," he jokes.

Carefully, you pass the baby to him, and you watch how he holds her with infinite tenderness. The way he looks at her, as if she’s the most precious thing in the world, makes something inside you melt completely.

You stay silently watching him, committing the moment to memory. And while you see him whispering sweet words to his little sister, you know, without a doubt, that you’ve just fallen for Miguel Díaz a little more.

[madebycloud]

No Erase

violet "vi" x female reader — 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞'𝐬⠀𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

summary: on valentine's day, and you've finally worked up the courage to write a letter to your crush confessing your feelings. unfortunately, your friend accidentally gives the letter to the one person you can't stand. warnings/themes: fluff, one sided enemies, valentines, kissing cam, angry confessions, fast burn ig, mordern au words: 10.9k

You look at the letter in your desk, which you spent at least six hours working on to make sure it's perfect. Not just to make sure the words you're choosing are perfect, though—you want to make sure your handwriting is perfect enough that it doesn't look sloppy.

You grab the letter and read it over one last time… lovey-dovey bullshit, sappy stuff, romantic nonsense, etc.

You cringe at the last words, “Meet me at the bleachers... recess.”

It's so cliché, so stereotypical, and maybe you've had a couple too many cheesy romance movies in the past month. You've probably read a dozen fanfics that start like this.

If it were done by anyone other than yourself, you'd think it was absolutely dumb and corny as hell.

You know you could just message them through snapchat or on insta, or facebook, even just confessing through their email is a good idea… but, no, you just can't do that.

What if you say the wrong thing? what if you just happen to say something extremely cringy in your message? what if they screenshot it and put it on their story for everyone to see? what if they reply with “who is this...?” what if they start ignoring you?

Plus, you love your phone too damn much, and you know you're gonna end up throwing the damn thing because of the absolute panic you're gonna feel when your finger hits that send button.

You probably should have just sent a carrier pigeon or something… at least they could eat that.

Oh wait.

You forgot one thing.

You look around your room, trying to figure out what you left out. Your penmanship is on point, the words are as romantic as they could be, and the grammar is perfect... but what's missing?

The perfume.

The bottle of perfume is on your dresser, hiding behind the jewelry case. You spray it liberally, making sure the paper absorbs the smell of it, before finally folding it up neatly and placing it in the envelope. You seal the envelope with a kiss to the paper and hope it's the ‘special touch’ that it needs.

The smell is nice, just enough to have the paper absorbing it nicely, but not enough to be overwhelming (even if you love the perfume to death). You also want your recipient to be able to read the letter without cringing.

Okay, now it's really done. It's romantic, it smells good, and it's as perfect as you can get it.

Tomorrow's the day, and you finally feel confident. You have everything ready to go, you just have to figure out how to get your friend to deliver it to your crush's locker.

As you get ready for bed, the only thing you can't stop thinking about is how tomorrow will go.

Will they love the letter? will they finally realize the feelings you have for them and confess their own feelings? who knows?

—

“Come on,” you whine, begging Ekko for the fifth time. “Just do me this favor, please?”

Ekko just scoffs and gestures to the table. “I already told you, I have all of these-” he motions to the dozens of letters in front of him, “-that i'm supposed to deliver for girls that are crushing on Caitlyn.” He sighs. “I can't add any more to my to do list.”

“Please?” you beg, waving the envelope at him. “It's really important.”

Ekko groans and slumps forward, resting his chin on the palm of his hand. “Why can't you just deliver it yourself?”

“It's kinda.. embarrassing… for me to deliver it myself…” You fidget awkwardly.

“Ugh.” Ekko groans again but gives in. “Fine,” he relents, sitting up straight and grabbing the letter from you.

“Thank you.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Ekko waves his hand dismissively. He stands up and stretches out, letting out a deep sigh as he does. “Just remind me what locker number it is?” he asks, shoving the letters into his bag.

“Locker number is 13 C,” you reply, watching as Ekko slings his bag over his shoulder and starts walking out of the cafeteria. “It's pretty much right next to Caitlyn's, so you won't be missing it.”

“Got it,” he says, turning around and flashing a grin at you. “See ya later.” He gives you a salute before he disappears. 

Finally.

After months of keeping your feelings quiet, your secret would be revealed. You just have to hope that it doesn't blow up in your face.

—

Ekko walks down the hallway, scanning through the numbers above the lockers until he finds the one he's looking for.

Caitlyn's locker.

He scans the area for any sign of Caitlyn, and luckily for him, the coast is clear.

He pulls out the envelopes from his bag, each one slightly crinkled from being stuffed in there. He counts up the total- ten, no, twelve... wait. Fifteen? that's more than he thought, he could have sworn there were less. He dumps all the letters on top of the locker hole.

He looks down at the remaining letter in his hand. Right, that one isn't for her. He sighs and places the letter next to her locker, just like he was told to do.

He gives the locker one last look but doesn't give it a second thought and starts walking away, whistling as he goes.

But... what Ekko didn't know is that instead of placing it into the locker next to it, he accidentally dumped it into 11C, aka, Vi's locker.

—

You wait at the entrance of your school, impatiently bouncing on your feet. Valentine's day is tomorrow, and you can't wait for your crush to read the letter you poured your heart into.

Then, you spot Ekko, and you're quick to greet him. “Hey!” You throw an arm around his shoulders. “So, did you put it in?”

He nods, gesturing to the school doors. “Yeah, I did.”

You sigh, relieved that the letter is in your crush's locker and will likely be seen by them soon. “Thanks.” You give him a squeeze on the shoulder before letting go of him. “I seriously owe you one for this.”

Ekko just brushes you off. “It's nothing.” He shrugs and shoves his hands in his pockets as you start walking into the courtyard. “Just doing my good deed of the day.”

“Mhm, hopefully tomorrow goes as planned,” you say, “I just hope they like it…”

—

Tomorrow finally comes, and it's the day you've been patiently waiting for. Valentine's day.

You're in your first class, waiting for your teacher to come in. You're distracted, your mind racing with thoughts about what your crush thinks of the letter.

Then, someone suddenly sits next to you, and you turn to look at-

“What the hell?” you blurt out, looking at Vi as she makes herself comfortable in the chair.

Vi smirks. “Hey,” she greets.

That smirk alone pisses you off.

You still haven't gotten over the fact that because of her, your grades had taken a nosedive. The two of you had been paired together in science class, and she'd somehow managed to blow up the experiment, all because she wasn't paying attention.

“What the hell are you doing here?” you snap, glaring at her.

She simply glances at you, then back at the desk she's sitting on. “What do you think? I'm sitting.”

The audacity? 

“I know that, but why are you sitting next to me?”

“Come on, don't act like you don't know.” She throws in a wink, and your disgust quickly multiplies.

“Excuse me?” you sputter, completely caught off guard by her sudden flirtatious behavior.

“You really gonna act like you don't know?"

“No?”

She scoffs and leans towards you, smirk on her lips. “I mean,” she adds, eyeing you up and down, “I thought you'd be... happy... to see me.”

You're stunned, confused, and quite frankly, grossed out. “Happy to—WHY ON EARTH would I be happy to see you?” you spit out.

She huffs and slumps back into the chair. “Oh wow, thanks for the warm welcome.”

“Well, what did you expect? You haven't exactly been... pleasant to be around.”

She narrows her eyes and opens her mouth to reply but stops short as the teacher enters the classroom.

She finally shuts up, and you're left wondering what just happened. Why in the world is someone who is a pain in your butt cheeks suddenly flirting with you? is there something wrong with her? or has she lost her damn mind?

—

It's recess, and you're sitting on the bleachers, waiting for your crush to show up.

Your palms are sweating, you're starting to worry that your armpits are going to start smelling, you're probably going to end up throwing up on someone's shoes.

The letter was probably too much. The words were too romantic. The whole cliché “meet me at the bleachers” thing was just cringe. Who wrote that? oh right... you did.

But even if the outcome isn't what you hope for, at least you've got a good story to tell later or maybe a good reason to drown yourself in ice cream and cheesy rom-com movies.

You look around the bleachers once, twice, three times. You try to avoid glancing at your phone, but the urge to check the time only grows stronger.

It doesn't help that a couple of assholes are sitting a few feet away from you, loudly laughing at some video playing on one of their phones.

Recess is almost over, and your crush is still not here. Where the hell are they?

Maybe they could possibly be in the bathroom, having a nervous breakdown like you were? or maybe they're just taking their sweet time, making sure they're looking perfect?

Or maybe they're not coming at all.

And then you hear footsteps coming your way,

THIS IS IT.

Is your hair okay? yes. Are your teeth brushed? yes, dumbass.

You quickly wipe your sweaty palms, trying to calm your racing heart. You turn around, ready to see the face of an angel, the face of a goddamn god-

But instead you see the face of someone you'd rather shove into a brick wall.

Vi.

Why the hell is she... smiling at you?

“Damn, you look good from this angle.” 

WHAT?

Why is this goddamn lesbian here with that stupid smile on her face?

“Why are you here?”

“Isn't it obvious? I'm here to see you.” She pulls out an oddly familiar envelope from her pocket and holds it in her hand, and you realize why it's so familiar.

Wait...  that's your letter!

The one you wrote to your crush. The one that's meant to be in their locker, not in her damn hands.

How the hell did it end up with her?

She looks at the envelope, studying the handwriting on it, and then her eyes lock with yours again. “This is yours, right?”

Your hand quickly snatches the envelope from her hand. “How the fuck did you get that?”

Vi quickly snatches the envelope away, holding it out of your reach. “Whoa, woah, wait-”

“Give me that!” You lunge for the envelope, but she sidesteps you.

Vi laughs, holding the envelope away from you. “Isn't this for me?” She opens the envelope and throws it aside, then pulls out the letter and starts reading it aloud. “Dear... what the hell, how do you... whatever. Dear blah, blah, blah, happy valentine's da-”

“-SHUT UP!” You try to snatch the letter again.

“Hey, I'm not done reading it yet! This is my valentine's gift, after all.”

“That letter is meant for someone else!”

“Really? Then why did I find it in my locker?”

“Wait, what? You found it in—you're joking, right?”

She shakes her head, waving the letter in front of you. “Nope, I'm not joking.”

“How did you-”

“Someone put it in my locker.”

“That's impossible! I would never—I mean to you? there's no way that was meant for you.”

Vi squints at the words in the letter, then looks up at you again. “But this is definitely written in your handwriting, right?”

How did it end up in her locker? and how the hell does she even know what your handwriting looks like?

Your eyes dart from the letter in her hands to her face. Yes, it's definitely your handwriting. Yes, it's definitely the same stupid letter you wrote because you're a hopeless romantic.

“Maybe,” you grumble.

“Maybe? so it is yours?”

You avoid her gaze, avoiding her smug look.

She starts reading over the letter again, reading it aloud. “Meet me at the bleachers, how goddamn cliché-”

“STOP READING IT!”

“Damn, I didn't think you could be this corny.”

“Shut up, just-” You try to snatch the letter out of her hand once again, but she pulls her arm away.

“You wrote this much for someone?”

“Why do you care so damn much, anyway? You didn't get a valentine gift or something?” and now you're just being bitchy as well.

“What are you, ten?” she retorts.

“And what are you, an idiot?”

“I'm not an idiot, unlike you.”

“Oh, wow, are we back in sixth grade now?”

She looks down at the letter. “I'm not the one who wrote a heartfelt letter for someone who probably doesn't even like you.”

“And how the hell would you know?”

“Have you even talked to them before?” She lifts her head, her smirk coming back when you didn't answer. “Since whoever the hell you have a crush on doesn't like you-”

“They could still-”

“See, everyone has a valentine. Well, almost everyone, which means your crush probably got one too.”

“Yeah, 'cause you got that letter they were supposed to receive.”

“Maybe I was meant to have it then.”

“You're seriously that sure that the universe wants you to have this?”

“Maybe it's a sign.”

You pinch the bridge of your nose. “Are you just dumb on purpose?”

She grins. “I'm not doing it on purpose, and maybe it's a sign that I should be your valentine, that the universe is trying to tell you something.”

You roll your eyes. “Wow, so confident. If I didn't know any better, I'd think you're actually serious.”

“And what if I am serious?” You look at her blankly as she shrugs. She actually thinks she's funny. “I mean, you don't have a valentine, which does kind of suck, and I don't have one, which is by choice, by the way, so I think the universe is clearly telling us something.”

What the actual hell is wrong with her today? she didn't get enough sleep or something, and now she's acting like... like this? this is weird.

She's being weird. 

“What, is the universe now trying to set us up? really? we're gonna get a movie based off this?”

“Hey, no one said this was a movie, maybe it's just a cute little high school romance,” she argues back. “Plus, you put a lot of work into this letter, and I'd hate for it to go to waste.”

“I'm not in the mood to start a cute little high school romance with you, okay?”

She heaves a dramatic sigh. “Look,” she says, holding up a hand to stop you from replying, “it's valentine's day, right? and we both don't have anyone, so it's just... for today, we can, you know... see what happens, and if it doesn't work out, then we can just leave it alone and go back the way we were.”

You blink slowly. “That sounds worse than your whole ‘the universe wants us together’ bullshit.”

“Wow, don't act like the idea of it is so awful. I mean, I'm not that bad, right?”

You're going to disagree with that with every single cell in your body, but you decide not to, instead, you just remain silent.

Vi seems to take your silence as agreement because she gives you this insufferable smirk like she just won something.

She continues. “It makes sense if you think about it. We're both single, you're already in a lovesick mood because of this,” she gestures at the letter, “so if we do, you know... we can get it out of your system, and you won't have to spend the rest of the school year pining over some person who is probably ignoring you anyway.”

Why is she making some sense? no, why is she sounding like... a good option all of a sudden?

“It's just for today,” she reminds you again. “We'll just see where it goes. Who knows, you might actually have some fun with me.”

This feels like you're cheating on your crush for even entertaining this stupid plan. 

“You're basically saying that we're going to spend one day together and then you'll ditch me?” you retort.

“No, that's not what I'm saying,” she corrects you. “I'm saying we're gonna spend one day together, and if it doesn't work out, then we go our separate ways. It's just one day, it can't hurt. It won't be such a big deal.”

“I'm not going to be your one day entertainment.”

“Who said you'd be my entertainment?” She rolls her eyes, shaking her head at you. “You and I both know you have no other options. What're you gonna do instead, go home and cry over this person who doesn't even know you exist, or just spend the day wallowing in self pity while the rest of the school is celebrating love and stuff with their actual valentines?”

You wince at her harsh words because...  she's got a point.

You don't have anyone to spend this day with, and the person you'd want to spend it with will probably spend it with someone else... so yeah, you have no plans, and yeah, you're probably going to just go home and wallow in self pity, wishing that today was over already.

What would happen, actually? if you go along with her stupid plan. You could finally have an escape from pining over your stupid crush who probably doesn't even notice you.

“Fine.” You snatch the letter back from her.

“Wait, what? really?” She's actually surprised. No wonder, she's the one who came up with this stupid plan in the first place.

“I am,” you say, “you don't want me to?”

She huffs out a laugh. “No, no, of course not. I just… didn't expect you to actually agree.”

“And why is that?”

“I don't know, I figured you'd still have a little bit of decency left in you.”

What a backhanded compliment. “I have plenty of decency left in me, it's you who I'd question, and besides... it's just for today.” You fold the letter and shove it into your pocket.

Vi hums, not taking that offense to your comment. “Just today,” she repeats. “Then tomorrow, boom, everything goes back to normal.”

You nod. “Back to normal.”

“I could kiss you right now.”

Whoa woah woah. Calm down. “Ew, what?”

“I didn't say I will kiss you,” she points out, “I said I could.”

You could say something mean to her words, you could try to change the subject or you could just walk away and forget this conversation ever happened.

But what you actually say is, “What's stopping you then?”

You hate how that sounds so casual. It wasn't meant to come out like that. What the hell?

You're not entirely sure, but something is definitely encouraging you to keep this going. Is it because you find everything she does annoying or that you've been pent-up over your stupid crush lately and you need to get it out of your system?

Vi raises an eyebrow at your words. “You want me to kiss you?” The words drip out of her mouth, like honey on a spoon.

“No,” you reply on instinct, because of course not.

But you can't stop the way your eyes flicker down to look at her lips. You look back at her face, and you know damn well she saw you look down at her lips, but she doesn't say anything about it.

“So now that it's official... you're my valentine, and today, we're going to have the shittiest, most awesome date-” she coughs, “-i mean hangout, that you'll ever have.”

“I doubt it.”

“Hey,” she says, “don't underestimate me, okay? I know how to have a good time,” and then she, god help you, she winks at you.

She looks like she's about to say something more, but she stops when the bell rings.

“Meet me at the parking lot after class?” she asks.

You find yourself nodding. “Yeah, sure.” You look at the field for a second and then look back, just so you can catch her reaction—and it's not at all what you were expecting. She's...  blushing?

It's subtle, more subtle than you'd think, but her cheeks are definitely red, and when she realizes you notice her, she looks away.

She looks embarrassed.

She's embarrassed?

“Anyway, see you there... valentine.” She doesn't look at you. “Try not to miss me too much.”

What? miss her? She sounds like she's trying to joke about it, but something about the way she says it sounds sincere? What the fuck?

She starts to walk away. You're pretty sure you see another smile on her face, and if you didn't like her so much, you'd probably like how she looks when she does.

But you remind yourself, this is Vi.

The same Vi you've known for years, the same Vi who made your grades worse because of a stupid experiment, the same Vi who you'd probably love to throw out the nearest window if you could, and the same Vi you can't stand.

You force yourself to turn away, and you start to walk back to the school building. You try to push the image of her stupid blushing face and her stupid pretty smile out of your brain because you are not... going to make the mistake of being attracted to her.

—

Time passes by more slowly than a snail.

What's the saying...? ‘A watched pot never boils?’ You're pretty sure you could watch paint dry, and it would move at a faster pace.

Why is time passing so slowly today?

You're not sure if it's because you have this... ‘hangout’ to expect at the end of the day or if it's because you keep getting distracted by the thoughts of what is going to happen later.

What you do know is that you end up spacing out way too much more than a person should.

Thankfully, you don't have any homework, but your notes for the day are just absolutely horrible, a mindless mess of scribbles and pointless words. You're definitely going to regret this later.

The last bell mercifully rings just as you're in the middle of doodling a small sketch of Vi's face in the corner of your notes.

You quickly shut your notebook and stuffed everything into your bag.

You need to find your goddamn common sense first, but it seems to have left the room before you could.

The hallway is a goddamn mess.

Kids are running everywhere in the halls, screaming loud as hell, some girl is trying to stuff her locker to the point where it's going to explode, and some kid has got a goddamn boombox and is blasting music from it. There's the hallway drama that everyone loves listening to even though they should be minding their own business.

Seriously, it feels like you're in the middle of a goddamn jungle with the amount of people screaming.

Walking to the parking lot takes longer than it usually would. When you get there, you see a familiar head of pink hair leaning against a red motor, scrolling through something on her phone.

She hasn't noticed you yet, and you find yourself unable to move your feet for a second.

She's just leaning back against the motorcycle, lazily swiping through something on her phone. She's even biting her lower lip slightly, and for some reason, you really don't know why that's such a good look on her.

Okay, what?

You need to stop letting your brain run away with these thoughts.

You are not going to act like a middle school idiot who just got caught looking at her crush or something. You're an intelligent, mature human being. You're definitely not some dumb kid with an embarrassing crush either. Definitely not.

The sunlight makes her glow, and when she looks up from her phone, you feel you're hit with a wave of goddamn sun poisoning because the sunlight hitting her eyes makes them shine.

She looks over and sees you, shoving her phone into her pocket. She gestures you over with a slight jerk of her head.

You force your feet to start cooperating and get your ass over there.

“Glad you came.” 

What kind of response would even be the right one for that? “Me too” would sound too enthusiastic. “Yep” sounds so disinterested, like you'd rather be anywhere else than here, when that might be partially true, but you're not trying to sound like a dick. “Same here” sounds like such a sarcastic tone, and “Of course I'm here, you're the one who forced me into this” would sound too rude.

Instead, you just say nothing, which she notices, of course.

“What, no smart shits today?”

“I have nothing to say to you,” you mutter as you turn your attention to the red motor behind her. You notice the scuffed up leather seat and the worn tires.

You then glance around the parking lot, wondering how many times you've seen this before. The motorcyclist who's always late to class, the seniors who smoke too much and are always ditching school, the students with cars who love to show off the brand new car their parents gave them, and the popular girls gossiping about some poor girl who can't afford nice clothes.

The sound of a motorcycle engine starting snaps you out of your thoughts, and you look up to see Vi getting onto the motorcycle

She pats the back seat behind her. “You getting on or what?”

“...is it like fast?”

“Is it like fast?"” she mimics in a childish tone before rolling her eyes. “Yeah, it's fast. Get on it and find out.”

“I just asked a question, no need to be a dick.”

“Are you always this bitchy?” she asks, then throws you a helmet. “Put this on.”

You catch the helmet, and you put it on. “Only around you.” You approach the motor and try not to comment on the poor condition and instead climb on behind her.

You have no idea what to do with your legs, so for a few seconds, you just awkwardly sit behind her, trying to position yourself like riding a horse.

“Are you gonna hold on?” Vi calls out.

“Hold on to what?”

“Me, dumbass. Grab my waist.”

“Hell no.”

“It's for your own safety.”

“I'm fine,” you shift around, trying to find a comfortable position.

Vi seems to start losing her patience with you. “If you want to fall off the bike mid ride and splatter onto someone's yard like a squashed bug, be my guest.”

That gets you to hold onto her waist out of pure spite.

“Just don't squeeze my abs too tight. I still need air.”

You scoff. “Who the hell is so narcissistic that they think something as simple as that would affect me?”

She huffs, amused by your snark, and puts on her own helmet. “It's not narcissism. It's just a joke,” she retorts. 

You scoff again, but your hand tightens around her waist reflexively.

She chuckles. “Knew you couldn't resist.”

You pinch her waist. “Just shut up and drive.”

She snorts. “Touchy, aren't we?”

“Yeah, I am,” you reply sarcastically, pinching her waist again.

“Hey!” she exclaims, then sighs. “Okay, fine. I'll stop, just stop it.”

She starts the motor, and the hum of the engine vibrates throughout your body. It's louder being sat on top of the thing compared to how it sounds when you're on the ground. You feel this rumble throughout your chest, and you really want to comment on the poor thing making that much noise.

“Just hold on tight.”

—

“FUCK YEAH! WOOO!” you shout, punching the air with your fist and standing up. It's hockey, but who cares? you're not a fan, not in the slightest, but you're still screaming and cheering, all in a bid to support the team.

Vi is right beside you, shouting as well, while she eats a hot dog and washes it down with soda. “I thought you hated hockey!” she shouts over the crowd's cheers.

You shrug, but it's impossible to respond. You can't hear each other over the sound of the audience's cheers.

A few of the people sitting in the same section as you give you some weird looks, like you suddenly went insane. Well, can you really blame them? it probably looks like you have the sudden urge to yell random things for no reason.

Vi is the only one who doesn't look at you like you're some lunatic, her gaze is focused on the game, all while cheering, and occasionally making comments about the players.

It's different compared to watching it on TV. You're actually there, in person, surrounded by people who share your excitement and are as loud as you or louder.

You're also next to the most annoying person ever, but you don't want to dwell on that.

You drop down, back into your seat, and lean back, stretching your legs out. Your thighs and legs are starting to feel like jelly from all that screaming and standing. “Damn,” you tell her, shaking your legs. “I think I just strained a muscle or something.”

Vi laughs and sits down on her seat. “You know, I've been around here for years now. I probably know some people here.” She glances around the crowd of people, scanning them like she's trying to find someone in particular.

“Oh yeah? who's that in the third row then?”

She follows the direction of your finger and immediately points at a random person. “That's Fred! I once went to elementary with him.”

You have no idea if she's making that up or not. “And what about the guy next to him with the big hat?”

Vi squints at the section you pointed at. “That's George.” She then points at a girl with a black jacket. “That's Sneha,” she pauses, her eyes catching someone in the distance, “and oh-” her hand abruptly changes direction, pointing forward, “-that's Jenny,” she says, waving her hand. “Yo, Jen!”

The old lady turns around and nods her greeting. “Hi sweetheart, how's it going?”

“Doing good, gramps. Just watching the game with this one.” She nudges at you.

The old lady turns to look at you, her face taking the form of a smile. “Ah, a girlfriend, I see.”

Girlfriend? What's she talking about? “Um, no. Just a friend.”

Vi's eyebrows rise as her whole mouth goes ajar. “Friend?” she repeats, “We're friends now?”

“Only for today. Don't get used to the idea.”

The old lady, Melinda, hums. “Is that so? well, enjoy the game, children.”

“Yeah, yeah, we will,” Vi responds to the old lady, and once the lady turns back to watch the game, she leans in close, bumping her shoulder into yours. “That's Jen. She's basically the team's grandma,” Vi explains. “She's been here for years, goes to almost every game.”

You watch the lady continue to watch the game. “So she's like a regular here.”

“Yeah, sometimes she talks about how things were better in ‘her day.’”

“You two seem close though,” you point out.

“She's old and friendly,” she says, scratching her cheek. “Plus, old ladies are always fond of me. I helped her one time with her groceries after one game, and now she thinks I'm a sweetheart.” Vi shrugs, taking another bite of her hotdog. “She's also a nice lady. Always has candy and stuff to give out to everyone.”

“Candy, huh?”

“Yep,” she swallows and smacks her lips to get any food out from her mouth. “She always has peppermint discs, peppermint sticks, and chocolate sticks in her bag.”

“Why do you know that?”

“Everyone knows that.”

“Why does she have candy anyway?”

Vi takes another bite. “Just something she likes to give out,” she says, between chews, then points at the old lady's lap. “That blue thing she's knitting is actually a hat. She likes to give that out too.”

“Really?”

Vi shrugs again, eating yet another mouthful of her food, still somehow managing to speak at the same time. “Yeah, and don't be fooled by the knitting and the candy. She could beat you in a game of arm wrestling. She's still really buff.”

You nod silently, impressed with this old lady.

When Vi swallows the last bit of her hotdog, she pulls out her phone and points it at you. “I'm gonna take a picture of you... and put it on Tinder.” The second the camera's click sounds off, it takes everything in you to not grab her phone and throw it across the goddamn stadium.

She continues taking pictures, each time saying something different, like, “Look at this one,” or “This one's really good.” She holds up the phone, showing you a picture that's... actually not half bad.  But you know giving her that reaction would just fuel her to do more, so instead, you scoff.

You turn your attention back to the stadium, trying to ignore whatever she's doing beside you. You look around. There are a surprising amount of men, guys, dudes, bros, etc. It's like they outnumber the women.

“There's a lot of dudes in here,” you comment. “Is it a testosterone fest over here, or what?”

Vi looks around as well. “Yep.”

“Do you think any of these guys like girls who love sports?”

Vi snorts. “Nah,” she replies, shoving her phone back into her pocket. “They're more interested in a girl who looks good in a jersey and knows how to bring them a cold beer.”

“So… basically they're only interested if we look cute and we don't open our mouths?”

“Pretty much.”

You groan. “I hate guys like that.”

“Hey, some guys aren't that bad,” she remarks.

“Yeah, and they're the ones in relationships.”

She thinks about it for a moment. “You know… I'm surprised you're not in a relationship.”

You give her a weird look. “Why?”

“Well, you're... y'know… cute.”

Is that a compliment or a fact? you are cute, you're aware of that, but still, it's weird how she said it and... did it look like there was a hint of something else in her tone of voice when she said that?

You force a smile, trying to brush it off. “Thanks.”

You both sit in silence for a moment, a silence you really want to fill with literally anything else than this weird awkwardness.

Just when the awkward silence couldn't possibly get more awkward, a sudden cheer from the crowd interrupts your thoughts. They're all looking up at something on top of the stadium. You furrow your brows before looking up, trying to see what it is they're looking at.

Your eyes land on the huge TV that's attached to the ceiling, and you see the words ‘KISSING CAM’ flashing in bright letters. The camera pans through the crowd, searching for a couple, and it lands on a couple who's sitting not too far from you.

“KISS! KISS! KISS!” You look over at Vi and see her cupping her hands over her mouth. She's standing up and shouting at the couple to kiss.

You watch as the girl looks up and sees the camera pointed towards her and her boyfriend. She whispers something to him, and it doesn't take a genius to know what she just said. The guy grins and leans in, giving his girlfriend a sloppy, wet kiss.

The crowd goes crazy, cheering and whistling. The couple pulls away from each other, both of them smiling.

You look at Vi again, who's still standing up. She seems to be enjoying this a lot more than you are, and you can see hearts in her eyes.

Once it seems like the camera has recorded enough footage, it moves to the next couple.

It goes to a couple sitting not too far away from you. The guy looks uncomfortable, but his girlfriend is completely eager to show some public affection. She grabs his chin and kisses him, but it’s only a quick, chaste kiss.

Vi yells out, “Come on, put some effort into it!” and then she sits down, leaning back in the chair.

The camera pans through the crowd again, skipping over several couples until finally landing on a group of guys. They look like they're having the time of their life, yelling at the camera and making rude gestures.

“Ah, boys…” an older man next to you sighs.

The camera captures the guys for a while, they're all laughing and having a good time.

The camera moves away from the group of guys and lands on Vi and a girl sitting right next to her. 

Vi immediately makes some hand gestures, shaking her head and probably saying no. “We're not-” but before she can finish, the camera moves away from them, unsatisfied with this answer, and lands on the other girl sitting next to Vi.

You.

Fuck.

“KISS! KISS! KISS!” you hear someone, it sounds like the same person who cheered on the other couples.

You look over at Vi, who's watching you with this stupid smile on her face. You glare at her, she's clearly enjoying this way too much.

You lean over to her, through clenched teeth, you hiss, “This isn't funny.”

She shrugs, still smiling. “I think it is.”

“Well, I don't.” 

“It's only a kiss.”

“It’s still embarrassing.”

“Oh come on, it's Valentine's Day!” she replies. “What? are you worried that you'll suck at kissing or something?”

“Excuse me? I am an excellent kisser.”

“Oh yeah?” She quirks an eyebrow. “Then why are you so worried about this? it won't be some gross open mouth kiss, it'll be just a little peck.”

You narrow your eyes at her. “Because I don't want to be seen kissing in public, in front of hundreds of people,” you say, lowering your voice, “And I definitely do not want to kiss you.”

“Come on, you don't have to sound so disgusted by the idea of kissing me.”

“Because I am,” you say simply. “I don't want to kiss you anymore than you'd want to kiss me.”

“I never said I didn't want to kiss you.”

That statement takes you by surprise, you had just assumed that she would be grossed out by the thought of kissing you.

The chants start to get louder as more and more people join in. “KISS! KISS! KISS!”

You hear the same guy from before. “Kiss! c'mon! it's just a quick kiss, do it.”

You hear another girl from behind you. “Oh, come on! one little kiss! what's the big deal?”

It's no big deal. 

But at the same time, you're starting to panic. You don't even know how to act right now, are you supposed to play along with this? are you supposed to ignore it? what the hell is happening?!

Your brain is starting to mush into mush because why are so many people chanting? why are they making such a big deal out of this? it's just a kiss, right? right… so why are you so nervous?

You turn your head to see Vi looking at you, her eyes staring into your soul.

“A kiss on the cheek will do,” she says aloud.

You're going to die.

Your heart is going to explode right here, in the middle of the stadium, and then your guts are going to spill out right in front of everybody.

Maybe it's best just to get this over with?

All you have to do is... just a kiss on the cheek. That's it.

You just have to get it over with before this turns into something bigger.

You're not really gonna enjoy this, you'd just get the feeling like you should have brushed your teeth harder in the morning.

Vi's not even attractive in the way that you would want to kiss her cheek, her skin probably sucks from waking up in the mornings, there's no way she remembers to wash her hair at least three times a week. What about her breath? There is no way that she actually brushes her teeth every day. Her breath probably tastes like stale cheetos and mountain dew. There is no way you're gonna get a single bit of pleasure from kissing her cheek.

But you do it anyway.

You press a kiss on her cheek, and it's... warm, and they burn under your lips. The smell of her body spray isn't overwhelming. It's subtle and pleasant. Her hair isn't as greasy as you imagined, and it feels kinda nice when your fingers brush against the side of her face. Her breath doesn't even smell like mountain dew and cheetos, it's actually minty and fresh, like she just ate a pack of gum.

You pull your face away before you let your brain get to you, but you just keep looking at her face because there is this huge grin plastered on her face that makes your heart beat faster. Her cheeks look red, and the tips of her ears are even red too.

The crowd goes nuts. You can barely hear the music or the announcers over the chanting. The kiss had lasted all but a few seconds, but the feeling on your lips linger.

You're both looking at each other like you've just seen each other for the very first time.

She's actually gorgeous.

How is it possible that you only now realized how beautiful she looks?

You look away, but even in your peripheral vision, you can see her looking at you. There's still a stupid grin on her face, and she looks happy.

She's actually happy that you kissed her on the cheek.

—

You and Vi are sitting in the parking lot after the game ends. Vi had bought some $5 pizza, but since the place is packed, you're now sitting in the parking lot with Vi's motorcycle parked behind you.

“I'm gonna be honest,” Vi starts, her face twisted up as she chews on a slice of pizza. “This is the best meal I’ve ever had.”

You hum, nodding along.

Vi takes another bite, a big one, and chews on it, her cheeks stuffed. She swallows and sighs contently. “Man, I should have bought two boxes,” she grumbles, looking down at the one last slice left in the box. Then, she looks up, straight at you, and grins. “You want the last slice?” she offers, holding up the box with the slice still left in it.

You shake your head, and she looks at you with skepticism. “Are you sure you don't want it?”

“I had three slices already, I'm fine.”

Vi looks at the slice of pizza that's still in the box, then at you. She looks like she's considering something, then shrugs and pops the slice into her mouth. “Suit yourself,” she says, the words garbled since her mouth is still full of food.

Something about this moment feels... comfortable. Strangely comfortable.

It's weird. You don't understand why you don't feel threatened or uncomfortable or annoyed or any of those things, even though she's sitting right next to you.

But, oddly enough, you feel safe.

Or maybe that's just because you can't think of anything to say.

Or maybe it's because the silence isn't awkward.

Or maybe it's because you're distracted by the way she seems to enjoy her food.

Because... it's so... weirdly satisfying, watching her chew her food, watching her swallow, watching her use the back of her hand to wipe off the sauce on her chin.

You have no idea why you're paying attention to those little details.

But... you are.

You're not sure when you started paying attention to those.

You're not sure why you feel so comfortable around her right now.

You're not sure of a lot of things, actually.

You're not sure how to feel at the moment, or when your dislike of her had dwindled down to... whatever the hell this is, to whatever this weird, unfamiliar feeling in your chest is.

You're not sure why the corners of your lips keep trying to twitch upwards every time she makes some stupid face.

You're not sure why you're fine sitting in the freezing cold of the parking lot. Not even on the motorcycle, but on the cold ass ground, just sitting behind the motor, back leaned against it.

You're just fine sitting here, and you're just fine knowing that after this, you'll have to go back home and deal with a bunch of bullshit again.

You don't get it.

What changed?

She used to get on your nerves, and you used to get on hers.

She's still the same, isn't she?

And you're still the same.

Everything, suddenly, feels... different.

The air feels different, the atmosphere feels different, the whole world feels different.

The only thing that hasn't changed is her.

Well, no, that’s a lie.

She has changed.

She feels different.

She's not the same girl you can't stand.

And you're not the same girl she can't stand.

Everything is just different.

Maybe the two of you had changed.

But you're not sure how.

You're not even sure when you started noticing it.

But those little details about her, those little behaviors and quirks and habits that you used to find irritating and annoying… they're not bothering you anymore.

She's still a pain in the ass, but she's... well, a tolerable one.

For now.

You don't understand.

Or, rather, you won't allow yourself, at least not yet.

Because you're not sure how to process everything.

And, honestly, you're afraid to even try.

You look at her, still eating on the slice of pizza, and there's a small smear of sauce on the corner of her mouth. “You've got something on your face.”

She tilts her head. “I do? Where?”

Your eyes slowly move down, from her eyes to her nose, and then... her lips. Then, you notice something... freckles. She has freckles. little ones, spread across the bridge of her nose and cheeks, and they're… really cute, really, really-

What in ever loving hell are you thinking?

“Hello? you alive over there?”

You snap out of it. You're not about to let her see you be weak just because she happens to have a pretty face. “You had something right… here,” before she can respond, you raise your hand, reaching for her cheek. You wipe the sauce off the corner of her mouth with your thumb. Your thumb accidentally brushes against her lower lip, and something in your chest twitches. 

Vi freezes, her eyes widening as you touch her lips.

Everything feels... slower.

You can hear the sound of her breathing as she exhales, how it hitches when you brush your thumb along her lower lip.

You don't know how, or when, but you find yourself leaning closer to her, your hand still cupped on her cheek.

Her gaze flicks to your lips, her own parting slightly.

...

Holy shit.

You snatch your hand away, realizing what you just did.

Damn it, what the fuck?

You quickly stand up, trying to regain your composure. “I-” Your voice comes out as a croak. You clear your throat, trying to sound normal. “I should... get home. I think it's getting late.”

Vi is still sitting on the ground, and then she shakes her head, as if waking herself up. “...right. Yeah, it is getting late.” She slowly stands up.

“I... umm…” you start awkwardly. “I should-”

“I'll... drive you home,” she interrupts whatever you were about to say. 

Your head snaps up, surprised by the offer. “What? You don't have to-”

“I want to.” Her tone leaves no room for argument, so you shut your mouth. You don't want to prolong this weird, confusing moment anyway.

—

Vi's motorcycle comes to a stop in front of your house. The engine making that clunky, sputtering sound before it finally dies.

“We're here,” you say, trying to break the awkward silence that has been between the two of you since you got on the motorcycle.

You manage to finally slide off the motorcycle, but unfortunately, you're still attached to the helmet. You attempt to unbuckle the chin strap, but the damn thing seems to be glued to your head.

“Ugh, this piece of crap,” you mutter, struggling with it.

“Here, let me-” she cuts in, reaching for the straps.

“No, I got it,” you insist.

“I know you can, but let me.” 

You glare at her, feeling stubborn, but it's not like you're getting anywhere. “Fine.” You let your hands fall to your sides as she reaches for the straps.

She unbuckles it with ease, finally freeing your head from its confines.

You take the helmet off and give it to her, trying to not make eye contact. “Thanks.”

There's a moment of what could be an awkward silence before you both speak at the same time.

“So-”

“I-”

You cough awkwardly. “Go ahead.”

“No, you can speak first-”

“No, no, I insist. Go ahead-”

“I'm fine-”

“Stop being stubborn-”

“Says you-”

“Yeah, I am stubborn-"

“Shut up-”

“Make me-”

What did she say? Was that... an invitation?

“Are you challenging me-”

She snorts. “Pfft, no, that-”

“Then why would you say something like that?”

“I don't know, thought it'd be funny.”

“It wasn't.”

“It was a little funny.”

“No, it wasn't,” you scoff. “Whatever. You were saying?”

“Oh, yeah,” she replies, shifting on the motorcycle. “I just wanted to say…” Her gaze shifts from you to the side, then back to you. “I just wanted to... say that I had... fun today. Yeah…” She shrugs. “What about you? what were you sayin'?”

Huh. “I guess it wasn't the worst thing that ever happened to me.”

“Wow,” she says, deadpan. “So glad you're not completely miserable being around me.”

“Don't get your hopes up too high, it's just for today, remember?” you remind her.

“Yeah, I remember, I'm not an idiot.”

“Could have fooled me,” you retort, and a smirk makes its way to your face.

“Watch it,” she warns, the corners of her mouth curving upwards. “I'm only tolerating you today.”

“The feeling is mutual,” you quip back.

The two of you share a look and then start laughing. You're glad she's starting to loosen up a little.

“Alright alright, truce?” She holds out her fist.

You roll your eyes but bump your fist with hers anyway. “Truce.” 

There's another silence, but it doesn't feel... awkward like the last ones.

Then, she speaks up, “Well... I guess I should go.”

“Yeah,” you reply. “I guess you should.”

“See you at school, then?”

“Unfortunately,” you grumble. You take a step back, getting ready to turn around and head to the front door.

“Hey,” she suddenly says.

You glance back at her, raising an eyebrow in question.

“Can I…” she starts, then hesitates, “...can I ask you something?”

You shrug. “Yeah, go ahead.”

“Just... promise me you won't be mad,” she hedges, not quite looking at you directly.

“I'm not promising anything-”

“Just... humor me.”

“Fine. I promise I won't get mad.”

She takes a deep breath. “Do... do you… do you actually hate me?” You're silent for a moment, trying to find the words, but she starts backpedaling. “Ugh, never mind, I shouldn't have asked, forget it, it doesn't matter-”

“No, no-" you interject, “I don't- I don't hate you.”

“You don't?”

“No... I don't hate you.”

“You sure?” she presses, leaning forward on the motorcycle, resting her arms on the handlebars. “Then why are you always so pissy whenever you're around me?”

“I dont-” you start, then stop. “I'm not-” you start again and stop again. “Remember that time in science lab?”

“When we lit the bunsen burner, the table caught on fire, we got three detentions, and everyone thought we were going to be expelled?” she recalls.

“Yes… that time.”

“Seriously? that was months ago.”

“I never said I was the most forgiving person.”

“It was a mistake,” she points out. “I didn't mean to do it, I was just being stupid.”

“It was still your fault. You didn't look at the instructions.”

“I was distracted,” she counters.

“By what, your big brain? cause you definitely weren't paying attention to the experiment instructions.”

She looks away, shifting uncomfortably on her motorcycle. “Actually, I was distracted by something…” her eyes return to yours, “-someone.”

“You're making it sound like it was a person you were crushing on or something.”

She falls silent, looking away again.

Wait.

Hold on.

What?

“Wait—wait a minute,” you demand, walking closer to her.

“What?”

“You were being distracted because you were crushing on someone during the science lab? That was the reason that whole thing happened? You couldn't keep yourself from being distracted because you were crushing on someone?”

“That's not fair to say,” she protests.

“Not fair to say?” you repeat, scoffing. “I literally got three detentions because you were more interested in staring at someone-”

“Fine! Whatever. Maybe I was distracted, maybe I wasn't paying attention-” she admits defensively “-maybe I was looking at-” she cuts herself off again. “Whatever, I'm going home.” She starts her motorcycle, not glancing at you.

“Hey-” you reach out, grabbing her arm. “Wait.”

“What do you want?”

“What was that person's name?”

“What does it matter?”

“Cause, I have a hunch.”

“Care to share this hunch with me?”

“Uh, Caitlyn Kiramman…?”

She snaps her head to you, eyes tracing up and down. “Are you actually this clueless?” she sneers, then drives away, leaving you alone on the sidewalk.

“Hey!” you shout. “Seriously, what is your problem?” you call out after her. “We were having a decent conversation, why did you-”

Suddenly, she stops, braking abruptly in the middle of the sidewalk with a quick skid. Before you can say, or think, she has her motorcycle facing you once again. She swings her leg over and hops off, walking up to you with a determined look.

“You want to know my problem?” she asks, coming closer. “I'll tell you my problem.” She grabs your shoulders, forcing you to step back. “My problem is that it's been years. Years, and you still have no idea, do you? you're still just as clueless as always.”

“What are you-” you stumble, struggling to keep your footing. Her hands are tight around your shoulders, holding you in place.

“You keep saying I'm the one who causes trouble, I'm the one who always makes your life harder-” she continues. “But you-”

You manage to find your footing and look at her face.

“-don't seem to get that you're just as guilty of making my life miserable.”

“Vi-” you start, but she doesn't let you finish.

“Every time you smile at me, every time you look at me, every time you talk to me.” She shakes you. “Every time you do something stupid, which is all the goddamn time,” she spits. “You don't seem to get that it drives me insane.” She huffs, letting go of you. “I've been right in front of you this whole damn time, and you just didn't even-”

“Didn't what?”

“You had no idea, did you? You don't understand why I’m so damn irritable whenever I'm with you, you don't get why I'm always trying to pick fights, why I can't just be civil, why I can't just be normal around you… you just think I'm a jerk!”

“Well, maybe you are. You did just grab me like a fucking maniac.”

“Oh, shut up,” Vi snaps. “Just shut up for a second.”

You shut up.

She takes a deep breath. “You think I enjoy this?” she asks, and the question sounds genuine enough that you regret the ‘maybe you are’ comment.

She scoffs. “I don't. I wish more than anything that I could just be calm and civil and… and nice around you. But instead, I'm always getting into your face, I'm always picking at you, I'm always trying to piss you off, because it's the only goddamn way I can get your attention.”

“Any time I try to be normal around you,” she continues, “I get... I get ignored. You act like I'm not even there. But the second I get in your face, the second I do something stupid or obnoxious-” she gestures at herself, “-suddenly, you're right there. You're looking right at me, you're talking to me, for once, you're actually paying attention to me-”

“Why do you even care about my attention?!” You don't mean for it to come out as angry as it does, but the pure confusion you feel causes you to raise your voice.

Vi looks away, a frown twisting her lips, before she snaps her gaze back to you. She sounds oddly embarrassed when she speaks. “Maybe because I'm completely, miserably, head over heels in love with you, okay?!”

Wait... what the actual fuck?

Vi looks away, the words leaving her in a rush. “I'm in love with you,” she repeats, quieter and slower. “There's no maybe about it. I've literally been in love with you since middle school.”

“So, instead... instead of just telling me,” you start, “you... you decided to be a jerk to me for the past six years?!”

“I was twelve!” Now her attention is fully on you as she gestures at herself. “I was a dumb kid, I didn't know what to do, but I was desperate for you to notice me. Every time I tried being nice, I got ignored, so... I guess I decided that if you weren't going to notice me in a good way, then I was just gonna piss you off and make you notice me in a bad way.”

“And then, I just kept doing it,” she continues, “because then, you would notice me, and you'd talk to me, and at least you weren't ignoring me. It became a habit. It was the same damn cycle every day. So, you know, I'm sorry if I don't suddenly know how to behave like a normal goddamn human being around you.”

She looks at you defiantly, she's expecting a fight, an argument, and the last thing she expects is for you to... laugh

You laugh. You don't laugh because you think it's funny, you laugh because you're so unbelievably shocked and overwhelmed that the only thing you can do is laugh. You try to cover it up, you try to muffle your laugh by bringing your hand to your mouth, but it's too late, you've already laughed.

“Why are you laughing?” she asks. “I'm being serious, okay? this isn't a joke, it's not some sort of prank. I am dead serious—I just confessed to you, and you start laughing? Jesus, you're actually heartless, you-”

You manage to get your laughter under control, your body still shaking with a few silent chuckles, but you manage to speak in between your breaths. “You have the worst-” and another chuckle, “-worst timing, I swear to god.”

“Oh I'm so sorry that my confession didn't please all of your fucking needs,” Vi says sarcastically, “but I've spent god knows how long in love with you, and I just had to take my shot. And what are you doing? You're laughing at me. Because your pride can't stand-”

“Would you shut up for like two seconds?!” you snap, cutting off her rant in an instant. “I'm not laughing because you confessed to me, okay?!”

“Then why are you laughing, huh? why is this so funny to you? because I don't find it very funny-”

“Because-” you sigh, and you're actually surprised by how... nervous you suddenly feel. “I never expected this, okay? I never expected you to actually... feel that type of way about me, and to top that, you're confessing to me in the stupidest way possible.”

“I didn't plan on confessing to you at all!” she protests. “It just... kind of happened. Plus, you've never been too keen on me.”

“I-” you begin because 'not keen on you' feels like an understatement. You've never liked her, or rather you've never let yourself even consider her as an option because your heart was set on one person only. “I just need some time to... process this.”

Vi scoffs, her face looking annoyed again. “You need time to process this? what's there to process? I just told you how I feel about you.”

“Yeah, well, I need to process that! Because you just dumped a lot of information on me, and right now I'm-” You pause, trying to pick just the right word. “...overwhelmed, okay?”

Vi's features soften, not quite fully, but just enough to show a little bit of sympathy. “Overwhelmed,” she repeats.

“Yeah…” you reply, “I mean... you just confessed to me, and I... I've never-” you gulp. “-I've never really thought of you... that way.”

“Never thought of me, or never let yourself think of me?”

Okay, woah, that's... a very accurate question.

She's right, and it's scary that she just pointed that out.

Maybe in the back of your head, you've wondered things, you've had thoughts, but it was all so brief, you've always been quick to brush them away. It never even crossed your mind that maybe you had been missing out on something.

You're not sure how to reply, and it gives Vi a chance to continue talking.

“You never let yourself think of me like that, huh?” she continues, “That's pretty sad, because I've literally been in love with you for the past six years.”

“Don't guilt trip me,” you snap. “It's not like I asked you to fall in love with me, is it?”

“I'm not guilt tripping you. I'm just trying to get you to understand how I feel. I'm just trying to make you see that I...care about you, okay? I'm not trying to—ugh!” She groans, rubbing a hand over her face. “I'm screwing this up, I'm screwing everything up, because apparently I suck at confessing and you… you mess with my head.”

“I mess with your head?” you repeat. “You're the one who's messing with my head! You're the one who's messing with my emotions, you—you just turned my entire life upside down, and you expect me to respond to it perfectly?!”

“Not perfectly!” she retorts. “You're seriously not getting it, are you? All I want is for you to-”

“What do you want then? you want me to say that I feel the same way about you? that I've secretly been in love with you for years and never said anything?”

“No, that's not what I— that's not what I want you to say at all!” She runs her fingers through her hair and pushes it out of her face because the haircut she has gets everywhere. “All I want you to say is that you'll even consider me as an option! I just want you to give me a chance. Is that so much for me to ask for?”

You groan to yourself. “Look, if you like me that much, then maybe you should at least make an effort… and then maybe... I'll give you a chance!” With that, you walk towards the front door.

Vi doesn't respond, not immediately, she just stands there watching you leave, a stunned look on her face. But she manages to shake herself out of that stupor in time to follow you.

“Are you serious...?"

“You want me? You gotta work for it,” you respond without slowing your footsteps.

“Woah woah woah, what? work for it?” she sputters, trying to keep up with you. “What more do you want from me?”

“I want-” You stop in front of the door, suddenly turning around to her. “-I want you to prove how serious you are. Just confessing to me isn't going to change everything, and if you're being serious,” you jab a finger to her chest, “then prove it.”

“And how exactly am I supposed to prove myself, huh? Please, tell me, because I'm really at a loss here.”

“I don't know, figure it out.” You shrug. “You claim to be in love with me, right? and if that really were the case, then you have six whole years worth of feelings inside that-” you point at her “-that heart of yours, and you better damn use it.”

“Fine,” she says, and her tone is determined. “You want me to prove it? I'll prove it. I'll prove it so much, you're going to be drowning in how much I prove it. I'm going to do everything just to win your heart. Just watch.”

That sounds cheesy, but... you'd be lying if you said you weren't intrigued. You scoff, turning around and opening the door, but not before saying, “We'll see about that.”

—

Vi stares at the closed door, her thoughts completely occupied with your words.

Prove it.

She shakes her head, a grin on her face as she walks back to her motor.

You and her have had a rocky past, but she's determined to wipe the slate clean.

Vi swings her leg over her motor. She grips the handles tightly and starts the ignition.

She's going to start from the ground zero with you.

And by god, she will prove herself.

[michilinstar]

Valentine's edition! (2025)

I wanted to base this off of the keys they released based on the dorms!

Heartslabyul

Riddle Rosehearts - ♛

Finals were coming up in just two weeks and you were too stressed out to realize what a special day it was. To ease your worries you had built up the courage to ask the smartest person you knew which of course it was Riddle. You caught him during passing period rushing through the halls you spotted his well known red hair sticking out from the crowd.

“Hey! Riddle, wait up!” I yell and he stops in his tracks turning towards the sound of my voice and continues walking once I've caught up before speaking.

“Is there something particularly important happening that you needed to seek me out..?” He asks.

“Yes actually!” As we're walking I rummage through my school bag and in response Riddle's heart skips a beat. “Could you probably help me with my final reviews..?” I ask showing him my review sheets, which he awkwardly coughs in his fist with a small tint to his cheeks stopping in his tracks taking the sheets in my hands examining them.

“Hm, very well. Meet me after school in the library.” He says handing the sheets back and we head into class. The day was long and I took every second of it seriously, taking notes, and always taking the chance to study for the finals. The bell rang for the last class and I packed up my stuff making it for the library to meet with Riddle, I found an empty study table and took a seat laying my bag on it taking my stuff out. Riddle eventually showed up in a timely manner as per usual.

“Alright what is the first subject you wished to discuss?” He asked, looking lost in my eyes as if contemplating something.

“Something up..?” I ask and Riddle clears his throat with a blush sitting down opening his bag pulling out a white bear holding a rose wearing a necklace with a heartslabyul key hanging from it.

“Riddle..? But I don't understand what is this fo-” I say and Riddle cuts me off.

“Happy Valentines. Okay?” He says now blushing really bright red.

“Huh… Oh! Oh I'm so sorry Riddle! I'm grateful for the gift but I didn't get you anything!” I say.

“It's alright it is Queen of Heart rule 811 requires that no gift shall be given after,” He takes a moment to look at the time, “after 4pm and it would seem that it is already 4:01, pity.” He states, that's gotta be the most fakest rule I've ever heard.

“Thank you…” I take a moment to examine the key, “What's the key for..?”

“It's a key copy of the key that unlocks my dorm room,” He awkwardly coughs into his fist looking off to the side, “So… if you were to wish to get a break from the world you are welcome to take respite in my dorm room…” He says with a blush now looking into my eyes. I shyly blush and hug him and he jumps in surprise and reciprocates now interlocking our hands as we stare into eachothers eyes touching foreheads.

“Now shall we go over these subjects?” He says now letting go now looking over the papers and I nod hugging my new plush with a key to the place he cherishes peace the most.

Ace Trappola- ♥︎

I received a message from Ace asking if I were busy this weekend and I had replied no. He seemed excited and asked me to attend the upcoming basketball game he was playing in against RSA. Having Promised Ace to attend, here I am in the bleachers cheering for him and his team. It was the final round and the teams were coming in a real close tie, NRC just needed to score two more points before the timer came to a close.

“Come on Ace! Score a point!” I yell out and he hears me and winks at me during the game right when he snatches the ball.

“You got it pipsqueak!” He jogs a bit, weaving his way through the enemy players jumping and scoring a point.

“Yeah! Nice job Ace!” I cheer and Ace celebrates with his teammates high fiving one another.

“Just one more point, come on!” I yell.

The game comes at an intense point, so far none of the teams have managed to score one after Ace. The ball has been going back and forth between players and teams, from a RSA student to another just to get taken by a NRC student. It's just been a never ending loop and the crowd gets even more at the edge of their seats the longer the game goes the less time they have to score a point. I notice Ace signals to his teammates and they all signal back with a nod, could they possibly be planning something?

“Trinity dunk them now!” Ace yells and his teammates swiftly snatch the ball passing it to each other and Ace positions himself near the basket. They toss the ball towards him and he effortlessly catches it and dunks it right at the moment the whistle blows. The NRC crowd cheers and yells once Ace had made the point he celebrates with his team once more high fiving each other. Once the game comes to an end I hop down the bleachers and meet up with Ace hugging him.

“You were amazing out there! The way you effortlessly weaved through other players! And… And the way you-” I excitedly explain and stop talking when I see Ace place a card on my mouth to shut me up.

“Let me surprise you one more time, alright pipsqueak?” He says and he shows that he has a card in his hand and makes it disappear and transfers it to the other hand and in a blink of an eye a bouquet of roses appears in front of me with a bracelet wrapped around them along with a key.

“Happy valentines” He says and leaning down to kiss me on the cheek.

“Ace… Is this a copy of the key to your dorm…?” I blush holding my cheek where he kissed me, “No one else has a key like this besides you and deuce…” say.

“Alright now save me the embarrassment from my teammates and let's head back to school alright?” I shyly nod with a smile and we leave the court.

Deuce Spade- ♠︎

Deuce and I were exiting Sam's shop when it suddenly started raining. I directed him to my dorm since it was the closest to take cover in. We rush inside the dorm soaking wet, we take off our shoes and relax in the common room.

“Stay right here, I'll go get us a towel.” before I go upstairs deuce grabs my hand.

“Think…think you can change your shirt..?” He says and I look confused and blush looking down at my white shirt now see through because of the rain.

“Ri…right yes… sorry!” I say rushing upstairs changing into a new shirt and coming back with a towel. I gesture for Deuce to lean his head down and I start drying his hair with the towel.

“Hey… that's one of my shirts that I had left here from the sleepover..?” He points out.

“Oh that, yeah I like to wear it sometimes… is… is it weird?” he shakes his head in response, blushing.

“No, it's okay… you can wear my other shirts if you like..” I blush at his response and he then takes the towel once I'm done and puts it on my head covering my eyes.

“Deuce..?” I ask

“Keep covering your eyes” He says and I hear some shuffling, “Alright now open them…” He blushes, staring at me once I remove the towel I see my favorite book in his hands with a letter and key attached.

“This is…”

“A key copy to my dorm room and your favorite book… Happy valentines…” He says while rubbing my hand with his thumb nervously.

“Thank you…” I say and then look out the window, noticing the rain getting worse.

“You should wait out the storm until you can get back to your dorm..” 

“Yeah, that sounds like the best option right now..” He says.

Trey Clover- ♣︎

Trey had asked me to visit the dorm kitchen to help him bake a batch of tarts for Riddle's next unbirthday party. I walk into the kitchen to find Trey with his sleeves rolled up kneading the dough on the counter.

“I’d pay to see that sight everyday…” I joke around.

“You can if you visit the dorm everyday.” He teases

“If you so dearly insist Trey” I say.

“Anyways, how many of these you gotta make.”

“Last checked with Riddle, pretty sure I have to make 4 tarts this time.”

“Geez, weren't those large 3 ones last time enough..?” I joke and he laughs

“Apparently not enough…” He finished making the third tart, “hey can you get me a jug of milk for the last batch..?”

“Sure.” I say and I go and retrieve the milk from the fridge, “Hey remember the time Ace got his ass chewed out for eating a tart that one time..?” I reminisce.

“Oh yeah haha,” he then asks me to go fetch the flour from the top of the shelf and I pull out a chair climbing on it barely reaching the flour and then suddenly the flour bag drops to the floor causing a flour explosion. We both cough and when the flour cleared from the air we looked at each other covered in flour and started laughing.

“Here let me help you,” Trey walks over to me holding my hand to let me down from the chair and rubs his hand on my cheek.

“Silly, you got a bunch of flour all over you.” 

“You too!” I say doing the same gesture to him.

“I actually had another reason to call you here today.” He says and leave the room coming back with a bag of sweet treats with a d flower along with a key tied to it.

“I baked these earlier and the key lets you into my room anytime, so if you want to bother me my door is quite literally open. Happy Valentines.” He says with a smile and removes some flour off my nose with his finger licking it after.

“Thanks Trey..” I turn to look at the kitchen, “We should probably clean this up huh… before we’re one of Riddles Next victims.” Trey laughs and nods.

Cater Diamond- ♦︎

Cater and I were hanging out at a park skipping out on class that day and he took many photos of our time there.

“Looking so cuteness in this photo mind if I post it? I want everyone to see that we’re having a great time!” He says while typing on his phone.

“You know I don't mind either way Cay-cay.” I say

“Babes, I already told you the name I wanted you to call me-!” he says sadly dramatically acting as if his heart had been wounded.

“Sorry sweetness,” I laugh it off. We walk through the park taking a couple more photos and Cater stops me in front of the fountain and asks a stranger to take a photo of us. While the stranger takes a photo Cater has Ace sneak up behind us and hand him the Valentines Gift he had gotten me. Once the photo was taken I retrieved the phone to look at it and notice Cater holding his gift in front of me.

“Happy Valentine's Babes-!” He says and grabs his phone from me taking a photo of us together. The gift he gave me was an album of photos with us inside along with a key tucked in a little cut out in the book.

“That key is for when you wanna hang in my room for funsies if you’d like” he says blowing a kiss, “Lets head back to school kay?” He says grabbing my hand leading me out of the park.

Savanaclaw

Leona Kingscholar- 𓃬

Leona hadn’t been seen practically all day, I had asked Ruggie where he was but he wouldn’t let up. Ruggie only shared the places Leona usually is and the most likely spot being is the school botanical greenhouse. I sigh as I enter the botanical garden and walk around for a bit observing the surroundings, so far no sign of Leona. The more I walk around I eventually end up  getting pulled from where I stand by someone unknown covering my mouth, I panic for a second and realize who it is.

“Relax herbivore, it's just me.” He says as he pulls back yawning with his hands in his pockets and walks to the place where he was hiding all morning and afternoon.

“You!” I yell.

“Me.” He says tiredly as he lays back down, hands behind his head.

“Everyones been searching for you all day! Do you even realize what time it is!?” I say staring down at him, and he opens one eye to look at me and shrugs, “Ugh! I can't stand you-! You’ve been lounging around here ALL day!”

“You need to breathe.” He says rolling over.

“You know how many times I had to advocate for you to the teachers!?” I say and Leona eventually becomes tired of my rambling and grabs my hand dragging me down to lay with him.

“WAH!” I yell and fall into his chest.

“Yes, yes I'm so grateful for you, now shut it I'm sleeping.” He says as he rests his hand on my hip bone occasionally rubbing it with his thumb.

“I will not be silenced-!” I say with a blush on my face.

“Really..?” He says and I nod

“Leona you need to atten-” I get cut off by Leona capturing my lips to make me stop talking, he pulls by wiping his lips with a smug smile. I stared up at him silently in surprise.

“That oughta do the trick.” He said, “I need you to be quiet so I can give you this.” He then hands me a box with pure gold earrings along with a copy of his dorm room key.

“But this is so expen-” He cuts me off.

“Only the best for my herbivore.” He says, “I’ll save you the trouble of looking for me in the future and guarantee that I'll be in my room and with this key. You’ll be able to get in anytime.” He then drags my head to lay down on his chest and knocks out like a light real quick. WHAT JUST HAPPENED!?

Ruggie bucchi- 𓃥

I had caught Ruggie messing with people in the lunch line snatching other people's lunches. The poor students didn't know what was coming to them, I'm assuming the guy is getting Lunch for Leona.

“Catching some grub for the big ol sleeping lion?” Ruggie jumps when he hears my voice.

“Well actually, I asked Leona if he could let me off today.” He says.

“Then what's up with you stealing all the food?” I ask

“It's for us!” He says as he tosses me two sandwiches with a soda can, he grabs my hand and makes a run for it for the back of the school and sits me down.

“I don't get it, why are you getting me some too?” I ask.

“Just shut up and eat.” He says as he stuffs a sandwich in my mouth and I begrudgingly eat it.

“So…” I gulp down the last bit of food, “ What's the special occasion?” I ask

“Are you that oblivious or do you just not care about Valentine's Day?”  He pulls out a Gift bag full of all kinds of snacks which showcase a dorm room key with it.

“Ruggie! You didn't have to do all this…” I say.

“I don't want to hear any ifs or buts,” He says, “Just accept the Gift.”

“But-” I say and Ruggie gives me a ‘seriously?’ look, “sorry-”

“Look if you really feel bad, then pay me back sometime with lunch-!” He says and I smile giving him a hug, “That key in there lets you in my room so if you need me or anything in there you have free access.” I nod and we enjoy the rest of lunch 

Jack Howl- 🐺ྀིྀིྀིྀིྀི

Jack had woken up early in the morning to go running on the track and I had insisted on going with him not realizing how cold it would’ve been in the morning. I sit on the bleachers playing it off so that I'm warm, occasionally blowing hot air into my hands. By now Jack had already done 10 laps around the track and no sign of stopping. I would feel pretty bad if I begged him to come inside because I'm cold when it was really my fault for insisting that I come with. I see that Jack eventually comes to a stop and jogs over to me.

“Just to let you know i'm not gonna stop anytime soon,” just as quick my glimmer of hope had shown it quickly died out the same way, “How long were you gonna freeze to death before you were gonna tell me you were freezing?” He sternly says and goes to his bag to retrieve his Hoodie and slips my head through it gently slipping me into it, a little big but it does the job.

“Sorry I didn't want to bother you.” I say

“You are never a bother, next time, tell me if you’re cold I'm naturally warm so the cold doesn't affect me.” He says as he ruffles my hair, “Now you’re making me confident that you would need the gift I got you..” I perk up at his words and he scratches his head and goes to retrieve the gift and hands it to me, it was a Hoodie with his Last name on the back along with a Dorm room key on top.

“It's not big or extravagant like other Valentine's gifts but I hope you like it.” He says with a small blush, “the key is for you to y’know come into my room whenever you like, maybe take care of my cacti…”

“Oh Jack… I love it.” I pull him into an embrace and kiss him on the cheek.

“Alright my track boy keep on doing your laps.” I tease and he nods continuing where he left off, but now clearly showing his emotion by a wagging tail.

Octavinelle

Azul Ashengrotto- 🐙

Azul had invited me to his V.I.P. room under the guise of setting up a meeting with me in regards to business. I sat on the luxurious couch where he usually received clients, He then entered the room still speaking to the twins looking back at me with a small blush, he shuts them up and shoves them out the room clearing his throat.

“You wanted to speak with me..?” I say and he walks over sitting next to me.

“Well, yes… I have… I have a proposal…” He says nervously.

“Well what is it?” I ask

“Well we trust each other, yes?” He pauses and I nod, “Well I propose a contract to maybe be my Valentine?” He mumbles crossing his arms.

“Is that even a question? Of course!” I say.

“Good, because I intend to take care of you,” he clears his throat, “by that I mean take you out…” He says and the twins burst in the room, Jade bursts pink confetti and Floyd hands me the Valentine's gift Azul had prepared for me. It was an Octopus plushie clutching a contract tied with a dorm room key.

“To accept this mutual agreement then I wish that you sign on this!” He smiles, “and as a show of my trust and a bonus a dorm room key copy to my V.I.P. office and my room”

“Is there any fine print I need to worry about?” I joke around.

“Only that you share your love with me for the rest of our lives or until the contract is dissolved” He says.

“I’d do that anyway.” I tease and a small pink tint adorns his cheeks.

Floyd Leech-𓆟 

I watch as Floyd trails the halls looking in every nook and cranny and I sigh and roll my eyes.

“Give poor Riddle a break today Floyd and stop terrorizing him.”

“Don't ruin the fun Shrimpy… I just wanna squeeze him one time!” He says as he rushes down the hall, I stay where I stand by the open window where Riddle hides himself on the other side.

“He's gone now, now go make your quick escape.” I say examining my nails and Riddle hops through the window running for his dorm.

“You have my gratitude, Prefect.” He says as he runs off into the distance. I feel a sudden looming presence behind me now blocking the sun as my source of light.

“Did I just see that you let goldfishie escape.?” Floyd looks down at me in surprise.

“Yes, you had your fun Floyd. Now where's my attention?” I say.

“You could’ve at least let me have a little more fun..” He whines as he hugs me from behind now resting his head on my shoulder.

“I guess I could give you the gift you’ve been waiting so long for.” He says, “I wanted to see how long you would go if I hadn’t given you your gift.” He then holds out his hand in front of my face, opening it letting a key necklace dangle from it.

“It's a key to my dorm room, so you can visit me anytime you like shrimpy~” I take it in my hands noticing an extra charm with it, “That? Its a glass bead with photos of us inside lets you see them if you bring it up to your eye.” He takes it back from my hands and clasps it around my neck.

“There, now can I have my fun, Shrimpy? Promise I'll give you my fun attention later!” I nod and he goes off to terrorize Riddle. I did all I could Riddle, sorry.

Jade Leech-𓆝 

Jade took me to hike into the mountains behind the school with an excited look on his face. The most emotion we’ll probably get out of him. 

“So if there are some mushrooms that you wanted to specifically find? I ask, grabbing his hand, helping me up from climbing a rock.

“Yes there's a kind I’ve been looking forward to finding, it's said that they grow around this time of year and I believe I'll finally feast my eyes upon it this time.” He says as he continues to climb.

“You’re not gonna keep it? Y'know, like to research?” I ask

“It's not good to extract this mushroom from its natural environment, they would perish at our average altitudes. That's why they grow high up in the mountains.” I take a step on a higher steep and end up slipping, Jade jumps in and grabs me breaking my fall. I lay there on his chest in surprise.

“Are you quite alright?” He asks and gets up carrying me bridal style to a nearby rock to take a seat, “take a breather for a second.” He takes notice of dirt on my cheek and wipes it off with his gloved hand.

“This is actually a great opportunity for me,” He sets his bag down and pulls out a mushroom bouquet..? It's the thought that counts, along with that there's a dorm room key.

“So you could have access to my room any time you’d like, unfortunately i'm sharing with floyd but i'm sure he takes a liking to you.” I accept the gift and hug him, when I pull back I notice an odd looking mushroom behind him.

“By chance, is that the mushroom you were talking about.?” I ask, pointing it out, he turns and his face instantly lights up and goes to take photos.

Scarabia

Kalim Al-Asim- ♔

Is there any special reason Kalim invited me over to his dorm, the only answer being yes, he somehow always has something extravagant planned out whenever he invites me over. As soon as I enter, Kalim attacks me with a big hug.

“Where were you! I have a big day planned for us!” He says.

“Woah Kalim-! What's so special about today?” I ask.

“Valentine's day of course! Did you forget?”

“Oh my gosh it totally slipped my mind sorry Kalim, it's hard to keep track of days.” I apologize.

“No matter! Today I want to spoil you my treasure!” He says as he pulls me to a private dining room, “Jamil worked really hard on the food for our day and in turn he asked that you babysit me for the day.” He says.

“I don't mind watching you either way, but tell Jamil I'm grateful for his hard work.” I say and Kalim pulls out a chair for me to sit in and then pushes the chair in once I take a seat and goes to take his seat. I look at the table covered in many extravagant meals that look very expensive, did he have Jamil work with premium ingredients?

“Before we eat I wish to bestow my amazing gifts to you!” He cheerfully says.

“Kalim, you give me gifts everyday, I feel bad taking so much from you since I know they’re so expensive.” I say and Kalim gives me a sad expression.

“You don't like my gifts?” He asks

“Of course I do! It's just you already give me so much Kalim, I'm happy with whatever you don't have to give me a lot of things that are expensive. I'm more than content if you give me a small gift.

“Well in that case… If you want a small gift maybe this will work…?” He says and leaves the room coming back with a bandana in my favorite color and wrapped inside is a dorm room key.

“Happy Valentines-! Did I do good?” He says.

“A matching bandana with you! Oh I love it, Kalim, could you put it on me?” I say and he happily obliges braiding a braid in my hair and wrapping the bandana on my head to match him.

“You’re one of the ones I trust and love so much-! I gave you a key copy to my dorm room and put my full trust in you whether i'm sleeping or not.” He says as he kneels on the ground taking my hands in his eyes looking up at me.

“Oh Kalim, that's so sweet… and of course I trust myself with you too.” I say cupping his cheek.

“Now! Shall we start dinner?” he cheerfully says and I nod.

Jamil Viper- 𓆗

“Hey so any specific reason you even called me to help with cooking when you literally were not gonna even let me near the food in the first place.” I ask annoyedly, swinging my legs while sitting on the counter of the kitchen.

“It was my error, I had completely forgotten Kalims food mustn’t be prepared by anyone else but me.” He says

“Must be a lot of trouble huh…” I mumble, “Hey Jamil,” I notice him perk up.

“Must you say my name that way…” He mumbles, “Yes, what is it?” He says.

“Cant I at least do something to help? If not, can you give me a snack?” I say and he sighs and goes to wipe off his hands walking over to the pantry.

“You can’t help but I do have a snack that you’ll like,” He rummages through the Pantry  pulling out a box of pocky with a bear holding it.

“Here, happy valentines.” He nonchalantly says and goes back to cooking.

“You can't just drop something like this on someone and act like nothing happened!?” Say before popping a stick in my mouth and Jamil sighs before approaching me, trapping me against the counter.

“Really? So what you’re saying is that you want a romantic gesture with that too?” He gets near my face, “Seriously? Isn't the gift enough? Or you just can't get enough of me?” He says before putting his mouth on the opposite end of the pocky with a smug look on his face.

“Jamil…” I say with a blush and he bites off the end of the pocky sighing burying his head into my neck.

“I love it when you say my name for some reason…” He mumbles, “It's different, it's not you saying that idiot Kalims name. It feels that you seek me out and not get close to me to get close to Kalim.” He leaves a little kiss on my neck before pulling away.

“That should suffice, no?” he says handing me a dorm room key and goes back to cooking leaving me speechless.

“That key lets you into my room if you ever so do please, let that be an invite to my sanctuary.” 

Pomefiore

Vil Schoenheit- 🎬

Vil had invited me to see his brand new movie premier where he claims that he had finally landed the heroine role. I stepped out of the limo that had transported us to the theatre taking Vils arm shyly waving at the paparazzi. Vil calms me by placing his hand over the top of mine silently signaling to relax.

“Be confident dear, you’re with me after all~” He teases and leads me into the theatre where we have the best seats. Throughout the entire movie, Vil and I hold onto each other's hands enjoying it. Vil smiles everytime when he comes on screen and notices your face light up whenever he makes an appearance, surely boosting his ego. Then comes up a scene where he had to kiss another actor for the movie and gets irked by the thought of you witnessing that.

“My dear, you mustn’t take this scene to heart, it was part of the script so I simply had to do it.” I kiss him on the cheek.

“Calm down, I know. It's the price to pay if you date an actor.” I say and he gives me a smile kissing the back of my hand.

“I have a gift for you my dear,” He says and pulls out a gold necklace with purple Jewels.

“Vil I can't possibly.” I say and Vil cuts me off.

“Nonsense my dear. To me. You deserve the world.” He says as he clasps the necklace on me and he slips a dorm key into my hand.

“This lets you into my room anytime so if you seek me out I guarantee i'll be in my room.”

“Oh Vil, thank you.” I hugged him.

“Now let's enjoy the rest of the movie my dear.” I nod and we watch the movie.

Epel Felmier- ❦︎

I sat on top of a ladder picking apples at Epels family farm, I had insisted while I stayed that I help around their farm. Epel said that I didn't have to help but I didn't want to take their kindness for free and eventually he agreed.

“Epel catch!” I toss an apple down to him and he catches it putting it in a basket, “Couple more coming your way!” I throw a couple more and he swiftly catches them

“You think your grandma could bake a couple pies for us?” I ask and he nods, placing the basket down holding his arms out, I get the cue and jump down into his arms. He puts me down and I pick up the basket from the ground and we head back to his place where his grandma is in the kitchen.

“Oh dear, come in come in children!” His grandma ushers us inside and hands us a blanket.

“Is this the only blanket memaw…” Epel asks.

“Yes it is now snuggle up, it's flu season and yall were out there for a while now.” She says and me and Epel scoot next to each other sharing the blanket, he has an obvious pink tint to his cheeks but I don't comment on it. I let out a curt sneeze and Epels grandma instantly gets on it.

“I knew yall would get sick, so I prepared some warm cocoa beforehand.” She hands us some cocoa and I blow on it before taking a drink.

“Thank you Mrs. Felmier!” I say

“No need to be so fancy, just call me grandma.” I smile at that.

“Epel, don't you have something to give to your lady friend?” She teases.

“Meemaw… not now…” he nervously says.

“I didn't raise a boy who couldn’t speak up for himself! Now go on Epel.” She says and Epel sighs, pulling out a small apple pie and hands me a key.

“The pie was made from the apples on the farm, Meemaw helped me… and the key is so you could visit me in the dorm anytime if you wanna hang..” He nervously says.

“OH YOU’RE SO CUTE EPEL!!” I hug him and he blushes.

Rook Hunt- જ⁀➴

I sat outside in the forest leaning against a tree reading a book. I've been reading this series for the past couple days and I had forgotten what day it had been. I was startled when an arrow shot past my face embedding itself into the tree next to my head with a note attached. I jump at the sudden attempt to attack me but realize quickly whose arrow it was.

“Apologies for the scare mon amour! I couldn't think of any other way to catch your attention!” Rook says while perched on top of a tree.

“Well you could’ve y’know called for me but this works too I guess..” I say shutting my book.

“I wish that you come with me, I have something to show you!” He says with an outstretched hand, I happily oblige and take his hand in which he pulls me up into his arms. He puts his bows and arrows away and carries me hoping from one tree to another he eventually comes to a stop, setting me down on top of a tree branch of a tree that grows on a cliff. I cling to him in fear of falling but otherwise the view on the cliff is breathtaking, you’re able to see the whole island from here.

“Rook, how did you find this?” I ask.

“Oh you know me, always scouting out areas mon amour~” He says and we take a seat on the tree branch admiring the scenery, I lay my head on his shoulder and he pulls out a perfume along with a key attached to it.

“Happy Valentines mon amour.” He says and I smile up at him, “This key lets you into my dorm room, saves me the trouble of finding you too.” I laugh at his teasing and we enjoy the scenery.

Ignihyde

Idia Shroud- ⚡︎

I sat in the courtyard of the school staring out enjoying the scenery with a bored look sighing. I notice Idia in the corridor of the school looking a little lost and nervous, I get up and approach the open window of the building.

“Hey, Idia,” I say and he jumps, appearing spooked by the sudden voice, “Whatcha doing looming around here? Not often do we actually see you out of your room besides the floating ipad.” I say waving my hand around with a bored expression leaning on the window.

“What's up with you…?” He mumbles while standing there awkwardly.

“How about checking what's today's date…”I say.

“It's the 14th?” He says.

“You seriously don't know about Valentine's Day..?” I ask 

“Oh, that…. Day…” He says annoyedly, “I of course do know about it, however, I never indulged myself in the day since shut ins like me have no significant others unless we get lucky to get an online one.” he says

“Really..? I would’ve thought you of all people would have some game?” I say with a confused face and notice his hair turn a bit pink.

“Yeah, whatever. What's got you down in the dumps about this day?” He says

“It's the day where I'm the biggest hater, an unwanted reminder that I still have no one who is even remotely interested in even dating me.” I sigh, “it's also one of the days where I avoid social media.” Idia stands there in silence.

“Well, I think you’re SSR level gorgeous,” he mumbles and his hair turns pink when I perk up at that.

“That's sweet, well I guess we’re both loners on this miserable holiday huh..?” I say and Idia walks up to me holding out a key that resembles the dorm keys.

“Take it, it's a key copy that unlocks my room. Almost no one can get in but Ortho,” His hair turns bright pink, “Maybe…maybe we can game sometime, y’know be loners together.” I gratefully took the key from him.

“Thanks..” I smile up at him and his hair starts blazing and he rushes off in embarrassment leaving me there in silence.

Ortho Shroud- ⚡︎ (platonic)

I walked in the halls of the main building carrying the workload Crowley had left to me. It was very important that he had to entrust the task to me. He told me to go drop off a bunch of student paperwork at the teachers lounge, lazy bastard. As I'm walking I end up bumping into Ortho causing me to drop the stack of papers I had.

“Shoot, sorry Ortho.” I say frantically collecting the papers from the ground.

“Please, let me! I was the one at fault!” Ortho then says as he starts collecting paper on the ground with magic he was built with. He then scans my body for any injuries and notices that I had scratched my knee and puts disinfectant then puts a bandaid after.

“If I may ask, why are you carrying such a great work load?” He says as he hands me half the stack and carries the other half.

“Thanks, Crowley left it to me, he wouldn't stop bugging me to do it.” I say and Ortho gives me a worried look.

“On such an important day!? He should’ve considered that you needed to be with your significant other on this day of all days!” He says

“Is today such an important day?” I ask and he gets surprised.

“It's Valentines! You should be out with your lover!” he says.

“Oh, so much time passes I forget to keep track of the days,” I mumble, “Not to worry Ortho, I don’t have anyone particularly special to spend this day with. I guess it's just always been that way.” Ortho then stops when I say that.

“You can spend it with my brother and I then! My brother has always been alone on this day and I can't bear to watch him wallow in loneliness while playing games. I think having someone around might be a good change of pace!” He says and then pulls out a dorm key.

“Here, take this copy of the dorm key that can let you into his dorm room!” He hands me the key.

“Would this be alright with your brother..?” I ask and he nods, “could you at least let him know I have a key copy?” and he nods, we soon reach the door to the teachers lounge and he opens the door for me and places all the papers on the teachers desk happily, waving goodbye.

Diasomnia

Malleus Draconia- 𖤍

I stirred awake in the middle of night waking up to a knocking sound outside my window, I sat up rubbing my eyes looking at the time. It's exactly 12 at midnight. Who could possibly be knocking at my window at this time? Wait. I'm on the second floor? I rush over to the window and open it to see Malleus floating there.

“Malleus? What brings you here to my dorm so late at night?” I ask.

“I require your presence and attention outside, please make haste.” He smiles and I go down stairs to exit my dorm to find Malleus outside with roses smiling down at me.

“I hear this day is important for humans and their significant other,” he takes my hand leading me outside where a bunch of fireflies glow in the yard placing the roses on a nearby window sill, “I wanted to make it special for you” He says as he use his magic to transform my clothes into a beautiful light weight dress. He kneels in front of me taking my hand leaving a light kiss on the back of it.

“May I have this dance my lady?” He asks with a smile staring up at me and I nod and he takes my hand and rests the other on my hip. He sways me around and I nervously look down trying to avoid stepping on him. As we dance he takes notice and redirects my gaze to look at him.

“Relax, I won't get upset if you step on me.” He spins me and pulls me back, “I wish for you to enjoy the moment.” We continue to enjoy the moment until Malleus ends the dance pulling me down leaving a small kiss on my lips. He pulls me back up and bows once more, kissing the back of my hand. He then hands me a dorm room key, and closes my hand with it.

“It's a key that opens up the door to my personal quarters, no one but me or Lilia has access to it and I wish to bestow this upon you to show my forever undying love. Until then, my love” He then disappears with the fireflies and I retire back to my dorm giddy.

Lilia Vanrouge- 🎮

You and Lilia decided to log on to your favorite RPG game for an upcoming raid, you had forgotten what day it was but Lilia didn’t.

“You ready for this raid?” Lilia asks.

“I think I am but I didn't get the rest of the materials for that weapon I wanted really badly from the event…” I sigh through the mic, “So for now I'm stuck fighting with this old one until a new weapon that interests me releases.”

“Really? Is there not any other weapon in the game that strikes your interest?” He asks

“No, that was the one that really stood out to me.”

“Fufufu well prepare to be blown away my little bat~” He chuckles, “Check your weapon tab~” He hints and I open up the weapon tab on my account there lays the weapon I thought I hadn’t gotten my hands on.

“Lilia! How-!” I say.

“Let's say every time you logged off I logged on for you and farmed for the weapon you wanted so badly~” He says, “Happy Valentines Day my little bat~” He says.

“Thank you so much Lilia!” I say

“Hold your horses, I also hid a little something in your school bag too” He says and I get up to go dig through my bag and find a gift card with a dorm room key.

“Enjoy and feel free to visit anytime you like.” He says

Silver- ⚔

I had asked Silver to help me learn how to use a sword and he asked me to meet up with him in the back of my Dorm house.

“Alright, first to start with is your stance. Legs spread apart body low and put all your strength into your swing.” He says as he circles around me, “We already went over all the sword moves so come at me like you're really trying to end me.” I run towards him swinging and he instantly has me backing up, I look back and he grabs my jaw.

“Eyes on me princess.” He says and I nod pushing forward occasionally faltering, after much trial and error I managed to disarm him of his sword.

“Thank the sevens. I finally did it” I say falling to my knees taking my much needed breather.

“Nice job out there I think this is where we should call it a day.” He pulls me up back onto my legs and leads me to a tree to lean on, he goes to grab us water and sits down next to me and I lean against him catching my breath shutting my eyes. I open my eyes when I feel Silvers hand cover my eyes and I feel him rest his head on my shoulder and I feel his soft breathing.

“Keep them shut..” I then feel him plant a soft kiss on my lips and feel an unknown object being placed in my hands. “Sorry…” I feel his head back on my shoulder and the vibrations of his voice once again, he pulls his hand back and I see what he had given me. It was a custom sword and I felt it in my hands, it had a perfect weight and it had a style that fit my tastes to it. He also slipped a key into my hand.

“Feel free to find me in my room if you want to train again…” he says and right when I was about to thank him I felt him peacefully asleep on my shoulder.

Sebek Zigvolt- 🐊

I had been walking around the halls intentionally looking for Sebek and surprisingly I haven't heard a single peep from him all day despite him usually shouting half the time. You decided to consult Lilia about Sebeks whereabouts and he mentioned that he was in the Equestrian Club and redirected me to the stables. I thank Lilia and make my way to the stables and spot Sebek riding a Brown stallion doing jumps and maneuvering around obstacles. I try to wave him down but he seems focused on his training, I notice silver nearby and wave him down and ask him to call Sebek over for me. Once I caught Sebeks attention he rides over to me with a curious look.

“What is it that you seek human? Can't you see I'm busy?” He says.

“Sebek I wanted to ask if you could teach me how to protect myself in case I get myself in another over blot! Maybe how to use a sword?” I begged leaning over the fence staring up at him.

“Are you manic human!? You can get yourself killed with such a close combat weapon especially if you possess no such magic, I shall teach you how to use a bow instead.” He says clutching onto the horse's reins, “perhaps it may be better to educate you while riding a horse… Very well! It seems that you seek knowledge from a great Fae such as myself, follow me!” He says as he walks the horse to the stables and I meet up with him there to find him still seated on his horse.

“Which horse am I allowed to borrow?” I ask and Sebek points me to a white stallion.

“That one should suffice, make haste and hop on.” I walk over to it and it has quite a high stature, I attempt to climb on and end up slipping. Sebek sighs and gives me an aggravated look and waves me over.

“It seems that the stallion may not be the best fit due to its high stature,” He pauses as if contemplating something, “Very well you may ride with me.” He hops off the horse and holds out his hand to help me up, I take his hand and he instructs me to set a foot on the foot hold and grab onto the saddle to hoist myself up.

“Do try not to worry, I am holding onto you, securing you from falling off” He says and I hoist another leg over the horse, Sebek unknowingly rests his hand on my waist.

“I have to ride with you on this horse, my apologies, my horse doesn't take well with people riding on him other than me.” He effortlessly hoists himself onto the horse behind me grabbing the reins and doing a light kick signaling the horse to move. The ride is light compared to how fast I was seeing him earlier on the horse, he must be riding light in consideration of me. We stopped by Silver who was entering the stables and Sebek asked him to pass him a bow and a bag of arrows in which Silver obliges. He takes me out of the main stable area with the bag and bow, we make a sudden stop and I almost fall over and Sebek reacts quickly holding onto my waist with one hand and still controlling the horse with the other.

“This spot should suffice.” He pulls out the bow and aims at a nearby tree, “Follow how I set up my posture and how I aim the arrow.” he states and effortlessly shoots straight at the tree, I stare in awe and he hands me the weapon and instructs me.

“Remember how I had instructed you earlier, my arrow in the tree is your bullseye,” I nod and aim and make the shot which hits way below his arrow, he sighs and takes the bow from my hands and uses his other hand to guide where my hands should be on the bow. I blush at the contact.

“I fear you humans are slow learners, like this.” Where my hands are on the bow, his hands cover guiding me, his head rests on my shoulder to get a clear perspective of where I should aim.

“When I remove my hands let the arrow go alright?” He says in my ear and I nod, he removes his hands and rests them on my waist. My breath gets caught in my throat and I fuck up the aim once more but thanks to his instructions I made it a little bit closer to where the bulls eye was, he sighs.

“A little better but you still need to work on it,” He digs in his pocket and clears his throat blushing holding it out to me, it was a green broach with a key.

“My… My mother sent this to me and requested that I gift it to my significant other-!” He blurts out blushing furiously, “She stated it was for a special day you humans celebrate called Valentines day. So I shall wish you a Happy Valentine's Day.” He clearly builds up more courage to say the next part.

“The key is also free entry to my dorm room. If you seek more tutoring from myself I tend to lock myself in it studying.” He says.

“Thank you…” I smile and he shakes his head and stays silent.

“Best we call it a day.” He states and takes me back to the stables.

A/N: First time posting something like this on Tumblr so please go easy on me, I do have a Wattpad with a similar display name. Also sorry for the clear favoritism, I tried my best to keep them in character and I struggled writing for a select few of the characters so apologies to the fans of the characters I wrote so little for. My last words are I'm going into hibernation as I've been writing this for two days I fear. Anyways thanks for reading this ridiculously long fic!

[yuu-kantokusei]

Valentine's Day❤️

First year version

Characters: Ace, Deuce, Jack, Epel, Sebek

TW: cute, fluff, wholesome

♥️Ace Trappola

Ace isn't one for grand romantic gestures, but he also wants to make the day special in his own way. He teases you all morning, pretending to have forgotten about Valentine's Day, only to surprise you with an impromptu date at the Heartslabyul garden.

He smirks, holding out a box behind his back. "Oh? You actually thought I’d forget? How could I, when you’ve been blushing at every couple we passed today?"

Inside the box is a mix of chocolates—some gourmet, some oddly shaped—and a single playing card, the Ace of Hearts, with "Trappola’s Special Valentine" written on it.

"You better treasure that! That card’s got sentimental value, y’know." he says, grinning but looking away slightly, as if embarrassed.

Afterward, he takes you to play some games at the fair stalls set up by different dorms, winning a stuffed animal for you (after losing a few rounds first, much to his frustration). The day ends with Ace casually throwing an arm around your shoulder, laughing at how "lucky" you are to have him.

♠️Deuce Spade

Deuce spends weeks planning for Valentine’s Day, even getting advice from Trey and Riddle. On the big day, he shows up at your door, nervously shifting from foot to foot, holding a carefully wrapped box of homemade chocolates.

“I—I made these myself! Trey-senpai supervised, so they should be good. I hope…”

Inside the box, the chocolates are heart-shaped but slightly uneven, showing how hard he worked on them. There’s also a little handwritten note, written with intense concentration, saying:

"Thank you for being my precious friend. You make my days brighter. Please accept this small gift."

Afterward, he takes you for a motorcycle ride through a scenic route outside the academy, making sure you hold on tightly. At the highest point, they stop and watch the sunset together, his face turning red as he quietly mutters, "I’m really glad we met."

🐺Jack Howl

Jack isn’t one for sappy holidays, but he recognizes that Valentine’s Day is important, so he makes an effort. He finds a small but meaningful gift—a handcrafted leather bracelet with a wolf charm attached, something practical yet symbolic.

When he gives it to you, he scratches his ear, looking away. “This is… uh, something to remind you that I’ve got your back. Always.”

Instead of a traditional date, Jack takes you on a morning jog with him, where they share a quiet but peaceful time together. Later, he surprises you with a picnic under a large tree, bringing some homemade sandwiches and fruit.

As you eat happily, he watches you with a soft expression, muttering under his breath, “You should smile like that more often.”

If you tease him about it, his tail wags despite his flustered protests.

🍎Epel Felmier

Epel, despite his usual complaints about being treated as ‘cute,’ fully embraces the romance of Valentine’s Day. He invites you to a surprise horseback ride around Pomefiore’s flower fields, where he guides you gently through the scenic landscape.

At the end of the ride, he pulls out a small wooden box with a beautifully carved apple pendant inside. "I made this myself," he says proudly. "It’s apple wood from my family’s orchard. So even when you’re not with me, you’ll have a piece of my home with you."

They spend the evening watching the stars, sharing stories from their childhood. At one point, Epel, thinking you have dozed off, whispers softly, “I wish we could spend every Valentine’s like this…”

Little does he know, you heard him and smiled.

⚡️Sebek Zigvolt

Sebek insists that Valentine's Day is an insignificant human tradition, but deep down, he takes it very seriously when it involves you. He prepares a dramatic, formal speech about your “importance” in his life but keeps getting flustered halfway through.

“Ahem! I— I wish to bestow upon you a token of my— No, that’s not right! CURSES!"

Eventually, he simply hands you a carefully wrapped book—a rare edition of a famous knight’s tale. “This story… It’s about loyalty and strength. You remind me of the hero.”

Despite his usual loudness, he spends the day unusually gentle, guiding you through a serene walk near Diasomnia’s quiet gardens. By the end of the day, he clears his throat, trying to look serious.

“You—You are truly exceptional, And… I shall protect you for all eternity!” His face turns red as he abruptly storms off, embarrassed.

[throatgoat4u]

will you be my valentine?

word count: 1.5k

summary: matt's made a valentine, but for who?

warnings: none!

a/n: happy valentine's day lovelies! hope you guys are having an amazing, amazing day! this one is actually surprisingly proofread and so it's probably better than most fiics i put out cause like i don’t proofread…. this is based of this comic. um so yeah… enjoy!

toodles {lovers} ♡

today was valentine’s day and just like every other year, you didn’t have a valentine. it wasn’t that nobody had asked you—plenty of people did—but you turned them all down because you were convinced that this was going to be the year. matt was going to ask you to be his valentine.

“this is the year, guys. i can feel it,” you declare, beaming with excitement.

“i don’t know cutie. you’ve been saying that ever since we were in pre-school. we’re in college now,” violet says with a sigh, earning a nod from patty.

“well… well, this year is different. this year, my gut is telling me.” you insist as you run around the room, trying to find your lucky blue ribbon. of course, you had plenty of blue ribbons to choose from, but this one was special—it was the ribbon matt gave you on your eighth birthday. ever since then, you have worn it on the most important days—birthdays, exams, finals—and it never failed to bring you good luck. you can’t recall a single time that you’ve failed an exam while wearing it (though, to be fair, you’re really smart… but the ribbon makes more sense).

“what are you looking for?” patty asks, a bit concerned as you toss things around in search for the object. 

“my ribbon.”

“cutie… this one?” patty sighs, holding up your lucky ribbon from the vanity. 

“oh… yeah… that one.” you mumble, snatching it from patty’s hand and tying it into a bow at the end of your braid.

after your classes, you head over to the sturniolo house, like always. at this point, it’s a ritual—for (both)  you (and matt)—that you show up and yap about absolute nonsense. you skip up to the door and give it a quick knock. commotion erupts from inside, making your eyebrows knit together in confusion. what the hell is going on? you wait for a moment, until their mother—mary lou—opens the door. she wipes her hands over her apron as she greets you with a hug.

“cutie! i’m so glad you could make it. come inside,” she says quickly, ushering you inside and closing the door behind you. “please excuse the mess—i was making cookies, but someone decided it was a good idea to start a food fight,” she mutters, hooting a stern look at her youngest son, chris.

“hey! i didn’t start it! nick hit me first and i just hit him back with food.”

“don’t put the blame on me! you started it and don’t you even dare lie.”

“nuh uh.” chris says sassily, his hand on his hip, shaking his pointer finger. this definitely set nick off as he began to chase chris around the kitchen. you turn to mary lou, absolutely astonished. you’d seen the boys like this—considering you grew up with them—but the amount of things that just happened barely even rendered through your brain. the kitchen looks like it got invaded by the pillsbury doughboy. nick is covered in flour, chris is drenched in some sort of mystery jam, and mary lou is a mixture of both. to top it all off, they’re running around like feral animals. it feels like you’re watching a live action tom and jerry episode before your eyes right now.

“i- wha- am i- did you- huh!?!” is all you manage to stutter out. mary lou just smiles and shakes her head. 

“they must have eaten something different because i swear they’ve been off their rockers all day. even matt. i saw him making a valentine card for someone. cutie, when i tell you i was beyond shocked. matt has never once in his life done anything romantic for any girl and swore he would never. i just feel like he’s finally found someone and i can’t be more happy.”

“pardon?!?!” you exclaim, a hint of excitement but also nervousness. that valentine could be for you, but it could also be for another girl. well, it can’t be for another girl, it has to be for you. you are his future wife after all.

“yeah, i mean he even looked excited,” she says, a twinkle in her eyes. she’s never ever expected matt to find someone since he was so obsessed with his piano, but she couldn’t be happier that he did. “ hey, why don’t you go check on him now? i bet you could find out who his secret valentine is?” she teases, wiggling her eyebrows and nudging your side slightly. 

you shrug softly, thinking about it, though you knew what your answer was going to be. “yeah… maybe i should.” you turn on the balls of your feet and made your way upstairs. you get to the door of the piano room and knock softly. from the other side, you can hear matt playing a soft melody, one you recognize to be the moonlight sonata. not that you genuinely care to remember, but because matt always gets mad at you for mislabeling it and is always screaming at you about it. gosh, the anger issues that kid has could make the hulk look like a meditation instructor. when he doesn’t answer the door, you knock harder, starting to lose your patience with the kid. but to your dismay, he starts to play louder.

at this point you’re frustrated. you know he hears you knocking. it’s rude to ignore your future wife when she’s knocking at the door, it’s like… common knowledge. you knock a little louder and he starts playing a little louder. you huff, finally at your wits end, and open the door, letting yourself in. you make you way to the piano, your little kitten heels clicking against the floor. matt glances at you, drinking you in for a second. your little blue dress, you white kitten heels, and the way your hair was done—just the way he liked. the loose braid that always made him go feral, the way the front pieces of your hair fell in front of your face. his eyes drift down to the end of your braid, where your lucky ribbon—the one he gave you—rests, its lace slightly frayed from years of wear. | he drinks you in for a moment before turning his attention back onto his piano.

you roll your eyes and huff. you know he knows you’re here—he looked at you! so why won’t he acknowledge you? you walk up to the piano, propping yourself on your forearms. “hey matt,” you say innocently.

“hello,” he mumbles.

“whatcha doin’?” you hum, leaning in closer to matt, resting on the piano

“playing the piano,” he mutters.

“whatcha playin’?” 

“fur elise by beethoven. not only is this one of his most famous pieces, but also it’s my favorite.” he says matter-of-factly. 

elise? who’s elise?

“who’s elise?” you huff, pulling back and folding your arms.

matt stops playing the piano and looks up at you, tilting his head and narrowing his eyes. “you… don’t know… fur elise? why it is only one of the best pieces of classical music written on planet earth,” he snaps, standing up from his seat, causing it to push back creating a loud screech. “how is that even possible? it’s one of the most famous pieces ever composed! beethoven—beethoven—wrote it! it’s legendary!” he throws his hands up in the air, his frustration palpable.

you look at him with a dumbfounded expression, “it’s a song…?” 

“no, it’s not just a song, it’s ART! ART! ART! ART! ART! ART! something you would never understand!” he shouts

“right… got it,” you say, watching as matt sits back down all proper and poised—as if he didn’t just scream his lungs off bouncing on beethoven’s wood—and picks up right where he left off. “so ummm, do you know what today is?” you ask, leaning back onto the piano again

“yes. it is february 14th which also happens to be valentine’s day. the day that everyone pretends they care about each other because society says so.” he states, pausing for dramatic effect, “i’d rather celebrate fur elise—now that’s real love.”

you scoff, shaking your head. “i still don’t understand what’s so great about elise and not me?” you mutter. you shake your head a bit, as if you were shaking off that thought. you needed to know who the valentine was for. was it for you? was it for tessa? was it for elise? fuck elise and tessa. that’s your valentine.

you sigh, twiddling your thumbs in thought until you get an idea, “you know, i find that there is a very big misconception on what and who valentine's day is about,” you say, turning over to your side, “i mean, people make the mistake of thinking you have to be madly in love with someone for them to be your valentine”

“oh. so does this mean that you’d have to love her a little?”

“well no, not necessarily.” 

“sooo what if you only like her and not love her?”

“that works.”

“and if you are just barely being able to tolerate her?”

you turn around once again, finally facing him and his gorgeous face as you rest your arms on the piano. “well that could work but-” 

he grabs a card and hands it over to you, “happy valentines day!” he says with the biggest, cheesiest grin on his face.

your face drops as you look at the card and then back up at him, slumping down into your arms, “rats...”

taglist ♡

@sturns-mermaid. @chonicallyalone. @storyteller32. @mattscoquette. @55sturn. @queen-of-beees. @xoxopetalzblog. @lilysturn. @ilavlilpeep. @weepingdelusionobject. @ju2tm30. @funkybananas101. @xxkylie906xx. @courta13. @p3r3j1l. @sofia-is-a-sturniolo-triplet-fan. @ireadtoofast. @rippeanuts1950-2000. @reigengyattataka. @a-s-h-t-o-n. @anime-4-u. @maggot3647. @watercolorskyy. @matthewsturnsgf. @lemonhoney2460. @snoopychris. @oopsiedaisydeer

nini’s stamp of approval ♡

[lucysarah-c]

Happy Valentine's Day!! What do you think Levi would be like with his partner on Valentine's Day?

Happy Valentine's Day! (Totally ignoring the fact that in my country, Valentine's isn't really a thing—lmao.)

Mh… I guess it depends on how important it is to his partner? Like, if they have an unspoken agreement not to do anything over the top, he'd make sure to get the chocolates they like or maybe a flower or two—and that’s about it. I have this feeling that Levi isn’t really into "special days" like Valentine's. He’s more about small, consistent gestures every day rather than grand romantic displays.

Now, if his partner is someone who really, really likes these kinds of occasions, he might step out of his comfort zone and plan something. Not because he genuinely thinks Valentine's is important, but because she thinks it's important—and she is important to him. So, in conclusion, it becomes an important day. Nothing public, though—that’s for sure. Maybe he'd book a restaurant in advance, something low-key, and get her some chocolates or flowers.

Tho… I can’t shake the feeling that when Levi is trying to "win the heart of the person he loves," he goes straight for the classics—only to completely miss the mark lmao.

Like: "Valentine’s… we’ve been on two dates… I want her, I like her. So… flowers. Women like flowers for Valentine's, right?"

He aims for the gentleman, timeless romance approach but somehow takes a sharp left turn into a logic that only makes sense to him.—

"…You’re giving me a plant?" She watches as Levi carefully arranges a potted plant on her balcony.

"Yes. The shop owner said in a year or two, you’ll get flowers in winter." He nods, as if this is the most obvious thing in the world. "Why waste money on overpriced flowers wrapped in plastic that die in a week when you can have real ones that last for months?"

'Yeah… I just have to wait two years?' She stares at the pot, blinking. "That’s… really thoughtful. Just that—"

He cuts her off. "I thought about it. I hate watering plants and dirt getting everywhere. I got you a plate for it. No stained floors."

"No… my cat is going to eat it. That’s why I don’t have plants."

Tho haha great story to tale about how they started dating lol

[simplysamiblog]

The weight of a perfect goodbye

Before I even begin sharing my thoughts, I need to make one very important thing clear: I am a firm believer in the theory that Jayce and Viktor survived the ending of Arcane. As far as I’m concerned, they were teleported through time and space and are now slowly, painstakingly rebuilding their lives. Together, of course.

I’ve read dozens of (amazing) fanfics where this is exactly how their story unfolds, and some are so well-written that I honestly consider them canon.

That said.

I’ve seen several discussions online about this very topic:

"The creators confirmed it: they’re dead."

"The creators don’t know anything, they’re alive."

"Accept it, they were disintegrated by the Rune."

And so on.

But here’s what I think (not that it matters to anyone or carries any weight at all):

We can’t completely dismiss or outright reject the idea that, yes, Jayce and Viktor are, unfortunately, dead. At some level, we need to accept it—to believe it.

But let me explain why.

Not out of respect for the creators, the canon, the fandom, or anything like that. But out of love for the story, for the essence of their narrative.

At the risk of sounding cliché, do you really think Arcane would have been just as special if Jayce and Viktor had survived? Can you picture the scene? The protagonists recover, the fog of war and chaos clears, and there they are—Jayce and Viktor—standing atop the Hexgates, smiling. Ah, what a happy ending. What a good ending.

Sure. Nice. Nothing more.

Or imagine if we had gotten something like: "And they remained like brothers forever." Ugh.

It’s cruel, it’s unfair, it’s heartbreaking—

But it’s perfect.

The chain of events (cough) that led to that moment, the sacrifice that sealed their fate—

The relationship between Jayce and Viktor would never have been as impactful otherwise. Personally, I don’t think I fully grasped the depth of their bond until their foreheads rested against each other. In that moment of resignation, of acceptance.

Their story, their magic, was beautiful precisely because it ended right then, in that instant.

Jayce asked Viktor, "Why did you ever give me this?"

He could have let him die in the storm. Or, if he wanted to be more merciful, he could have simply saved him without giving him the Rune—

The world would have been safe. The world would have been saved.

But…

The world wasn’t as important as the moments they shared. Their friendship, their collaboration, their bond.

Viktor couldn’t deny another Viktor those moments. That brief but immense joy. Those years in which he had truly lived.

They were stronger than everything—stronger than everyone—

Even stronger than death.

And that’s why, in a way, their death is precisely what makes them so wonderful.

Call it cliché or a bit of a stretch, but the first comparison that comes to mind is Romeo and Juliet. Would it really be the most famous love story if they hadn’t met their tragic end?

"Happily ever after."

Or—

"Never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo."

Sure, they might have survived, somewhere. And it’s absolutely valid to believe that.

But if not for that ending, for that terrible, heartbreaking moment, how much would we have missed out on? How many incredible fanfictions wouldn’t exist? How many fanarts, how many works of art would we have been unknowingly deprived of?

We’ll never know, and I don’t want to know.

Because what we have is amazing.

So yes, I accept the idea that they’re dead—because it makes the fantasy that they’re alive and in love so much sweeter.

But most of all, it makes their relationship a game of fate, something they built around each other. A perfect circle, an inseparable chain binding them as one.

Pulling them together, pushing them apart—only to bring them back to each other again.

Over and over.

Forever.

[rivalswrites]

Valentine's Day special 1/4

Before you read, please be warned that I'm writing based on my impressions of them not only in the game (though it's the biggest inspiration), but some of them with the movies/shows in mind too.

Summery: giving everyone on the Marvel Rivals roster a kiss (with plot!!)

Valentine's Masterlist

Underage characters and animal characters will be platonic (there will be a reminder for each one

Characters included: Adam, Black Panther, Black Widow, Captain America, Cloak & Dagger, Doctor Strange, Groot, Hawkeye, Hela

It's late afternoon, and you're both alone in the infirmary. Neither of you are injured, but somehow the monotone atmosphere of the room has become a special place for you two to hang out. It's a place that barely anyone actually uses, maybe once in a blue moon when there's no mystical healer to instantly redo any damage (which is a very rare occasion.)

Perched upon a bed with a really still mattress, you look down at him, he who isn't sitting next to you- but instead below you. He's on the floor, on his knees, and his face lays on your leg like it's the most comfortable pillow ever. His hands hold both your legs together while your hands play with his hair gently, softly brushing through and horribly braiding it before brushing it out again.

You're both talking, about anything that comes to mind- usually it's about the impending doom of the multiverse, but today? Today the conversation flowed about space. It all started when you had mentioned you'd never truly seen space until you were thrown into Wakanda- the one that was far into the future, in space. That little comment had sparked Adam to inform you all about it, he described it's beauty and was saddened you'd never seen him home truly: when you told him you could see it from earth he said it wasn't the same as actually being in the stars, traveling through it.

His face was bright, looking up at you with- forgive me- stars in his eyes and a large smile that definitely molded his whole face. The bright aura around him almost glowed, you swore he actually was- but maybe that was just the light meeting his skin.

Gently, your hand moved from his scalp to his cheek to hold it: making him look more towards you as you leaned down. Quickly he stopped talking, his breath hitching at the closeness, his grip on your legs tightened a little too. Ever so gently, you pulled his face up and laid a kiss on his lips- closing your eyes and leaning into it. Adam happily returned it, using his legs to push himself up and meet you with more passion than he had with his talk of space.

When you pull away he follows, now he's fully standing on his knees and his eyes are fluttering open. His face is in a pout because he wanted more, for it to last longer. Your thumb rubs his cheek and he leans his face into it while looking up at you with big eyes.

Giving in, you lean down and give him another quick kiss on his forehead before pulling back. “You're so cute when you talk about your home.”

Honestly you weren't even expecting to see him much today. It was a common occurrence at the moment to not see him often due to how much time he spent in the labs working with his sister. The stress of keeping Wakanda safe while working to fix the multiversal problem and fight against Doom.

You didn't hold it against him, but that didn't stop you from wanting to see him. Everyday passed by and it was sad how you really only saw each other at night for a short dinner and bed. But this work was important to him, everyone knew. And so you let it be and took what you could get, enjoying the dinners and cuddling up in bed. Until that wasn't enough.

One could go only so far without affection that everyone craves, so you deemed it okay to interrupt his work- just a little. The doors to the lab were pushed open and you walked into said lab.

He was sitting in a chair, hunched over and looking over what you assumed was data. Shuri caught a glimpse of you, afraid you had been caught. You raised your hand in a shushing motion while tilting your hair towards T’challa. Thankfully Shuri was smart and got the memo, quickly turning around and continuing her work.

Sneaking up on him was difficult, you knew he had a keen sense of his surroundings, but you tried anyway.

“I know you are there” he says, not even moving from his place. So much for trying.

“Fine, I've been caught, but can you blame me for trying?” You reply, walking up to him quickly and wrapping your arms around his shoulders. Your head leaning on his as you glance at his work, stuff you didn't know much about- but that didn't stop you from looking.

T’challa chuckled and leaned his head back to yours, pushing against it in a loving way- something you'd both do as a way of playful love. “I cannot, my love” finally, he had turned to look at you, face to face. His smile was something you had missed so much.

“You work so long” you mutter, laying your forehead against his and closing your eyes.

His eyes wandered around your face, you couldn't see it but his eyes were full of regret. “I know my dear, and I am sorry” he responded, his hands coming up to cup your face.

“Don't be, I know it's important.” His heart pangs with guilt, and he almost instantly followed up your own words with “and you are too.”

A quiet hum left you, but that was all that was said. He knew he had to make it up somehow, and that he couldn't make up for all the time he'd made you spend alone. So he did the only thing he could think of at the moment, pulling your face closer to his and giving you a kiss.

It was passionate, and loving, his feelings easily conveyed to you. Obviously you returned, arms tightening around him to get closer. The kiss was quicker than expected, but it didn't feel like it- either way you both knew that the love between you two was something that couldn't be broken by time apart (though he later promises to take more time for you).

You were sitting on the bathroom counter, swinging your legs a little as you wrapped yourself around Natasha. She moved around a lot, seeing as she was doing her makeup, but you didn't care- you just continued to lay on her shoulders and enjoy the smell of her hair wash.

“Enjoying yourself sweetheart?” She asked, leaning her head on yours while her arm wrapped around your shoulders mutually- mostly so he could get her mascara out of its container. The only reply you have was a soft “mmm” and a nudge closer to her.

She laughed at that, patting your back before focusing on the mirror behind you to get her mascara on.

It's a quiet atmosphere, your breathing mixed together and the messing around of makeup were about the only thing that made noise.

Switching hands, she skillfully works around you to get her other eye- pulling back and blinking to get a good look at herself. To make sure she got it right she pulled back, her hands resting on your arms to push you back too. “C'mon Sweetheart, look at tell me if it's alright.” It was easy, staring at your girlfriend's face with her permission. A true honor.

Time felt like it stopped, her gorgeous face looking right at yours with a smile. Her arms came up to rest on your shoulders, hands connecting behind you to almost cage you- but it also caged her because your legs were locked around her in almost the same way.

“Yeah,” you mutter “looks great, Nat.” She smiled more, pulling her hands to rest on your neck and pulling you close. “Always so good to me” Natasha said, pulling your head close. The two of your bodies were so close, and you both seemed to enjoy it. No complaints when your faces were inches apart.

“Always so pretty, Nat” you mutter, leaning in and closing your eyes, your hands resting on her back. Her laugh was angelic, as she leaned in and pressed her lips to yours quickly- pulling back soon after, “you're lucky I haven't put any lipstick on yet” she said before leaning in to kiss you again: this time for longer.

Music floated through the air, a vinyl running of some old song he had enjoyed back in his day, before being frozen. Steve laid on his back on the bed, humming along with the song as he rubbed your back. It was night, and he always had the vinyl running at night, something that helped relax- other than being with you.

Neither of you were asleep, something that occurred often with the both of you. Insomnia, you had told him about it one time, but he didn't pay much mind to what you had said- as rude as that was.

All he thought about was that it was more time awake with you, in a nice quiet atmosphere.

He tilted his head when he heard you take a deep breath, more like a sigh. “What's up?” Steven muttered, his hand rubbing your shoulder and pulling you closer.

“‘m tired” you replied, hugging him closer. “Then why don't you go to sleep, hm?” rolling over on his side, his other arm wrapped around your back and rested his hand on your lower back.

“Not without my kiss.” Steve chuckled at this, his laugh bubbling over to where your head that laid on his chest moved along with it. “Alright, how can I neglect your nightly routine?” he said, leaning his head down and raising his hand to cup your face.

You followed suit, raising your own head and staring at his face, memorizing the soft features of his old face- though it doesn't look old, obviously because of the ice he was stuck in for years.

Unsurprisingly he leans in for a kiss, and so in turn you do too. It starts off with a quick peck, but Steve couldn't get enough, so he keeps going in for more. The more he kissed you the longer he lingered before eventually he wouldn't- no, couldn't leave your lips. They were so addicting, and even though they were slightly chapped he still thought they were the best thing in the world.

When he did pull back, he rested his face on yours, tucking it over and pulling you closer. “Sleep baby, I'll be here” he whispered, rubbing your back calmly to get you to sleep- which works. The soft music playing along with his warmth easily puts you to sleep, satisfied with your goodnight kiss. Steve stays up for awhile longer, thinking about how thankful he was to have someone like you amidst the chaos.

(Platonic)

“You both are utterly ridiculous, charging in like that,” The pair was guilty of your claim, looking down while sitting at the table “you two could've been seriously hurt. Waiting for the team to come back would've been the smart option. The scolding had gone on for a while, and both Tandy and Tyrone were accepting of it.

They weren't used to having someone to take care of them, especially after they had been out on the streets, but they were still kids. That's what puts you on edge, them being children fighting for the universe like that.

Tyrone was currently the one physically there, playing with the drawstrings of his hoodie and avoiding eye contact. Tandy was the one who wanted to rush in, but he knew that whoever's idea it was didn't matter.

“We're sorry, really.” Tyrone muttered, continuing, “We thought we could hold the point until everyone came back.” He looks off to the side, his body shrinking in on itself- obviously as a defense mechanism. The poor boy.

With a sigh, you sat down next to him, putting a hand on his shoulder. “And I get that, I've done things like that before too- but you're both just kids…”

Tyrone whispered out a ‘yeah’ and leaned into your build. “I'm frustrated, but I know thinking stuff out in the midst of battle is hard” you comforted, patting Tyrone’s back. “Don't beat yourself up, you're both trying your best.”

Pulling Tyrone closer, you give him a kiss on the forehead. “Doing great, you're both strong for agreeing to help us all fix the entanglement.”

Before you could even process it, a flash of light blinded you for a second. When you blinked back your eyesight you saw Tandy sitting where Tyrone just was, “I want one too” she said- more like demanded. “A kiss, right here.” Tandy then pointed to her forehead, staring at you intently.

“Alright sweetheart, calm your horses.” Leaning down again you place a kiss on Tandy’s forehead too, just like you did with Tyrone.

“I worry for you both, please just wait next time.” Pulling Tandy closer, she snuggles up into your side- almost demanding all of your warmth for her and Tyrone to have, all to themselves.

It didn't take a detective to find out his hands weren't what they used to be, and while they had recovered it was still difficult from time to time.

This was one of those times.

Strange sat on the floor, legs crossed and staring down at his hands. His stare was intense, and he was definitely deep in thought- bad thoughts, you knew it all too well. Hands shaking as they laid in his lap, his fingers twitch involuntarily every few seconds.

You took it upon yourself to help him, as his partner it was a duty you took up because you knew he couldn't stop himself when he was like this. Taking his hands in yours, you pulled him onto your lap- it was comical, his large frame on top of yours when usually it'd be the other way around.

“You're doing it again,” you said, raising his hands and cupping them together before giving his knuckles a kiss. “Looking like you hate it.”

“I do” he replied, leaning his head on yours and making eye contact. “My life would've been different.” There was silence, he'd never brought that longing up before- but you knew. He wanted a normal life, he longed for it at times.

“Yeah”, you pause and look him right in the eye, “but then I'd never have met you. That'd be devastating.” You take a pout, which gets a chuckle out of him.

His hands resting on your shoulders, your hands on top of his. “Yeah” he mimics you.

The quiet between the two of you is calm, tame, and neither of you want to break it. But you do anyways, “I know it's hard for you, but you know more than anyone that dwelling on the past isn't good.”

Steven groaned quietly, turning his hand to look away before your hand shot up and grabbed his jaw- forcing him to look at you. “Hey. Don't go doing that, don't close yourself off from me.” The tone you used was demanding, yet still soft. “Love you too much to not want your baggage” you joke, smiling up at him.

Blush decorated his face, flushing over your assertiveness. Your hand on his face warmed the skin underneath, it almost burned under your hand. “Right.” He mutters, resting his forehead on yours.

With a proud smile you lean in and give him a kiss, your hand moving from his jaw to his cheek- carding through his facial hair and scratching at it slightly. His hands on your shoulders tighten their grip before moving to your upper back where he holds you close.

(Platonic)

Being friends with a living tree was an interesting thing to process, especially after learning he could talk (albeit only 3 words). Groot was a kind, gentle soul- tree, he always seemed to understand.

It was a quiet day, the two of you were talking out in a forest. Well, Groot was walking, you were on his shoulder and enjoying the view. After gaining permission from the Guardians, you took Groot to a broken part of some random universe where everything had become overgrown- assuming he'd enjoy the nature.

Which he did.

In fact, he enjoyed it a lot. So much so that he sat down halfway through your walk and just leaned on a tree. Your back hit the tree too, but it didn't bother either of you, instead you rested your hand on top of Groots head and patted it- even with how uncomfortable it was with all the spikes.

“I am Groot” he looked up at you. “What's that buddy?” You glanced down, leaning forward to see him better.

“I am Groot” he repeats, holding up his hand this time. In-between his fingers was a flower, painted a pretty blue.

“Oh Groot, it's beautiful” reaching down, you grasp the flower and bring it closer to get a better look. You can see little bugs scurry along the petals, little ants and a ladybug. “Is this for me?”

“I am Groot” he replied, smiling up at you. “Thank you Groot, I really appreciate it.” Leaning down you place a quick peck on his head, watching as the area where the kiss was planted sprouted little tiny flowers.

A pizza box was thrown into the dinner table, Clint walking past it after he dropped it into the table. He was freshly done with a game/mission and all he wanted to do was take a shower and eat junk- hence the pizza.

He paused at the bedroom door, which was cracked open, and stood there for a second before leaning forward to look inside. There he spotted you, laying on the bed on your stomach- watching a show on your shared laptop. With a grin, he opened the door and walked in as quietly as the ronin could (which was very).

Standing at the edge of the bed he peered down at the computer- some action show was playing and he could tell you weren't paying too much attention to it. Hell, you were dozing off a little, head tilting down every now and then before snapping up. ‘Adorable’, he thought to himself.

It was pretty dark outside, arguably he thought you should be asleep by now, but he knew how you were- wanting to stay up and see him come home. Raising his leg he got onto the bed, trapping your legs in-between his. Before you could even realize what was going on he flipped down, trapping you underneath him. The bed dipped under his weight not adding onto yours, and his arms wrapped around your neck.

“Hey there sweetheart” he grins, leaning his head on your shoulder and nuzzling his nose into the side of your face. “Clint! You scared me” you muttered, turning and bumping his nose with yours.

A laugh bubbles from his chest, verberating into your back as he does so. “Sorry baby, couldn't help it. So happy you waited for me.” He said, cuddling up and tightening his grip on you. “I got dinner.”

You let out a hum, shutting the laptop and moving it to the side table. Shuffling the bed sheets around you leaned onto your side, bringing Barton with you, and then turning around to meet him face to face. “You stink.”

“Wha- hey! I just got back, give me a break.” He cried out, crowding your space with how close he held you. His cheek nuzzles into your hair and acts all hurt.

“Take a shower before you stink up our bed” you draw out, pretending to push him away while laughing. “C'mon, just a quick one?”

Clint pretended to think, staring at the wall behind you for a minute or two. “Alright,” he let go of you and leaned up on his arm “but give me a kiss first?” bargaining was all a part of his game.

You scoffed at his comment, but leaned up and placed a hand on his chest anyways. “Just don't use all the hot water” you mutter before leaning in and giving him a kiss. He quickly deepened the kiss, grabbing a hold of the back of your head and groaning into it before pulling away quickly- leaving you a little dazed from the unexpectedness and how tired you were.

“Alright, Pizza’s on the table.”

The TV was on and one of the various streaming platforms was open, as Hela has graciously agreed to watch a show with you. She always claimed modern entertainment was under her, but for her lover she could make an exception- you had basically begged her, saying it was something she might like. So here she is, sitting on the plush couch and an arm wrapped around your shoulder.

Television wasn't her thing, being the old fashioned gal she was- and the fact that Asgardian entertainment was very different, but if you thought it would be something she might like she'd give it a try.

You pointed the remote at the screen, scrolling until you found it and clicked play on it. Hela didn't particularly care for the name or intro sequence, using the hand over your shoulder to play with your hair. Her face was close to yours, you could feel her breath on your ear if you focused hard enough.

Eventually though, something had piqued her interest- and while she did continue to play with your hair, she slowly let her attention go to the screen. It was a history show, or something that played on actual history, so interesting how it was different to Asguardian texts.

Your hair laid on her shoulder and you grabbed her hand now resting idly on your shoulder, intertwining your fingers together. “Thank you for watching with me” you mutter, rolling your eyes up to look at her face. “I really appreciate it.”

The response she gave was different from what you were expecting- a simple hum of acknowledgement- instead she leaned down and kissed the side of your head. “You mortals get excited over the smallest thing, I find it… endearing.” She said, leaning her head on yours, “only when it's you though” she corrected herself quietly.

[nightbutterfly09]

Valentines day 

(btw those who get flowers I recommend getting yourself invested in flower language, I probably spent most of my time on researching this lol) (also, I may be biased [is that surprising?] So Sae might get two scenarios sometime later.. we’ll see, if you want one for the other pls share your ideas and tell me about them!) Keep in mind: Valentine’s day is celebrated differently around the world. In this I made that quite obvious but it’s always written there.

Sae Itoshi:        

/small piece of info: he also gives gifts on Valentine’s day so it’s not entirely like the Japanese customs/

He was a busy man, and naturally the world was against you two spending time on this special occasion. He had another long training day and they didn't take no for an answer, not even if he made sure he was free today days before. 

By the time you heard the front door of your luxurious apartment open it was already 8pm. Everything you wanted to do went out in the trash.

There you were sitting on the barstool sipping on some warm tea on this chilly February night.

You were engrossed in your phone but weren't into it in particular. Your mind was everywhere except for the article you were reading.

Sae knew he f-ed up. Although he really couldn't do anything about it. It isn't in his hands when he is called in for training. He has the right to take a break but the sports industry just doesn't always work like that.

Not to mention, in the back of your mind, you always knew that you’d only come after work. Just because he loved you deeply it didn't mean he’d throw years of work out the window for love.

His arms tangled around your waist which made you startled. “Honestly, I already spoke to you a lot and you are reading such a stupid article?” “It's..not that stupid” 

“It is, how about next time you just ask me how it went?” The article was about Itoshi Sae’s newest match, all the tricky goals he made and also how he made the Spanish striker look even better. “I do, you always tell me you were outstanding as usual” you chuckled.

Even if you were a little salty at him, that wasn't an excuse enough to be mad at him. At least in your book.

“Happy Valentine's day mi vida.” He whispered into your ears and got your phone out of your grasp. 

“So far it's not so happy” but then he let go and gave you a small box. “Wait…” 

“Don't overthink it, I just want to make it up to you.. so I booked a flight to Paris for tomorrow and we can do whatever.” 

You were listening but his words seemed to fall into silence as you opened the box. It was a beautiful ring. A simple but pretty one, just as you like it. 

Suddenly the thought hit you like a truck. “Wait, this isn't an engagement right?!?” Your face flushed and seriously hoped it wasn't time for that yet.

“No” his voice let out a crack of a smile. “It's just a promise right, I found your fingers weirdly missing something nowadays.. So since we aren't in a position for marriage yet, I decided on this. You don't have to wear it all the time though. And the next time I give you a ring, it will be an engagement ring.” He pressed a passionate kiss onto your lips while intertwining hour fingers.

The jewel shone on your hand with a soft glow in the dark. “Now, please don't be disappointed.. I know how important today was for you” 

“It's fine mi amor” you giggle. “I don't care if you forget a birthday, an important day, or you are just busy, what matters is that you show your love for me in a way. We can celebrate Valentine’s day on the 15th too, who said it has to be on one precise day anyway?” 

He smirked and shook his head lightly. “I love you Y/N”

“And I love you, Sae” the words barely left your lips and he picked you up anc placed you on the counter kissing you with passion but also many apologies unsaid.

Your boyfriend was never good with words, but he didn't mind showing his true intentions in many ways others wouldn't even think of.

“Oh, I made chocolate..but I kind of ate them already..in misery” he couldn't help but let a coy smile escape. “It's the thought that counts, and you can make it again later.” He rolled his eyes.

Seishiro Nagi:

For you two mornings were already noon for most people. Sure you had a little less sun to look at but it wasn't like you could just stay up at night and play games together. 

As you awoke the sound of late snow hit your ears. It sounded like some serious snow storm in February. 

You leaned over your boyfriend and checked the time on your phone. 11:34am. That's still so early. Waking up this soon was pointless but it's not like you paid more attention to it. You furrowed your brows  due to the bright life emitted from your screen and saw that today was February 14th. That means only one thing.

Valentine’s day. As much as you enjoyed the quality time it was more or less a hassle. But also you made it your virtue to make homemade chocolates to Sei every 14th of February. Just for his sake.

Therefore you climbed out of the grasp of the tall figure and rushed to the kitchen after getting yourself into something cozier. 

Your sloth loved homemade chocolates. Technically he loved your chocolates. He said the creamy texture and the milky aftertaste were just like what he’d buy at the store just better. 

Sometimes you didn't understand much of his reasoning but regardless you went along with it. 

After an hour he woke up to the fresh smell of chocolate. He slowly walked to the kitchen and tilted his head in inquiry. “What are you doing?” “Happy Valentine's day love!” “Ah.. so that's the occasion, thank you.. you too” he yawned lazily.

The white haired man walked behind you and burrowed his face into your neck as he held onto you for support. His tired body weighing onto you. You giggled. “Sei~ your hair tickles!” You could help but laugh more as he kept nuzzling into you. 

“Wanna have a bite?” You smiled and raised a small heart shaped chocolate to his mouth. “Aah” he opened his mouth and lazily bit it. 

His usually tired face showed sparkling eyes and an expression that yearned for more. He never had much of a sweet tooth so when he first tasted your sweets he thought they’d be all sugary, but this was more suited to his tastes with a slight bitterness in it. 

He leaned down and kissed your lips softly. “Yummy” “Me or the chocolates” 

His lips twitched into a smirk and kissed you again turning you to face him finally. “Both” he said and connected your lips again. 

“Wanna play Valorant with me?” “I’m gonna die first aren't I?” You giggled but nodded anyway. The second you wrapped the sweets into a small bag and placed them in the fridge you went after him to boot your computer. 

Later it was time to play your favorite games, which were more on the chill side. Not only did you play animal crossing but also persuaded him to play Genshin Impact with you which he often refuses to. 

Not because he doesn't like it, it's more like because unless it's some farming for your favorite characters he wasn't really needed.

As the snow quieted down and the stars appeared in the night sky, the main part of your date just continued.

Nor you nor him has ever said this would be a date but don't you call a date a well spent quality time? Then you were doing the exact definition of a date. 

Sure anyone could start an argument over this but with your interests aligning so closely it wasn't a matter of uncertainty whether or not this would count as a date or not.

The rest of your days always went by the same way except that he did make sure to thank you for those pretty and tasty chocolates.

Michael Kaiser:     

/small piece of info: since he is german he also gives gifts on Valentine’s day so it’s not entirely like the Japanese customs/   

He was never into love, not to mention Valentine’s day. He also didn’t really understand why someone would love their partner more on a specific day instead of just showing it every day.

That was before he met you. He still thought you deserve to be loved every single second but he understood the value of such a special day. Well at least he kind of knew it’s important to you so he went along with it. 

He spent the entirety of last week thinking what he could do for you. His girl never asked for anything. As far as he knew you never even asked for much. What you did need he bought that anyway so he was in a pickle on what to do.

And there he was. Late with ideas. The awaited day came and he still hadn’t thought of anything. He really tried though. Suddenly he picked you up as you were making him chocolates. “Want to go somewhere?” You tilted your head a little. “The weather forecast said it’d rain soon.” 

“We can still go out, maybe just stay in the car?” You chuckled. “I know you’ve been stressed out because of today but come on, we can just stay at home watch a movie, chat, and I also tried out a new recipe for chocolates which means we can eat that.” “My nutritionist will murder me, but sure if that’s what you want” He mumbled and pulled you more into his embrace. 

“You can pick a movie” You shrug. “Any? Even horror?” He grinned. “Hey, I want to have a good time too.” ‘It’s not like you’d be focusing much on the screen Micha.’ 

People often say he’s as hard to read as understanding cave drawings but to you, Michael Kaiser’s unsaid words just glowed through his expressions. He could make a frowny face and you’d still be confident he was happy with something.

“Stop teasing.” You shook your head with a giggle. As soon as the chocolates were all done he got the first bite. “That’s so good Micha” A soft smile draped across his face. His loving gaze concentrated on ust the woman ahead. He wouldn’t admit, but he was falling deeper and deeper every second he spent with you.

A love he never experienced or saw just barged in on him. The locked iron door was kicked down without even a struggle. The secrets and hardships he never opened up about, all those deep cuts were exposed to you all of a sudden. He just found himself wanting to spend every existing minute with you. The love of his life. 

All those deep scars he tried burying oh so well just resurfaced. And you tried patching them up properly. As if an insecure little girl, who tried covering her pimples with layers upon layers of foundation but only making it worse. You were there and stopped his hands before grabbing the blender again.

There was something special about you. Something no woman could ever replace. Yes you had flaws, just like him. But to him that never meant less perfection. Only more things to work on.

Rin Itoshi:

/traditional Japanese styled valentine’s +reader unable to cook :)/ 

As he got home from his hour-long run the sudden aroma of burnt chocolate made its way to him. “I’m home-” His voice was full of concern but he still headed to the kitchen. “Welcome home Rin!!” You smiled. 

His gaze drifted to the counter. There was one batch of burnt chocolate in heart shapes and you were making another one now. “You don’t have to do this you know…” He inspected the burnt chocolates. Not only did they crumble at his touch but they also seemed genuinely uneatable. Not that he’d want to taste that. “I don’t want to hurt you but, I don’t think this is how they’re made.” 

You pouted and looked at him. “Hey I know I messed those up but this will be better!” You were stubborn. Once you set your mind to something you will go through with it regardless. He knew backing off wasn’t in the cards. “I’ll help you after I showered and changed.” 

“No need, I want to do this for you!” “Yeah, you either do it half-successfully and burn the kitchen down or I help you and they will be potentially digestible.”

“Stop being mean to me” you whined as he just walked out with a chuckle. After about 10 minutes he was back.

He wore a comfortable blue shirt with black sweatpants. His hair was all messy and his face had a smudge of toothpaste on it.

You giggled at his sight. “What?” He scoffed. “Lean down.” To your command he looked at you suspiciously but he obeyed. 

Doon the toothpaste was wiped down. You also made sure his hair is fine. “Have you even looked in the mirror?” “I did- but I was in a hurry” “aww you missed me that much?” “No, I was afraid you’d burn the kitchen down.” 

“See, you are mean again.” Regardless of his words he started helping you and making sure you two didn't leave the chocolate on the fire for long. 

The chocolates weren't only pretty this time but they were also so tasty. You filled some with jam that your grandma uses often. 

You were now sitting by the couch cuddling while some boring show was playing in front of you. That neither of you was interested in.

This is how a regular Valentine's day goes for Rin and you. Nothing much happening but what does, has lots of sentimental value. 

The sun slowly made it's way down the horizon as you two were still playing around by the window. 

You both needed nothing more. Just chocolates and the soft silence of your home.

Reo Mikage: 

/piece of info: he doesn’t really follow japanese customs/

The man knew your needs by heart. Not only would he make sure every February 14th is enjoyable for you but he would also make sure every time a new experience can be written into your diary that you always thought you kept well hidden from him. 

Reo did love you every day. He did show how much he treasured you each moment but he also knew that these special occasions have a sentimental value that he can't just ignore. So instead he tries making the most of it. Every single time.

He already had a hotel booked and you awoke in fresh bed sheets in a homey hotel. You slowly woke up and opened your eyes. Reo was lying next to you and he was just admiring you. “Why are you staring so much?” You couldn’t help but feel embarrassed. You just woke up and you probably looked like a giant mess. “Because you’re pretty. So pretty.” The purple haired man smirked. 

You were doing your makeup when he finally arrived from downstairs to order your breakfast to be this luxurious one. Not like you ever asked for such. “Happy Valentine’s Day, my queen.” Reo leaned down and kissed your lips. 

“Mmm, cherry.” “I just put that on.” You pretended to pout but then out of nowhere he handed you a giant bouquet of flowers. “Flowers for the pretty woman. My pretty woman.”  Pink carnations rose up from all the little white flowers. It was filled with pinks and deep purples with also little white flowers here and there. Peonies decorated the bouquet to give it a gentle and majestic look. The latter being there for the soft transition.

Lilies swayed on the edges as you held the soft purple paper it was wrapped in. There was a note to be seen with small white petals painted on it.

‘To my queen who I have to thank for a lot. You lit my world up thousands of times when I was at my worst. Thank you for always reminding me you are here less than in an arm’s reach. I want to show my utmost love to you every second of every day. I’ll never leave you and you cannot either. I love you Beautiful.'

Tears swelled up into your eyes as you read his confession. And that wasn’t even a florist’s handwriting. It was his very own. 

Not only does this man spend so much time and money on you he also makes sure it doesn’t all come from his wealth. Not only do his presents have sentimental value but also it shows that he cares. He cares for you deeply.

“Reo~” You whined trying to hold your tears back. “I just did my mascara too” You whined as you tried drying off your tears. Not that right now that was the most important. You just didn’t know what to do or say to him. 

It was as if words and letters and voices couldn’t convey your true feelings. As if this moment can’t possibly be written. Something ethereal. But also, something more than ethereal. That was his kind of love.

Meguru Bachira:

To say the least your boyfriend had a personality. The moment he woke up in your arms he turned and woke you up with sloppy kisses. “Morning Sunshine”

Your eyelids opened just slightly only to flinch at the amount of light that came through the window. Looks like spring was coming very soon as even the sunrays decided to interrupt your sweet dreams. “Morning Meguru~” your slightly crooked morning voice barely made it out. 

“Happy Valentine's day!!” He squealed excitedly and rolled on top of you.

After finally calming him and going about your day at one point he said he had to meet up with Isagi so you were left in the house all alone. The morning jitters also sparkled onto you as you felt more energized than ever.

But Meguru had that aura around him a lot. No matter how little sleep you got or how exhausted you were because of a long week, your boyfriend would always be there to brighten your day.

After about 4 hours he finally came back. You were making chocolate. It was half ready when the door opened. “So I know today is usually your turn and I have to give white day presents BUUT hear me out.” He grinned and gave you a bouquet of colorful flowers.

Many flowers brightened in a bunch of different colors and aesthetics. You saw red tulips, red, orange and white lilies as well as hydrangeas blooming in deep pinks. Not only was it mesmerizing to look at but the smell filled the room in minutes. 

“Thank you baby! I am so happy you thought of me” you grinned and leaned in to hug him. 

You loved how he was the partner to always confide in, he tried his best to make everyone's day, so when it came to his loved ones he didn't shy away at all. 

You put the flowers in a beautiful vase which you got from his mom last year. It was painted with flower veins strangling all over it in every direction.

Later you both wrapped the chocolates as well as little snacks and went down to the nearby park for a picnic. It has been tradition that on Valentine's day the both of you go downstairs with home cooked things and have fun.

The weather was still chilly and that's what made it more fun. It was solely you two in a friendly loneliness. Having alone time with someone was the best and you both understood that feeling well without having to speak up.

As the cold breeze hit your face you leaned more and more into Meguru’s warmth which not only warmed your body up but also his.

The gentle but earnest type of love that was so hard to find. A childlike wonder that you never grew out of.

You already knew Meguru could go overboard and he didn't miss saying “Happy Valentine's day” in every waking moment you passed each other in the house. With loud cheers and the pure happiness emitting from his mouth.

[iamhereinthebg]

Heya Anon!

Tbh I don't really know, Akane is a character who has been dealing with a thousand death flags leading to nothing since his most serious appareance in the manga. And this new timeline is not an exception.

Especially since we know that Kako and Mirai gave him 'You have to try to stay alive' rule as one of his duties

Implying that it is dangerous to altern the past and be the Clock Keeper of the Present, that they have to stay alive to make sure everything goes according to plan.

It also ties to my theory that Akane is the first human clock keeper of the present; Because after all if Kako and Mirai have been asleep since they changed the past in this new timeline, they couldn't have chosen anyone during 1968 and the current events in the manga (2015).

Akane is the only person who is directly coming from a different timeline even compared to Nene and Teru who just remember the stuff from the previous one, being on a time limit before their memories are erased. Akane brought along with him the fact that he is a clock keepers and mystery n°1, something he couldn't be in this new timeline in the first place since both of them don't exist.

But I digress.

Akane has been a little bit different since they came back from the boundary closest to the far shore. It's not that surprising with how much the previous arc must have taken a toll on him. Understanding that Aoi wanted to die, losing her, being impaled, having Teru confirming that he will lose years of his lifespan by turning back human too soon, being beaten up twice by number 6, etc...

Akane is like Kou and Nene on this point, a character who wants to do a lot, but is always a step behind when it comes to supernaturals. And like the other two, it is starting to show in his attitude.

Akane has been shown more unsure of his choices and of his opinions when it's something that never posed him a problem before. He is more scared of Teru (when he knows the exorcist by now) and of being hurt in general,. Something he hasn't showed as much before, liking and enjoying life of course, but never being afraid to be in the first line even if it meant being hurt; Now he acts like he is truly scared of dying.

And he lets things involving Aoi not being his first priority. Refusing to listen to Natsuhiko plan to even try to heal her. Akane has always been showed to be really proactive anyways, that's one of his main character trait. So seeing that he is putting something for a later date and it involves Aoi can be seen as a little bit strange. Akane still loves her deeply and all but he seems to have other plans now, which we learn later in the clock keeper arc. He is not even looking at her directly, having an air of melancholy when he announces he will heal her but not now

That's more of a stretch now, but I think it's pretty safe to assume that Akane has known since a long time what it meant to be the clock keeper of the present, that they had the power to change the timeline. But nothing special has been happening to make the clock keepers take this drastic decision, especially since we know that nothing has been ever changed since the Yugi Twins 4th birthday at least. Which is why he probably never thought about it before. But now that he knows the school mysteries are more important, not just dangerous supernaturals but are protecting the land, and that Hanako has been destroying the yorishiros (which to me, seem to be the seals to keep away the God from the pit/the God Sumire was supposed to marry) he seems to be more aware of this duty in general.

Or if he was made aware of it recently anyways, it's something that the clock keepers must have brought up before the fall festival, being something that even someone as 'Carpe Diem, it is what it is' Aoi Akane may not be able to entirely ignore.

He has been forced A LOT in his role lately too and he clearly doesn't really like it, even if he is good at it.

He finally say 'we' when talking about the clock keepers, and consider even himself as the biggest threat of the school. He doesn't know what to think directly of the supernaturals or seven mysteries now. Knowing that they have an important role to fulfill but still not trusting them at all, knowing of their dangerous tendencies to hurt humans. He can't even look Teru in the eyes when he asks him if the clock keepers are planning to change the timeline over and over again. His feelings for the clock keepers being clearly a difficult case for him to tackle down even if he pretends it's not.

I always said this kinda as a joke, that Akane had the role of a Chosen One but went 'fck no' with it. But I think that it really is this kind of stuff now. Like for Nene who is 'the Kannagi' of the current time and get to make choices and stuff she doesn't want to do. Akane is the same with his role as the clock keeper of the present. Because no matter what he says, he kinda has accepted this fate now, preferring to know what is happening (since he realizes how ignorant he was in the "to the far shore" arc), and having a way to be able to change things. Sacrifying his chance to be 'a normal student'.

But he is not happy with any of it, being the one on the front row to endure all of the supernaturals choices, even knowing that if they don't change back the timeline, he will be the last one to remember. And as said previously, he is now a part of it! He is of course still more human than supernatural but he still acknowledges his role way more than before. Akane hates the way supernaturals work and now what he is doing? Being one of the reason the world is in this state. Of course it's taking a toll on him.

Of course, he doesn't accept everything right away, like Aoi's engagement, it's at first played for jokes but even then, it's understandable with how far their relationship evolved in the previous timeline. He is now thrown into the role of 'the childhood friend who never stood a chance in the first place'. I do think he has a right to be a little bit upset

But after understanding that technically, it's not that much of a big deals in the current events of everything else, since at first most people seems okay, he goes right away to do what the clock keepers asked him to do. Even going to go ask for Teru's help when he knows how much he destroyed his trust.

To finish this long stuff, I think the real big ''death flags' for what is happening right now is of course the fact that he got cursed by the red house (which is a supernatural who has already tried to fool him in the og timeline btw) .

And that there is a chance, like said earlier, that there is only one Akane like him for now, and that he could get stuck here or at least not coming back entirely as the Aoi Akane we knew in the manga (a chance for him to become a full supernatural for example, to be forever now the clock keeper of the present) But for this tbh we don't know a lot it's really more speculation because we know nothing of what could happen to him particulary.

My fav 'suspicious af thing he said' for now in the new timeline is this.

The official translation goes " .. And will love my whole life to the day I die and even beyond that."

When he starts the manga with this.

With the same belief than Hanako that 'death is the end' and now he is considering the After Death, with everything he saw of course, but specifically for him in this case.

Bonus: a thing that is apparently confirmed to be a lie, or he can bend the rules, but he didn't say this in front of Teru and Nene the first time.

And something that I truly think he doesn't know anything about too (my brain truly think Kako and Mirai choose him, and I have some delulu proofs but I digress) Akane do not know sht about the clock keepers and especially doesn't see when people show clear interest in him

[andy-15-07]

Hi! As Valentine's day is coming... If you feel comfortable with it, would you write an Aaron x girlfriend reader spending Valentine's... actually night together after a hard day at work? P.S.: I really like your stories!

A Valentine's Surprise

pairing: Aaron Taylor Johnson x female!reader

word count: 1595 | requests are open (send requests, I will gladly answer them all)

Aaron Taylor Johnson Masterlist

After a grueling day at work, you drag your feet up the stairs to your apartment, mind cluttered with endless meetings and a never-ending to-do list. As you fumble with your keys, a soft glow emanates from within, accompanied by the gentle strains of your favorite love song. The door swings open before you can even insert the key, and there he is—Aaron, his eyes warm and inviting, a tender smile curving his lips.

“Hey, love,” he greets softly, stepping aside to let you in. “I know today wasn’t easy. Come in and let me take care of you tonight.”

You set your bag down, still tired, but something in his gaze sparks a little hope—a promise of comfort and tenderness after the storm of the day. “Aaron… you really shouldn’t have,” you murmur, leaning into his embrace.

“Nonsense,” he replies, gently brushing a stray hair from your face. “Tonight, it’s all about you. I’ve planned a little something special.”

Curiosity piqued, you follow him into the softly lit dining area. The room is transformed: flickering candles are arranged carefully on the table, and a trail of rose petals leads from the door to a small table set for two. A vase of fresh red roses stands proudly at the center, its fragrance mingling with the delicate aroma of the meal he’s prepared.

“Wow,” you whisper, a smile tugging at your lips despite the exhaustion. “This is… beautiful.”

Aaron’s eyes twinkle with mischief and affection. “I wanted to remind you how loved you are. I know you’ve been pushing yourself too hard lately, and you deserve a night just for you.”

He pulls out your chair for you with a flourish, and you settle in, your eyes never leaving his. As you both take your seats, he pours you a glass of wine. The clink of crystal and the soft murmur of the background music create an intimate bubble around you.

“So, tell me about your day,” he says, leaning forward with genuine concern. “I want to hear every detail—if you feel like sharing.”

You laugh softly, the sound mingling with the gentle music. “Every detail? It was just a mess of deadlines, meetings, and then… this.” You gesture around the room, your eyes softening as they meet his. “It means a lot that you did all this for me.”

Aaron smiles. “It’s nothing, really. I just want you to feel cherished.” He pauses, then continues, “After dinner, I have another surprise planned… but let’s enjoy this moment first.”

The conversation flows as naturally as the wine. You recount snippets of your chaotic day, and he listens intently, offering little jokes and words of encouragement. “You’re incredible,” he insists, his voice low and sincere. “I know it’s hard sometimes, but you handle everything with such grace. I admire you so much.”

At one point, he reaches across the table, taking your hand in his. “I want you to know that tonight is about more than just relaxing—it’s about celebrating us, our connection, and the love we share. I’ve been thinking a lot about how I can show you just how important you are to me.”

You squeeze his hand gently, feeling the warmth of his touch. “Aaron, you make me feel so safe, so loved. Even on my worst days, you’re here to remind me that there’s beauty in the chaos.”

As the meal comes to an end, the candles have burned low, casting a soft glow that hints at the transition to the next part of the evening. Aaron stands and offers his hand. “Come with me,” he murmurs. “I have something else planned.”

Curiosity and anticipation flutter inside you as you follow him down the hallway to the bedroom. The door opens onto a room transformed by Aaron’s careful planning—a sanctuary bathed in soft, ambient light. The bed, draped in silky sheets, is adorned with even more rose petals that mirror those in the dining room. A subtle scent of vanilla and lavender fills the air, creating a sense of calm and intimacy.

Aaron walks to the center of the room, his eyes never leaving yours. “I wanted to create a space where you can truly relax,” he explains. “I’ve set everything up so that tonight, you can forget about the world and just be here, with me.”

He steps closer, his hand cupping your cheek as he searches your eyes for permission. “I want to make you feel cherished—every inch of you. Tonight, I want to show you how deeply I love you.”

Before you can respond, he leans in, capturing your lips in a kiss that’s soft at first, then deepening with an intensity that seems to echo all the unspoken words of care and desire. The kiss is both a promise and an invitation, drawing you into the moment completely.

“Aaron…” you whisper against his lips, the sound trembling with a mix of anticipation and emotion.

“Shh,” he murmurs, his tone tender. “Just let go. Tonight is our night.”

Gently, he leads you to the edge of the bed, laying you down on the plush sheets as if you were the most precious treasure in his world. He takes a moment to admire you—your beauty accentuated by the soft light, your eyes shining with a mix of wonder and desire. “You look so beautiful tonight,” he says, his voice husky with emotion.

You smile, feeling a blush of warmth spread across your cheeks. “I feel beautiful when I’m with you,” you reply, your voice barely above a whisper.

Aaron reaches for a small table on the bedside, unveiling a neatly wrapped box. “I wanted to surprise you,” he explains. “I’ve been saving this for the right moment.” With care, he unties the ribbon, revealing a delicate piece of jewelry—a pendant that catches the light in a way that makes it almost magical. “This is for you. Every time you wear it, I want you to remember tonight, and know that my heart is always with you.”

Touched by his thoughtfulness, you trace the design of the pendant with your fingers. “It’s perfect,” you murmur, your eyes glistening. “Thank you, Aaron. I love it... and I love you.”

He smiles, leaning down to capture your lips in another kiss, this one filled with the promise of more. “I love you too, more than words can ever say.”

The rest of the evening unfolds in a slow, deliberate exploration of intimacy. Aaron’s hands and lips trace soft, loving paths along your skin, each touch igniting sparks of desire that melt away the remnants of the day’s stress. “I’ve missed this—us,” he whispers as he caresses your shoulder, his touch both reassuring and electrifying.

You respond with soft laughter and whispered words of affection, “I’ve missed you too, Aaron. You make me feel… alive.”

Between kisses and tender caresses, your conversation continues, as intimate and soulful as the physical closeness you share. “Tell me,” he murmurs, “what do you need from me tonight? How can I make you feel even more loved?”

You take a moment, your gaze drifting to the shadows dancing on the walls. “Just hold me,” you reply softly. “Just… make me feel like everything’s going to be alright.”

And so, he holds you. The night becomes a tapestry of whispered confessions, gentle laughter, and the quiet murmur of two hearts finding solace in each other’s embrace. The world outside—the chaos of deadlines, meetings, and exhaustion—fades away until there is nothing but the soft glow of the candlelight, the rhythmic beating of your hearts, and the shared promise of a love that heals and nurtures.

Time seems to stretch, each moment a blend of passion and tenderness, until the peak of your shared intimacy arrives like a gentle crescendo. In the dim light, every kiss and touch is a conversation of its own—a dialogue of desire, comfort, and unyielding affection.

Aaron’s whispers fill the space between you. “I want you to know, every time I look at you, I’m reminded of how lucky I am. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted.”

Your reply is a soft sigh, punctuated by the closeness of his embrace. “I never knew I could feel so safe, so cherished. Tonight… you’ve given me a love that feels endless.”

In that sacred space, the layers of stress and fatigue peel away, leaving only the raw, undeniable connection between you. Every touch is a reassurance, every whispered word a promise that this night—this moment—is a testament to the love you share. The surprise that Aaron prepared wasn’t just the carefully arranged setting or the beautiful gift; it was the depth of his care, the sincerity of his intentions, and the willingness to bare his soul for you to see.

As the night deepens, and the soft glow of dawn edges the horizon, you lie in the quiet afterglow, entwined in each other’s arms. The remnants of the evening—a scattered petal here, a half-whispered phrase there—serve as gentle reminders of the night’s magic.

Aaron brushes a kiss across your hair, murmuring, “Every day with you is a gift, but tonight… tonight has been my favorite.”

You close your eyes, a contented smile on your lips, and whisper, “Thank you, Aaron. For the dinner, the surprise, for making me feel so loved. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

In the gentle embrace of the early morning, with the promise of a new day on the horizon, you both drift into a peaceful slumber—hearts full, souls intertwined, and the memory of a Valentine’s night that will linger in your hearts forever.

[alexbkrieger13]

https://www.rds.ca/hockey/lphf/conjointes-et-coequipieres-l-equilibre-de-poulin-et-stacey-1.19485912 the content just keeps coming

“Four months later, I haven't stopped smiling.”

This is how Marie-Philip Poulin highlighted her four months of marriage with Laura Stacey, in a post on Instagram on January 28. This simple but emotional sentence accompanied a carousel of photos of this day when they united their destinies.

The memories of that sunny September Saturday in the countryside on the border of Quebec and Ontario are still fresh in the minds of the two women. 

“When we watch videos and photos, it quickly takes us back to that moment. A weekend with all our favorite people in the same place. We couldn’t ask for better,” Marie-Philip told me before the start of the second season of the LPHF. 

Beyond the flowers, the white dresses and the bucolic decor, the presence of around 200 of their loved ones is also what marked Laura. 

"Everyone who means a lot to us came to our wedding. There are very few times in life where you get to do that." Even the couple's Golden Retriever, Arlo, was involved in the ceremony!

In the public eye, Poulin never breaks down in important moments. "Captain Clutch" is, however, the one who cried the most of the two spouses, Stacey reveals with a laugh. 

"I don't like to show my emotions. Neither does Marie, but inside she is very sensitive. We both ended up crying during the ceremony." Marie-Philip has no choice but to agree. "Yes, I am a little sensitive, but it was a very special moment," she sums up, recalling that it is rare for the couple to display themselves in such an intimate way. 

“We celebrated our love, this connection that we often put aside because we are teammates. Getting out of this comfort zone and showing ourselves as we are, it was magical” adds Laura. 

Teammates and lovers: two distinct spheres

It is true that the two women are better known to the general public for their exploits on the ice with Team Canada and, more recently, with the Montreal Victory. Even among their teammates, they do everything they can to be considered two hockey players in their own right. They do not sit next to each other in the locker room or on the bus and do not share a room on the road. 

"Let's get things straight. We are two people who are here for the right reasons and to play hockey," Marie-Philip explains bluntly. 

At the forefront of their relationship, Ann-Renée Desbiens is categorical: “If Laura misses a pass, you can be sure that Pou will tell her!” exclaims the goalie. Stacey confirms that at work, her wife is first and foremost her captain. “She’s clearly not embarrassed to tell me when I make a mistake on the ice! But it’s good for us and that’s what makes us improve.” 

Contrary to their usual habits, the two accomplices did not hesitate to publicly share their engagement in May 2023 on a beach in Hawaii, as well as numerous photos and videos of the wedding. This rare window into their world has caused a lot of reaction.

“At first, we were like, ‘Okay, that’s a lot,’ but people who came to see us, connected with us, brought us bracelets. ‘Hey, I can be myself, thank you!’ It really opened our eyes to being okay with being yourself,” says Marie-Philip. “We’re so focused on hockey and not letting anything show. But it’s also important to own who we are. We take advantage of the wedding to show off, but when hockey starts again, our couple goes back into their bubble and their own little world,” adds Laura. 

Their relationship pushed the Ontarian to learn French, which she is increasingly fluent in. She wanted to communicate with her in-laws from Beauce, but also with the fans in Montreal, her adopted city. 

“I play in Quebec, in Montreal. French is the first language in this province and this city. Everyone in Montreal welcomed me. I think it’s very important to try to find the right word and say thank you to the fans.”

Competitive Arena at Home

Ann-Renée Desbiens smiles as she talks about the progress of her two friends. 

“These are two women who have become better by being together. You see them every day supporting each other, encouraging each other, but also challenging each other! Whether it’s on the ice, off the ice or at home, they always want to win. Each is the other’s biggest supporter.”

This friendly rivalry even involves Arlo, now 4 years old. Marie-Philip reluctantly admits that he is more her partner's dog, even though she chose him. Laura offers an explanation with a laugh: "I think he likes Marie more for the food. She gives him maple syrup, bacon, etc. But he prefers to cuddle and lie on me. It bothers her a little!"

One of the couple's biggest challenges remains getting away from work since hockey is also their passion. According to Marie-Philip, they try not to bring up the subject once the door of the house closes. 

“We take the car to come back from the arena and sometimes we take a lot of detours to talk about it because when we get home it’s over… until we watch RDS and see the highlights and I tell her, ‘Did you miss that pass?!’”