#kind of like spinning a basketball on your finger

[mollywog]

One of the Careers calls Peeta

handy with that knife.

I have this silly little headcanon that there’s nothing actually malicious about this - it’s just a product of his family’s business and working in the kitchen since he was little; chopping fruits, vegetables, meat, herbs, nut - he likely got pretty good at it. And as a kid, I imagine him harmlessly fooling around a bit: timing how quickly he can skin a squirrel, spinning knives in the palm, Whittling, maybe…

So in the games he was probably able to demonstrate something a little showy to the Careers that would deem him “handy with knives”

It ties into what Katniss says in Catching Fire about the other Victors having district industry related strengths.

Of course. Johanna Mason. District 7. Lumber. I bet she’s been tossing around axes since she could toddle. It’s like Finnick with his trident. Or Beetee with his wire. Rue with her knowledge of plants. I realize it’s just another disadvantage the District 12 tributes have faced over the years. We don’t go down in the mines until we’re eighteen. It looks like most of the other tributes learn something about their trades early on. There are things you do in a mine that could come in handy in the Games. Wielding a pick. Blowing things up. Give you an edge. The way my hunting did. But we learn them too late.

I similarly picture little Finnick twirling a trident like a baton.

[satoruoo]

currently thinking about basketballplayer!gojo

basketballplayer!gojo who brings absolute carnage to the court. on top of being unfairly tall, he's quick-witted and aggressive. the worst kind of person to be your opposition.

basketballplayer!gojo who's eyes are always finding yours throughout a game, winking and blowing kisses without shame. seeing you smile and retaliate sets his heart ablaze in a way that he can't describe.

basketballplayer!gojo who's entire team knows you, and if he's ever having one of his little "missing his girl" episodes, one of them is already texting, begging you to come and fix him so he can play at his best.

basketballplayer!gojo who somehow convinces you to practice with him even though you know absolutely nothing about basketball. he's all soft when he plays with you, dramatically falling to the floor when you dribble past him. he lets you win because he can't get enough of the way your lips tip up into a smug grin. you're both aware you're doing absolutely shit, but that's not the point.

basketballplayer!gojo whose preparation for a game involves a good luck kiss from you to soothe any nerves that course through his veins as he steps onto the court. believe it or not, the pressure sometimes gets to him.

basketballplayer!gojo who gets pissed when he hears someone from the other team wolf whistle and make an inappropriate comment about you. his team pities their opponents because gojo does not allow them to catch a breath the entire game. it's point after point after point and geto swore he saw gojo give the guy a middle finger.

basketballplayer!gojo who blows a kiss to you when he scores then makes direct eye contact with the dude who made the comment as both a warning and a boast.

basketballplayer!gojo who makes it known to everyone in the stadium that his girlfriend is present in the stands, dedicating every point to you. it's a fact, the grass is green, the sky is blue and you are his just as he is yours.

basketballplayer!gojo who's looking for you the moment his team is announced as the winners, heart running laps when he spots you cheering and clapping. he celebrates with his team until you make it down from the stands, and then he runs to you and traps you in a hug that conveys both his thanks for coming to watch and the adrenaline of winning.

basketballplayer!gojo who spins you around three times with the brightest smile you've seen in your life when he wins.

basketballplayer!gojo who revels in the attention you give him post-game. he loves the way you'll offer him a massage, kneading his muscles with practiced ease that makes him feel so much lighter. you let him lean on you, head nuzzling into your stomach as you thread your fingers through his hair.

basketballplayer!gojo whose coach notices his sloppy shots one day and calls you, sighing to himself when he finds that gojo's state is due to an argument you had this morning.

basketballplayer!gojo who only perks back up when you drop by while the team is practicing and he's immediately clinging to you and apologizing like his life depends on it. then, he's back to normal. hell, he's even better.

basketballplayer!gojo whose team hopes you never break up because they fear what gojo will become.

basketballplayer!gojo whose top priorities are you and basketball. nothing else really matters in his eyes.

tagging: @sad-darksoul

[arlertwhore]

pairing: paige bueckers x fem! reader

warning(s): nsfw/18+, fighting (verbal/physical), toxic relationship stuff, fingering, thigh riding, pussy eating, squirting,

synopsis: the bitchy, possessive, and temperamental gf who paige thinks she can handle proves her right!

word count: 2.4k

Author Note: got my first lil hate comment the other day 😜 i feel like an actual writer now lmao! here goes draft #6, comin’ in lit 🔥

Fuck knows what you're complaining about this time. She's straight from practice — from a rigorous, exhausting, and intense practice, frustrated with her own performance, only to find you waiting at the door, already irritated about something entirely. Perhaps it was how she didn’t answer you at all today—or how you saw her looking too close for comfort to another 'fan' as she claimed, though you never trusted it—or maybe she even fucking sighed at you the wrong way upon entering through the door because the littlest of things ticked you off—you—her bitchy, demanding, and infuriatingly sexy girlfriend, whom Paige has to constantly remind herself she willingly got involved with, knowing full well she was signing up for the being the figurative property of the brattiest, bossiest, most high-maintenance girl on campus.

"Are you even listening to me?!" you fume as Paige storms past you, stripping a trail of her clothes all the way to the bathroom, letting her hair fall loose from its low bun as she saunters away from your chaos, massaging her temples.

"Seriously, Y/N, now's not the time, I gotta-" - "I don't give a fuck!" you explode, chasing after her and grabbing her arm to spin her back around. "I don't care about your shitty day or your shitty excuses. Why the fuck didn't you text me back, hm?" Paige sighs, avoiding your eyes with an air of exasperation, her gaze shifting to the ceiling in an attempt to not roll them. At her silence, you feel your anger boil over, frustration evident in the clenched fist at your sides and the tense set of your jaw. "You're the fucking worst, Paige!" you snap, "You think just because I'm understanding that means you can take pictures with all these other bitches, post all on your Instagram, but then NOT text me back!"

Paige knew she was the man, the kind of person who could handle any challenge, which is why she thought dating someone like you—a real piece of work—would be a good match. She believed you could keep her on her toes, pushing her to become mentally stronger, more confident, and dominant—qualities she hoped would shine on the court, but on days like this, when you demanded drama and chaos, she wondered if she was truly cut out for it. Her honest, no-bullshitting, no-pretense attitude of: My girlfriend is so sexy opinion? Nah. And she promptly proved that stance when she spat out, “Alright, I’m sorry, baby… Is that what you want me to say? That I’m sorry I have things to do and you act like a bitch about it?” her voice venomous and defensive, stunning you. “Man, get the fuck out of my way right now. I don’t feel like fighting with you, for real,” she demanded, trying to brush past you. You couldn’t believe she actually spoke to you like that—she was usually so considerate of your feelings. In a fit of rage, you squared up to her and pushed her back by her shoulders with a strength you didn’t know you had over the 6ft wall of strength she was. Growling, you commanded, “You’re gonna stand here until WE’RE done talking!”

Paige stands with her hands on her hips, clenching at her sides with such restraint that her basketball shorts ride up, revealing her boxers underneath. She warns, "Stop playin' with me, yo. Step aside." and as she advances again, trying to get to the bathroom door behind you, you block her path, arms crossed and eyes flashing. Sneering, you challenge defiantly, "No. What are you gonna do if I don’t step aside, P? Hm? You gonna hit me?"

She takes a deep breath, drops her head, and shakes it exasperatedly before a light chuckle escapes her, broad shoulders bouncing. “Whatever, ma,” she mutters, turning around and picking up the clothes she’d left scattered on the floor. “I’m gonna go shower at Mikayla’s — forget this.”

You don’t have enough time to be angry about her saying she’s visiting Mikayla’s house—the slut you’d warned her to stay away from. Instead, you sprint to the front door, grab her keys off the rack, and hide them behind your back. Coldly, you say, “You’re mine, Paige. Turn around and get your ass in bed, NOW! You ain’t goin’ nowhere.”

Paige knows you and your past well enough to recognize that you aren’t joking about this possessiveness. However, she’s far from intimidated at the moment. Instead of backing down or appeasing you like she usually does for her princess, she glares at you with a fiery defiance. Her voice is firm as she refutes, “Give me my keys, Y/N.”

You gaze at her, a smirk forming on your face as you watch her façade of nonchalance crumble. Her face turns a subtle red, veins bulging in her hands as she holds them open, waiting for the keys, her lips curled inward and cheeks hollowed. She stands there expectantly, like a statue, until you bristle as she seizes your wrist, slamming it against the door while reaching for the keys with her other hand. Instinctively, you counter with your free hand, pushing her away. She’s lost her calm and collected demeanor. It’s scarier how she doesn’t run but still chases you with the relentlessness of a predator. Her eyes blaze with determination as she follows your running with a steady, purposeful stride. You taunt, “Come and get it, doggy! Yeah, you little bitch!” luring her toward the bathroom, the only room in the house with a lock, and Paige knows exactly what you’re up doing. Just before you can slam the door in her face, Paige lunges for it and forces it open, stepping inside and backing you against the door. This time, she tries a different approach to get the keys—she clasps your waist, holding you in place with her knees pressed against your smaller legs, effectively immobilizing you. As she tussles with you for the keys, you keep a tight grip on them. The struggle is fierce, and you're both panting in each other’s faces, exchanging only ragged breaths. You finally manage to break free from the bathroom and run for the bedroom with Paige hot on your heels. As you glance over your shoulder to see where she’s at, you realize too late that she’s no longer focused on reclaiming her keys. With a swift tackle, she takes you down onto the bed, pinning you there and forcing you into submission. The keys fall out of your hand, but Paige remains on top of you, her anger unrepairable as she growls, “Wanna bitch at me like that when I’m tired?” Her big hands begin to untie your nightrobe. “Wanna piss me off when I’m trying to be nice about things?”

She moves with an almost animalistic quality, yanking you down the bed by your legs and sending your clothes flying off with the force of her pull, baring your body to her hungry blue eyes. She hisses against your neck, “Little bitch?” and you nod rebelliously, “Yeah..fuck,” you heave, “look at you, so pissed, hm?” Her words are unbearably sexy when she vows, “I’ll show you a little bitch.” Mere moments later, she’s seated on the edge of the bed, with you draped over her lap like a ragdoll. You’re writhing, still trying to resist, biting and clawing at her thighs, but Paige’s grip is unyielding. Under her strength, you’re completely powerless.

Her hands spread your ass open, giving her a clear view of your dripping pussy. She chuckles cockily, the smirk evident in her voice even though you're not looking at her when she drawls, “This is why you’re really bitchin’ out, huh, ma?”

You whine at her words, stuttering and squirming, “Let me go, Paige, f-fuck!”

She tuts dismissively. “Aw, but that’s not what you really want, baby... you just need this pussy fucked, don’t you? To get fucked back to your senses—make you my good girl again, my princess...” she purrs, her fingers sliding through your slick and teasing your asshole. Then you hear the dirtiest, most sinful suck of fingers in her mouth you’ve ever heard.

Hips arched high with her strong arm restraining you from running, pressed firmly into your lower back, punching pressure deep within and outside of you, all aligning on the inside, she works her fingers into your soaking wet cunt with precision. She curls and bruises against your walls, relentlessly hitting that spot that makes you squirm like a torture puppet and cry out, "Ah!" for your dear life.

Her smarmy, taunting response? “I know, baby, I know, fuck… too tight for it, I know,” she bellows, feeding off your whimpers and whines with a sadistic delight. That smirk on her face—the one you wish you hadn't turned back to see—tells you she's savoring this victory a little too much and has no intention of letting you go anytime soon, even if you've clearly accepted that you're the little bitch. “Please,” you plead, sinking your nails into her thigh, but it doesn’t seem to perturb her in the slightest—if anything, it only eggs her on, makes her devilishly speed up. “It won’t happen again—I-I won’t act like a bitch anymore, daddy, I’m sorry,” you submit, hoping for some mercy, but she’s unforgiving. She chuckles darkly, yanking you up by your hair so you’re forced to look her in the eye, even if hers aren’t fully focused on yours, watching how your tits bounce as she fucks you senseless. “One more time,” she stares at them, biting her bottom lip with a smirk before she refocuses and demands it sternly. Without hesitation, you repeat it louder before she even finishes her command: “I won’t act like a bitch anymore, daddy, I’m sorry!” She smirks, her grip tightening. "I know you won't. Not after I'm done with you." She releases your head, and you fall forward hard, your back arching under what feels like tons of weight as she drives into you overwhelmingly, making you cry out in shock. "Shit!" you gasp, involuntarily pushing back against her long fingers to soften the blow and the jam, so forcefully that your ass claps with each thrust as she fucks into you.

“Say my name, baby, who’s fucking you,” Paige demands. You groan, clenching around her thick, long fingers and spilling spurts of slick arousal as you pant, “You, Daddy!” Paige tilts her head, unsatisfied. “Nah.” Her hand, once forcing down your back, quickly wraps around your throat, clasping firmly as she whispers, “Tell me, Ma.” With the blonde holding you tightly, despite your attempts to escape, with no leverage, she easily grips you by the throat like a puppet, forcing you back onto her fingers with insane speed and force. She thrusts into you even faster, your clit now grinding against her thigh. You hike a leg up in a desperate attempt to run or crawl away, but she's got you firmly in place.

“Paige! Paige, Paige, Paige, you’re fucking me!” you cry out.

“And you like it, baby? Like how my fingers feel fucking that tight pussy?” she taunts, flexing her leg muscles and increasing the friction.

“Aww shit,” you moan strainedly, feeling the familiar coil in your stomach emerge. Your body still tries to crawl away, but your brain forces you to stay put, losing all the air inside you.

“Stop fucking running, ma, take it,” she commands. “Take it, baby, just cum for me, kay? Cum for me, give me your cum.”

You listen to the sound of your cunt, feel it pulsing and clenching around her fingers before you give up and stop fighting and allow all the pleasure crash over you, your body convulsing as your orgasm hits. You gasp and cry out, surrendering to the intense sensation as your cunt tightens rhythmically around her fingers, your clit throbbing against her thigh. She fucks you through your orgasm, continuing even after that, giving you no recovery time, no chance to catch your breath before she has you on your back, legs still spread and a wet mess beneath you. Leaning in, she murmurs, “Be good for me, be still, kay? Let me clean you up—jus' lemme taste you, baby.”

Your hand comes up to cover your face, crying out as you feel her tongue glide through your folds. Gripping onto her hair tightly, you sob—a genuine cry from the overstimulation. Through your tears, you manage to gasp, “Fuck, baby, it hurts so good, ugh!”

You shout and clamp your legs shut, burying her with a guttural scream once her fingers scissor your folds and hold them open, her tongue flicking exactly against your clit, making direct contact.

She pries your legs open inhumanly, like an uncaring monster, her voice resounding and vibrating in your cunt, "Hold your ankles in the air." a command.

You obey, and she’s even nice enough to help, her strong arms holding your legs apart as she laps and slurps up all your cum like she’s parched, her swallows audible and incredibly sexy.

You look down at her and watch her head shake around wildly, losing herself in the abyss, entranced. You try to push her away by bucking into her face, hands occupied, but you end up unintentionally pushing her closer instead. You whine out desperately, your toes, nipples, and cunt especially on fire. "Pl-PLEASE!" you gasp, "I c-can't, I’m gonna—" Her fingers replace her tongue on your clit, while her tongue dips inside you as she murmurs, "Mhm," You cover your face, and the last thing you hear before you pass out is the frantic noise of her tongue fighting to slip even deeper inside you. There’s the sound of a leak, then the subsequent opening of your eyes after what feels like days. You look down at your girlfriend to find her face glistening in a pool of arousal, juices smeared everywhere. Her first instinct? To lick around her mouth, trying to savor the taste as she smiles at you smugly, knowing she’s clearly gotten her point across to your fucked-out self.

Needless to say, Paige has proven herself to you as she knew she would always: she is NOT someone to be underestimated.

MASTERLIST

AUTHOR NOTE #2: uhh so i reread this and i just wanna know if anybody else reading this who writes, is it crazy i reread my own work and blush at it like a viewer 😅 am i a freak guys 😅😅😅 do you do that too?? ANYWAY GUYS PLS INTERACT WITH ME ILY ALL MWAH!

[y2kuromi]

✶ : ❛ 𝗦𝗨𝗕𝗨𝗥𝗕𝗔𝗡 𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗦 : rin itoshi x reader ૮꒰˶ᵔ ᗜ ᵔ˶꒱ა

˖ ִֶָ𐀔 contents : angst , fluff, fem! reader (can be read as gn! hopefully).post argument.est rel. second person (you/your/yours) and third person pov. profanities w/c: 1.4k

if you'd told rin itoshi he would be standing outside your house pleading desperately to be let in — voluntarily — in the cold he would've called you a crazy idiot. or probably something worse. but here he was doing just that. wringing his hands nervously in the woollen cavern of his gloves as he stood on your porch, chilling wind freezing his cheeks and snowflakes tangling in hair and sticking to his long eyelashes

he contemplated leaving. he pondered trudging back home in the still falling snow, with a still broken heart and his pride intact. but he couldn't bring himself to walk through the darkening night. so he stayed.

if he persisted you would forgive him..hopefully. he knew he didn't deserve that. he could barely remember what you'd even argued about in the first place. he just knew he'd crossed a line.

you hadn't spoken to him in three days. and he hadn't tried to contact you. he'd felt tortured by guilt and now all he wanted was for the silent treatment to stop. he was waving the white flag. the way he should've, instead of sharpening his words and wounding you with them

rin was sorry he'd said those things...such awful things. he was a terrible person and you deserved so much better than him. hell, he couldn't even apologise properly. the words would lodge in his throat choking off his every attempt at a coherent apology. they stuck like drywall, refusing to fall from his lips. he felt so sick. so fucking, awfully, nauseatingly sick.

he had no one to blame but himself. for being lukewarm when it came to loving you. you deserved so much more than he could give you.

rin's teal eyes shot open in surprise as he heard the faint clicking of a key. he blinked owlishly at you, pinching himself to see if he was dreaming.

he wasn't. you were standing right in front of him holding the door open, wearing an oversized sweatshirt and basketball shorts. his sweatshirt. his shorts. he wanted to believe you were still his

"why are you here?" you asked, your eyes were glued to the floor as if the carpet was the most intriguing thing in the world

"i wanted to..." he trailed off then he tried again, "i wanted to talk"

"so talk then, as far as i'm concerned you have nothing to say" you said coldly. your words cut through him like shards of ice. he could feel your hurt, your anger prickling his soul

"can i come in?" he knew he was asking for too much, "please"

much to his surprise, you wordlessly opened the door wider and stepped aside for him to come in.

he didn't miss the way you tensed up as he passed you. nor did he miss the wary look that fleeted across your face. watching you tiptoe around him on egg shells twisted the shards further in his chest.

his fingers curled into fists as he followed you into your home. there was a heavy silence, drenched in unspoken words. he wanted to say something, anything. he wanted to tell you how sorry he was, how much he cared, that he still loved you. even though he had ruined everything between the two of you.

instead, he settled down on your couch, folding his arms over his lap. you sat down across the room, as far away from him as possible. you were staring resolutely out of the window, your fingers absentmindedly picking at the hem of your sweatshirt.

"are you even going to say anything?" you finally asked impatiently, "you owe me an apology rin"

"i know" he nodded, "it's just..." you could see the wheels spinning in his head, "my mind is blank, i don't know what to say" he looked at you pleadingly and your expression softened slightly

"just try" you coaxed, "take your time if you need to" he knew he didn't deserve your kindness. you should be hurling insults and profanities at him. he'd hidden away for three days. seventy-two whole and complete hours. yet you still had the patience of a saint

"i love you (y/n)," he blurted. the words left him like a bullet leaving a gun barrel. ricocheting in his mouth until he realized just what he'd said. it wasn't an apology. it was the only thing he knew

he doesn't want you to say it back. he doesn't deserve it. not yet. he wanted you to reassure him that the two of you would still be okay.

"i don't want to break up" he confessed, feeling utterly crushed by the weight of his words. vulnerability used to be a foreign concept to rin. now he was reduced to babbling like a pathetic, lost fool at the mercy of his feelings

"we can't continue this" you stated plainly.

"what do you mean?" he could feel his heart stopping. any second now, you'd tell him it was over. he hadn't ever felt so helpless. so hopeless. so scared before. he refused to meet your gaze. if he did he knew he would cry. rin never cried.

"this endless cycle is driving me crazy rin" you sighed, "one minute you love me and the next i mean nothing to you, just make up your mind"

"i'm sorry" he breathes, and it's merely a whisper, "for saying you meant nothing to me. it's not true, not even close. i need you. i really do. so much more than you know. i know i need to show it more, i'll do better, i'll be better, i promise. just please don't leave me...you're the best thing that's ever happened to me"

his words crashed together and were barely comprehensible .you didn't respond right away. you were processing it all, trying to process everything he'd said.

he heard the soft intake of your breath as your eyes watered. he didn't want to think you were on the verge of tears because of him. he couldn't tell if they were sad or happy tears..

you looked at him hesitantly, and after several moments, shuffled over to stand in front of him. you placed the back of your hand against his cheek. "you're freezing" you whispered, your soft tone was laced with concern. "it was cold outside" rin murmured, leaning into your touch despite the numbing guilt that radiated throughout his entire body. your thumb moved gently across the side of his face. your touch grounded him, it held him together.

your eyes were so warm. they shone like embers. his own eyes closed in relief as you leaned in closer, enveloping him completely in a hug. it took three painstakingly long days. seventy-two awful hours, but rin was back in your arms again, where he belonged.

he melted into you, drowning in the scent of ocha and honey. he clung to you as if he was scared to let go and his cold hands clutched at the warmth that radiated from your skin. he was so impossibly close you could feel his eyelashes fluttering against your cheeks.

rin watched your face for signs of lingering pain, but found none. your face was completely free of wrinkles and creases, your skin was smooth and unlined, untouched except by the light of the coffee table lamp dusting your cheeks. and your smile was the same, small and fragile but still sweet and beautiful

"we're......we're okay right?" he asked. he felt your lips ghost across his cheek in a tender kiss

"'course we are" you assured, carding your fingers softly through his tangled hair. you kissed him tenderly on the corner of his mouth. then the other. your kisses were feather light but filled with meaning. they spoke of forgiveness. he could taste it on your lips.

rin's arm encircled your waist and squeezed lightly as if he feared you might disappear if he let go. he pressed an unapologetic kiss to your lips. he kissed you as if he was trying to etch the shape of them, the shape of you, indelibly into his memory, to commit it to his heart forever. he didn't want to let go.

much to rin's displeasure, you pulled back and looked at him. really looked at him. his long lashes, his magnetic teal eyes, his freshly kissed lips and the faint blush tinting his cheeks. you looped your fingers through his before saying the words he so desperately wanted to hear

"i love you too rin, i'd never leave you"

© Y2KUROMI ‘23 please do not plagiarise, repost, or translate any of my works on here or any other websites.

[space-matt]

Whispers of rebellion

chris sturniolo x fem.reader

summary: the only thing you have to do is forget what your father says and come with us - Chris

request: no

author’s note: hii all, I wanted to create a bad boy!chris-like version but still inserting nick and matt, by now i get my inspirations from songs lol tell me what you think!♡

*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚ *ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚ *ੈ✩‧₊˚༺

English is not my first language, if you see grammar and typing mistakes, I apologize in advance! I just ask you not to be rude to me ♡

*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚ *ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚ *ੈ✩‧₊˚༺

The summer in our quaint town always followed the same pattern - familiar faces, the same streets, and the usual gossip about everyone's affairs. It was the kind of place where people loved to talk, and Christopher Sturniolo was often at the heart of those conversations.

Tall, with a confident smile and a leather jacket that perfectly suited his rebellious persona, Chris embodied the archetype of the guy your parents cautioned you about. He was the one with the sleek black car that thundered as he raced through the streets, always testing boundaries.

And that smile... oh, that smile had me captivated from the very first moment I laid eyes on it.

As I crept out of the house that night, I couldn't shake the echo of my dad's stern words at dinner. "He’s the kind that’ll break your heart. He doesn’t listen to anyone. Trust me, I’ve known plenty like him." I had always heeded my parents' advice, but this time felt different.

Trembling with a mix of nerves and determination, I made my way through the dark streets towards the abandoned basketball court where Chris would be. The flickering streetlights seemed to conspire to keep my secret as I approached the spot.

There he stood, leaning casually against his car, the dim light catching the mischievous glint in his eyes as he noticed me. "You’re late" he teased, his arms crossed and a daring smile on his lips.

"I shouldn’t even be here" I said, though my wavering voice betrayed the fact that I desperately wanted to be.

Chris pushed himself off the car, the metal creaking as he did so, and began to walk toward me. His heavy boots made a distinct crunching sound against the cracked pavement. As he got closer, he leaned in, his face so near that I could feel his warm breath on my skin.

"You know your dad doesn't like me" he murmured, his voice low and intense. "And he's probably right about me."

I couldn't help but ask, "Then why am I here?" Surprisingly, my voice came out more confident than I had expected.

Chris chuckled, the sound rich and deep, sending a shiver down my spine. "Because you're not like everyone else. You're curious. You're different. You've got guts."

His words hit me right in the chest. No one had ever spoken to me like that before—like they truly saw me.

Before I could respond, another voice cut through the night air. "Yo, you're lucky we didn't leave without you!" It was Nick, Chris's brother, leaning out of the back of the car with a grin. His tousled hair fluttered in the wind, and his laid-back attitude matched his brother's rebellious energy.

Matt, who was Chris's identical twin, stood casually nearby, idly spinning his car keys on his finger. "We were about to bail" he remarked, arching an eyebrow as if questioning your sudden appearance. However, there was no hint of malice in his tone, just the playful and carefree vibe that seemed to accompany the Sturniolo brothers wherever they went.

"Nah, she's with me" Chris asserted, redirecting his attention back to you. He took your hand, and the warmth of his touch sent a tingle up your arm. "You ready for this?"

You paused for a moment, glancing between Chris, Nick, and Matt. They all wore the same mischievous look, as if they thrived on defying rules and didn't care who stood in their way. It was thrilling and dangerous, an intoxicating mix.

"She doesn't have to come" Matt interjected with a smirk, clearly teasing. "We don't bite... well, not too hard."

You rolled your eyes, unable to stifle the smile that spread across your lips. "Let's go" you declared, your voice unwavering.

Chris's smile broadened as he drew you closer. "Good choice. But just so you know, once you're in, there's no turning back."

Matt opened the door to the car and slid into the passenger seat, while Nick jumped into the back, adjusting his seatbelt with a quick click. Chris gestured for me to sit beside him in the driver’s seat, and as I settled in, the familiar rumble of the engine coming to life felt like the beginning of an exhilarating adventure.

“What would your dad say if he knew you were here?” Chris asked, glancing at me as he revved the engine. The question lingered in the air, charged with a sense of daring and excitement.

“He’d probably lock me up forever” I admitted with a laugh, attempting to conceal my nerves. “But I don’t care.”

Chris’s grin softened, a glint of something profound in his eyes. “You know what? Forget what everyone else says. Forget your dad. Just listen to yourself.”

The engine of the car roared to life as Chris pressed down on the gas pedal, igniting a surge of adrenaline that pulled us into the night. The world outside the window dissolved into a blur as Matt leaned over, cranking up the music, and Nick started drumming on the back of my seat, their laughter filling the air with an infectious energy that set the tone for the evening.

In that exhilarating moment, it felt like we were breaking free from everything—my father's strict rules, the suffocating expectations of our small town, and even my own lingering doubts. The wind rushed through the open windows, tousling our hair, and as Chris's hand found mine on the gearshift, a sense of liberation washed over me.

"This is just the beginning" Chris declared amidst the symphony of the engine and the music. "Stick with us, and you'll never be bored"

I believed him. In that chaotic and electrifying atmosphere, I knew that this was the escape I had been yearning for. Maybe my father was right—maybe Chris was trouble, and perhaps the Sturniolo brothers were the kind of guys I should have avoided.

But for the first time, I didn't care about the "shoulds." All that mattered was what I wanted.

As the car raced down the deserted streets, the starry night sky above us, I felt a profound sense of empowerment, as if I was finally seizing control of my own destiny—wherever it might lead me.

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taglist: @xoxo4chrisss @soimightlikeoldmen69 @bernardsbendystraws @tillies33ssss @junnniiieee07 @ivysturnss

@sturniolosreads  @mayhem-72  @dracoflaco  @lyzsaphrodite 

@ifilwtmfc  @c00ch13destroyer

[albertdabuttler]

Zombie | K.H.

MASTERLIST

fandom: 80s

pairings: Kirk Hammett x F!Reader

WARNINGS: This story starts with a plot. Friends to lovers, LOOOTS of fluff, kissing, kind of having someone throw themself on the reader (???) more fluff, smut, fluffy smut, fingering, p in v, (safe sex dw 🤣) overstimulation, some form of comedy…

summary: An initially boring Halloween night takes an intriguing turn when a game of spin the bottle has you hoping your kissing skills are good enough for your best friend.

WC: 6.6k

gif not mine!!

A/N: Hi losers, finally posted yayyyy! I wrote and posted this on wattpad and think you guys deserve to see it too! And guess what??? I have another story coming right after this 😍 Also I kinda add detail to what you wear like those corny wattpad writers… I’m sorry…but I swear its all inclusive!!

———————

10:47PM, October 31st, 1979.

Here you sat on the kitchen counter of one of your classmates homes, loud booming music all around you, drunk teenagers making out with each other everywhere and some game going on in the living room.

You were dressed as a ghost, pale makeup across your face, black shadow around your eyes and white clothing, ripped and stained to make it look old.

"That guy over there's been looking at you all night," said Jocelyn, another one of your classmates and your best girlfriend since seventh grade. She was dressed as the Bride of Frankenstein.

"Don't look now, but he's totally checking you out!" She said, standing in front of you while trying to subtly look at the guy over your shoulder.

"What's he look like?" You questioned, hoping it was a certain long, wavy-haired brunet you had eyes for since second grade.

"Blond hair, brown eyes and he's jacked. He's dressed like a surfer." She smirked. Hearing her words, you whipped your head around to see the boy she described smile widely at you, sending a small wave your way. He was dressed like a stereotypical surfer, medium shaggy hair, sky blue swim trunks, a white muscle shirt and pink sunglasses.

You politely smiled, waved back and turned back around, "Not my type... You know I like brunets."

Jocelyn groaned in disappointment and annoyance, "Okay well the one you're thinking about doesn't look at you like most of the guys here."

"That's because most of the guys here can't keep it in their pants." You rolled your eyes, hopping off the counter and making your way to the living room. You spotted Tom dressed like a basketball player on the couch with his arm around a girl. She was dressed like a devil, laughing at the game they were playing. Sitting a couple feet away from him, you asked, "What game are we playing?"

"Spin the bottle," the boy replied, the alcohol making his words slur with a smile. You internally praised yourself for going to the bathroom when they were making all the girls play a drinking game.

"Hey!!" you heard someone call out for you, turning to the group whose eyes were all on you. Feeling an intense wave of embarrassment, you spotted the beer bottle on the coffee table turned towards you.

"Fuck."

Looking up to see who spun it, you lowly groaned when it was the surfer boy. He was a pretty attractive guy, above average looking, nice bod, so things could be way worse. You really didn't want to kiss the guy. Your gut told you he was a creep. But of course you knew there was absolutely no way in hell you could get out of this without drinking, so you stood up, walking towards him with an awkward smile on your face.

Standing in front of him for a couple seconds, you leaned up and gave him a quick peck on the cheek, quickly turning around to sit again.

Everyone in the room booed at you before the tall blond grabbed your wrist and kissed you with a little too much tongue. You cringed and pulled back, but he didn't let go. He tried to kiss you again so you shoved his face away with excessive force.

The room was quiet. The upbeat music in the background making it that much more awkward.

"That was gross," you chuckled, scoffing and turning back to your seat.

"Don't eat the garlic bread before the game, guys." You said, earning a few laughs.

I mean, the guy was being far too desperate for a silly game of kissing random people. You had the right, especially if the kiss was bad.

It was when you sat down that you noticed him. He was dressed in a zombie outfit, makeup of fake scars on him. Finally you found him after almost the entire night of looking for him, or rather waiting for him to pass by near you, but it's the same difference.

Kirk stood by the doorway in the corner of the room, a smile with a look that mocked you.

You subtly stuck your tongue out at him, earning the finger in return.

It was Jocelyn's turn next, she kissed a random guy, and the turns kept going until it was your turn to spin.

You really, really hoped it landed on Kirk.

So you spun it hard and fast, the bottle sitting there spinning for longer than usual until it finally slowed down, landing on the other side of the room.

It was him. It landed on Kirk.

He stared at the bottle, scratching the back of his neck with a cringe on his face.

Now what? Surely you didn't think it through, how would you kiss him? Would it ruin your almost lifelong friendship? Would he see you differently and finally acknowledge his feelings for you? Or would he dislike it and judge you based off the way you kiss?

You didn't realize the moments that had passed until Kirk was standing right in front of you.

"We don't have to do this if you don't wanna." He whispered as he looked down at you, awkwardly pursing his lips.

"Nah, gotta play the game," You took his hands and almost jumped up with excitement despite your nerves.

Kirk cleared his throat, turning to the guy you kissed earlier and in a mocking tone, "Watch and learn, motherfucker." He said, giggling at the guy.

He turned his head back to you, trying to hold in a laugh. But he hesitated, finally realizing the spot he was in. A light pink dusted his cheeks. He ignored it and moved one of his hands to cup your cheek, the other to the back of your head.

The moment felt like it was going in slow motion as he leaned in, gazing into your eyes and then looking straight at your lips until his lightly pressed up against them.

Wow.

Kirk was a great kisser. It made you wonder how much experience he had.

He was quite smooth with it, slowly moving his lips against yours. He pulled away for a short breath and your reaction, until he turned his head the other way, leaning back in to kiss you again at another angle. Just to see if it was any different. People began to cheer.

Moving your hands up around his neck, you surely didn't expect anything like this, if anything you expected a short, boring kiss.

Your heart was racing, you felt your face become hot as you nervously played with the hair on the nape of his neck. He pulled back, his eyes widening in horror.

He quickly let go of you and moved back to his place, leaving you standing there as the game continued on.

You looked at him confused. It was just a kiss right? Part of a game. You didn't have to act like it had to be special. But why'd he kiss you like that, then act like it was gross?

Standing up, you made your way to the kitchen, "I'm gonna get a drink." You stated in slight disappointment, swerving past Kirk and earning 'Oo's' from the crowd.

Now Kirk felt guilty for pulling away so fast.

Kirk always liked you. Just not in the way he thought he did. Yes, he'd occasionally feel the room get hot when you checked him out, thinking he wouldn't notice. Or get nervous when you looked too pretty... But that meant nothing. It would be the same if you were a stranger.

However, he really liked that kiss. The sweet taste of punch with a hint of alcohol. How soft your lips were. How your hands felt as they lightly tugged his hair. He wondered what other situations you'd pull his hair in... Maybe when he made love to you... Physically showing you, and verbally affirming how much he really did love you. How close your body was to his. That was the closest proximity you two had ever been in. He really enjoyed it.

Wait.

Fuck, does that mean he likes you now?

He couldn't stop thinking about it. About how the kiss made him feel. About how you were literally perfect for him. You knew everything about him, and he knew everything about you. He loved everything about you, there wasn't a single thing he could think of that he didn't like about you. God it was all so cheesy and gross. How could he let himself think like he was in a high school Rom-Com movie.

All these thoughts overwhelmed him with excitement, making him smile widely and get up to look for you. Just then remembering you were probably upset or something by the way you left so abruptly.

You sat on the kitchen island counter again, facing away from the living room, watching as a few couples kissed and giggled around the room and you sighed in annoyance.

"Hey."

The familiar voice made you freeze. You knew he was standing behind you, waiting for you to acknowledge him but you pretended like you didn't hear him over the music.

Your eyes followed him as he passed in front of you, leaning on the counter across from the one you sat atop, crossing his arms.

He cleared his throat.

"Hi," you said with a plastic smile, your voice cracking.

He smiled back genuinely, "Sorry if that was... Weird. We had to, otherwise we'd have to drink."

"Yeah... It's fine. Just a kiss," you laughed awkwardly, staring at the boy in front of you, hoping that he might actually like you. Just because of the way he kissed you.

He looked great in his costume. Fake bite marks on his neck and arms, his hair was messy. He had a white tee with faux blood stains and rips in it, revealing some skin and the light definition of his muscles. Over that, he had a leather jacket, the sleeves rolled up, with black ripped jeans and a fob too.

"I thought you came for a drink," he said, grinning with his stupidly cute crooked teeth and that annoying little dimple, licking his dumb red and plump lips. "Right," you chuckled, hopping off at the same time he stepped forward, nearly bumping into him.

You wanted to be as far from him as possible.

"Hey," he called out your name.

"Yeah?" you replied, turning back around to look at him.

"The drinks are over here," he chuckled, pointing his thumb behind him where there were a couple of large coolers on the ground.

"Right," you mentally face palmed. He handed you a bottle of beer and you reached for the top to avoid coming in contact with his hand.

It still had the cap on but you couldn't take it off and chuckled in embarrassment. Why was it so awkward now?

"Here," he took the bottle from your hand and popped the cap off on the edge of the counter, handing it to you.

When you reached to grab it again, he pulled back.

You paused, moving to try and grab it again but he held it away from you.

"Kirk."

"Yes?" He smiled cheekily.

"Give me my beer."

"Well it's not yours until you've taken a sip from it, am I right?"

You sighed, "Just give me the bottle, Kirk," going to reach for it again but he held it behind his back.

"Kirk!" You chuckled.

Now he reached his goal. Finally a smile.

Trying to attain for it for the third time, he moved it away once again, holding it above his head this time.

"Come on," he chuckled, "If you want it you just have to take it." He stated, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Gripping his shoulder, you got on your toes trying to reach for it. He watched your hand as it was a couple inches from the bottle, "Ugh, you almost have it!" He mocked, turning his head down to look at you.

Locking eyes with him for a second, his breath hitched as his eyes flickered to your lips once more. An intense wave of desire for another taste, he slowly leaned in.

You did notice this but decided to be oblivious and ignore it. Kirk was a ticklish guy, so you poked the side from which arm he was holding up, causing him to immediately flinch and bring his arm down. You quickly snatched the bottle from his hand, "HA! Loser."

"Hey, that's cheating!" He said, laughing nervously, hoping you didn't notice his attempt.

"Losers, weepers." You said, turning around to grab a piece of candy from a bowl.

Taking a long sip of your beer, Kirk spoke up before the silence became awkward.

"So about that guy you kissed earlier,"

You almost choked on your drink but kept it up to your lips to avoid having to say anything.

"Was my kiss better than his?" he raised his brow playfully.

This time you did choke, coughing for air as you set the bottle down. Kirk hurried to you and softly patted your back.

"You okay? Sorry..." What a stupid question, he thought.

Grabbing the bottle again, you took another sip to stop the itching in your throat.

"Are you good?" He cautiously let go as you cleared your throat.

"Uh-m yeah..." Speaking was uncomfortable, so you cleared your throat once again.

"Sorry. Uh, what were you saying?" You knew exactly what he was saying but hoped and hoped he forgot about it.

A sadistic smile grew on his face.

"My kiss was better than the other guy's, right?" He sat atop the counter.

You stared at him in disbelief.

"What do you think, Kirk?" You asked him genuinely.

He threw his hands up in defense, "Hey, you're my best friend so you've gotta be on my side."

You rolled your eyes, thanking the lord for his lighthearted personality.

"Yes. Your kiss was better. He used too much tongue." You cringed.

"Good..." He chuckled, clearing his throat. His palms were getting sweaty.

"...Did..." He hesitated.

"Did...you like it...?" He kept his gaze on you for any kind of response or reaction.

You tried to look away from him, but his eyes kept you in a trance.

"Uhm... Yeah. You're not a bad kisser, y'know." You smiled, playfully hitting his shoulder. An attempt to lighten the mood.

He smiled back. "Alright, good." He laughed lightly, "I know that if you liked it then it really was good."

"What makes you say that?" You questioned, a little confused.

"You're brutally honest with me."

You paused. Maybe you weren't as honest as you should be. You've been lying to him since the second grade. Or rather keeping something from him. Which is still dishonesty.

But you couldn't tell him now. I mean, you got over him a ton of times, so you could do it again. And you've liked other guys more than you liked him... But you still always had a little thing for him in the back of your mind when you had those other crushes, you hated how smitten you were.

"Yeah, I am aren't I?" You smirked. "That's why I'm better than all of your friends." You joked.

He only smiled at you.

"I love you."

You turned around just in case your blush was noticeable.

"Good."

Turning back around, "I love you too," you lifted your bottle up to him, "but remember you're still a loser."

He playfully rolled his eyes, "Yeah whatever."

Walking towards the living room, it had seemed that the game was still going on.

"Wanna get outta here?" He asked, walking up next to you, motioning his head towards the general area in which the front door was located.

"Sure. It's kinda boring here anyways."

Kirk chuckled, looking at Tom and mouthing to him that he was gonna leave.

"I'll go warm up the car," he informed.

"Alright," you responded, walking up to Jocelyn to let her know you were leaving with Kirk, since she was your ride there.

“Let me know if he makes a move," she whispered, winking at you.

"Oh shut up," you scoffed.

"What? He looked real into it when it was your turn. One would think he was in love with you!"

"Stop it, Jocelyn!" You giggled, getting up to leave.

"Use protection!" She yelled rather loudly.

You gagged in response and turned around, lifting your hand next to your head and flipping her off.

The walk to the car was difficult. At first you had to swerve through a crowded foyer in order to leave the house, and the walk to the car was cold. It was windy, but thankfully Kirk had driven up to the front of the house from where he was parked. Which was kind of far.

As you reached for the handle, you heard a click and pulled, only to find it was locked.

You groaned loudly, "Kirk, it's cold as shit out here! Stop it with your stupid games."

He rolled down the window a crack, "Only if you say the magic word."

"Please."

"No, the magic word." He smirked.

"God, you're such an asshole sometimes." You sighed.

He made a buzzer sound, "Wrong."

Letting out an exasperated sigh, you dragged your hand across your face, knowing he wouldn't budge until you played along. "Abracadabra."

The door clicked and you wasted no time in opening the door to sit down.

"Fuck you."

"Thanks." He said, shifting into gear and driving off.

"Wanna get ice cream?" He asked.

"Uh... Yeah but I'm pretty tired. Could you just drop me off at home?" You replied.

"Mhm."

The ride home was a little quiet, so you decided to turn on the radio. Damage Case by Motörhead began playing at full volume, causing the both of you to jump as you quickly reached for the volume to lower it.

Turning the knob for a different radio station, you found one with a softer tone of music.

How Long by Ace was playing. The romantic vibrations it gave off caused you to quickly switch the radio station, but Kirk grabbed your hand.

"Go back, I like that song"

"You do?" You questioned, scoffing as if he was a weirdo for liking it, even if you did too.

"Yeah." He chuckled, his eyes still on the road.

So you went back, and the song played.

A short moment passed and Kirk spoke, "You know you're my best friend, right?" He said.

"Uhh, yeah...? Where's this coming from?"

There was a light ahead going from yellow to red.

As he came to a complete stop, he turned to you, "I know this is real corny, but I would do anything for you. Anything. Just say the word. Okay?"

"Okay...." You dragged out, letting out an awkward laugh. "Thanks Kirk."

"Anytime." He clicked his teeth and winked, pointing a finger gun your way.

The light turned green as you chuckled.

Finally you turned the familiar corner onto your block. It wasn't long until Kirk pulled over to the curb in front of your home, "Thanks Kirk, see ya," you said as you opened the door.

"Hey, wait," he called, "Could I maybe spend the night? My dad said it's best I don't go home tonight..." He pursed his lips.

"Oh yeah, sure. My parents aren't in town until Sunday, so... We can watch as many scary movies as we want without getting yelled at to go to sleep," you chuckled.

"Wicked," he pumped his fist, turning off the ignition and hopping out of the car.

"Whaddya wanna watch?" He asked as he followed you to the front door.

"You already know." You turned to him, smirking as you unlocked the door and walked inside.

"Right." He giggled, "Classic."

It wasn't long until the both of you were in your room, Kirk sitting on the bed while you put in the VHS for Creature from the Black Lagoon.

"I'm gonna go change real quick," said Kirk as he stood up, grabbing clothes he'd left there before and walking out your room towards the bathroom.

You also quickly got changed into sweats before he returned. Suddenly hearing your door open, you saw Kirk standing there shirtless, holding his shirt up in one hand.

"Have you been wearing this?" He asked, hiding a smile.

"...No." You replied, trying so hard to keep your eyes on his, but you couldn't help when they moved down to his bare torso. He had already taken off all his makeup

"Okay just making sure you're not the one who absolutely drenched this in vanilla perfume."

You cringed. "Sorry. I mean it's your fault for leaving it here." You held your hands up.

He scoffed and went back to finish changing.

He threw the clothes from his costume in one corner of your room, hopping back on the bed as you left for the bathroom too, to wash your makeup off and brush your teeth.

"Alright, you ready?" You questioned, shutting the door to your room and turning off the light, leaving a little lamp on your desk in the corner of your room.

You sat with your back on the headboard, Kirk laying down, his head in the pillows.

When it began playing, you felt Kirk lay his head in your lap and you instinctively began raking your fingers through his hair. He brought up one of his hands to rest on your shin. At this point, you couldn't help but just look at him, his side profile from above, how perfect he was. Like fuck. Why the fuck is he so perfect?

There wasn't a moment of the day in which you didn't think about him. It made you sad sometimes, that he never acknowledged or noticed it. But then again, you weren't really making it obvious either.

But what made all that disappointment go away was that kiss. You were so annoyed that you kept thinking about it.

You thought about what Jocelyn said. About how he looked "so into it" or whatever. It was hard to forget the feeling of his soft plush lips on yours. Goddamn. And the way he held your face, with such gentleness. How he went back in for another like the first one just wasn't enough.

Here you began thinking about kissing him again. Right here, right now. And if it would get intense, what it could lead to... How good he was in that department.

Trying to pay attention to the movie, you clenched your jaw hard, trying not to let yourself think about those things.

No, not with him right there. When he was gone yes, but not now.

Those thoughts didn't give up. The image of him on top of you just popped into your mind. It wasn't your fault. Your mind trailed off thinking about his hand on your leg, if he got up and moved it up to your thighs... How his calloused fingers would feel touching you in all the right places... It felt like only five minutes had passed but the movie was suddenly over.

"Did you enjoy the 87th time of watching that movie?" He asked out of the blue, lifting himself so that his face was at your level.

"Yes, I did." You replied after a moment.

He got off the bed and walked to the little shelf you had with all your VHS tapes. He bought one for you not too long ago, of a movie that had come out earlier this year called 'Alien.'

You had watched it with him in theaters a few months ago and immediately fell in love with it. That Ripley chick was such a badass.

He put that one on, the package still hadn't been opened so this would be your fourth time watching it. You already watched it three times at the movies.

It began playing and he walked back to sit on the bed again, only this time he sat against the headboard, to your left. Of course you had to lay your head on his shoulder otherwise it would feel weird.

He wrapped his arm around your shoulders, laying his chin on the top of your head, sighing in exhaustion.

Woah, your hair smelled really nice, he noticed.

Now it was Kirk's turn to think about you. That kiss. He had been thinking about it all night since it had happened. It pissed him off that he never thought of you that way and suddenly out of the blue its like all he wanted to do was you. And god, why did he have to go in for another? He thought maybe that gave it all away. Oh but the way you held his hair, god that felt so good. He wanted you to pull his hair and tell him how good he made you feel.

Well shit, Kirk might actually be in love with you too. Hell yeah he's loved you his whole life, but never like this. It's like that kiss opened his eyes or something.

He lifted his head to look at you, just to admire you. You felt this movement and looked back up at him.

Shit, should he say something?

"Is everything okay?" You asked.

He couldn't respond, he opened his mouth to reply but nothing came out. God that was embarrassing... All he thought about was kissing you again. He's never been so obsessed over something so little but here he was.

He wondered if you wanted to kiss him as badly as he wanted to kiss you right now.

"Kirk?" You pulled back a little, "Are you okay?" You asked with sincere concern.

"I wanna kiss you again right now." He didn't hesitate.

You just sat there flabbergasted.

Never in a million years would you have thought to hear those words from Kirk.

"...What?" You felt like you heard him wrong.

"Are you messing wi-"

That's when he cut you off and pressed his lips against yours again.

Pulling back, he watched for your reaction.

All you could do was stare between his eyes and lips.

"That was nice." You finally said.

He just smiled and went back in. This time he held the back of your head and pushed your face against his in order to kiss you harder, your hands lifting to rest on his chest. His head turned, syncing the movement of his lips with yours as his free hand slid down to your thigh, dragging it up and down. He slowly slipped his tongue past your lips, teasing yours as you pushed yours against his.

As your tongues danced, the hand on your thigh moved closer to your core, but it felt wrong to touch you before you said he could. So he moved it to your jaw.

The two of you were finally running out of breath so you finally pulled away.

Neither of you said anything, the only noises in the room were that of the movie and both your heavy breaths.

Kirk had finally caught his breath, "I like you. I like like you. And now I really wanna...Touch you..."

You smiled, "Took you about ten years."

"Ten years...?! What?" he looked at you surprised.

"Kirk," you laughed, "I've liked you this whole time, and you notice now?"

He stared at you in disbelief, his face slowly turning a shade of red.

Just the thought of you constantly having him on your mind turned him on. He looked at your lips again, "Sorry," he said before kissing you again. "My whole life has been a lie..." He joked, smiling, pushing his lips against yours once more, then moving to press kisses on your cheeks. He pecked a trail of small kisses all along your jawline, causing you to giggle, until he licked a stripe along your neck.

His hand moved from your face down to your torso, your heart skipping for a second as he began to kiss all over your neck, searching for that one spot until he reached one and you tensed up a little. That's where he decided to suck and bite at, leaving a quite obvious and visible bruise.

He subtly lifted the hem of your shirt, moving his hand under and finally coming in contact with your bare skin, continuing to peck at your neck.

His hand lightly squeezed your waist as he let out a heavy sigh, leaving lingering kisses on your jaw, moving back to kiss your lips once more.

"Can I?" He whispered, his fingers barely sliding under the waistband of your sweats.

"Yeah." You answered, watching his hand as it moved lower. It was then that you noticed a bulge in his pants, it made your face get hot but you didn't say anything about it.

He purposely made his movements slow, his fingers never quite giving you any relief. He liked to tease. But of course, like all horny teenage boys, he was beginning to get desperate. His fingers found your bundle of nerves and he began to rub small circles over the cloth of your panties.

You let out a heavy sigh, "Is that good enough?" He asked, moving his head up to look at you, making sure he was doing a good job.

"Yeah... Feels good, but... More please.." You breathed heavily in between words.

His hand moved up and his fingers reached under the band of your panties, two of his fingers slowly moving up and down your lips, "You're so wet..." He whispered in excitement, a small smile on his face as if he was surprised.

Finally he pushed his middle finger inside you, slowly pumping in and out until he added another. He began moving a bit faster, curling up into just the right spot, making you to let out a small groan.

"Oh, fuck." You said, your eyes shut in pleasure.

His palm began rubbing against your clit, making your legs slightly come together.

"Does that feel good?" He breathed, watching your face just to make sure once again.

"Yes, fuck yeah... Keep going," you moaned quietly.

The movements in his hand quickened, his eyes still on your face as it contorted into visible pleasure, causing him to softly smile to himself.

You leaned up to kiss him and he sighed into it, his fingers scissoring inside you as he kept pumping them in and out. He pulled away and looked down at his hand only to see it disappearing into your pants.

"I'm gonna stop for a bit, okay?" He said, slowly pulling his fingers out.

"What happened?" You asked nervously as you watched him move off the bed.

He began pulling his shirt over his head, and your legs instinctively parted, "What are you gonna do?" You questioned.

"Do you have condoms...?"

You blushed and quickly got up, "Let me go check," you said as you walked out the door, your knees already a little weak.

Kirk noticed this and laughed.

"Shut up," you said as you walked towards your parents room.

It was a little odd thinking that your parents might have this kind of thing and you would actually die if you found what you were looking for on a different occasion, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

You checked your dad's drawers and surprisingly found nothing, so you moved to your moms side and the first thing you saw was exactly what you needed. You grabbed one of the condoms and immediately ran back to your room, closing the door and locking it even if no one would come home.

When you turned around you were met with Kirk sitting on the edge of your bed, propped on his elbows with his head thrown back, waiting for you.

Now there was a very obvious tent in his pants.

"Does this work?" You sat behind him on the bed, holding up the condom as he turned to look at you.

"Yeah..." He leaned in to kiss you again, slowly pushing you to lay back. He lifted himself and helped you take your shirt off, leaving you in your bra and pants.

His pupils dilated, "You're so beautiful," he said as he looked down at your body, leaning up to kiss you for the umpteenth time.

He tugged at the waistband of your pants and pulled them down, you lifted your hips and he was able to pull them all the way off. He then got up and pulled his own off, along with his boxers.

Kirk had a big dick when he was hard. And it was slightly intimidating too.

He leaned back down, keeping one hand free and the other next to your head.

"Will this hurt?" You asked.

He looked at you confused,

"Are you a virgin?"

"No, your dick is just bigger than the others," you replied.

His face got beet red, "Shut the fuck up," he laughed, leaning closer to you and pulling your panties down, inserting his fingers into you once again, making you gasp.

He didn't keep them in for long before pulling them out and bringing his hand down, using your wetness to begin stroking himself. His eyes closed as he sighed.

He opened his eyes again, "Can you open the..." he huffed, "the condom," he asked, watching your hand as you grabbed the small package and ripped it open with your teeth.

"Can you help me put it on?" He looked at you helplessly. He was playing a game and he was good at it.

You moved your hand down and he let go of himself, grabbing onto your wrist as you rolled it on.

It's been so long since you wanted to do this, to have him in your grasp, so you spit on your hand and began slowly jerking him off. He let out a low groan before wrapping his hand around yours and squeezing a little tighter.

Looks like he likes it rough, you thought.

"Oh my fuck, " He whined, shutting his eyes tight and throwing his head back, then leaning down to bury his face into your neck.

Not long passed before he pulled your hand away and huffed, "You ready?" he asked, holding himself closer to you, "Yeah," you answered. Kirk brushed his tip against your entrance, sliding it up and down and smiling at your reactions. He then pushed himself in an inch at a time.

Your jaw fell open along with his, the two of you looking one another in the eyes, your eyes fluttering shut as his own rolled back.

Once he was all the way in, he stopped, moving down to press his lips onto yours.

"You feel so warm..." He breathed.

"Please," you whined, hoping he would understand it was for him to move.

Kirk slowly began pulling out before he pushed back in, slowly picking up his pace until he was thrusting steadily. He bit his lip, trying to suppress a groan you figured. One of his hands brushed down your side, stopping at your thigh to pull it around his waist and give himself more space.

His thrusts got harder before he hit your g-spot. Letting out a low moan, you moved your hands up Kirk's chest and around his shoulders to rest on the back of his neck.

"Kirk," you whimpered and he released a heavy breath as he began to repeatedly hit your sweet spot again.

"Right there," you whispered closing your eyes and grabbing a handful of his hair.

"You're so soft," he sighed. He was slipping in and out fairly easily.

You pulled his hair with one hand, digging your nails into his shoulder blade with the other, causing Kirk to stifle a moan.

Kirk tried going faster, harder, in order to give you the release you needed. He finally let out a high pitched whine, "Fuck," he said with a heavy breath, the sweat already starting to form on both your bodies, his hair sticking to his forehead.

"You—" you cut yourself off with a gasp, "you feel so good," you groaned, tugging harder on his hair.

"Yeah?" He whispered, his exact wish from earlier tonight was actually coming true.

Opening your eyes, you were met with his, gazing at you.

"Hi," you breathed, smiling softly at him.

Kirk slowed down, "Hey," he grinned, leaning down to kiss you once more, his movements coming to a halt.

His lips lingered on yours for a while before he finally pulled back again.

Moving his hand between your bodies, he began rubbing little circles on your clit again before resuming his thrusts. The feeling of his hand along with the movements in his hips caused you to clench around him, squeezing your thighs around his waist.

Kirk weakened at the feeling, his head dropping to your shoulder as his thrusts became sloppy.

"I'm getting close," he whispered next to your ear, sending shivers down your spine.

"Me too," you admitted, running your hands through his hair.

You could feel his burning hot, bare skin sliding against yours. Suddenly your breaths got quicker, your heart rate increased and the coil in your stomach tightened.

"Kirk—" you paused,

"I'm gonna cum," Kirk moaned before you could finish your sentence.

His hips stuttered and he tensed up, finally letting go and relaxing on top of you.

Your back arched as you felt him fill the condom in you, "Kirk please go just a little more," you begged.

He lifted his head to look at you with worry, like he felt he wouldn't be able to do much for you.

Yet he still tried to move, the sensitivity taking over all his senses making a moan escape his throat. His body was quivering along with his movements, "I'm almost there," you said before he released a sigh, continuing his movements. His hand grabbed one of yours, interlocking your fingers and holding it next to your head, squeezing tightly,

"Come on, baby," He groaned, closing his eyes like he was getting dizzy.

Finally you came, your back arching as you clenched around him once again.

Kirk slowed down and finally stopped, "Thank you..." you sighed softly. "Sorry if it was too much."

"That's okay," he smiled up at you, blowing a stray hair from his face, "I told you I'd do anything for you, just say the word. Remember?" he chuckled.

He pulled out slowly before taking off the condom and disposing of it.

Lying next to you, he put his arms around your waist and kissed your cheek, causing you to giggle.

"I love you." He lifted himself to look down at you.

"I love you too, Hammett." you smirked jokingly.

He laughed and plopped back down next to you.

"I can't believe we just had actual sex." He said while staring at the ceiling.

"It sounds odd when you say it like that..." you said as you turned to him, looking at his beautiful profile again.

"Like... I just put my penis inside of you—" You smacked his arm, cutting him off.

"Kirk! Shut up!" You laughed.

He turned to look at you, "I want to be your boyfriend."

You blushed, "...And I wanna be your girlfriend..."

He smiled, a light pink showing on his cheeks.

"But seriously, you tell me that now instead of before you," you held up quotation marks, "put your penis inside of me?"

Kirk let out a loud laugh, holding his hands over his face, "Shut the fuck up."

He sighed, "I love you. Again. Sorry, I don't know how many times I'm gonna say that," he chuckled, looking away a little embarrassed.

"Kirk," you grabbed his face and kissed him, "I love you. You're my best friend. I always have and I always will love you, okay?"

He looked at your lips, "Good," he joked, going back in to kiss you.

Suddenly you heard a scream, the both of you sat up, noticing the alien on the screen of your tv.

"I forgot that was on."

———————

thank you for reading 😙😙

[patchofgrey]

Sleepless nights Chapter 3-2 snippet

"Sorry about this." he breathed. "I tried not to go overboard with the drinks tonight."

"Don't worry about it. You were out with the boys, I wouldn't expect anything less than you coming home trashed." Tenten laughed softly.

Neji let out a groan and he slightly shook his head. Home, he thought. She opened his house to him as if it were his own home; he was forever grateful. His chin lifted a bit as he felt tenten tug on his long locks. Reaching his hand back, he ran his fingers along the high ponytail that she had styled for him. Then his stomach gave again, and he hunched over the toilet bowl. Her hand was back in between his shoulder blades, rubbing his back in comfort. It was weird, he thought. The roles were switched around this time and he wasn't sure how he felt about Tenten taking care of him. He was happy, but at the same time he felt as though he was burdening her. Trying to stand, Neji fell back onto his knee with his head spinning. The cheerleader hummed as she pushed him back down. Announcing that she was going to make him some ginger tea, she stood and shuffled back into the kitchen. She turned on her burner to boil water and took out two mugs. Hopefully his stomach will hold this down, and she wouldn't have to stay up making sure he doesn't choke on his own bile. A sigh left her lips as she heard the toilet flush and a cough. Reaching for some tea bags, she jumped a bit as she felt hands snake around her waist. His forehead collided with her neck as he leaned into her. Yep, she thought, absolutely trashed. He mumbled something inaudible to her ears as she patted his head. Touchy-Feely, she hummed. Neji was so touchy-feely with her whenever he was drunk. And it was only with her. Dropping the tea bags into the mugs, she served the tea and led him to her couch. She gently pushed him down and gave him a mug. His eyes watched as she ran back upstairs and for some unknown reason. After a moment of listening to her shuffling about, he took a sip of his tea. Ginger and lemon graced his tongue to which he gave a pleasant sigh. The warmth of the ginger traveled down his throat and into his stomach with such ease, he was sure he wouldn't feel like shit when he woke up. Tenten had finally come back down and sat herself next to him. She grabbed her mug of tea and shifted so her legs were resting on her best friend's lap.

"So, how was it?" Tenten asked after taking a sip.

"Just as you'd expect it to be with them," he murmured bringing his lips to the mug once more. "The food was actually pretty good and overall, they all behaved."

"Oh, shocker." Tenten hummed.

Neji rolled his eyes. Yes, his team had a reputation at university parties to...get a bit reckless. He never really joined in unless Tenten was present with her cheer team. They would make some kind of agreement about who got to get trashed and who would be driving the other home. It was usually Tenten who would be found with bottles and grinning to some stranger from the division one basketball team, to which he would look about from a distance just in case. And if they decided to both get trashed, they'd have Lee drive them to whomever's house was available and it was usually Neji's.

"I was shocked that Sasuke went through your phone to call me," Tenten said carefully. "I was hoping to not bother you guys. That's why I texted Lee."

"You texting me is never a bother, Tenten." He breathed.

"You've...been avoiding me."

Neji's ivory eyes snapped to hers. With whatever focus he could muster up; he locked eyes with hers. Tenten blinked awkwardly as the Hyuga searched her face. After a moment he sighed and placed the mug on the coffee table. Bringing his hand to his face, he rubbed his eye. He was trying to process some words, without just spewing out random whatever popped into his mind. Neji wanted to appear as if he was in control, however, Tenten knew he was trying to stop himself from babbling to her. She had told him before he left that she would hang up the phone on him if he did start babbling. Not that she didn’t like it when he did, it’s just she wasn’t in the mood to listen to him or his woes at the moment and was trying to push him to talk to his other friends.

"It's just… I've been…" he trailed off trying to find the right words.

Read the story here _| AO3 link

[elsweetheart]

sorry but now i need to see a timeskip of now wnba!abby her lovely housewife!reader and their soon to be born baby . . . sawry ur literally making me go insane

GODDDDD YOU WANNA KILL ME DONTCHA

i honestly feel like the two of you wouldn’t even wait that long to start your family. abby gets scouted for the wbna pretty much immediately out of college, and for the next few years you’re watching her live her fucking dream, whilst she funds whatever dreams you have because she’s insistent on it. always grabbing you by the shoulders, nudging your cheek to look at her with her knuckle and telling you “hey, i want you to have a life too yeah? whatever you want, let me give you that.” and almost everytime she promises that, it ends up in you getting fucked with your legs over her shoulders.

but she means it, and she follows through with it. but for the most part, your favourite endeavour in the world is being her pretty little spoilt housewife, forever being greeted with a dozen roses with swarovski crystals and jewellery from posts she’d found bedded in your twitter likes, because abby pays attention. even when she’s playing her heart out, even when she feels like she’s losing, she’s dead set on giving you the life you deserve so that you don’t feel overshadowed by her.

and then a few years in, when basketball is taking a slower mile, she’s taking that opportunity to start a family with you because she’s dying to see you all swollen with her baby.

you come to her game, sitting courtside with a reserved empty seat next to you when you get the news, practically buzzing the whole game. she wins, inevitably — and comes to greet you like always, pressing a firm sweaty kiss to your mouth, accepting your “well done, abs!”. her eyes flicker to the seat beside you, the empty seat reserved under your name, breathing out a “you invite someone today?”

“no actually, just figured i should start getting used to reserving two seats now abs… i’m pregnant.”

and of course abby cries, and hugs you, and spins you around, and tells the whole world because you’re pregnant. you’re starting a life together.

and abby absolutely spoils the shit out of you when you get pregnant. god, you don’t even know the half of it. she’s scheduling in top midwives and booking you spa days and letting you decorate the baby room however the hell you want because god forbid she upsets her pregnant wife.

and when you start showing there’s practically no room for insecurity, because she’s always kissing your tits and rubbing your feet like you’re some kind of princess, and gently finger fucking you like you’re made of glass making you gush on her fingers again and again and again until you can finally see past the discomfort and get a good nights sleep. like you deserve.

and god, abby talks to the baby all the time. you find out you’re having a little boy, and she’s thrilled. she would have been thrilled either way, but she’s thrilled. you catch her looking up jerseys for babies on her phone, which makes you giggle. she tells him all about it, laying her cheek on your thigh, stroking your big globed tummy.

you pretty much have to beg abby not to take a break from the wnba just to become your full time pamperer, and you come to as many games as you can still, especially at the start — even if you’re throwing up into a trash can at half time. she of course plays even better than before, the sight of your smiling face in the audience, your hand rubbing over your belly. she can’t hear you over the crowd, but she can see your lips moving and she knows you’re talking to her son quietly, telling her that moms winning, mom always wins.

[theblueflower05]

Part Two. Eclipse

Summary: After a heated argument with Lo’ak, Y/N and Kiri embark on a life threatening adventure. Neteyam races against time to save them.

Word count: 6k+

Warning: Violence. A little blood & gore but just a lil bit. Descriptions of parental pressure that may be triggering.

When my heart just burst like a glass balloon,

I let it fly too high and it shattered to soon.

I was the wrong damn girl in the wrong damn room.

I broke my glass balloon. I let go of my glass balloon

- Hermit the frog, Marina.

The forests of Pandora are never still.

They're always bustling with life, in constant movement. Dancing. Breathing. A fan lizard makes its way across the overgrown flora, slow and steady. Unassuming-

“You snooze you lose”

A loud screech followed by a chorus of giggles echos through the trees.

The poor fan lizard never had a chance, is knocked clear off its path as four pre-teens , a tornado of movement and sound, fly by. Swinging from branch to branch without a care in the world, the poor creature erupts into a spinning rainbow right before colliding with the moss covered floor.

No matter, nothing matters as the four of you make your escape from the village as you so often do.

Kiri hot on your tail, Lo’ak at the helm. Spider swinging from vine to vine, holding his own despite his much smaller frame. The vivid cobalt stripes that you’d painted on him days prior still stained his skin.

The trees lessen and then thin out as Hell’s Gate comes into view.

The fortress is big, and ugly. All concrete and overgrown plants. The last remnant of the sky peoples bases, it had definitely seen better days. Since it had been abandoned over a decade ago and left to the few trusted humans it had kind of gone to shit. Scientists are great at discovering, exploring. Maintenance? Not so much.

“Wanna play some ball?” Lo’ak asks as he makes a beeline for the basketball courts. You love humans strange games, they’re useless- but their fun. Just your cup of tea.

“No, I’m gonna go check on mom” Kiri’s already leagues forward, headed towards the entrance. Barely paying any attention to her brother.

“Awe come on- it’s not like she’s not gonna still be there later. Plus we know that Norm’s keeping her plenty company” Lo’ak and Spider giggle at his jab and Kiri throws a glare over her shoulder.

Your teeth dig into your tongue as you fight to keep the smile off of your face shrugging before heading in after her.

“Not you too Y/N. Man, you guys suck. Who’s gonna play with me?”

“I'm right here, cuz” Spider exclaimed, huffing up in exasperation.

Their height difference is laughable.

The Avatar designed basketball to big to fit in Spiders hands, the last time the four of you had played he’d taken it straight to the face, his nose so broken that it never really healed right. The entire court looked like a crime scene and Max had scolded all of you.

You had to remember Spider’s human body, and it’s limits, even if he didnt want you too.

The smaller human steals the culprit of a ball from Lo’ak’s grasp and begins to dribble circles around him and Lo’ak as always, defies any kind of predestined rules.

The labs are a familiar alien. All beeping neon buttons and sterile white surfaces. Monitors filled with images you don't quite understand, no matter how many times they’re explained to you. Since the first time Kiri had brought you here, you’d been perplexed. An obsessed fascination. You liked learning new things, you liked chatting with the friendly humans.

And you liked visiting Grace.

Kiri’s mom is in one of the back corners. Submerged, a bio-tank holding her. Cradling her something like a womb. She looks peaceful, you assure your friend. Whatever dreams she’s stuck in must be good ones.

“Hi mom” Kiri whispers, her five fingered hand pressing gently against the glass. You watch her, let her run through the process of her carefully cultivated routine. She likes to talk to Grace, fill her in on everything that’s happened since the last visit.

You think she’d have a better chance of making connection a connection at the tree of souls but you keep that fact to yourself.

“Hi Grace” You place the bracelet that you’d made for her on the tank. “Kiri ate shit at the watering hole the other day. You would’ve thought it was hilarious”

And you never knew Grace, never would, but who wouldn't think Kiri faceplanting during wash day wasn't funny? If you were stuck in slumber, you’d want people to tell you jokes.

The scientists are cool, and you make your rounds. Handing out the little bracelets you’d made them. You’d just about gotten human measurements down, but they still did hang a little awkwardly off of their gangly wrists.

No matter. Doctor Kelsey is a Zoologist who had been good friends with Kiri’s mom, and had taken the initiative to teach you how to read.

Sky people letters were simple in composition, but confusing in structure. That doesn't stop you from keeping your nose buried in the books she offers. You like the vividly colored picture books better than the black and white chapter ones but to each their own.

“Hi Y/N” Doctor Kelsey greets, laughing as you reach into the cloth knapsack that you’d toted along, giving her back ‘The Lorax’, in exchange for another old semi tattered book from her library.

“How’d you like this one?” She chats as she digs through her collection

“It was very sad. They had no trees, no animals” You explain, a deep frown maring your features as you recount and retell the story you’d read. “This is how your planet is, no?”

You remember Jake telling a story about Earth. A dying star.

“Pretty much, the book was definitely supposed to be an analogy for Global Warming and mass consumption issues. Good job for picking up on that Y/N, you really have been excelling. I’m gonna give you something a little harder. If you have any issues with it, Kiri will help until you can come visit again”

She hands you a thicker book and you sound out the golden rod letters of the title.

��Pet-her pahn?”

“Peter Pan” She corrects good naturedly “I think you’ll like this one, it's about a boy that never wants to grow up”

“Are you sure you don’t want to give this to Lo’ak instead?” You deadpan and Doctor Kelsey lets out a peel of laughter.

She reads the first couple chapters out loud to you and Kiri before having to return to her work. You both listen, ears twitching with interest. You pack the fragile book safely into your knapsack before you leave.

----------

It’s nearing eclipse and you know you really should be getting home- instead you sit crossed legged on a step, your face twisted into a deep scowl.

You spend more time at Hell’s Gate than you should, your parents remind you of the fact often, but you love it here. You can make the trek home in your sleep.

Which is why you’re less worried about the waning sunlight. More concerned with the words that had just come out of Lo’ak’s mouth.

“You guys could never do it, and not even because you're girls. Ma’s a girl, lots of hunters are. You’re just wusses” He taunts, chest all puffed out.

He’d been like this, ego inflated to the nines since he’d come back from the mountains a few days ago, actually in flight this time. A wriggling yelping Ikran below him and air of self importance that he just couldn't seem to shake.

Scratch the fact that you and Kiri had just handed him his own ass at H.O.R.S.E.

“Didn't it take you like three times and a concussion to tame your ikran?” You sneer and Spider lets out a huff of a chuckle, coughing when Lo’ak side eyes him.

“It was only two-” He starts and Kiri shakes her head, cutting him off quick.

“It can't be hard if you were able to do it. I mean, think about the Tayrangi, in their clan even the children ride. It wouldn’t be that hard to go up to the mountains and claim one”

Somehow it ended up like this most days. Kiri and Lo’ak on opposing views. Bickering until your ears hurt. You and Spider innocent on lookers, casualties of war as you alternated whos allegiance to pledge. Well Spider did, even if Lo’ak was right on the money and Kiri was dead wrong you’d stand beside her.

“Yeah so? We aren't coast people. I bet you couldn't even make it up the mountain. You’d shit your pants before you even tried. What would you do Kiri? Try to hug your ikran into submission” His words are laced with condescending laughter.

You shouldn't take it so personally, Lo’ak can be a dick. He doesn't even mean to be most of the time.

But it hits a sensitive raw nerve in your chest, the same one that had been hammered endlessly for years. To be a hunter, you have to ride. To be a hunter, you have to train. To be a hunter, you have to want to be one, right? You can't run away from it at every turn…

“We’re gonna have to do it eventually” You grit out.

“Yeah, sure” he drawls out the ‘e’ “I think you should probably just stick to your beadworking. You know, things you’re actually good at”

In the blink of an eye Lo’ak is drenched in what remained of your banana fruit juice, you’d emptied the canteen right in his stupid face. He blinks in surprise, his mouth falling open, tail going ramrod straight

“You’re such a douchebag” You hiss. You don't completely know what that word means, but you’d heard the sky people throw it around a handful of times and knew that it was nothing good.

“You head straight for the forest without another word. Face hot and eyes stinging.

“Why would you say that?” Kiri glares at her younger brother who looks completely shocked, ears flat and mouth open.

“What? Tell her that she’s good at something? That’s the last time I try to be nice, shit. Grandmother just re-braided my hair” Lo’ak moans as he he rakes his hands down his face, over his chest and through his hair. He’s already sticky.

“Dont be so dense. That wasn't cool and you know it” She sighs, before following you.

“Girls are psychotic” Lo’ak laments, and Spider just shakes his head.

“Yeah, totally”

---------

The forest has already started to glow, the path home bioluminescent which just makes your furious steps even faster. You didn't want to get in trouble with your parents too. They already weren’t going too be thrilled about you ditching babysitting duty to go hang out at the ‘cursed place’

“Wait up!”

You huff and clear the jump between branches in a clean swoop of a jump.

“Come on! Dont be mad at me I didn't do anything!” Kiri exclaimes jumping after you and nearly running into your back as you stop dead, waiting.

“I'm not mad, okay. I'm just-” You shake your head with a sigh. Not wanting to speak the words in your head. “Come on, we need to get home”

“Its okay to be mad at Lo’ak. My dad is, like, all the time” Kiri tries to soothe as the two of you continue your route.

“I can't be mad at someone who was only telling the truth”

“That wasn't the truth. That was him trying to pacify himself over the fact that he didn't get it first try like Neteyam”

Your stomach flutters when Kiri mentions her eldest brother, as it always does. You ignore it like you always do.

Pushing on further, faster, until the twinkling warm lights of the village come into view. They’ve already started preparing for the night and you need to start preparing for the earful you’re about to get.

Your heartbeat goes tense and anxiety creeps up your spine, your tail flicking in rapid jerky motions.

Kiri doesn't pry, she never needs to. She lets you huff and puff and stomp all the way back home, knowing that you’ll spill.

You lean against the bark of the trunk, your arms crossing over your chest as you look at your friend. She stands in front of you, expectant but not forceful. Already knowing whats bothering you, you’d vented about this particular issue so many times in the past.

“At least he got it, eventually. Didn't get himself killed like so many have before him- Kiri I don't know how I'm ever supposed to do that. My parents-” you choke on the word parents, have to swallow up the word vomit “My mom wants me to start really focusing on training and I just-”

“Don't want to?” Kiri offers.

“Completely suck at it. Everyone keeps telling me that it’s gonna get easier, it's in my blood, but I’m not a warrior. I don’t feel it, you know. I just want to read my new book, and make a necklace with those stones we found at the river. And gossip with the girls'' You sigh because why can't it be so easy?

“I think you’d be a great village gossip, we should ask my father if he can make that your official title”

You laugh in spite of yourself and your soured mood “It’s not funny. I'm never going to be what they want me to be. There's no way I’m ever going to be able to tame an ikran. He’s right”

“You don't really think that”

“No I really do. Im pretty sure I’d break my neck trying. I fall of direhorses all the time”

“You can also hit a moving target with your eyes closed. You don't have to be good at all things, all the time Y/N. It’s impossible” She reaches out to pat your shoulder.

“Try telling my mom that '' You sigh, and bring your hands to face, covering your eyes as you talk “I just don't want to disappoint everybody when I’m not able to do it. When I’m not able to complete my Inknamaya and become this great warrior they keep talking about. They’ll all come up to watch me get eaten by my own ikran”

“Would it be easier if they weren't watching?” Kiri offers solutions.

Probably so, but she knows how your family is. You remind her of the fact.

“What if we tried without them…if you didn't feel like you needed to perform, maybe you wouldn't be so in your head the whole time?” Kiri always has the worst plans. Seriously. But this one tops the cake.

You pull your hands from your face to glare at her incredulously. “You’re not serious”

“Why not? Tayrangi kids do it while they’re still in diapers, they don't have any training for it- they know what to do in their hearts. The great mother guides them through it”

“Kiri. Absolutely not”

“Think about it, cause I have. Even before tonight with my stupid brother. Tsaheylu is sacred, we know how to make it from the moment we’re birthed. It doesnt need to be browbeaten into us, we don't have to do it everyone else's way. My mother made the bond with a palulukan! And my father with Taruk? Who taught them how to do that?”

You shake your head because she’s far too good at convincing herself that her asinine ideas aren't exactly that.

You’ve seen the way the forest interacts with her, you know how special she is…but this would certainly get you both killed. Thirteen is young to make the bond with an Ikran anyway. Even the highly skilled, trained and ready warriors have trouble with it.

You're shaking your head, arms back tightly crossed over your chest, about to go full older sister mode when there's a rustling in the nearest tree.

Two sets of ears twitch, focused on what's coming-

“Lo’ak? Kiri?- There you are!”

Neteyam swings in from above, lands gracefully on his feet in front of you.

His amber orbs scan quickly over you both, apprising and slightly annoyed and your stomach does its tell tale flutter. Having him so close, tall and looming never does good things to your weak, wanting heart.

“You do realize that you were supposed to be home hours ago- it's almost eclipse. Mom and dad are pissed, he would have come out himself if Norm hadn’t radioed in that you all we’re using Hell’s Gate as a playground again”

Neteyam sounds every bit his role. Future clan leader, semi disgruntled older brother.

“It's not even eclipse yet, there's still light” Kiri is reaching, it's all but dark out. “Right Y/N?”

“Right? We definitely had a quarter hour left at least, if anything we’re right on time” You nod, catching her line of bullshit and rolling with it.

Neteyam pinches the bridge of his nose. “Your parents are upset too Y/N. I wouldn't use that line with them if I was you”

The anxious flick of your tail comes back full force “Like really upset? Or just- a little bit?”

His deadpan face tells it all. “Where is Lo’ak?

Another shuffle in the trees, leaves and smaller branches swaying. Lo’ak appears, obviously behind. He doesn't land nearly as gracefully as Neteyam.

“I’m right here bro, chill out” Lo’ak’s eyes meet yours briefly and you huff, still upset clearly.

Your nose is high in the air as you turn away. If you had to get scolded, you’d do it with some kind of dignity- and he could fuck right off.

“What is all over you?” Neteyam questions his brother from behind you, plucking at his one of his younger brothers sticky braids.

----------

Its an accumulation of things, your mother tells you. She doesn't scream, but the tongue lashing is no less intense. No, if anything it's worse. You can't look her in the face.

Its an accumulation of things, she tells you. It’s your disregard of your duties, who would have watched your little sisters had an Aunt not volunteered to do what you should’ve. You are to watch over them while she’s partoling and you know that.

It’s your training, or lack thereof. You can't get better if you don't put in the effort. If you don't focus.

“It’s this streak of immaturity , Y/N. You are not a childling anymore. By the time I was your age I was helping feed our community, I had found myself within the people. I want that for you- and you disappoint me at every chance”

Your ears are plastered to the side of your head the entire time, your tail wrapped around your calf. You take it wordlessly, blinking furiously at the tears because you can. Not. Cry.

“Are we done?” You croak and your mother looks like she might cry herself. Instead she nods and you sprint as quickly as you can away. Only when she can't see your face do you let the tears roll fast and hot.

It's later in the night, laying with your family on your cot. Staring at the star filled sky that you recount your mothers words.

Disappoint me.

You disappoint me.

Somewhere, somehow, Kiri’s get mixed in.

What if we tried without them?

-----------

To tame an Ikran, you have to go where the Ikrans are.

This was known by all. You’d heard stories of how tedious the journey was, but as you make it yourself, you realize that all before you had minimized its nature.

You and Kiri had taken direhorses out in the early morning under the guise of foraging for berries that you had spotted a week before when visiting the lab. They hadn't been ready to pick then, somehow your Grandfather buys it. Sends you out with a kiss on the forehead.

You're glad your mother is out hunting, she wouldn't have been such an easy sell.

It was early, when you’d left. The sun just rising. Now it is high in the sky, shining brightly as the two of you ride as far down the path as you can go on horseback. The path is narrow and carved into the face of a steep cliff. Rocks crumble away, you soothe the gentle beast beneath you.

Kiri seems to be doing the same for you. Turning back to look at you every few minutes.

“How do you know where we’re going?” You’d questioned her when she’d offered to lead the way.

“I just know. Eywa will show us”

To anyone else that might have not been enough. You follow her eagerly.

The direhorses can only take you so far- before its time to climb.

And climb you do.

The two of you scale the floating mountains none too fast. Its treacherous unstable ground, the wind shifting the terrain with every breeze and you never quite feel like you have your sure footing.

You’d grown up in hometree. They say it isn't as large as the one that your parents grew up in, that the sky people destroyed, but it still towers high. You’d ridden on the back of your mothers ikran, you'd climbed to the top of lovers Peak to watch the great colors in the sky.

You were no stranger to heights, but as Kiri jumps, and latches on to a weak looking vine in mid air you hesitate. You stop for a moment, and look below you.

All you can see are clouds, misty and white. So high up that you can't even see the ground.

“Come on, Y/N!” she calls for you and you gulp. Breath through your nose and take the leap.

The journey is laborious, and feels like it lasts forever. By the time the two of you make it to the entrance of the mouth of the cave you are both covered in sweat, panting profusely. Your arm muscles scream at the intense treatment. You reach a hand out, sweeping through one of the waterfalls that seem to fall into nothing.

Rub the cool liquid on the back of your neck.

It was hell to get to, but the mountain of the Ikran is beautiful.

They fly in the hundreds here, screeching and circling each other in the sky, sweeping from mountain to mountain. Their breeding grounds lush with waterfalls and fungi.

Looking down, down through the gaps of clouds you can see the forest below. It looks so small and and far away. Your stomach lurches, you feel like you’re flying already.

“We made it. I can't believe we made it. Thank you great mother” Kiri whispers, her hands clutching her chest.

“Don't thank her quite yet, we still haven't gotten through the hard part” You remind her- because its there. Looming just out of sight.

There is only a moment to catch your bearings, before you settle in on what you came for.

“We can still go back” Kiri offers. She has to. You don't have to do this.

You shake your head. “No, we can't. We came all this way and I’m never climbing this mountain again”

It’s through one of the waterfalls, the sound of rushing water filling your ever twitching ears as you pay close attention to your footing on the narrow, slippery ledge. It’s white noise, the first peace you’d had since the start of your climb.

“How will we know if an Ikran chooses us?” one of your peers had asked during training and Jake had smiled. All to canine.

“It’ll try to kill you”

You fist the bolo rope you’d brough until the leather digs deep into your palm as they come into view. All of them, dozens. Ikrans of all colors and sizes are seated at what looks like a basking site. They slowly become aware of the outside intrusion, and then its eyes. So many of them. All focused on you and Kiri.

“How are we gonna do this?” You whisper to her, heart pounding in your throat. Adrenaline rushing protectively through your veins.

“I’m not sure yet” She replies very unhelpfully.. Of course It goes the way all things go with Kiri.

Strange.

She doesn't seem as scared as you are, she steps lightly around the winged creatures, whispering all the while. You’re glued to your spot, still not far from where you’d entered. You’d seen your friend do a number of weird things, unexplainable things. But this…was something else. She approaches an Ikran. And it doesn't try to kill her.

No, the mostly chartreuse creature cocks its head at her. Skittish and unsure. You’re too far away to hear what she's saying but Kiri keeps whispering. Talk to it, as one does a child. A smile on her face, her arm outstretched and welcoming.

“Kiri don’t!”

You’re trying to figure out how exactly you’re going to explain a missing arm to her family when she takes a hold of her que, and simple as anything, connect it to her ikrans.

The gasp you let out leaves your throat sore.

You’re confused. Cant believe your eyes. You’re still in disbelief when she takes flight, the green and silver of the wings sparking in the high alkaline sunshine. Kiri soars through the air- making a wide turn, and coming back to where you’re still rooted.

“How did you do that?!” Your voice breaks and your eyes are wide as saucers.

“I asked her if she wanted to be my friend!” Kiri hollers back. Completely serious. “You can do it Y/N! You’ve gotta, this is amazing! She yells “You’ve got this!”

And you want it, so badly.

You want to be in the air with her, you don't want to go back to the village riding her coat tails and reeking of defeat. You have to do this, you square your shoulders,

“I’ve got this!” You reply, even though you keep thinking about Lo’ak’s unconscious body on the back of Neytiri’s ikran the first time he’d tried this. He’d been knocked unconscious, head bloody and his mom had had to carry him home.

It is glaringly apparent as you take the steps that your friend had just made, that this is not going to go the same way for you.

Where the banshee’s seemed to be at peace with her being here on their territory they reacted completely differently as you approach. Wailing loudly, scattering. Hostile and ready to strike.

They didn't want to be your friend.

Everytime you get close, they take off, jumping ship. Taking to the skies.

Until one doesn't.

Perched on a rock, the creature looks at you with a sharp turquoise eye. Only one, the other is scared, disfigured from past battle. She’s huge and dark purple. So dark she looks shiny with it, the orange, green and magenta splotches on her skin give the appearance of an oil slick.

She’s nothing like the pretty, feminine ikrans you’d so admired growing up. She’s fierce and terrifying and for a moment you think that there's no way she’s choosing you.

“Oh shit” you hear Kiri, distantly.

The ikran opens her massive jaws and lets out a roar that shakes you to your core.

“It’ll try to kill you” Jake had answered the question. Training young hunters to the best of his ability “And you’ve gotta call their bluff”

You muster a fierce hiss, even though you feel anything but, and then its on.

Lightening quick, chaos ensues. A tangle of limbs and wings. You can't wrap your mind around what's happening, there’s no room for any other thoughts then make tsaheylu. You have to follow your body, trust it. But it's so hard when something three times your size is struggling against you, trying to take any chance it has to kill you.

“Make the bond!”

You get the bolo wrapped around its gnashing jaws and chalk it up to pure luck. In the next moment one of it’s wings expands violently, throwing you back. Luckily not straight over the edge, but against the rough rocky wall opposite.

Your head connects with a sickening thud.

Your world goes dark, the pain on the right side of your face excruciating and your ears ringing from the impact. Or is that Kiri screaming? You force yourself to collect your bearings, forcing up onto your knees. You can taste metallic in your mouth and your head feels too heavy for your neck to hold.

A flash of purple brings your eyes back to focus.

NO.

The ikran is going to take flight, her wings outstretched. She’s going to leave and you’re never going to have another chance. You’re going to have to ride back home bloody and defeated. A loser who never should’ve tried. You’re going to disappoint your family, again. You won't be able to bring this glory to them-

You didnt come this far to go back empty handed. You weren't going to get in trouble for nothing.

The ikran takes off disappearing over the edge.

And you jump off the cliff behind her.

-----------

Jake is making his rounds, there’s so many of them now a days. He checks in with Mo’at, runs perimeter. Takes account of his people, and wonders if the imposter syndrome will ever fade. Tuk is still just young enough that she sticks to his side like glue.

“Daddy, look at this!” “Daddy, what’s that!”

A part of him wishes all of his children were still 5 years old. Still thought he hung the stars just for them. Instead he barely knew where they were anymore. Teenagers are still teeangers no matter what planet they’re on.

He does mental intake- Neteyam would no doubt be leading training. Kiri off somewhere with Y/N, and Lo’ak was hunting with Neytiri so for once Jake didn't need to worry about him.

Everything was fine. Everything was great…so why did he have this gnawing feeling in his gut that it wasn't?

It’s okay, this is why he’d given his family coms, so that he could check in whenever he wanted to.

He touches base with Neytiri first, her and Lo’ak are fine and he better not mess up her shot again.

Then Neteyam, he’ll be on stand-bye if needed.

“Kiri, I need your six. Over” He’s met with dead silence. He tries again, and again only for the same result. And that’s not normal. Kiri, at this age, will usually reply with some sarcastic smart ass quip. Captain dad, she calls him.

She’s never gone radio silent. And Jake’s gut has never lead him astray. Something’s wrong.

Tuk is pulling on his hand, taking his ear off but he’s sinking into a place he knows all too well- he can't panic. His brains not hardwired for that, too many battlefields, too much experience.

“Neteyam? When was the last time you saw Kiri, over?”

The first place he looks for his daughter is with Y/N, the two are practically conjoined at this point. You aren't to be found at your hut, but your grandfather tells him that the two of you had gone gathering. Bubble berries, its their season but the timing doesn't match- if his daughter had left this morning, she’d be back by now.

Jake’s in full military mode, furiously barking out orders.

A search party needed to be dispersed. Now. He’s gathering his men when Vitany, your mother touches ground. She’s confused, and then she’s fearful. He can see his own emotions mirrored in her eyes. She’s a great warrior, one of his best. She’d fought beside him for the last decade. No fear, heart of a lion. That all tends to go out of the window the moment your child is involved.

“Ma’ Jake!”

As Neytiri and Lo’ak land, having raced home from hunting at the news- his wife looks much the same. Terrified, confused. Shooting off question after question, where can they be? Where do they start?.

He’s about to take flight- to follow the search party.

“Dad!” Its Neteyam, and along with him he’s toting Spider. A gentle but firm grip on the younger, smaller boy's shoulder.

“What’s going on? What is it?”

“You need to tell them what you told me” his eldest son urges the human boy “Right now”

Jake’s always felt for Spider. A kid misplaced forever on a planet not his own. With people who could never and would never see him as anything but an alien.

All eyes are on him.

“It was uh, it was like a week ago. When they came to visit Hell’s Gate. We all got into it about ikran riding and how Kiri and Y/N weren't cut out for it. Kiri said that she could do it a different way like the Tayrangi Clan did, and Y/N just got really pissed at Lo’ak and left-”

“Is this true?” Neytiri looks to Lo’ak who hangs his head. But nods in agreement.

“What are you saying?” Jake presses, because he needs a solid answer.

“I think that they might have gone into the mountains. To try and tame ikrans” Spider finishes and Neteyam lets go of his shoulder, his hand slightly shaking.

“No” Vitany gasps horrified. Her daughter isn't trained enough. What the human boy just spoke of is certain death, she's on the back of her own ikran within seconds, taking off as fast as she can.

Racing towards the breeding grounds. Neytiri is hot on her trail.

“Neteyam, I need you with me, let's go!” Jake calls for Bob, high pitched bird sounds, and the beast lands at his feet, ever loyal. Looking at him, Jake remembers just what it took to tame him-

“Not you” He bellows, already mid flight. Catches his youngest son gripping his reins. Lo’ak protests, his eyes watery as the weight of his actions weigh down heavily on him.

“Dad, please”

“You’ve done enough”

------------

Neteyam spends most his life in flight, since he had passed his rite of taming Atanzaw(lightning) years ago, he never wanted to touch ground.

He felt most himself in the sky. Free, lost to the vastness of the wind. He’d take any hunting, scouting or perimeter control shifts he could get his hands on, as long as he could fly.

It's an unusual feeling, being on ikrab back and having his stomach tied into knots. Being so worried that he can barely breathe.

He has to keep his mind clear to keep Atanzaw flying straight, piercing through the clouds like a bullet. He can't imagine his sister mauled to death or her best friend thrown to her death. It is too much.

He let his guard down, he knew he needed to help keep a closer eye on his siblings when his mother was hunting and he let his fucking guard down.

Kiri and Y/N we’re always running off, but never far. He could always track one’s movement by the other’s. Keeping an eye on Y/N had become a part of his routine, and he’d slacked.

Y/N hadn’t shown up for training and he should’ve known something was wrong- but she’d been off all week. Upset at something that was none of his business to uncover. Overworking herself, walking away from friends that she’d usually spend her time chattering with.

Shit.

He’s better than this. He’s going to be Olo’ekteyan someday, how is he supposed to keep the people safe if he can't even keep his sister safe? He’s wallowing in could’ve, would’ve should’ve’s when he hears a scream.

Neteyam banks against the wind, using all his strength to pull himself and Atanzaw in the other direction. Towards the screams, towards where his sister and her friend we’re undoubtedly in imminent danger.

He doesn't get shocked much, and when he does, he’s always able to hide it. Able to handle it enough that no one even noticed.

His mouth hangs open and his ears point straight at the sight that greets him.

No longer is the sky filled with screams, but with girlish giggles. Yelps and ikran caterwauls.

Kiri and Y/N do barrel rolls around each other, in hysterics as they play in the clouds. Both of them sat atop their respective ikran- not dead. Not dying. But frolicking, like schoolgirls. Like they didn't just give the village a collective fucking stroke.

Neteyam is angry, furious even. But more so, he’s impressed. That combined with the shock is a potent mix in his system and he can help but let out an incredulous laugh. Somehow the two of you were not only alive, but flying, bareback. Had climbed the Hallelujah mountains alone, and tamed ikran.

You were both in so much fucking trouble.

A|N: Okay I know the story is lacking Neteyam right now, buttttt I just needed to get through with the set up. All of the rest of the chapters will be very Neteyam x Reader heavy.

Also- I read an article that said this is how Kiri bonded with her Ikran in the comics? And thought it was rad. I had to roll with it.

Please comment and tell me what you think! And what you wanna see in future parts! More interaction will always mean quicker updates.

[resident-gay-bitch]

just thinking about eddie being totally insecure with everything in school because assholes like jason don’t understand when a joke isn’t funny anymore. when they don’t know when to stop.

the first few ‘pranks’ he could deal with. pretty cheerleaders coming up to him and asking about his niche interests, trying to stop their giggles when he started to talk about them in an exited animated manner. only to be slapped on the back by a jock and ridiculed for it.

after a while they just got boring. repetitive. there are only so many pranks they can pull with the pretty girls of hawkins high.

a little while after that is when they started to get painful. the jokes were obviously repetitive, boring, unbelievable, and yet they confined to pull them on eddie anyway.

why?

well because he was the brunt of all their jokes. that’s why.

because these assholes think difference is gross and horrible and deserving of harassment. and to be honest, eddie wasn’t all that different when you thought about it. he was just a nerd who listened to metal. he was like them in the sense that he was a highschool guy, with a strong interest in a game that involved strategy (basketball/dnd), and had never made a girl cum in their lives. given, eddie had never really been given the chance too, where as jocks had more than enough chances, the just sucked.

then eventually, every so often they got smart with their pranks. through in a few he never would have suspected. like the last one, the fucking worst one yet. sara mcdonald, a totally sweet girl from his sophomore home economics class, came up and asked him on a date. he was a little shocked at first, he’d never been asked on a date before, but he’d kinda been interested in her his whole sophomore year so he couldn’t say no. it couldn’t have been a prank, he thought. she was quiet and kind and a little bit weird. pretty, but not in the way jocks liked.

he got wayne to help him get ready, dressed up real nice, did his hair. they had plans to meet at a diner for burgers and shakes. he rocked up perfectly on time, got a booth, and waited for half an hour. over time, more and more students from hawkins high came into the diner, and when the clock struck one hour past her estimated arrival time, jason walked up and asked how his date was going.

apparently they’d bribed her to ‘prank’ him by promising that the cheerleaders wouldn’t call her a munch anymore.

eddie was very hurt, and he was mad, but not at sara. she was saving her own ass and he totally got that. but it made him so deeply mistrusting and insecure that the first time he layed eyes on you, he expected that you’d be a total bitch and prank him too.

but maybe he’d indulge it, just for a little while. you were gorgeous after all.

on your first day you had rocked up in a very basic white tee and jeans, converse to match. and so eddie had no idea where you’d lie on the social hierarchy.

probably pretty high. you were breathtaking.

and on day two, when you walked into the cafeteria in ripped jeans and a slayer shirt, eddie knew he was about to get bullied hard.

he kept an eye on you as you sat to eat your food.

but you never came over.

he suspected you were playing the long game.

he wasn’t gonna let you win, whoever your were.

he was deep in conversation with gareth, standing on his chair with his arms out wide as the end of lunch was nearing. he did a little spin, making the guys at his table laugh. you walked by as he did, finished with your food.

you saw the back patch of his vest.

he made eye contact with you when he turned back around, and you stuck your hand up in the metal sign and nodded your head a few times, walking off. he noticed the leather cuff around your wrist and the chunky rings decorating your fingers.

so you were really playing the part. these jocks were crazy.

the next day at school, you were in a dio shirt and his brain almost short circuited. when you walked past his locker with your walkman on, head banging to your crapy pop music (so he suspected, which he was wrong of course), you pointed at his back patch, and then at your shirt and shot him with finger guns, running off for your class.

friday morning he stopped his tracks to see you dressed in yet ANOTHER metal band shirt, this one being metallica. and you were sitting on the hood of gareth’s car, a pair of drumsticks in your hands, tapping them between your legs whilst talking to his friends.

he needed to protect them before you and your jock squad brought them down too.

“hey-“

“oh, eddie! this is y/n.” gareth pointed at you.

“dio guy!” you smiled, holding your hand up for a high five, “respect, man.”

eddie left you hanging.

you nodded your head, spinning one of the drumsticks between your fingers before stuffing them back in gareth’s front pocket and hopping off the hood of his car.

“catch ya.” you nodded, saluted them ass you headed inside.

“bye.” gareth called back, waving at you.

“dude. are you crazy?” eddie asked.

“are you?” gareth asked back.

all day he was on the hunt for you, only catching glimpses between classes. you were driving him mad. he just wanted you to get this prank over and done with.

at lunch he got lucky.

you came up to his table, “yo, so… what’s with the matching shirts? are you in a club or is this like, a loser solidarity thing? if so, where do i get one?”

eddie folded his arms, sneered at you. trust you not to even be a good pranker and call him a loser.

“eddie makes them!” dustin answered excitedly, “and we’re in a club… but it’s kinda a loser solidarity thing.”

eddie didn’t like your laugh, it infuriated him. he needed you to shut up and be a cunt before he just broke and kiss- i mean kicked you or something.

“oh, sick.” you said, “what club?”

“hellfire.” mike answered, and these freshman were getting their characters killed tonight, “it’s a dnd club.”

“oh, fuckin cool!” you laughed, pulled up a seat at the table, “i’ve always wanted to learn. you reckon i can join?”

“no.” eddie said, thankful the prank was in motion, “im no idiot. i see right through you.”

you made a weird face at eddie, “what?”

“get fucked.” he said, shooing you away, “it’s not gonna work on me, no matter how much they try. go on, run along back to your possy and tell them it didn’t work.”

“i don’t know-“

“seriously get lost.” eddie said, looking away from you.

you looked at him for a moment. your head dropped and you pushed your chair back, grabbing your shit and running out of there without your lunch tray.

eddie didn’t know why he felt guilty.

it was probably just because everyone at hellfire was dumb, unlike him, and thought you were being genuine.

eddie thought about you all weekend.

monday he got to school late, as he usually did. he got there halfway through lunch.

he walked into the cafeteria to find a bunch of cheerleaders croweded together atop a table. screaming coming from everywhere. all eyes on them. he walked up to hellfire, standing on his chair to get a better view of the action.

there you were, on the floor under their table. he had no idea what you were doing.

you stood up, hands clasped together. you leered for the girls, opening your hands a little and they screamed, jumping back. you laughed and started on your way outside, turning to walk backwards to call.

“a thankyou would be nice, ladies!”

“fucking freak.” one of them called back.

“aww,” you pouted your lip, “you know exactly how to make me swoon.”

you ran outside.

“what happened?” eddie asked, sitting down.

“there was a spider under the cheer table.” lucas answered with a shrug.

eddie couldn’t get you out of his head.

math class was when he realised he might have been wrong about you. he overheard a couple of girls whispering about you to eachother, talking about how fucking weird you were.

the guilt kicked in.

eddie was going to avoid you for all eternity.

apparently you didn’t agree with that, because you came up to him after school. you pulled your headphones down to talk to him, dressed in motörhead shirt, your hair done all cool.

“hi.” he said, cheeks a little pink.

“hey.” you smiled, “look, i don’t know what your problem is with me- maybe you feel threatened that your not so special now your not the only metal head freak that likes a life drama or whatever, but uh… my dad and my uncle both got me a copy of the new anthrax album that came out yesterday, so… i mean, i don’t need two. figured you’d be the only other person to appreciate it, so-“ you shrugged, handed it to him, “consider it a peice offering… dude.”

you walked away.

“wait!” eddie called out, grabbing your wrist to pull you back to him.

“what?” you said.

“im sorry.” eddie looked at the ground, “im- im really sorry for being a dick.”

“hmm.” you crossed your arms and nodded.

“look, i just… everytime a new kid comes to school, the jocks recruit them to fuckin… prank me or whatver. they come up and ask me on a date, or ask me about dnd, or metal, and then they laugh at me. so…”

“so…”

“i thought that’s what you were doing. i didn’t think-“ eddie took a deep breath, rubbed his neck, “didn’t think someone as hot as you would be a freak.”

you grinned, “oh, i see. you were intimidated by my hotness.”

eddie deadpanned you, “hey- no.”

you laughed, “look, im not gonna forgive your assholery, because that fuckin stung, dude. i was trying to make friends… i thought you were like, cool.”

eddie felt himself blush.

“but i can move on.” you shrugged, “im good to start again, if you are?”

“yeah.” eddie smiled, sticking his hand out to shake, “sounds good to me.”

you didn’t shake his hand.

eddie looked at you, blinked twice.

“you left me hanging man.”

eddie laughed, “touché, touché.”

you smiled at him, and eddie thought he could really really like you, now that he’d let himself.

“anyway, i better go. i got a long hike.” you reached for your walkman.

“uh, yeah.” eddie blushed, swallowed, “or… i could drop you home? we can listen to the new album? maybe stop for a milkshake on the way?”

you blushed too, and it was the prettiest thing eddie had ever seen, he couldn't wait to make you blush again, “i think i would be cool with that. but you have to pay, ya know, to make up for being a dick.”

eddie laughed, showed you to his van, “hey, im a gentleman, i would have paid anyway.”

“oh yeah? with your well earned weed money?” you smirked at him.

“you know about that?” eddie asked, red as a tomato.

“word travels fast in small towns.” you opened the door to his van and climbed in, “i don’t mind a bad boy though.”

eddie grinned, “well lucky for you im the baddest boy of all.” eddie winked, chucked the van in reverse, “i am skipping detention for you right now.”

“oh, you are bad.” you laughed, “i’ll let you in on a secret… im skipping detention for you too.”

eddie smiled, “so your telling me we could have had a detention date instead?”

“save it for next time?” you offered, kicking your feet up on the dash.

“next time?.” eddie smiled, looked out at the road, “definitely.”

[reidslovely]

As the World Falls Down (TASM! Peter Parker)

Request: Yes based on this request here

Pairing: TASM!Peter Parker x Fem!Reader

Description: Your fate in other universes wrecks Peter to a point it is confess or risk losing you forever. Angst with happy ending

Content Warnings: Character death (but she’s alive it’s weird stick with me) kind of descriptive, mentions of anxiety attacks. Mentions of reader getting mugged..I’m sure I’m missing something let me know. 

As always please reblog, and leave a comment if you'd like 

___________________

Wherever this school was in this universe had way more funding than Peter’s back home. This Midtown had multiple stories, and technology this Peter could only wish to have had when he was in high school. There were a lot of things Peter wished he could have had in high school, watching his younger counterpart made that crisis grow tighter in his chest. So much so he had been forced to step out from the lab setting, his chest growing tight with anxiety. Back home May, his May, had taught him to remove himself from situations that caused him to get like this. He was twenty-eight and was now just finally deciding to listen to her. He tilted his head back against the locker, pacing his breathing and letting his fingers press against one another as he counted under his breath.

As he picked his head up, his eyes roamed around the halls seeing a beautifully decorated locker at the end of the hall. Tossing a look over his shoulder, he saw his younger and old counterparts laughing as they worked on their antidotes..Peter figured he had some time to waste. He had finished his right before stepping out in the hall. His feet drug him down the hall, that feeling of dread growing in his chest as he approached. That little boy in the back of his head screaming, begging him to turn around knowing something bad was on the rise.

Her face was beautifully framed in the open locker, with a loving memory plaque nailed on the open door. Peter felt his heart drop to his stomach, and his knees growing weak. Bile rose in his throat, as he looked at (Y/N)’s framed photo. She was dead in this universe, dead like Gwen.

What the fuck.

He gripped the door as he looked around the cards, notes, and stuffed animals tucked into the locker. Looking for any hint as to what happened, all while trying to remember this technically was not his (Y/N).

Peter had just seen her before he left. He had passed her open window, taking a few minutes to linger, not daring to knock on the door. Not ready to know if she was still upset with him or not. His (Y/N) had been smiling when he left, talking on the phone with god knows who planning god knows what. She had been wearing their old high school logo on a shirt he gave her the night of the last basketball game of the year. Not even fathoming there could be a universe where she faces the same fate as her best friend.

But now he was here, going through this one’s locker. Trying to figure out how it connects, if his young counterpart was at fault as Peter was for Gwen.

He let go, stepping back as he drug his hand down his face. His fingers pressing into his eyes hoping it would stop the tears. Taking a few deep breaths, he collects himself the best he could. Clearing his throat he walks back to the lab, no one turns to look at him.

Perfect.

“Everything okay?” The older one asks, finding him sitting next to him. There was a brotherly tone in his voice, the same way he and Harry used to talk with each other. Peter thought for a minute, how did he bring her up without it being obvious. His eyes lifted up to the young Peter, his head pressed against his M.J. 's head, how he would with Gwen. How he would with (Y/N)..there were some things that never changed no matter the universe.

“You got someone back home?” The older of the three asked.

“No..no, well it’s complicated. Don’t really have time for Peter Parker stuff.” He says spinning in the lab chair, ignoring the stare he was getting.

“Is that why it’s complicated? Peter Parker is riding in the backseat?”

“God you sound just like (Y/N) right now.” The words left Peter’s mouth before he could even think to censor her name. Hair on the back of his neck stood up, as everyone turned to stare at him. A simple mutter of her name set everyone on alert.

“You have a (Y/N) in your universe?” Peter asked the older of the three, who was looking at their youngest counterpart..brother even.

“She was my best friend. Grew apart when Harry came to town but I always thought of her as my friend.”

“Was?”

“She died.” The words were simple, showing very simply that he had grown to terms with it. Peter thought back to the locker, wondering if it was similar to what had happened in this universe.

“Yeah, she’s dead here too. I..I saw a memorial in the hall.” “She’s not dead in your universe?” The youngest spoke, walking over to join the group.

“No, I just saw her before I left.” Everything was hitting him so fast. Why was she alive in his universe but dead in the other two Spiders?

“How..How’d it happen. If you don’t mind talking about it.” Maybe asking wasn’t a good thing, but maybe it would keep her from the same fate she faced here and in all other universes. He could be prepared to stop it.

“She fell, was thrown however you wanna say it..” The oldest brother said, rubbing his hands on the fabric of his jeans. There was a hint of sadness in his eyes, but soon it washed away. “It was traumatic, I had just lost Ben. I was trying to figure out all this..Spider-Man stuff still and I didn’t even know it was her. I was gonna tell her that night, I had to tell someone. I had been stopping this mugging, and she had been walking home from working at the theater and they grabbed her and were shaking her and she bit the guy he threw her down the staircase on 8th, that really big one. She hit her head on the concrete stone on the way down and she died. I don’t know if it was sudden brain bleeding, or if it broke her neck..” He spoke calmly and paced, nothing how Peter was feeling on the inside.

“It was just like Ben all over..I felt like I couldn’t win”

“She was something special” The younger cuts in. “I didn’t know her like either one of you do or did. We were lab partners in a robotics class I took freshman year but we grew to be pretty good friends pretty fast.”

Peter looked at the younger hero, the memory of the first time he had met his (Y/N). She had just started at Midtown their junior year, and she had gotten put in a robotics lab instead of a biology one. Gwen and him were already partners on the project but they let (Y/N) join as a third happily. Peter remembers how quickly she and Gwen hit it off. The thought of both the girls he loved suffering the same fate made his heart twist in his chest.

“I’d thought she was the most interesting person I met, and she sucked at robotics.” Young Peter laughed. “I got bit a week later after we met. I never told her either. She seemed to note the difference though” 

The story seems to click. Young Peter looked at the older one, who raised his eyebrows.

 “I never told her. She was attacked outside this bakery one night, similar to your story. I was swinging around, saw it- saw it was her.”

Both older Peter’s reached out grabbing the younger's shoulders seeing him get more visibly upset. He had to have remembered, comparing the same sight between her and May’s death.

“I stepped in the middle of it, I was fighting the guy and he was shoving and the bakery was upstairs of a bookshop, and she tripped backwards stumbling back. Broke her neck.”

Yeah, those stories didn’t make him feel better. But he had noticed a pattern that felt slightly familiar. Neither had told (Y/N) he was Spider-Man before her death. But he had told her as soon as it happened senior year. (Y/N) was the first person he had told, the secret eating him alive. Secondly, Peter had already saved (Y/N) from a mugging before because she knew where he patrolled certain nights and would take those tracks from work in case anything happened.

“I don’t know what your relationship is. But I don’t think you’d be asking if she wasn’t pretty important to you. And I don't know about you guys, but we had a pretty awful fight before she died..I think you should tell her everything you feel before it’s too late. You never know what that’ll change.

-

Stepping back through his portal Peter’s hands dropped to his knees, his chest heaving. Universe traveling really took it out of you, besides he wasn’t the young eighteen year old he was when he first dawned the suit. Peter stepped out of the dark tunnel, the sun starting to rise over his New York. His suit was tucked into his backpack, he wore his clothes again wearing the red beanie with his and (Y/N)’s initials stitched on the inside.

Rolling his phone over in his hand he checked for any missed calls or texts. May had messaged him about fixing any repairs he needed on his suit, followed by several hundred of concerns. He reminded himself to give her a big hug when he saw her later today. But right now one girl took up his mind. Swinging the back way to (Y/N)’s house was an easy route he remembered by heart.

Peter landed on her fire escape with a thud, tugging the unlocked window open. No way in hell she would have let him in through the front door. Besides, she hadn’t bothered to lock this in the weeks after their argument. He’s checked.

“I don’t have to ask who’s here.”

Her voice carried through the room, he looked over at her sitting in bed. Her hair is messy from sleep, her eyes slightly heavy. She’d never looked more like herself. Peter pushed down the urge to grab her, hold her to his chest and kiss her.

“Just listen please. And then you can scream, kick me out…change the lock on your window. I just need you to listen please.” He dropped to his knees beside the bed, his large hand engulfing hers bringing it to his lips as he fought off the tears as he spoke.

“I always thought there was just one of you. But there’s not there three of you, maybe more.”

(Y/N) furrowed her brows looking at Peter confused. “Peter are you high?”

“No, no hear me out. All my theories about alternate universes, about string theory. It’s all real.”

“Yes all your theories that help you be with Gwen in those universes I get it.”

Peter shook his head, his other hand cupping her face.

“There's two other versions of me, there’s more, they were all in the sky and..that’s beside the point. Do you know what they all have? They have you, and you have some version of..Gwen’s fate in those universes.”

“Peter stop!”

(Y/N) yelled, pulling her hand away, the look she gave him only fed him more. He would get the words out eventually. Peter was arguably sleep deprived, and in a state of panic because if he didn’t tell her everything now something could happen.

“There are two others of me, you have to believe that and as soon as I can I will prove it to you.” He spoke slowly as he walked towards her. “In those universes. You are dead, because I didn’t save you, you didn’t know I was Spider-Man. I love you in some way in all of those universes, and in this universe I love you. I want you. I have always wanted you, I saved your life in this universe. Those muggers that night before graduation when you were walking home. I know now why I did what I did. I saved you, I couldn’t save Gwen. That has to mean something.”

Tears flowed down Peter’s cheeks as he talked to her, his chest heaving. (Y/N) stared at him, her arms welcoming in to hold him.

“I wasn’t fair to you all those weeks ago. You were always there for me, during Gwen you helped and you were so patient in waiting to be with me. And I took that for granted and I never will again. It’s always been you. (Y/N) I’m in love with you. In this universe and in many others.”

(Y/N) shushed him, wiping the tears off his cheeks. “I love you too, it’s okay. Just breathe Pete, breathe. I’m not going anywhere.”

He ducked his head down, capturing her lips in a kiss, a proper kiss. Not the ones he had been giving her, it felt real this time. He had come to terms, he had accepted and as he stood here he knew she was his person in every universe.

“Let's get you to bed, some sleep. Will you do good okay?” (Y/N) whispered, wiping his bottom lip.

Peter nodded his head quickly, ridding himself of his beanie and shoes. His hoodie draped over the foot of the bed, he crawled in on the right side of the bed, (Y/N) letting him lay on. Peter lifted his head sharing another kiss before laying his head back down, hoping she is still there once he wakes.

______________________

@messymissy​ @helloheyhihowdyheya​ @sincericida​ @eevylynn​ @a-lumos-in-the-nox​ @ateliefloresdaprimavera​ @bxcketbarnes​ @andrews-lovr​ @megmehz​

removed some from taglist due to inactivity/broken users. if you want to be added to future tag lists let me know or fill out the google forum :)

[pinkskytwst]

SCHOOL UNITY III (Pomefiore)

Hi everyone, I originally didn't think I would manage to come up with something for the other dorms that I liked but then I got inspired for Pomefiore. So to ensure that it fits in properly I renamed this one SCHOOL UNITY III and changed the original one I named to SCHOOL UNITY: NRC vs. RSA. Hope you like it and let me know what you think. <3

(Octatrio/Prefect Romantic Poly)

(One sided Vil/Prefect)

SCHOOL UNITY III (Pomefiore)

“You sure everything is in place? The staff know their cues?” the Prefect asked from where they were seated at the little makeup station once again while Jade painted the less dramatic but still enhancing cosmetics across their skin.

There was no way they would be able to get away with looking anything less than perfect, after all.

Azul couldn’t help the chuckle as he tried to get Floyd to let him adjust the cravat properly around his neck while the eelmer groaned and made himself as annoying as possible to attempt escape.

“You sound unusually eager.” The teased lightly, earning a faint roll of the eyes.

The Prefect didn’t try to hide their smile, though, and absently ran their fingers down the front of their outfit.

“A little bit, yeah.” They admitted. “I’m not usually one for this kind of stuff but it has been really fun and I think everyone will really enjoy it.”

“Especially Vil-senpai.” Jade pointed out with a smirk.

“The seastar is really gonna owe us.” Floyd cackled.

“Come on, guys, Vil-senpai has really helped us with this. Don’t get me wrong, Jade, you’ve done an amazing job, but you have to admit that Vil-senpai has put more effort into the success of these promo nights than he needed to and they probably wouldn’t have turned out half as well without his input. He even offered up some of his dormmates for extras and we probably wouldn’t have been able to set up all the effects without his expertise and insight.” They pointed out.

“I do not argue that fact in the slightest.” Jade said amused, eyes sparkling deviously as he tilted their chin in his hands to finish up the final touches. “Though I am interested in seeing how well you handle your role. Your…appreciation for our dear Pomefiore Housewarden won’t interfere?” he teased, chuckling at the faint blush that painted their cheeks.

“Jade! That’s not fair! It was before I got to know you guys and he’s-I mean it’s practically illegal NOT to find Vil-senpai attractive! It’s like Tsunotarou and Leona-senpai!” they pouted, shooting a look over at the slightly pouting Azul and cackling Floyd. “And you can’t tell me that you don’t find Jamil-senpai attractive, Azul! I saw your expression when he showed up after basketball practice with his hair up like that.”

The octomer instantly flushed a deep red that was almost purple and began sputtering.

“T-that’s not-I mean-“ He stammered, making the Prefect giggle and Jade’s chuckling to join his brother’s cackles.

“Heheheh Azuuuuul~ I didn’t know you had a thing for seasnakey!” Floyd giggled as he poked at their lover’s cheek playfully. “Should I invite you to more of my practices?”

“The Scarabia Vice-Housewarden is rather pretty.” Jade added mercilessly. “There’s no harm in admiring.”

Azul quickly cleared his throat and lifted his chin, trying desperately to regain his composure as he adjusted his own cravat that was secured with a beautiful indigo brooch that matched the Pomefiore colors.

“I believe it is near time for us to open the doors. I will go and greet our guests.” He said, spinning on his heels and escaping the office with a flutter of the matching indigo and crimson cape clasped at his shoulders.

The door clicked closed and instantly the Prefect and twins dissolved into laughter and Jade had to pat their eyes dry with a tissue so that the light liner wasn’t smudged from their tears.

“Azul’s so cute when he’s flustered.” They giggled breathlessly as Jade finished securing their hair appropriately for their costume.

“Does he flush that cutely in his merform?” they asked hopefully, watching Floyd undoing all of their Housewarden’s efforts on his cravat and unintentionally making himself look like a rakish lord who was used to people throwing themselves at his feet.

Well, he was used to people being at his feet but there was typically quite a bit of blood involved.

“Yes and no.” Jade chuckled. “It is technically not the same, as merfolk biology is quite different than humans, but as an octomer he is uniquely skilled at changing the color of his skin as a defensive mechanism. When he is flustered, he tends to lose control of that ability a little which can create a similar affect.”

Floyd grinned widely, leaning on his brother’s shoulder.

“Azul blushes purple, everywhere.” He added with glee.

The Prefect’s eyes lit up.

“We are definitely going to figure out a way to get a picture of that.” They insisted, the three dissolving into another fit of shared laughter, already plotting against their poor unsuspecting cephalopod lover.

Once they had finally gathered themselves again, Jade did one last check of the Prefect’s outfit before handing the decorative prop over to attach to their waist.

“Ready, angelfish?” Jade asked with an amused smile.

“Ready.” They grinned back, lifting their chin.

This was going to be fun.

-

“I am so glad that you could make it, Vil-senpai.” Azul greeted with his arms outstretched in welcome as the Pomefiore Housewarden, vice-housewarden, and Epel entered the Lounge.

Other students were already being shown to tables by the other waiters and Azul guided the three past all of them to one he had set up specifically on the stage for the Pomefiore group.

Vil, as always, perfectly breathtaking and poised, though he did give an appreciative look around the Lounge. The décor had been changed to suit the Pomefiore dorm and he had to admit that it was relatively well done. Nothing horrendous to look at, at least.

He was glad that he had been able to force Epel to wear his more ceremonial uniform to match his and Rook's. He didn’t want his little sprout to give off an impression that didn’t live up to his standards.

Not that he was trying to impress anyone any more than usual.

He was perhaps not pleased with the Prefect’s choice of romantic relations but he certainly respected them enough to make their own decisions regarding their private life. It wasn’t like he had lost after all.

There might have been a chance for something more between him and the Prefect but he had never intended to state his feelings – at least not until he had proven to them that he had improved himself after Overblotting in such a disgraceful manner. He had to prove to them that he was wiling to learn from his mistakes and grow.

He hadn’t expected the Octavinelle trio to already have their eyes on them and weren’t willing to risk waiting.

Either way, it wasn’t an option now and if being a friend and mentor was what they wished of him that was what he would give.

And if the time came that their relationship with Azul and the twins ended? Well, he would already be a trusted support in their life and he wouldn’t lose the chance again.

Besides, the little sweet potato was enjoying themself and with all that Crowley forced them to handle he supposed he could forgive the annoying fishboys if it meant seeing the Prefect smile more.

That didn’t mean he didn’t want to strangle Azul with his tie sometimes.

“Your effort certainly shows.” Vil nodded, accepting his place at the table where a folded card with his name elegantly written in gold ink was waiting. “I am interested in what you have in store for us.” He said.

Azul chuckled and handed the menus to the three as the other students were all seen to as well.

“Hopefully a night of entertainment.” The octomer smiled politely. “One that I’m rather convinced you will enjoy. Our dearest Prefect wanted to make arrangements just for you and how could I refuse?”

Vil really wanted to strangle him sometimes, especially when he had to fight back to ridiculous, juvenile reaction of blushing at just the mention of such care from the dimensional traveler.

“I’m sure I will. I always do love a good dinner show.” He said, looking over the options for the night and making his choice while his companions did the same.

“Oui! We are all quite excited for mon p’tit chaton’s grand debut!” Rook beamed, earning a nod from Epel.

“They’ve been really hush-hush about it too! Even Ace couldn’t get it out of them!” the lavender haired boy admitted.

Azul chuckled and laid his hand over his heart – or where it was in his human form at least.

“The Mostro Lounge is pleased to hear that our special night has been so looked forward to. It is only by the patronage of our customers that we have been able to provide such-“

“Enough, Azul.” Vil interrupted with a sigh. “Modesty doesn’t suit you and it is impossible to miss how your plans have become so popular on campus that it has also been making waves on Magicam.” He said, sending the octomer a raised eyebrow. “All in the name of school unity, of course. Nothing to do with how much the students have been willing to spend for a reservation to one of these ‘promotions’ or the advertisement and recognition spreading even beyond our campus.”

“Aa, Vil-senpai, as beautifully sharp as ever.” Azul chuckled. “I will admit to enjoying some benefits that you have stated but really, how could I do anything but share the benevolent spirit of our glorious Sea Witch and Magnificent Seven with everyone? Surely closer ties between houses is a worthy goal?”

“I suppose, though, I would advise coming up with a different idea for your next ‘Savanaclaw’ night. While I’m sure many students enjoy the…uproarious nature of Leona-senpai’s dorm it would simply be impossible for me to allow my students to attend such a setting if brawls are going to break out over entrees.” The blonde said with an arched smile that made Azul’s own smile grow strained.

Epel heaved a sigh and pouted in his chair. He thought the Savanaclaw night had been awesome.

Rook gave him an amused pat on the shoulder in commiseration.

“Of course, such acts will not be allowed in the Lounge and we have already started making steps to ensure future nights are safe for all attendees.” Azul replied. “Mostro Lounge is of course dedicated to providing only the best experiences for our customers.”

“Well, then I am curious to see if you can live up to that.” Vil replied with the beautiful smile that he gave to cameras when he wanted to rip a rude reporter’s tongue out with his bare hands. “It is so disappointing when something so highly praised falls short. Though eventually all those not up for the task show their limits and fall. Some do have an unfortunate tendency to grab for things that they have not proven they deserve.”

Azul – as talented as he was – was no match for a child celebrity who grew up in front of a camera, and so he could only give a weak chuckle as his smile only remained barely holding on by sheer force of will. His dark, leather gloves creaked softly under the force of his fists behind his back.

“I can assure you, tonight you will leave absolutely charmed or you will never have to pay for another meal at Mostro Lounge.” He said through grit teeth, holding the other’s violet gaze in defiant challenge.

“After all, I have motivations for my success outside of my own happiness, and that will ensure I continue to strive until I have surpassed my goals.” His smile turned sharp, resembling the twins’ much more than one would expect from the Housewarden.

“Someone who only betters themself for their own sake and no one else might struggle to understand this, however. Now if you will excuse me. A waiter will return with your drinks shortly.” He said before spinning on his heels to leave.

Despite not waiting to actually hear their orders.

Epel’s gaze flickered between the Octavinelle Housewarden and his own nervously.

“What was that about?” he whispered to Rook. “I thought Vil was gonna shishkabob him.”

“Watch your tone, Epel. You’re slipping again.” Vil answered shortly, lifting his chin and refusing to show just how annoyed he was at the pale haired male.

He wasn’t there to see him after all.

Vil scoffed mentally, though, as he returned his focus to the menu. Azul really thought high of himself if he thought he could impress HIM. As if he knew what Vil would enjoy or want.

Ridiculous.

It wasn’t long before their orders had been taken and the whole room had enjoyed some time with their food and discussions among their fellow attendees that had been strategically placed. The food was decent, Vil had to admit, but nothing about it was ground breaking and he inwardly prepared himself to enjoy the little show but leave perfectly validated in his previous expectations.

“Thank you all for joining us for this special Mostro Lounge promotion honoring the beautiful Queen!” Azul smiled as he appeared towards the middle of the Lounge, arms wide again. “In an attempt to share the spirit of tenacity and effort of Pomefiore we have borrowed their love of the arts and beauty and created an experience that we hope you will all enjoy! At your seats you all have name tags that have been prepared specifically for you.”

The students all blinked and looked at the cards that had their names written on them that had been previously assumed as simple decoration.

“Inside you will find the information written for a character that you are to embody tonight! Become familiar with your background and motivations for as you enjoy the rest of your meal and dessert you will find yourself in a tale rife with twists and betrayal! Spies from the nefarious RSA kingdom has infiltrated our boarders and it is only with the combined talent and skills of our residents that we will be able to uncover their foul plans and foil their plot!"

"Some among you have been chosen as the spies and it is your job to find them out before the end of the banquet or their schemes will succeed! If the spies are able to go unrevealed by the end of the night and their task has been successful – their cards will give the directions, they are to complete – they will win a year’s worth of free dinners here at Mostro Lounge. If they are stopped all who attended that are not the spies will be given a twenty-five percent discount for three meals.” He grinned, seeing the excited chatter and smiles around the room.

“The rules are simple! You must not show your card to anyone and you must not break character! Should you do so you will instantly be removed from the event. You must treat the methods you use to detect the spies cautiously because the spies have a power that only they possess."

"At ten minute intervals the lights will be cut and the spies have the chance to 'remove' any they believe might suspect them of the plot through a method already planned that will not be disclosed. Should you be ‘removed’ you will lose your chance at the discount. Any refusal to be removed will be met with a year’s ban from Mostro Lounge. At the end of the event when desserts are finished, there will be the chance to out the spies. Should they be found and stopped NRC prevails."

"NRC students have their own power, however! As our residents are all aware of the unbreakable bond that exists between us, you have the chance to win over a spy to our side and prove the superiority of NRC! The spy has the choice to become loyal to NRC but should even one spy be left either unfound or unturned that now loyal NRC spy will lose their privilege of a win and be outed by their previous comrades and be assumed killed by their employers. However, if all spies are turned to the side of NRC then everyone in attendance will win fifty percent off of a single meal a week for a year!”

“Weigh your options and chances carefully and let this ‘Mostro Lounge: Pomefiore’s Banquet’ begin!”

Azul clapped his hands and the lights suddenly cut off, causing a few of the students to yelp.

When the lights blinked back on Vil couldn’t wait to pick up his card, both excited by the idea – he hadn’t expected something quite this involved – and vexed because he just knew that Azul would choose him as a spy.

After all, he was always cast as the villain.

His bio was simplistic but easy for him to work with and expand off of, while still following the guidelines. A young royal in line for succession but not the direct heir. His gut twisted and he knew that it was only expected for him to be chosen as one who was trying to take over the-….

The blonde froze as his gaze traveled down to the very bottom of the card.

‘Protagonist.’ - Prefect :)

“Your highness!” Vil blinked at the familiar voice and he looked up only to have his eyes widen slightly at seeing the Prefect coming to his side wearing the fitted and very charming uniform of a knight in Pomefiore colors and a fake but well-made prop sword at their waist.

A luxurious, detailed vest in dark crimson and trimmed with gold embroidery set over an indigo, high collard, long tailed coat that was tailored to their form and gave a very appealing silhouette. Black pants with gold embroidery along the sides of their legs matched the same dark arm grieves and protective boots that were also trimmed in gold. There were bits of white throughout to create dramatic contrast as well as decorative buttons and trim that clearly placed this ‘knight’ as very high ranked.

And on their chest was a golden brooch that matched the heart and dagger hair clip Vil was known for.

Vil was actually, for the first time in years, struck silent as the Prefect knelt to one knee and placed their gloved hand over their brooch.

“Forgive me for my tardiness, your highness, there were affairs I had to see to. I hope you will forgive me and allow me to remain by your side tonight for your protection.” They flashed a dazzling smile and held out their other hand to the blonde – who placed his own on theirs without thought – and actually felt his cheeks flush lightly when the Prefect kissed his knuckles and then turning those devastating eyes back up to him. “As your loyal servant I will do everything in my power to keep you safe.”

Vil swallowed and managed to clear his throat and pull his hand back when the Prefect stood.

“Yes, I will allow it. I’ll be in your care, my knight.” He said, slipping into his role in an attempt to regain his composure.

The Prefect flashed another dazzling smile and Vil felt his heart stop in his chest as they leaned closer to their ear.

“Rest easy, your highness, I would never allow any harm to befall my beloved master. I will remain at your side until the end.”

With that they took up place behind his chair and Vil’s dazed gaze unconsciously trailed out across the Lounge and the now chatting ‘players’ of the event until it landed on Azul who stood at the entrance to the back offices. His smile was wide and smug.

Azul knew he already won.

Vil lifted his chin stubbornly and turned to face a highly bemused Rook and very confused Epel as he began his performance. After all, he could at least win a discount for this mediocre restaurant, and well…

For one evening he had a loyal knight at his side and he could enjoy pretending.

-----------------------------------------------

Got to admit I have a huge soft spot for Vil so I had to put a little hint of Vil/Prefect in there XD. Hope you liked it though! Let me know what you think! <3

Oh I also don't think I really explained the knight uniform well so I'm going to put the link to the Genshin Impact outfit I based it off of.

Here

[vashatxt]

infamy - a jingyuan / blade (jingren) modern au

in which jingyuan and blade are idols, and have a history with each other. porn with angst and pining.

Jingyuan knows not to get his hopes up; and yet, as soon as the numbers on his phone screen signal the arrival of the witching hour, he flicks open his messaging app and waits. And he waits. He's only hurting himself by looking forward to these Tuesday nights, where Ren is sometimes willing and able to meet him at the run down basketball court a few streets away from their company dorms - he's warned Jingyuan to not get attached, that this isn't a habit, that it doesn't mean anything. He's cold to him, actually, most of the time. Maybe that's why Jingyuan looks forward to these escapades so much. 

Because when they're together, that façade melts away. The look that Ren refuses to return when they pass each other in the hallway, the ignored messages and short replies, the denial of any friendship between them. The latter probably hurts the most, because they are friends. Close ones. They go way back, trainees together, roommates for a while before Jingyuan debuted as the leader of Infamy. A year after that, Ren joined a survival program, ranking first out of 25 trainees from their company and debuting in four member boy group The Rumor. They're both popular, well established and loved, Jingyuan the sensible father figure of his group, and Ren the enigmatic youngest of his; with dance skills as deadly as his stage name. Blade. 

The Rumor have a much more edgy, almost hip-hop type vibe; they push the envelope, appealing to those that Infamy, a polar opposite classic pop group, might not. Still, though, because both come from the same company, there's always been a huge overlap in fanbases. One of Jingyuan's devoted fansites even doubles up, trying their best to follow both him and Ren to different schedules. It's pretty easy, since they don't tend to promote at the same time. 

[Message received. 03:03am]

REN: ?

A question mark. "Is that all I'm worth?" Jingyuan sighs, speaking out loud to himself. He's the only member still awake, leaning over the breakfast bar and staring at his phone longingly like some kind of pathetic, lovelorn romantic.

JINGYUAN: (thumbs up emoji)

And for the third week in a row, they meet.

The bitter cold of the early November morning brings out their differences. Ren emerging from the shadows in an oversized hoodie and basketball shorts, Jingyuan waving at him from across the court before jogging over, chinos and black boots and a white faux-fur coat. 

"You'll freeze," Jingyuan says as soon as he's within earshot. Ren shrugs, spinning the tattered red ball they play with on his finger, and then tossing it at Jingyuan's chest. His arms had already been half outstretched, mindlessly thinking of pulling Ren into a hug. 

He just about manages to catch it and not look like a total fool.

"Not your concern, Grandpa," he rolls his eyes, clicking his tongue. "One on one." 

Neither of them are particularly good at basketball. Why they have to go through these motions is beyond Jingyuan. They both know why they're here, they're touch starved and desperate and hungry for each other. But Jingyuan wants him too much and Ren doesn't want to need him. So, this is how he plays it. It's always on Ren's terms, he sets boundaries, he sets the stage, he sets the time. Hell, he doesn't even allow Jingyuan to call him by his real name. It has to be Blade.

Jingyuan supposes it would feel too real otherwise.

It's always first to ten points. The ball moves much more fluidly through Ren's limbs, under and around his legs and bounced and spun with his delicate hands and fingers. He can evade and steal. His aim is impeccable. Jingyuan's tactics are no match; his shots are blocked before he has any time to react. The sound of Ren's trainers scraping the uneven concrete, the whooshing sound of the basketball flying through the air, Jingyuan's tired breaths. 

"Alright - Alright, you win," Jingyuan falls to his knees as Ren scores his tenth basket, with very little protest from Jingyuan, not even an attempt to block it.

"It's no fun when it's a given," he sighs, letting the ball roll into the overgrown grass surrounding them and lowering himself onto the ground beside him. "You really need to try harder." 

"How are you so full of energy?"

"Well, we only finished practice at 3... maybe 2:30am," Ren corrects himself, and Jingyuan wonders if this has anything to do with the fact he'd text him just minutes after 3:00. Had he been as antsy to see Jingyuan as Jingyuan was to see him? "I'm still pretty high on caffeine."

"You should get some sleep...,"

"Why did you come, then?" Ren raises one eyebrow. "Didn't you want to see me?"

Of course he did.

Ren shifts closer and places his freezing cold hand underneath Jingyuan's chin, pulling him into a kiss that starts soft but is going to end anything but. As soon as he feels Ren's tongue in his mouth, Jingyuan moans, scrambling to get as close as he can to him, gripping fistfuls of his dyed black and red wolfcut, tugging at the locks intertwined around his fingers, desperate to make him wince or whine or moan his name. All he wants is to hear it. Hear him want him just as much.

Jingyuan shivers as Ren loosens the buttons on his coat, making room for him to slip his arms around his waist, just under his shirt. It feels so intimate, caught up like this with him. Jingyuan wants to be in charge. He wants to gently lower him down and climb on top of him, kiss him with all the love and affection that he keeps bottled up inside him. He wants to trail his lips down his naked body, from the tip of his nose to his feet. He wants to hold his twitching, aching cock and look deep into his eyes while he jacks him off. Just waiting for him to moan - Jingyuan, please - because he needs to hear it before he cums.

But that's not how it goes. It has to be on Ren's terms, those are the rules. And it hurts because he knows it's Ren's way of keeping things at arms length, of pushing away his feelings. These aren't the kisses of a man who just needs a quickie with whoever is available to get through the week. Jingyuan knows, deep down, the secret that Ren thinks he's hiding so well. 

"You must be hard for me," Ren whispers, pulling away from their kiss to breathe the words into his ear, sending tingles down Jingyuan's spine.

"O-of course...," he mumbles, because of course he is. He's attracted to Ren in a way he'd never been attracted to anyone, boy or girl, romantically or sexually. There's just a year or so between them, but he feels so protective of him. Like he's the most precious thing in the world, one that keeps putting itself in harms way because it doesn't know its own value. 

Ren runs one hand down his stomach and towards his pants; they're so tight on him that he isn't able to force it underneath the waistband - "No easy access?" he cooed - but that just gives him ample opportunity to tease. He rests his hand on his crotch and begins to palm his bulge through the fabric. Jingyuan leans his head back, letting out a low moan and breath of pleasure.

"Ohh, that's so.... that's so...,"

"So what?"

"Mhhm, good, it feels good...,"

"Dizzying, right? I really drive you insane."

"You do, you doooo... I'm so yours...," "Lift your hips for me, Jingyuan," he squeezes the inside of his thigh to punctuate his command. "I need to see you." He could never disobey Ren, his breathy, honeyed, ethereal voice that's reserved only for him, or at least, only for those he becomes intimate with. The idea of Ren with anyone else makes him feel nauseous, though; so Jingyuan doesn't linger on that thought. He just does what he's told... "There's a good boy...," 

Jingyuan can see right through him. He needs to be the one taken care of, coaxed and loved and made feel safe and pretty and perfect and good. So good. But he'll never accept it, especially not from Jingyuan. He'll never allow himself to fall apart for him.

But that's what Jingyuan thinks about as Ren wraps his hand around the base of his cock, his chinos and boxer shorts discarded beside them, and begins to stroke him, painfully slowly for the first few seconds, enjoying how Jingyuan twitched in his grip, and then, and then, and then... he lowers himself down onto his stomach so he can comfortably take the tip of Jingyuan's cock between his lips; tongue lapping up the leaking precum and swirling around his head. He can feel each flick of the tongue and squeeze of his cock in his stomach, tiny movements twisting knots and setting off swarms of butterflies, lighting fires that send waves of heat towards his crotch; his cock aching, balls begging to be drained. Ren makes eye contact as he sucks him, dropping his grip so that he can deepthroat his entire length.

"Fuuck," Jingyuan curls his toes, his calves and thighs clenched and stretched, tighter and tighter the faster Ren began to move up and down his shaft, lips slipping easily over it, lubricated with saliva and cum. "God, damnit, Ren...,"

"Hm?"

Ren withdraws his mouth sharply, both his eyebrows raised this time, staring at Jingyuan like he'd just uttered a curse. "What did you just call me?"

"Fuck, sorry, Blade, sorry-," His stupid fucking rule.

"I'm your Blade," he hisses; almost cat-like as he braces himself with his hands and pushes up onto his knees. Crawling with his gaze on Jingyuan like he's his prey, only stopping when they are face to face. "I'm your Blade. That's all," he spits. "I'm a sharp edged fucking sword that will gut you and split you in half if you aren't careful."

"I'm sorry...,"

"Didn't your parents teach you not to mess with knives?"

"I just want-,"

"What do you want, Jingyuan?" Ren spits again, the whites of his eyes almost translucent as he widens them, staring him down. "Jingyuan, submit to me. That way, I can have you."

But you can't have me. The sentence goes unfinished, but it doesn't have to be said to be heard. Jingyuan grabs him by the shoulders and whines, begging for a kiss; he'll take what he can get. He'll hurt himself for Ren, because Ren is hurting, he's always hurting for some reason or another, all because he holds this deep seated belief that he's saving everyone else from the monster that is him. Jingyuan knows it's not something he can fix over night; a boy so scared of true intimacy that he can't bear to hear his own name and feel his own humanity - a boy who couldn't dare fathom accepting love, because he doesn't have a damn clue what it's like to love and not lose. 

Jingyuan lies there and subtly strokes intricate, circular patterns on Ren's skin while he grinds against his cock, making them both feel good; he sneaks little signs and acts of love with every swipe of his thumb and whimper at his touch. It's all he can do, for now. When Ren makes him cum, now deepthroating his cock again, making loud spluttering noises, gulping his load as he spills into his mouth, Jingyuan mouths his name - Ren - because he can't see him do so, and it feels almost okay. Almost like it should be. Ren kisses him with salty lips, Jingyuan's hands fumble into his lap so he can get him off, in return for the most eye-watering, heart stopping blowjob he's ever been treated to. 

Ren moans like a whore, dramatics that Jingyuan enjoys so, he has no doubt he could just as easily sit there straight faced and looking bored, but he chooses to believe that this is his true expression; that Jingyuan does make him feel this good. His cum all over Jingyuan's hand, Ren smiles and pouts, pleading with him to clean it up; and how could be possibly refuse? He lifts it to his mouth and watches Ren's face for hint of pleasure or approval, licking the mess up, sucking his fingers dry and breathing in the scent of Ren's cum that lingers on his sticky palms. "Mhm."

"Good boy, Jingyuan," Ren bites his lip and smirks. "You belong to me, don't you?"

Jingyuan nods, because all he wants is to see that oft-chewed on lip break out into a smile; just for him.

[Message received. 03:03am] REN: ?

Jingyuan tries to keep a straight face as a message from Ren lights up his phone for the first time in weeks. The time passed, with no contact, not even a salute when passing each other in the hallway, has been driving him insane; always replaying their last meeting over and over in his mind. Had he fucked up? Had he crossed one too many lines, disrespected the boundary that Ren had set for them, and lost everything because of it?

He knows the deal. He can’t mould, can’t drive, can’t force this relationship into what he wishes it could be. Just sex, no feelings, top secret. It’s better than not getting to be with Ren at all, not having the privilege to make him feel good and wanted and needed and beautiful. Ren deserves that - no matter how battered Jingyuan’s heart gets in the process; for it’s his own doing after all. 

It’s funny, he thinks; because as he passes by a mirror on the way out of the apartment he shares with the rest of the Infamy members, he’s startled by his own reflection. He’s aging. He doesn’t look terrible, objectively speaking - he’s still got a thick, healthy head of hair, he’s in shape, he’s well dressed. But the lines extending from the corners of his eyes and snaking across his forehead, the gaunt cheeks, his completely washed out complexion; all give the impression of a guy who has worked himself to the bone. And those bones are beginning to hurt, at the gym and at dance practice and on the way down the stairs. Knees and ankles and hips don’t last in his profession, no matter how hard you try to keep your body happy. Lack of sleep, messed up body clocks, the hectic lifestyle of a celebrity, the constant yoyo dieting, the travel.

There was a time before all of this, a time where he was less tired and less jaded. There was even a time before Ren, surprisingly enough. Jingyuan’s parents had such high hopes for him. When he was just a toddler, they played a game - some kind of family tradition going back further than he could comprehend - where he was placed in the middle of an assortment of objects, each representing a path, and whichever one Jingyuan’s grubby little hands gravitated towards was seen as a message from fate or God or the universe or some other divine, spiritual thing. 

There were mixed feelings when he crawled over to a microphone and began to tap the top of it. His mother beamed, envisioning him as some kind of leader or person of importance, perhaps a lawyer or a politician, someone who used their voice to bring about change and had status and influence. 

His father cocked his head, holding his hand in the air to shush his wife for a moment. A military man, he longed to see his son follow in his footsteps. Low and behold, a grin broke out across Jingyuan’s face as he discovered how fun it was to bang the leg of the wooden coffee table with his new favorite toy. 

A penchant for violence. Thank heavens!

Except, the banging softened after a couple of seconds, and young Jingyuan’s eyes widened even further - bom, bom, bom, bom. He could replicate the rhythm of his favorite nursery rhyme. 

Fast forward to his teenage years, and it was just that, rhythm and melody, that motivated him. He put in the work, he learned to move his body in time with music, he manipulated his voice to reach notes high and low, and people naturally gravitated towards him. When he became an idol trainee, those leadership skills his mother had hoped he’d develop really shone. Anyone could tell that he would debut, that he was set to be the foundation, the leader, the strong presence in a group that, if they reached the heights the company hoped them to, would need a strong, kind peer in charge. Jingyuan isn’t intimidating, he understands and empathises with the worries and concerns of his members. He knows what it’s like to be in agony, exhausted, burnt out. He also has a way with words, inspires them to relight the fire in the pits of their stomachs, and it’s thanks to him that Infamy became both a global phenomenon, and stayed one for so many years. 

“Where are you off to, Yu?”

He’s caught off guard by the sound of Luocha’s voice and the sweet nickname. “Luocha. I thought everyone was on vacation.”

“I got back this morning, and fell right asleep.” He chuckles, soft and easy. “Do you have any idea what the team meeting on Monday is about?”

“Naturally. I’ll let you wallow in anticipation, though - don’t worry, it’s nothing to be concerned about, as long as you’re up for some good times and hard work.”

Jingyuan raises his eyebrows, playful, and Luocha’s enthusiastic nod re-affirms what he’s always known to be true: no matter how long Infamy would last, even if they’re still touring when they hit 40 years of age and upwards, Luocha would always be the first to jump at the opportunity to do one more show, one more comeback, one more year. One of the younger members of the group; his energy is boundless. 

“So, you gonna tell me where you’re going?”

“I thought I’d get a walk in… try combat the insomnia a little.”

“I could keep you company,” he offers, still smiling. “My sleeping schedule’s out of whack.”

“No, nonsense.” 

Jingyuan can feel the panic rising in his chest, not wanting to seem like he doesn’t want to spend time with his best friend and hear all about his travels, but not wanting to blow Ren off. He knows he shouldn’t bend to his whims and be available at the drop of the hat, he deserves more than that - that’s what anyone sane in his situation would make of this predicament, but no. 

Jingyuan’s priorities are skewed. He sees past the surface level, because he knows Ren isn’t just using him and stringing him along. It all comes from a place of pain and desire and repression and self hatred, it’s something he feels he needs to keep a secret and can’t risk giving into too often. Jingyuan will never think badly of Ren. That’s the problem.

He’s in love with him. And that doesn’t come with sunshine and rainbows, just responsibility and yearning and hypocrisy. 

“We’ll go for coffee tomorrow to catch up,” Jingyuan reaches out and pats Luocha’s shoulder. “You need to rest. I’ll swap you some intel on our upcoming activities for some tales from the world outside of Seoul.”

“Throw in some dessert and you’ve got a deal,” Luocha concedes. “I’m still pretty out of it, you’re right. I just missed you a lot.”

“I missed you too, Luo.”

Jingyuan doesn’t notice how Luocha’s eyes stay fixed on him until the door swings shut. There are a lot of things Jingyuan pretends not to notice, too, because the truth of the matter would sting too much. Because there is a very good chance that Luocha’s feelings for Jingyuan are not purely platonic and not at all brotherly, and that they would be very, very good together. On paper. Mature, responsible, well matched on every level. 

It’s easier to be oblivious to the fact that Jingyuan is to Luocha what Ren is to him. 

The cold is milder compared to his last venture to the basketball court, the promise of spring hanging in the air. Soon, the flowers will bloom and cherry blossoms will fall, the pretty pink petals injecting beauty and life as they brighten up the grey of the city streets. And then, just as soon, they’ll wilt and fade. 

Jingyuan has to remind himself that even when they do, there are still beautiful things to be seen. The sun will continue to shine and flowers will continue to grow. He could learn to love the peony, the dahlia, the the rose and the daffodils, the year-round offerings of the earth, but his heart would always belong to the sakura. The same sakura which adorned the branches of the tree he and Ren first kissed under, that trip to Japan to see their favorite group together at the Tokyo Dome. They were young trainees, just teenagers, who were slotted into a debut team line up together. It was one week after that trip that they found out their debut was cancelled, Jingyuan would be the first confirmed member of a new team - which became Infamy - and their plans for Ren involved a televised survival program. 

In the back of his mind, Jingyuan wondered if that day had anything to do with it. The stolen kisses, the sneaking off, the eyes of other friends and managers who had gone with them that they thought they’d avoided so well. Were they caught? Separated to save their careers, their reputations, keeping them useful to the company, desperate not to lose two of their most talented trainees just because they couldn’t keep their hands off each other.

If that was the case, Jingyuan should consider himself lucky to have a career at all, not mourn the stolen years he could have been spending with Ren by his side where he could watch over him, protect him, love him. 

“Jingyuan…,” 

He looks different. Is it the reminiscing messing with his vision, or has something changed? He’s just like the eighteen year old version of himself, Ren who slept on the top bunk and asked so nicely the day he moved in if he could have it, not knowing that Jingyuan’s preference was the bottom anyway. Ren who wore oversized hoodies that hung almost halfway down his knees, drowning out just how slight he was. Through the years he began to put on muscle which only strengthened his innate talents in dance - but it seems to have wasted away again. 

He tries to not point it out to him, to keep the worry off his face, because Ren isn’t his responsibility or his boyfriend, and he hates it when he acts in any way overprotective. 

Ren is fine, he tells himself. Long promotional periods are tough, and The Rumor are just finished promoting their biggest comeback to date. 

“Hi,” Jingyuan clears his throat. “You wanna play?”

He approaches him in silence, no answer or indication of his intentions evident on his stoic, pale face. Eyes that have seen so much, suddenly empty, void of humanity, let alone memory. Eyes that avoid Jingyuan.

“Blade?” Jingyuan whispers; he’s still coming closer, closer, even though his steps shrink in size, he doesn’t stop moving, gaze fixed firmly on some point in the distance. 

And then, when they’re near nose to nose, close enough for him to feel Ren’s breath against his face, he finally looks up at him. “Jingyuan, can I… can I be Ren tonight?”

As soon as he speaks the words, Jingyuan’s shoulders slump, releasing all the tension he’d been carrying with him, the fabric of which was worry and longing and desperation to be with his soulmate again. He opens his arms and Ren collapses against him, clinging to his tshirt and burrowing his face into his broad chest, and Jingyuan is terrified to squeeze him too hard, he’s too fragile; and what if he scares him away?

They stand there for what feels like hours. Jingyuan is sure Ren hasn’t allowed himself to cry, hiding in his arms a lot safer than letting tears escape. Soon, Jingyuan can’t help himself, he presses a kiss to the top of his head, and thankfully, he doesn’t flinch. He clings on harder, and Jingyuan is pretty sure he can hear him mumbling his name over and over to steady himself. 

“I’m here, Ren. I’m here.”

Tokyo. Almost seven years ago now. The pink petals in Ren’s jet black hair, the uncharacteristically girly giggle the sight elicits from Jingyuan. The way he couldn’t stop himself from reaching out, brushing it off and tucking an out of place strand of hair behind his ear as it fell. “Doesn’t quite suit your image, does it now?” 

“I guess not. But you…,” Ren cocked his head as if contemplating something, then bent down and scooped up a handful of petals. “You would look so pretty.”

He held his closed fist high over Jingyuan’s head, teasing him, and Jingyuan couldn’t hold back the laughter. Ren mumbled something that sounded a lot like ‘So, so beautiful’ as he released his grip and watched the sakura blossoms being picked up by the wind, most of them landing to rest on the top of Jingyuan’s hair, almost in the form of a perfect flower crown. 

“There.”

“Thank you.”

Ren had taken steps closer to him then, too, somehow it always seemed to be Ren in control for a short time, like he was giving them permission to act on what they didn’t dare think about, and then relinquishing it to Jingyuan. Because he trusted him. They kissed, Ren’s body somehow becoming one with Jingyuan’s, falling into him, secure enough to trust his strong arms would never let him fall. 

Jingyuan pressed him closer and led the kiss, deepening it, using his tongue to part Ren’s shy, inexperienced lips. As he did, he nibbled on Ren’s bottom lip, and felt a twist in the pit of his stomach when the sudden sharp pain made him whimper into his mouth. 

I love you - those were the words Jingyuan wanted to say more than ever that day, but he didn’t. It was too new and too scary and too impossible, too dangerous.

But tonight, in this basketball court, that sweet eighteen year old is now an impossibly broken man, and Jingyuan loves him still. “I love you, Ren.”

[keo-k]

sometimes i think i wasnt an injury-prone child and then i realise im gaslighting myself

tw: fair descriptions of injury?? if you dont like blood uhh dont read <3 this is just me reminiscing on being a child who thinks they cannot feel. pain. sorry if its incoherent im very sick and life feels like a fever dream and i did not sleep last night! this is so diary-entry-core TLDR i had a lot of random injuries and a few medical mysteries.

i keep looking at the middle of my chest like "man where the fuck did i get this scar from" and then i remember this one childhood day where i was filled with hubris and slid down a chain in a playground and my skin tore from under my shirt and i started bleeding terribly ill also occasionally look at the permanent callouses on my hands and remember running down a hill at full speed, followed by rolling down a hill at full speed, crashing into rocky concrete, looking down at my hands and being utterly terrified because they're entirely covered in blood???? its all red??????? also spinning on the biggest rock in the rock garden in front of my house after a friend's birthday party blowing bubbles when i lose my footing and land chin-first into the sharpest rock there, getting blood all over my favourite party dress and having to go to the ER for 6 hours and getting, not stitches, but glue. yeowie. i scratched most of the scar off somehow, just tearing the skin off my face because i didnt like the texture. its still kind of there if you look at the right angle. being in gymnastics class, doing beat swings on the high bars, thinking "whey my hands hurt im gonna drop and get some chalk (for some reason. its not like i was slipping i was just yeowch)", dropping down, looking at my hands and LO AND BEHOLD three inches of the skin beneath my ring finger on both hands is sticking up stupid vertical ! i couldnt use my hands too good for the next two weeks, also the skin sticking up WAS NOT DEAD so i couldnt trim it without feeling excruciating pain. like cutting your ear off :( not really a "when i was younger" thing, still valid now, but i have hyper mobility so im stupid flexible. especially in my ankles! like i cant do sports without wearing ankle braces on both legs. even that cannot save me sometimes, i still die. anyway my mum thought i was a piece of shit and was faking my ankle injuries bc the limping would last like. a whole month wowie! then we realised i just have bad joint. also i can hit the splits anywhere without stretching, i can walk on the literal sides of my ankles (not like. the sides of my feet no no no. go even further beyond.), i can fold my fingers backwards into silly lookin curls without any pain and keep them there no issue, and i have gotten many MANY greenstick fractures even after my bones developed a lot because my bones soft and refuse to break like a normal persons. like my basketball coach will bend my leg back to test how far it goes and i wont feel any pain and he'll say like. "oh thats waaaay too far back to be safe." and ill laugh because it can go WAY further back! and i hate it !

BONUS: ME BEING A MEDICAL MYSTERY WOOOOO up to age 8 i would have these ... seizures? all throughout the night. i would shake super aggressively and it wouldnt wake me up. my mum filmed it one night when she finally caught it on video (she would stay up HOURS ON END trying to catch it. wild). the shaking would start like a twitching at my fingers and would travel to my hand, to my arm, to the rest of my body and youd think i got fucking electrocuted. anyway she showed it to doctors and they brought me in immediately to scan my brain for fuck knows what and they didnt. find anything? like my brain activity was completely normal. they didnt let me out of hopital for a week cus theyre like "THIS ISNT NORMAL SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THIS KID" but. womp womp. we never found out. i dont shake anymore but i do shmove a lot. like, a lot a lot. and im always tired and im capable of falling asleep standing up. and have minor chronic fatigue. also i had a bullseye-type thingy on my thigh that really, REALLY looked like a tick bite! i was in immense amounts of pain and couldnt properly walk. there was a dot in the middle, and this surrounding ring of red would expand and shrink overtime. very reasonable to think of it as a tick bite. anyway my parents carried me out to the car in the middle of the night so we could go to sick kids. they measured how much the ring would expand by (i dont remeber number. it was beeg.) and then they sent me to the ER out of the concern that i would get lyme disease. they tested me or something idk i was unconcious and. IT WASNT A TICK BITE! you may be asking "so what was it, mr gorgeous fish?" um. well heres why this is in the 'medical mystery' section. they never found out. it went away a day later and we were just like "ah. okay." so. whoops. when i was a toddler they put me in an mri thing where they uh. strapped me down because toddlers usually freak out and damage the mri thingy? anyway. was in there for two hours. and i did not freak out. at all. i was asleep for one of the hours, but the second one i just laid there very awake and very still and the doctors thought i had brain. damage. i didnt! yay ! i also have many chronic illness now. weeeee i probably missed a lot of my stories here but anyway. heres me being silly

[msmargaretmurry]

made up fic title meme “your cool new friend” + mcstrome and/or mattdrai

my last one!! i had such grand plans for responding to this one last night but then instead i had an unfortunate kitchen accident with a mandoline and was rendered one-handed for the rest of the evening. now i have mostly recovered and am simply temporarily nine-fingered instead. anyway, thanks to everyone who sent prompts in for this, i've had a lot of fun responding to them and making up some little stories! i've been struggling with writing this year and it was nice to just spin up some no-pressure concepts and scenarios.

but anyway: i don't know if "your cool new friend" is meant to be a reference to the niki song with that lyric but i'm going with those vibes anyway, which means this is obviously mcstrome. (i mean, "you were all i'd ever known / and now i'm supposed to love you from a distance / like it's nothing, like it's instant" ??? come ON.) unfortunately it IS a breakup song but i don't want this to be a breakup story sooooo….. breakup/makeup.

so they were together in junior, but, you know, in a puppy love kind of way. they thought it was real true forever love, but, you know, they were kids. connor went off to edmonton; dylan went back to erie and then to arizona, and it was okay at first but then it got too hard. neither of them were good at long distance, but they were bad at it in different ways, which just made it harder. they didn't end things mad at each other, but they were both too wounded to stay close. and then it only took connor like a month after they officially broke up to start dating someone new. connor, dylan thought, after pretending to be happy for him, is bad at being alone.

anyway, fastforward to summer of 2026. connor's a free agent and he wants a fresh start, so he's leaving edmonton. a tough decision, but the one he thinks is right for him, and besides, leon left last summer, and it felt too weird playing last season without him. it was weirdly easy breaking up with his longterm boyfriend (not the one he started dating after dylan, but the one after that one) when he decided not to re-sign. connor feels a little bad about how easy it was, but he had known for a while the relationship was more about comfort than love anyway, and leon told him specifically he needed to get out of his comfort zone. he strongly considers seeing if he can literally just follow leon to his new team, but the capitals* do not have the cap space, so he settles on just following leon east. he signs in carolina.**

[*look, if leon goes ufa in 2025 and nicky backstrom retires at the end of his current contract, also in 2025 (do NOT speak to me about this), the capitals will have the cap space for this. and they clearly need another german. they haven't been good since gru left.]

[**i'm not figuring out the salary cap implications of this part. i just happened to know the draisaitl/backstrom thing off the top of my head, for reasons. once again, do not speak to me.]

everyone expected connor to sign in toronto, and maybe that would have made more sense, but connor isn't really trying to make sense. he's kind of just looking for the opposite of edmonton, and toronto is too much like edmonton in a lot of ways. so, carolina. a good team, willing to make some big moves to get him. he doesn't have to be the captain there. he didn't mind being captain, he thinks he grew into a pretty good leader, but he just wants to play hockey without all the bullshit for a while. maybe he'll eat some barbecue and get really into ncaa basketball.

anyway, the thing about leon playing in washington is that leon is playing with dylan. leon doesn't know about connor and dylan's past, he just knows they used to be close friends and they're not anymore, but leon thinks dylan is a good guy, and so he winds up in leon's stories when connor and leon talk. and connor starts missing him. there's a lot more room in his head for non-hockey things, in carolina, and he keeps finding himself reminiscing. he runs into dylan, briefly, when the caps come to raleigh and connor wanders over to the visitors' side to see leon. it's fine — kind of awkward. dylan looks like he's doing well. connor starts asking leon about him specifically, until by like halfway through the season, leon's like, buddy. just talk to him yourself.

connor's been in raleigh for months now, and it's also the longest he's been single since he was a teenager. he's really starting to feel the alone-ness. so, yeah, he reaches out, and they start talking again. just a little, at first, and then more, until before long they're texting every day like they used to. it feels so easy and right. connor thinks it shows a lot of growth, how he's handling rebuilding this relationship even though it's technically still long-distance. all of the reasons he loved dylan still feel so fresh in his mind, like it was last week instead of a decade ago. they go out for dinner before the third caps/canes game of them season, and when connor tries to kiss him, dylan recoils like connor slapped him instead.

connor's confused! he thought they were on the same page, working towards the same thing! dylan could always read his mind when they were younger; how did they get their wires crossed this time? dylan tells him in a frankly not very nice tone that he's happy to be connor's friend now but he's not going through all this again just because connor's bad at being alone. it's not dylan's job to take care of him anymore.

connor, feeling deeply shitty, retreats to leon's. has a beer and lies on the floor for a while. asks if leon thinks he's bad at being alone.

"yeah, definitely," leon says.

connor squints at him. "do you think i use people to take care of me?"

leon squints, tilts his head in that way where he knows he's about to be too frank but is gonna do it anyway. "yeah, kind of."

connor sighs deeply. "so why do you even like me?"

"because you're my friend," leon says. "i wouldn't put up with it if you were my boyfriend. but friend level is fine."

connor sighs deeply again. leon gets him another beer.

so connor goes back to carolina and does some soul-searching and some finding himself and goes with his teammates to some unc games and does some surprisingly fun canes community events and just thinks. a lot. about what he wants, what he came here for. how to build a life that someone could share with him, but would feel full even without a partner. he's not sure if he can every get 100% of the way there — he likes companionship too much — but he thinks he can see himself a little more clearly now. he texts dylan a long apology, and dylan calls him almost immediately.

they stay on the phone for a long time, talking about — everything. about the lingering wounds from their first breakup, about why it even happened, in a way they never did when they were younger. about where they are now, mentally and emotionally. about what's been going on in both of their heads this year as they've been reconnecting. dylan cries, of course, which makes connor cry a little, too. connor says, "dyl, i swear, it's not because i'm just lonely. it's because i think we deserve another chance."

the sun was up when they started talking and it's pitch black by the time they hang up. connor feels like he's been wrung out like a wet washcloth. but dylan agreed to get dinner again next time they play each other, so they do, and it's not perfect, but it's good. dylan kisses him afterward; they make out against the car a little bit, but nothing more.

they spend the rest of the season in this kind of "are we gonna do this" limbo, but when they both lose in the second round, connor gets into his car the moment cleanout is done and drives the 4.5 hours (if he's lucky and doesn't hit traffic) up 95 to dylan's place. dylan is exhausted in that post-playoffs way, but he smiles when he sees connor, lets connor wrap him in a hug, and connor immediately feels better than he has in days. they're very tender with each other — both are nursing some minor injuries — but of course wind up in the bedroom, having sex that is so different than their teenage fumbling was but somehow so familiar at the same time. yes, they're gonna do this.

[cadybear420]

which choices scene lives in your head rent-free?

Literally every scene with Aiden lmao. But here are some particular favorite Aiden scenes:

At Brian's party where MC can show Aiden "some sexy moves". A bit of an awkward scene I have mixed feelings about but I headcanon Aiden eventually tries to learn some of those kinds of moves to impress MC. And when he actually shows them off to MC it just stops them in their tracks lol.

The scene where you can listen to Aiden play piano. That was the "no going pack, point of no return" moment for me, where I knew he was the LI I wanted to pursue in HSS.

When Aiden shows up to MC's door to ask them to homecoming with a violin tune he composed solely for that purpose.

And then when he has the audacity during the carriage ride scene at the carnival to go "I wish I could plan stuff for you" as if he didn't just compose a whole ass song just to ask MC to homecoming with.

When Isa tries to make Frank escort Aiden from the basketball game and you can have your MC stand between them to "defend Aiden's honor".

When you explore the basement with Aiden and you find out Isa wants to expel your MC and Aiden gets all like "I'll do everything in my power to make sure you're not expelled."

When MC and Aiden become official and Aiden straight up cheers and jumps in the air when MC says yes.

When they dance together to a Singin in the Rain song at the Golden Griddle

The scene where they walk along the beach at Caleb's party

Aiden's entire promposal CG

Their post-promposal cliffside picnic scene

MC and Aiden confessing their love for each other at prom

Many of the moments in their scene on the balcony, but especially when you can choose to shout the Circle of Life song to make an echo and how that eventually leads to MC liFTING UP AIDEN !!!!!

And as for non-Aiden scenes...

Kamilah saying "I'm her queen, and she's mine" in the climactic scene of BB book 2

Getting to spin Tyler in MAH in the scene where he and MC dance on the football field

Getting to defend Tyler from asshole jocks in a MAH premium scene

ROE Newlyweds where you have options to choose how MC and LI go into their new house together. Either having them walk in at the same time, having LI carry MC in, or having MC carry LI in. Obviously I chose the 3rd one and it did not disappoint. For the record I think all romance scenes in Choices should follow this kind of formula whenever possible.

[NSFW warning] TNA 3 was a trainwreck, but the smut scene in Ch1 gives you an option to play with Sam's ass and they describe MC slipping a finger between his cheeks. It was a very small scene, but I'm pretty sure this is the first time in PB history that a female character was allowed to get into her man's bootyhole and I was very here for it.

In a premium scene with Tom in Ch1 of ILB, you can choose to say this lil flirty compliment to him and he just jumps and scatters stuff on the boat everywhere.

All the moments in the Imtura/m!MC route where it's just so shamelessly r/RoleReversal. Like when she picks MC up, or lifts him and spins him around when they dance, when he wraps his legs around her waist, the numerous times they draw attention to Imtura's flexing biceps, etc.

Estela going "Do. Not. Touch. My. Husband!". I haven't played her route yet but this moment's mere existence is why I need to do an Estela x m!MC route immediately.

ES Book 3 Ch8/9? when they're in some cave/dungeon thing, Craig sees Zahra's decoy skeleton with the streak of maroon hair, and just screams and breaks down. Those two were easily my favorite relationship in that series and this scene cements it.

Drake's swimsuit CG in TRR 1. One of the few rare times where a male character wears an actually flattering swimsuit lol.

The premium scene in TRR 1 Ch1 where you can take Liam on a boat ride to see the Statue of Liberty. Fun fact, TRR 1 was the first Choices book I ever started, right when I first downloaded the app. Once he started talking about how much he appreciated my MC for that boat ride he won my heart almost instantly.

HSS:CA Book 2 ending where Ajay calls my MC "janu".

Val Greaves referring to empress Azura as "She Who Craps Lightning".

That one CG of the stripper running in BP.

Man I'm sure there's more lol.