#letting go of the hurt they brought me and really helped improve our relationship and allowed me to HAVE a relationship with them

[evanbuckleysarms]

seeing all this Buckley parent stuff with the hiatus brings me back to my feelings on the Buckley Parents as a whole.

I still feel like in "In Another Life" there wasn't a real redemption or forgiveness arc. I really think it was a great way to displaying relationships with parents who have hurt you deeply. They were bad parents, really fucked up their kids. They started trying as a adults and it is very "too little too late".

I think a lot of this feeling like it was a "redemption" comes from Buck desperately wanting a family and feeling fulfilled by them being grandparents to Jee and spending time with them. I really just think Buck would rather have his parents in his life than not. Does it mean they didn't fuck up? Absolutely not. Do I think Buck and Maddie have forgotten their traumatic childhoods? Definitely not.

I really feel like Buck and Maddie would rather let the past be the past and let go of hurt, and move forward in a relationship and meet them halfway now that their parents are actually trying. It may be late, and it may not fix things, but I get wanting to let go of resentment and move forward. For some people it is worth it. For others, no contact and cutting off those who have hurt you is the best route.

The Buckley's didn't do anything amazing for their kids, they're doing the bare minimum, but sometimes it is okay to let go of hurt and move forward with the understanding that people are who they are and I think that it is really important that 911 showed us this.

[enchantestuff]

promises - red bull Sebastian vettel

as I promised just complete fluff and no smut. our poor seb isn't appreciated enough so here is the four times Sebastian jokingly proposed to you and the one time he actually did 

NOT MY GIF

warnings; none really, fluff (btw this made me realise how TERRIBLE I am at writing fluff sorry <3 )

2.1k words, she's long

Sebastian was nervous about getting a new engineer, he so badly wanted to win a championship with Redbull and Christian had confided in him, telling him that this engineer and their new competitive car, would help him live out his dream of being a Formula One champion.

It was nearing the start of the new season and Sebastian had still yet to meet the person that he would be talking to under his most stressful moments and who he had to have full faith in while driving his car. He had begun to think that maybe he never would meet his new engineer when he received a call from Christian, telling him that they both would take place in a race for the Redbull youtube channel, where Sebastain and his new engineer would race against Mark and his, the twist being that the engineers would be the ones driving, not the drivers themselves. Sebastian agreed knowing that it would be a great way to remove any awkwardness between the two of you.

Only a few days later Sebastian was standing on a random racetrack, talking to Mark when he noticed Mark's engineer walking towards them with a beautiful young lady by his side, who Sebastian assumed was his very own engineer. “Hi! It's so nice to meet you Sebastian! My name's Y/N,” you cheerfully greeted him as you shook his hand.

A smile immediately appeared on Sebastian's face at your warm nature and he knew you two would get along just fine. “Please, call me Seb, '' he grinned as he brought a kiss to your knuckles, “now, are you ready to beat these idiots” he joked as he cocked his head towards your opponents.

“Oh, we are going to make a great pair, Seb” you joked as you accepted a helmet off Christian and climbed into the car, getting comfortable inside of the driver's seat.

“Are you a good driver?” Sebastian asked as he secured himself in the passenger's side of the car.

“I don't think I can call myself a good driver with a future Formula One champion sitting right next to me” you smiled as you drove the car to the start line. Sebastian smiled before he braced himself as the flag spun, indicating the start of the race. His head knocked against the headrest as you sped through the track, blocking Mark's engineer as he tried to overtake you and weaving through deadly corners with minimal braking.

It was when the car drifted across the finish line that Seb turned towards you with a wide grin plastered on his face, his heart was thumping hard in his chest with adrenaline. “Please marry me” he joked and you laughed as you high fived him, pleased with your small victory.

* * *

The atmosphere around the paddock was tense, the drivers championship standings were close. Sebastian could almost taste the victory, but he still had a lot of work to do. He had what he would consider a terrible qualifying and had spent the whole night before the race brainstorming ideas on how to improve his time, however nothing seemed to be working.

Everyone was stressed in the Redbull motorhome the following day, which was never something you liked to see, but you understood it as you too had a sleepless night. You pulled Seb to the side the minute you saw him and told him of the new strategy you dreamt up late last night. He was hesitant since it hadn’t been approved by anyone, but he was willing to take the risk if it meant he would win.

“Are you sure?” he had asked you, looking intently into your eyes.

You shook your head. “No not really, but I know you and I know you're the only driver that could make it work” you confided. You both stared at each other in silence for a few moments before Seb pulled you in for a hug, he gently stroked your back as he squeezed you into him. You let out a breath you didn't know you were holding and hugged him back with just as much force.

“I trust you” he whispered into your ear and you felt a shiver run down your spine.

“Good luck” you spoke as you gave him a final squeeze and pulled away. You bit your nails out of anticipation and shot Seb an encouraging grin as he climbed into his car.

The race went much better than expected and although Christian was furious that you didn't run the plan through him first, he was satisfied that Seb was currently P1 with a final lap to go. Your nerves were at an all time high throughout the race and you could feel the grin creeping onto your face as the end got closer and closer.

It was when Sebastian crossed the checkered flag that you let out a relieved laugh. “P1 Seb! P1! '' you grinned as you spoke to him through his earpiece.

“Ahhhh thank you, Y/N! Will you and your strategy marry me please?” he laughed

“Congratulations,” you smiled “I’ll see you up on the podium”

You practically ran to the podium with the rest of the team, grinning up at Sebastian as he lifted the trophy into the air and you could almost swear he was grinning right back at you. You clapped and hollered at him and a blush crept up your cheeks when you saw him mouth a “Thank you” in your direction.

* * *

It was inevitable that you and Seb would become close, but you two had a very different relationship compared to the other drivers and their engineers. While the other pairs spent their time going over the car's performance and new strategies, you spent yours pressed up against the wall of your office while Sebastian kissed you with as much force as he could muster. Your most heated and intimate moments were just after a race when he was full of energy and you were full of pride.

Behind closed doors you and Sebastian could almost be compared to lovers, but out in the public eye you two kept things strictly professional, which is why you were full of shock the night that Sebastain had won his title.

The whole Redbull garage and the majority of the drivers went out to celebrate Sebastian as well as an amazing season. You had congratulated him at the start of the night, you shared a quick kiss when you were sure nobody was looking and he had bought you a drink. You hadn't seen him since, however and spent the last few hours talking to random drivers and team principals.

You almost jumped out of your skin when you felt two hands land firmly on your waist. You turned your head to see a tipsy Sebastian Vettel smiling at you with a mischievous glimmer in his eyes. “And there's the main man himself,” you giggled as you turned around to face him.

“I missed you,” he blurted out as his hands travelled dangerously low for a public event.

“Did you?” you asked “you're the one that disappeared for an hour” you continued as you tapped his chest.

“Kimi wanted to take shots,” he grinned as one hand moved to cup your bum.

“Sebastian!” you scolded as you swatted his hand away.

“What? It's not like i've never done that before”

“Well yeah, but-but not in public’ you whispered as you looked around, wondering if anyone had noticed the exchange between the two of you.

“I want you,” Sebastian declared, suddenly looking much more sober as he stared into your eyes.

“Let's take this conversation outside” replied as you took a step away from him. Sebastian sighed as he took your hand and led you out the doors, he didn’t care who saw as you both walked by, he didn’t care about anything anymore, he was sick of hiding his feelings for you from everyone. He wanted people to know you were his, he wanted to hold your hand in the paddocks and kiss you for good luck before a race.

Sebastain could feel his heart hammering in his chest as you paced back and forth in front of him, your hands rubbing your arms for warmth. He took a step towards you and grabbed your face with his hands. “Look at me. I want to make us official” you opened your mouth to speak but he cut you off “No listen to me. I need to say this. i don't want to sneakily glance at you during meetings anymore. I want to marry you one day. God! I want to marry you, Y/N! Is that not obvious?”

“Ok” you spoke, a blush rose to your cheeks and you cheekily grinned at him.

‘What?” Sebastian stuttered

“Let's make it official”.

* * *

You and Sebastian had been publicly dating for a little over a year and you were beyond happy. It was currently his birthday and you woke up early to make him breakfast. You both had celebrated the night before and you had to admit you were still sore but you wanted his day to be as special as him.

Sebastian tossed and turned in his sleep, frowning as he felt the cold sheets next to him instead of your warm body. His eyes fluttered open as his eyebrows furrowed. A smile soon made its way onto his face as he smelt the heavenly scent of breakfast. He turned to stand up but immediately sat back down at the sound of your voice. “No! Dont get up!” you pleaded and he laughed at the sight of you struggling to hold the breakfast tray in your hands.

“You shouldn't have, liebe” he muttered as he helped you place the breakfast tray on the bed.

“Maybe” you shrugged as you sat down next to him, “but I wanted to, now go on! Try it!” you encouraged as you practically shoved the plate into his face.

“Okay, okay” he laughed as he defensively put his hands up. You watched him as he put a fork full of food into his mouth, his eyes involuntarily shut as a quiet moan left his mouth. “Mmm marry me” he said once he swallowed the food.

“Is it okay?” you asked nervously as you played with your hands, it was your first time cooking for him and although it was just breakfast, you still wanted to make a good impression.

Sebastians head flipped in your direction, a shocked look plastered on his face. “It's better than okay, darling. Thank you. I love it. I love you”

Your heart fluttered once you heard those three words come out of his mouth. You grinned so hard that your cheeks began to hurt. “Oh god, please say something” he pleaded and he began to think that he spoke those words too soon.

“I love you, Sebastian” you spoke as you wrapped your arms around him and straddled his hips, placing kisses all over his face before finally collecting your lips.

* * *

It was yours and Sebastains anniversary but you both had decided that you wouldn't do anything special, you were just going to get takeout and watch a movie.

You pulled into the house with the food in your hands. You unlocked the door and called out to your boyfriend, “Honey, I’m home!” you joked, locking the doors behind you kicking your shoes off. You placed the food on the table next to the door and turned around, the sight in front of you shocking you as you let out a loud gasp.

Sebastian was kneeling on the floor with a ring in his hand, rose petals littered around him. You couldn't focus on the gorgeous dinner he had laid out on the table or the sweet music playing on the radio, you could only look at his glossy eyes and nervous face.

“Y/N, darling, I love you. I think i've loved you since I first laid eyes on you on that racetrack.” he laughed and looked down at the floor before connecting his eyes with yours again,”You have been with me through my lowest lows and my highest highs and somehow still manage to look at me with a glimmer in your eyes. There's nothing I can’t do with you by my side. So i’m asking-no-i'm practically begging you to finally marry me, for real this time. Will you do me the honours and become my wife?”

You nodded at him with tears in your eyes as you took small steps towards him. “I want to hear you say it, liebe”

“Yes, Sebastian! Of course I’ll marry you”

[eartht137]

FOR THE BETTER pt. III

Oh curvies I have another part to put up for you. I'm hoping this is enjoyable please feel free to leave feedback, I need it lol. Not too much to say about this chapter except here ya go. I had fun writing more about Lois in this chapter and giving her perspective a bit about the whole "friendship" so let me know so I can improve. Alright read away love ya MMMMwwwwahhhhh!!!

Summary: Clark and Y/n have been spending a lot of time together. Y/n has asked Clark to invite Lois along but she hardly ever shows up. Y/n doesn't think much of it, but she should, because Lois wants time with her man and Y/n is in the way. How will Clark handle the distance though?

Dark Clark Kent x Black!Plus Size Reader

Over the next few weeks you and Clark spent almost everyday together, and you were starting to feel a bit bad that Lois hadn't been able to join, but a handful of times. Clark spent every moment he had available working to get you to fully trust him and you finally relented to having movie night at his place.

"Hey bestie." You greeted as you removed you jacket.

"I was thinking, I want to take you out one day." he commented from his couch as you began moving around his kitchen to start making dinner.

"Uh, no." You said calmly.

"You do realize I've only seen you your uniform, casual clothes, and pajamas. I've never seen you dressed up."

"Well tough luck Kent," You said pointing a big metal spoon at him. "I don't do dress up." You said sticking your nose in the air.

"You don't do a lot of things." He complained under his breath. You held the cooking spoon to your chest and calmly walked in front of him. "It is my job in my life and the next to give you the biggest amount of grief and shit since you made the decision to bulldoze your way into my blissful loneliness." he erupted into a fit of laughter as you spoke in your overly proper accent. "Furthermore, I shall repeat my earlier sentiment. I don't do dress up. Now, Mr. Kent, I am preparing our meal and you shall behave if you want dessert." You said holding you overly proper dramatic demeanor.

"Dessert?" He asked biting his lip, his mind traveling to dangerous thoughts.

"Oh yes, a quite delightful dessert-a mortal weakness of mine." You said in a dramatically evil way, rubbing your hands together as if you'd created something diabolical.

"Oh god here we go." Clark said pinching the bridge of his nose.

"CHOCOLATE!!!!" You both yelled out together, you added and evil laugh at the end and walked like Igor to the stove, rubbing circles on the glass.

"Yes, yes, bake my pretty's and we shall take over this world-TOGETHER!!!" You definitely had Clark in tears of laughter. A slow clap brought him out of his euphoric laughter. You both looked and saw Lois standing in the door way and she didn't seem too happy. You assumed it was because of work.

"Hey Lois." You said cheerfully not really noticing how she was looking between you and Clark.

"What's going on?" She asked folding her arms across her chest.

"It's movie night." You said excited that she was there. "Come, come. I show you." You said getting back in character to cheer her up. You Igor walked with her back to the kitchen making her laugh even though she was upset and didn't want to. You opened the stove and showed her the dessert. "Shh shh, no one must know of my plan." You said rubbing your hands together evilly.

"What plan?" She asked confused.

"To take over the world with CHOCOLATE!!!" You said throwing your hands in the air adding the evil laugh at the end.

"Go, go you must go and prepare yourself." You said shooing her away.

"Prepare myself?" she asked even more confused.

"For movie night. A night of terrifying, horrible, scary-wait, what are we watching again?" you asked Clark. He said a movie you hated and you immediately deflated laying on the floor in tantrum style. "You said we wouldn't watch that one. No wait, its our viewer of honors turn to choose. Lois, you don't know how great it is to have you for movie night!" you said jumping up genuinely excited. She couldn't help but smile because she could see you didn't have bad intentions, but the same couldn't be said for Clark. She really didn't know what his deal was. She questioned him from the beginning when he began to talk about you and your work. She didn't think much of it at first, even when he invited you for dinner at his mom's, she honestly thought he was just being nice because you were a loner in his class, but when the movie nights and friend outings overshadowed their relationship, that's when she realized something else was up. She saw the long stares and smiles at you, she remembered when he used to look at her that way. The only thing that kept her certain that he still loved her was that he hadn't told you his biggest secret. Your gasp startled them out of there stare down.

"I forgot the whipped cream." You said urgently.

"There's some in the fridge." Clark said pointing at the refrigerator. You put your hands on your hips and glared at him.

"Is it cool whip?" You asked waiting for his answer and his silence was answer enough. "Its alright, I'll go get some."

"You most certainly will not. I'll go get some. I'll be right back."

"Woah dude, you're forgetting the cash." You said fishing in your pocket for money. He chuckled, ruffled your fro, and left. "Dude, I said not the mop." you said fixing your hair.

"So..." Lois said a bit awkwardly as you walked back to the kitchen.

So, how's everything at the Daily Planet going? Clark was telling me you were on this really big blow up article. I can help. I can go and get info that way you don't have to and you can spend more time with Clark." You said with a smile.

"Yeah, lets talk about that, spending more time with Clark. How about you back off a bit and not spend so much time with him."

"Oh-I...." You trailed off feeling a bit uncomfortable. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize-I....I didn't know, honest, but you're absolutely right. I'm so sorry." You said genuinely feeling bad that Clark hadn't been spending time with her as you thought. You respected that she needed him and even though you tried to avoid it, you figured something like that would happen. "Should-do you want me to leave?" You asked not wanting to make her uncomfortable.

"No, stay, just....I need him too. Tonight's okay, but just a couple of weeks? I need him to myself." she said hoping you'd understand.

"I completely understand." you said continuing to prepare the meal for the evening. You really wanted to leave, but you didn't want to make everything awkward. When Clark made it back, Lois was able to keep up the act, you weren't. Clark could tell right off something was up, even when you kept saying you were okay, he could tell you were lying. Once dinner was done, you all sat quietly watching the movie Lois had picked. Soon he and Lois had fallen asleep together on the couch. Taking that as your moment, you tried to leave as quietly as you could. You were just opening the door when you heard him stir awake.

"Y/n? Where are you going? Its too late."

You quickly rushed out and left without saying a word. That was the last he heard from you for almost 3 weeks. You didn't show up for class in person, only opting to take the online course for awhile, and you wouldn't answer his texts or calls. One evening after not getting a response, Clark was fed up and he was ready to confront you about your sudden absence. When he got to your door he saw that it wasn't fully closed. He heard your muffled cries and made his way to make sure you were okay. He saw you burying your face in the pillow trying to quiet your cries. His arms wrapped around you like a blanket and you immediately began to calm down and feel better. After awhile when you calmed down, you tried to get up, but Clark held you still. He went and got you a glass of water and aspirin. He made sure you got everything down safely and he hovered over you not giving you room to escape.

"Are you okay?" He asked still caging you in. You nodded. "What's going on? Why have you been avoiding me? I thought we were friends? I would've been able to be here to help you but you shut me out and I want to know why?"

"Clark, really? Right now?"

"You're damn right, right now."

"You can't spend everyday with me and neglect Lois, its not right. She needs you to be there for her and you can't do that hanging around with me." You said trying to get from under him.

"She said something to you?"

"Of course she did, I assumed she'd spoken with you, I just didn't want to upset her or cause problems."

"You didn't want to upset her? Oh right, but you didn't think of how it would upset me, your friend?"

"Clark, are you even listening? Lois needs you she-"

"I'm not talking about Lois, I'm talking about you and me. You don't shut me out like that. Did you even consider what I would think or feel? Did you think of maybe coming to me and talking about it?"

"N-no, I-"

"No you didn't, you were being selfish!" He yelled making you feel bad. You'd never seen him so upset and you immediately wanted to make it right.

"Dude, I'm sorry okay. I just felt so bad that I was coming between your relationship, I just didn't want to upset her."

"Once again, we're not talking about her, we're talking about you and me. I'm trying to make you understand that what you did was hurtful."

"-and I'm explaining why I did it. I was asked to step back, so I did. What more should I have done?"

"You should've come to me! You talk to me and tell me what's going on."

"Clark, yes you are my friend, but that is mad disrespectful and I won't disrespect her. She came first, I'm just the little lost puppy you picked up okay? You can't neglect her you will lose her." you tried explaining to him. He stared at you for a second, before storming off. He went and stood on your patio to cool off and you took him a drink as a peace offering. When you handed it to him, he grabbed your hand in his.

"Don't ever do that again." He chastised before pulling you into a big hug. That night, you both cooked dinner together and sat to talk a bit more.

"Clark, I know you might not want to talk about it anymore, but I really do think you need to talk with Lois. She needs you more than you know."

"She doesn't need me, she hasn't needed me for a long time. We don't even sleep together anymore. I can't even remember the last time we had sex." he said taking a long swig of his beer. You shifted a bit uncomfortably. That was a huge no-no topic for you and you fought to keep the image from crossing your mind. You already felt bad for the very vivid dreams you'd been having about him, so vivid they'd jerk you awake.

"You really should talk to her." you whispered. "I-I have something I wanted to tell you."

"Oh yeah?" he asked curious.

"I met someone, we're just getting to know each other now, but I really like them. They're super awesome and super sweet, and before you ask, its not the guy from class." you said smiling and finally looking at him. You noticed that he looked pissed. His jaw was tight and he wouldn't look at you. "Dude you okay?" he sat silent for a moment too long. "Clark, what's wrong?" He didn't say anything, he just got up and walked out of your apartment. It was his turn to ghost you and you didn't speak with him again until you decided to go back to class in person and you'd hoped whatever was bugging him had passed. When you walked in class, he didn't even acknowledge you and you were hurt. You waited back after class to at least speak to him. Once everyone cleared out you tried talking to him.

"Hey, how've you been?" you asked carefully.

"Oh I've just been, trying to spend time with Lois as requested." He snipped at you.

"O-kay well, just wanted to check on you." you said turning to leave, but he grabbed your hand.

"No, don't leave. I'm sorry, its just...it been a really long day and I haven't talked to my friend in weeks. Come on, lets go to the office." He said leading you back to the back. You both sat back there catching up and joking.

"Well I have a favor to ask, and I promise you don't have to if you can't or don't want to, but I wanted to ask if you and Lois would like to come on a double date with me and my new partner this weekend."

The look he gave you quickly made you rethink asking him that question.

"I mean you don't have to, I understand if you have plans."

He stood stone still staring at you for way too long, then he smiled.

"Yeah, we'll be there. What time and where?" He asked.

What you'd missed was the deviousness dripping off of his voice because his smile made it seem like he was being nice. You gave him all the info and hugged him before waving goodbye.

"Dinner this weekend huh?" Clark said to himself. "Dinner is going to be very nice." He said before getting his material together for his next class.

[sendouakira]

A comprehensive essay on the effects of Sakuragi Hanamichi on Rukawa Kaede from Slam Dunk

 Over the years, there have been quite a few rivalries portrayed in great detail between “dual protagonists” from famous shounen manga. Yet the relationship between Sakuragi Hanamichi and Rukawa Kaede from the most influential sports manga Slam Dunk was and still is regarded as “the gold standard” for this particular type of dynamic. However, as great as the bond that these two share, it’s puzzling that there seems to be a greater focus on the impact that Rukawa has on Sakuragi. I have read some analyses that even claim “Rukawa, at best, thinks of Sakuragi as a really hard-to-get-along-with teammate,” or that, “Sakuragi only helps Rukawa build better teamwork to some extent”. 

In this essay, my goal is to explore the natural progress of the relationship between these dual protagonists as well as the apparent development and growth of Rukawa Kaede as a character after he meets Sakuragi Hanamichi. For the purpose of this essay, I will focus only on Rukawa Kaede’s perspective as the effects that Rukawa has on Sakuragi deserve another essay entirely. 

The first thing that we all need to agree is that, we, as readers, rarely have a chance to know what exactly Rukawa is thinking. Even when he does open his mouth, he has nothing but nasty things to say which may make him look detached and distant (minus very few instances when he actually encourages Sakuragi). We always get a glimpse of other characters’ internal turmoil, their struggles and emotions such as Mitsui’s regret, Akagi’s memories, or Sendou’s plan. But Rukawa is always this mysterious character who never truly reveals his thoughts and his intentions to the reader. This is precisely why he is often misunderstood as a cold person, or that the relationship between him and Sakuragi is overrated.  

If we look at the early dynamic between the two, we can see that  Rukawa indeed doesn’t care about Sakuragi. “An annoying teammate” is likely how he would describe Sakuragi. 

Slam Dunk chapter 20, when Sakuragi is learning how to do a layup shot, Rukawa shows annoyance as he is forced to teach Sakuragi the techniques. 

If his senpai is not there, he would not lift a finger to help Sakuragi. 

Similarly, he’s again put on the spot and has no choice but to teach Sakuragi how to defend in the practice match with Ryonan (Slam Dunk, chapter 43).

Or in Kainan match, Rukawa instructs Sakuragi what to do as they are the first to arrive for defense. 

Initially, Rukawa really has no interest in helping any of his teammates improve, let alone Sakuragi, even though he instinctively understands that the improvement of his teammates benefits him and Shohoku as a whole. 

In the early stage of Slam Dunk, Rukawa doesn’t have any regards for Sakuragi whatsoever, even if he does give Sakuragi guidance from time to time. The only reason he does it is because he’s forced to do so, and he only guides Sakuragi enough to help Shohoku win since he himself wants to win as well. 

So when does the shift in his attitude towards Sakuragi take place? In actuality, it’s a gradual, slow process. It starts with his encouragement for Sakuragi. Note that he doesn’t encourage anyone on his team. He may recognize other teammates’ abilities and talents but still, the only person who has this “privilege” is Sakuragi alone. 

Let’s take a look at the first scene that Rukawa gives Sakuragi encouragment in chapter 95, when Sakuragi is afraid of committing fouls in the match with Shoyo

Even if you argue that, in this scene, he only does it because not being able to catch rebounds seriously hurts Shohoku’s chance to win against Shoyo, such words from Rukawa are profound and unprecedented since this is the first time Rukawa actually acknowledges out loud Sakuragi’s ability to catch rebounds. But what’s even more interesting is another scene from the match with Shoyo. 

 While previously we saw Rukawa helping and encouraging Sakuragi just enough to help Shohoku win, the same interpretation doesn’t work here. Sakuragi is leaving the basketball court. What good does it do to encourage him now? In my opinion, this is the first time that Rukawa temporarily sets his ego aside to acknowledge Sakuragi’s talents, not just because he wants to win; but because Sakuragi deserves it. 

Then comes our most favourite scene between these two, when Rukawa “consoles” Sakuragi after Kainan loss. 

Again, we have no idea what Rukawa truly thinks. We only know that other Shohoku players never blame Sakuragi for passing the ball to Takasago of Kainan. 

Let’s shift our focus to Inoue sensei’s intention of not showing Rukawa’s thoughts. It’s very clear that Rukawa is...planning something. The panel which shows his eyes only is subtext, and the underlying message is that Sakuragi is no longer the annoying teammate that he couldn’t care less about. Here, it is HIGHLIGHTED by Inoue sensei (Rukawa is being SINGLED OUT) in that one panel that he’s thinking about Sakuragi not showing up for practice.

We can only guess what’s going on in his mind at the time. Is Rukawa thinking about finding Sakuragi and confronting him about not coming to practice? I think not. A safer bet is that Rukawa is thinking about how to talk to Sakuragi about it, and the reason which leads me to believe so is this scene. 

This is Haruko’s failed attempt to cheer Sakuragi up after the loss against Kainan. This scene is the key reason why she fails. She unintentionally confirms that it’s indeed his fault by saying, “even geniuses make mistakes sometimes.” Thus, Sakuragi is still stuck in the same thinking pattern that he is to blame. 

It takes Rukawa, who understands a newbie’s feelings and who previously thought carefully about what to say to Sakuragi to cheer him up. Rukawa knows Sakuragi still thinks it’s his responsibility that Shohoku loses against Kainan, therefore, the only way to get him out of that thinking pattern is for Rukawa to assume that responsibility. 

I firmly believe that this scene shows that Rukawa really cares about Sakuragi as a teammate. Everything may look coincidental, that Rukawa happens to see Sakuragi in the locker room, that he arrogantly takes the blame for the Kainan loss which so happens to cheer Sakuragi up. But it’s only on the surface. Rukawa has now from this point on, grown to care about Sakuragi. 

The direct impact that Sakuragi has on Rukawa doesn’t stop here. Sakuragi always has his own way to rile Rukawa up like no one else can. We know that Rukawa loves challenges, and characters like Sendou Akira or Sawakita Eiji are the ones who can provoke Rukwa on the basketball court but it’s because Sendou or Sawakita are truly skilled players, so it is understandable that Rukawa would be provoked to go all out in order to defeat them. 

However, why does Rukawa go all out in a one-on-one game with Sakuragi back in chapter 191? Is it because Sakuragi is so arrogant that Rukawa wants to teach him a lesson? Is it because he takes basketball so seriously that he must always do his best?  Or maybe it’s his personality since Mitsui and Miyagi somehow know that he would not go easy on Sakuragi?

Again, we never find out why Rukawa does the things he does. The narrative on his thoughts is always left out, silent, mysterious. What’s true is that unlike Sendou or Sawakita, Sakuragi doesn’t have skills on par with Rukawa in order to actually demand him to give it his all. It must be something else in Sakuragi that has this effect on Rukawa. 

There is another curious detail which I would like to point out. When Rukawa consults coach Anzai about his decision to go to the US, he is advised to stay in Japan to become the number 1 high school basketball player first before moving to the US. This matter is of Rukawa’s concern only, yet somehow Sakuragi is involved. 

I have always asked myself this question. What does Sakuragi have anything to do with this? Actually, a better question is: why does Inoue sensei intentionally let Rukawa become aware that coach Anzai values Sakuragi as much as Rukawa himself? Not to mention that Sakuragi is never brought up in his conversation with coach Anzai, but Sendou is. 

Rukawa has shown us repeatedly that he’s actually impressed with Sakuragi’s raw potential, but this time is different. This is the first time Rukawa understands that in coach Anzai’s mind, the 2 of them are equal in terms of talents and it would be wrong to assume that Sakuragi is not regarded as highly as Rukawa himself. 

Back to the question above: why Rukawa goes all out with Sakuragi in that one-on-one game. Is it because of what coach Anzai’s wife reveals to him, Rukawa now truly sees Sakuragi in a new light? I find it interesting that right after Rukawa’s flashback in the two pictures above, we have the match between Rukawa and Sakuragi in which Rukawa shows no mercy. 

We will get back to this point later. Let’s move on to another important scene. 

In the death match with Sannoh, when Sakuragi is hurt, Rukawa is perhaps the first person to notice something is wrong (it’s not clear if coach Anzai notices if first or if it’s Rukawa). Either way, he actually knows something is not right even before Mito Yohei. 

By the time Shohoku meets Sannoh, Sakuragi has been playing basketball for only 4 months. In the span of 4 months, Rukawa has learned enough about Sakuragi to notice Sakuragi’s small slip of concentration, as if he’s been watching Sakuragi play all along. 

Next, we have one of the clearest examples of how Rukawa truly feels about Sakuragi. 

In this entire page, we see Sakuragi’s emotions, thought process, his flashbacks, and his gaze. But there is one panel that does not belong to his internal monologue: the closeup of Rukawa’s expression. I don’t think I have much to say about this panel. Rukawa’s worry is written all over his face. 

Of course, this is not the first time Rukawa shows his worried expression like this. When Akagi leaves the court in the match with Kainan (chapter 105), he also shows the same reaction. 

Or when Mitsui collapses in the match with Ryonan (chapter 180).

While it is shown that Rukawa is just as worried when other Shohoku regulars have to leave the court, it is important to note that he only shows this expression when an important player is hurt or injured. Rukawa may taunt Sakuragi for being a newbie, for looking clumsy; but just like Akagi or Mitsui, Sakuragi has earned this worried look from Rukawa as an important player in the Shohoku lineup. 

And even more than that, it’s also hinted that Rukawa seems to be the person who understands Sakuragi the most as a fellow athlete. 

The scene in chapter 270 which shows Hanamichi gundan (his loyal friends, including Mito who is his best friend) understand that Sakuragi has made up his mind, that he will not be persuaded to do otherwise. 

And there is Rukawa who understands Sakuragi without the need for words. 

Rukawa seems to know an aweful lot about Sakuragi, even more so than Mito Yohei when it comes to basketball. While everyone wants to convince Sakuragi not to come in, Rukawa is the only person that understands Sakuragi’s stubbornness without having to talk to him. 

Finally, the infamous scene in which Rukawa encourages Sakuragi for the last time. 

At first glance, it seems that Rukawa is only encouraging Sakuragi here. But on the 9th reading of Slam Dunk(yes, I have actually read the manga 9 times), I suddenly realized it may be deeper than that. This scene takes place right after Rukawa gives Sakuragi a compliment on his desperate attempt to win against Rukawa in the one-on-one game (chapter 191), which is also around the time when Rukawa becomes aware that coach Anzai values both him and Sakuragi equally. 

I believe, this is not just encouragement. Here, Rukawa also indirectly acknowledges Sakuragi’s genius AND shows his willingness to pave the way for Sakuragi. He is no longer the person who is unwilling to guide Sakuragi, or to instruct him on the spot like what we saw above. After the suicidal save, Sakuragi has earned Rukawa’s respect and admiration as a fellow athlete. Rukawa now readily shows Sakuragi the way as long as he is willing to follow his examples. He always knows what’s best to do to cheer Sakuragi up or how to encourage him to keep going. He’s not the cold scoring machine that everyone hails him to be, but a caring teammate who understands Sakuragi well.

In conclusion, while it seems that Sakuragi has very little impact on Rukawa as a character, it’s actually the opposite. Rukawa rarely reveals his thoughts and intentions to anyone and initially, his method of communicating is unconventional in a sense that it always makes him look distant and detached. However, as the story progresses, Rukawa gradually becomes more sympathetic and caring towards Sakuragi. He shows his obvious admiration towards Sakuragi and eventually regards him as an equal. 

[arty-shadow-morningstar]

A Failed Betrothal (6)

Here is a new chapter for you guys. I am terrible at writing feelings and this is my best shot.😅 Tell me what you think.

[Masterlist]

(PART 1)(PART 5)

-------

(Words in bold is French)

“Tch, Drake is going to be busy trying to find Hawkmoth. He can’t go around Paris, being Dupain-Cheng’s boyfriend. Besides, he can’t be a proper boyfriend even in his most lucid moments. I will be her boyfriend instead.”

Tim was glad he didn’t take a sip of his coffee when Damian volunteered to be Marinette’s boyfriend. But he still choked on air. Jason with his limited knowledge of french was confused. Damian didn’t do what he heard, right?

“No, you can’t. Chloe already told them about Tim. If I come in with a different boyfriend, they would get suspicious. We can work on Hawkmoth while we go on those dates. Besides, I thought you don’t like me. That’s not going to sell the image of a loving couple.” Marinette pointed out. (She also doesn’t want to do this fake-date thing. Not because she likes Damian and she had always been a goner for green eyes and totally would be date him if it weren’t for some stupid curse dictating her feelings for him and fake-dating him might get her catch feelings for him and she would get her heart broken when this is all over and she would stay single forever and be a lonely old lady with hamsters and cats for company.)

“Actually, Mari-bug, I only told the class how romantic your boyfriend is. I never told them what he looked like. Just in case, Timothy couldn’t make it. I have back-up favors to cash in.” Chloe explained.

Marinette didn’t even know why she was surprised at that, this was Chloe after all.

“You have more than one American boy around our age in your debt who you intend to be my boyfriend? Sounds like you, Queenie. So that also means that Damian doesn’t have to do it if he doesn’t want to.”

“My offer still stands. I will be your ‘boyfriend’ before I have to go back. I will be more understanding than those other American boys when you have to rush out for an attack. That is to assume that they can come here or agree. In our initial meeting, I didn’t like that weak girl act you put up. Recent events have made me realize that you are a much stronger person. (Careful Damian, that sounds like a compliment.) You are a decent partner to date.(Shit. Shit. Shit. That wasn’t a compliment, right?)”

Damian couldn’t see why Dupain-Cheng would refuse such a good deal. He supposed her feelings might be still hurt from his first impression of her. He would give her an apology when they are alone and away from his brothers who would make a big deal of it.

“Fine. At least, the curse will at least make this fake couple thing more believable.” grumbled Marinette. The light pink blush on her face is not because he said she was someone he would date.

Oh right, the curse. He swore internally, it had possessed him to be Dupain-Cheng’s boyfriend. He now would have to endure the hand-holding, kissing and staring into each other’s eyes, and try to resist the curse which will be much harder now. Somehow, he didn’t regret it a little bit. It sounds more bearable with him doing those things with her than her with Drake. This was just a mutual agreement to ward off her suitors and prove to her classmates that she was off the market.

Chloe clapped her hands,“If we have everything sorted out, you can start being a good boyfriend by walking Marinette to school today. We want to be on time now.”

The others started packing up their stuff or finished what they were eating. Marinette was dragged out of the bakery by an impatient Damian. Chloe and Alix picked up what Marinette left behind and followed out. The rest soon left right after, leaving the two boys in the bakery.

“Hey, Replacement, tell me if I am wrong but did Demon Spawn willingly ask a girl out?” Jason asked, stealing a croissant from Tim.

“Try making himself the perfect candidate to be her fake boyfriend out of many choices, including me, and get her to agree to it. Now he has to go on a few romantic dates with Marinette in order to ward off this really pushy guy in her class. Demon Spawn also has a crush on her and he’s in denial of it. We are not hallucinating either. I’ve checked.” Tim replied, sipping his coffee.

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

“Damian. Let go. Hey, Wayne, are you listening to me? Let me go. This is not how you treat your significant other. And you are not even going in the right direction.” Marinette all but yelled at him.

He released his grip on her. “My apologies for manhandling you but I wanted to tell you this away from everybody else.”

“What?” She asked, crossing her arms and narrowing her eyes.

I- This is a little difficult to say for me,” Damian started. (Why were his palms sweaty? It’s just an apology. He had done it before although it was mostly because Grayson told him what he did wrong and made him do it.) “But I am sorry for calling you weak, pathetic and every other bad thing I have said about you when you have shown that you are anything but those. I was mad at myself for being caught and took it out on you.”

Her glare softened.

“Apologies accepted. The school is this way.” She said with a smile and went towards the school. Damian walked by her side, his hands in his pockets.

Marinette looked at where his hands were, “If we are going to do this fake dating thing, I suggest we hold hands.”

Damian grabbed her hand and continued walking in silence. Her hands were so small and fitted perfectly in his. Oh God, it’s the curse again. Turning him into a sap. Do not think about her hands. And the fact that she took down a man twice her size with them which was an amazing sight to watch.

“Why are you so stiff? Loosen up a little. You are with the love of your life. Smile a little.”

Damian plastered on a fake smile, “Happy?”

“It looks fake. Being a model he will be able to tell.” Marinette remarked, “Are you sure you want to do this? We can still go get Tim to be my boyfriend.”

“I can do this. Drake wouldn’t be a better choice. It doesn’t help that you are relentlessly nit-picking me. Or are you that bad of a girlfriend?” Damian couldn’t help but sniped back. “Maybe that’s why Chat Noir left you.”

He found himself back against the world and her elbow at his neck. (He would forever deny that he liked it.)

“Look here, Wayne. You know nothing about me and you shouldn’t assume that you do. Chat Noir was revoked of his status as a hero for his behaviour. If you don’t act the part properly, I am going to have my former partner, who has absolutely no sense of boundaries, harassing me in my civilian life and I have already dealt enough of his advances to last a lifetime. I have given you so many chances to get out of this which you refused and yet, you are half-assing it. So are you in this 100 percent or not? Because I am at the end of my patience right now.”

“The boy who is obsessed with you is the former Chat Noir?”

“Yes, I will explain about that later but what’s your answer?”

“I will give it my best shot but I have never pretended to be in love.”

“Were you not taught in the League?”

“There were seduction tactics shown to members when they were old enough and I left them when I was 10 but I am not sure if those skills can be applied here.”(Slamming your opponent against the wall wasn’t one of them but she was doing a great job of it so far. No. No. No. He is not his father. This is different from whatever he has with Kyle.)

She released her hold on him and grabbed his hand, leading him towards her school.

“Well then, here are the basics. Everytime you look at me, just think of your favourite things to make your smile a little more genuine. Maybe call me by a pet name if you want. Keep your touch on me like you can’t keep your hands off of me and act really reluctant when you have to let go. You will only keep them my shoulders, arms, hands and waist or I will break your hand. I will do the same. If you are going to have to kiss me, give me a warning.” He looked into her blue eyes and nodded.

“Alright.”

“Oh. I almost forgot. In case they try to question our relationship. My favourite colour is red. My favourite song is ‘Fearless’ by Jagged Stone.(I love Taylor. Sue me) And we met online a few months ago. You came all the way to Paris to see me a month ago and asked me out. We will talk more that later. Oh, I also love designing and have dreams of being a famous fashion designer.-”

Marinette rambled on which Damian found a little endearing. He looked forward to knowing more about her. He added a few comments here or there about himself (because it was only fair.) and ways to improve their cover story about their relationship.

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

“We are nearly at school. Let’s start the act, Romeo.” Marinette whispered at him and looked at him with a bright smile that brought a tiny smile to his face. Okay, maybe he liked Marinette a little bit but that doesn’t mean he’s in love with her.

He moved her hand holding his to the crook of his elbow.

“Is this acceptable, my lady?”

She wrinkled her nose, (Adorable. No. Don’t go there) “This is fine. But can you not call me that? And princess too? I may have erased his memories as Chat Noir but it could be a trigger to bring them back.”

“Understandable. What about Malak?”

She blushed. Marinette had learned Arabic a while back and was very fluent in the language.

“It’s okay.” She said in a soft voice. She put her other hand on his bicep and leaned on his shoulder.

“You don’t look like a touchy-feely person so is this fine?”

“Yes.”

“Cool, let me tell you more about the atrocious lies that had passed her mouth.”

They walked into the school courtyard, arm-in-arm, for the entire school, especially Marinette’s class, to see. The perfect picture of a loving couple. Marinette’s blush from earlier was evident on her face, leaving no room for doubt about her new relationship status. (Many guys, gals and pals were upset over it.) As they both walked up the stairs, whispering and laughing about who knows what (gulliable and idiotic classmates they have to suffer learning with), two pairs of green eyes followed them.

In this case, the saying ‘green-eyed monsters’ was true. One was envious of the boy who held the girl he wanted in his arms and the other was envious of the attention the couple was receiving.

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

Damian escorted Marinette to her class. He gave her a kiss on her cheek and said, loud enough for the class to hear, “Bye, Malak. I will pick you up after school for our date.”

“B-bye, Damian.”

He took her hand, gave a kiss to the back of it and departed, leaving a very red-faced Marinette behind. The rest of the class parted the way as Damian walked past.

She rushed into her seat where Chloe sat beside it, grinning like a Cheshire Cat.

“Sooooo, Mari-bug, how was your date? You two rushed out of there so quickly and left your stuff behind. So eager to spend time with your boyfriend, eh? You enjoyed it very much by the looks of it.”

“Sorry about that, Chloe. Did you bring my bag and the cheese danishes?” Marinette tried to change the topic. And she also wanted to make sure a god of destruction doesn’t go hungry and angsty during school. “Yep, here you go,” Chloe said, handing Marinette her bag and a box of cheese-flavoured snacks for Plagg, “Your mom packed some for you.”

“Marinette. Where have you been the last two days? And you came back with a boy. I am honestly worried about your behaviour.” Lila played the concerned classmate wonderfully.

“Yeah, Marinette. This is a new low, even for you.” Alya added.

Marinette readied herself to tell the cover story Damian and her worked out on the way here.

“Lila, I appreciate your ‘concern’. But the last four days have been a little hard on me so excuse me if I am a little snappy today. You see, Damian disappeared and didn’t return home after school on Friday. So when he didn’t pick up for our weekly video call, I panicked and called his family and they told me what happened. They sent me a plane to get out of Paris so I can’t get akumatized.”

“Was that why you were gone on Saturday?” Chloe asked, playing along although she already knew why Marinette wasn’t in Paris the last four days.

“Yeah. Sorry for not telling you guys. It was sorta last minute. Thankfully, he wasn’t kidnapped actually. His biological mother picked him up but never told his father that she was taking him. I just came back last night. Dami followed me to make sure I am okay.”

“What a bunch of bullcrap.” Alya said, “I don’t believe you.”

Oh. The irony... “Alya, I don’t care if you do. My life is my own business. So keep your nosy nose out of it. Your opinions don’t matter to me anymore, stranger.” Marinette internally was tired of this silly routine and wanted this to end already.

Alya wanted to pick a fight with her over the smallest things she did for the past months. She wondered why her former best friend hated her this much.

“Lila told me that you were skipping school and you paid an actor to be your pretend boyfriend.”

Pretending to not hear what Alya said, Marinette turned towards Chloe, “Hey, you never told me about how you met Tim. I can’t believe that you two are friends.”

“We met at one of those charity galas-”

“Hey, we were talking to you.” Alya cut her off. To which Chloe glared at the ombre-haired girl.

“I thought our conversation was done. What else am I supposed to say?”

Marinette was frustrated and hid that fact well, showing any reaction would give the game away. If she had reacted, it would further fuel the fire of Alya’s self-righteousness, making her believe that Marinette was somehow guilty of what Lila told her about. Lila managed to turn nearly the entire class against her by appealing to their ‘hero’ side and outbursts from Marinette and the others made them more sure of themselves of being in the right. It was so deep-rooted that nothing would sway them to logical reasoning. Maybe except Phase 2. Phase 1 was made a little easier when Talia kidnapped her and made her miss a few days of school.

Phase 2 was to not acknowledge the lies or just appear uninterested. It would illustrate the point that people don’t have to listen to them if they don’t want to. If possible, sow little seeds of doubt to the ones Lila had a looser grip on. The more people they can slowly get on their side, the better.

Alya was confused, usually Marinette would throw a ‘temper tantrum’ about how she didn’t do that and Lila lied.“I-, you should-, You should apologize to Lila.”

Marinette raised an eyebrow, “For what this time?”

“For saying that she was lying.”

“Pray tell, when did in any of our conversations so far did I do that? I mean I don’t like the fact that she just accused me with little evidence of paying my someone to be my boyfriend but I am not going to fight with anyone over it. Maybe I did do that, Maybe I didn’t. Maybe there is a good reason I did those things. The thing is Lila should keep to her own business and I will keep to mine. And as should you. I know you are a reporter at heart but you should at the very least respect my privacy.”

Alya stayed silent, fuming. Everyone was looking at them now. She realized that the designer was right and if she pushed further, she would be the bad guy.

“I thought so. Now, go away. I have nothing else to say to you. Let Chloe finish her story of how she met Tim which you so rudely interrupted.”

“Who’s Tim?” Lila asked, wanting to know more about Marinette’s boyfriend to work on an angle to get him away from the ravenette.

“Mari-Bug’s boyfriend’s older brother. Now, shoo peasants, we are talking. Anyways, Mommy took me to when I was younger so I could mingle with all the other rich kids and get connections. Timothy was there and back then, he was still with the Drakes...”

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

Lila and Alya returned to their seats, both were visibly upset although Lila was seething inside. When Marinette was not at school for the last two days, the Italian thought that it was the last she had seen of her. Today, she showed up with a handsome boy on her arm and by the looks of his clothes, rich too. If she manages to get ‘Damian’ to break up with that pest and date her instead, then she would have a rich, handsome boyfriend devoted to her and that brat would be so heart-broken that an akuma so powerful would be made that even Ladybug won’t be able to defeat. A two for one deal. Lila started planning (scheming) to take her boyfriend away.

------

(Part 7)

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

Edit: I am so sorry. I forget to add the taglist.

Tag list: @alysrose-starchild, @buginetye, @lookatthestars1, @blackroserelina, @macncheesemonster, @mochinek0, @myazael, @tonicxworld, @thewitchwhowaited, @t1dwarrior-of-earth, @kissa-chan, @iwantasecretidentity, @theymakeupfairies, @user00000003, @woe-is-me0, @kashlyn, @mochegato,@moonlightstar64 , @greatcatblaze, @moongoddesskiana, @tazanna-blythe. @tonicxworld, @toodaloo-kangaroo, @frieddonutsweets, @local-witch-of-mn, @lady-bee-fechin, @iglowinggemma28, @indecisive-mess-named-me, @k-tea-and-coffee, @jayjayspixiepop, @all-mights-asscheeks, @idk-j-go-with-it , @loysydark, @thenillabean, @lolieg, @zalladane, @silvergold-swirl, @henie04, @blueblossombliss, @khneltea, @mochegato, @itsmeevie01, @roguishredaxion, @alyssadeliv, @steph-hearthlight, @adrestar, @eliza-bich, @abrx2002, @hikari55ttva, @doglover82, @daminette5074, @moon5608,@justafanwarrior, @allis-sun, @animegirlweeb, @aespades, @corporeal-terrestrial, @mildlydeadly, @kanamexzeroyaoifangirl,

[bemused-writer]

VNC Mémoire 50 Analysis

This chapter went down very differently from how I'd envisioned. XD My main error was that I forgot that introducing Vanitas into a situation doesn't necessarily improve it and this chapter really drove that home. I got used to "Gévaudan Vanitas" but what we're dealing with is "Bal Masqué Vanitas," someone who is more unhinged than he wants to let on. I mean, I think it's safe to say Vanitas efficiently steered things into a ditch this chapter. Let's take a look as to a possible why and how.

The first thing I want to address is how the transition from Vanitas's attitude in chapter 46 compared to chapter 50 is pretty severe in terms of how he's acting towards Noé and at first seems, uh, completely insane but it's actually pretty consistent with how Vanitas has been in general.

Vanitas: Noé, stop! Don't go near him. Mikhail is--!

His reaction towards Misha actually is pretty consistent all things considered. The very mention of Misha filled him with fear in the catacombs arc and it does so here as well. We also see Vanitas demonstrate he is afraid of what might happen to Noé should he encounter him. And that thread is continued at the very start of this chapter.

We're absolutely dealing with subtleties here, but there are three things I think we can take from this exchange:

1) Vanitas is worried about Noé, but he doesn't want to be too demonstrative about it

2) He's trying very hard to hide the fact Misha unnerves him

3) Misha can read Vanitas easily

That last bit is important. Misha knew Vanitas for a couple years while they traveled with VotBM, so he knows his ticks. In particular, he knows what Vanitas is worried about. "I only made him drink my blood." The implication is that he could have done something worse and he knows Vanitas was worried about that in particular. I think it's safe to say the worse option was that Misha had corrupted Noé's name. With that concern thwarted, Vanitas's main concern regarding Noé has probably already been alleviated, which may explain why the continuation of the conversation is actually pretty calm for a moment.

In the previous two images, Vanitas is panicked or suspicious bordering on angry. In this one we see something closer to compassion and understanding. I think if the conversation had simply remained on the subject of Misha not remembering what happened to VotBM we would have gotten a very different chapter. At the very least, I think Vanitas would have focused on handling Misha in a calmer manner. I don't know if he would have explained things properly, but I think the overall vibe would be different. I think that a loss of memory is something Vanitas would sympathize with considering how protective he is of his own memories and that's probably why we got this surprisingly quiet scene with the two.

Such a thing could not last, however. Misha shook things up by revealing that yes, he thought he was dead, but he was brought back by a kind individual. Furthermore, this kind individual can bring back VotBM, too! As if that isn't enough, he calls Vanitas's entire goal in life, vengeance, silly. It's basically the perfect recipe to make Vanitas go ballistic and it worked immediately.

Okay, so in my last meta I said it's basically confirmed that Vanitas killed VotBM. I think this absolutely confirms he killed her if there was any remaining doubt. Furthermore, he talks about how he's currently working to erase her existence entirely, which is not a small statement. It could be symbolic as he is curing vampires, something she would have hated and likely going against her philosophy in some way. He is "erasing" her existence by defying her values.

He could also mean it very literally. VotBM is blamed for malnomen after all, which is the very thing Vanitas is trying to cure. If she did create malnomen and if she even had something to do with Charlatan then yes, Vanitas is very actively trying to erase her entire existence from this world.

You know, I'm sure this attempt at erasing her could lend itself well to his own self-hatred. If he wants to erase her (literally or metaphorically) then having her mark on him must be torture.

As a side note, we see Vanitas shooting with a gun in this chapter. He doesn't own a gun (weirdly) and as such I think it's likely Dante's. Dante was pretty drunk at the restaurant they were at, so he was in no position to come along, I guess. XD But Vanitas knew he would need extra protection and borrowed it all the same. Still, even Misha comments it's odd for him to use one, which makes me wonder why. Actually, the more I think about it, the stranger it is for Vanitas to go about without a gun. Sure, he has daggers and other skills, but he's in constant danger and some range probably wouldn't hurt.

Regardless, he brought the gun to fight Misha specifically I expect, which means he doesn't want to get close to him. Questions abound as to why. I do not have an actual theory about this one just yet.

At this point in the chapter, I think Vanitas had completely forgotten about Noé until he reinserted himself into the situation. After all, he needs to rescue Dominique and Vanitas is shooting at the person who has complete control over her right this minute. Definitely a recipe for disaster.

Misha gives Noé 15 minutes to find some way to drink Vanitas's blood and reminds him pulling any tricks won't work.

And this is where our communication disaster begins this chapter. Vanitas wants to handle everything on his own without interference. Noé can't allow that because he needs to protect Dominique and, also, Noé is already involved. He can't not be involved at this point no matter what Vanitas wants.

Rather than attempt any kind of sympathetic response or understanding, Vanitas goes right for the throat.

This is around where I think we need to address the elephant in the room: Vanitas and Dominique's relationship with each other. The second they met one another they couldn't stand each other.

This is the first time they really talk to one another and it's a mess. Dominique is understandably suspicious of this random human using her friend to help him cure curse bearers. She even states later on that she thinks he's using Noé for his abilities. As for Vanitas, he's simply being incredibly petty and arguably possessive to boot. He just doesn't like her getting in the way of him and Noé.

Then there's all this:

So, Vanitas knows these two are very close and overheard them as they shared an intimate moment together and even seems to have some kind of opinion on it, though it's hard to say what it is. He first seems surprised, then his expression becomes the neutral, unreadable one above. I kind of think his ultimate opinion about the whole thing is negative judging by his infamous insult to Dominique later on.

Look, Vanitas is a raging misogynist, but I think he takes special issue with Dominique. We can see with Jeanne that he actually does want to help her and holds some measure of affection for her (and now believes himself to be in love with her). He's been utterly neutral to all the other women in the series as well, such as Amelia. But Dominique? There is absolutely no love lost there and all of the above isn't even getting into one of his primary issues with her: she claimed he might worship VotBM.

Of course, Vanitas seems to get most angry when people approach the truth because there's also this scene:

I will admit that it's a little unclear who Vanitas is saying he never really hated in this scene. The official translation went with "Lou" but it could very well be "Lu" the beginning of "Luna" who was confirmed as VotBM in this very chapter, so... He hates VotBM but also loves her. That would seem about in line with the complete mess that is our current Vanitas.

So how does all this tie in with chapter 50? Well, Vanitas has a lot of issues with women, especially relationships with women and most of those likely stem from VotBM with a side dish of his being the cause of his mother's death while constantly being compared to her visually. Furthermore, he really doesn't like Dominique.

With all this in mind, is it any real surprise he refuses to help her? Because it wouldn't be that hard to. He has The Book of Vanitas and he knows what Misha wants. He could either do something to undo Misha's curse on her or he could tell Misha the information he wants to know. Furthermore, he could just make something up to tell Misha! His memories about that day are practically nonexistent after all!

But he doesn't. Some of that is, I'm sure, because he's not thinking very clearly, but some of it is definitely out of spite. Vanitas doesn't like that Noé has an attachment to Dominique. He believes it makes Noé weak. It's why Vanitas can't stand his own interest in Jeanne or Jeanne's attachment to Luca or any relationship in general. He firmly believes attachments make someone weak and I'm sure he believes his own attachment to Noé makes him weak. It's why he must do his very best to stomp it out this chapter. He must deny his own attachment to Noé, remove Noé's attachment to Dominique, and kill Misha to restore his own warped idea of order.

Vanitas is, needless to say, a human disaster.

Even with all this, there are still little glimmers of Vanitas's better side. He seems genuinely shocked and disturbed when he first hears about what happened to Louis, but then Misha continues with how it affected Dominique and he's right back to refuting the whole thing. We also get this interesting tidbit:

Talk about a loaded statement and some insight into how Vanitas views relationships with women! I have very little doubt he's thinking of VotBM right now. He says that by killing Dominique, Noé will be "free" in the way he is. Vanitas saw his relationship with VotBM (whatever kind it may have been) as a weakness and a curse and he cannot fathom that Noé's relationship with Dominique isn't somehow the same. From his perspective, it's just not possible for them to have a genuinely good thing going. He believes Dominique is too protective of Noé and is holding him back and that, clearly, killing her would be doing Noé a favor.

Vanitas's expression here reminds me of a key moment during the catacombs arc:

Here he was angry at Noé for showing compassion to chasseurs and for "holding himself back." He then tells him to get out of his sight (something he also pulled before) and calls him a slur, finally provoking a reaction.

That's not terribly dissimilar to what's happening now. Vanitas is angry at Noé for showing compassion to someone he coudln't care less about, he's "holding himself back" (as well as Vanitas), and Vanitas says the cruelest thing he can, finally provoking a reaction.

Just like in the catacombs, he got a much stronger reaction than he was betting on. I think it both cases, Vanitas was just saying whatever first came to his mind without thinking about repercussions (just like in the Bal Masqué... there's a theme here) and therein lies the second problem he has: he doesn't believe Noé will ever retaliate against him even though he has no real reason to believe that. He sees Noé as kind and mistakenly assumes this translates to him never reacting to Vanitas's cruelty. Probably because it takes a lot to rouse genuine anger out of Noé, but still. That's a serious oversight and potentially a part of that blind spot he always seems to have when it comes to Noé.

As for Noé, first he's having everything he believed about his relationship with Vanitas cruelly denied by the man himself and then Vanitas trashes on the one relationship he's managed to maintain his whole life with Dominique. It's not like Noé was going to simply drink Vanitas's blood either (that much I was right about). He asks Vanitas for his help, begs him to simply tell Misha about that day, and is denied. He confesses that it's "self-centered" but he doesn't want to do what Misha requested. He doesn't want to drink Vanitas's blood to get this answer.

So, Vanitas actually had a lot of opportunity to turn this situation around or at least delay it, but he opted instead to goad Noé until the worst possibility was realized. When Noé lunges for him, he is terrified and immediately lost in his own past where he is told to never let anyone take his memories. Both Noé and Vanitas are having painful memories awakened during this scene, so neither of them is thinking all that clearly. Vanitas is coping with Misha being right there and memories of VotBM and Noé is dealing with his own memories of Louis's death and Dominique's imminent demise. The ghosts of the dead are haunting them both.

These two pages are the most powerful of the chapter in my opinion and my personal favorites. The angling, the mutual betrayal and devastation is very well portrayed. We can see that Noé is shocked that Vanitas shot him. Not only that, but right in the eye, something a chasseur would do to weaken a vampire. We also see that Vanitas is not unaffected by the whole thing. His arm is shaking after shooting the gun and he's flinching away from Noé.

And speaking of the eye injury, I had a theory awhile back that Noé might be partially blind in his left eye due to the injury he sustained as a child. He tends to guard more with his left side and has been consistently injured on his left side as well, which suggests that's the weaker side for him. Now that his left arm is injured and his right eye is also injured, how well will he fare against Vanitas? Especially now that he has the chasseur drug (gifted to him from Dante, I expect). Normally, I would say that in a straight fight, Noé would win without a doubt, but he's been severely hampered for this arc.

Of course, none of this is taking into account the fact Vanitas has The Book of Vanitas. While shooting Noé is far from a great move, it's significantly less destructive than using the book against him and I have to wonder, why didn't he? He easily immobilized Noé during the Bal Masqué with it and if he did something like that here he wouldn't even have to argue with Noé about what should or shouldn't happen next. Noé wouldn't get a say. It's entirely possible Vanitas has simply forgotten he has it but it's also possible that some small part of him is trying to avoid the ultimate betrayal because, despite everything he said, he does care about Noé.

Meanwhile, Misha is delighting in the whole thing. He's convinced Noé will win after all, and then he'll get his answers. Except, as I've said before, Misha hasn't thought this out all that well and he definitely didn't know Vanitas had the chasseur drug. That changes a lot for this battle. Still, Misha isn't entirely uninvolved in this fight. He unleashed a bomb (I think because they got too close to Dominique? or just for fun?) and he did this:

I'm... honestly kind of confused at what I'm looking at here. Did he just turn on the lights? Or did he transform the area? To me, it's a little reminiscent of Charlatan, but they're definitely not here, so I don't know. Regardless, Misha is the one in charge of the arena and Noé only has 15 minutes to accomplish his goal.

The time limit is going to be the main problem here. I foresee these two fighting to a standstill unless Vanitas brings out the book. Then there's Dominique. She's watching all of this in silent horror. Vanitas and Noé aren't likely to stop without outside intervention. What I'd like to see happen is Dominique reestablishing power over herself and getting them to stop, but I'm worried she'll take the more dramatic route of flinging herself off the building. After all, she's dealing with a serious load of self-loathing herself and she might think she's taking away Noé's friend by being taken. I'm still holding hope for Dominique to come out of this alive, but her fate is the one thing I'm genuinely concerned about in this arc because while things are bad for Vanitas and Noé, narratively they have to eventually come back together. That's the premise of the series. There may be a bucket load of trust issues and all kinds of difficulties--they may avoid each other this whole arc--but they have to eventually work together again.

Dominique does not have that same kind of plot armor. Her fate is tied directly to whatever Mochizuki thinks is most effective for Noé's plot and, well, I guess we'll see what that is.

As for who Misha is working for, there are a couple of possibilities. My first thought was Moreau to be completely honest, but Misha does have memories of him, so it's unlikely he'd ever refer to him as "kind," so I'm going to strike that option off the list. Teacher is a vague possibility, but I also think it unlikely. He wants to observe the events around the book, not create his own. Ruthven was another likely source, but if it is him I think it's indirectly through his connection to Charlatan. He doesn't want Noé to potentially die to Vanitas after all; he has future uses for him. He also doesn't seem to have that much interest in VotBM.

So, after crossing off most of the options, I think we're left with Charlatan (who isn't really a person, so probably a no on that too) and, weirdly, Marquis Machina. Oh, and possibly the de Sades, but while they dislike Dominique, I don't think they'd expend this kind of effort. It would look bad for the family. Now, we know basically nothing about Machina, which makes him a great option because we do know he's a major player somehow but not precisely how. I guess time will tell on that one.

As for other general predictions, I think Noé and Vanitas will fight to a standstill like I said before. Their battle will probably be interrupted by something, whether that's an action taken by Dominique or a third party arriving. Misha will definitely get away regardless of which it is. Whether Noé is willing to work with Vanitas will depend on what happens to Dominique and whether Vanitas will work with Noé depends on how capable he is of just... pretending the whole thing didn't happen and whatever Noé says to him. For the most part, Vanitas has stuck with Noé because of the way Noé has spoken to him, and that's likely to remain the same. Probably. Noé wants to save curse bearers, so as long as Dominique is okay he'll probably also shove the whole thing aside in favor of doing just that. But at some point they will both have to confront that things got ugly very fast and that this is in no small part to the secrets they kept from one another and the biases Vanitas keeps.

Waiting for the next chapter is going to be hard. XD I'm personally very excited about how things are going. They're not what I guessed, but they are super interesting and will really have an impact on the series, so I'm definitely here for it.

[flooffybits]

By Your Side

Idol: Handong (Dreamcatcher)

Life as an idol always brought pressure to their lives. It was just a matter of communication for them to keep going.

A/n: Dongie i love you and i wish you nothing but good things

☕buy me a coffee☕

Everyone was understandably exhausted when you looked around the room. Right after promotions, your schedule had been packed with interviews and various appearances, that it was a little surprising. Yet to see the gradual rise in Dreamcatcher’s fame was more than worth the exhaustion.

Your days had been filled with practices, both for the concert and for Kcon. Your energy was slowly depleting with how many hours you would spend at the company, just to get everything right, down to the last note and pose.

The girls were a little worried whenever you came home, drenched in sweat and exhausted that you barely had the energy to move, but thankfully you made sure not to neglect your health and joined them to eat whenever you could.

“I think you should take a break.” A soft voice tells you, and you don’t need to look when Handong’s reflection stares at you from the mirror of the practice room. “I’m okay, I’ll be done in a bit.” You answered while stretching your legs, but your girlfriend pursed her lips at your answer as she stepped closer, placing her hand on your back and pulling your attention back on her.

“Y/n, I know that we have to practice, but you don’t have to do this every day. At this rate, you’re going to get yourself hurt.” She said worriedly while gently squeezing your shoulder and you pause what you were doing to look at her, smiling as you reach for her hand and press a kiss to her fingertips. “I’ll be okay. It’s just a bit of practice. Plus, Sooyeon unnie said that there’s always room for improvement.” You explained, yet that didn’t seem to satisfy the slightly older woman as she crouched down.

With a small tug on your hand, she asks for you to be facing her, one you instantly comply with, before she’s settling herself between your legs and wrapping her arms around your waist. The action surprised you, drawing a laugh from your lips as your girlfriend made herself comfortable, smiling when she felt the vibrations of your laugh as she rested her head against your chest.

“Dongie, I need to practice.” You try, yet you make no moves on pushing her away. “You need to rest.” She argues, looking up at you with a pout. “You can practice while I’m gone to do my birthday live.” She negotiates and with the way she was looking, it was impossible for you to say no.

So in the end, you were both cuddling in one corner of the room as your members began to arrive, all of them looking a bit relieved to see that you weren’t pushing yourself past more than what you could handle. They each shot your girlfriend a smile before proceeding to start with their own stretching whilst Handong did her best to keep you comfortable.

When you’re all done and ready to practice together, Handong comes bouncing into the room with Bora at her tail, grinning as she holds the decent sized cotton candy. “Look what I have!” The dancer grinned while waving the sweet up in the air and Gahyeon laughed at the pout on her roommate’s face. “I’m never making cotton candy again.” She sighed before looking around the room for you.

Her search doesn’t last too long because Minji was already gesturing to your hunched over form with Yubin fanning your face and Siyeon quietly talking to you. The worry on their faces was clear enough for your girlfriend as she faced the leader.

“She’s okay, just a little tired.” Minji sighs, crossing her arms across her chest. “Even Sooyeon unnie told her to take a break.” Yoohyeon muttered while tying her hair up. “I think we should really get some food into her system before we head home.” She adds.

“Real food though, not convenience store food or instant noodles.” Gahyeon added with a huff. Since you’ve all been out so late, no one’s had the time or energy to cook. And as much as Bora tries, most of you are already passed out by the time she’s done cooking, having settled for whatever was easiest to cook.

“Let’s go home for tonight.”

..

On the day of the concert, you’re more than ready to perform. Since you didn’t really have to dance for the first night, you were a little relieved that you could just sit down and catch your breath.

Of course, that didn’t really stop your girlfriend from doting you. Since she’s gotten so used to seeing you worn out at home, she couldn’t help but check on you when she could. And maybe it was the exhaustion, but you really didn’t mean to snap at her or seem ungrateful.

“I’m fine, Handong, seriously.” You groaned when you fixed your in-ears. “I just think you should-”

“I said I’m fine.” You grunted, scowling as you grabbed your things and your girlfriend shuts her mouth, watching you as you left the dressing room and Gahyeon looked worriedly to her friend before lightly patting her arm. “I’m sure she didn’t mean it, unnie.” She tried to assure, and as much as Handong wanted to let it go, she’ll admit that it hurt.

She just wanted to help you.

As the concert went on, neither of you made it apparent that you’ve had an argument off stage. And even though the girls could sense the tension between you, they made sure to keep it subtle as they took charge of the concert, keeping the atmosphere light where they initiated the conversation with both of you just so it wouldn’t seem too forced.

Whenever you all had to sit on the couch, you were a little relieved that Yubin was the one closest to you and that it wouldn’t be off for people to see you not interacting with her.

Though at that point, you were already feeling guilty for being angry with her in the first place. You understood why she was so worried and she was only trying to take care of you. Had it been anyone else, they would have done the same thing she did now that you looked at it.

And it was her birthday, today.

God, just what kind of girlfriend were you?

Glancing at the Chinese woman, you smile when you see her messing around with the maknae, and when you look back, Yubin was already smiling at you, almost a silent message that you quickly understand from your roommate.

When you have to go backstage to change your clothes, you quietly slip past everyone and head to your corner before your stylist goes to retouch your makeup. And with how busy everyone else is, neither you nor your girlfriend have the chance to talk. Though, she does steal glances at you through the mirror to see how you were coping.

A yawn passes your lips, and right as you attempt to rub your eyes, your stylist stops you with a hand to your wrist before lowering it. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you, Y/n.” She warns and you pout before nodding your head. “The concert is almost over, so just hang in there.” She says encouragingly while Yoohyeon hands you a cup of water.

While waiting for everyone to finish, you decide to head for the stage first, thinking it’d be best to give everyone more space to move around.

You flash your members a small grin as you head for the door, and pass behind your girlfriend. She doesn’t see you when you’re near, but she feels the small squeeze to her hand as you pass before she’s turning around, only to catch a glimpse of your back as you exit the room.

When she looks back, Siyeon is already grinning at her. “You guys will be fine.”

And while Handong knows that, she couldn’t help but sulk when you still wouldn’t meet her eyes or come near her throughout the concert. It was as though you were deliberately trying to avoid her, and it confused her to no end just what exactly was going through your head.

Though she really should have known by now. After four years of friendship, and two years dating, she should have known that you wouldn’t just let the argument pass without letting her know just how sorry you were.

So by the time she started to hear everyone’s personal messages for her, she had held her breath as she waited for your voice because even when she was able to keep her tears at bay with the other’s messages, she’s not sure if she would be able to keep her cool by the time you spoke.

You were the only one who could bring it out of her.

And everyone knew that, which was why they decided to have you speak last.

“Dongie!” You smile at the camera, waving as you try to keep your voice low. “First of all, happiest birthday to the love of my life.” The girls snicker behind the camera and Handong had to stop herself from smiling as she heard them. “We missed a lot of time together the past year, but we have many more to make up for it.” You say with a tiny smile. “When you left for the survival show, I have to admit that I was a bit scared because I thought that the time away might have changed our relationship, but I was so happy when you finally came home to us.”

You look as your manager gestures for you to wrap up and you flash your best smile. “I’ll keep taking care of you, just stay with me forever, okay? I love you, and happy birthday.”

Hearing the sincerity in your tone and finally seeing you come to join her made your girlfriend’s eyes glossy with unshed tears, and you smile at her as you gather together on stage, adjusting your shirt.

But right as the cameras started to roll again, you were all surprised to hear another message coming through your in-ears, and you had to pause whilst Handong looked even more shocked than everyone as her mother’s voice greeted your ears.

Listening to her message seemed to be the final push for Handong to finally burst into tears and your members did the same as you listened. As hard as she tried to cover her face, Handong listened to her mother’s message while trying to control her crying, biting her cheek just to hold back a sob and you hurry to grab a tissue to wipe her tears away.

When you meet each other’s eyes, you had offered her a soft smile while lightly wiping away her tears despite the continuous downpour. Seeing as you tried to fight back tears of your own only pushed her to cry harder before you moved to take her into your arms and let her cling to you as you continued to listen to the rest of her parents’ message.

..

“Mind if I come in?”

Gahyeon looked up when you lightly knocked on their door and a smile bloomed across her face before n she nodded her head. “Of course, unnie! I was just about to use the bathroom.” The maknae lied, sending her roommate a little smile before she hopped out of the room, shooting you a wide smile as she did, making you chuckle at her antics.

“She’s cheeky.” Handong comments as she brushes her hair and you offer to take over when you extend your hand out. Silently, she gives you the brush before you sit behind her. “Well, she cares for both of us. It makes sense.” You mutter when you begin brushing through the long strands of gold, carefully taking out the little bits of glitter left on her head the best you could.

“It’s not usual for us to be fighting, so she’s worried.”

You hum at her words and the silence stretches. While you try to think of what to say, Handong is still thinking about the events of the evening and she can’t help the way her eyes tear up again because right after the concert, she had received a message from both her parents, wishing her a happy birthday once more.

You don’t realize that she’s crying until the quiet sniffles eventually grow audible enough for you to hear. Setting the brush down, you carefully turn your girlfriend around until you’re facing each other and you can see her slightly reddened eyes.

You’re careful when you let your thumbs gently run under her eyes before pressing a kiss on her eyelids. Pulling her to your lap, you press another kiss to her temple this time before letting out a soft breath. “I’m sorry for snapping at you earlier. I was tired, but I shouldn’t have taken it out on you.” You apologize and even when she tries to disagree, you’re already shushing her.

“It was wrong. Even if you try to tell me otherwise, I shouldn’t have gotten upset when all you were trying to do was make sure that I was fine.” You say with a frown that it makes your girlfriend cringe before bursting into laughter. “Don’t do that, it’s not cute!” She teases and you crinkle your nose before joining her in laughing.

“I’m trying to apologize! Come on!”

You both burst into fits of giggles and Handong feels much better now that you were able to get whatever weight you had off your chest.

Her hand lands on your cheek when you both calm down. Her heart felt full and there was honestly nothing else she thought could make this an even better birthday than it already was. She was able to spend the day with her second family, InSomnias, and then received the surprise message from her parents.

And most of all, she was happy to just have you by her side, even after she had left for China.

“I love you.” She whispers and she sees as your expression softens before you place a kiss against the palm of her hand. “I love you, too.” You tell her right before she’s tugging you closer and you meet her halfway, pressing a tender kiss against her lips.

And honestly, what was a better way to end a perfect night?

[youarejesting]

Wash Out.21 (Sope Special)

[Master List]

Banners: @purpleskies1999 Pairings: Dolphintrainer!Taehyung x SharkDiver!Jin,  Mer!Jimin x Reader, Scientist!Namjoon x MerKing!Jungkook, Mer!Yoongi x Mer!Hoseok. Rating: 16+ Genre: Mystery, Romance, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, little bit of Action, Slice of life, Enemies2Lovers, Friends2lovers, Social media au, Fake Texts, Fake Subs.

Summary: Taehyung and his best friend Y/N are Dolphin trainers at Wash Out; Marine Wildlife and Theme Park. When the nerdy marine biologist and resident veterinarian Doctor Kim Namjoon goes missing; the two friends form a ragtag team with Taehyung’s rival Seokjin and a…. Fish?

[Prev] [Next]

Yoongi stood still, his legs shaking. It was not normal for him to be standing for this length of time. They were mermaids used to having tails their strength in the water. Swimming was like breathing. Of course their legs only appeared on their sacred land under the ocean.

They couldn’t walk on human land, could never compare to their leg strength. Most Mermaids spent their days in the water only entering the sacred land for celebrations. Yoongi being one of many guards would protect the royal family, albeit there was no longer a royal family. Jungkook was all that was left, a prince forced to be a king before he was ready. 

Guards were the most common of the merfolk to adorn legs. Jungkook was confined to the sacred land, his time in the water limited. Anything to keep him safe from the threat of other merclans. Each guard embellished in the silk of the clams. Byssus was woven finely like silk, the light material was surprisingly warm enough to protect the guards and King whilst in their more vulnerable form.

Yoongi looked across the crystal throne room, the love of his life standing just as tall, his stature stronger than Yoongi’s. A feat as Jungkook tore the room apart, bioluminescent vines and lanterns ripped from the walls. Food and wine splattered on the floor of their ancestors.

Hoseok’s mouth turned down, the sight unnatural for his usually cheerful disposition. The hardest part of their job was raising Jungkook, it seemed no matter how hard they tried to teach him right and wrong, politics and history they still came up short. He didn’t have a family, not anymore, he didn’t know how to share and never had to work for relationships. 

Everyone adored him, feared him, doted on his every whim. He was given the finest foods and all the newest technology Merfolk could offer. Anything to keep him content in his prison. It surprised Yoongi that Jungkook hadn’t questioned his confines, that he was complacent with their level of control over his freedom.

Jungkook no longer understanding, why his new found friend was so reluctant to stay. He extended all his riches and gifts to the human, something other merfolk would cherish. 

“Why does he still want to leave, with me he could be treated as a king,” Jungkook seethed, throwing a leg over the arm of his throne massaging his temples. “Leave me.”

Hoseok marched dutifully to Yoongi, supporting the older merman as they made their exit. Walking him to the entrance of the underwater cove, the air though damp enough to keep their lungs from feeling dry, they much preferred sinking into the cool water. Doing so allowed the power of the sacred land to slip away leaving only their natural form. 

The two transformed their black and blue tails wrapping around each other, a romantic gesture Yoongi enjoyed more than he wished to admit. They relaxed in eachothers arms peacefully, sinking further until they landed on the floor of the large network of caves. This is where most of the merfolk lived as they were still protected from the open ocean.

Under the cove was wide and besides a few stalagmite and stalactite the surface was predominantly flat. However the local life was anything but, everyone bustling around the settlement enjoying tending to the seaweed, crafting and protecting the sealife. 

“Jungkook, is struggling. He doesn’t understand how to handle rejection. He doesn’t understand that people value the same things,” Hoseok mumbled, massaging Yoongi’s lower back to help relieve tension from standing for such a long time.

“That human cannot survive long under the ocean, he grows weaker by the day, barely eating.” Yoongi huffed, “If Jungkook doesn’t let him go, the poor thing will die, Jungkook isn’t ready to experience something like that so close to him.”

“I think he has gotten too attached, losing this human might break him,” Hoseok bit his lip, “Dare I say he is in love with him, he could be his promised.”

Yoongi scoffed, the idea that Jungkook happened to find his promised one and he was a human, the first human he had ever met. Yoongi and Hoseok were unaware they were each other's promised until Yoongi had a week off from guard duty and started to get really sick. The two had met in the infirmary wasting away and only in one another's company did their condition improve. “Hoseok, that’s a bit much.”

A figure swam down the path quickly, heading straight to the sacred cove entrance, carrying something large. Was someone trying to attack their home? The two fell apart taking up offensive stances, each lurching forward when they spotted Jimin holding an unconscious human.

“Not another one,” Yoongi chastised, eyes sweeping over Jimin trying to be inconspicuous. Though he cared he showed it silently, not fond of open praise. The kind to listen and assist others out of sight.

“I have to make sure he is alright,” Jimin gave no further explanation, swimming up into the cove entrance dragging the human onto the sacred land. Jimin’s gold tail disappearing, leaving behind two bare legs. 

Wrapping himself in a cloth, the two followed. Yoongi strained to lift himself into an upright position. Hoseok brought out their usual transport, especially for Jungkook’s deliveries. In this case they threw the unconscious human across the shell of the crustacean and they headed to their king.

“Are all humans this big?” Yoongi asked, eyeing the figure draped beside Jimin. The two crab-pooling wasn’t the issue, the way Jimin looked genuinely concerned for the human was. It was no good for humans and Merfolk to fall in love, the dynamic wouldn’t end well. 

“No, they aren’t all this big, some of them are small, delicate and beautiful. They are magnificent, fascinating beings. Some are scary and mean and others are innocent and protective, just trying to do the right thing.” Jimin whispered, checking the humans breathing once more. 

“Is he your promised?” Hoseok asked softly, not knowing how to approach the topic sensitively. Jimin smiled, shaking his head. The thought appeared to have amused him.

“He is someone else’s promised,” Jimin said, “But I think I met her, she was beautiful and strong, never letting anyone stop her, never letting bad things keep her down. She would swim head first into enemy waters to save someone she barely knows.

The human groaned, “Where am I?” Jimin let out a sigh of relief, this human was waking up and didn’t seem to be physically hurt, at least there were no wounds they could see upon his flesh. “Am I dead?”

“No, you are not dead, you are in our settlement.” Jimin grinned at the disorientation present in Seokjin’s words. He was struggling to enunciate his words, each more like a whine drawn out.

Upon entering the crystal throne room the group tried their best to support the sluggish human inside. Gaining the attention of Jungkook, ceasing his brooding long enough to assist the three struggling mermen. As if hearing the commotion or perhaps Seokjin’s terrible jokes Namjoon emerged from where he had been staying.

“Jin! Are you okay?” Namjoon grabbed his friend, checking him over for injury, “What are you doing here?”

“Rescuing you and avoiding the police, I ran my car off the cliff and also may have destroyed the letter box outside your beach house.” He laughed, “Never really liked it anyway.”

“You did what?” Namjoon said, concerned, “Are you crazy?”

“Listen, we were being chased. It was all for you, and Jimin of course, returning Jimin and rescuing you.” Seokjin smiled at his friend. Yoongi thought these humans were weird, they were reckless and too odd for his liking. “I even teamed up with Taehyung and Y/n in order to save you. Do you know how hard that was?”

“Didn’t seem hard at all, you and Taehyung seemed to get along really well.” Jimin pushed the human with a smile, it was weird to see Jimin acting so comfortable with the humans. “We will return you so that the issue can be resolved, I am starting to grow worried about how we left.”

“What do you mean?” Seokjin asked confused

“Humans tackled Y/n and Taehyung dragged me into the water. Right before you and your car contraption fell into the water I killed the man who scared you all.” Jimin said proudly, this didn’t seem to go over well with the human’s. Yoongi hoped Jimin didn’t do something stupid turf war wasn’t on his to do list.

Yoongi didn’t understand the words coming from Seokjin’s face, if he had to liken it to anything, it sounded like vulgar slang, curse words. The human looked panicked.

“We have to go back, they are probably being sent to prison,” Seokjin said, trying to leave unsure which direction to go, “They are in big trouble.”

“Can’t you just talk to your king and explain and they will be removed from prison?” Jimin said

“Prison doesn’t work the same as it does here,” Namjoon explained, “Very Very bad people go to prison, Murderer’s, thieves and other despicable humans put in one place.”

“Yeah and if they go to prison, they may be beaten or worse,” Seokjin huffed. Jimin looked up at Jungkook who nodded, bringing out a small mirror and handing it to Jimin.

Looking over Jimin’s shoulder, Yoongi noticed a human different to the two infront of him, she was feminine delicate and leaking. “What is happening to her?”

“She is crying,” Jimin explained, “Humans do that when they are hurt or in despair, from what I have been told they do the same when they are happy too.”

“Confusing and a little stupid.” Hoseok laughed, “How do you know the difference?”

The charges have been dropped, Namjoon breathed listening to the interrogator, explaining that they couldn’t record the phenomenon that occurred on the beach. “They are being let go,” He smiled, a sight Yoongi hadn’t seen since he first laid eyes on their large domestic crustaceans.

“There is Taehyung,” Seokjin called out looking down, the two humans looked void of any emotion, they collected their things and climbed into the police car getting an escort to their homes. “They are safe and that’s all that matters.” 

Seokjin smiled, his eyes leaking much to Yoongi’s disgust. Namjoon smiled, he seemed a little amused by the older human. “I remember distinctly you saying you hated Taehyung with a passion and wanted him to choke on a sardine.” They two laughed for a moment, “When did things change?” 

“I guess when you are working as a team to save someone you develop an understanding.” Seokjin shrugged his large shoulders, “It also didn’t help that he was living in my house for almost a week.”

“You like him,” Namjoon poked him, “Admit it you have feelings for him.”

“We can head back when you are ready, we have returned Jimin home safely.” Seokjin smiled, looking around at the group and smiling, “I am Seokjin by the way, you can call me Jin.”

The man was goofy, reminding Yoongi of Jungkook himself, the two so alike in their childlike nature, letting themself play without hesitation. It was almost admirable that people could act so carefree, unaffected by how they could be perceived.

“I don’t know if I am allowed to leave?” Namjoon said, his smile falling, eyes fixed on the ground before him. 

Yoongi looked at his king, the spoiled young man reflecting on his actions, it had been many days since they saw the young man smile. Almost expecting him to refuse, Yoongi schools his expression when he doesn’t. 

“You should go, You don’t belong down here?” Jungkook took the mirror before walking away from the group to sit on the throne. He lowered his head looking at his reflection trying to distract himself from the pain. Letting your promised go was the hardest thing a merperson could do. Under normal circumstances, promises are only parted by death.

Namjoon walked over, placing a hand on the king's head and smiling at him, “If ever you want to visit, I would be happy to show you some great places, places you would love.” Jungkook’s broken heart warmed at the human’s dimples appearing softly in the flesh of his cheeks.

That was the last thing they needed, their king running off for a romance on the coast line. Seokjin swung his arm around Jimin playfully, the merman giggling whilst his legs almost buckled. “Yeah Jimin knows the private beach by Namjoon’s house, he can show you the way if you ever want to visit.”

Tags: @backinblack1967 @miriamxsworld @moccahobi @simplymemyself @a-gayish-unicorn @ella-mella @vjinfan23​

How can I save this to read later?

Follow and turn on notifications so you never miss an update

Add your name to a tag list [HERE]

Reblog this post with the hashtag #Washout

Or you can like this post (but good luck trying to find it a week later, we both know how many things you like a day, perhaps we will meet again in the future.)

[twisted-imagines]

May I request some relationship headcanons (sfw & nsfw) for our Heartslabyul boys?♠♥♣♦

*Slaps the roof of the fic* this bad boy can fit so many words! Almost 17k words. It took much longer to produce than any other of my works, even the savanaclaw hcs you guys loved so much. In my defense, this is almost three times as big and more detailed. I would be grateful if you told me whether it's harder to read or not, now that each point got longer (What a silly writer, asking the readers if they want less content).

Also, I'm not saying I have written a good chunk of confession hcs for each of them before I edited them out, but I kind of did. You might want to keep it in mind when my requests open 😏

Anyway, please enjoy and leave feedback💓 don't let it flop

Heartslabyul relationships headcanons(SFW/NSFW )

Riddle Rosehearts 🌹

SFW

• The Crimson Ruler of your heart. While Rosehearts household did as much harm as good to Riddle, it didn't fail to bring up a perfect gentleman. It's very soon that you find out just how charming he can be, while on the quest to court you.

• The thought doesn't visit his head right away, the possibility of him falling in love with you. Riddle knows he likes your company, happy that at least somebody can see things the way he does, while also providing him with valuable input from the other perspective. And he wants to listen to your thoughts, to know more about you. Perhaps that is the reason he invites you to have a tea with him progressively often, or requests you to lend him a hand at caring for his hedgehogs from time to time? And when your own friends, his fellow dorm members, start to see less of you than Riddle does, it's because he just provides for a better company, correct?

• But then, why is it so hard to take away his hand when it accidentally touches yours? Why does he want to hold it so bad? Why his chest won't stop hurting, when he thinks of you, how you would fit in his arms, how your lips would taste against his?...

• It takes quite a long time for him to confess to you, but when he does, it's the most romantic proclamation of love you've ever heard, he's like a prince straight out of fairytales you read in your childhood. Maybe no prince blushes or fidgets like him, but it's obvious Riddle is very sincere and is determined to convey how he really feels about you. It almost sounds like a marriage proposal, with the solemn vows to make you happy, he's very serious about the whole ordeal.

• His manners are always on spot, he treats you with respect his "subjects", Heartslabyul students, see only once in a lifetime. Except for you, only Trey can boast about having special treatment, but even he is not quite on your level; you dare to say you are being pampered by Riddle. Maybe, just maybe, with you he can be more lenient in implementing his rules, and not all mistakes you make have to lead to punishments, especially if "cutting your head off" doesn't really do anything to you.

• But sometimes even you are not safe from his outbursts, though he tries to avoid it as much as possible. He can't let any student, his dorm or not, tamper with rules or slack off for as long as he's the prefect and an honorable student at this college, but at times his temper still gets better of him resulting in Riddle resorting to his old habits.

He actually makes an effort to become a better person, improves himself daily, and wants you to see the results of his work and be proud of your significant other. Any ungraceful scene he causes makes him regret his behavior in the end, and if embarrassment doesn't eat away at him too much, Riddle will search for your encouragement and affirmation that you didn't change your opinion of him and don't think less of him.

If he thinks he overstepped the line he won't show up to face you for some time, as if he placed some rules on himself to not seek your warmth out. It would have been nice to hear an apology from him, alas Riddle is, unfortunately, the type of person who doesn't apologize, simply can't do it. But the punishment he inflicted on himself already seems like a proof of him admitting he was wrong, so maybe just let him off the hook? Dwelling on it won't really bring you two much happiness. You being able to let offenses go is very crucial in your relationships with Riddle.

• Especially, since he's the least likely to do it himself. If it's you who starts an argument, don't expect it to end peacefully. He can't be wrong, no chances of that, he's not going to accept it. You'll have to leave because of how frustrating it is, trying to prove something to him and seeing him already turning red and ignoring you. It's until later, in a quiet of his study, long after you left, that Riddle can think about what you've said. Even if you were wrong, just like he anticipated, Riddle will still come up with some idea or solution, so that you two won't argue further. He's waiting for you to come and apologize to him.

Wait, no, not quite. But rather for you to first find him, beg for an audience with him in his free time and then say your heartfelt apology, with a delicious strawberry tart you brought in hands. He's as petty as that. At least he shares the pastry with you, while he tries to discuss the reason for your quarrel and finally put it to an end.

• Riddle has a strong will to make your relationships work, he cares for you more than he can potentially show. He's subtle, always telling you to dress according to weather, take an umbrella with you, taking you out for lunch and dinner himself, just so you wouldn't forget to eat. It's also very often that Riddle asks you to avoid commotions and not meddle with dangerous business of other dorms. He appreciates your kindness, it rescued him too, but every time something happens in this college you always happen to be in the middle, and it makes him extremely worried. And it would have been better if you came to one of the most talented students in NRC when you needed help. If you told Riddle about your problems.

• Even if it's something little, he wants to know about it. Yes, he knows you are your own, independent person, but it wouldn't hurt to speak to him, especially if it's something he can help with, right? And still, he tries to shoulder more than he should, suddenly prying into your life more frequently, and you can't help but notice the change and eventually point it out. But how else is he supposed to play the role of a responsible, caring boyfriend?! He's confused, he's not used to those feelings. Family. Friends. He has never connected to somebody on such level or felt a romantic attraction to anybody. Do wipe his frustrated tears and tell him, that this kind of controlling behavior is not what you need and there are a lot of other ways to he can show his love for you. And since you're his partner, you should be correct too, especially when it comes to your own life, right?

• It's hard to catch and steal Riddle for yourself during working days, the man has a lot of responsibilities in the college, as a student, as a dorm leader, as a club manager, and so on. But if you remind him that he also has responsibilities as your boyfriends, Riddle will have a hard time declining. As soon as he takes care of all urgent business, you'll become his priority. Too many rules, too many restrictions for him to pay you the attention you deserve, Riddle thinks surprisingly often. How shocking it is to him, when some of them conveniently slip his mind, just when you're about to go on a date. How very generous of him to not hold anyone accountable for violating said rules, when he comes back to the dorm in high spirit and a small smile playing on his lips.

• Riddle's favorite ways to spend his past time with you is to, of course, invite you to have dinner with him, tarts and tea are a must as well as any of your own preferred snacks or drinks since the meaning of all of this is for you both to enjoy yourselves. The time when he mindgames himself is when he welcomes you to the practice of Horseback Riding Club under the pretense that you would be learning too. But see, he has come up with a special regimen for you when you have to sit directly in front or behind him, while either of you has a strong grip on other's waist. Or maybe you two can ride separately, while your horses stride in a peaceful manner. No broken rules in sight, you two just train together, how can somebody say that the infamous Heartslabyul dorm leader is having a date during his club meeting? So maybe listen to your senior, Sebek, stop talking, or rather screaming, back, because your actions violate rules more than Riddle's do.

• He's weak to any show of physical affection, every time you do something mildly romantic he becomes red all over. An amusing sight, truly. Riddle chastises you and tells you to behave yourself, but at first, he has to become less adorable when doing it for you to truly listen to him. If you still continue your onslaught, he surprisingly will not take any action to stop you. He can't bring himself to. He feels so warm and fuzzy, every kiss and hug grounds the reality of just how loved he is and Riddle can't get enough of it.

• Do mind, that he's very strict about PDA. Sorry, rabbit, but no stranger will see more then you two holding hands while in public. That's a rule and you already know how strict he is about them. He has to remain composed while going on with his day and there's also quite a reputation Heartslabyul dorm leader has to uphold. Riddle can't let anybody see him being all mushy and lovey-dovey with his s/o, you shouldn't even think about tempting him for he will get angry.

• Not much into spooning, but Riddle is not against hugging in general. He prefers to lay side by side after the working day, play with your fingers and chat about what kind of surprises Night Raven College has cooked up for you today, or some interests either you or he picked up recently. It doesn't matter, really, it can be some meaningless chat and he will still be satisfied, as long as it's you. If the atmosphere is more romantic, in that case, he might beckon you closer for you to rest on his chest, while he lovingly caresses your head.

• Kissing is a whole new level for Riddle and it takes some time before he's ready to transit to this stage of your relationship. Chances are, you will be the one patiently anticipating until he's ready, but the wait is worthwhile. He's both planned it and did not. You are having a great time in his dorm long after the classes and tasks of dorm leader end, enjoying each other's company while sharing your favorite desserts. Although Riddle knows he has to abide by the curfew just like any other student, it physically pains him to let you go out of his embrace. It's just the two of you, and you can see the longing in his eyes until his face is impossibly close, his lips on yours. It's sweet, with a note of sourness, just like the strawberry tart he's eaten prior. It feels like a dream to Riddle, but as soon as the magic of the moment is gone, he's blushing like crazy. The process of escorting you out of his dorm, unfortunately, has sped up quite a lot, as Riddle could no longer look straight into your eyes anymore, but at least you got to share that experience with him.

From now on kisses become more regular, but Riddle always tries to reserve them for special moments, interrupting Rosehearts while he tries to give you one may result in potential beheading.

• There's always some kind of challenge that life gives you, but hard work always pays off, Riddle knows it the best. He's willing to fight for you and for your relationships, you're already his most trusted confidant. You take up an important role in his life, he wasn't sure existed, but the one he definitely needed.

NSFW

• If the first kiss is an event on its own, then what can be said about the first sex? You're frustrated, Riddle is even more frustrated, and not only sexually. But it's his rules that you play by. Riddle sets up a romantic dinner and when he finally leads you to his bed late into the evening you can barely contain your excitement. He's painfully inexperienced, but he was diligent about doing his research so at least he has the basics in his mind. If only using it all in practice was as easy. His face is flaming hot and the sight of your naked, inviting body messes up his thoughts. The experience is sweet and intimate, Riddle pours out his heart to you, it's one of the most vulnerable experiences he's had with you. The physical part will get better over time.

• The more often you become intimate, the more interesting facts you uncover about your boyfriend. Soon enough you'll come to an understanding that your dear lover is of quite a special kind and there were instances you had to adapt to, or rather submit to him.

• Riddle naturally takes up a dominant role in bed, he loves to order you around and make you obey him. You're his lovely rabbit, pretty dove, docile lamb, and get showered with plenty of praise and rewards as long as you serve him obediently. He knows best how to take care of you, so your job is just to listen to his orders and abide by his rules. But you can do this, right, cutie? As long as you do, you'll have the sweetest, most caring and attentive version of Riddle tending to you. Sex and intimacy are not something he takes lightly so he'll try his hardest to make each time unforgettable, the best possible experience for you, especially when a chance to have you just for himself doesn't come often to Riddle.

• He's pretty fair, always repaying you for the pleasure your lovely mouth gives him. It's a treatment not even punishments can take away from you, although if it's the case, you will need to wait until you're forgiven before Riddle descends to give lots of loving to your lower part.

At first, he's not successful at making you orgasm with his mouth only, but he's anything but not determined. He listens to any advice you may give him about your own body and saves this information for later use, each oral better than the last. It will get to the point he won't need even a finger to have you unravel before him. As expected, he's the best, the most talented. He couldn't just let you get ahead of him, could he?

• Which was quite easy, to begin with, considering that at first, you were the one who made him cum just by using your mouth. The moment you take him, he's already panting heavily. One sweep of your tongue and he arches into you, unable to withstand such pleasure. One bob of your head and he's painting the insides of your mouth white. He can't build his resistance up, for the life of his, even when he's hell-bent on not letting you take him over the edge. It's the weakness worth exploiting though, for Riddle will always strive to make it even, of course, by reducing you to the same breathless, blushing state that he's in.

• Not the one whose cock will rearrange your insides or make you choke on it, no matter if he's gentle or not. There's a perfect balance even in his pants. Just perfect. Maybe it's one of the prettiest dicks that a man can possess. Average in size, with the ideal angle and brightest red tip when your boyfriend gets all eager. At times you're not sure if you want to keep marveling at him or appreciate him fully, gliding every ridge and vein with your tongue. Riddle always prefers the latter, guiding you straight to him by your head.

tw: sex toys, punishments • Riddle gives off the impression that he will "behead" you straight away if you dare to do something scandalous in public. And it's right. That breaches any and all rules, even his moral principles, completely unacceptable. He won't ever show that he's aroused if there are other people around. That one time you wore a skimpier outfit and flaunted all day in his dorm went especially bad. The seduction failed miserably, not even once did Riddle look at you. Well, you thought he didn't.

"What was it today? I deduced, a new way to earn yourself a punishment, was it not, my sweet? Well, since you crave it so much you shall receive your "special treatment"."

The collar he has for you is vastly different from the one he gives to other students, so prepare to have it chocking your throat while a very angry and frustrated Riddle has his way with you. He didn't yell or behead anybody once that day, he saved all his pent up anger just for you and he expects you take it all.

tw: bdsm-punishments • For all and any disobedience you show, expect to receive a proper punishment. The idea of punishment itself is very appealing to him. The dynamic, the scene, the choice of words, all of this has the blood rushing to his abdomen. While he loves to give and receive gentle touches, whisper praises into your ear and have you arch for his soft, caring touches, he also wants to hear you cry and moan out loud, see the way you shut your eyes tightly and brace yourself before each of his movement, have you beg for forgiveness, ready to do anything just so he would give you permission to cum. Sometimes, even mistakes that would usually go unnoticed by Riddle, since it is you, or at most required a lengthy lecture for you to endure, will lead to you being pushed onto his bed; a malicious, but oh so pleased expression on his face.

But when he says times and times again, that you can't tease him in public, finish yourself off when he explicitly tells you not to, or make him jealous by batting your eyes at other students and you still do it, that's when the real deal starts. He knows what you're doing that for. You're going to get it and you better be grateful, when you lay later on his bed crying from either overstimulation or broken orgasm, your exhausted body littered with marks from the riding crop he's bought especially for you, to discipline you like a naughty animal that you are. He expects you to learn your lesson and never break the rules he's set, for he has much worse in his stock.

• But if you want to reverse the roles, well... There's a surprise waiting for you - making a submissive Riddle come out is not that hard actually. For sure, he would want to retain the control he has over you, but you cupping his face, placing gentle kisses to his red cheeks while reassuring him that he deserved to just relax and accept your love, makes his knees week. But wait, stern look and a painful grip on his hair work well too, since bad boys need to be punished, and he's been a pretty annoying, arrogant one today.

Point him to his place, now he can address you only with the name you choose, speak only when he's asked to, and cum only when allowed to. And he tries to hold off so hard because he's a good boy, because rules need to be followed, but those cute mewls still spill from his mouth, his thighs tremble before the impending orgasm. Regardless of how well he did, when your session is over, cradle his head to your chest and let him know how much you love and cherish him, and how no matter what he'll always be the best in your eyes, that you're not disappointed with him in any way. He won't stop thanking and saying that he loves you until he's too exhausted to even keep his eyes open. Not burdened by heavy thoughts, expectations, and responsibilities everyone has for him Riddle looks so peaceful, you think to yourself, when he finally drifts off to the sleep, cuddled in your arms.

Deuce Spade ♠

SFW

• If he had just a few more brain cells at his disposal, Deuce would definitely join the "husband material" squad, but his last one died when he tried to confess to you, what a pity. He's adorable and loving boyfriend nonetheless, and treasures you like an apple of an eye. He may be clumsy sometimes, but you can always rely on him, the boy will try his hardest for you.

• Your love story is the embodiment of "friends-to-lovers slow burn" cliche, sponsored mostly by Deuce's own obliviousness. It may actually be looked upon as the story of you crawling your way out of this boy's friendzone, because, that's what you're to him at first. He's so happy he made some real friends, he's going to tell his mother as soon as possible! He doesn't even notice how special you, of all people, are to him. When Deuce tells his family stories about college, they mostly end with him praising or telling something funny about you. Mrs. Spade can only shake her head and snicker at how much information she already knows about her son's future significant other.

All the "inside" jokes in your circle of friends actually belong just to you two. You're the first who gets to see a funny meme he found, an interesting story he heard, know about some problems or hardships that he's going through. Yes, you're definitely his best friend! It's only natural that he feels possessive of you, no? And that he gets grossed out by the idea that you may date somebody else, and then those hugs and happy moments that you two share may stop suddenly, is called for, right?...

• Ace sees all those fleeting touches and puppy looks that Deuce sends your way when it seems like you don't notice. Actually, if he squinted hard enough he would be able to see a tail wagging behind Deuce every time you join them in the morning, or so Trappola thinks. He enjoys seeing you be so dejected by your "friend" status and frequently mocks you for it, but he wants you two to stop being stupid and "gross" and actually becomes the much-needed catalyst for your and Deuce's relationships. Just don't thank him, he won't let you live it down.

• Surprisingly, not much changes, after you start dating, at least not on the surface level. You still hang out with all your friends, go to classes together, get involved in some mess together just like always. But actually, Deuce feels happier, more at ease. He's got a significant other! And you're just perfect, the most loving and kindest. He finally gets to do all this romantic, "couple" stuff he's seen in films or read in books. He's excited to try it all with you, albeit when it's just the two of you. Things that can't include Ace and Grimm should be done without them.

• PDA doesn't go well for the boy, he gets all blushy and nervous, unable to even tell you to stop, because he's just blabbering and stuttering some nonsense. Could you have even predicted that a small kiss on the cheek would make him so flustered? It's a perfect opportunity to tease him if you're ready to treat him to a meal in the cafeteria as an apology later. Hand-holding is a must though, everybody should know that you're with him now, that he's your boyfriend, not any of them.

• He's going to puff out his chest so much, he's so proud to have a partner, someone as incredible as you. You're basically a deity in his eyes, no one can slander you, much less lay a hand on you. Anyone who's stupid enough will make acquaintances with ex-bully Deuce's fists. He can't bring himself to be apologetic after he snaps out, everything he does for you is automatically justified in his mind.

• Protective Deuce is always on duty, ready to defend you. Ask him to tone it down slightly however, if you get uncomfortable, he can get annoying pretty fast. You've somehow dealt with your problems before, he's not bringing much to the table, except for new reasons for a headache. When you tell him this he's going to be startled, he has only best for you in his mind! Reluctantly, he'll comply, but let him have at least some of his "boyfriend duties" - this boy craves validation that he's doing well, just like everybody else does. Deuce wants you to be proud of him, think that he's reliable and dependable. He's eager to help you more than ever.

• As much as he's shy to receive them, Deuce loves kisses! He's not a great kisser, you've bumped your teeth more times than you can count and practicing helps very little, so more often then not he resorts to close-mouthed ones. His cheek kisses are also so...wholesome? It's like a big dose of love is injected into you. When techniques don't do the job, Deuce's goal is to just make you feel loved. He hopes the sentiment is not lost on you, while he promises to get better at kissing.

• When he's especially stressed or tired he treats you like his recharge station. The first opportunity he gets to tackle you, be there some comfortable, flat surface under you, he's going to take it. Deuce doesn't mind to either curl up to your chest, while you softly pat his hair, or envelop you in his arms, just hide you away from the word so he can enjoy your presence. It does stroke his ego when you ask him to spoon you. Look, mama, your son is so reliable and caring! You notice that Deuce often tries to find a way for you not to see his face, "for what reason" is a reasonable question. Probably because this boy has the mushiest, happiest grin on his face and he's not about to show it to you so blatantly. He blushes so hard when you try to see his face, he's so easy to tease, huh.

"It's all your fault, [Y/n]! You're too cute!"

His poor heart can barely take it.

• Deuce is so shocked when you seem mildly irritated at him or bring up some issues you want to discuss. You see it on his face, that he genuinely doesn't know where it came up from, but sometimes you ask yourself whether he's that oblivious or unconsciously tries to dissuade the situation by acting dumb? But whatever it's about, Deuce wants to solve it as peacefully as possible. He avoids any confrontations with you, going as far as just straight-up agreeing to anything just so you would calm down. You doubt he fears you or your wrath, but you didn't think that he held you with such high regard as not to oppose you at all. At least any argument ends before it can possibly start, both of you finding the compromise and moving on.

• It all goes down when he's the one holding grunge though. You won't hear a peep from him, Deuce bottles everything up and gives you the worst cold-shoulder treatment possible, he's downright mean. The change couldn't be more prominent, a whole 180° from loving boyfriend to a snarky stranger you have never met before. You can't pry anything out of him, he refuses to tell and when you can't take it anymore, just wanting your boyfriend back, and either lash out or pressure him harder, he'll snap. It could have been something minor on your end, but because Deuce couldn't bring it up right away and started to overthink, the original reason for his distress blew up to unimaginable proportions. Angry Deuce is intimidating, he's conscious enough not to near you, but it still hurts.

When he eventually comes to his senses he's going to regret his behavior and apologize to you, he didn't have any excuse to treat you so horribly. Deuce didn't want to start an argument in the first place, that's why he kept silent, but soon enough his emotions got better of him. He promises to talk to you if something bothers him or if he feels that your relationships are not working perfectly. Maybe you'll agree for him to treat you to dinner? A nice evening to take your mind off of your quarrel. Those puppy eyes hope you won't say no, but Deuce will respect any way you wish for him to redeem himself.

• As soon as there's a free time in both of your schedules you're going for a date, no questions asked. Deuce is always happy to go out with you, even daydreaming about possible dates that you can have makes him giddy. He's going to research the best spots for a romantic getaway across the whole Twisted Wonderland and if the magic mirror can bring you there, you're definitely going. He hasn't been to most of those places himself, but he's more interested in looking at your reaction, since you didn't know they even existed, coming from an entirely different world.

• College is stressful, trying to be an honor student is even more stressful, especially when he's quite bad at being well-behaved and concentrated all the time too. But, well, those thugs were the ones who started the fight so he's not responsible for it! And he's just so tired right now, he can't cram another spell into his head or otherwise, it's going to explode. When he's at his limits, both physical and moral, he desperately needs your support. Hugs, kisses, praises, a cup of tea and cookies made by you, anything goes to show him that you care and he doesn't have to suffer alone. Your relationships give him strength and boost his confidence quite a lot. You're precious to him and he wants to treasure you for as long as possible. Who knows, maybe those wild dreams of him waiting for you at the altar will eventually come true?

NSFW

• Obviously a virgin, not to mention a clueless one too. Even if he's seen some porn or read articles, he's not prepared to become intimate whatsoever. He has been given "the talk" by his mother, he doesn't think anything of it can help him right now, but bits of it play in his mind. His brain is gone with your clothes, Deuce can only stare at your naked body, blushing profusely, which is kind of unnerving. With a little prompting or if you decide to just take the reigns in your hands, your first time can turn out nice, but there's always room for improvement. Do expect a nervous wreck Deuce once again when you finish, because he can't believe he has had sex with you, it's a really emotional moment for him.

• Deuce is pretty vanilla, there are not many kinks that he has, most of them are centered around you anyway, for example seeing you clad in stockings, cute lingerie, or maybe even a maid costume. You on top of him or Deuce being the one on the receiving side of whatever activity you may bring up also gets him going. He's always motivated to make you feel good, show how much he loves you, and is ready to serve you.

•♀️Maybe this boy does have some kinks after all because having you dominating him makes him feel some type of way. You're his dear girlfriend, his Lady, his Mistress, how can he ignore your wishes and commands, it's would be unacceptable, a disgrace to honor pet like Deuce. He'll do anything you want without a fault for just a few praises or your foot stepping on his manhood. He's ready to worship the ground you walk upon, but better bring this eager mouth to your mounds to suck on. He'll let out sweet moans, praising and complimenting you, he's grateful he can just be your baby boy, alone with you, partaking in any pleasure you share with him.

• That one guy who practically has a bright red announcement on his forehead that "he has had a nice fuck last night!". He's unusually pumped up and energized, while also tailing after you like a puppy. To some, more experienced students, it's obvious what you guys have been up to, Ace is especially mean, teasing the hell out of Deuce, but at least Deuce is getting some. Oh, no, guys you're not children, stop fighting~

• Deuce expected for a blowjob to be pleasurable, but in truth, he cannot compare anything to it, it's an entirely different experience altogether. The image of you on your knees, a lewd expression on your face, while you look straight into his eyes with your mouth around his dick, indeed it will stay with him for the longest time, haunting him in his wet dreams. Until you go and blow him once again. He will do anything for a blowjob, both to receive it and after you give it to him, to show how grateful he is.

• He has a slight bias to receiving oral, rather than giving, but purely because he's not very confident in his own skills. He always has a hard time navigating, forgetting your preferences and what usually brings you to your high. His own tempo is pretty slow, movements gentle but persistent, he likes to worship and pay you compliments along the way. Small moans sometimes penetrate his speech; it's his everything, seeing you be satisfied by him. He won't complain if you grab him by his hair and just do with him whatever you seem fit and for as long as you need. Just don't forget he has to breathe, for this dork will try to assure you that he doesn't have to, just so you wouldn't stop.

• Deuce has worked for his reputation, just so he wouldn't be seen as a delinquent anymore, worried about his grades every year to near the "honor student" title, and now you want to place it all on stakes by sneaking your hands down his trousers, saying that nobody will notice anyway? And he can't even tell you to stop, because he knows he will moan as soon as he opens his mouth. "[Y/n], you're a bully now!", Deuce thinks dejected when your hands bring him to one of his fastest orgasms. He doesn't speak with you for the rest of the day, silently hides his red face in your shoulder when somebody tries to ask him about his well-being. No, no, Deuce is perfectly fine, and if he gets sick his kind significant other will bring him to his dorm room at once! Of course, to just worsen his state with those hands and mouth~

Ace Trappola ♥

SFW

• A trickster, there's never a boring moment with Ace. He's not for a fragile heart, you encounter his teasing and not so pleasing remarks now even more often, since you two spend more time with each other as a couple. You're his partner in crime, always there for him when he needs your support, even if he often acts like you're the one who needs him the most.

• When did you even start dating? Was it when he invited you to Monstro Lounge to celebrate your success in the most recent test, and when all other guys "didn't quite make it" and didn't join you? Or maybe when you've spent the entire night in his room, playing card games or reading popular comics and suffering on the morning lessons again together, because you didn't get any sleep? For the longest time, neither of you even thinks of putting a label on your relationships. You hang out with all your friends just as fine as just you two do together. It's light-hearted and fun until it isn't and Ace notices. He has to restrain himself and not touch you in a way a friend wouldn't, not say pick-up lines and things that can be easily misunderstood since you're just friends and it's slowly getting on his nerves. He doesn't think of you as a friend anymore, he doesn't! What to do is unclear to Ace, he becomes snappier and meaner, ruining the day for everyone around him, because he can't figure out what to do with his emotions.

It can go a longer way, with his other friends confronting him, both because they are tired of dealing with his mood swings and worried about Ace. Or you can approach him yourself and solve this problem tête-à-tête, which of course would lead to faster results, much to Ace's surprise, with you ending up legitimately, undoubtedly dating him. He hoped, he hoped so much for such an outcome, but did he really think it would happen? He's talking your ears off with how predictable you are, that it was obvious you were in love with him, but deep down he's thanking whatever or whoever made it possible for him to date you.

• This boy doesn't handle jealousy well. When you're the one being jealous he just shrugs it off, teasing you for being such a worrywart or acting mockingly hurt, that you don't trust him since he's loyal to you only, but when he's not suddenly a center of your attention or somebody else allows themselves to touch and flirt with his significant other, he's livid, not a ghost of a smile on his lips. He's going to just barge in on your conversation with the other person, nearly creating a whole scene, before he whisks you away. Who could have thought that the Ace Trappola could be self-conscious and insecure? Tell him firmly that you've never given him a reason to doubt you, that it can't be more apparent that you love only him. He'll feel ashamed, uttering the quietest "sorry" and demanding affection from you in the same breath. Of course, he knows he's your only one, there are no chances it would be the opposite, just look at him! He just needs you to...hold him and remind him about it, it can sometimes slip his mind.

• Unfortunately, just like most couples you two are not strangers to quarrels or falling out with each other. And when Ace can't solve everything with his happy-go-lucky approach and you're done being forgiving and understanding there's a big storm coming for you. Arguing is impossible with him. Impossibly annoying and exasperating. No matter who starts first, Ace turns into the worst prick ever, he twists your words and ignores all and any attempts of you trying to reason with him. The best defense is an attack, that's clear in his attitude, he's going to turn everything on you and make it seem like you're the one to blame. He's prone to saying very hurtful things in the heat of argument, words he will regret heavily later. But it's going to be later, when he'll have to beg for your forgiveness and think of all possible ways to mend your relationships, at the moment he only wants to shift the blame away from himself, make it seem like he's the only "good guy" here.

No wonder if you get hurt in the aftermath, your boyfriend absolutely can't hold himself accountable for anything. But as soon as Ace notices your offended expression or a first tear he'll shut up immediately. He's suddenly well aware of all the lies he has told you and the realization of just what a jerk he is crushes him. He's going to escape faster then you can utter his name and not show up for at least a couple of days. He's sorry, he really is, and also very ashamed of what he did, but he can't find the words to express it, every time he tries your sad expression surfaces up in his mind.

You surely hate him, don't you? He can't have anything nice, and frankly, he thinks he deserves it. He can't even properly say how much he loves you, and that's after all what you've done for him, how much happier you made him just by reciprocating his feelings. Looking at his pathetic form, a flower bouquet in his hand, eyes not meeting yours, you can only sigh. If you do decide to get it past yourself and propose going out to some nice place, like Monstro Lounge, to sort things out, Ace will practically cry. He will treasure this second chance, hopefully, he won't need any third and fourth.

• Depending on your attitude towards PDA you're either going to absolutely suffer or relinquish in his attention because is this fellow affectionate. Nothing can stop him from kissing your cheek in the middle of the cafeteria or pull you into a hug during the lunch break. Bonus points if you turn red or become embarrassed. Getting irritated kind of checks off in his list as a nice reaction too. No reaction just means that you're cool with his PDA, c'mon, he knows you like it! He can get pretty bold too - impromptu make-out session until somebody screams at you to get a room. This got you a detention a few times, but is he going to stop? No, absolutely not. He reacts very positively if you reciprocate his advances, getting a bit blushy even. It means you're proud to display that you two are dating and that you love him so much that you can't help but kiss or hug him, even when there are other people watching, right? He's going to tease you about it, but actually, he couldn't be more delighted.

• A big spoon, he's going to pout if you try to "baby" him and will say that you look more like a backpack on him, even if you aren't. There are no instances of Ace fitting snugly into your arms because he won't calm down and will even throw a temper tantrum just so he would be the one holding you. Only once you're cuddled up into his chest, you can expect to get your hug and love dose. Well, not before you swat away his hands from your sides and any other ticklish or sensitive spot, Ace is not giving you a break. Chances are you'll have to also take his hands back from under your clothes and lower back. He's having a blast seeing you so irritated! Now if he were to blow in your ear what would you do-

No normal cuddle times with Ace, up until you try to leave him alone or hit him with a pillow into his head. Ace will then catch and restrict your movements, saying that you don't understand jokes at all, and wait for you to melt into his arms once again. Trappola thinks that laying peacefully, while occasionally sharing a kiss or two is nice too, he can stay like this for a long time, just don't abandon him, he doesn't think he will be able to handle losing these precious moments after getting used to them.

• Who knows if Ace had someone before to practice or just gave a hard time to tomatoes in the Botanical Garden, but it's a fact that Ace is very proficient at kissing, and the more you do it, the faster he's able to take your breath away. He's a very fast learner, soon picking up on everything you like, what type of kisses you prefer, where he should place his hands and so on. It's such an ego boost for him to see you flushed, your head dizzy after he separates from you, he can't resist going in for another kiss, successfully roping you into a full make-out session.

• If you think that by dating Ace you will be except from his tricks and pranks, think again. You're his favorite in the entire college, both person and target for teasing. The added bonus is that he actually teaches you some of his skills, tells secrets to some of his "magic tricks", he can't have you losing in card games or anything of that sort to anybody else but him. He will be so angry if you eventually start to beat him too, he complains that you cheat, but you both know that you're just better at cheating than him at this point. He'll have mixed feelings, he's both proud of you and annoyed. If somebody notes to Ace that you've picked up on some of his habits or vice versa he'll boast that, of course, you're a power couple, it's only natural!

• Dates with Ace are spontaneous, or at least he wants you to think so. Each one is actually planned beforehand by him, but he doesn't want to seem "lame" so he plays it cool as if he hasn't been gathering courage the whole day to ask you out. While date places inside the college are pretty limited, outside of it Ace chooses true rare gems, places that you wouldn't be able to find even with a guide or a tourist map. How does he know about them, where from, is a secret. He's so proud of himself when he sees you enjoying yourself. Ace will do anything to see that smile of yours more.

"Ahaha, I knew you would like it! You haven't seen Twisted Wonderland at all. Want to see other places? Well, you don't have a choice but go out with more!"

NSFW

• When it comes to sex Ace's head is full of unrealistic expectations and picked up skills that cannot be applied anywhere, especially on you. He starts all saucy and smooth, but when the realization that he's totally lost and doesn't know what to do settles in, Ace will kind of shut down. The next thing he knows it's you pinning him down and continuing where he left because hell no it would be ending now. And he rolls with it, tries to laugh it off, and even challenges you when he regains his confidence. To give him back the control or not is entirely up to, but that night is pleasurable and exciting nevertheless, with Ace's adaptability it's bound to work out somehow.

• And you can't comprehend the speed with which he improves as a lover. He was able to pick up on most complicated "magic" tricks, figuring out how to do magic with his hips and hands is a breather, you're basically an open book to him, he's been looking at and observing you for a long time, getting better at understanding your facial expressions, gestures, and how they corresponded to the emotions you felt; it's all in his head. Ace is pretty attentive to you and often links your habits to some kinks you may display when you're having fun together, delighted to see when he discovers a connection.

He's also very versatile, sex is all about enjoyment and exploring new things to him, he would lie though, if he said that he wasn't biased to seeing you under him at his mercy. Entirely possible to turn the tables around, but do expect he won't give up without a fight, it's simply not his style. He wants to test just how far you can go with him and vice versa.

•♂️ Just how feisty can he get? A whole lot is the answer, especially if you're not exactly the fan of submitting, much less to a red-haired punk like Ace. You genuinely think Ace would look much better on your own dick, but he's not giving you the pleasure, running his mouth, smirking the whole time, all bratty and naughty. He just begs to be roughed up a little, maybe even a lot, but you're the one calling the shots, since Ace's head is already pressed tightly into a pillow and that cute ass of his is perked up in the air, waiting for something, for anything, preferably to be filled by you. Only fair to make him wait for it too, no?

• Does he love to see you in-between his legs, you just nearing the area of his crotch makes him all excited. He's pretty dirty-minded, yes. You blowing him is one of the most frequent dreams in Ace's head, to the point your jaw would lock forever if you acted it out every time he thought of it. He's pretty open about how much he loves to receive oral from you so if you're comfortable doing it more often, Ace will enjoy every minute of it. Expect hands on your head, holding you down there, and, as long as you're consent, face-fucking you.

• Ace can be pretty egotistical, oftentimes not paying you back for your favor, jumping straight to the other part or blissfully falling asleep. But it's not like he hates going down on you, not at all. He likes to feel you up, turn you on, before slowly descend down on his knees, taking his time to tease you through your underwear until you can't take it anymore. It's a satisfaction, looking at his erotic expressions, half-lidded eyes that search your face for any kind of reaction to his ministrations. The longer he goes, the more painful the tent in his pants becomes, he can't be apathetic to having your sex in his line of sight, leaking and throbbing so arousingly. He can't help but bring one of his hands to his member to relieve at least some of the tension, obediently eating you out/blowing you, until you're satisfied.

w: sex toys • There are many ways to spice thighs up in the bedroom, and of course, using toys is one of them. When Ace suggests employing some of them next time you get frisky, he has likely already got his hands on such and can't wait to bring it out. He's not one of those guys who sees toys as a competition, he's pretty sure he's the main deal there anyway and uses any available vibrator, plug or beads both on you and himself without shame. Well, maybe he will get just a bit jealous if you use them without him when he's free and ready to bang with you, but what a joke, you know some lifeless toy is not the same as him. If you tell him otherwise he'll cry.

w: overstimulation • Those little funny things called sex toys are also very helpful when Ace wants to indulge himself a bit and devote a night to listening to your cries and moans as he overstimulates your poor, exhausted from countless orgasms body. It's a kink he's willing to explore only if you're the one asking him to as a reward for you or if he thinks you haven't been on your best behavior lately and need to be punished. His attitude towards the whole event is very different depending on what preceded it. Should he be gentle and condescending, petting your hair and chuckling at you after he coaxes just another orgasm out of you? Or relentlessly plunge into you, until your body is at your absolute limit? Don't worry though, safe words you pick with Ace are usually so ridiculous they will not slip your mind too easily, guaranteeing that you'll tell him when he's ought to stop.

• This man of many ambitions, Ace made his intentions clear right on the first year, that he wouldn't be against becoming a next dorm leader of Heartslabyul, and without Riddle around it may just become a truth. Now he's the rule here, and while he's definitely not the worst leader the dorm has ever had, he'll use the power his position gives him much more freely than his predecessor. It's not an easy task to scold or give a detention to prefect himself and Trappola is quite proficient at twisting anything that they have to say about him around, debunking any accusation, making a fool out of them. You can only sigh quietly, knowing perfectly well that this poor soul did indeed catch you with Ace's hand shower down your uniform bottoms in an alley not far away from the main building. Well, a blot is no blot till it be hit, it just doesn't seem like your boyfriend will stop embarrassing you in public in the near future. You hope no serious blow will be dealt with your reputation because of Ace's inability to keep his hands to himself. 

Trey Clover ♣

SFW

• The sole founder of "husband material" squad, Trey is unrivaled in being the best in this field and he's all yours. He's very serious about your relationships and works hard to maintain them, he grows and thrives with you by his side. There's not a day Trey doesn't tell or show you how much he treasures you, there's an inexhaustible pool of love for you inside of him and you relinquish in it fully.

• You are Night Raven College's token couple even before you two officially become one. It's obvious Trey cares about you more than just as a friend, there's an underlying gentleness and softness in all of his touches, all the words he says to you, gazes he casts in your direction. He knows what he feels for you is not a platonic feeling one bit and he isn't shy to give you some hints about it. As soon as Trey is sure you're comfortable with him being upfront about his feelings towards you and there's a high chance you will reciprocate them, he's preparing to confess to you and ask you to go out. It's nothing too pompous, but it still manages to impress you.

Trey will cook up some nice meal by himself and make sure your schedules are free, before welcoming you to Heartslabyul dorm or Rose Garden if the weather allows to. Of course, Riddle and Cater will wholeheartedly help their friend to get himself a significant other, Trey is free to stay past the curfew for as long as he needs to channel his feelings to you and Cater will shoot just enough photos to include later in your videos as a couple, the male can't help but swoon over you two!

• Trey is like a reward to you for enduring any hardships throughout your life, withstanding harsh blows and losses. Your heart is now in caring hands, and if he needs to, Trey will help you mend it back piece by piece. Until then he has enough love for both of you and even more. You don't have to struggle alone, he always reminds you that you can rely on and trust him. There are no unrealistic expectations Trey has about his life, he's a very down-to-earth guy, and one of his biggest dreams is to see you happy. He's got to know such an amazing person like you and learned to harbor a lot of adoration towards you, to him you deserve the whole world and all the love in it. As much as he has, he'll give it to you.

• Clover's love has many forms: you feel its warmth in homemade meals he makes for you, in sweet massages he sends you every time he gets the chance to text you during the day, in bear hugs Trey gives you after the long day in college, in hot kisses he presses to your face together with "I love you"s because he really does. You're never alone in times that you catch a cold, which is much rarer now, for a certain someone is all about reminding you to take your umbrella when he sees rain in the weather forecast, helping you choose effective vitamins, get enough nutrients and water, all in all, everything you see better when you observe your loved person from the side. And of course, your dental health is very much a priority. Sorry, it goes without a question, Trey frets over your teeth just as much as he does over his own, he starts a bonding activity to brush them together when you spend morning or evening at each other's dorms.

• Goes without saying how much Trey would treasure you taking care of him back. He has his moments of being dishonest about his own problems, that you should probably know as a loving partner, but ones he doesn't talk with you openly about. He can't resist your pouts or soft touches while you coax what's been bothering him, you have an unfair advantage on him, he thinks. Trey being forgetful is not unheard of too, thankfully you watch him pretty closely yourself. That handsome face and piercing golden eyes give you no choice, really, but it's a different topic. This man's head is always full of responsibilities and tasks he has to do, they can sometimes force something as simple as drinking water or taking a break out from Trey's mind. You can't have that, can you? He's going to smile gratefully if you give him little reminders, blushing slightly, not used to be on the receiving end.

• Arguments start from misunderstanding, undiscussed offenses, foul mood, and overwhelming emotions, and it would be impossible to avoid all of them while being in relationships, but you and Trey somehow manage to do it pretty often. Even though it can be sometimes hard for him, Clover tries to stay attuned to your emotions and notice when something is wrong. Thanks to his rather level-headed personality, Trey approaches every issue in a mature and respectful way, if there's anything you want to discuss with him it's always better to tell him about it straight on, otherwise by the time you do he will have already wind himself up with worry. If your tempers go out of control the worst you can expect from him is raising the tone of his voice and that's all. Trey is not someone who shows openly how angry he is, but it's pretty easy to notice he's feeling down after an especially bad fight or if he acknowledges that either of you hurt the other in the midst of it. He's always open to and waits for a chance to reconcile, he can claim he manages just fine, but going too long without you being near him or always there for him at least through a messenger is hard. He sees arguments as a challenge to overcome, to make your relationships stronger and is fine with them as long as you solve the problem afterward.

• And when it comes to hugging, oh, Trey is CEO of it! You feel like the most secure, protected, warmest cuddle bug in his arms, probably stuck there for a prolonged period of time, the man won't let you go on his own volition, never. Happy? Hug. Excited? Hug. Sad? A hug, a huge tub of ice cream or something he sure will make you happy, and a dozen of kisses to your forehead. Trey doesn't need meditation or yoga to relax, holding you close to his chest eliminates depressive thoughts and clears his skin. He has a preference to being a big spoon, but if you're big enough to hold him and not seem like a small animal clutching to his back then he's willing to be a "little" spoon, but just for a bit, such position makes him too mushy on the inside.

• A curious secret, disclosed only to you, but sometimes you wish you never had it that way. Only you know just what a tease your boyfriend is and how big is Trey's arsenal of underhanded methods to make a bright blush show on your cheeks! Gentleman, courteous and honorable, considerate, and kind to his other half, that's how everyone sees Trey Clover, and you too, albeit you also know how playful and unfair he can be at times. Did you really think he wouldn't notice how you react to certain words, especially praise, or tickling touches to your body on those particular spots, or any other gimmick that makes you shy and meek, all for him to enjoy the show? He doesn't abuse it often, but when in need of some serotonin Trey knows what exactly he has to do to brighten up his day, you're an integral part of his fun. And, well, if you're strongly against teasing, he can always think of a new way to mess with naive first-years or go and initiate cuddle times with you, that you won't refuse, will you?

• The kisses Trey gives to you often have a mature vibe to them. They're not over-the-top or too steamy when it's not called for, but he likes to involve some tongue action, stall you for some time before he finally releases you to go on with your day. Cheek kisses or kisses to the temple and forehead are common to, he can't have you go to classes without your daily dose of love and they're the best when he passes by you in hallways and has limited time to be affectionate with you.

• And being shy about affection in public is definitely not Trey's style. There is not a single soul that doesn't know you're dating, but affirming that fact is never a bad idea. Trey manages to stay classy and refined without neglecting you while going out somewhere and completely adjusts to your preferences, but he's calmer when he can at least hold your hand and doesn't have to fear losing you in a crowd. If you're not against, Trey can be often seen sneaking small kisses to your cheek, but don't expect him to shove his tongue down your throat, he has some manners after all. He can always do it behind the closed doors, he promises to you.

Preparing your own food and then dining together, in the company of each other sounds like an idea for a romantic date, but be assured Trey has a lot of other activities he would be keen on trying out with you. Finally, all those "relationships tips" posts Cater has been sending him since Trey gave the male his MagiCam will prove useful, he thanks himself for not deleting them. Clover is fine both with in- and outdoor dates, alternating between both variants. To his dismay, usually, he can allow himself only to welcome you in his dorm, his position as vice dorm leader takes up a considerable amount of his time, often leaving him too exhausted at the end of the day. However, you're always welcome to visit him for a sleepover and curl with Trey under the blanket, your boyfriend falling asleep almost instantly.

• Upbeat music, funny chatter, and happy laughter, all the while Trey prepares the dinner, handfeeding you some ingredients and letting you taste-test almost ready dishes. You're not obligated to help around, and in a case if you're not that familiar with cooking,Trey himself assures you that you can just sit there prettily and let him do his thing. He can give you lessons or teach you new skills or dishes, but it has to be separate from the normal cooking occasion. Although Clover will never refuse any help, particularly from his partner, so as long as you're confident you won't break something or set the kitchen on fire, he gives you a green light to participate in the process itself.

NSFW

• How deceptive of him to say that you're in caring hands and never mention how dexterous they also are, right until the moment he has you naked on his bed and under the guise of preparing you, unashamedly brings you to climax. Sooner than later you'll plead for him to go harder and finally give you the real deal that you've been eyeing for a while in his pants. Is he really that considerate or was just teasing you, you're not sure, but how his lips curl in a devious smirk upon hearing soft moans of his name from your lips doesn't help either.

• Regardless if he's being fair or not, your hole still requires some preparations before Trey can sink into you, this man packs some nice sized equipment in his pants, enough to rival several known non-humans. He's a bit apprehensive about going rougher on you at first, controlling the movements of his hips and not allowing himself go completely in fear of hurting you, but as you sleep with each other more often, you may convince him that you can handle more - a faster pace, deeper thrusts, his hands holding you closer. He asks you if are really sure, an unsaid warning in the gold of his irises. Rest assured, the possibility of you not being able to walk properly the next day is very high.

• Fret not, this man is absolutely the best at aftercare, and you're never seriously worn out or rouged up, to begin with, while your boyfriend pampers just the living daylight out of you. Trey wipes you clean, carries you to the bathroom if you need one, treats every little bruise, looking just a little too peeved about them, dresses you in comfy pajamas and definitely feeds you some snacks, while he pets your head and calls you darling and dear, compliments how great you are for him and how good he felt, you're just the best, he can't possibly get enough of you. He just laughs when it earns him a worried look in return, he's a good guy, don't you know, he's not going to strain you anymore that night, even though he's tempted. Oh no, sit tight, he can't let you go anywhere at such an hour, a responsible boyfriend wouldn't allow it. Sleep peacefully beside him, he's going to protect you from all harm.

tw: daddy kink • The reason why you would require nice aftercare after the deed stems not only from the necessity for Trey to care of your body but also of your mind. He's very into dominating you, leaving you vulnerable to both his words and touches. But don't worry little one, Daddy is there for you, he can see how badly you need to be loved, to be pleasured. While Trey does get a rush out of being the one in control, having you entirely at his mercy and sometimes disciplining you, he's also very gentle and kind and wants you to see him as somebody who will love you unconditionally will be always there for you, he wants to make sure you feel special and cherished. Trey is careful, he asks you prior about your limits and safe word is always there to ensure you only enjoy yourself, he wouldn't bear you getting hurt.

• But seeing you cry... It's his guilty pleasure. Tears running down your flushed cheeks, while he has you bent over his knee, spanking your ass, or beneath him, begging for him to let you cum, after he has edged you for countless times already. You look so sweet and adorable, gasping for air, your glassy eyes on him, but unable to see anything. He both wants to comfort you and make you wail even harder for him. Ah, you really bring all those twisted parts of him out, but you're his sweetheart, you can handle it, right? You will do it for Daddy?

• When it comes to turn-ons, there's one, in particular, Trey would like to explore with you. Who could have thought that responsible, reliable senior and relatively "normal" guy out of the whole Heartslabyul bunch would unashamedly surprise his dear significant other by sharing a dirty secret of his to see you bent over the counter in the kitchen? The proposition comes seemingly out of nowhere, one moment Trey is about to place the dough for just another tart in the fridge, and the other he has you trapped between himself and the table, a very prominent erection pressed into your rear. Trey creates a path up your throat, placing chaste kisses until he stops just by your mouth and questions whether you would want him to continue. If you do decide to humor him, prepare for the most exciting, and simultaneously the most frightening experience in your life, you're always at the danger of being walked on. It seemed however that unlike you, Trey genuinely hoped for somebody to come. He has to try another time, maybe it'll make every male in college know that you're off the limits, most likely permanently. He also swears to get it up with you more often, when you'll have your own kitchen.

• Trey adores positions where he can hold you against or cage you between some surface and his own body, it makes you look so beautiful and cute, as he's the only one able to command the tempo and you can just receive him into yourself and grace his ears with your pleasured cries and moans. Good old missionary is one of Clover's favorite too when he wants to go all out on you and pay you the attention you deserve.

• It's a heart-crushing sight, your boyfriend visits your dorm after the long and tiring day of helping Riddle to manage the dorm and also taking care of his own business. You want to help somehow, take care of the needs the man has, like getting a relaxing temple massage, a cup of hot tea, and a nice blowjob to top it off. Trey's eyes are full of adoration and gratitude, you can see them clearly as you allow more of his cock into your mouth, sucking and licking the shaft, releasing it when you can no longer breath properly, going without a break on a man such as Trey is difficult after all. But he's encouraging you, caressing your head and permitting hoarse moans to let you know how much he loves it. Blowjob as a stress reliever works exceptionally well for Trey, it obvious in the way his shoulders relax and deep frown goes away from his face when he spills into your mouth. Pray that your jaw doesn't lock, because this man may or may not have been withholding his release, just to keep watching you bob your pretty head on his dick. He's going to properly thank you, not at all repulsed to kiss you in the lips and assure that he won't forget this debt he has to you and will repay it soon enough.

• And you never have to wait long and never because you did it first. Trey does not think of himself as a remarkable gourmet, but he knows what's good and your taste even better than some of the best delicacies he's ever tasted. This tongue of his can work wonders on you, making you arch into his mouth chasing after the pleasure it offers, only for Trey to pin your hips to the surface you're on, he has a task and your trashing-around break his concentration. While on the one to blush easily, Trey can feel his cheeks become hotter, he has to take his glasses off pretty soon, he can't see a thing behind the misty lenses.

• In general everything that has to do with your or his mouth makes him hot and bothered. He's used to focusing his attention on that particular body part, just imagining how you can accommodate him into that small little cavern or having your private parts near his face, your taste on his tongue is enough to have Trey's pulse speed up and he makes a tactical retreat to his own room, to "take care of some business". Oral fixation is strong here. Even in a very pure setting, like brushing your teeth or feeding you something by hand, his mind starts to race with very erotic thoughts. Trey will never pass a chance for a make-out session, he definitely prefers kissing over any other form of affection display.

• What can be better than combining both your taste and the sweets he loves so much? This man's tarts actually have way more spice than vanilla in them. Indulging himself in eating out of you and biting both strawberries your trembling hand holds out for him and your soft flesh is not the weirdest thing you've probably done. Covering your body in whipped cream and "accidentally" licking your weak spots, your privates too, was novel and amusing at most. It's a "sticky" situation you would want to repeat again though. When experimenting with Trey you always know that however it goes, you will be in loving hands.

Cater Diamond ♦

SFW

• A playboy and a social butterfly, Cater is not somebody you would pin as a good boyfriend at a first sight, but don't be fooled by his acting: he's one of the most loyal individuals out there, while also extremely affectionate and supportive of you. Soon you will find yourself to be a center of his attention, a bright star that Cater's planet orbits. As carefree and lighthearted as your boyfriend is, there's more to him that an eye can see and than he's willing to show.

• Flirting is in Cater's nature and of course a few pick-up lines and flirty remarks fly your way, but the thing is, he doesn't usually attach much meaning to them, except for letting you know he thinks you're cute, and nobody bats an eye most of the time. So when you actually take him seriously or flirt back, Cater is lost. He's not really used to a two-way coquet conversation, he probably should answer to your advances? He must, after all, he did try to pin after you and to interact with you more. He's screaming on the inside, he doesn't want to screw this up by being too upfront or cringy, there's something about you that makes butterflies flutter in his stomach. You giving him the attention and compliments back really is the green light for him to pursue you further, something he probably wouldn't dare to do otherwise.

Your interactions are pretty lighthearted, albeit flirtatious and not-so-ambiguous, everyone can get that there's something going on between you two. People don't usually see Cater as a "boyfriend material", sadly, but it doesn't mean he is not longing for being loved and having a significant other, no, he craves it. He's ready to dive head-first into relationships to experience it all, he's in love with the idea of love. Still, he doesn't miss how comfortable he feels around you, that you've become his best friend almost instantly and when he wants to confide in somebody you're now the first person he thinks about. It's a long way ahead before Cater will start to appreciate you and not the "idea of you" that his mind created, but you'll eventually get to it, no one said it would be easy.

• Until then, it's mostly fun and giggles as you parade through college grounds together. The moment Cater is officially no longer single, everyone will know about it. His MagiCam is flooded by your couple photos, hashtags are long strings of compliments for you. You're basically everywhere: on his lock and home screen, his avatars in apps, posts in social media, he even creates memes or reaction pics with you and uses them in group chats. If you're not much of a public person all the incoming attention from everywhere will be overwhelming, but Cater is there to reassure you that you're just too cute to not be seen, all his subscribers already love you. Of course not as much as he does though~♡ Negative comments? No, don't exist, anybody stupid enough to say foul things about you is reported and banned swiftly.

He will recruit you to help him create an image collage on his wall in his room, or, really, a separate board because Riddle didn't give him the permission to touch the wall itself. There are so many pictures he wants to put up, he can't choose! When it's all ready, adorned in fairy lights in best traditions of MagiCam aesthetic posts, you can count photos that don't have you in them on the fingers of one hand: two with Trey, one for Riddle, one for Adeuce duo and another one with everyone in it. Everything else is just you and Cater.

"I can see everyone I love like this, isn't it cute?"

"That's mostly me though, Cay."

"Well, fair enough, I love you the most, my sunshine! I should post it, time for photoshoot~"

One unfortunate evening, the rare one when he feels horribly down and you're not there to cheer him up, Cater realizes that if you two had to walk separate paths he would have to rip a big piece of his heart away; little and enormous reminders of your presence in his life are everywhere. He takes his phone, the keychain on it is your gift, unlocks it and your picture is there, goes to his contacts and you're the first on the list, the melody for your call is different from others, but right now he's the one calling you, desperate to hear that whatever grim world his brain showed him it is not a reality.

• Cater is quite intelligent and knows how to read the room, you're never under the pressure with him. Of course, he tries to be affectionate as much as possible, but it's always within your boundaries. PDA is always present, whether it's swinging your hands, or giving kisses to your cheeks and forehead. You're adorable, soft and all his to relive all of his fantasies about snuggling his significant other and doing all the "couple" stuff.

You can notice, however, that in some instances Cater is not really "there", less tender and doting. Truth is, he's not always fired up and needs to be physical with you, but doesn't want to be left out or decline you some lovey-dovey times. When you notice it, even if it's so hard because when is this boy honest about his feelings, tell him to relax, you know he's not in the mood right now. You apparently hit close, because his demeanor changes right away.

"I can't hide anything from you, can I?"

Cater is all about quietly sitting beside each other, doing own thing but being comfortable with the silence, just enjoying the presence of the other. He didn't think you would find it an ideal way to spend your time, he's both surprised and glad he doesn't have to go out of his way and act all cheery and peppy. Each day he's more grateful that it's you who he's dating.

• Cater always thought he fared just fine, but with you coming into his life, he notices how many changes you've brought with you. "Cay-kun" doesn't always have to be positive when he's around you, and when he is happy it's because he genuinely feels this way, but it’s always the case when he’s around you. Less scrolling MagiCam feed and more chatting with you, he finds that stopping everywhere just to take photos while you're out for a date actually takes away a lot of time that could be spent on enjoying it with you. He doesn't have to rely on the camera to catch every moment with you if he can create even more exciting ones as long as you're with him.

First, second, several months anniversaries come unexpectedly. Cater can remember the date you started going our even if he was wakes up in the middle of the night, but to think that you're still dating by this time? He's both relieved and anxious, how much more time will it take for you to grow completely bored of him, it can't all be permanent, such things simply don't exist. And still, he hopes, he hopes, because he doesn't think he will be able to let you go.

When all is too much and he doesn't think he can take it anymore it's your touch that he doesn't shy away from, your eyes that can look at him in such state, you who he knows won't judge him for being unable to smile at the moment, who doesn't expect him to always be the Cay he shows to the world. Your love doesn't waver, gentle palm still cups his cheek, lips place loving kisses into the crown of his head. He wished it never came to this, but he needs you to be his support, at times his lifeline, when he feels like he can't speak to anybody else.

• While initially Cater placed a lot of trust into you simply because of your status as his "significant other" he learned to think of you both as his loved one and his best friend, he didn't have to play a role of "perfect boyfriend" for you to love and support him, a true revelation about how relationships actually work. Cater's threshold for weirdness it too high, you can discuss whatever you want with him and he will never judge, he'll even try to learn about it more or give you his own insight. Many strange inside jokes were born that way, no one, not even Riddle or Trey, have any understanding of what you two are howling with laughter about, and at this point they're too afraid to ask. With Cater you don't have to be afraid that nobody will support you or listen to what you have to say, even if he doesn't know what you're talking about at all he's always eager to listen since he knows you too will always be there for him.

• But when you are not willing to listen to each other, that's when your relationships are put to the test. It's pretty difficult to discuss unpleasant topics with Cater, like his flirting habits or social media obsession, because he doesn't even acknowledge you two have a problem, dismissing your concerns in a carefree manner which is frustrating at best. Infuriating at worst. If this conversation leads to addressing some other hang-ups that you have about him or will uncover more sensitive topics, he doesn't want to hold it at all. He twists and turns, tries to sway you to talk about something else, takes away your mind by flirting and being very affectionate with you. But he sees how his behavior hurts you and doesn't bring the results he counted on; Cater will then turn serious. You're afraid of the same thing, aren't you?...

I'd you didn't blow up and start a real fight before the realization hits Cater, you might as well gain something from this quarrel, otherwise, he will leave saying that he can't speak with you in this state. Because Cater doesn't share his "less positive" emotions freely it's hard to understand when you're having a problem or if he's angry and upset about something, but he also let's go offenses pretty quickly, so as long as you spend enough time with him, look out for him and help him through some difficulties, even indirectly, the man will feel secure in your relationships, he can overlook minor inconveniences.

• Kisses on the cheek, kisses on the forehead, hand kisses, flying kisses, embarrassing-you-in-the-middle-of-the-cafeteria kisses. They never end and always reach their target like Cupid's arrows, Cater makes sure of it. When you're not getting smooched by your dear boyfriend honestly? Even at night he spams you with heartfelt massages, including anything from beating hearts 💓 to kiss marks and kissy emoji 💋😘, all to send his love across to you in any form. Clingy much, but you will never suffer from the lack of attention with Cater. Everybody just tries to get a separate room themselves, no point in telling Diamond to stop, his lips will near you soon enough after he seemingly ended his onslaught. Queen of Hearts forbid you're in the same class as him, Crewel is so close whip the hell out of you two. "If you know what's good for you, prefect [Y/n], you better discipline that unruly, overly affectionate puppy of yours!" Looking at those sparkling green orbs, unmoving and fixated on you, awaiting what you will say, how can you refuse them? And even if you do, will you forgive yourself, when he lowers his head, heart-wrenching whine shudders from his lips. "You don't love me anymore?" reads in his eyes, trying to gaze at you sideways. You may lament for your fate as much as you like, this man will try everything, just you get your attention back to him.

• Aren't you tired? Don't you just feel like cuddling up to somebody, so he would wrap his hands around you, cradle you while he whispers sweet nothings into your ears? Cater does it, and frequently so. Skinship is something you never have a shortage of.

Cater is the ultimate cuddler; spoon, fork, whatever, as long as he has skin contact with you and you both feel comfortable. When you're having down-time during the day, or it's still early into the evening, Cater will choose a position that allows him to both hold his phone up and caress you with the other hand, so go ahead and cozy up into his chest while on top of him or in between his legs. Cater can stay in one position for a long time, shifting here and there, but he ain't leaving, that's for sure. It's important bonding moment between you, he needs his daily dose of hugs, what's better than to dedicate a few hours to doing just that. If he knows he won't be able to sneak away with you for some quality snuggle time, then he will sure as hell take every chance he gets during the day to hug you, when he runs into in the hallway, searches for you during the lunch break, finds you after the classes before either Riddle or Trey drags him away, but Cater can not spend a day without thinking whether he gave you enough love and if you didn't feel like he forgot about you.

• Are you prepared for a rowdy café tour? Because Cater wants you to visit each and every one of his favorite! You can go out with him, and make lots of cute selfies and taste all the different food Twisted Wonderland has to offer. Well after considering it carefully Diamond does come to the conclusion that you won't be able to appreciate and savor what those places have to offer you fully in only one day, so he plans for several dates ahead, each time something new! And they're just perfect! The weather is always pleasant, you have time to take in the beauty of this world, chat and have a nice time with Cater and he always knows when there's some event going on nearby. But because he can get distracted by shooting and uploading photos to MagiCam, try to stay near him and wander around too much, he's looking at you, or at least in the general direction where he saw you the last time as soon as he's finished with his business. One time when he lost you, whether it was intentional on your part or not, he got a huge scare, by the time he found you he was teary-eyed, pleading for you not to go without him. He feels responsible for keeping you safe and sound while you're on a date with him and he will sigh with relief only when he escorts you right to your doorstep that evening, no other way around it.

NSFW

• Your first time is very interesting, to say the least. It's not like Cater doesn't know what he's doing, but his heart just can't calm down. He has set up a romantic atmosphere beforehand, takes you out for a dinner, you find yourself being completely swooned by his suave act, how absolutely handsome he looks and how much you would like to dishevel those orange locks and place his lips on your neck to feel him place his mark on you while his hand takes off your underwear and... The romance of lit candles and rose petals thrown around is lost on you, when you have a chance to get your hands on Cater in the privacy of his room and finally see all your wet dreams come true. He doesn't resist any of your wishes or commands. Even though his hands shake and the brain is already a complete mush, Cater will make feel so good you will hook up on having sex with him, arranging for more evenings with him ere long.

• Sex is sex, but Cater feels like it becomes more interesting tenfold when someone is placed under the care of the other, simply put being submissive, and he performs well on both sides. Cater is open-minded and willing to experiment with many kinks and fetishes, into both giving and receiving them. You want to be absolutely demolished by him, tied up and overstimulated until your mind goes blank? Or maybe lavished in praise and pampered to infinity, called every cutesy name he can come up with, while he treats you a mouthful of his dick, only to take it away from you when you've wet it enough and listen to your begging for some time before he buries it deep inside of you, ultimately granting your most sacred wish and just spend the rest of the night with you bouncing on it until he pumps you full of his cum, enough to soil the covers irreparably? Okay, no problem, if he sets his mind to it, Cater can be the most excruciating, authoritative Master for you or gentle, fair Cay-kun, whose touch makes your heart arch and long for more.

• But say he's your slave tonight and the next thing he has to do is to kneel obediently and open that pretty mouth of his, and he's already there, looking up to you from his spot on the floor, tongue lolled out of his mouth, already panting, hungry for more. As soon as you set boundaries, Cater will submit to you dutifully, he's kind of bad at being a brat, he takes his role very seriously. Baby boy Cater loved to nuzzle into you, comment how much he adores you and everything you to him, laugh and giggle happily when you fondle and kiss him. Even if it's so painful, he won't cum until you grant him permission, tears stream down his face, movements uneven. Earns him a smack, because you told him not to break the pace, while he thrusts from his position on top. But all the control is in your hands, it's unimaginable for him to disobey you right now. He begs and begs for you to let him go faster, release his semen into you, voice breaking midsentence. Coo at him and either allow him to cum or ask to hold just a little longer, he's your prettiest, best baby boy, he can do it.

Or maybe restrict him, hands behind and legs open for you to see all of him, and place him on his stomach, blindfolded and gagged, able to only whine pathetically when you flog his perky ass or trace the rim and shove lubed fingers inside. By the time you're done with him, poor Cater is exhausted, tear marks obvious on the blindfold you take off. Once he can see you before him, he will reach out for you, shuddering when you embrace him, he can finally let out his breath and relax into you, having barely enough strength to follow simplest commands as you begin your aftercare.

w: selfcest(?) • Try and object that his unique magic doesn't see any use at the bedroom. There's no way he can't touch, lick, and kiss every part of you, you deserve to have only five-star service. One star for each Cater at most, but even with another pair of hands, hungry mouth and hard dick he can make it an experience you won't forget soon. He and his other self will suck on your nipples, their hands working on your core in tandem, preparing you, before they lift you up and fill you with their cocks.

• How about one of the Caters films you getting ganged up on by those handsome redheads, playful whispers mixed in with your moans and wet sounds of skin slapping. He will choose the best angle to catch your beauty, so when you or he watches the video way later, they could see how your body shivers from the pleasure pairs of hand give you, your muscles shifting and limbs twisting as you eagerly impale yourself on what one of Caters offers you. The camera would catch how he laps at the tears that escaped your eyes, and how another him has made himself comfortable in your hand, thrusting into it unrelentingly, just like the fourth Cater that's rocking your world, abusing your poor hole. His magic will eventually come to an end, but sure enough, he would be able to support it long enough to completely fuck your brain out, you won't even notice there's your one and only Diamond slowly wiping your body and kissing any marks that he had left.

If such footage makes you want to set both it and yourself on fire, mind to consider sexting with Cater? This guy had no shame sending you obscene messages even during the lessons, getting you all hot and bothered by the descriptions of what be would do to you if you two were together right now. During the break, you're bound to receive a picture of his hard dick, taken somewhere in the restroom. Cater will be ecstatic if you send one in return, so much that he might just as well need to relieve himself right in the same cabin, because he can't possibly go out in such state, his manhood making an obvious tent in his pants. And if you can sneak to the place where he's pleasuring himself at the moment, bonus points and either a possibility to bring sex in public places to a new level or extract your punishment on your horny brat of a boyfriend, choose your pick.

• Ah, the chaos and embarrassment that Cater goes through when after those rowdy 20 or so minutes in public bathroom, he goes out completely disheveled  with hickeys littering his neck. You two found out pretty soon, to Cater's mortification, that his skin is impossibly thin, any and every mark becomes a nasty bruise a few seconds after and doesn't heal for days on end. Nobody questions what he does at night, his neck probably tells the whole story. Not like he's going to hide them anyway, he couldn't be more proud and smug about the whole situation. Yes, he gets some, from no one other than you, and every time is just fantastic. Along his neck, he practically begs you to suck some marks into his inner thighs and chest. He gets so many kicks out of seeing purple and red hues fading away from his skin, but not fast enough so he could marvel at them for some time. Maybe if he traces them he could feel your teeth scrapping at him, you urging him to not withhold and cum in your hand that gets faster with every stroke. He really needs right now, are you going to answer your phone at such hour, only to be met with his breathy moans and groans resounding in your ear?

• When you can be beside him Cater prefers to have your hand fisting him dick instead, his own hand goes to your legs, you masturbating each other. Cater considers it's a nice to fool around like this once in a while, especially when you can't make much noise or don't have the energy for more physically tasking activities. It's still intimate and hot, and he will always choose you in favor of anything else, your sheer presence makes his nerves tinge, his own hand nowhere near as good, movements never bring him to edge as fast as yours do. He might spend all his day in bed with you, do you have any tasks more important than him?

• Choosing favorite position for penetrative sex would be awfully hard for Cater, each one has its own upsides. He loves seeing your face just as much as your backside, and while he feels very sexy on his four, being above you allows him a better angle and just another way to show off. Somehow he rocks any pose, always looking absolutely ravishing, his facial expressions are to die for. Man can even do an ahegao for you, but note that it should be requested beforehand~

But one pose has a special place in his heart. When you feel Cater grinding up at you from behind, but not doing any attempts to climb on top of you, on the contrary, holding you close to him as much as possible, he may be initiating some comfort cuddle sex. He doesn't want you to see him at the moment and he can't possibly let you go out of his embrace: he needs your warmth in his arms, surrounding him, tight wall squeezing down on him, milking every droplet of cum, all the while he leisurely thrusts up into you, but hard enough that you would have to concentrate on the grip of his arms around you, just so you wouldn't cum on spot. He wants you to, though, cooing and encouraging you to let go, sighing happily when he feels your clamp around him, but not stopping. He wants to prolong this moment as much as possible.

• Offer this guy a blowjob and you will see pants flying across the room faster then you can say "overblot". He's like a kid on the Christmas morning, excited to find his present, but Cater finds you in between his legs and he swears it's the best gift he's ever received. With bated breath he observes you unbuckling his belt, a surprisingly pronounced bulge there. His fully erect state is not be underestimated too, Cater can boast about having bigger than average length, alas he's not that big in girth. To fit it in your throat is quite a task however, you may need some time to adjust, maybe even a few tries to master it. Of course your boyfriend doesn't mind, he wholeheartedly supports it. Well, it would be less embarrassing for him if he didn't cum in the first few minutes, but he actually did well, considering that he definitely got a visual orgasm early on. But you looked so sinfully beautiful and erotic, how could he ignore it?! No living man would be able to stay apathetic when his loved one is working magic on him, while being an absolute sex deity! If you let him cum on your face he will vow to bent over himself just to grant you anything you can wish for. And if he can also snap a photo of your semen-stained face?! He's a goner, just a slave to your celestial self, you can play Cater however you wish.

Might as well remind him about your own needs, but chances are he's already down there, burring his face in your thighs, placing kisses everywhere, swiftly nearing the place you want to feel him the most on. In his determination to repay you back, he will temporarily forget that he even needs to breath, his mouth doesn't leave your core, he can only see, smell, and taste you. It's a messy ordeal, Cater's spit mixed in with your own fluids, dripping down his chin. Lot's of paper towels will be needed afterward, but right now he's almost high, like a man possessed, tongue swirling in ways unimaginable to you before, tiny supernovas keep exploding behind your eyes. It's a battle of stamina, who will collapse weakened and wasted faster, but at the end Cater's tongue is numb and your knees won't stop shaking, deeming it a win-win situation.

[heartslobbf]

let’s talk about perfuma. imo, she’s one of the best characters in the show despite being underdeveloped, and i wanna explain why. she could’ve been extremely average, just some lanky flower girl that doesn’t believe in violence and loves everyone, but she is so much more than that (and it pisses me off that y’all reduce her to that).

in her introductory episode, perfuma is clearly in denial about the horde almost destroying plumeria. she doesn’t want to acknowledge the problem, wants someone else to take care of it for her. she’s scared of change, and that is because change makes you vulnerable. if things always stay the same, there’s a whole lot less danger and uncertainty, and therefore you’re safe. secure. perfuma’s kingdom is dying and she can’t bear to accept it because it is unknown to her. it’s putting her in a position where she is no longer secure. this fear of vulnerability can also be seen at the beginning of 1x10 when the princess alliance falls apart and she literally says ‘being together makes us vulnerable.’

the thing is, perfuma isn’t wrong. look at her choice of words. she says that being together makes them vulnerable, not weak. here, she kind of has the words mixed up, but we see that by s5 she has come to understand the difference. that’s what’s so great about perfuma, her motivation to do better, her hunger for self-improvement. it’s why she’s such an important part of catra’s redemption, actually, because she embodies the kind person catra is or wants to be.

let me explain: perfuma is an angry, impatient, short-tempered character. we are shown this again and again with her passive aggression to others and how easily mermista can annoy her with trivial things (sitting in her seat in the war room, for example). catra is also an angry, impatient character, but perfuma works every day to manage those emotions. she knows she needs them, she uses them as a tool (calling catra out, for example, is a time they were practically pivotal for getting her point across) but she also acknowledges they can hurt the people she loves. we know she does a meditation ritual each morning and we see in 4x02 how quickly she can unravel without it. she wants to be better. she puts the work in. that is such a valuable lesson for a character like catra who has always felt she’s just not good enough, she’s always going to be this angry and unlovable and no one can do anything about it.

so, 4x02. it’s a brilliant episode for perfuma’s character, really, and the first proper development we’ve had since 1x04. we see her anger, her impatience, but we also see her self-doubt. her belief that she’s inadequate, ‘just a flower girl.’ this is also when we get introduced to her little mantra that becomes a bit of a motif later on, ‘i can do this.’ we know perfuma doesn’t wholeheartedly believe this, but she says it anyway because she wants to. perfuma wants to be better. she will do whatever she can to be her best self, whether that be actually conquering her gripes with cacti or realising there’s a loophole with the roots (love that conflict resolution by the way, another good deconstruction of hero bs by spop).

this episode is also significant because it comes back to perfuma’s fear of change, of vulnerability. she’s thrown into a situation she doesn’t want to be in, one she feels miserably unprepared for, and she hasn’t done the one thing that puts her at her best beforehand, but she pulls through in the end because she is surrounded by people that support her, that listened to her and consoled her when she was vulnerable. 4x02 teaches perfuma the power of self-worth and the power of true, mutual, unconditional love, which can only come with vulnerability.

and this is where her character gets really interesting, in my humble opinion. ngl, one of the reasons i love perfuma so much is because she’s a pisces and i am too. i’m not gonna go astrology hoe on you rn, i’m just using this to demonstrate the part of her character that teaches others. pisces, if you don’t know, love to play therapist. we like to help the people around us with whatever strifes they may have because we think we’re fucking great at it. perfuma actually is.

you know how i said perfuma learns the importance of self-belief and vulnerability? yeah, she teaches both of those lessons to other characters in s5. like i said, perfuma is a character who values self-betterment and also happens to be a pisces, so when she sees scorpia, riddled with so much self-doubt and such low self-esteem, her immediate response is just i’m gonna teach that bitch how to love herself. and she does!

i’ve seen some people say they don’t like scorfuma because it seemed as though the writers just decided to ‘fix’ all of scorpia’s problems by giving her a girlfriend. that’s very dumb, first of all because they aren’t even together by the end of the show, they’re just interested in one another. second, the whole point of she-ra is that we’re stronger together. scorpia doesn’t go through growth in s5 because a girl likes her, she goes through growth because someone is showing her support and love for the first time in her life and that empowers her. you know, the worth that scorpia finds in herself doesn’t hinge on perfuma, like it did with catra. it’s about her as an individual, and perfuma so clearly makes it about that when her big lesson revolves around singing. scorpia loves singing. perfuma tells her she should do it because she enjoys it, a sentiment you’d never hear in the horde, and when scorpia does sing, she is actively rejecting the people who did make all her self-worth hinge on them catra. she’s doing something for herself, because she enjoys it, because it makes her happy, because she can.

it’s that same mantra: i can do this, i can do this. i really love how this was brought back from 4x02, how perfuma repurposed something that taught her such a valuable lesson for someone else. perfuma and scorpia are great foil characters actually, both constantly underestimated and thought of as weak by their groups, but some of the strongest characters in the show due to their deep value of love and self. i can do this, and i know i can because you believe in me, because i believe in myself. it’s brought back again in 5x10, when the last thing perfuma says before scorpia breaks the beam is ‘i know you can [pull through]’. she tells catra she believes in scorpia. it’s that belief, that support from other people that empowers the self to believe it too. we are stronger together, you know??

anyways, onto vulnerability. return to the fright zone is in my top ten episodes of the whole fucking show and you might think that’s a bit weird but i don’t. 5x10 encompasses so many important themes of spop so well and tells them with scorfuma and spinnetossa, our two side lesbian couples. this is significant since perfuma literally draws a parallel between her and catra at the end of the episode, and catradora and spinnetossa have always been significant to one another. i’m gonna say it, perfuma is the reason catra is finally able to confess to adora in 5x13. i’ve already talked about how important perfuma is to catra’s motivation to improve, but she literally makes catra rethink everything about strength and vulnerability, two words catra has a lot of feelings about.

catra fears vulnerability. we know this. she has such a deep love for those important to her but is never able to articulate it because she worries she’ll be taken advantage of, shot down, laughed at, whatever. all of this stems from the abuse she suffered at shadow weaver’s hands and her attachment issues, and it’s also why catra pretends to hate scorpia’s very open displays of affection and love: she sees it as weak because she has been taught to, but it’s all she ever really wanted to be.

we also know perfuma used to fear vulnerability. she doesn’t any more. the entirety of the episode leading up to her and catra’s heart-to-heart is her being vulnerable, putting herself in a position where she’s in danger but believing it’s worth it. and it is. despite what everyone said to her, perfuma is right: it was worth it. she got through to scorpia, even if it was only for a moment. she literally spells it out to us and catra with one of the best lines in the whole show: it’s hard, keeping your heart open. it makes you vulnerable, but it doesn’t make you weak, and i have to believe it’s worth it.

back in 1x10, perfuma was right: being together makes you vulnerable. horde prime tries to use people’s relationships against them, that’s literally the plot of save the cat, the point of pitting catra and adora against one another. he sees them as weak, just like shadow weaver deems adora’s feelings for catra ‘confusing’, just like light hope insisted adora was a danger to her friends as long as she was around them. they were all wrong. yes, they’re vulnerable. perfuma acknowledges that vulnerability puts you in danger, that it’s difficult to do that, but she knows it doesn’t make you weak. weakness vs strength is a big conflict in 5x10 literally introduced to us with netossa’s theories on everyone’s weaknesses in the first few minutes.

like perfuma says, friendship isn’t a weakness. it’s her greatest strength. her belief in love is literally what saves her and adora’s lives, it’s what saves everyone who got chipped, glimmer, bow. belief in love, both of others and yourself, is what saves adora in her dying moments. perfuma summarises she-ra’s entire fucking message to us repeatedly in 5x10 and she tells it to catra because catra is the one who will do the most with it. that glance at adora, it’s obvious what it means. perfuma is telling catra she should be open with adora about her feelings because you have to believe it’s worth it.

you won’t get anywhere waiting for other people to make the move. she-ra couldn’t heal plumeria’s lands, so plumeria had to fight their own battle alongside her no matter how much they felt unable to. the rebellion couldn’t move mara’s ship, so perfuma had to despite thinking she wasn’t strong enough. the reason they always win in the end is because they have each other, they have love and support and people motivating them to do better. just like perfuma motivates herself to do better.

it’s the mantra. i can do this. i can be vulnerable and still win, because i have love. and it’s hard, it’s so fucking hard to be vulnerable when you’ve feared it all your life and you’re so angry, so hurt, but you have to believe it’s worth it. and it is. it is, it is, it is, love is stronger than anything and being vulnerable for the people you love is the only way you can ever get what you want from them. perfuma as a character embodies that, having learnt it herself, and teaches the lesson to one of the characters who needs it the most.

adora is dying, and catra loves her, and she knows she does, and she just has to believe. adora is dying, and she loves catra, and she knows she does, but she doesn’t believe. not until catra teaches her too, in that moment, to realise they were all wrong, light hope, shadow weaver, horde prime. adora doesn’t need to let go, she needs to hold on and believe she will be pulled back up by the girl she loves. she needs to believe she deserves it. that it’s worth it.

and it is.

[bubsthebee]

Can’t Say It.

Aizawa x Reader

Word Count: 3,541

A/N: Fluff, dragged out but it’s a happy ending. One shot. Age difference (9 years) Reader is 22 while Aizawa is 31. Mentions of alcohol.  

Reader is a young teacher at UA who has a unique relationship with Pro Hero and coworker Eraserhead. After a while of getting to know each other, will they realize their feelings? OR will they let self doubt get in the way. 

CHARACTER REPORT

Position: UA SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION 

Job Description: Quirk Analysis and Evaluation Processing. 

Name: (L/N), (F/N)                Power: 2/5 D    Intelligence: 4/5 B

Birthday: (5/10)                     Speed: 2/5 B    Cooperativeness: 5/5 A

Age: 22                                 Technique: 5/5 S

Sex: Female (She/Her)

Quirk: Analysis 

-(Y/N) is able to instantly analyze a person and their abilities after observing them, familiarizing themselves with their qurik. This also includes evaluating/predicting situations with higher than average accuracy. With this ability, she can use this information with or against a subject. She can keep up to three peoples' worth of information perfectly memorized at a time. Anymore, her analysis starts to create more errors and her accuracy decreases. 

--

Ever since (y/n) started working at UA, everyone knew that Aizawa’s single streak was in danger. 

While the scruff chined 1-A homeroom teacher taught his bustling young hero course, she supported the admin staff! Specifically falling under processing and evaluating every student's quirk and how to help progress their potential. This means every homeroom teacher ran their notes and evaluations about their students through her every quarter, possibly more depending on how active and intense their training has been. She and her small team are a key to the school’s successful hero and support course. No matter how a quirk was used, they would find the best way to help them improve it. 

Classroom 1-A currently holds the record for most updates and changes to analysis (surprise). With an increase in updates, (y/n) has spent more sleepless nights making sure her work was perfect than she originally thought she was going to. Not that she minded of course! She was young, and found that it helped drive her to improve her passions and skill. Besides her administrative work, she also works as a substitute teacher for English, and Hero Strategy lessons twice a semester. If needed she is more than happy to help with summer lessons. 

Aizawa has had more than his fair share of interaction with the young lady, more than others if one was keeping track. After the hero noticed (y/n)’s sleepless nights because of his students, he offered to stay and bring her coffee. When (y/n) noticed extra heavy bags under his eyes, there would be a nicely wrapped lunch on his desk with a cute thank you note in return. 

Over time a unique relationship developed between the two that anyone looking in could clearly see. Including the students. 

“Mr Aizawa! Your lady friend left ya another lunch, you’re so LUCKY.” Denki and Mineta whined without hesitation. 

“Why don’t we get cute lunches made by cute girls?” 

“Shut up! That’s Ms. (L/n) you’re talking about, not some side chick you dumbos. I think it’s really sweet.” Mina cooed alongside some of the other girls. 

Their homeroom teacher could only sigh, carefully tucking away the lunch box into his work desk as he partially ignored their scattered comments. “Lucky or not, you all should have your notes out and study. Your test scores from  last week clearly tell me I haven’t given enough in class work time. Do I have to cut down on our outside training hours?” The instant shuffling of paper and pencils brought a small smirk to his face. Nothing got his students off his back faster than less training hours. As he took attendance and organized his schedule, the small peeks at the lunch box reminded him about his last encounter with his….coworker. 

--

“Midoriya is such a strange boy you know? I’m surprised his quirk doesn't instantly tear his body apart every time he uses it. I’m glad he’s getting a handle on it, I hated seeing him hurt himself so often.”  You were sat cross legged in your office chair, typing away at your laptop underneath a bright desk lamp. 

“I agree, he needs to learn how to use his body with his quirk.” 

“Exactly!- Well, it looks like his rate of injuries compared to training has decreased. Based off of Recovery Girls records, his quirk usage deteriorated his arm muscle effectiveness. This means he’s got to either limit his usage on his arms, or learn how to use the rest of his body to compensate.” Rubbing your eyes shifted your reading glasses off of your face, exposing the bags that were starting to grow underneath them. 

“You shouldn’t be getting such heavy bags under your eyes like that, you’re too young for those (L/n).” He always notices them, no matter how well hidden. 

“Ya, okay GRAMPS. You’re not that much older than me and YOUR eyes are just as bad, if not worse. And call me (y/n), we’re friends aren't we?” 

Rolling his eyes, Aizawa gets up with a huff to pour some coffee from the nearby coffee pot. “Midoriya is your last report tonight right? Go home, you’ve got Hero Strategy classes tomorrow.” as if on cue, he hands you the cup of warm coffee while you reach out for it with a quiet “Thank you”. 

The way you hold the cup in your hands and let the warm steam brush against your face leaves him staring at you with a soft look. 

“I guess I could leave a little earlier than I thought....” blowing cool air onto the coffee, you slowly take a sip of the warm beverage. Every time you see that look on his face, you can’t help but wonder what he’s feeling. 

After a short while, you both clean up and close the office up. It’s 1 AM and both of you are more than ready to get at least a few hours of sleep in. Like usual, he walks you halfway to your home before bidding his own goodbye. 

“Goodnight (L/n).” As Aizawa turns to walk away, he feels a small tug at his sleeve. 

“I uh-” Turning to look around, he sees you with pinker cheeks underneath a streetlight. How do you always look so...nice? No matter the light you always look nice. 

You slowly slid your hand down his arm to gently hold onto his hand. It was so soft, not just the hold but your skin. You couldn't even look at him but your voice was clear as day. 

“Thank you, for staying with me. I know how tired you must be too….so I feel honored that you decide to spend your important time with me- er, to help me. You’re a great teacher and man Aizawa. Good night.” Just as quick as the moment had started, your touch was gone and you made your way home. 

He was alone, yet he could still feel your touch on his skin. Aizawa stood there for minutes, looking at his hand in awe and strange curiosity. His coworkers and friends told him multiple times, “You two aren’t a thing?”, “It’s obvious that you fancy her Shouta.”, 

“She has to feel the same, you don’t see how she looks at you when you aren’t paying attention.” 

--

         The school bell alerting the start of their first class was what pulled Aizawa out of his mind, looking up to see (y/n) walk into the class with your information tablet. ‘Ah, right. Hero Strategy.’          “Good Morning class! Great to see you all again.” She was chipper as always, her makeup easily covering her endeavors from the night before. The young teacher wore simple black tights with her training sweat jacket, everyone murmured in excitement because this meant that there would be out of class training and demonstrations          Rubbing his exhaustion from his face, the black haired male stands up to go stand near (y/n). “You all have ten minuets to change and get to the field. Any longer and you’ll be stuck in cleaning duty for the week.”

         Iida is quick to stand and grab his fellow classmates attention. “Quickly but in order, please gather your things and head to the gym! No RUNNING!” As valiant as his efforts were, everyone rushed out of the class in fear of being put into the cleaning crew while it was out of their turn. 

         The small smile he saw on your face was sobering, calmly following behind you as you made your way to the gym. 

         Usually, Aizawa would sneak into his sleeping back and nap during other teachers' lessons. These ones were different for him. He would sit off to the side and observe how you worked with the kids.

 While some students could take simple suggestions and immediately apply them, others needed physical examples. You were more than happy to adapt to all their needs as they all trained with their new plans and teachers notes. While Tokoyami nodded and talked with Dark Shadow about your observations, Uraraka carefully mimicked your moves as you slowly countered her attacks explaining how they affected her opponent's momentum even more. 

         He knew you were a natural when it came to children and hero work. The obvious proof was right in front of him. That and he was nine years older than you, yet you both were doing almost the exact same job. That's where everything starts to blur for him. 

         After a quick practice round with Shoji, a rundown with Bakugo about his quirk usage along with Midoriya and the rest of the class, their first class of the day was over. 

         The rest of the day went normal, and (Y/n) left to finish the rest of her lessons while Aizawa did the same. 

 --

         After a long week, you were more than happy to have the weekend to yourself, or so you thought. 

Incoming Call: Keigo <(‘v’)> 

“Keigo?”

 “Hey tiny, sorry to bother but I felt like I should call in and see how you were doing.” 

 “I’m fine, just getting ready to watch some movies and order take in. Had a long week. You?” 

 “Gonna be heading out to an event soon! Glad to hear you're doing good. Any luck with your crush on the office grandpa?”

 You roll your eyes as you wiggle yourself into more blankets, clicking through the different documentaries you could find on YouTube.

  “I don’t have a crush on Aizawa, and even IF I did he is NOT a grandpa. He would probably want someone closer to his age anyway. The whole life experience gap and everything.” 

 “Yeah okay, whatever. Don't get mad at me when you realize I’m right and you're missing out on not being single anymore.” 

 “You’ll be the first person I call when you’re actually right. ” “Ouch-” 

 “Pfft, talk to you later Kei. I have an hour long video about the origin of heroes and it’s calling my name.” 

 “Bye bye!” 

-

         No matter how relaxed you were or how interesting the documentary was, you couldn't get you know who out of your mind. Could you have a crush on Aizawa Shouta? Silver Fox hero of the night? Grumpy man who likes taking naps in the middle of the day? You couldn’t lie, he was attractive and his personality was more than pleasant to you at least. It always felt like something was there between you two..between late night talks and having lunch together sometimes. It felt like there was a connection, and the only thing keeping you two from connecting was a waterfall of hesitation and doubt. 

 “Whatever…”

--

         “WoooOO! Staff Party, this is gonna be a blast Listeners! Present Mic here to keep your evening thrilling with an amazing music selection!” 

         Upbeat music with minimal words played through the old speakers of a rented out ballroom. It was the end of the first semester staff party, everyone was dressed semi formal with their hair done nicely and makeup to match. The decorations were nice, and tables were laid out with food, drinks and chairs to relax and chat. 

         Aizawa was one of the first to show up since he and Yamada came together like usual. Although he socialized with other teachers as they passed by, he stayed closer to the walls and talked with Kayama most of the time. He was dressed fairly well, a simple fitted dark g suit coat with normal slacks. The usually wild and wavy mess of locks was neatly tied back into a very clean half knot that showed off his handsome face. 

         “No date Shouta? I was sure that pretty young thing would be with you tonight. (L/n) Right, she’s such a lovely girl.” Kayama’s hair was curled beautifully around her, a long fitted dress with a deep V cut showing off her lovely charm. Aizawa only rolled his eyes, sipping on his Champaign class to avoid talking even if it was just for a second more. 

         “It would make more sense for her to come in with someone closer to her age or with a friend. She is the youngest person on staff you know.” 

         “Age this age that blah blah BLAH. I know love when I see it-” 

         “Not love, this isn’t some romance film Nemuri.” 

         With a small and understanding smile, Nemuri reaches out to gently pat her dear friend's shoulder. “Someday, you’re going to realize that the things that are holding you back are nothing but a reflection of your own worries. I know you’ll figure it out. You both will. Now try to have fun-” Her attention was stolen away for a moment, a glint of excitement in her eyes clear as day. “If you’re worried about how she feels and how she’s doing, why don't you go show her around and make sure she feels welcomed?” 

         Turning around, the first thing Aizawa see’s is you. A cheesy thing to say, but he almost feels his heart skip a bit.  

         You wore a black turtleneck underneath a midnight blue spaghetti strap dress that fit you just right. Knitted knee high socks and stylish black heel boots finished off your look along with a beautiful pearl pendant necklace. Your hair looked soft and styled in a way he had never seen it before. Your eyes were done up just enough in a way that made them shine even more than they usually do.

         He’s trapped, and he is slowly realizing that he never wants to be set free. 

         When your eyes scan the room for anything familiar, they finally land on a set of eyes that are looking right back at you. You have to stop yourself from visibly gasping, why did his eyes feel so intense? What was he thinking as he made his way across the room to you. 

         Like Moses and the sea, everyone carefully parted to let you both have your moment. They all knew the chemistry between you too, and were more than happy to leave you  alone as they carried on with their conversations and laughter. 

         “You look beautiful.” His voice was low, and held a sense of hesitant tenderness even he was unsure of. You knew he meant it. 

         “And you look very handsome, you even shaved for the party.” With a small laugh you gently ran the back of your fingers across his shaved cheek. This wasn't new, you had done this exact touch multiple times before when you made fun of his stubble yet- it felt more intimate than it ever had before. Aizawa knew he didn't mind it. 

         Carefully sliding his hand into yours, he lifts it up to press a soft and long kiss to your knuckles. “It is a special occasion. Would you like to join me tonight?” He was never a man who cushioned his words, straight to the point and expressing just how he felt was never an issue. You were different. 

         Accepting his offer, you move to accept his offered arm. The night starts slow as you both walk around and chat with other faculty members you work with. With Aizawas help you were confident that you were able to make some new friends, maybe going to this party wasn't so bad after all.

         Everything else almost felt like a breeze. Laughs were shared, drinks were drank- and barriers were being broken down. You and Aizawa found yourselves slowly standing closer and closer together, close enough to where your fingers would brush against each other when one of you moved. All of Pro Hero Eraserhead’s friends could only watch with warm and excited smiles for him. 

         Like always, nights must always come to an end. 

         While some people left to retire for the night, others stayed longer to help clean or help more than drunk coworkers make it home safe. “I’m helping Nemuri make it home Sho! You gonna be okay making it back tonight?” Yamada had Nemuri balancing into his side, laughing as she drunkenly waved some of the others goodbye. “Oh! You all can head back home together if you’d like. I’m just helping clean a bit before I head back home.” you politely cut into their little chat, holding a medium sized black trash bag in your hands. 

         Taking a moment, Aizawa starts to shrug off his coat as he takes the garbage away from you. “I’ll stay behind to help clean. If you’re alright with it I can walk you home.” with wide eyes, the younger teacher could only nod before she turned away to hide her reddening cheeks to pick up more trash and plates. 

         “No worries, now get em TIGEr. RaaArW-” As Kayama tried to cheer her friend on, Yamada tugged her away with an amused laugh of his own. 

          Not even an hour later, everyone was out and the sky was as dark and it could be. The only stars you could see were the large ones as the light pollution shrouded out the smaller and weaker stars. 

         This time around, Aizawa's coat was wrapped around (y/n) shoulders, her head resting on him as they linked arms on the walk back to her house. Instead of splitting off halfway, he walks her all the way up to her front door. It was silent for a moment, the events from tonight silently washing over them. 

         “Thank you Aizawa, this...was a really nice night. I don't think it would have been as enjoyable as it was without you.” (y/n) broke the silence, turning to face and look up at the man she knew she would never look at the same again. Rubbing his mouth in thought, his eyes flicker between the young woman standing in front of him and the road. 

         “I want to thank you as well. I-.” He paused for a moment. 

         “I would like to kiss you, but I understand if you wouldn't. I think after tonight you know what my feelings are for you. I didn't even know about them fully until tonight. Kayama- Midnight was right. I was letting my worries hold me back when I should have been forward like I always am-”  

         Time freezes when he feels your hands pull down his face, your lips eagerly pressing into a kiss with such raw love and desperation. Instantly his arms move around to gently lift you up into him. One minute, two..three. You both only break apart for air and your warm breaths mingle against each other. “I’ve wanted to do that for a while now I think. My friend was right haha...maybe I do have a crush on you. I was just worried because I had no idea if you would even be interested in a relationship, let alone with someone as...young as me. I feel like a high schooler again haha.” 

         The fact that you were able to laugh the way you did and still hold him in your arms brought flutters to his chest. He knew now that he more than just saw you as a coworker or a close friend. He wants to be more. “I know what you mean. Who would want to be with someone as old as me? I would never want to make you feel like I was holding you back.” He would never admit it, but he felt like a young adult experiencing love for the first time...it was a bit embarrassing (in a good way.) 

         “You make me feel so helpless sometimes you know that?” pulling his head down again, (y/n) presses another soft kiss to Aizawa’s forehead. “What am I gonna do with you Aizawa?” 

         “Shouta.”

         “Huh?”

         “Shouta, call me Shouta if you want.” Thankful that it was dark out, he could feel himself heat up at the intimate suggestion. 

         With the way your eyes sparkled while you said his name, he knew he was hooked. There is no going back.          “What am I gonna do with you, Shouta?” 

         “You’ll figure it out eventually. I’ll help you along the way as long as you’ll help me too.” The shared silence was an unbroken promise to do the best you both can. 

         After sharing your final kiss good night, you watch Shouta walk down the street and out of view before returning into the comfort of your home. The jacket around your shoulders smelt strongly of the stoic man you now called yours. Enjoying the warmth and comfort his coat brought you, kicking off your boots you hop over your couch and settle into a comfortable position. 

 Calling: Keigo <(‘V’)>

 “WHY are you calling me at….2 in the MORNING. You gave me a damn heart attack-” 

 “You were right.” your voice was soft and held no regrets. 

 “Right? Right about what?” 

 “You were right, I did have feelings for Shouta. I said you would be the first person to call if you were right. And well, you were right.”          The next hour was spent catching your best friend up on everything that happened tonight. 

-

         On the other side of the story, Aizawa finally made it home and had no problem finding sleep that night. He felt as ease knowing that things weren't going to turn out as bad as he thought it originally was going to be. 

         He can't say it, not yet. 

         But he is in love. 

         And so are you.

[lovinglokilaufeyson]

G-Spot - D.M

*another gif from giphy, I can never find many of Draco on here*

Pairings: Draco x Reader

Warnings: First Time, Smut, Young Love, Fluff, Fingering

Wordcount: 1508

Summary: After the Yule Ball 4th year, you and Draco decide to take your relationship to the next level.

A/N: This was a request I got a while back, but never got around to writing because of the good ol’ college transition. Sorry it took me a bit, but I hope you guys enjoy it regardless. Also, just wanted to point out that I literally have 320 followers at the moment. WHICH IS ABSOLUTELY NUTS. I never thought that this blog would reach that amount of followers, and I am grateful for every single one of you. I will make an appreciation post because holy cow. If you enjoy Criminal Minds (another of my new obsessions) also go and check out 188, my Spencer Reid one shot. Again, I love you and appreciate you all, so very much. Hope you enjoy some more Draco. @anothevr​ thanks for this wonderful idea! I loved writing it. 

You and Draco had been dating since 2nd year. The Yule Ball marked your 2nd anniversary. People always told you that you two were just too different, that the relationship would never work. But you helped him mature, and he helped you adventure out of your comfort zone. You were a good match. Soon enough, he realized that constantly tormenting the Golden Trio was not necessary. He had better things to be doing. Thanks to you, not only had his grades improved, but his character. His parents loved you, you were a positive influence on the oftentimes troubled boy. 

The night of the Yule Ball, you dressed nicely. You wore a sleek dark green dress, doing your makeup to compliment the green hues. Your lips were a nice mauve color, not too overpowering. You curled your hair, pinning a couple of the front pieces at the back of your head. You couldn’t wait to see Draco. The feelings were mutual. He simply could not wait to see you. So much so that you caught him trying to sneak a peek at you in your dress. You quickly slammed the door in his face. “Draco, no!” “C’mon babe, just a peek?” “It’s bad luck” you answered. “You’re not getting married, sweets.” You rolled your eyes, but you gave in. “Fine...” Opening the door, he stood in awe, looking at you. 

“You look absolutely marvelous.” You blushed, looking at Draco who was standing closer now. “You’re so beautiful.” You kissed him, and he held you close. His hands drifted from your waist a little further down, and you held the nape of his neck. Suddenly, you felt Draco push you onto your bed, and you struggled with the thought. Did you really want to do this? At least - now? Draco ran his hands up and down your body, against the velvet texture of your lengthy dress. “You look gorgeous in this, darling. But I think it’d look better on the floor, if I’m honest.” You blushed, burying your head in your pillow. However, he soon began unzipping the dress from the side, and you had second thoughts. “Draco, Draco. Stop, please.” He obliged, immediately looking guilty for his actions. “Sorry, babe. I just can’t resist you like this.” He gave you a quick peck on the cheek as an apology. “We can wait.” 

-

At the dance, Draco was entirely a gentleman. His hands held you close to him - but only at the waist. No touching of your ass or your boobs, thankfully. Considering your past interaction, you thought he would be more touchy. You realized how deeply blessed you were to have him. And that - you wouldn’t want your first to be with anyone else. You loved Draco. 

You danced the night away with him, through party songs - as well as slow ones. You were so ecstatic to be with him. To end the night, a wonderful slow song played, and he held onto your back, and you, the nape of his neck. Swaying back and forth, you gazed into Draco’s gray blue eyes, smiling to yourself. “I love you, Draco.” You whispered. “I love you more, lovely.” He landed a kiss on your lips, which you happily returned. 

- 

Draco lead you upstairs, his intentions to simply walk you to your dorm. “Thank you, Draco, for such a wonderful night.” You thanked him, and he gave you another peck on your lips. “Thank you, Y/N.” After speaking for several minutes, Draco sighed, starting to head towards his own dorm. “Babe?” You asked, hoping to get his attention. “Yeah?” He turned around, heading back towards you. “I- um- could-” You stuttered, clearly nervous. “What is it love? Use your words...” “I could- I could stay with you. For tonight, I mean.” He nodded, excited to have you in his arms for the night. 

He lead you up the stairs and into his room. “Do you have something I could wear?” You asked suddenly. He nodded. “Well, if it isn’t nothing, you can wear one of my button ups - does that work?” You nodded back at him, hesitantly. You went into his bathroom to freshen up and change. You unzipped the side of your dress, slipping out of it. You took your heels off, and realized you didn’t have a place to hang your dress. Peeking out of the bathroom, you asked Draco for a hanger, which he levitated over to you. He winked, you think he realized that you were wearing a matching deep green set on of lacy lingerie. You could tell, even from the strap. He probably made some guesses, you assumed. 

You grabbed the hanger, closing the door once more. You hung up the dress with ease, leaving your heels in the bathroom. You took your bra off, hanging it with the dress. You grabbed Draco’s plain white shirt, sliding it over your shoulders and buttoning it up from the bottom. You left the top button undone, you didn’t want it to be strangled while trying to sleep. Bringing your hair towards the top of your head, you tied it into a messy bun. 

Exiting the bathroom, you were met with Draco, oozing sex on the bed. Well - you didn’t know exactly, but if you had to guess - that was it. He was scantily clad in only his boxers, looking at you, once again, in awe. “You look - amazing in my shirt, babygirl.” “Thank you, Draco.” You blushed. You dove into bed with him, immediately cuddling up to his figure. 

He let his hand run upon your thigh, teasingly. He laid you on your back, bringing his hand to your inner thigh, now. He pitter-pattered his fingers, and you smiled at him. You brought a swift kiss to his lips, letting it linger as he played with the band of your panties. He released the kiss suddenly, and you wondered if anything was wrong. “Everything okay, Draco?” You asked. He nodded, pecking your lips. “If you get uncomfortable at all - tell me. Let me know your boundaries, babe.” You nodded, bringing your lips back to his, pushing his lips apart. Your tongue twisted with his, fighting back and forth into each other’s mouths. 

After he finished playing with the band, he begun to pull them down your legs a bit. You lifted your pelvis to allow him to pull them down further. He brought his prodding fingers to your clit, playing with it. You began to moan tirelessly, loudly - though you tried to be quiet. “Y/N?” “Yes, Draco?” You responded. “Can I make love to you?” He asked, and you nodded, slowly. 

Within a few seconds, Draco had established a better position with you. He was spreading your legs, laying between them. He unbuttoned your - well, his - shirt. He pulled his boxer shorts down, and his dick rose further. He played with you a little bit further - “Merlin, you’re so ready for me.” You nodded, and he lined his dick up with you. He started slowly, and, unfortunately, you couldn’t feel too much. Well, you couldn’t tell if that was a good thing or a bad thing. 

“You okay?” Draco asked, sliding in a bit further. You could feel it more, now. Just a bit. “Yeah I-” “Does it feel good?” Draco interrupted, eagerly. “It hurts a bit.” You told him. “Okay. I’ll stop for a minute. Let you get used to me. Merlin, you’re so tight, babe.” Draco stopped for a moment, and once the pain had gone away, you gave him the okay. He began pumping out, and then back in. “Feel okay, babe?” “Yeah, no more pain, really.” “Does it feel good?” 

You sighed, and shook your head slightly. You needed to be honest with him. “Not really..” You stated. “Well, let’s see what we can do about that, sweets. I’m gonna try and find your g-spot, okay?” You nodded, slowly, hesitant. You felt Draco pull out - still lying on your back, he began to prod inside of you. He pushed down into your canal, and you sighed a little bit. “Is that it?” He asked. “I don’t think so, hon.” You sounded apologetic. He moved upwards a bit further, pushing. “Whoa whoa whoa” you moaned. “Youfoundityoufounditohmygodyoufo-undit” you muttered. “Merlin that feels so good.” “Good, baby. Good.” Draco sounded pleased, continuing to play his fingers in you. 

“Draco please god, it feels so good.” Draco began playing with your clit too. You moaned incessantly, him flicking your clit - clumsily, and running his finger along your special spot. “Draco I’m gonna-” “Come, baby.” You became undone on Draco’s fingers, shaking intensely, letting out a loud moan. “Draco!” 

“Good job, baby.” Draco smiled, coming up to face you, pecking your lips. “I’m sorry our first time wasn’t exactly-” You started, but Draco interrupted you. “No worries baby. It was perfect. We’ll try again soon.” You smiled, cuddling up to him. He was so perfect. And together, you two were perfect.

[hughiecampbelle]

Being The Smartest Shelby Would Include:

Polly knew you were smart from the start

She said so when you were a baby, but of course no one believed her

Everyone thought their kids were special, but you really were

Born just a few years before Finn, you weren't the baby, but you definitely weren't the oldest, so it was hard to be taken seriously

It started with your homework

You spent a lot of nights trying to tell your siblings it was just too easy

You weren't just getting every answer right, you were finishing pages of work in minutes, faster than anyone in your class

Eventually, you moved on to your brothers work

Finding it discarded on the table, you recognized Johns scraggly handwriting

He'd only made it halfway through, so you decided to finish it, even fixing some of his mistakes along the way

You wanted to show them what you'd done, but of course no one listened

At least, not until you stood on your chair and demanded that someone look over your work

It was a bit dramatic, and made for an embarassing story later, but you wanted to be heard

They did, finally, and they were shocked

Tommy handed it to John, who passed to Ada, skipping over Arthur, who eventually got it to Polly

"Well?"

"It's right, all of it. . . ."

"Fuck."

It wasn't just math though. You were reading every book you could find, even the ones your siblings struggled to get through

You had a knack for puzzles, for figuring things out no one else could, able to pull things apart and put them together just in your head

Polly knew, and she was going to do something about it

Anything she could find to keep you entertained, occupied, your mind at work, she'd bring it home

You had an incredible memory too, remembering everything from the contents on the back of bottles you brothers drank from to entire speeches Polly gave when all of you were misbehaving

It was amazing, to say the least

You were a kid when your brothers went off to war, so it was mostly Ada and Polly who spent long nights with you at the table over homework

You didn't think it was fair, that you were forced to stay in school when none of your siblings were

Polly called it a gift, said you shouldn't take it for granted

She had big plans for you, the kind of career kids like you could only dream of

Finn grows up with you reading to him every night

Even helping him with schoolwork, though that didn't last very long

It still irks you Polly let's Finn drop school, not even getting past reading himself, but you know better than to push the subject

By the time your brothers come back, thankfully all in one piece, you've become a bit of a myth or legend around the Small Heath

Not only are you taller and with more acne, a young teenager, you've made a name for yourself, and a business

After school you could be found with a hat on the ground, getting pocket change for your "abilities"

Showing off and splitting the money with friends, you put on shows

Memorizing the faces of strangers, drawing them almost perfectly by hand, reciting lines of poetry from class all from memory, etc.

Sometimes you bring Finn along, promising candy for his silence, making him part of the act

Your favorite is showing off the languages you've lesrned, switching between Romani, French, Italian, and German (to name a few) without a second thought, so effortlessly

Arthur caught you once, but instead of saying anything, he simply cheered you on, laughing at the fact that your business was doing better than the familys

You spent a lot of time in the shop like Finn, growing up there, but never really allowed in on business, not even to listen

Instead you were ordered to be quiet and focus on your studies

And you did, for a few years, slipping notes to John about what you thought would improve business, pressing your ear to the door to listen, putting up with being categorized as "one of the kids" with Finn

And then you made an announcement, one that almost killed Polly

You weren't going to university, and instead you'd be joining the family business

Your aunt put up a good fight, but your brothers were more than happy to welcome you, with rules of course

Ada wasn't too thrilled either, knowing how smart you were, and how special it was, but she wasn't going to stop you

Pol was, or at least she was going to try

"You could be anything you want y/n."

"And I choose this."

"You're-"

"Wasting my potential? So you've said."

You'd be more behind the scenes, working on the business side rather than the side with razors and guns

Your brothers were more than happy to hear that, though you'd gotten more than a few comments muttered by Pol

If you really wanted to, you could always be a doctor or a lawyer later in life, for now this is what you wanted most

You were finally part of your family

Within the first week, you have a full list of what could be improved and you're center stage in the family meeting

To say that was nerve wrecking was an understatement

Tommy had his doubts, of course, but John knew you'd been keeping their heads above water for a long time

"Go on then, you've got our attention."

You were the one they went to check over the books, the numbers, catching mistakes no one else did

It wasn't just spelling mistakes or addition issues, you were taking stock in inventory, in all the bullets that were wasted, the little things that went missing that no one seemed to notice

It didn't take long for you to work your way up, prove yourself not only to Tommy, but Pol too, showing her this wasn't a waste of your time

She's still not thrilled, but you're as stubborn as the rest, and she knows it's a losing battle

At least you're being smart with your work

Tommy made you check over every contract and agreement he made, making sure he didn't miss a single detail that would screw them over

He brought you to the races too, working out probability, though your math was shaky at best under that kind of pressure and uncertainty

You were the one counting the profits and losses too, weighing the options of whether or not to invest

You're really the only one who knows just how much the family makes

That is a dangerous thing in itself

You make friends quite easily

Not only can you speak an array of languages, bonding with everyone, but you've got that Shelby charm and good looks, too

You're quite popular, though your brothers constantly get in the way of any potential relationship

You're smart though, and not just for their gain, but yours too

If and when you're ready to date, you'll find a way

Alfie adores you

Tommy drives him mad, but he'd have you over any day

Not only does he love the fact that you can keep up with him, witty beyond belief, but your Hebrew is perfect

"So, you're the brains behind the whole operation?"

"Something like that."

You're brought along to a lot of in person deals

You pick up on things no one else does, remembering the littlest of things that can and will be weaponized if need be

Their kids and spouses names, the way they look at you, how they speak and carry themselves

It doesn't take long for you to know exactly who they are

"They're lying Tom. I know they are."

"How can you tell?"

"They look away when they answer, their eye twitches, and they always lean forward when they're saying something true."

"You got all that from a five minute conversation?"

You're not only their beloved little sibling, but the perfect weapon

They don't teach you how to use a gun, but you've been watching for years, making note of every tiny detail

When you do use a gun, which is inevitable, it's a perfect shot

Arthur and Tom insist you carry something with you, but you're fine sticking with a simple razor

The guns can stay with them. . . .

Not only does it come in handy with work, but your family, too

You pick up on the way Arthur escalates, talking him down before there's a full outburst

You know the nights Tommy does and doesn't sleep just by the sound of his voice, the way he signs his name

You know when to check up on Ada if she's not doing well after Freddies gone, even if no one else can see the hurt in her eyes

That's the thing everyone seems to forget, is that you're not only book smart, but people smart, too

Constantly making fun of your siblings right in front of them

"Pol, y/n's making fun of me!"

"I am not! You don't even speak Russian."

"No, but I can guess."

He'd never admit it to you, but Finn really is amazed by you

Ever since he was a kid he always looked up to you

School and homework and all that never came easy to him, and it lead to him giving up, so the fact that all of this comes so easy makes him proud to be your brother

"Y/n, curse in a language we all know or don't say it all."

Along with learning weapons along the way, you pick up on how to be a nurse, tending to whatever it needed

From your nieces and nephews scraped knees to bullet wounds

"Do not get blood on my new shirt!"

No one really suspects you to be listening or watching the way you do, so when they need it, you go "undercover"

Gaining the trust of the enemy, pretending to be a stranger that just so happens to get their attention as if you hadn't been figuring out what makes them tick, distracting them with drinks and small talk

If anything goes wrong, you picked up on how to get away, how to fight without getting too much attention, and not just by watching

With a memory like yours, there are some things you'd like to forget and can't

A lot of things do leave you with nightmares, with flashes of panic, with this dreadful feeling in your gut like you'd seen it all before

At one point or another you've called your siblings and aunt in the middle of the night, just to check up on them, see if they're okay

Begging your brothers to be more careful

They rarely ever listen though

"Is there anything you can't do?"

"I can't go on a date."

"Nope, not until you're forty."

"Come on Arthur, you can't scare them all away."

Despite all this, you're still treated like a child

Your siblings still see you as that smart little kid correcting their work and growing bored of even the most complicated things

No matter what you do or say, you'll always be small in their eyes

[hoebii]

Who

Pairing : Min Yoongi x Reader

Genre : Angst, Light fluff

Rating : nc-17

Warnings : Cheating, grieving, past break up, mentions of toxic relationship, swearing

Wc : 2.7k

A/N : This is a rewrite of one of my older fics. Thank you @taegularities​ and @eatjeanjin​ for being my adorable betas!! Thank you to rid once more for making me this amazing banner too!!! I love it so so so much. I hope you guys like this, hopefully I’ve improved in the time in between lol. As usual, feedback is always appreciated~

~~~~~~~~~~~

Our minds have new eyes and visions of you

Girl, I think I need a minute

To figure out what is, what isn't

 Yoongi pressed decline yet again, fighting the urge to throw the device at the wall. To shatter it to pieces in hopes that it would stop ringing.

A storm was brewing inside him. He felt completely and utterly lost, without a clue about what to do. He felt like he had no control over his life anymore and he hated it. Hated how weak and powerless he felt at that moment. 

He knew that his actions were causing the ones around him to worry; Yoongi saw the flash of concern and sympathy in their eyes whenever he passed by. He wasn’t used to feeling uncertainty, he was always calm and collected. Or so he wanted everyone to believe. But that facade crumbled as soon as she left.

He despised himself for how weak he was acting, and he hated her more. 

~~~~~~~~

 These choices and voices, they're all in my head

Sometimes you make me feel crazy

Sometimes, I swear I think you hate me like uh

I need a walk, I need a walk, I need to get out of here

 “No matter what, I’ll always love you,” she declared, hands cupping his face gently - a drastic difference from how she sounded. 

Yoongi felt his heart skip a beat, picking up its pace when her words resonated into his mind. As his eyes met hers, warmth bloomed in his chest. Letting out a shuddering breath, he asked, “You promise?”

He couldn’t help but smile too as he saw her let out a smile. “I promise, my love.”

Yoongi growled at the memory, a scoff leaving him. “Bullshit,” he exclaimed to no one, grabbing his hair in frustration.

Tears flowed down his cherry cheeks endlessly as he stood by the door helplessly. He didn’t know how they got here. One moment they were out having a romantic dinner and the next thing he knew, she was screaming at him while trying to leave.

“Why are you doing this?” he asked, his voice wavering with the tears, clogging up his throat.

“I can’t keep doing this, Yoongi. I’m done,” she answered, never stopping nor looking up from furiously packing her bags.

His breath hitched; she’d called him by his name, no nickname this time. He tried to shake the dread away as he pleaded. “We can fix this, please don’t leave me. You’re my forever.”

“We can’t fix shit, Yoongi! Open your eyes, there’s no forever to begin with!”

He wondered if she could hear his heart shattering into a million pieces at that. How does one act after the one they were ready to die for tells them it’s nothing? Yoongi felt like a child who just got to know that Santa wasn’t real. 

In a last desperate effort, Yoongi trudged towards her wordlessly. Pulling her into his arms, his hold strengthened when he felt her stiffen at the contact. 

“Please…” he whimpered, trying to steel himself for the screaming that he knew was going to come. 

But to his surprise, it never did. Rather, he felt her sighing as she melted into his embrace after a while and wrapped her own hands around him.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered. 

His body stiffened at those words, about to protest but she was faster. “I didn’t know what came over me. I won’t leave.”

Yoongi’s body sagged in relief, “It’s okay. Just, please don’t do that again.”

“I promise.”

For some reason, he didn’t feel at ease even after she assured him.

A thud resounded in the studio as Yoongi slammed his hands down on the table, his breathing erratic as his eyes darted from one thing to another. He felt suffocated, as if someone had a firm hold around neck and it was squeezing mercilessly.

Grabbing his jacket and phone, Yoongi swung the door open - making everyone outside flinch at the sudden sound of something hitting the wall. As he exited the place, he saw his members loitering around awkwardly. He knew the reason for their presence but he couldn’t dwell in that, he needed to get out of there. *Now.

“Hyung, where are you going?” Jungkook asked cautiously, not wanting to trigger the older member somehow.

“For a walk,” was all he replied with, brushing past his concerned members and walking out of the building.

~~~~~~~~~

'Cause I need to know

Who are you?

'Cause you're not the girl I fell in love with, baby

Who are you?

'Cause something has changed, you're not the same, I hate it

 Yoongi trudged down the sidewalk briskly, no clear destination in mind. Head down, the hood of his jacket up and hands shoved inside his pockets, he kept going. How long had he walked? Was it mere minutes? Or maybe an hour or two? He had no clue. He just kept walking, as if walking away from his problems.

After a while, he slowed down, fatigue catching up with him from getting no sleep or any semblance of rest in the past few weeks. Yoongi raised his head to inspect his surroundings, realising that he had walked all the way to the park near her house. The same park where he brought her to after their first date to spend some more time, the park which came to be a place for peace when everything became too much to handle. 

The park housed many precious memories. In the past, Yoongi would look back to them with fondness and affection, and his heart would swell in happiness. But now, those same memories did nothing besides hurt him more; he could finally see the true picture, no longer blinded by the love he had for her. It made his heart ache when he relived those sweet memories that turned bitter.

“Look at those kids! Don’t they look just adorable?” she gushed, head resting on his shoulder, hands intertwined with his on her lap.

Yoongi chuckled as he watched a group of children run past them, their joyous laughter filling the air as they played around.

“I wonder how our children are gonna look. But, then again, they’re bound to be beautiful if the parents are so too~” she pondered out loud, laughing at the end.

Humming, Yoongi played with her fingers, his heart racing at the thought of their possible future together. Maybe he really did find the one when he found her, he thought happily.

Sitting on the bench that overlooked the park, his eyes scanned the area, thinking back to all those memories that were created here. Yoongi couldn’t stop himself from letting his mind drift back to the last time he’d stepped foot into this park, his heart clenching in pain and betrayal.

Yoongi stood in front of the park gates, flowers in hand as he awaited her arrival. His gummy smile was impossible to hide, heart thrumming happily; it was their anniversary after all! He had so many plans for how they could spend the day, working to make this perfect for months in anticipation. 

He swayed back and forth, barely keeping his excitement under wraps as he thought about all the things he had planned. He couldn’t wait to see her face at the end of the day when he would give her the surprise!

An hour passed but there was still no sign of her. Yoongi checked his clock yet again, giving her another call but the result was the same; it rang a few times before it sent him to voicemail. He could feel disappointment engulfing him, his posture deflating. 

Did she forget? She couldn’t have, right? Maybe she’s stuck at work, Yoongi thought, trying to keep hope. When that didn’t help, he decided to enter the park, thinking that a walk would do him good. 

Besides, who knows? Maybe she’ll arrive in that time too! He tried to convince himself, fighting to hold on to the rapidly decreasing hope, not wanting to lose it just yet.

As he walked by the little ice cream stand in the park, he thought he saw someone familiar. Squinting, he tried to decipher who the person was, but he couldn’t with their back turned towards him. Shrugging, about to walk away, he almost missed the figure turning around, catching sight of the person right before he could leave.

Yoongi’s eyes widened. It was her, his love, who he saw standing by the ice cream stand. Laughing and getting cosy with some other man. It was as if the world moved in slow motion as she stood on her tiptoes to place a kiss on his lips. To kiss someone that wasn’t Yoongi.

“S-sweetheart?” Yoongi called, his voice breaking.

At his voice, he saw her head whip around to come face to face with him. Her expression was something akin to a deer caught in headlight, mouth falling open as he fumbled to speak.

“Y-Yoon, I can explain.” 

Yoongi shook his head, unshed tears brimming in his eyes. He dropped the flowers, eyes never leaving her as he started to walk backwards, before turning and running away from the scene, paying no mind to her desperate calls.

Leaning back on the bench, his lips lifted into a bitter smile. As one of his hands ran through his hair, he ruffled it while thinking out loud, “Should’ve realised before. Why did I ever believe it would work?”

~~~~~~~~~

Oh, I'm sick of waiting for love, love

Oh, I know that you're not the one, one

Feeling hypnotized by the words that you said

Don't lie to me, just get in my head

When the morning comes, you're still in my bed

But it's so, so cold

 Days passed by since the fateful incident at the park and Yoongi was a mess. After kicking her out of his house when she came begging for forgiveness, he fully broke down. Try as he might, but he couldn’t keep her out of his mind, no matter what.

Everyone around him told him to move on, that she wasn’t good for him. They told him to wake up and see the damage that she was doing to him, that she wasn’t the person he thought she was anymore. But, no matter what they said, how toxic they called it, Yoongi couldn’t move on from her. He needed answers, he needed to know why she did it.

Finally gathering enough courage to face her again, he accepted her call, allowing her to come over. He wouldn’t get swayed, he told himself, he was only meeting her to get answers, nothing more.

Yet there he was, laying awake beside her as he stared off into space, mind once again in chaos. This was not how he’d anticipated the night to unravel. He never wanted to sleep with her, but her sweet words and empty promises lured him in. They hypnotized him and he was weak in his knees. It didn’t surprise either of them when he gave in so easily; he always did give in to her no matter what in the end.

The sweet lies that left her lips wrapped themself around his heart, they clouded his mind and made it fuzzy. His heart beat as if it was the first time they had been together that night but now that it was over, his mind was back to overthinking everything. It felt so cold, as if ice was injected into him, his heart weighed down with emotions he didn’t wish to deal with. If only there was a button with which he could shut down his mind. 

Yoongi wanted it to stop, to savour the night and forget the way his heart ached at the mere sight of the figure that slept peacefully beside him - a stark difference from how he felt. But he felt so, so cold, he felt filthy and used. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t suppress those feelings, so he laid there, letting them consume him alive.

~~~~~~~~~~

Who are you?

'Cause you're not the girl I fell in love with

Who are you?

'Cause you're not the girl I fell in love with, baby

Who are you? (Who are you?)

'Cause something has changed, you're not the same, I hate it

Oh, I'm sick of waiting for love, love

Oh, I know that you're not the one, one

Mind running a thousand miles per second, Yoongi sat there numb. He had his eyes closed as he leaned back into the bench, trying to keep the tears from falling. His thoughts came to a halt, however, when he felt someone’s presence beside him. Cracking one eye open, he checked who it was.

His heart clenched again, this time from guilt, when he saw none other than the maknae sitting beside him. Oh how he’d neglected the poor kid while moping around. 

“Did you follow me here, Jungkook-ah?”

The said man twiddled his thumbs, looking at him timidly. “I was worried,” came his meek reply, “I didn’t want you to do something rash.”

Yoongi chuckled, though there was barely any humour in it, as he sat up. “I’m not going to do anything rash, Jungkook. Don’t worry about hyung.”

Jungkook let out a noise of protest, his brows furrowing as he looked at him. “I’m always going to worry about you, hyung. No matter what,” he lectured, “besides, I miss you. You haven’t really spent any time with us, with me, for such a long time now.”

Yoongi bit his lip, the guilt increasing as the younger man went on.

“You know, we’re all here for you. It might hurt but bottling it all up won’t make it better, so let us help you, hyung. Let us be there for you, we’ll catch you when you fall.”

Yoongi stared at Jungkook, taking in all his details. He had tears brimming his eyes again, but this time it wasn’t from the pain. “When did you get so wise, Jungkook?”

Jungkook blushed at that, ducking his head, “I’m not wise, I’m just telling you the truth.”

Yoongi hummed, processing Jungkook’s words for a moment. He couldn’t help but weirdly feel proud at how much his maknae seemed to have grown up - it was as if he had been a kid just yesterday, yet there he was, lecturing Yoongi.

“You’re right,” Yoongi finally mumbled.

“I… am?” Jungkook asked, hesitance clear on his face.

“Yeah,” Yoongi replied, “I’m sorry for locking you all out and acting so distant. I shouldn’t have done it.”

“Will you come back to the dorms, then? It feels empty without you.”

Yoongi gave him a small smile, “Yeah. Yeah, I’ll come back.”

Jungkook’s doe eyes shined as he looked at his hyung. “Do you feel any better? We can get some lamb skewers on the way back. I’ll pay!”

Chuckling, Yoongi ruffled his hair. “Not really. It still hurts, but your little speech made me realise that I’m not alone. I have you guys by my side- I’m bound to feel like my old self soon enough.”

Jungkook beamed happily, letting his hyung give him pats, satisfied with the answer he’d received. “I really thought noona was the one too, you know? But then I realised that it was all a mask. I should’ve fought her as soon as she hurt you!”

Yoongi chuckled, even though it still hurt to think about it as he said, “It was on me for not seeing how manipulative she got at the end, it’s not your fault, bunny. Fighting doesn’t solve anything.”

Jungkook looked at him with a pout, ready to rebuke, but Yoongi cut him off. “Forget about that now. Let’s get food, my treat, for neglecting you for so long.” 

Yoongi knew Jungkook wanted to say something, but he didn’t, rather he opted to give him another beaming smile as he started walking towards the exit.

As he moved to follow the younger’s action, he felt his phone buzz in his pocket. Taking out the device, he realised it was another text from her, but this time rather than ignoring it, he opened the text thread. Quickly typing out one last message and sending it before blocking the contact. 

It was his first step towards healing and though it may seem small, he felt proud. He was finally ready to let it go and move on.

“You’ve changed, Y/N, you’re not the one for me anymore. Stop trying to contact me, we’re over.”

[wenevergotusedtoegypt]

Monday, December 27, 2021

Pro tip: Do not host your in-laws in your 1st trimester when you’re not ready to tell them about the pregnancy yet unless you have like. The best relationship ever with them.

I’m just so done. I was nauseous and exhausted all day yesterday. My in-laws were over from 2pm-7pm (after we convinced them it wasn’t worth coming before my son’s nap because they’d just be sitting around til he woke up), after being around from 10:45am-7pm on Saturday and 11:30am-7pm Friday. I have been blaming some of how I’m feeling on the covid booster I got last week Thursday, which my MIL buys because she was down for like multiple days from hers. But it’s ups and downs instead of the linear improvement one would expect from that.

Apparently yesterday my MIL complained to my husband that she hasn’t gotten enough one-on-one time with me and it’s making her sad because she wants to bond with me.

Which like.

Ok first of all, you pretty much eliminated the chance that we will ever have any real bond when you decided to think the worst of me from literally day 1 of my marriage. At our wedding I was cutting the big challah at the head table. My mother and sister asked for a slice so I gave them one. My MIL did not ask for a slice so I did not give her one. Would it have been nice for me to ask if she would like one? Yeah, ok. But any normal person who really wanted to have a good relationship with a new DIL who had been nothing but polite to her until that point would have taken into consideration the fact that (a) I HAD BEEN FASTING ALL DAY AND STILL HADN’T GOTTEN A CHANCE TO EAT PROPERLY so maybe my brain wasn’t running on 100%, (b) I had just gotten married to someone I’d known for less than 4 months so maybe I was a little bit emotionally overwhelmed, and (c) people were coming up to me every 2 seconds to talk to me. Any normal person would have let that go and just, you know, asked for a slice of challah if she wanted one. But instead my MIL called my husband crying about it days later because she took it as a personal and intentional slight and also somehow blamed it on my mother? Don’t even ask me how that logic worked. That wasn’t the only time she’s invented a personal slight but it was literally the very first day and that’s it. That’s the tone she set for our relationship. Interacting with her or not interacting with her is just constantly walking on eggshells wondering what minor ridiculous thing might result in her literally crying to my husband about how terrible I am to her when she just wants to bond (always to him, never to me, she has literally never tried to have a conversation with me about being hurt or wanting to bond or any of this). Not a prime bonding environment.

But second of all she does not even try to make one-on-one time with me!! My dad goes on errands and to shul and whatever with my husband when he comes and sits around talking with him and whatever. My mom cooks with my husband, that’s their thing. My MIL...shows up and I guess just assumes bonding will magically happen if I don’t hate her and that if it doesn’t happen it’s my fault. On Shabbos morning my husband and FIL were davening. My MIL does not daven on a regular basis but chose to daven as well. I’m not faulting her for davening - like, listen, if she felt drawn to do that mitzvah in that moment, that’s great. But meanwhile I was just there playing with my son and that would’ve been prime time to come talk to me. That was a choice she made and it’s not my fault she made it. She did the same thing when they were davening maariv after Shabbos went out. Yesterday my husband was out of the house for a bit and I was in my son’s room playing with him and she didn’t bother to come join, she just sat at the kitchen table. I finally brought out his toy that he was playing with to the kitchen and she proceeded to interact with only him. She has never invited me to go on a walk with her, or offered to help me with something, or suggested that my husband and FIL take my son somewhere and we stay back and have a chat. When is this bonding supposed to happen, exactly?

Anyway, point being, dealing with this while nauseous and trying to hide it is not great.

My MIL has already made reference to my husband about planning another trip in February and I think we’re both about at the point of just saying no, or at the very least saying it needs to be a lot shorter than this trip. I’m assuming she wants to come then because my husband’s next semester of classes isn’t starting til March and she likes to come when he isn’t busy with school (which I get) and that would be the last opportunity til mid-May. But it’s too freaking soon with how this trip has gone. Also, selfishly, I’ll be 12 weeks at the beginning of February KA”H , which is around when we’re currently planning to tell our parents and my sister about the pregnancy, and if ANYONE is going to be here around that time and get the announcement in person, I want it to be my family. I don’t know when my parents were thinking to visit next (they were last here for Thanksgiving), but they won’t want to do it at the same time as or too close to my in-laws’ visit to avoid overwhelming us. So if my in-laws visit in February, that probably means my family is getting the news from a distance.

[kagstea]

kageyama t. - second place

kageyama tobio x reader

description: kageyama loved you, but he also loved volleyball.

warnings: angst

You fell in love with the reassurance that he would always be there. And it was a sweet, innocent, first love that would stay at the back of your mind forever. One that you would tell your grandchildren when they have their first heartbreak and are certain that it is the end of the world, so you would comfort them and help them see that that first love was everything yet nothing at the same time.

Kageyama loved you, he did. 

A smile would grace his lips as he waited for you to walk home together. “Hey,”

“Hi.” You smiled back.

You two began walking away from the school, shoulders touching because even though you were in a relationship, the butterflies never went away. Yet, at that age, even just being near each other was exciting. 

Through all the love and warmth shared, you failed to notice the early signs. 

Because the way he could not hold your hand because he refused to let go of his volleyball went over your head when you saw his smile. And the way he forgot to let you know practice would run late would be disregarded the next day when he greeted you with a goodmorning. And the way he always diverted the conversation to volleyball meant nothing to you, because watching him be so passionate about something was pleasing to you.

“Tobio, how about we spend the day together tomorrow? There’s a new cafe that opened and I-”

“I’m sorry, but I told Hinata we would practice for next week’s practice match against Nekoma. How about a raincheck.” He winced, afraid you would be upset.

But, in fact, you understood. “That’s fine.”

You knew what you were getting yourself into when you agreed to date the King of the Court. Your friends had warned you of his obsessive nature with volleyball, even if they exaggerated. It was not news to you, and you always figured that you would have to learn to share his interests.

But you expected him to understand what he got himself into, too. After all, he was the one who confessed. 

Kageyama did try. In the beginning, he seemed to find the perfect balance between juggling his relationship and volleyball. It’s the reason why you didn’t fear the future.

You often miss how his hand held yours, and how your head felt so right on his chest during your hugs. Or how he tried to fight those smiles when you brought him milk in between classes, but you saw them every time.

“You don’t have to keep doing this, I know it makes you late for class.” He told you, but he secretly enjoyed being able to see your face for a few seconds. You were out of breath and sweaty, but you were you, and that was all that mattered.

Still, you reached out, handing him his drink and smiling. “It’s my favorite sacrifice. Because I do it for you.” 

Kageyama did not understand the importance of sacrifices.

After a while, you began to doubt his feelings for you, which he would always reassure you that he would never stop loving you. That was enough to convince you for some time, but as his behavior did not change, you stopped voicing those concerns.

Although you knew improvement took time, you never saw any. He never did skip practice to come see you, even for a minute. He never asked you about your hobbies and interests. He never bothered to put that stupid ball down to hold you hand.

It angered you, yet you were blinded by the hope that he would get better. So you kept going as if you were in the happiest relationship ever. Perhaps it would get better if you kept trying.

But it didn’t and it was all his fault. That was why your love for him dispersed when he was the one to end things.

Kageyama scratched the back of his neck as he stood in front of you. He called to meet with you after not speaking with you for over a week. Of course, you looked up at him lovingly, with that damn smile.

In your mind, you thought this was good. He reached out, so he must be changing, right?

Wrong.

So, so wrong.

“I don’t think this is working out for us. I need to focus on volleyball, and can’t afford any distractions at the moment, Y/N.”

That smile went away so fast. “What?”

Kageyama sighed, “Nationals are around the corner. I can’t be worrying if I’m being a good boyfriend when this is my future-”

“And what about our future?” You softly asked, your heart breaking by the second. “Didn’t I tell you I would support you with all my being along the way and now what? I’m too much of a distraction?”

“I’m sorry-”

“No! I was miserable with you all this time, being second to your volleyball, and now you’re telling me I finally lost? Tobio, how could you!” All the frustration you felt was coming out and you could not stop it. Tears stung your eyes, but you made no effort to wipe them away. “You never really care, did you?”

Now he was upset. “How could you say that? You know I love you-”

“Not as much as volleyball.”

Kageyama was taken back. Your statement hurt him, and it made him defensive. “Well maybe that’s true. Volleyball doesn’t break down every time I give my attention to someone else.”

You were hurt, too. You were hurting for a while, actually.

That was the last time you spoke with him.

Out of routine, you sometimes still waited to walk home with him, forgetting he was probably spending all of his energy preparing for Nationals. You even found yourself racing to the vending machine, only realizing you shouldn’t have once the milk dropped down. Your hands grew cold a lot, but you reminded yourself that they already were long before things ended.

Kageyama’s life did not change much. The breakup definitely did not affect him as much as it did you. He spent his time with the team practicing. Before he knew it, Nationals had snuck up on him.

As much time as he spent preparing, he did not expect the outcome.

Second place hit hard to him.

It was only as he walked home with a heavy heart that day did he understand how terrible it felt to give your all and still place second.