Tumgik
#me realizing i only gave her 3 fingers on each hand: oops
blorbologist · 5 months
Note
“I know you” with Vex and Scanlan?
[Getting to these late oop, busy last couple of days; Send me three words + a pairing/character and I'll write up a scene! Not Perc'ahlia please <3 ]
--
Their usual table looks a lot bigger with only a handful of Vox Machina present. Actually, it looks positively huge thanks to Scanlan being here, which… Scanlan, yeah.
Someone - Percival, probably, given how neatly even each glass is lined up - got them too many drinks before most of the party left. Vex’ahlia works on the last one now. It might be Direheart, though she can’t quite identify all of Whitestone’s liquors yet. Not for lack of trying, especially with how today is going. 
The Meat Man, who is Scanlan, who looks about as un-Scanlan-ish as Scanlan could probably tolerate for this long, is rubbing his sternum. Like he’s having chest pains - which means Scanlan is rubbing his forehead through the illusion? 
Yeah, she’s nursing quite the headache herself. Thank you very much.
“So - tell me,” he’s saying, and he sounds nothing like Scanlan. Except for the moments where he almost does in the same way Kaylie sometimes resembles him. “How could you see it was me?”
Scanlan taps a little rhythm into his glass with a nail. Scanlan, but taking up too much space and yet just as much as he should. Tap-taptap-tap. 
A few more tap-taptap-taps as Vex thinks. Or doesn’t - her mind feels willfully blank, an empty shot glass. Everything meaningful in her gut where it churns, happy and sick at once.
He elaborates: “I mean - this thing has held up to a lot of scrutiny! Including from mages, because they really like their antiques apparently. And I had an audience with J’mon and they didn’t say anything either, and they’re a dragon!” (tap-taptap-tap) “Is the hair not realistic enough? Or the clothes? I really practiced. If there are any weak points to my disguise, you really should let me know.”
The pace of his fingers finally falters. Tap. Tap. Almost like he’s worried. “How could you tell?”
There were so many little tells, which is part of what is making this post-reunion drink so unsettling. How he talked about himself, and the fake-grandiose talk, just all the talking. The gait of a gnome in legs far too long for him. That big grin made just Scanlan’s size that fit this face just right, but not right enough. 
She does not say any of that. Maybe because, who fucking knows, he might do this again. And she might need to use these tricks again.
“Well, darling.” Vex’ahlia drowns her drink (her own nails go tink) and throws it back with deliberate nonchalance. Scanlan surely sees through it just as she saw through him. “I know you. So.”
“We all do,” Vax’ildan interjects at her shoulder. 
Fuck! When did he vanish? How long has he been back? She realizes she’s decently tipsy when she actually gives him the satisfaction of jumping. 
“You fuck!”
Vax grins, clapping her on the shoulder. “Barkeep gave me a bottle so we’d leave and stop freaking out her waitstaff with all the day drinking.” His eyes flit towards Scanlan, who was regarding them warmly. Like he missed this. The gnome-but-not deflates as Vax says, “Oy, Scanlan. Mind if Stubby and I just have a drink, us two?”
“Of course not. The hugging was getting a bit much.” Like he could make them stay, in her city.
Which reminds her -
“I’m glad he’s back,” Vax says quietly as the door swings shut behind them. “So glad. But - gods, what’s with all the fucking lies?”
Vex’ahlia smiles weakly. “I know, right?”
Tap-taptap-tap go her nails on her finger, where a ring would rest.
30 notes · View notes
quantumducky · 5 years
Photo
Tumblr media
it’s hana in a cute dress time lads
13 notes · View notes
boxesandrings · 3 years
Note
Hello! Could I have some Shane/Farmer first time please, idc about the gender of the farmer. Thanks! 😊
It's DONE! Please Enjoy <3
Title: Can I get you guys anything? Some snacks? A condom?
Summary: Shane and his girlfriend have been dating for a few months now, and decide to take things to the next level.
Characters: SDV Shane, F!Farmer
Warnings: 18+ smut, general first time shenanigans, vaginal fingering, ding-dongs in love, a little bit of body insecurity
Word Count: 2550 (oops)
Story is under the cut (and also will be posted on my AO3!):
The Farmer’s back hit the mattress with a thud, and she laughed as her head made contact with the pillow. “Why do I feel like I’m in high school again?” Shane shrugged before laying on top of his girlfriend, planting sloppy kisses on her neck.
“Careful, we only have 20 minutes before my mom comes up with apple slices and a juice box,” he murmured into her ears. The Farmer laughed and slid her fingers through his hair as he began sucking on her earlobe.
Robin was working on the Farmer’s house today, frequently trekking in and out of every room while muttering quietly about old building codes, and Jas was out on a field trip. Marnie was Yoba-knows-where, most likely at her not-boyfriend’s house, so after the couple’s picnic in the Cindersap Forest, it only made sense to return to Marnie’s to continue the date. Shane had been surprised how his girlfriend had practically jumped on him the moment they were inside, kissing him between giggles and whispering sweet nothings into his ear.
Not that he was complaining. He had brought her to his bedroom, just on the off chance that Marnie or Jas came home early and spotted them making out on the couch. He had one arm propping himself up against her side now, his fingers tangled in her long, black hair, the other pawing at a breast over the Farmer’s shirt. His lips were on hers, occasionally his tongue slipping in. One of her hands was still entwined in his hair, the other cupping the side of his face.
The Farmer’s head tilted back slightly, and Shane jumped on the opportunity to kiss down her jaw, tongue circling her earlobe before gently pulling on it with his teeth. He heard a small sigh escape the Farmer’s lips and smiled, trailing kisses down her neck, his tongue now on her collarbone. He felt her hand leave his face and trail down his arm, coming to a rest on top of the hand he had placed on her breast.
“Well, now it really feels like high school.” Shane lifted his head and observed the coy look on his girlfriend’s face. She winked and leaned up, placing a kiss on the tip of his nose. “Here.”
The Farmer, much stronger than she appeared, managed to roll the two of them over on the bed, Shane now below her, his own head against the mattress as she sat upright straddling his hips. The sudden change in position made him suddenly aware of the erection that was quickly growing, now that there was pressure almost directly on it.
The Farmer, upright, quickly pulled her shirt off and tossed it toward a nearby chair. Shane smiled up at her as she began to work on her bra, arms behind her as she fidgeted with the clasp. He sat up the best he could below her and reached his hands around, offering to aid in the effort: “Here.”
“My hero!” She laughed as he unhooked the bra and tossed it haphazardly across his room before wrapping her arms around his neck and bringing her face closer to his. Shane gave her a kiss on the cheek and winked.
“Eh, don’t sweat it. Nothing too difficult for a pro like me.” The Farmer rolled her eyes, but her smile remained.
“Oh, shut up.” She pulled his lips up to hers and kissed him, much rougher than the two had been before. Shane rocked slightly, trying to find their rhythm, before propping himself upright with one arm as he rolled a hard nipple between his fingers with the other. The Farmer let out a soft moan into his mouth; if Shane was only getting hard before, he was like a rock now.
She laid on top of him, kissing, biting, whispering sweet nothings into his ears, holding one of his arms pinned back above his head. Shane was using the other hand to try and grab at the breasts pressed against his own chest, or weave his fingers up through her hair. Finally, he struggled to push her back up into a seated position, her straddling him, head just above his own. As he looked up at her, her eyes dark and gazing back into his own, he couldn’t help but recognize that he loved her.
He really did! He knew that he had loved her, differently, before. As a friend, one who saved him from himself, who helped him through his recovery. When he kissed her at that game, almost three months ago, he had been so afraid of ruining the friendship entirely. Instead the Farmer just laughed and kissed him again, wrapping her hands around his neck to pull him in closer.
He was brought back to the present by the feeling of her lips against his. She kissed so slow and sweet before pulling just slightly away, the tips of their noses still touching.
“Hey.” Her voice was low, much lower than how she usually spoke. He felt his cock twitch, pressed just below her own hips and wasn’t sure whether to pray that she could feel it or not. They had touched each other before, sure, but had yet to go further than that. It had been a while since Shane had slept with anybody, even longer since he was sober, and neither he nor the Farmer had wanted to rush things.
“Hey.” He smiled back at her, their eyes meeting. He had wanted to tell her he loved her, truly, but was afraid it would seem disingenuous considering their current activity, and didn’t want her to think he was saying it just to get something. Not that he thought she would, but he was still afraid. A simple ‘hey’ would do for now.
They almost swayed back and forth for a second, drunk on each other as their lips moved closer and closer, before Shane decided to move in an opposite direction. He ducked his head down and began to kiss the Farmer’s neck, her chest, making his way down to her breasts with his tongue.
She rolled her head back as she let out a breathy whimper, which Shane took as an invitation to go harder. He bit and sucked at one nipple, manipulating the other with his hand, pinching and rolling it as she whispered a number of explicatives above him. He continued to tease as he felt the twitching in his pants again, before realizing the Farmer was grinding her hips into him, perhaps without realizing it.
It all became too much when he heard her moan his name, a quiet “Shane, fuck.” He released the nipple that had been in his mouth and laid flat on the bed, out of breath. Her eyes opened and she looked down, her mouth an O, concern in her eyes.
“Oh! Shane, babe, are you okay? I didn’t like, do something, did I?” Yoba, she was hot when she was concerned. Shane shook his head.
“No! I mean, yes, I mean…” He trailed off, rubbing a hand over his face. “I would just really like to, um, I just— I bought condoms. You know. If you want to.” He bit his lip and peeked out at the Farmer between his fingers. She was still on top of him, and he could practically see a buffering sign in her eyes as she processed his proposition. He pressed his eyes shut and moved both hands to the top of his head.
“I mean, we don’t have to but I— um, we’re gonna have to readjust or I might—” He hadn’t even finished his sentence when the Farmer’s lips were on his once more, her tongue slipping between his lips.
If he had thought her kisses were hungry before, they were ravenous now. She had one arm above his head, her fingers interlacing with his own. Her other hand was reaching down, pawing at the painful erection above the sweatpants before slipping her hand beneath the waistband and squeezing it. She elicited a sharp gasp from Shane as she slowly pulled her hand up along it as she kissed her way to his ear.
“Yeah, yes, I— yeah.” Her breath was hot against his ear and he could hear the smile in her voice. He had been surprised by the enthusiastic response, but now could only focus on the feeling of hot desire burning within him.
He roughly reached for her hand that had been in her pants and pulled it out, using the momentum to flip the Farmer onto her back. He held her arms up above her head with one hand pressed over her wrists, the other working quickly on the buttons of her jeans.
Once undone, he slipped his hand in, his fingers quickly slipping between the wet folds. She moaned into his mouth, shivering as he began to rub, waiting to hear the noise she made when he found the right spot. He felt her shoulders tense below him accompanied by a sharp inhale, and began to focus there. He tried to slide her jeans further with his wrist in a weird shaking motion that he knew probably wouldn’t work, but attempted anyway.
“Sh-shane—” He nodded, trying to reach a finger further back. “Shane.” His finger found the hole, and he circled it slowly once before barely slipping the finger in. The pants are gonna have to go, he thought. “Shane!”
He looked up when the Farmer yelled. He pulled his hand back out of her pants, unsure of her tone. She had a goofy smile, but obviously had stopped him for something.
“The condom?” Now he paused to think before jumping up and moving towards the closet, his erection embarrassingly visible in his sweatpants. He had hidden a box in a bag on the top shelf, far above where Jas could snoop. He found the package and pulled a condom out, kicked off his pants and rolled the condom on. His fingers reached for the bottom hem of his shirt, but he paused.
Had she seen him without a shirt before? He knew that she knew he was a bit… thicker, but being naked in front of her suddenly felt daunting. Would it be strange if he kept his shirt on? He turned slightly to look at his girlfriend who was seated on the edge of his bed, taking off her remaining sock. She turned to look at him, her expression brightening when she made eye contact with him. Her eyes flicked down to where Shane’s hands were fidgeting with his shirt and smiled when she met his gaze again.
“Whatever makes you comfortable, babe.” Yoba, he really loved her. She made him comfortable. He quickly removed his shirt and made his way back to the bed, the Farmer smiling and laughing as she reached for his face.
He sank into her when he found her mouth again, laying her back on the bed as he slowly climbed on top of her. His hand made its way back down her body, and Shane quickly slipped a finger inside. The Farmer let out a small gasp, but smiled and tilted her head back, enjoying the sensation.
She opened her eyes when he pulled his finger out, and watched Shane through her eyelashes as he lined himself up above her. Shane thrust, a groan escaping his lips as he felt her cunt so hot and tight around him. The Farmer lifted her legs up around his hips for a better angle, closing her eyes and breathing his name as he continued to rut against her.
Shane hooked an arm underneath one of her legs to try and angle her up even farther, hitting deeper within. She moaned out louder now, Shane’s focus alternating between the bouncing breasts below him and her face, beautifully twisted in ecstasy.
“Oh, shit, Shane, you feel so good.” The Farmer wasn’t usually one to swear so freely, and the need in her voice sent Shane closer to the edge. He began to thrust more aggressively, the sound of skin on skin growing louder as the Farmer whimpered below him.
The orgasm came quicker than Shane had hoped as he slammed into her, groaning as he came. He continued to thrust until it became almost unbearable and pulled out, flopping onto his back next to the Farmer. She rolled onto her side, her hands on his chest, his arms, his face, planting small kisses on his cheeks and cooing sweet nothing into his ears.
After his head cleared, he stood up and removed the condom and threw it in a nearby trash. He laid back down on the bed, and began to kiss his girlfriend. She giggled, leaning her head back.
“That was fun.” He opened his eyes, and could have sworn that the Farmer’s were sparkling (could it be the same love he felt?) as she regarded him. He smiled, and leaned in again.
“It’s not over yet.” He kissed her again, making his way to her neck as he climbed on top.
“What do you mean?” The Farmer was playing coy, and he knew it. Even as she was asking the question, she had wrapped her arms back around Shane’s neck and tilted her head to give him better access.
“You felt so amazing, babe, and I just need to make you feel that way too.” His speech was muffled, his lips pressed firmly against her breasts. She tried to laugh, but he could feel her squirming below him.
“Being close with you was treat enough.” Shane looked up from her chest, staring at the face above him. It looked like she truly meant it. He shook his head and smiled.
“Mmm… I don’t think that was the answer I was looking for, ma’am,” he said as he plunged two fingers inside of her, quickly pumping in and out. It took her by surprise and she gasped loudly and dug her fingernails into Shane’s scalp.
His fingers were quick, pumping in and out of her tight hole then teasing her clit while he listened to her whimper above him. She pulled up on his hair, drawing his attention from the hickey he was leaving on her breast.
“Sh-Shane… please come here.” He let out a small laugh as he tried to move his head up to hers while his fingers still reached her clit. She roughly pulled his face to hers, her kisses desperate as she moaned into his mouth.
He suddenly felt the walls around his fingers tense and pulse, a rush of liquid around them as she tilted her head back once more, letting out an almost pained moan as she came. He pulled his fingers out and rubbed at her clit, almost over stimulating her as she rode out the orgasm, her hips bucking below his hand.
When it ended, she kissed him again, deep and slow. Shane moved to lay flat on his back, and the Farmer curled into his side with her head on their chest, the couple breathing heavily. Finally, the Farmer stretched, her arms reaching above her head before wrapping them around Shane’s shoulder.
“I think I could really use that juice box and apple slices right now.” Shane shook his head, laughing.
Yeah, this was definitely love.
153 notes · View notes
kentos-filmcamera · 3 years
Text
10 times, 1 occasion - Inumaki Toge
4. Tending
Tumblr media
A/N: oop i'm on a roll rn with two chapters in two days in a row. the next one is probably going to take a while but seriously I'm so happy with all the support, it keeps me going. this is teeth rotting fluff, so enjoy! ~g
Previous Chapter | Next Chapter
No matter how many times he was reminded that you were okay, Toge would rather die before leaving your bedside. He watched over you, in his navy sweats and Jujutsu Tokyo Tech gray pullover sweatshirt, taking a few showers to change back into the same clothes. He cooked ramen and onigiri balls in the common kitchen down the hall. He only left for more than ten minutes to visit Fushiguro, who met the same fate as you, but left you with Maki or Panda, even Gojo if he was around and no one else was available.
The latter liked drawing things on your expensive drawing paper with the expensive ink you so hoarded from others and placing them on the board by your desk, next to Post-It notes wishing you well from fellow Tokyo Tech students, and Kyoto students alike. Kamo had wished you a speedy recovery and flattering words on your technique, Miwa left a well-wishes message with hearts drew on and Todo wrote that he lamented your injury because your taste in women was far beyond better than the rest of your fellow classmates, except for Itadori, and complimented your ‘Tina Snow’ Megan Thee Stallion poster.
Once again, while placing a damp, cold towel on your forehead, Toge sighed deeply, cleaning away the fever you were sweating. You breathed through your mouth, nose, cheeks, and lips settling in a darker red color by the heat you emanated. Shoko healed you and Megumi just perfect, but as a difference, your body wasn’t reacting well to the invasion. Still, Inumaki diligently took care of your every need while you slept for the past three days, fighting the urge to command for you to wake up, and watch those lively eyes flutter open while a smile blossoms on your cheeks. They were waiting for you to continue the goodwill event officially after the “minor” issue with the special grades.
It was late in the afternoon, the orange sun leaking through the blinds. Toge set his book down for a second and stared at you. You looked so serene, so calm and peaceful for the first time in the past few days, whereas you looked agitated and distressed in your slumber. He leaned down and kissed your forehead. You shuffled happily in your sleep and laid even deeper into your bedsheets.
“Wow! This room is so cool!” Itadori gasped as he passed the doorframe. Toge narrowed his eyes but still stood up to greet the first years. “How come my room doesn't look like this?!”
Your room was cozy. The color scheme was warm; your walls were a very light beige, your bed was composed of a terracotta-colored duvet, light pink bed sheets, and a white throw blanket. The nightstand was a yellow bookshelf with a lamp on top, a framed picture resting there, along with your phone. Your desk was yellow as well with a bulletin board on the wall in front of it. On the desk rested some plants, an assortment of drawing, painting, and coloring supplies, aside from a Bluetooth speaker that resembled an old radio. The wall behind your bed was full of posters of artists and movies, and artwork that either you painted or you commissioned. By the window, there was a light moss green couch with different pillows, and a lavender purple throw Inumaki used to wrap himself in when he napped. He sat next to your bed on a light pink office chair he positioned on the empty space between your closet and your bed. It was a colorful room, to say the least.
“Because you’re a man, Yuuji” Nobara rolled her eyes and walked towards your bed, combing her fingers through your hair to brush it slightly. She fluffed the pillows behind your head and fixed the collar of the silk pajamas you wore specifically made for when injured. Maki spoke so highly of you, Nobara wanted to treat you her best, because she knew you deserved it.
“How is she?” Megumi asked Inumaki. Nobara and Itadori were both snooping around the room. Yuuji browsed the bookshelf with a frown, while Kigusaki looked through your cosmetics bag before heading to the bathroom, which stood to the door on the left when one entered the room, talking about checking out your skincare routine.
“Tuna” He signaled his phone and got to typing. Soon, Megumi’s phone buzzed. Itadori rushed over to read the text over his shoulder, Kugisaki on her tippy toes to read from his other shoulder as well.
[ Inumaki Toge: they’re okay. shoko said they’ll wake up soon enough. probably just drained ]
“So you’ve been here with her all these past few days? All the time?” Kugisaki asked.
Toge nodded, shifting comfortably on the seat “Shake” He confirmed.
“Aww! I wish I had a partner like you!” Nobara sighed dreamily. Toge froze. His jaw clenched and his eyes widened to almost hit every corner of his face. As if it was even possible, he turned paler. He could feel his heartbeat drumming in his ears. Partner? Your partner? Why would anyone think that? You were just a friend… unless you didn’t want to be. A friend he had strong feelings for. A friend he had its own pet name for. A friend he loved. Oh my. His face went from paperwhite to a bright red, as he once again zipped up the collar of his shirt to cover his lower half.
“Look what you did, Nobara! You broke him!” Itadori shook her, while Inumaki stared blankly at the floor. Fushiguro realized Kugisaki had touched a nerve since the attraction between the two of you was so apparent, everyone had seen you two laugh together incessantly, hold hands, hug each other often, and damn, he even had a word in his vocabulary to refer to you specifically. He pointed with his head to the door and the three left silently for a second. Inumaki watched them leave and sighed into his hands. That was frustrating.
You shuffled in your sleep slightly, Toge’s attention turning to you quickly, standing upright from his chair to look as you fluttered your eyes to stare back at him. Just as he expected, a smile arose from your mouth as soon as you noticed him there, before you went into a coughing fit. He panicked and took a few steps towards your yellow mini-fridge, scouting for a bottle of water, which he found soon enough. He held the bottle for your mouth, with which you gladly took in and drank all the water in a matter of seconds. He cleaned your wet cheeks and sat at the foot of the bed carefully, as you tried to sit upright without disturbing your wound.
“Kelp” He greeted you, with his usual fondness towards you and a smile he tried to hide.
“Hello, Inumaki-kun” You rasped with a blush on your cheeks, coughing slightly before smiling at him. “Don’t worry, I’m here; I’m okay”
He sighed deeply and the weight on his shoulders he didn’t even realize he had lifted. He now knew that you were okay. His heart fluttered in his chest as you reached out your hand, urging him to get close to you. Once he did, you combed your hand through the gray strands, making him melt into your touch.
He leaned to lay down by your side. “How’s everyone? What time is it? How long have you been here?” You bombarded him with questions he was more than glad to answer.
Toge just looked at you briefly before grabbing his phone. He typed something and soon your phone vibrated next to you on your nightstand.
[ Inumaki Toge: everyone is ok. ]
[ fushiguro had the same cursed buds as you in his stomach, he’s fine now and i think in the hallway. ]
[ it’s 5:30 PM. i’ve been here the last 3 days you’ve been unconscious ]
You stared at the messages in shock “You’ve been here three days? You seriously didn’t have to, I was asleep”
“Okaka'' Toge shook his head with a frown. He typed something else. [ Inumaki Toge: i was worried about you. besides, you kept sweating, i had to level your temperature often because of the fevers ]
Your eyes watered as Toge’s widened. He panicked. Had he said something wrong? Did you get the wrong undertone from his texts? If that was it, should he start to use tone indicators? “Thank you” You sniffled “You didn’t really have to take care of me”
Right now, he really wished to speak to you clearly, so you really knew what he meant. “Tuna Mayo” He was only able to mutter before reaching to caress your back as quiet tears flowed down your cheeks. Soon enough, your phone vibrated.
[ Inumaki Toge: i got you your favorite tea :)) chai with a touch of nutmeg and lavender ]
“Aw…” You smiled “Thank you” You sighed deeply, the usual warmth spreading across your chest. The one that came whenever he bought you something or gave you a hug, or a brief touch.
[ i’ll go heat it up, okay? stay put ]
He removed his arm from your healthy side, and slipped out of the bed comfortably, removing the collar of his neck to kiss your forehead. I love you.
80 notes · View notes
Text
Choose Me Instead II Draco Malfoy x Reader II Chapter 3 of 27: Honesty
Summary:  Pretending to be in a relationship with Draco Malfoy to get back at your ex might have not been the smartest idea you ever had. Especially during your last year of Hogwarts where you should be focusing on exams and your future plans. However, you were just pretending. There was no way in hell you could actually catch feelings for someone like Malfoy. … Right?
CHAPTER 2
A/N: I’ve come to the realization that I’ve changed so much in this story during the past few days and added some chapters that it can probably already count as a slow-burn fic. I guess. Not sure. Have fun! Thanks for the lovely feedback! I love you all to death <3
Words: 3583 Pairing: Draco Malfoy x female!Reader, post-war Warnings: mentions of sex, light swearing
Tumblr media
It was weird being back at Hogwarts. Something about it still didn’t feel right. After the war, it was unimaginable for you to come back here and finish school. But they took their time and closed it off for over a year. The school got rebuilt, the victims buried, the survivors tried to heal and move on. On the first anniversary of the end of the war, McGonagall – the new headmistress of Hogwarts – publicly announced that the school would open for the coming year and the seventh graders were given the chance to repeat their year.
You were excited about coming back and seeing your friends again, gaining a little bit of normalcy. School, homework, petty drama – you wanted nothing more than to be busy with all of those things. Yet something felt different when you stood in the Great Hall for the first time after your arrival. Something had changed. You had changed.
“You’re daydreaming again, Y/N.”
Ginny’s voice pulled you back into reality. Your best friend sat across from you with her eyebrows raised, chewing on a croissant.
“Tired,” you replied and smiled briefly.
“From what?”, she asked. “You left super early last night!”
“Yeah, because it was super boring.”
The redhead shook her head. “It was not! There was a fight between two Hufflepuffs and that’s the best indicator for a fun party.”
You chuckled. “Is it though?!”
“Or,” suddenly she put down her croissant. A devious smile appeared on her face and she began talking with a lowered voice: “Did you leave the party early with your date to –”
“I beg you to not finish that sentence, please!”
Ginny laughed. “Oh come on! McLaggen is kinda cute!”
“He’s awful.”
“He doesn’t need a good character to –”
“Ginny!” You playfully threw an apple at her. She caught it, laughing. “You’re the worst,” you said and shook your head.
Just when you wanted to change the topic, someone else started walked in. You stopped midsentence, staring at the couple who were coming down the hall, holding hands.
Ginny saw them too and she knew what you were about to do next. “Don’t, Y/N,” she said softly. “Stay here. At some point, you’ll have to face them. They’re our friends. He’s my brother. We have classes together now.”
You knew she was right. Yet, running away still seemed like a better option to you. Ginny sensed that, reached over the table and squeezed your hand. “Stay,” she repeated.
Ron and Hermione sat down right beside you, cheerfully wishing you a good morning. You didn’t reply but smiled at Harry instead who sat down next to Ginny and gave her a kiss. They were a cute couple and you were happy for the both of them. They finally found each other.
The four began to talk right away. It was still exciting to be in the same year as them, to finally share classes and spend so much time together. Well, not for you to be honest. You could happily live without seeing Ron every day.
You tuned out their conversation after a while, still debating whether or not you should leave the table. Your eyes drifted over the other students in the Great Hall and got stuck at the Slytherins. Not many people sat there as most of them had already finished breakfast. Before you knew what you were doing, you noticed he wasn’t here.
You felt a little sting of disappointment and frowned. Where did this came from? As if you cared about seeing Malfoy.
Saying that you didn’t replay that kiss in your mind over and over again would have been a lie. When you left the small room last night, you felt dizzy and confused. Yet you repeatedly told yourself that the kiss meant nothing. It happened so you didn’t get caught. Good god, it was Draco Malfoy, probably the last person in this school you wanted to kiss (well, besides McLaggen). So no. This kiss didn’t mean anything.
“Y/N?”, you turned your head when Hermione said your name.
“Why are you staring at the Slytherins?”, she asked.
You shrugged but the blush on your cheeks betrayed you. “No reason. I was thinking.”
She frowned. Ginny and Harry looked at each other in confusion.
“So? What is it?”, you asked.
“Right, um, we wanted to ask if you’d like to come play Quidditch with us?”
You raised an eyebrow. “Since when do you play Quidditch?”
“Ron taught me over the summer,” she smiled at her boyfriend. “Besides, they have to try out for the team in two weeks anyways so why not practice a little.”
You looked at Ron who stared at his plate. He probably felt as comfortable with the thought of you playing together as you did. The way he avoided your eyes made you angry though.
“No, sorry”, you quickly said and suddenly stood up. “Homework.” This was it. You had to leave.
 ***
You gritted your teeth angrily as you made your way up the stairs. God, you still hated him for how he treated you three months ago. You were supposed to be friends and he fucked it all up. Now you could barely stand the sight of him and every encounter left you feeling like you needed to punch a brick wall.
Being so lost in your thoughts, you almost ran around the corner, crashing into someone.
“Watch it, Y/L/N!”
Great.
“Watch it yourself, Malfoy!”, you snapped.
Draco Malfoy stood in front of you, one hand in the pocket of his pants, the other gripping your arm to prevent you from falling down. It must have been out of instinct because as soon as he realized he was touching you, he let go as if you were a hot plate.
“Someone got up on the wrong side of the bed,” he stated dryly.
“Shut up,” you mumbled, lowering the tone of your voice a little. “And let me through.”
He did neither. “Did McLaggen find you after all?!”
“None of your business, Malfoy!” With that, you pushed him aside and continued walking down the corridor. You were too mad for Malfoys bullshit.
“Y/L/N!” Apparently he was particular talkative this morning.
You ignored him.
“I couldn’t care less for your obvious boy troubles –”
Who did he think he was?!
“– however, I still have something that belongs to you.”
This made you stop dead in your tracks and turn around. “What?”, you asked, brows furrowed in confusion.
He smirked. “Your shoe.”
Oh. Oops.
Annoyed, you shrugged. “So give it back to me.”
“It’s in the Slytherin common room.”
“I’d rather die than go down there.”
“I’d change the attitude if I were you. After all, you want something from me,” his voice grew colder.
You were unimpressed by that. “Make me,” you shot back.
There it was again – that look on his face. The same look he had yesterday as he gazed over your body in the small room. It made you shiver – and for a second you weren’t sure if it was the good or the bad kind of shiver.
Then he smirked again: “Quidditch field. Tonight after dinner.” And while he already started walking backwards he added: “I’d rather die than be caught talking to a Gryffindor.”
Goddamn Slytherins.
***
It was unusually cold for a September night. You shivered and zipped up your jacket, regretting that you didn’t bring a scarf. No student or teacher seemed to be outside at this time, only the occasional crow flying above your head and the rustling of leaves accompanied you on your way to the Quidditch field.
The reason why Malfoy chose the Quidditch field of all places to give you back your shoe was beyond your knowledge. Yet you didn’t complain. In about half an hour, your friends would join you. Before the war, this was one of your favourite spots to just hang out and talk.
When you arrived on the field, it took you a while to spot Malfoy. He sat way up on the bleachers. You groaned and made your way up the stairs. Malfoy didn’t notice that you came as he was busy writing something in a small green notebook. Huh. Interesting.
He flinched when you sat down beside him and quickly closed the book.
“What are you writing?”, you asked curiously.
Malfoy pretended not to hear your question and instead reached inside his bag. “Here,” he pulled out your shoe, handing it to you.
“Thanks,” you put in the small bag you brought. “So what are you writing?”
He looked at you with an annoyed expression. “You have what you want so you can go.”
“You’re no fun, Malfoy.”
“Says the Gryffindor.”
“Excuse me?”, you raised an eyebrow. “We’re more fun than all the Slytherins combined.”
“Right,” he scoffed.
Still, you didn’t move or leave so with a sigh, he added: “Do you have no friends to bother?”
You grinned. “I do. In fact, they’ll be here in –”, you took a look at your watch, “– twenty minutes.”
Malfoy rolled his eyes. “Perfect.”
“Why did you tell me to meet you here?”
“I was gonna be here anyways,” he shrugged. “Easier to make you come to me.”
You ignored his sly remark. “You were going to be here anyways? Alone?”
Another shrug.
Leaning back, you watched Malfoy from the side. He had dark circles under his eyes and kept his gaze focused on the field, his fingers playing with the sides of the notebook. Something (beside you sitting next to him) bothered him.
“So what was up with you this morning?”, he broke the silence.
You raised an eyebrow. “As if you care.”
“No,” he admitted. “But you’re obviously not leaving until your friends come and that question might make you stop staring at me.”
You chuckled softly. Then you realized that he was actually waiting for an answer. “Nothing important.”
“I figured.”
“You’re a jerk.”
“Probably,” Malfoy stated without any emotion in his voice.
You were silent for a few seconds. Part of you wanted to get up and leave. After all, Malfoy was probably the last one you could trust. He didn’t care and it was literally none of his business. You didn’t even like each other. Keeping it simple and vague was probably the best approach: “Dumb stuff, really. Like you said – boy troubles.”
Malfoy shifted without noticing it, turning his body more towards you, leaning in a little. “Well, now I’m curious. Who managed to make Y/L/N this mad and can he teach me?”
“I don’t know if you’re keen on Ron being your teacher,” the sentence just slipped out. You regretted it right away.
Malfoys eyes widened. “No fucking way.” Then he began to smirk – that evil, ‘I’m-better-than-you’-smirk he had perfected over the years.
Your face felt like it was on fire and you were glad it was getting dark already. Maybe he wouldn’t notice the blush. “Oh, be quiet!”
“Weasley?”, he scoffed, not believing it. He stared at you with quite the interest now. There seemed to be a lot more to you than he would have guessed. “How the fuck did that happen? Isn’t he dating the … isn’t he dating Granger?”
You knew what he wanted to call her but were surprised that he stopped himself. That never happened before.
“Yes, he is,” you mumbled and gave him a suggestive look.
This caused Malfoy to laugh. It was a dry, short laugh. He leaned back a little. “You’re kidding, right? Fucking hell, Weasel managed to not only screw you but do so while dating Granger?”
“I like how eloquently you phrased that,” you said sarcastically.
He ignored you. “How did that happen?”
“Okay, first of all”, you began, “… they weren’t dating when it happened. I’m not a homewrecker, that’s probably more of a Slytherin thing.”
“Does she know?”
“Know what?”
“Does Granger know you two f–”
“Geez, Malfoy, watch your language,” you interrupted him quickly, before you added: “And no.”
“So cheating isn’t a Gryffindor thing but lying is?”, Malfoy concluded, smirking again. “Good to know.”
“Oh, shut up,” you raised your chin. You were right about this in the beginning – you shouldn’t have told him anything. How were you supposed to get this right? Even though there was no reason for you to explain yourself to him, you still felt the need to: “They were going through a crisis and broke up and well … I spent a few weeks with their family and I always considered Ron a good friend but … but something happened. And then he ended things with me and got back together with Granger. Well, he got back together with her first and announced it in front of everyone, including me.”
“That’s how he told you that you two were over?”
You nodded. “Yup.”
“Phew,” Malfoy let out a whistle. “Wow. I must admit, I’m impressed.”
“Sure you are.”
Suddenly Malfoys facial expression changed from amusement to confusion. “So what’s the big deal now? You two screwed a few times and now he’s playing house with Granger again.”
You sent him another suggestive glance which caused him to let out another laugh.
“Please don’t tell me you got feelings for the Weasel,” he said in complete disbelief. Then his eyes suddenly began to wander further down and you realized he was looking at your … body. Rude. Before you got the chance to put him in his place, he simply said: “You can do a lot better, y’know.”
Oh. This was unexpected. You felt a blush creeping up your cheeks again and felt actually a little flattered by his words. Yet, they confused you. Why would he give a Gryffindor a compliment?! Was there a hidden insult in it? Maybe a slight undertone you didn’t notice?
“It goes without saying that this conversation stays between us,” you cleared your throat. “No one knows about this whole mess except Ginny. And you.”
Malfoy nodded. “You put an awful lot of trust in me.”
“Don’t disappoint me then.”
The two of you were quiet for a few moments. It was almost completely dark by now and a nervous glance to your watch made you aware that Ginny and the rest of her friends might appear any second now. The silence grew uncomfortable after a while.
“What’s up with that whole engagement thing, you mentioned yesterday?”, you wanted to know, remembering that weird comment of him. “And don’t act all mysterious again. I told you my mess now you have to share yours.”
Malfoy snorted. “Ask away.”
This was easier than expected. “Are you dating the little Greengrass?” Totally understandable if he was – Astoria was the perfect mixture of smart and drop dead gorgeous. A lot of guys were into her.
“No.”
“She called you ‘honey’.”
“Yes.”
You frowned. “I’m confused.”
“Do I really have to explain to you how pureblood marriages work?”, Malfoy said with a mocking undertone.
“Of course not. I just thought we left that behind us when the war ended”, you remarked.
He gave a dismissive wave of his hand. “As if hundreds of years of tradition can be forgotten with one war.”
“So you’re forced to marry her?”, you tried to understand the situation better.
“No, it’s an arranged marriage which is not even official yet,” Malfoy shifted slightly. “Mother would like it because the Greengrass family is still respected and …”
“… rich.”
He glanced at you quickly. “We lost a lot.”
“I bet,” you scoffed.
Abruptly, Malfoy got up and grabbed his bag. “I should leave.”
Out of instinct, you extended your hand to reach for him but stopped just inches in front of his arm. “No, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that”, you apologized. Feelings of guilt and pity appeared inside of you as you didn’t expect him to be so openly hurt by what you said. “I heard … well, everyone heard about the trials and your parents and all that. Sorry.”
Malfoy hesitated but then sat down again. His whole demeanour had changed in just seconds. He had almost been … approachable but now the look in his eyes was as cold as ice again.
You cleared your throat. “Do you want to marry her?”
He didn’t answer right away. You wondered what went through his head in this moment.
“I don’t ask myself that.”
The answer didn’t surprise you. “Why not?”, you tried to dig deeper.
Again, a few seconds passed before he mumbled: “No, I don’t want to marry her. I hardly know her.”
“Hmm,” you nodded. “Does she want to marry you?”
“I don’t know”, he gave a half shrug. “She had a thing with Zabini over the summer so I guess … I’m probably not her first choice.”
The answer to all of his problems seemed so easy, you thought. Yet it would be met with much apprehension. Traditional pureblood families like his were difficult when it came to this stuff.
Knowing what his reaction would be, you still had to say it: “So don’t get engaged.” Before he could reply, you raised your hand. “Yeah, I know, traditions and all that bullshit. Why don’t you just start breaking traditions?”
Malfoy shook his head. “My family works a little different than yours.
“Not that different to be honest”, you whispered under your breath.
He heard you and you were met with a very confused look. When you didn’t elaborate, he continued talking: “Anyways, I can’t. I could try to postpone but I’d need a very convincing reason.”
“Like?”
“Another girl from a good family.”
“And?”
“And what?”
A grin appeared on your face. “There are at least ten girls I can name right away who’d love to get a shot with you.”
Seriously, even most of the Gryffindor girls your age had been crushing on Malfoy at least once. He was very attractive and clever and that whole ‘bad boy’-act made quite a few girls weak in their knees. You had noticed this too but being so close friends with Ginny and Harry those thoughts never found room to grow inside of you. In your mind, Malfoy had always been an arrogant jerk. Still is, you corrected yourself quietly.
“Have you spoken with them since I became a –”
… a Death Eater, you finished the sentence in your head. Looking at the young man in front of you, wearing his school scarf while sitting in a sports stadium, the whole concept of him being a dangerous criminal just seemed absurd to you.
“Besides it’s a dumb idea”, he continued. “It would be a fake relationship and no one in their right mind would agree to that.” He let out a dry laugh. “Only a Gryffindor can think of something like that.”
In that moment, your eyes met. Never before did you notice the unusual colors in them like you did now. The piercing grey reminded you of storm clouds on an autumns day. Yeah, a fake relationship. Who in their right mind would … Unless …
The sudden thought that appeared in your mind made you flinch. He seemed to be thinking the same when he quickly broke the eye contact, straightening up and staring over at the field.
You got up in a rush, swinging your back over your shoulder. To your big relief, Ginny and your friends had just entered the Quidditch field. Their laughter echoed through the whole area.
„I should go. There’s Ginny.”
He nodded. “Right.”
“Thanks for the shoe.” Could this situation be any more awkward?! You doubted it. Hastily you turned around and almost stumbled over your own feet when you made our way back to the stairs. Something else came suddenly to your mind.
“Oh, and Malfoy?”, you stopped. He didn’t turn to look at you but you knew he heard you by the way he slightly moved his head. “I know a lot of fucked up stuff happened and pureblood families are the worst but … but don’t spend the rest of the year sitting here alone. I bet that there are still quite a few of your Slytherin friends that want to spend time with you.”
There was nothing you expected him to say in response to that so it surprised you when he suddenly said your name. “Y/L/N?”
“Yes?”
“Get over Weasley. It’s beneath you.”
You were glad he didn’t see the big grin on your face.
 ***
Ginny was surprised to see you coming down the stairs and running across the field. She wondered what you did up there and frowned when he saw a guy sitting there with the all too familiar white-blond hair.
“Is that Malfoy up there? Were you talking to him?”, she wanted to know when you finally reached the group.
“Oh, um,” you stuttered. “We ran into each other.
Ginny squinted her eyes. “Right”, she doubted. “How did you –”
Bang! You let out a short scream at the sudden noise.
“Sorry!” Someone shouted and a very distressed looking Seamus Finnigan appeared behind dark smoke.
“What the hell did you do?” Ginny squeaked and with that she forgot all about Malfoy.
You looked back up to where he was sitting just a minute ago. He was gone now. A weird feeling was left inside of you after the rather unusual conversation you had with the Slytherin. You shook your head, trying to get rid of it and turned your full attention back to your friends.
***
I hope you like it! I’d love to hear what you thought about it! <3
CHAPTER 4
“Choose Me Instead”-Masterlist HP-Masterlist Tag List: @writerdee1701​, @youareinllve​, @sjmahoney​, @detroitobsessed​, @takura-rin​, @jadam268​, @wynterwind​, @mina672 , @renaissance-confiance​, @harpoon999​, @doitforthevine67​, @rinasrights​, @flowerpowerpixie​, @gold-flowing​, @starkssnarks​, @bookcornerkins​, @harpersmariano​, @markedsweetly​, @iraniq​, @pointlesscoconut​, @hvrcruxes​, @pillowjj​, @idkatee​, @jungjxxhyun, @magicwithaknife​, @graystherapy​
Let me know if you want to be added to my tag list! <3
591 notes · View notes
miraculouscontent · 4 years
Text
*long, deep, exhausted sigh*
So, I just wanna talk real quick about this whole “Adrienette” business in the special. Humor me for a bit.
On a narrative level, the show has designed Marinette and Adrien as endgame. They’re the ones at the forefront, they’re the ones crushing on one side of each other, and they’re the superheroes who protect Paris.
And yet, here I am, having just watched the special, feeling no desire whatsoever for them to be together. This isn’t even about their chemistry for once, no, this about how the show cannot let Marinette make decisions involving their relationship in any way without screwing her over.
She tries to give Adrien gifts? Either someone steals it, a ladybug conveniently flies in to distract her from signing it, or the way she gives it almost leads to the world ending.
She tries to move on because Adrien has openly stated that he’s interested in someone else? Her friends stand up and start loudly arguing about it.
She tries to roleplay - as per Tikki’s advice - in front of an Adrien statue to work up a confession? Oops! The statue was actually Adrien and she just humiliated herself!
She tries to give him up again when Adrien reiterates that he loves another girl? Tikki gives some vague platitude about surprises and the future, which apparently convinces Marinette not to take down her Adrien photos.
She tries a scheme to talk to Adrien? She fails. She tries to just talk to him normally? She fails more.
And now, past three seasons and one special, I’m not even surprised anymore. Any expectation of things going well for Marinette can basically be thrown out the window unless it’s for the sake of shipping fuel and nothing else.
We’re here, post-”Miracle Queen,” and Marinette continues to be a mess around Adrien. She’s still stammering, still freaking out when he touches her, and still getting stuck in situations with him that force her and him together.
People wonder why Marinette still hasn’t changed? They wonder why she can’t move on? I know why.
It’s because she isn’t allowed to, not just because of the narrative/universe/whatever, but because of her surroundings.
I just wanna make it clear that, by “Miracle Queen,” Kagami and Adrien are as close to dating as they’ve ever been, with Kagami kissing Adrien just above the lips in the special, so they’re either actually dating or on such intimate terms that they might as well be.
Marinette has every reason to both want to and try to move on. At this point, her crush can only hurt her. What the special verbalizes as “denial,” I see as Marinette doing whatever she can to only be a friend to Adrien because the girl he loves is not her.
Heck, even if it’s truly a matter of her being in denial, that’s not what the special goes for, because Marinette tells Alya outright, near the beginning, that she needs help seeing Adrien as “just a friend.” Alya vents to Nino about how she wants Marinette to just “be honest with her feelings,” but Marinette is and practically told Alya as much.
Marinette relates dancing with Adrien as “friendly,” along with anything else Alya tries to tease her about. Gee, I wonder why? Maybe it’s because she’s been through it before and has seen signs where there apparently weren’t any. Adrien asked her to dance in “Despair Bear” (at Chloe’s party, which the special incorrectly calls Chloe’s birthday party) but a few episodes pass and Adrien is suddenly asking her for romantic advice to get him with another girl.
Marinette freaks out because every time she tries to be normal, someone mocks her, or Adrien makes a motion to get way too close, and at this point, she has no idea when the next “scheme” will be to force her together with him. Marinette’s anxiety and stuttering are where they are because of how much she’s been through; all the embarrassment and failure that led to no good results, which means that any success at all with Adrien gives her that emotional high (thinly disguised as “love”) for him. I don’t have to wonder why she acts the way she does because I’m seeing it.
When she tries even harder to get to Adrien in Season 3, it’s specifically because of how bad she failed before. It’s, “well, none of these other crazy things I’ve done have worked, so that must mean I have to try even harder!”
Because being in Adrien’s class and being called a “friend” by him is getting her nowhere. He doesn’t spend time with her, he doesn’t know her (at least not enough to know that startling her with a prank won’t help her like him more), and the only forces putting them together are outside ones.
Marinette wants to be friends with Adrien here - she wouldn’t be insisting that everything was friendly between them if she didn’t - but basically no one will let her. Marinette even gave a list of Adrien-related things that she stopped doing nowadays, and what happens?
Alix tries to nail her over something else that she still does, because apparently progress doesn’t matter, and the “joke” that the special keeps trying to hammer home is that Marinette is a wreck who’s still very much into Adrien even though she's trying not to be.
Then, there’s Alya, and I have not been this annoyed with her in a LONG time.
The worst thing to do to someone trying to get over something is to keep bringing it up to them, and Alya was relentless in this special. From start to finish, Alya was doing whatever she could to remind Marinette that her crush is still very much there and it’s agony. Alya is constantly groaning and making faces whenever Marinette denies that there’s anything special about what she did with Adrien, to the point where she pulls a “The Puppeteer 2″ and tries to force them together herself.
And the mocking does not end. I counted at least three instances of Alya using “friend” sarcastically to describe how Marinette felt towards Adrien, and that’s only counting the ones where she used actual airquotes.
At one point during the beginning, Marinette goes to Alya to talk about how she can’t sit next to Adrien. Alya proceeds to say that “there’s still time to get off the plane” and goes on about how “romantic” New York will be. Marinette freaks out at the mental images that enter her head and screams that she “has to get out of here” (not “I need to be moved,” but a clear indication of get me off this plane I DO NOT want this) but when Ms. Mendeleiev asks what’s wrong, Alya doesn’t ask for Marinette to be taken off the plane (which hasn’t taken off yet) and just asks her to be moved elsewhere.
It’s outright uncomfortable how much Alya keeps pressing the issue of Marinette feeling “more than friendly” feelings to Adrien. When Adrien is leaving New York to go back with his father, Alya yells at Marinette and makes it about Marinette’s crush, as if Marinette can’t want Adrien to stay unless she has a crush on him.
The special makes Marinette’s situation all about “do you have a crush on him or not” and it’s awful. It hammers away at Marinette, repeatedly, then continues the typical Treatment of Marinette “humor” by having her walk by all the couples (DJWifi, Myvan, and Julerose) in the beginning of the special while she’s on her way to the bathroom of the plane, then jostles the plane at just the right time for her to be soaked and get toilet paper in her hair.
This special never should have been about Marinette trying to confess to Adrien (and, y’know, forcing her too). That’s not important here. What was important to teach Marinette was, “You have a crush, and that’s okay even if he likes someone else as long as you’re working on it and know what you want to do about it.”
Marinette’s agency is completely stripped away for this entire special because everything is a matter of convenience or by force of the plot. Even by the matter of Chat Noir not being in Paris, it’s technically Marinette’s fault because she tried to convince Adrien’s dad to let Adrien go (the scene of her deciding to do this, by the way, also comes off as if she’s not allowed to want this for him and be just his friend). The show doesn’t acknowledge it because it can’t, but the implications are there.
When Marinette suffers, it’s most likely because of Adrien, whether it’s his fault or just the stars aligning to form a middle finger at her. No matter what she tries to do, fate will work against her.
But here’s the special, insisting that they’re “made for each other,” pointing it out more than once, verbally, by one of the characters.
Here’s the tea, honey: if Marinette and Adrien were really made for each other, then I wouldn’t have to be told that they are.
The more that I’m told, the less I actually believe it, and this special comes nowhere close to making me believe it.
Instead of showing me that they should be together, all this special does is find any contrived situation it can to force them to interact, without realizing that all it’s doing is proving that they shouldn’t be together specifically because the interaction needs to be forced. If Adrienette was a ship I wanted to consider worthy of being endgame, the special wouldn’t need to shove them together needlessly.
It wouldn’t need to have their airplane seats happen to be right next to each other.
It wouldn’t need them to happen to wake up before everyone else to watch the clouds.
It wouldn’t need the two sets of automatic doors to stop working to trap them in the area in-between, twice.
It wouldn’t need them to happen to stumble into the same room together so someone can comment on how they’re, again, “made for each other.”
It wouldn’t need the magic hot dog they eat to be the one that happens to send them up in the air so they can dance together.
And it especially wouldn’t need the contrived moments of Marinette accidentally forcing her seat back so Adrien falls on top of her, or the plane jostling at just the right time to force her against him, or her and Adrien touching hands (ala “Gamer”) before she looks away in embarrassment.
Heck, I don’t even like Adrien, but with how his and Kagami’s relationship seems to be going, I’m disgusted for him too when Nino is going full-force on trying to get Adrien to notice Marinette. Adrien has no idea that any of this is going on and is just being strung along with all of it, whereas Marinette is stuck along for the ride whether she likes it or not.
People can have whatever opinion of Lukanette they want, but one person who didn’t make things worse for her was Luka himself. He shows up briefly in the opening, giving her a ride on his bike to catch up with the bus that’s taking the class to the airport. When Marinette worries that they won’t make it, Luka insists that they will because he knows how important the trip is for her. Marinette asks if he’s referring to Adrien and nervously tries to insists that she and Adrien are just friends and that’s all she sees Adrien as.
But Luka doesn’t mock her, nor laugh at her for it, because he doesn’t have to and he gets it. Unlike people who constantly try to force Marinette’s hand, Luka lets her figure things out on her own.
And when they finally come to a stop next to the bus, he doesn’t put any emphasis on Adrien. All he tells Marinette is that the importance of the trip is for her to get some clarity.
That is the closest thing to what I wanted (and just emphasizes how much I adore Luka and how refreshing his interactions with Marinette are), but it’s the farthest thing from what she actually gets.
How am I supposed to believe that Marinette and Adrien have a genuine relationship deserving of endgame when her feelings are constantly being forced in one direction? How am I supposed to believe anything about them when it’s not natural? How am I supposed to believe that this is the couple that’s “made for each other” when the show is so desperate to make me believe it that they’ll say it outright?
Because, obviously, I don’t believe any of that, and all this special has done is make my disdain for the love square even stronger.
That’s a failing grade if I’ve ever seen one. What a waste.
381 notes · View notes
seoulnotes · 4 years
Text
New Year’s Kiss — jjk
Tumblr media
⇢ Pairing ; jungkook , reader (y/n)
⇢ Genre ; fluff fluff fluff, jungkook is a frat boy oops meets you who is trying to hide out at his party and maybe you share a new year’s kiss
⇢ Words ; 904
A/N ; this is a part of a 7 part blurb series, all under the storyline of a new year’s kiss for every member. this is the last part, the rest have been posted, some will be longer, some shorter depending on what I have for each blurb. 
you can find the rest at this link :)
Tumblr media
Nursing your drink, a lame solo cup filled with trashy, cheap beer, at a frat party was not how you had imagined you’d spend your New Year’s Eve. Somewhere in the background, there was a TV playing the countdown to the ball drop at Times Square signaling the new year. 
You were probably going to pop a bottle of champagne, drink it yourself,  and watch that from the comfort of your shared apartment, but your roommate, Leah, insisted it would be better to be at a New Year’s Eve party and celebrate instead, dragging you along. 
You were too damn socially inactive to join her game of beer pong with a bunch of people you barely knew the names of so you disappeared and found a nice, quiet balcony off a room that was open towards the back of the house.
It probably was someone’s bedroom, but the door was open in your defense.
“You know this could be considered trespassing right?”
A voice sounded from a few feet behind you and you froze, reminding yourself that the door was indeed open and no one had even stopped you from entering the second floor where frat parties usually restricted access.
You usually wouldn’t have the courage, but instead, you turned, facing Jungkook, one of the people you did know the name of. His arms crossed over his chest, a bottle of champagne in one hand.
“Sorry, the door was open and no one really stopped me from coming to the second floor,” you said sheepishly.
“Nah, I’m just messing with you.” He smiled, leaning against the door to the balcony. “Why are you here though? It’s like half an hour away from 12.”
“It’s your classic case of someone brought me here, but I’m not really a people person.” You shrugged. “Why are you here? You’re hosting this thing.”
He jutted a finger at you with a joking accusation. “Correction, my frat is holding the party. I am simply a member of said organization.” A pause, considering whether to explain his own situation to you. “Sometimes, these get overwhelming and I just take breaks. Also, it’s about to get way more overwhelming when it hits 12 so I left before that could happen.”
“Well, I am about to wait out the night here.”
“Why not go somewhere much more exciting?” He suggested, a daring smile on his lips.
“Like…?” You dragged out; although, definitely not seeing what had broken you out of your usual unsociable self.
“Like counting down to the new year on the rooftop, one of the most peaceful places at a party,” he finished and then disappeared into the room.
You reluctantly followed.
“I don’t suppose you actually want to climb out that window and onto the roof.” You released a laugh that proved all your nervousness.
“Indeed I am,” he opened the window and the sill behind it. Then climbed through, turning around with a charming smile and a hand your way. An invitation to join him.
“I don’t know about this,” you hesitated.
“Come on,” he said, a hint of tease in his tone. 
You grabbed onto his hand and carefully climbed through the window, feet landing onto another rooftop that came from the first floor.
“The plan is to wait until midnight, here, by myself, and then pop this champagne, but I guess I have room for another,” he glanced at you from the rooftop where he was now sprawled out, arms beneath his head.
“I guess since you have formally allowed me to join you, I must stay,” you feigned a sigh and rolled your eyes only for a quick smile to slip through your guise.
In the next half hour, you and Jungkook had sparked up a conversation, talking about your majors, hobbies, anything, and seemingly everything about yourselves.
The only thing that broke the conversation had been a loud countdown from ten that had begun below.
“It’s time,” Jungkook sat up, hand working on the champagne and twisting the cap off.
“3, 2, 1,” you both counted, smiling, ready to welcome the new year.
Jungkook gave the champagne bottle a shake which you automatically objected to and then popped the cork where it flew to god knows where.
You laughed as the champagne overflowed, spraying in your direction as Jungkook had angled it. Your hair now dampened from the champagne as you took the last chance as the champagne still was fizzing out of the bottle to tilt it towards him.
Silence settled in the air, where your chests heaved slightly from laughing, and Jungkook locked your gaze. There was a twinkle in his eyes that had your stomach doing flip-flops and you didn’t stop him as his hands reached the sides of your face and he pulled you into a kiss.
In the first second, your brain couldn’t process it. In the next second, you’d realized his lips were on yours, soft and gentle, then you kissed back. Your eyes fluttered shut and your hands automatically moved to the back of his neck, pulling him just a bit closer.
It was short and sweet, but when he pulled away, a smile formed on your lips as your fingers grazed them as if asking yourself, did you just do that?
You usually didn’t kiss someone who was most definitely your acquaintance, but I guess tonight was just full of surprises you didn’t expect from yourself.
Tumblr media
174 notes · View notes
dirtyoatmeall · 4 years
Text
Bokuto’s Cool Sister (Tsukishima Kei x Reader)
A/N: Here is an actual fic! I have a list of shit to write I’m slowly working through, next will either be more head canons or a one shot. I’m re-watching AOT rn to get caught up with the new season so sorry about being absent! Luv u guys a lot
Pairing: Tsukishima x Bokuto sibling reader (No pronouns or gendered language used toward reader, not referred to as sister just used for title purposes), Bokuto x Akaashi, Kenma x Kuroo
Word Count: 2k! (longest ever!)
Warnings: Mentions of underage drinking (everyone at least 20), mentions of secs
~~~
You groaned as you neared the door to your apartment, seeing that the door was not cracked open a little for you to nudge open like you had asked your brother to do as you pulled into the complex. You remember him vaguely mentioning friends coming over, and you can hear music faintly coming from the apartment, but he always checks his phone, especially when you're coming from the store. 
You try to balance the milk on your knee to open the door, and just as you think you have it, the door doesn’t budge. You close your eyes and take a deep breath. Your brother never locks the doors, why would he now? His car is in the parking lot and you can hear noise inside, so he’s home. Instead of putting groceries on the ground and fishing your keys out of your purse like a normal person, you make the decision to kick the door, not very hard, but hard enough to be heard in the apartment. 
“Kou! Why is the door locked? Will you come open it for me, I have groceries!” You can hear your brother tumbling towards the door, apologies flying out of his mouth a mile a minute. The door swings open, revealing your brother, grimace on his face. “Sorry! I totally forgot you were at the store, I think ‘Kaashi might’ve locked it.” You sighed, not being able to stay mad at your brother’s friend. 
You walk in, jerking your head in the general direction of the parking lot, “I have some more in my car, can you go grab it?” He nods, grabbing his key ring and jogging out. Both of you had the spare key to each other’s cars, which turned out to be more convenient then you originally thought. 
You move toward the kitchen, yelling out a greeting to your brother’s boyfriend. “Akaashi! Next time you come over to fuck my brother let me know before so I can have my keys out, or just leave the door unlocked and go in his room!” You had a joking, yet scolding tone of voice, imagining his flustered state at your words. What you did not expect, was a hyena-like laugh to come from the direction of the living room. You were almost positive your brother said Akaashi was here. 
You place the groceries on the counter and make your way to the living room, freezing in the doorway. Akaashi was there, but so were 3 other people. Akaashi was red, shaking his head that was resting in his palms. There was someone playing on a gaming console on the couch who had their legs thrown over the lap of the laughing one, and one on the other couch, tall and blonde, who looked weirdly familiar, who had a faint smirk on their face. You grimace, you didn’t realize your brother had actual friends over, he usually just meant Akaashi or the occasionally Hinata. “Oops sorry ‘Kaashi, didn't know Kou was having other people over.”
He lifted his head, face still slightly flushed and smiled. “It’s fine (Y/N)-san, do you need help with the groceries?” You shook your head, pointing behind you in the direction of the kitchen, where you could hear your brother rummaging around. “Nah, I made Koutaro get the rest. If you guys are staying for dinner let me know and I’ll make something instead of making him go to the food truck for me. By the way, who are the rest of you? I literally thought Kou was lying about having friends.” 
The blonde one snorted, you narrowed your eyes slightly, he looked so familiar, you just couldn’t quite place it. The one playing the console seemed familiar too, you think you might’ve seen him on Twitter. The only one you didn’t recognize was the first to speak. “I’m Kuroo Tetsuro, we all played volleyball together in high school, I’m surprised he hasn’t talked about us before.” 
You nod in understanding, “Oh so that’s where. I’m sure he has, I just probably wasn’t paying attention to what he was saying. I mean you guys seem kinda familiar, more the other two than you, were you like benched a lot?” The quiet one next to him looks up to see his reaction and snorts at the disbelief on Kuroo’s face. “Yeah, Kuro wasn’t very good.” The half blonde says, giggling softly as Kuroo gasps and yells at him. “Kenma!” He turns to you, “I was the captain and a very good player actually.” You laugh as Kenma behind him makes a face that says ‘That’s what you think.’ Before Kuroo could whine some more, Akaashi speaks.
“Kenma-san is a YouTuber, which is probably where you’ve seen him. He and Kuroo-san played for Nekoma, I’m surprised you didn’t remember them from that, you remembered Lev-san.” Kenma actually laughs at that, and Kuroo is pouting as Akaashi continues, a cheeky smile on his face that told you he purposefully sprinkled that last little tidbit in. 
“Tsukishima-san, aren’t you a museum-studies major?” The blonde on the loveseat across from the other three nods, and you snap your fingers, finally realizing where you know him from. “Oh, that makes sense! I think we’ve had a class or two together. I’m an archaeology major.” Tsukishima’s eyebrows raise in surprise, but before he could speak, your brother finally comes in from the kitchen.
“(Y/NNNNN), I put everything away, we were going to go to Onigiri Miya tonight, wanna come?” You nod and swat at his had when he ruffles your hair before plopping down to his boyfriend. You go to leave your brother and his friends, taking one last glance at Tsukishima, who seemed to have the same idea, he averted his eyes the moment yours met, and you smirked to yourself on the way to the kitchen to re-put away the groceries. You loved your brother, but he definitely did not know where to put things, your thought validified as you pull the eggs from the pantry, switching it with the instant ramen packets in the fridge. Good thing he was a great volleyball player. ` Later that night, you join the boys for dinner at Onigiri Miya. You take two separate cars, you driving your brother and Akaashi and Kuroo driving Kenma and Tsukishima. Kuroo made a joke about racing there, which you took as a personal challenge, much to the dismay of Akaashi. You would’ve won too, but you had to pull over to kick Koutaro in the backseat for playing Nickelback. He buys your food as an apology, and Kuroo’s food because he won (you venomed him later for your share of food, which he promptly venomed back to you with angry faces in the description.). The 6 of you sat in a corner booth, you were sandwiched between Akaashi and Tsukkishima with Kuroo between your brother and Kenma on the other side.
The table was loud with jokes, laughing, and yelling as everyone ate their meals. You snuck drinks of ‘Akaashi’s’ margarita when the waitress wasn’t looking (You were 20 and Akaashi submits to peer pressure from you easily). “(Y/N), are you not 21 yet?” Kuroo asked as he watched you nudge the drink toward Akaashi as the waitress talked to the other table. You turned to Kuroo, cheeks just barely flushed. “Hm? Oh no I’m not, I’m two years younger than you guys, I turn 21 in a few months.” 
Kuroo hummed in understanding and got a suspiciously mischievous look on his face. “Oh, you’re the same age as Tsukkishima, and you guys have similar majors, how interesting” Your eyebrows furrow and you snort. “So do over a thousand other people Kuroo, its not a super niche subject.” You turn to Tsukkishima and continue, “Hm I didn’t realize we were in the same year, I thought you were older, must be your grumpy grandpa like disposition.” Akaashi explained what disposition meant to your brother and Kuroo snickered before he was shut down by Kenma, who has been doing an excellent job of roasting Kuroo at every chance he gets. “You laugh like everyone doesn’t call you old man behind your back.” 
You laughed for the umpth time that night, Tsukishima watching you, he could really see the sibling resemblance when you laughed. You throw your head back and laugh loudly, from your gut much like your brother. Tsukishima looks away from you, catching Kuroos eye in the process, the blonde rolls his eyes at the smirk on Kuroos face. Out of the 5 of them, he was the only one not in a relationship and Kuroo has been trying to set him up since Bokuto and Akaashi finally got together at Akaashi’s graduation. 
Tsukishima looks at you again, watching you take a sip of the margarita, and subsequently watches it almost come out of your nose as you laugh at something Akaashi said to Bokuto, clutching the former's shoulder, hand over your nose. There was no doubt that you were pretty, and you did have similar interests. His thoughts were interrupted by you turning to him, knee-knocking against his thigh. “Have you taken Anth 267?” He nods “I took it last quarter.” He replies and watches you sigh in relief. “Oh thank god, I’m having trouble meeting her insane essay expectations. I usually have ‘Kaashi read through mine but would it be ok if I sent them to you? Or at least bounced topics off you?” When he agrees you smile, unlocking your phone and sliding it towards him, a new contact open. “Oh great, here, why don’t you put your number in?” As he fills it out, his eyes involuntarily flit to the text message appearing at the top of your screen. From: That Sunny Bitch
Ew you think Tsukki’s hot? He’s a good volleyball player but he was a meanie in high school 😝
He held back the urge to smirk. That must be Hinata based on the name. He quickly finished the contact and gave your phone back before giving his to you, and you quickly typed in your contact info, as well as snapping a quick contact photo. It was super close to your face with your tongue out, a good tell of your personality. You give his phone back and the two of you talk more about school and classes before everyone gets ready to leave. 
Your brother stands up first, and you take advantage of his large frame and chug the rest of the margarita down, smiling big at Akaashi who chastises you about drinking it so fast. You all wave to Osamu as you leave, and before Tsukishima can get to Kuroo’s car, he turns to the group, smirking. “I've got to run Kenma by our apartment to grab his charger, we’ll meet you guys.” You nod, handing your keys to Akaashi and turn to Tsukishima. “You can sit in the back with me Tsukishima!” Though you might be promoted to passenger if Bokuto makes bad music choices again.” You glare at your brother as you finish the sentence, and he whines about how his taste ‘isn’t that bad!’ 
The car ride back to your apartment is short, and you spend it chatting with Tsukki, as you’re now allowed to call him, and you spend the rest of the night with the boys, playing games and watching movies until early morning. Kuroo and Kenma leave first, and Kenma made your night when he looked you in the eye and said goodbye. Tsukki left about an hour later, his roommate picked him up. Akaashi ended up staying over, and you were glad your bedroom was on the other side of the apartment from your brother’s. You fell into bed content with the day, happy you were able to meet your brother’s friends.
You awoke mid-day, and you browsed your notifications before dropping your phone on your bed when you read one text message, heat spreading over your cheeks. You definitely do not remember changing his contact name.
From: Hot classmate Tsukki
Hey, how about we go over your essay over some coffee tonight?
212 notes · View notes
keiwritesstuff · 3 years
Text
Hopeless
Ishikawa Yuki AU
Summary : When the pieces started to fall together, she knew she had no choice but to let him go.
Genre :  slice of life, angst
Notes :  long.  Self-indulgent. 3rd person POV. Not sure if I got the characterization  right. I wrote this all in one night. Not proofread, so there might be  misspelled words and grammatical errors. Based on a prompt. Best read on pc/laptop/browser (if you’re on your phone), since the layout changes when it’s read/opened on the phone tumblr app.
When did she start noticing it?
Was is sometime after their relationship reached the eighth month?
Or was it when he started showing strange signs or started doing things that were very much unlikely for him to do?
                                                         +++
Even before they started dating, when they were just friends, Yuki had always listened. Whether she’s venting, or just simply talking about how her day was; he would always, always listen.
And so, when she caught him staring into space that day, just as she was   talking about her thoughts on one of the matches she recently watched, she felt a little odd.
“Are you okay?” she asked.
He shook his head lightly. “I’m just a little bit exhausted. I stayed up watching the team’s past matches. For reference.”
She chuckled. That sounds just like him. Always finding opportunities to   improve. He never thought of anything or anyone lightly. He always believes that there is always something new to learn from everyone regardless of age and experience.
She gave him a little smile and brushed her fingers lightly against his cheek. “You’ll do well. Your teammates got your back. You know that, right?”
He nodded.
And she brushed off the odd feeling. Yuki was just being…. Yuki.
_________________________________________________________
On  their date the following week, Yuki suggested that they go to their usual place for dinner; a restaurant with tatami rooms for private dining, surrounded by luxurious green landscaping to cater to the demands of the many wealthy patrons who frequent the restaurant. She’s not used to at all, since she grew up in an ordinary, middle-class family, but the food is heavenly, and the restaurant provides a safe space for the both of them to spend some time together.
Yuki was reading the menu, seeming unsure of what he would have that evening.  He was probably being cautious of his diet, she thought.
“I think I’ll have the usual.” she spoke first while Yuki was still scanning the menu. It’s the same food that she always had every time they went to the restaurant. Yuki was the one who suggested it when he first brought her to this restaurant, and she was teased a lot by him for not wanting to try anything else other than that particular menu, to the extent where he no longer needed to ask her what she would have whenever they go to this place for a meal.
She stifled a laughter when she remembered how Yuki used to tease her all   the time about it, how he used to attempt to steal her food and cutely asked her to finish the tomatoes in his plate, and how they often argued about the secret ingredients in the menu. This restaurant held all those memories.
She was happily smiling at the thought, until Yuki asked,
“Hold on… which one is it again?”
_________________________________________________________
Two weeks.
They didn’t see each other for two weeks after that last date. Yuki had a busy schedule, filled with practice, meetings, interviews and photoshoots. It wasn’t the first time they couldn’t see each other for a long period of time.
But it was the first time that Yuki couldn’t respond to a lot of her calls.
She was probably calling at the wrong time. His schedule usually ends at 10 p.m, but he must’ve had extended meetings with his manager after that. Or he just wanted to rest. After all, not all of her calls were left unanswered. He did answer some of it. And as she suspected, he was just exhausted. Of course he was. After all, he was the team’s ace.
She understood her position. She understood his as well. This is as normal as their relationship would allow. Who he is… does not allow them to  have what other couples have. They could not have that stroll at a park under the cherry blossom trees. They could not have those cheesy movie dates. They could not even go to the beach to watch the sun set, since there is a high risk of fans and paparazzi finding him.
Regardless, she was content. She loves him, and she would go above and beyond to  make sure his career is not jeopardized by their relationship in any   way, even if it means that she could not eat sundaes on broad daylight with Yuki.
                                                           +++
[Hey, how was your day? How was practice?]
She texted him.
[It was good.]
Came his reply.
[Did you have fun? Is Takahashi still messing with you since that day you accidentally ate his bread? Haha]
He responded,
[No, not really.]
Strange. It wasn’t like him to give that kind of replies. He usually would talk a  lot, even in his texts. He would vent about how his teammates kept teasing him for being so popular, or how much he wanted to eat greasy, deep-fried food.
This time, it was really strange.
[Hey.. are you alright?]
She hit ‘send’.
Two minutes later, a reply came.
[Yeah. Just dead tired. I’ll talk to you later, okay? I’m going to bed. Good night.]
_________________________________________________________
This went on for a week more. The short replies, the unanswered calls, the brief conversations. To say that she was not upset was clearly a lie, since things weren’t like that before. And it’s not like he didn’t respond to her calls and texts AT ALL. He did. It’s just that.. it has become somehow different.
Or was she the one who became strange? Has she become… clingy? Could it just be her mind playing tricks on her? Or perhaps… this is what to be expected when one is dating a famous athlete?
Then again, beggars can’t be choosers.
She should be more understanding of his job. She should be supportive. There are things that she herself has not understood yet about how the industry works and she’s sure that Yuki already has a lot on his plate. He isn’t just an athlete. He is an ambassador, a representative, and to an extent, an idol to many.
She shouldn’t ask too much of him.
_________________________________________________________
It  was on one Friday morning where she had to call in sick after waking up in  shock, immediately running to the toilet and vomiting. She knew right away that she caught a high fever.
Has she not been taking care of her health lately? Was she stressed at work?
Overthinking?
Regardless,  with shaking hands, and with the little consciousness she had left, she left a voice message for a close friend. She had promised him that she’d join him in a co-op expedition on Monster Hunter later that night.
“Hey, Yuji.. I can’t join you tonight.. high fever.. Need to rest. Sorry.. I’ll join you some other time, okay?”
With that, she hung up, mustered as much strength as she could, pulled up the covers and fell into an uneasy sleep.
                                                         +++
She was awoken by the sound of plates being handled. Her eyes shot open.
Burglar?
Terrified,  she turned around slowly, only to breathe out a sigh of relief when she  saw the person in her house. She had forgotten that she gave him the  spare keys to her house.
“Gosh..Yuki.. You scared me..”
“Oh, hey, you’re awake.” he replied, arranging something on the kitchen counter.
“W..what  time is it? How long have I been sleeping?” her hand roamed around for  her phone. She found it and checked the time. To her surprise, she was  out cold for a good seven hours and it’s already 3 in the evening. She  groaned. Her whole body still felt heavy, but that sleep was very much  needed.
“Are you alright?”
Yuki came to her and sat next to her on the bed.
On his lap, was a bowl of soup.
She stared at the bowl, and then.. at her boyfriend.
“Did you come here and….cook?”
“Yes..?  And.. I know you’re sick and all, but how come I only found out about it from Nishida? Why didn’t you call me?” he asked out of sheer curiosity while helping her to sit up straight. She remembered the phone call this morning.  “Oh.. I told him I couldn’t join our gaming session tonight.. he needed help taking down a boss. I didn’t have much strength to call anyone after that.”
“Taking down a boss..? Is it that important? You guys are ridiculous.” he teased.
She let out a weak chuckle. “Hey, Shara Ishvalda is not ridiculous. What’s ridiculous is you, suddenly showing up in my place after God knows how long we haven’t properly talked to each other.”
She meant is as a joke, but despite the fever flowing painfully in her veins and biting painfully at her joints, she could still notice the change in his expression. Oops. Did she say something wrong?
“I understand you’re busy. I shouldn’t ask too much of you.” she added, but  Yuki was silent. The expression on his face was unreadable.
Was  he upset?  What exactly happened to him lately? Is he exhausted?   Stressed? What is he hiding from her? Was something bothering him? Was it work?
Was it guilt?
Her thoughts were cut off when Yuki handed her a spoon. “I hope it tastes okay.” he spoke.
“Well... unfortunately, my tongue is currently deprived of its senses… and therefore, I deem your soup…”
She took a sip and imitated Gordon Ramsey’s face expression as best as she could,  “…mediocre in terms of its taste.”
Her attempt to lighten up the mood worked.
Yuki was laughing softly.
Ah, there he was. Her Yuki.
The person who had made her heart pound like a  drum, the man who  often put others before him, the man who made her realize just how much she could love someone. She hasn’t seen that smile for such a long time. She missed that smile.
She missed him.
All  she could do was stare at the man in front of her. With trembling fingers, she touched his cheek. “I missed this, Yuki. I missed you.” she said meekly. He took her hand in his own, but was silent for some time before saying,
“I’m here.”
“I know you’re busy. I know people expect a lot from you. I know you tend to carry the burden all on your own. I respect that. But-- I also  want you to know that if you need any help, all of us are here for you. Me, your teammates, your family.. I want you to always remember that  you---”
Yuki’s phone on the night stand vibrated, signalling an incoming call.
Yuki immediately answered the phone call and walked towards the kitchen, where she couldn’t hear him.
It  was a short phone call. After it ended, Yuki went back to sit next to her on the bed. But this time, she could no longer form any words.
As  much as she was surprised that she was interrupted mid-conversation,   she couldn’t stop the chills that ran down her spine. Immediately, that feverish burn in her veins was replaced by something much, much more agonizing, and she could feel blood rushing to her head, trying to make sense of what she had seen.
She saw the caller ID, and she knew who it was.
She knew that name. She noticed that Yuki probably didn’t realize that she had already seen it, considering how he was trying to act normal after that phone call, but somehow… just somehow…
Everything started to fall into place. Everything started to make sense.
_________________________________________________________
Of  all Yuki’s friends and teammates, only a few had personally known her.  She had grown close to Yuji after she and Yuki started dating (especially when he found out both of them loved games), and Takahashi texts her every now and then, spilling tea about the things her boyfriend do during training, and sometimes sent her pictures of young Yuki because he absolutely loved it when she teased Yuki about it.
Masa, though, is the only one who knew her way before she met Yuki. In fact, he was the reason they met in the first place. She and Masa coincidentally shared the same social circle, and their passion and interest in volleyball and manga made them friends.
When  Masa heard her voice over the phone in all seriousness, he knew   something had definitely happened. She was not the type who talks about what happens in her relationship to others. She had always tried to resolve any conflicts on her own first. It was her way of protecting herself and Yuki.
When she had finished talking, he became silent, mainly due to shock and disbelief. Several things were running through his mind. What was Yuki doing? Has that boy lost his mind?
“Or maybe I’m the one overthinking? I’m not sure what to think of anymore, Masa.” she spoke. She wanted to believe that she was indeed overthinking. That she saw wrong. That everything happened was either just a coincidence or just Yuki feeling exhausted because of work. She wanted to believe in Yuki.
But it was hard. It was hard when the pieces just somehow…fit together.
“Hey,  I’ll try and talk to him somehow and find out what’s going on. You should try to calm down and save your worries for later, okay?” he assured her.
They  had been friends for a long time. She knew she could count on him.   Plus, Yuki had always looked up to Masa. If there is anyone in the team who could get Yuki to talk about his feelings and thoughts in all honesty, it would definitely be Masa. She trusts him.
She trusts his judgment.
She wished she didn’t.
Because four days later, she received a phone call from Masa, confirming all her worst fears.
_________________________________________________________ 
Other than the restaurant, they have another secret spot where they could meet without the prying eyes of others.
It  was at a small, empty playground on the hills. During daytime, the place would be crowded with children and the elderly who found the place suitable for walks and light jogs. At night, the playground is completely silent due to its not-so-close distance from the nearest neighborhood, and because of it’s location on the hills, the playground is a lot colder and eerier at night.
It was ideal enough for Yuki and her. They would sit on the swings and talk about many things while looking at the view from the hills. On colder nights, they would stay in his car, eating snacks and enjoy each other’s company. She was happy enough to have him next to her, healthy and smiling. She couldn’t ask for more.
This  time, however, when she looked at him as he got out of his car and   walked towards her, she knew that she will no longer be able to even ask  for anything more.
“Hey,” she started.
“Hey,” he replied the same.
No hugs. No kisses.
It had really dawned on her that everything was ending right there and then.
Where do they start?
Where do things start to end?
Can it end quickly?
It’s starting to feel really, really painful.
She looked at him. Stared at him. His eyes, that see the best in everyone.  His nose, that he loves to scrunch. His lips.. that had showered her with soft kisses. His hands... that had given her warmth for so many times.
How did things turn out this way?
But  she knew she had to do it. It had to be done. What’s the use of a having a relationship if only one of them is committed to it?
“You know I’m breaking up with you, right?”
The words unexpectedly came out smoothly. She didn’t know she could be so… composed.
Inside, however, she felt as if every inch of her was slashed with a knife.
It seemed that he had already anticipated it. She could read the expression he wore on his face.
“It’s her, isn’t it?” she asked.
He paused for some time. And lightly nodded.
She  stared at the view. The city used to look so vibrant from where they were. Now, it just looks like random lights piling on top of each other.
It’s making her dizzy.
She turned around to face the other way.
Calm down. Calm down.
“I figured it out early on.” she added.
She heard Yuki taking a deep breath. He didn’t look at her.
Guilt.
He was about to say her name, but she was quick to stop him. “No. Don’t. Don’t apologize. I don’t want to hear it. I don’t..need to hear it. I already know you’re sorry, Yuki.”
Don’t call my name. This is already hard . If you call my name, I’m not sure if I would be able to let you go.
“Instead  of saying you’re sorry… I just hope that you would treat her better.   Treat her nicely. Appreciate her. Respect her. Make things work, no matter what happens.”
Yuki stayed silent, and she continued,
“I realized that it is no use holding on to you, on this relationship, when it’s obvious that your heart is clearly with someone else.”
Breathe. It is for the best. Breathe.
“And  so, Ishikawa Yuki… I release you from this bond.” she spoke. Her lips formed a little smile, attempting to diffuse the heavy tension in the air. Yuki could only stare at her, wondering how could she stay cheerful despite  knowing what he had done. He was amazed at how calm and level-headed she  was at that moment despite the obvious pain in her voice.
“So..  you should go now. Tell her that we broke it off. Assure her, and yourself, that we ended things on good terms. And move on, Yuki. I will move on as well.”  she spoke again, giving him a light push on the shoulder.
Go. Please, just go.
“I… I can’t just leave you here.” he finally spoke.
“I won’t be here all night, silly. My car is right there, and  I have work tomorrow.” she chuckled.
Breathe. Breathe. Just… breathe.
Their eyes met for the last time, and with a strain in his voice, Yuki finally said, “Thank you. For everything.”
She forced a smile.
It  felt like an eternity. When will this end?
She smiled, almost bitterly.  “Go.” she insisted.
And he did. She watched his back as he walked away. She watched him as he got into his car. And she waved her hand lightly as he drove off.
Breathe.
However,  as soon as his car was out of sight, her knees buckled, and she knelt on the the ground. Biting her hand, she tried to stifle her cry as much as she could as she could no longer stop the tears streaming down her face.
It hurts. It hurts!
Help me. Anyone. Please. It hurts..
Please stop this pain.
How did things turn out this way? What did she do wrong? What exactly went wrong? What could’ve she done better?
Did she not love him enough?
Why couldn’t he give her his heart?
What did she do wrong?
What did she do wrong?
What did she---
“Hey.” a voice came from behind her and she looked up in shock.
“M…Masa?”
Masa read her tear-stained face as he knelt next to her. “He told me this   afternoon that he was meeting you here tonight. I told him to come clean about the whole thing.” he spoke as he took out a handkerchief and handed it to her.
“God, you’re a mess.”
“S…shut  up and let me grieve.” she managed to retort in between sobs. The tears haven’t stopped. How could they when she had held them back for so  long?
“Alright, alright.” Masa calmly spoke and sat next to her on the ground. She looked at him as if he was insane.
“C..Can’t a girl cry alone?” she stifled another cry.
“In  this place? Gosh, no. What if a couple comes here to have a good time and suddenly saw a girl crying on the ground? Good Lord, you’re going to scare the living daylights out of some poor souls. Have mercy on them, will you?”
She knew he didn’t mean it. She knew he meant well, judging from the hand on her shoulder that hasn’t left since he sat down.
She  clicked her tongue as a joke. Words have seemed to fail her by now. She  wasn’t sure what to do next. The love of her life has left her. What  will she do now? How will she move on? Can she move on to begin with?
The thought alone scared her, and she found herself sobbing uncontrollably again.
“I..loved him, Masa.. but.. it wasn’t enough…”
She  felt him pull her closer and she felt his hand gently guiding her head to lean on his shoulder. “Here, I’ll lend you my shoulder. The first 30 minutes is   free. After that, you will be charged 500 yen per minute.”
She chuckled a little, but said nothing further. She let herself cry as much as she wanted to on his shoulder, the handkerchief was no longer of use at that point. His jacket was stained by her tears, but he made no noticeable expression of discomfort. He had been such a great friend despite his mean jokes, and she appreciated his presence next to her. She wasn’t sure what she could’ve done if Masa wasn’t there. Probably something really, really stupid and reckless.
                                                   +++
She woke up the next morning in a mess. She felt horrible, her eyes were still swollen, and her head felt unbelievably heavy.
Nevertheless, she woke up.
Just then, she received text messages. They’re from Nishida and Takahashi.
[Good  morning! I heard from Masa-san that you and Yuki-san broke up. No   worries! Let’s take down another boss tonight! I’ll let you curse as   much as you want!]
[Mornin’! Hey, look at this silly photo of Nishida.]
She  looked at the photo Takahashi sent. Yuji was getting hit by a ball while he was tying his shoelace. It was a bit blurry, but Yuji’s expression was definitely silly. She chuckled.
It turned out that Masa really didn’t waste any time to spread the news. Well, it’s better if  everyone knew. It would save her from many awkward moments in the future.
And then came another text. This time, it’s from Masa.
[Oi, good morning. How are you feeling?]
She chuckled. She felt a slight warmth from the text messages.
[I feel like shit]
[Of  course you do. I would be surprised if you suddenly said you’re fine, especially after what you put my jacket through last night. I found dried snot on it this morning.]
She unexpectedly laughed out loud.
[I’ll buy you another one. Sheesh.]
She managed to smile a little more.
She still wasn’t so sure how she was going to move on, but she will take the first step.
And she got up.
74 notes · View notes
Text
What happens in New York... Part 5 - Birthday Boy
Pairing: Sebastian Stan x Anna (OFC)
Warnings: language, talk of sex, alcohol
Words: 3170
Summary: Anna’s event is almost over and it is a complete success. It still tales a little convincing from her assistans Sandra, but Anna finally decides to join Sebastian at his birthday party at some club. She allowes herself to give in to her feelings for him and it is getting steamy pretty quickly...
Previous chapters:  Part 1  Part 2  Part 3  Part 4
Tumblr media
It was getting late and a few guests had already left but there were still enough people that it was loud enough in the Grand Ballroom that you had to raise your voice when you weren’t able to catch a quiet corner or were standing or sitting quite close to your conversation partner. But Anna didn’t mind that because it meant everybody was having a good time.
It was well past 11 PM and Anna treated herself to her first glass of champagne of the night. She was standing next to Sandra who also had a glass in her hand. “To a great first event that couldn’t have gone any better, boss”, she said and clinked glasses with Anna. “Yes, it went well, didn’t it?”, she said with a bright smile and took a big sip of her drink. But the well-going of the party wasn’t the only thing Anna was smiling about.
About 1 hour ago… “Flowers for the pretty lady”, she heard a voice behind her and as she looked up, she found a single pedicel of paperwhites in front of her face. A surprised smile appeared on her face as she laid eyes on her favorite flowers. She took it out of the hand and turned around to face Sebastian.
“From all the flowers you could have ripped out of the bouquet, why this one?”, she asked curiously, trying eagerly to hold back that big smile that was about to creep up on her. “I don’t know, it just seemed right”, he shrugged his shoulders, his hands in the pockets of his dress pants. Anna bit down on her lip to still hold back the smile but he seemed to notice. “Was it a good choice?”, he asked with a cheeky grin. “You could say so”, she said as she twisted the flower between her fingers and looked down at it.
“Alright, give me your number, I’ll call you up when I’m done here”, she gave in and fished for her phone in the décolleté of her dress. “Whoa, what else have you got in there?”, he asked both surprised and amused. “Only what mother nature gave me”, she said as she scrolled threw her phone and clicked to create a new contact. “Oh, I’m well aware”, he said with a wink. “More typing, less talking”, she said and handed him her phone. With quick fingers he typed in his number and handed her back her phone. “I’m waiting for your call”, he said with a wink and now it was his turn to step closer and kiss her on the cheek as a temporary goodbye. He really hoped he would see her again tonight.
“What are you smiling about?”, Sandra pulled her out of her daydreaming. “The party, of course”, Anna said and quickly took another sip. “I know you love your work, but that was a boy-smile…You’re thinking about that Sebastian-guy, am I right?”, Sandra asked with a lowered voice and poked Annas ribs with her elbow. “I’m not”, Anna insisted, but couldn’t wipe that smile off her face. “Oh, yes you are! Look at yourself, you’re blushing”, Sandra said and started laughing. Anna instinctively reached up to touch her cheek with her free hand. “Come on, you know you want to tell me”, Sandra wiggled her eyebrows.
“He wants to meet up after I’m done here”, Anna finally admitted and felt her cheeks burning up. “Oh god, and what are you still doing here then?”, she asked with big eyes. “Hello? My work? I can’t leave before the Hastings did. Clarice would kill me if she found out”, Anna rolled her eyes. “Speaking of the devil”, Sandra mumbled and took a sip of her champagne, nodding to the front.
When Anna looked up, she saw the Hastings and her boss Clarice walk up to her. She quickly put her glass down on the nearby table and smoothened out the skirt of her dress. “Anna, darling, what a wonderful night. I can’t remember having such a wonderful time at my own charity”, Mrs. Hastings came over to give her little air kisses on each side of her face again. “I’m glad you had such a wonderful time, Mrs. Hastings”, Anna said with a nervous smile. “It was really a magnificent party. Well done”, Mr. Hastings said and congratulated Anna with a strong handshake. After a little polite chitchat, Mrs. Hastings kissed Anna again for goodbye and linked arms with her husband as they started to walk towards the exit.
“Come by my office on Monday and let’s talk about your performance tonight”, Clarice said and gave Anna a little kiss on one cheek before she left with the Hastings. “Oh my god”, Anna formed with her lips as she turned around to Sandra and she resisted the urge to jump up and down like teenagers. “I told you everything would go fine”, Sandra said with an I-told-you-so expression on her face, but you could see that she was hyped too.
“Oh god, this is so amazing, I could cry”, Anna said and felt her eyes getting wet. “Should I get us another glass?”, she asked instead and emptied hers with one big sip. “Are you kidding me?”, Sandra asked with big eyes. “Okay, then just for me”, Anna said a bit irritated and pulled up her eyebrows. “No, I mean, what are you still doing here?”, Sandra asked. Anna looked at her confused. “The Hastings are gone as well as Clarice. You should be in a cab right now, calling that hot guy where to meet up”, Sandra explained and took the glass out of Anna’s hand. “You’re right…you’re right”, Anna said and nodded her head in accordance with her words. “But the caterer and the band…”, Anna pointed towards the kitchen and the stage, where the band was still playing since they were booked until midnight.
“Don’t worry about it, I will take care of anything. Now go, get laid”, Sandra said and only resisted slapping Annas ass by still having a glass in each hand. “Sandra!”, Anna called out indignantly just to burst out laughing the next second. “Go!”, Sandra said and Anna finally got going. She kissed Sandra goodbye on her cheek, mumbled an embraced “Thank you” at her ear and almost ran out of the ballroom. She took the elevator up to the room where she had gotten ready in the afternoon and grabbed her purse. Sandra would take care of her clothes and bring them to her office on Monday.
While she rode back down to the lobby, she typed “I’m done here, where are you?”, into her phone. Just a few seconds later he texted her the address of a club Downtown. A big smile appeared on her face and her heart raced. She had butterflies in her stomach as she thought about seeing him again and couldn’t wait to finally get into a cab.
While she was on her way to the club, Anna opened up her ponytail and combed out the hairspray Gladys had used to fix everything. She knew how much Sebastian liked it when she wore her hair down. She put the little brush back into her purse and pulled out her cosmetic bag. Anna freshened up her make-up and was finished just as she arrived at the club. She paid the driver and got out.
Anna walked up to the bouncer and told him her name. Sebastian had texted her that he would put her on the list. With a nod towards another man at the entrance, he ticked her off the list and she was able to walk through the open doors.
It was almost midnight and the club was stacked with people. Anna had problems getting through the big crowd. She squeezed past people towards the back of the club where the booths were. She had to check in again with a bouncer and when he had ticked her off his list, she was finally able to get to the seating area. Her eyes wandered over the booths and spotted him before he saw her. The butterflies in her stomach were wide awake again. He had the top of his dress shirt unbuttoned and his jacket laid next to him on the big sofa.
Anna walked straight towards Sebastian and he stood up with a big smile as soon as he spotted her, so happy that she had actually come. Before he could even say something, her hands reached up to cup his face and pull it close for a deep, passionate kiss. His arms immediately wrapped around her waist and pulled her close. It took her a few seconds before she pulled back, her hands still on his face. “Happy Birthday”, she said and licked her lips. “It really is”, he said a bit out of breath.
“Uhm, those are my friends”, he said after a few moments and after realizing they were still at a club and not alone in his apartment. “Oops”, Anna said to him and turned around to face four surprised faces. “Guys, this is Anna”, Sebastian said and Anna leaned a little forward to shake everyone’s hand as Sebastian introduced them since they were sitting in a little booth-like corner. “We heard a lot about you”, a big, tall, muscled guy on the other end of the table said as she came to shake his hand, but she didn’t catch his name because it was too loud in here.
“Oh, I hope only good things”, she said and took a seat next to Sebastian, who immediately pulled her close and didn’t let go of her hand. “As if I could say anything bad about you”, Sebastian muttered at her ear and his breath tickled her neck. She turned her head to face him and got lost in his eyes again.
“I heard you had your first self-planned event tonight. How was it?”, the guy from before asked. “Yes, I did and it was really great. But I’m really glad it is over. Those were some stressful weeks”, Anna told him and rolled her eyes. “Yes, she was really stressed out, but I’m glad I was able to help her with that a bit”, Sebastian said and winked. Anna’s elbow hit his ribs and he coughed down a laugh. “So what do you guys do?”, Anna looked at Sebastians friends in a need to change the subject.
The small talk went on for a little while until a waiter came to take the next drink orders. “What do you want to drink? A Jack Daniels maybe?”, Sebastian asked with wiggling eyebrows. “Oh no, thanks. I always end up having sex with you when that drink is near me”, she said to him. “We’ll take two Jack Daniels”, Sebastian turned to the waiter and placed his order. “You’re so stupid”, she playfully slapped his shoulder. “But you like me”, he said with a big smile and it didn’t sound like a question. “Maybe, but for the sake of your birthday, let’s say I do”, she flirted with him and casually rested her hand on his thigh.
Their drinks came just a moment later and everybody raised their glasses for a toast. “To Sebastian, a great man, a great friend and a great actor. Happy Birthday, buddy!”, Don, his friend and personal trainer said. Anna was able to catch his name from the conversation before when one of the other guys asked him a question. “To Sebastian!”, everybody else joined in and took a sip of their drinks. “Oh, I’m gonna regret this tomorrow”, Anna said to herself as she felt the burning liquid pouring down her throat. She didn’t even like the drink itself but what it reminded her of.
“Hey, let’s go dance”, Anna said and got up. “I don’t know”, Sebastian shook his head. “Come on. I had to dance with you at my party, now you have to dance with me at your party”, Anna said to him and pulled on his hand to get him to stand up. “Yeah, but I don’t know how to move to that music”, he said and pointed up towards the boxes. “Oh, I see”, Anna said and nodded her head with a playful smile. “You’re afraid you can’t bring it out there”, she said and recreated his little speech from her charity event when he wanted to get her to dance with him.
“I see what you’re doing and it’s not going to work”, he called her out and pulled on her hand to get her to sit back down again. “But maybe this will”, she said and bent down to give him a deep kiss. “Let’s dance!”, Sebastian almost jumped up when Anna broke the kiss again which caused her to laugh out loud. He grabbed her hand and together they walked out of the booth area and downstairs to the dancefloor.
A remixed version of Ariana Grande’s Into You started playing. Anna had to smile about the song since she knew a bit of the lyrics from hearing it on the radio all the time. Sebastian led her to almost the middle of the dancefloor, surrounded by dozens of people. Anna immediately got hot, but maybe it was just Sebastian standing so close to her. His hands were on her hips and one of them started a little journey on its own.
Anna started moving to the beat of the music, feeling the vibrations of the bass wandering through her body. She looked up and met with Sebastians eyes that were completely focused on her. Her arms reached up and wrapped around his neck. It only took her a second to forget where she was and only saw him. Every move she made, every sway of her hips, every body-roll, she did it just for him. She wanted to turn him on and make him go crazy just as he made her crazy by just being so close to her, looking the way he did.
Anna turned around, took his arms and wrapped them around her waist from behind and moved with him. She stuck her ass out and pressed it against his pelvis, circling her hips. It looked like they almost had sex on the dancefloor. Normally, Anna would never act so over the top, so intimate with someone in public but they didn’t even had the chance to have some space between them even if they had wanted to because of all the people. But she lost herself in him in a way she had never experienced before with anyone.
She turned back around and looked up at his face. Anna couldn’t resist and got on her tiptoes to kiss him right there on the dancefloor. She put her arms around his neck again and deepened the kiss. She wanted more and more of him and there was only one way to get that.
“Let’s get out of here”, she said by his ear and had to scream to fight the loud music. Instead of answering her with words, he just started nodding heavily and made Anna laugh. They trudged their way through the crowd back to their booth so Anna could get her purse. “We’re leaving”, Sebastian said to his friends. “Yeah, we figured that. We saw you ‘dancing’”, Don said and made quotation marks in the air with his fingers. Sebastian rolled his eyes at him, but then said goodbye with a handshake to him and his friends. Anna waved in the round and they got going.
Outside, Anna was finally able to catch some fresh air. Only now she noticed how stifling the air was in the club. She took a few deep breaths as Sebastian tried to get a cab and just then she realized what she was about to do. She would have sex with him…again! And, oh boy, she couldn’t wait.
“Anna!”, he called her over and held the cab door open for her. He told the driver his address and the cab started to move as Anna intervened. “Please take us to 122nd and Manhattan, thank you”, she said and dropped back into her seat. Sebastian looked at her with a questioning look. “It’s my address…it’s closer”, she mumbled and blushed a bit.
He should be happy that she had just invited him to her apartment for the first time, but he only heard “Let’s have sex immediately”. Sebastian leaned over and started kissing her, he got really into it. “Sebastian, not here”, she pushed him back a little with a shy smile and looked to the front of the cab to check if the driver was watching them instead of the street. “Come on, I bet he has seen way more than two people kissing”, Sebastian tried to calm her. “Oh yes, I did”, the driver said from his seat.
The fact that he was listening and actually felt the need to join their conversation also convinced Sebastian to hold back until they arrived at Annas apartment. Sebastian paid the cab driver and as soon as the cab was gone, he was alone with Anna. Weirdly enough, nobody was around at the moment and it was just a bit over midnight on a Saturday night.
“So…”, Sebastian said and walked over to her. “So…”, she replied. “Are we moving this upstairs?”, he asked her as he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. “You are eager to see my apartment”, she said with a playful smile and wrapped her arms around his neck, her purse in one hand.
“Yeah, let’s say that and also I can’t wait to get my birthday present”, he winked at her with a smug smile. “Birthday present? It’s past midnight, your birthday is over. How long are you intending to ride the birthday train?”, she asked back. “As long as it takes to get you to ride the birthday boy”, he answered and Anna was surely surprised by his answer. Not because how direct it was but how accurate to what she was thinking.
“Okay, that was cheesy. Thank god I know you can do better or else I wouldn’t even take you upstairs”, Anna said and got out of Sebastians grip. She turned around to walk over to the buildings entrance and immediately felt Sebastian’s arms wrapped around her waist again, his mouth at her neck, kissing upwards to her ear.
“Can I please come up and see your apartment?”, he asked in the sweetest voice and placed further kisses on her neck and behind her ear as he waited for her answer. “That’s how you ask a girl”, Anna mumbled with closed eyes and bit down on her lip. She needed to take him up and into her apartment because she wouldn’t be able to hold back much longer. So, she took his hands off her waist and kept holding his hand with her left one as she dragged him behind her towards the apartment building.
38 notes · View notes
hotchscotchh · 3 years
Text
Reimagined; Chapter 4 - Benjamin Cyrus
I don’t think anyone is reading this any more so I’m tagging a few moots who I think might like it? If that’s not ok with y’all just let me know so I don’t do it again <3
Tumblr media
Pairing: Aaron Hotchner x Spencer Reid
Warnings: NSFW >:)
Word count: 2.4k oops
Summary: They take the next step.
Read on AO3
Chapter 3 ---- Chapter 5
Based on 4x3, Minimal Loss
Spencer couldn’t make himself feel anything but self-loathing in this moment. He knew that Emily didn’t blame him, she had made sure he knew that. He knew it wasn’t his fault. It was her decision to tell Cyrus that she was the FBI agent. That didn’t stop him from thinking “it should’ve been me. Why didn’t I step up first? I’m nothing but a goddamn coward-”
“Reid,” someone said, puling Spencer from his thoughts. He looked up to find Hotch suddenly in the seat across from him. He hadn’t noticed the ears streaking down his face until that moment. He hastily reached up to wipe them roughly from his warm, red cheeks. “Oh, Spence,” Hotch consoled, his eyes softening, stoic mask slipping away. “It’s okay. You’re here, you made it out.”
Aaron was obviously oblivious to the guilt that was rolling off of Spencer in big, crashing waves, which was unusual. Aaron was pretty damned good at profiling Spencer. Spencer looked away from him, more tears flooding in, trying to wipe them away before they fell.
“Oh,” Aaron realized, “that’s not it, is it? You know you can’t feel guilty; it wasn’t your fault-”
“Yes, Hotch, it was. And I can feel guilty. I could’ve, no, I should’ve stepped up first,” Spencer interrupted, his voice week, hands tracing anxious patterns on his thighs.
Aaron reached across the space between them and took Spencer’s hand in his. “Reid, you know there’s nothing you can do now. Look, Emily is fine. Maybe a little beaten up, but nothing she can’t handle. She’s alive, and that’s what matters. The only better outcome we could’ve had was you not getting held hostage at all. Nothing you could have done would have stopped it.”
Spencer just pouted and looked away again, appearing much like a petulant child, but Hotch wasn’t going to tell him that. Aaron let out a small laugh that he tried (not very effectively) to disguise as a cough. He took at deep breath and started speaking again. “It’s still Friday.”
Spencer looked at his watch and then back up at Aaron, the faintest hint of a smile on his face. “It is. I’d like to stop at a meeting first if you don’t mind.” Aaron nodded and pulled his hand away from Spencer’s, leaning back in his seat and looking out the window.
----
Spencer was exhausted when he came out of the little church his NA meetings were held in. When he got into Aaron’s car, the first thing he said was, “I’m not feeling up to a restaurant tonight. Can we just go back to my place?”
Aaron smiled. “I was thinking the exact same thing. I ordered a pizza.”
As he drove home, Aaron began thinking about the implications of tonight. Sure it was their first date, but they’ve known each other for five years now. There’s not much to learn about someone you’ve already spent so much time with. And, they’ve had a fairly intimate friendship for almost two years now. Was Spencer going to expect sex? He wouldn’t be opposed. He had also done some… research (which was mostly just watching porn) this past week. He thoroughly enjoyed that research, and was excited to put his newly found knowledge to use.
But he was also extremely nervous. This was Spencer. Spencer who was kind and caring and beautiful and everything he could ever ask for. Spencer who kissed him into oblivion on his couch a week ago. Where had the man learned to kiss so well? He’d never seen Spencer as virginal like the rest of the team tends to, but he had to have more experience than Hotch imagined to be able to kiss like that. That made him nervous too.
He shook the thoughts from his head as they pulled into Spencer’s apartment complex. Spencer was already holding the pizza, so he grabbed their go bags from the back seat and let Spencer lead the way. They’ve never done it this way before; Spencer usually comes to Aaron’s place.
When they got inside, Aaron had to try his absolute hardest to not profile the place. It was everything he had expected Spencer’s apartment to look like. The walls were an olive green, not much decoration on them except for his doctorate certificates, a few randomly placed pictures of his mother, and bookshelves, of course. In the living room was a couch, a lazy boy (that was definitely big enough for two, Aaron thought), a coffee table, another small table with folding chairs around it and a chess set on top, and on the wall opposite the couch set sat a short but long bookshelf with a small TV and an expansive DVD collection on top. It also had a bay window. He could see Spencer folded up in the small space, getting lost in book after book after book.
Aaron was snapped back to reality when Spencer said, “you, ah, you can sit if you want.” Instead of sitting, he moved over to stand in front of Spencer, closer than would be considered socially acceptable. “Hi,” Spencer whispered.
“Hello,” Aaron whispered back, bringing his hand up to cup Spencer’s cheek and trace a thumb over his bottom lip before leaning in and trapping that lip in a soft and languid kiss. Spencer gasped, but quickly reciprocated. They kissed for several minutes, forgetting anything they had planned. By the time they pulled away, Aaron had placed his other hand on Spencer’s hip and Spencer had wrapped his arms around Aaron’s neck. “The pizza’s going to get cold,” Aaron said quietly.
Spencer nodded and took that statement to mean that Aaron needed a few minutes before they went any further. “Should I put a movie on?” he asked before sitting down.
“Sure,” Aaron replied, leaning back into the couch with a lazy smile and a piece of pizza in his hands.
They ate in silence, neither one really paying attention to what was happening on the screen in front of them. Spencer eventually gave up even looking at the TV, choosing to fix his gaze on Aaron instead. Aaron quickly felt the eyes on him, turning his head and looking right back. There wasn’t a lot of space between them, so Aaron leaned over and took Spencer’s mouth in a searing kiss. They stayed in that position for a while before Spencer pushed Aaron back into the couch and swung a leg over Aaron’s lap, straddling him.
He ground their groins together, earning the most delicious sound he thinks he’s ever heard from Aaron. “Aaron,” Spencer panted, “let’s go to the bedroom.”
Aaron nodded and watched as Spencer rolled off of him and held his hand out to help him up. Aaron took it and stood, but squeezed it when Spencer started to walk away. “Spence, wait,” he called out. Spencer turned around, confused, quirking an eyebrow at him. “I just want you to know that I’ve never done this before. Not with a man.”
Spencer’s eyes grew darker with lust. “That’s fine, Aaron. I’ve got enough for the both of us,” he replied with a wink. Spencer was giving off an air of confidence, but he was kind of nervous. He was experienced, so the whole sex part was fine. But he has a small cock. Now, he’s not ashamed of it, but he knows that it can be a turn off. He kind of just hoped Aaron didn’t care.
They made it to the bedroom, eventually, walking between the places that Aaron pressed him into the wall to start kissing him again. When they did finally get there, Spencer took his turn in pressing Aaron against the wall, sliding his hand up Aaron’s shirt and tweaking a nipple. Aaron let out a surprised gasp before moaning into Spencer’s mouth and leaning into the pleasure.
“Off. This needs to come off,” Spencer panted, fiddling with the buttons on Aaron’s shirt but not making much progress. Aaron made quick work of the buttons, not removing his mouth from Spencer’s. After he got his shirt off, he quickly moved onto Spencer’s.
Aaron pushed them off the wall and started walking them towards the bed until the backs of Spencer’s knees hit it. Spencer broke their kiss and scooted up the bed a little before laying back, his ass lined up with the end of it. Aaron crawled up the bed and settled over Spencer, pressing his face into Spencer’s neck and slotting their clothed erections together. Aaron ran a hand down Spencer’s chest, stopping only to play with his nipples briefly, earning him plenty of breathy moans. His hand kept working its way down his torso until it reached the small patch of hair just below Spencer’s belly button.
He placed the hand over the button of Spencer’s khakis, removing his mouth from its spot on Spencer’s neck, and looking at him waiting for an answer to the silent question. Spencer gave a small nod and Aaron went to work on opening the fly. It didn’t take long, and when he was done, he hooked his fingers under the waistband of Spencer’s boxers, looking up again for confirmation. Spencer nodded again and lifted his hips to allow Aaron to pull both layers off.
“Your turn,” Spencer whispered. Aaron got off the bed, quickly stripping off the restricting clothing and getting back on the bed. “In the drawer,” Spencer started again, pointing to the bedside table. “Lube and condoms.”
Aaron nodded and reached over, pulling open the drawer and locating the items quickly, depositing them on the bed next to Spencer. “Aaron,” Spencer whined. “If we don’t get started soon, I’m going to have to kick you out.”
Aaron gave him a shy smile and nodded. Spencer picked up the lube and asked, “do you want to prep me, or should I do it?”
Aaron thought for a moment. “Will you tell me what to do?”
Spencer smiled and nodded. “Of course. First thing to know, there’s no such thing as too much lube. Get some on your index finger.”
Aaron slid down to kneel on the floor, nodded and did as he was told. Spencer continued his instructions. “One finger at a time. I’ll tell you when I’m ready for more. And start slow; it’s been a while.”
Aaron again did what he was told. He circled a finger around Spencer’s hole (like he had seen in the porn he watched) before pressing just the tip of his finger in, causing Spencer to cry out in pleasure. He wiggled the fingertip for a few moments, waiting for the tight muscle to relax before slowly pressing his finger the rest of the way in, earning him a cry of “oh my god, Aaron,” to which he replied, with a smirk, “we’re often confused.”
Spencer made an attempt to glare at him, but it quickly dissolved when Aaron crooked his finger and found the younger man’s prostate. “Ready for more?” Aaron asked, his cock throbbing, excited to get inside this man. Spencer nodded eagerly and Aaron pulled his finger out (making Spencer whine) and adding a generous amount of lube to his index and middle fingers.
He pressed the index finger back in and thrust for a moment before adding the second. Spencer cried out again, loving the feeling of Aaron’s fingers. He wasn’t able to think coherent thoughts anymore, just that he wanted Aaron inside him. Aaron started scissoring his fingers and Spencer called out, “Aaron! More, please!” He was writhing in pleasure.
Aaron smirked and added lube to his ring finger without removing the others from Spencer’s ass, slowly sliding it in next to the others. He only thrust them a few times before Spencer was telling him, “Aaron, ah! I’m r-ready for you!”
Aaron was excited. He pulled the fingers out slowly and wiped the lube that was left on them on the bedspread. He grabbed the condom he had gotten out earlier and ripped it open with his teeth, slowly rolling it onto his ridiculously hard cock, adding lube to it as well.
He stood up from his place on the floor, bringing one knee up by Spencer’s hip and leaving the other foot on the floor. He pressed his mouth to Spencer’s lips again before lining up the tip of his cock with Spencer’s waiting entrance. He pressed in slowly, relishing in Spencer’s gasps and moans. When he was fully sheathed, he took a moment to breathe, knowing that if he moved now, he wasn’t going to last very long.
“Aaron, if you don’t start moving now, we’re going to have some issues,” Spencer commanded, breathily.
Aaron let out a low chuckle before starting some slow and shallow thrusts. “So perfect, Spence. So beautiful, just for me,” he spoke, not really realizing he was vocalizing it before attaching his mouth to Spencer’s neck again.
“Aaron! Faster, harder, please!” Aaron sat up then, propping himself up on his arm so he could get better leverage. He didn’t last long after that, his orgasm approached quickly, and he collapsed with a cry of “Spencer!” almost immediately after.
He recovered fast though, realizing that Spencer hadn’t come yet. He kept thrusting, ignoring his own overstimulation, and snaked an arm between them, tugging on Spencer’s cock. He had expected Spencer to get louder as he got closer to orgasm, but it seemed he had lost the energy to be vocal and started gasping, his breath almost stopping as his back arched off the bed and he came in thick, hot stripes across his torso.
“You’re amazing, Spencer,” Aaron admitted as he slowly pulled out. He made sure he hadn’t hurt Spencer before heading into what the younger man had identified as the bathroom to get something to clean them up with.
When he returned from throwing the washcloth into the hamper, Spencer had tossed the bedspread off to the side, retrieved a blanket from somewhere, and settled into his bed. “Are you staying,” Spencer asked softly.
Aaron just nodded before slipping under the blanket behind him, pulling the lithe man into his chest.
The next morning, Spencer woke up to a hickey being sucked onto his neck. They had a nice round of slow and sweet morning sex. Spencer told Aaron they were going to have to talk about whatever this was. What would change, what this relationship was going to be, but they decided the conversation could wait. When he walked into the BAU he was greeted with wolf whistles and calls of “Pretty Boy got some!”
Taglist form
Tagging: @ssa-sarahsunshine @sparklinspence @goobzoop @more-heid-pls @multixfandomwriter
26 notes · View notes
ericsonclan · 3 years
Text
A Romantic Holiday
Summary: Clementine and the others get ready to celebrate Valentine's Day with their significant others.
Word Count: 1000+
Read on AO3:
Start from the beginning:
“All I’m saying is that a movie and cuddling is a totally valid way to spend Valentine’s Day,” Brody looked back at her friends who all nodded in agreement.
“Yeah, it totally is,” Clementine walked up beside her auburn friend and gave a smile.
“Nothing wrong with that,” Louis jogged forward, immediately intertwining his fingers with Clementine’s. With a gentle sway their joined hands began to move back and forth. Louis’ bright smile faltered when he saw the look on Brody’s face. “Unless you don’t want that to be your Valentine’s Day evening.”
Brody’s eyes grew large for a second before she looked down at her shoes. “It’s stupid. It’s not like Mitch or I have the money to blow on a fancy Valentine’s Day,” Brody gave a sigh. “But I would be lying if I said I didn’t want something more romantic.”
“Then tell him,” Violet’s eyes met Brody’s when she glanced up. “Mitch is a dumbass but he also really likes you so he’d want to make you happy,”
“Violet is right,” Prisha smiled over at Brody. “If you communicate with Mitch then perhaps you can find a romantic date idea that isn’t pricey,”
“Yeah, you guys are right,” Brody gave a shaky sigh then proceeded to take a few deep breaths. “So what are your guys’ plans for Valentine’s Day?”
“A carriage ride through a park. With the snow and each other it will be magical!” Louis pressed a kiss to Clementine’s cheek then spun her around once as a surprise before the two rejoined the group who stopped to wait for them.
“Violet and I are recreating our first ever date and going stargazing with tons of blankets of course,” Prisha wrapped her arms around Violet then looked down at her with a loving smile.
“That all sounds amazing. I just wish I had an idea of what I wan-”
“Well if it isn’t Prisha!” a voice boomed from a short distance in front of them. Brody looked as well as the others, curious who had cut the conversation short. A fairly tall man with a thick, gray, full beard walked forward with a happy smile. Based on his uniform and hat it was clear that he was the sheriff. His jaw was set in such a way that it gave him an aura of sternness but based on the crinkle of joy in his eyes it was clear that he was a good man. “I haven’t seen you in forever.”
“Sheriff Kenny! What a pleasure to see you. What are you doing on campus?” Prisha smiled over at Kenny before a realization struck here. Violet was still within her arms, a sight she wasn’t sure how Kenny would take considering that the only ones who knew of her orientation were the group of friends she had now. Kenny studied Prisha and Violet for a moment. Violet’s grip on Prisha’s arms remained as constant as always as she shot over a pointed look at the sheriff who remained quiet for a few seconds. Violet continued to look at the sheriff with a protectiveness in her eyes until he spoke up.
“I didn’t know you had a girlfriend. Good for you,” Kenny tipped up his hat and gave a casual smile.
“Thank you,” Prisha held Violet closer. Violet noticed that Prisha’s tension had lessened quite a bit before it flared up again. “My relationship with Violet, my father...” Prisha’s voice trailed for a second.
“Don’t worry, I won’t go shooting off my mouth about anything. I’m just glad to see you happy. Damn, you sure have grown. I remember the days you would run around the station and pretend to find clues with a copy of some Sherlock Holmes book tucked under your arm,” Kenny’s recounting made Prisha grow embarrassed as she listened to the sheriff share story after story. Louis, Clementine and Brody seemed to be enjoying hearing all these stories that Prisha was sure would be brought up again and she noticed that Violet was also having fun hearing stories about Prisha from before they met.
“Anyways, I’m talking your ears off and I haven’t even asked for any of your damn names.” Kenny sighed apologetically before his eyes focused on Louis for a second as if he had recognized him somehow. “My name’s Kenneth Callaway but you can just call me Sheriff Kenny.”
“Nice to meet you, sir. My name’s Louis and this lovely gal beside me is my girlfriend, Clementine!” Louis smiled over to Clementine who returned it.
“Guess I’m next, I’m Brody,” Brody had a nervous expression on her face, likely due to a mixture of it being a first meeting and that the person she was introducing herself to was the sheriff.
“Nice to meet you all. I picked up on your name already,” Kenny looked over at Violet who gave a short nod.
“Well then, I shouldn’t be taking up any more of your time,” Kenny tipped his hat then turned to leave until a voice called out to him.
“Dad! I didn’t know you’d be on campus!” A young man with short brown hair strolled forward, his pinky intertwined with a person with hazel eyes.
“Hey there, Duck! I was just here to take a look around campus since so much has been going on here lately. Then I ran into Prisha and-”
“Prisha is here!” Duck’s eyes immediately lit up and slipping his pinky free he ran forward. In an instant Prisha was wrapped into a tight hug. “I was hoping I’d see you around campus ever since I started this semester.”
“Duck, you’re hugging me a bit too tight,” Prisha wheezed out before giving an appreciative smile once Duck had let go.
“So, still being a great detective as always? Are you working towards that degree to become a superhero?” Duck smiled brightly at Prisha.
“Well, I’m just becoming a lawyer, not a hero.” Prisha looked away, slightly worried that her eyes or her friends’ would show some sort of sign that they were in fact superheroes.
“Eh, it's basically the same thing!” Duck placed his hands on his hips before a flicker of realization appeared. “Oh, that’s right! I’ve never introduced you to Oakley before!”
Duck ran back and stood beside the person that had been walking with him. They seemed to be completely lost in the simple joy of letting snowflakes fall on their tongue. A small smile was on their lips as a snowflake right on the tip of it.
“This is Oakley, my paramour!” Duck grinned brightly as his pinky wrapped around Oakley’s once more. Prisha’s eyes grew large at that word while Kenny gave a tired groan.
“Son, you could use another word,” Kenny looked over at Duck who shrugged.
“It works for us,”
“But you’re referring to Oakley as your illicit partner. Do you see the issue with that?” Prisha looked at her friend who brushed it off.
“It would be an issue if someone else used it like that but this is different. Anyways, wanna say hi, Knox?”
Oakley stopped in their task for a second then moved their eyes to look at the group. “Hi,” Without another word they soon returned their attention to the sky. Duck didn’t seem to mind though and instead began to get everyone’s names. Soon it was his turn to share old tales involving Prisha: how they would pretend to be heroes around the station and such until one day she had left for Chicago and the two hadn’t really kept in contact until now.
After a while Kenny cleared his throat. “Well, we should be getting out of your hair,” Kenny patted Duck’s back to make sure he got the message too.
“Alright. See you later, Prisha!” Duck gave one final wave then walked off, happily talking with Oakley who listened as they intertwined their fingers. The group watched them for a minute longer before continuing down the path and picking up the conversation that they were having prior to the Sheriff showing up.
Prisha glanced at her phone for a moment. She had some time to kill before she had to start on assignments. Her thumb instantly wandered over towards the Discord app logo and with a quick tap she opened it. As luck would have it the channel she had last been on had begun to pick up with a brand new conversation after Brody and Ruby had finished up their tea talk.
Sing-us-a-song: Wee woo wee woo
BREAKING NEWS
Violet just told me that im her beast friend
Best
Best friend
OrangeuGlad: Congrats!
Bro: wait
Aasim: You are already best friends
Bro: Aren’t you already best friends?
Yeah
Sing-us-a-song: Its official now
Best friends :3
Knife2meetU: Louis
Stop sharing stuff from our private convos in DMs
Sing-us-a-song: Oop
Sorry bestie <3
Knife2meetU: No heart
Sing-us-a-song: Sorry bestie!
Knife2meetU: And no bestie
You’re this close to losing your best friend rights
Sing-us-a-song: Are you sure? Smirk face
There’s no take backs
Knife2meetU: Wanna bet?
Sing-us-a-song: Vi waig
Wait
We’re Bffs!
Thats forever
Prisha watched the conversation continue with amusement when all of a sudden her attention was drawn away from the chat and towards the door. Therissa walked in with a tired groan. Her feet dragged on the floor before she fell onto the couch.
“If I committed murder, would you represent me and get me off scot-free?” Therissa looked over at her roommate with a tired smile. A few strands of her dark brown curly hair fell over her face, covering her eyes.
“Oh? What got you so heated? You’re usually fairly level-headed,” Prisha placed down her phone and walked towards the kitchen area to start some tea.
“I am, but this professor is a total ass. First he praises my writing in his Creative Writing 103 class saying that it’s great but then when the second semester starts and I take Creative Writing 205 then he basically starts telling me it's shit now. It makes no sense and he keeps acting snarky and pissy with me. So now on Valentine’s Day I have a day full of classes, work and a writing tutor because I need to pass this class,” Therissa groaned and sat up when Prisha walked over with two cups of tea.
“Would you want my help on any homework?” Prisha smiled at her friend who accepted the tea gratefully.
Therissa took a long sip before answering. “No, you’re super busy as is. You’re always studying and when you’re not in class you’re rushing around everywhere. I’m surprised you haven’t been passing out recently.”
“Thanks for the compliment,” Prisha’s expression was hidden behind the cup as she took a sip of tea.
“Wasn’t a compliment. I’m trying to point out that you push yourself too much. It’s a good thing Valentine’s Day is the day after tomorrow. Maybe you can finally relax for a day with your girlfriend. Speaking of which, you better have a nice outfit that you're wearing for the date.”
“I am!” Prisha smiled brightly. “In fact, after this tea I can show you it!”
Therissa returned the smile. “Good, then after Valentine’s Day we can return to plotting murder.”
“Sounds good to me.” Prisha took another sip and soon she got caught up in a conversation with Therissa.
“Shit, fuck, shit on the- fuck!” Violet ran over to the heart-shaped bowl that was over a simmering pot of water. The bowl was starting to slip due to the condensation from the heat and the fact that it had been placed poorly over the pot. Luckily Violet had caught it before most of the contents fell into the water. Violet gave a frustrated groan that turned into a hiss when her fingers brushed against the hot metal of the pot. Jerking her hand back, Violet ended up spilling the rest of the chocolate into the water. “Fuck, no!”
“Violet! Are you alright?” Prisha walked forward, the concern clear in her eyes when she saw Violet clutching her hand.
“I’m fine,” Violet could see that Prisha didn’t believe her. Silently Prisha guided Violet over towards the sink and started to run cold water over her fingers. Violet stared at the water for a moment then up at her girlfriend. “This was a fucking stupid injury,”
“It wasn’t. You were just trying to save the chocolate. It’s a shame that you got hurt in the process though,” Prisha noticed Violet’s face fall. “Don’t worry, I’ll help patch up your fingers and you can give the process of making chocolate one more go.”
“I don’t know. I fucking suck at it,” Violet mumbled, her eyes sad until she felt a kiss being pressed to her cheek.
“I beg to differ.” Prisha smiled lovingly at Violet who returned to look until Clementine’s voice drew both of their attention away from each other.
“Why does it look like there’s a pile of shit in the pot?”
“Oh horsefeathers! Did we lose another batch?” Ruby bustled over and huffed with annoyance as she began to clean up the mess.
“Sorry,” Violet’s quiet voice made Ruby glance over, her eyes softening.
“Aww, Sug, don’t worry about it. Luckily Brody had been as worried as ever and overbought on supplies,” Ruby nodded over to Brody who was working on preparing another batch.
“Seems like my anxiousness paid off this time,” Brody smiled at her friends then looked down at the ingredients that would soon make milk chocolate. “Do you think Mitch and the others will like this?” “Are you kidding? Of course they will! Louis is a sucker for sweets and so is Mitch,” Clementine placed a hand on Brody’s shoulder and gave a smile.
“Aasim loves all things romance and besides two of the people that are getting chocolates are with us and both of them have been all worried about making the perfect chocolate,” Ruby sent a teasing look over to Prisha and Violet.
“Well, ‘perfect’ is a strong word. I just want to make good chocolates for Violet,” Prisha messed with her braid for a moment.
“Yeah, what's wrong with not wanting to fuck up?” Violet crossed her arms and looked over at Ruby.
“I don’t think Ruby said it was bad, just sweet,” Brody gave another smile then took a deep breath. “Now let's kick this chocolates’ ass and surprise the guys!”
Clementine and Ruby cheered at that and soon all the girls were working on chocolate once more. It took a few more tries but soon the chocolate was being poured into the molds. After being placed in the fridge for twenty to thirty minutes the chocolates were done and the girls moved to the next step. Each of them worked to put the chocolates into little homemade heart boxes that Brody and Ruby had spent the night before making.
Violet swore under her breath while she worked on her box; Brody seemed to be in no better a boat. Meanwhile Ruby and Prisha had mastered putting together boxes of chocolates. Both of them were tying picture perfect bows on the boxes to seal them. Prisha hummed a happy tune to herself as she finished the final touches. But as soon as the others noticed that she was singing she quieted down. Lastly Clementine gave it her best effort and got a middle of the road result; she didn’t seem to care though. She knew that Louis would love it. Just as that thought had finished a knock came on her front door. Brushing her hands on her pants, Clementine walked forward. Her eyes grew large when she spotted Louis, Mitch and Aasim at the door. “Louis! What are you doing here?”
Clementine’s exclamation made the other girls poke their heads out of the kitchen to see the boys standing in the doorway. Each of them had a clip-on bow tie and a rose in their hands.
“Hello, my darling,” Louis leaned forward and planted a kiss on Clementine’s cheek. “We are here for our early Valentine’s Day surprise!” Louis grinned back at Mitch and Aasim. Mitch felt like his nerves were all over the place as he pulled on his shirt collar. Meanwhile Aasim seemed to be practicing something in his mind, his eyes focused elsewhere. Louis quickly snapped his friends out of their mindset and led the way inside. “We are here to serenade our lovely girlfriends with a barbershop quartet!”
“But isn’t a quartet made of four singers?” Brody walked forward, leading the way for the girls who all filed out to see what song the boys were about to sing.
“Right you are, Bro! Prisha, mind switching sides and completing our quartet?” Louis smiled over to his music confidant.
“I’d love nothing more,” Prisha smiled confidently as she walked forward and accepted a clip-on bowtie and rose.
Louis quickly gathered the three others and played a note for them all to be the same key. Soon the four of them began to sing Just in Time by Frank Sinatra. It was an older song that Violet was sure Prisha had pushed to be the choice for today.
“Just in time, I found you just in time
Before you came, my time was runnin' low
I was lost, the losing dice were tossed
My bridges all were crossed, nowhere to go,”
The four of them sang, each of them using their natural singing octave. Prisha and Louis were by far the best singers while Aasim wasn’t bad by any stretch of the imagination. That left Mitch in last place who clearly couldn’t sing as well as the others but that didn’t stop him from powering through and singing loudly.
“Now you're here and now I know just where I'm goin'
No more doubt or fear, I found my way
For love came just in time
You found me just in time
And changed my lonely life that lovely day,”
The four walked forward towards Violet, Ruby, Brody and Clementine. Each of them looked at their girlfriends with loving smiles. Even though the song wasn’t sung the strongest, the girls could tell that Prisha and the boys were pouring their hearts into the performance despite it being obvious for some this whole thing was overwhelming.
“Now you are here and now I know just where I'm goin'
No more doubt or fear, 'cause I've found my way
For love came just in time
You found me just in time
And changed my lonely life that lovely
Lonely life that lovely
Lonely life that lovely day,”
As the four hit the final note they held out their roses to their respective girlfriends. Louis gave a playful wink Clementine’s way as she accepted the rose before all of his confidence melted away into dorky happiness when Clementine stole a quick kiss. Ruby accepted the rose, her rosy cheeks growing rosier as she got on her tiptoes and showered Aasim with quick, soft kisses. Meanwhile both Brody and Mitch were blushing messes as Brody took the rose and gave Mitch a compliment that made him even more flustered. Both of them tried to find the right words as they held each other’s hands. Soon they each decided it was better to just let their actions speak louder than their words and shared a strong kiss. Lastly, Violet took the rose and knew that her face was as red as the flower.
“I’m glad you enjoyed the quartet,” Prisha smiled at Violet who gave a short nod. The two were silent for a moment before Violet snuck a kiss. The romantic action made Prisha freeze in place for a moment.
“Oh!” Ruby’s voice made everyone look over at her. “We should give the chocolates!”
“Chocolates?” Louis’ eyes danced with excitement at those words and it only grew as Clementine disappeared and reappeared with a box of chocolates.
Soon all of the chocolates had been exchanged to which all of its recipients were extremely happy. Mitch wrapped his arms around Brody from behind and pressed a kiss to her cheek before he grew almost as overwhelmed as Brody by the action. Aasim was happily talking about how much he appreciated Ruby and all the thought she had put in this early Valentine’s Day surprise. Ruby  blushed and quickly told him that he had been just as thoughtful if not more. Violet watched nervously as Prisha took a bite of the chocolate and was relieved when Prisha’s eyes sparkled with happiness. Clementine watched her friends for a moment then looked back over at Louis who was gushing about how lucky he was to have a girlfriend like Clementine, especially on Valentine’s Day. Clementine smiled softly and held onto Louis’ hands.
These Valentine celebrations were already going great and it wasn’t even the holiday yet. All of them had knocked it out of the park so far and after hearing the plans for the others Valentine Day dates Clementine was sure tomorrow would be a fantastic day for all of them.
Clementine’s eyes wandered over the map of Ericson University one last time. She had to be sure that there were no rifts opening up. If one appeared while she was busy getting lost in the joy of a date… It couldn’t happen. Luckily when she checked it for the sixteenth time it was the same as it always was. Blank and void of any shimmering blue or red dots. Clementine gave a shaky sigh of relief and tucked it away in her winter coat. Lee and Carley had already headed out, both of them looking giddy at the thought of starting their Valentine’s Day date. Soon after they had left, a babysitter showed up for AJ who was waiting to work on his second Valentine’s card that he wanted to give to Telulah as soon as he could. His foot tapped impatiently as he waited for Louis so that he could say hi before him and Clementine headed out. A few minutes passed of awkward silence and of the babysitter wanting to get AJ to focus on games instead of staring at the door when a knock appeared. Jogging forward, Clementine opened the door and found her boyfriend smiling brightly at her, in his hands a dozen roses.
“Happy Valentine's Day, my darling!” Louis leaned forward and captured Clementine’s lips in a soft kiss.
“Happy Valentine’s Day,” Clementine reached out and took one of Louis’ hands in hers.
“Are you ready for a magical carriage ride?” Louis smiled at Clementine who gave a short nod.
“Yep,” Clementine glanced back at AJ. “Okay, we’re going to be heading out now,”
“Wait!” AJ scampered forward and skidded to a halt in front of the pair. “You better keep her safe!”
“Will do, little dude!” Louis gave a huge thumbs up at AJ who beamed.
“Oh! And get her back by curf- curvs-”
“Curfew,” Clementine helped her little brother who nodded firmly.
“Yeah! Curfew!”
“Of course! I will make sure Clem is back and safe by curfew. You have a gentleman’s promise,” Louis noticed the happy smile on AJ’s lips at his words.
“Good!” AJ placed his hands on his hips for a second then rushed forward and tackled Clementine with a hug before running back to get started on the fun.
Clementine and Louis shared a smile and quietly laughed as they walked out the door. Clementine looked over at Louis. He was wearing a long brown coat as well as a green scarf that seemed to only add to his adorable winter vibes.“You’re looking cute today,”
Clementine’s compliment made Louis look over with a dorky smile. “Why, thank you! I picked it out myself. Well, that's not entirely true. Marlon helped me pick out this scarf,”
“Well then both of you did a good job picking out your outfit,” Clementine smiled when she saw how happy those words made Louis.
“Awww thanks, but I don’t look half as cute as you,” Louis swung their joined hands then nodded over towards Clementine's outfit. It was a dark blue sweater covered by a black winter jacket that all complemented her fuzzy blue winter hat.
Clementine blushed lightly at the compliment. “Thanks,” She quickly leaned over and pressed a kiss to Louis’ cheek. The two walked happily towards the location of the horse-drawn carriage, sharing as many kiss as they could surprise the other with until they reached the spot.
“M’lady,” Louis held out his hand with a warm smile. Clementine returned the smile and took his hand as he guided her up the steps of the carriage. Soon he was right beside her, immediately handing over the dozen roses. “Are you ready for a romantic carriage ride?” “I was born ready,” Clementine gave a playful smile that made Louis’ nose crinkle with amusement. Sharing one more kiss, Louis gave the signal and the carriage driver flicked the reins, causing the horses to snort before moving forward in a slow trot. Clementine scooted closer and wrapped her arm around Louis’ waist. Louis’ face grew warm and he gently kissed Clementine’s forehead then pulled her closer. Nuzzling his face against the top of her head, he slowly leaned his head against hers and the two took in the beauty of the snow-covered world around them. Both of them commented here and there about how lovely the park was as the carriage moved forward. After a few moments Louis began to hum a tune that Clementine couldn’t place for a moment. It took her a few seconds to pick up what he was singing.
“Are you humming Jingle Bells? After Christmas?” Clementine looked up at her boyfriend with a smile.
“Yes, I am, and there is nothing wrong with that,” Louis grinned down at Clementine and stole a kiss before continuing to hum. Soon his warm tune was joined  by a softer voice. Louis glanced down to see that Clementine was joining him in humming. The two began to hum some more then quickly proceeded to sing the song out loud along with any other song that their hearts desired. Both of them looked at each other with joyful, soft smiles. This really was a magical carriage ride.
Ruby stood in front of the mirror and turned this way and that, causing her red dress to sway. Her brows furrowed for a moment before she looked back at Brody who was busy pacing.
“Brody, do you think my dress looks alright?”
Ruby’s voice snapped Brody out of her thoughts and she glanced up. “What? Are you kidding? Aasim is going to lose his mind when he sees you!” Brody stopped her pacing and gave a warm smile to her best friend.
“Yeah, you’re right. I think I’m getting into my own head.” Ruby looked back at the mirror. “Just like you are about your date with Mitch,”
Those words made Brody’s eyes grow large before falling. “It’s stupid. I was so busy the last few days that I didn’t even talk to Mitch about changing our Valentine’s Day plans. It's too late to change them now and besides, he sang for me yesterday which was a really nice surprise.”
“Brody, I don’t think you need to worry your head about this. I’m sure you’ll have a grand time with Mitch,” Ruby looked back at Brody through the mirror, a playful knowingness in her eyes. The sight of that confused Brody and she wanted to ask about it when suddenly a knock on the dorm room door appeared.
“Oh, that must be him!” Ruby bustled over and opened the door, revealing Aasim who was decked out in a suit with a red tie. Tucked in his left hand there looked to be a piece of love poetry based on the seal and the red bow around it.
“Hello, my dove,” Aasim leaned down and gently kissed Ruby. Ruby instantly cupped his face and deepened the kiss before giving two more quick ones.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, Pookie,” Ruby took Aasim’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
“Are you ready to go to the tea shop?”
“I sure am! I heard the tea there is divine!” Ruby smiled up at her boyfriend then glanced back at Brody. “I’m heading out. I’ll see you later.”
“Okay,” Brody gave a quick wave and after Aasim helped Ruby get on her coat the two disappeared down the hall.
The pair walked in serene silence for a bit, enjoying the winter wonderland that their campus had turned into. They shared small kisses here and there as they walked, placing them on each other’s wrists and hands. Ruby’s rosy red cheeks turned even brighter in the cold of winter which made Aasim’s heart pitter patter happily.
Soon the two had arrived at Sarita’s Tea Shop where the owner welcomed them with a friendly smile. A large man stood beside the owner who they learned went by the name Tripp. He gave a quick kiss to Sarita before guiding Aasim and Ruby to their table. After placing their orders, Aasim and Ruby immediately held each other’s hands.
Aasim looked at Ruby with such tender love as he placed kiss after kiss on her hands. “I can’t tell you how happy I am that I found you. In fact, I tried my best to put into words my feelings for you,” Aasim slipped one of his hands free and held out the love poetry.
“Why, Aasim,” Ruby gently took the gift and slowly began to read it. Her eyes wandered from left to right, reading the words her boyfriend had so lovingly put on paper. With each sentence her heart grew warmer and warmer until she had finished reading. Silently she placed down the paper and leaned forward across the table, kissing Aasim softly. Aasim’s eyes widened for a moment then closed as he deepened the kiss. After a moment the two pulled apart and shared a soft look.
“I’m happy I found you too,”
The two smiled at each other, holding each other’s hands until the tea was brought forward along with the pastries. Tripp silently poured the hot water over a rose blossom in a clear teapot. Slowly the rose bursted open, blossoming and flavoring the tea. Ruby and Aasim stared in awe then shared another smile. This was turning into a truly unforgettable Valentine’s Day.
Brody sat on her bed and stared at the ceiling. Ruby had left a while ago and based on the haphazard text she got from Mitch he was nearly here. It wouldn’t be bad cuddling and watching a movie together. Feeling Mitch’s arms around her, stolen kisses.. Brody covered her face with a  pillow as she felt herself grow overwhelmed. Just as she was about to go on another spiral of thoughts, a knock showed up on the door.
Peeking out from behind the pillow Brody got up, quickly readjusting her t-shirt before walking over to answer the door. When she opened the door her eyes grew wide with surprise. There, standing in the doorway, was Mitch in an honest to goodness tux. The dark blue tie was sloppily placed and the suit was a bit too big on him.
Mitch pulled at the collar for a second before he noticed Brody. “Brodes! Happy Valentine’s Day!” Mitch’s voice boomed a bit too loudly as he thrusted out his arm which held a metal trident. Brody blinked in awe of the trident then took it. Slowly her eyes began to examine it. “I thought that a stronger weapon is never a bad thing so I made you one,” Mitch’s eyes were focused on the floor. “It’ll protect you way better than that prop one you had,”
“I love it,” Brody smiled up at Mitch who looked at her with shock then proceeded to pump his fist.
“Yes! Fuckin’ A! I actually didn’t fuck up on Valentine’s Day! Because look!” Mitch leaned over and picked up a soft yellow dress then held it out for Brody. “Ruby helped me pick it out because I’m shit at this sorta thing but you gotta dress up for our plans.”
“Plans?” Brody accepted the dress and held it close to her chest with a soft smile.
“Yeah, it took me fucking forever but I saved up enough money to take you to one of those fancy restaurants, one of those places where you have to dress fancy and shit,”
Mitch’s words made Brody’s mouth open slightly in surprise. She definitely wasn’t expecting this. Silently she placed down the items then got on her tiptoes and pulled Mitch into a kiss. Mitch instantly wrapped his arms around her waist and deepened the kiss. Once they pulled apart the two stared into each other’s eyes.
“I’m gonna go get changed,”
“Okay, I’ll wait out in the hall,” Mitch whispered. Both of their faces were super red as they squeezed each other’s hands and let them slip free. Mitch waited out in the hall, kicking his foot impatiently as he leaned against the wall. After a few minutes Brody emerged from the room in the short, soft yellow dress. Mitch’s mouth hung open for a second.
“Well, do I look okay?” Brody did a small spin.
“You look fucking amazing!” Mitch walked forward and stole another kiss from Brody. Brody hummed at the touch of the kiss then pulled back, her face a bright red.
“Thanks, you look pretty amazing yourself,” Brody’s hands wandered forward and held onto Mitch’s tux for a second.
Mitch had a confident smile on his face. “I borrowed this tux from my dad and he helped me pick out this tie,” Mitch’s confidence radiated off of him as he displayed his outfit before it faltered when he noticed his tie’s placement looked like shit. Silently Brody helped fix his tie then intertwined her fingers with his. The two shared a quick smile then after locking the door headed out towards the restaurant.
Both of them felt extremely out of place at this fancy restaurant. It was way out of their normal price range.
“Why the fuck do they have two forks?” Mitch looked at the table placement with confusion as he and Brody waited for their steak dinners.
“I don’t know. Maybe it's in case you drop one?” Brody shrugged, unsure of her own answer. Mitch stared at the forks for a moment longer before a mischievous grin appeared on his face. “Mitch, what are you thinking?”
Mitch was silent as he looked up at Brody before his elbow knocked off a fork. After a moment a waiter came forward and replaced his fork. Brody sighed which only made Mitch’s smile grow.
“Come on, Brodes, y’know you love me,” Mitch’s smug smile faded in an instant when he realized what he had just said. The two shared a look, both extremely red once more before looking away.
Brody was silent for a minute then answered. “Yeah, I do.”
Her answer made Mitch drop his glass of water directly on his crotch. “Fuck!”
“Mitch! Are you okay?” Brody pushed back her chair to check on her boyfriend.
“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. It just looks like I pissed my pants,” Mitch was silent for a moment, wondering if he should go for it. “I love you too,”
His answer shocked Brody who in her surprise knocked over a plate which slammed onto Mitch’s toe. This date was absolute chaos but both of them seemed focused on the positives of the moment, chaos and all.
Violet hopped up onto the back of her old, beat up, blue pickup truck, parked in the same spot that Violet had taken Prisha all those months ago on their first date together. Her hands worked to place the last few pillows in place before double checking that all the fake candles were on. After frantically checking once more Violet got off the truck and walked towards the door. Opening it, she saw that Prisha still had her eyes closed.
“Okay, it's ready. Here, take my hand,” Violet instructed and Prisha immediately held out her hand which Violet grasped. Silently she led the way towards the back of the pickup truck. After getting Prisha in the right spot, Violet took a few steps back beside the truck.”Okay, open your eyes.”
Prisha’s eyes slowly fluttered open before growing large in awe. The back of the pickup truck was covered in blankets and pillows. Along the edges of the truck were fake candles as well as two vases filled with violets, baby’s breath and forget me nots.
“I did my best to make it like our first date but, y’know, better,” Violet awkwardly scratched the back of her neck then hid her hands away in her front hoodie pocket.
“It's absolutely beautiful! Violet,” Prisha’s voice hitched in her throat and she ran forward, cupping Violet’s face and capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. Violet’s eyes grew large at the romantic gesture for a moment then she deepened the kiss. Prisha pulled back and looked lovingly into Violet’s eyes. “I love it.” “I’m glad,” Violet smiled at her girlfriend then intertwined her fingers with Prisha’s. “So, ready to stargaze?”
“Of course!” Prisha returned the smile, kissing Violet’s nose quickly before getting up on the back of the pickup truck with her. The two worked together to get under the blankets and snuggled close. Both of them soon became lost in the beauty of the sky when all of a sudden Prisha reached out and held onto Violet’s hand once more. Violet gave a soft laugh at that which confused Prisha as she looked over at her girlfriend. “What?”
“Nothing. It's just on our first date neither of us was even sure if it was one and we both kept accidentally dodging each other’s hands,” Violet’s eyes traveled over to Prisha’s. “I’m really glad that you held my hand that night,”
“I am too. I can't even express how much you’ve grown to mean to me, Violet. How deeply I care about you, how much I love you,” Prisha turned her body so that she was closer to Violet. Her eyes soon became lost in Violet’s.
“Me neither. To think I’d find someone like you,” Violet whispered and moved closer. “I’m really fucking lucky. So, thanks for choosing me,”
Prisha’s smile grew and she gave Violet a soft kiss. “I wouldn’t choose anyone else. I love you,”
“I love you too,” Violet snuggled up closer to Prisha and soon the two repositioned themselves. Violet’s head gently rested on Prisha’s shoulder as Prisha’s arms wrapped around Violet. The couple’s gaze slowly returned up to the starry sky. Violet snuck a quick glance at Prisha then looked up at the sky once more. Being here with her and the stars that shone brightly in the sky, in that moment Violet needed nothing more.
11 notes · View notes
makaias-trash-heap · 3 years
Text
Soooooo lately ya girl here has been running into a lot of writing issues so I gave something a try...BACK TO BASICS FOR WHAT I ORIGINALLY MADE THIS BLOG FOR!!! First time I’ve written anything for my favorite Tsundere in a while. Enjoy!! Just more of my own self indulgent writing while I have no requests.
Tumblr media
“Sooooo, guess who I just heard from.” 
Shin glanced up from his book with his usual blank expression, “Why not just tell me?”
Mira smiled and rolled her eyes slightly, “My parents. They called and asked me to come over for dinner for my sister's birthday this weekend.” She stated, plopping on the couch next to him.
Mirdorima raised an eyebrow giving her an intrigued look, “This is the first time they've wanted you over since we've been together nanodayo.” 
Mira hummed in agreement leaning into his side, naturally causing him to blush like always. 
“Are you going?” 
Mira shook her head, “Probably not.”
“Why not?”
“Shin, my family and I haven't gotten along in years. I've tried going over a few times and it always ends in a fight.”
She ignored the look he gave her in favor of playing with his fingers, a habit she picked up on when he still tapped them.
“Mira, they're still your family nanodayo. We've been together for nearly 3 years and I don't recall you seeing them at all.”
“Not true, I've seen my brother.”
“Mira.”
“Look, I don't want to go because I don't want to fight and that's exactly what will happen. Especially going now.”
He gave Mira a slight confused look, “What does that mean?”
She sighs turning to face him, “We've been together for about 3 years and aren’t engaged, I'm perfectly with how things have been going but my parents are incredibly judgmental and will nag and question why. There's also the fact that I’m 2 years older than you. And even though it’s incredibly stupid, my parents will not agree with the fact that I'm with someone younger than me. And to top all of that off I'm pregnant out of wedlock, big no no to my parents. We also fight about my brother everytime I'm there. I guess they invited him too so this is going to be twice the chaos.” 
Midorima adjusted his glasses looking down at her, “I understand these situations can be uncomfortable, but they're still your family and you haven't seen them in years. For all you know they may have changed from the last time you saw them.” 
Mira halfheartedly glared at him and sighed realizing this wasn't going anywhere, “You aren't letting this go until I agree to go are you?”
“I don't intend to.”
“Fine. But if I have to deal with them you're coming with me.”
He turned his full attention to her, “What! Why am I involved in this?”
“You got involved when you bugged me into going. And besides, as you've said, we've been together for 3 years, and you've yet to meet my family.”
If looks could kill Mira would be dead right now, multiple times over. 
“You'll see why I don't get along with them and I promise you'll never end up going with them again and you won't bug me into it.”
Midorima lets out a sigh leaning back into his seat, “I suppose. When are we supposed to be there?”
“Saturday at 5.” 
(Skip to weekend)
“Remind me again why we're here?” Mira groaned as they pulled up in front of her parents house. She ignored the slightly surprised look that snuck his way to his face. She’d given him warning that her family was pretty well off. 
He recovered quickly enough, “Because they're your family nanodayo.”
Mira rolled her eyes trying to mentally prepare herself for the interaction tonight. They climbed out of the car and started making their way up to the house. Mira spotted her brother coming up the sidewalk and waved.
“So you decided to come too huh.” Kenjuro said, returning the gesture.
“Not really, Shin forced me into it. I'm kinda surprised you came though.” 
He shrugged, “Boyfriend forced me to. He offered to come for moral support but you and I both know that that would have been a really bad idea.”
“How’s Reo-chan doing?” Mira asked as they started walking up the sidewalk to the house.
“Good. I watched him play basketball with his old team from high school. So that was kinda exciting .”
They finally reached the door and stood awkwardly glancing at each other until Midorima gently nudged her forward.
“Ok ok sheesh.”
Mira knocked on the door secretly hoping that her parents would ignore them and not answer….sadly that did not happen. Much to her dismay her sister Aika answered the door. 
“Hey Kenjuro, Mira.” Aika greeted them with a fake sweet smile.
“Hey Aika, happy birthday.”
Mira slipped past her with Kenjuro and toed her my shoes off pulling Midorima in behind her. 
“Hello Mira, Kenjuro. We're glad you could make it.” Her parents appeared at the door to greet them
“Hey mom, hey dad.” Mira forced a smile. 
“Who is your guest Mira?”
“Oh, right, Um, mom dad, this is Midorima Shintarou, my boyfriend. Shin, these are my parents.” 
“It's nice to meet you Hashigawa-San.” Midorima politely greeted her parents. 
“The pleasure is ours. Please right this way. Dinner is almost ready.”
Everyone started filing into the dining room, Mira and Midorima following behind last. 
“I don't understand your concern. Your parents seem rather pleasant.” He mumbled quietly so only Mira could hear it. 
“Oh, just wait for dinner. That's usually when the show starts.”
They all took a seat at the table, Kenjuro sitting as far as possible from their parents. Which left Mira and her sister to sit by them. Midorima sat next to Mira starting to notice the awkward atmosphere.
“So Mira. It's been a while since we've last spoken. What have you been up to?” Her father asked after a few moments of silence.
Mira hesitated a second before preparing to answer, this most likely this wasn’t going to go well.
“Working mostly, I just finished up art school not that long ago so I've been working freelance for a while. Making films for tourist companies, helping design Billboards, things like that.” 
Her parents stayed quiet before turning their attention to Midorima.
“Midorima-San, may I ask what you do for a living?”
“I am going into the medical field. I'm currently working on my internship at the hospital.” Midorima straightened up answering.
Mira’s father nodded, “Then a man as logical as you, you can't support this crazy dream of hers.”
Midorima froze and glanced at Mira before answering, “It's her decision to make and if it's something that she feels strongly about then naturally she has my support.” 
Her father was about to say something when he was cut off, “Now now dear, we're trying to have a nice civilized dinner tonight. Ok, this is a discussion we can have another time.”
Mira quickly turned her attention back to her food to avoid more questions. It worked for a while. Although this point Midorima was very uncomfortable. Kenjuro followed Mira’s lead but he's usually safe from questions. Their parents hate the fact that he's gay so they usually don't even acknowledge that part of his life. 
“Mira.” 
Mira looked up from her plate to see her mom holding the wine bottle out to her.
“Oh no thank you mom. I'm good.”
Aika snorted across the table, “wow, you of all people are turning down alcohol?”
Mira rolled her eyes, “do you really want to go there Aika?”
She shrugged, “I'm just saying for a while here sobriety was not your strong suit,” Mira shot a glare at her across the table, “oops sorry, did your boyfriend not know about that?”
“Do mom and dad know you've been sneaking into the liquor cabinet since you were like 14?” Mira shot right back at her.
Of course he knows, he helped her get her act cleaned up. Still a rather sensitive topic right now.
“Ok that's enough you two.” 
Mira rolled her eyes at her dads warning, ready to leave. On top of the unpleasant conversation, the constant nausea from the morning sickness was rough on her today.
“Mira, you ok?” Kenjuro asked, starting to notice her discomfort.
She just nodded waiting for the nausea to subside, “Yeah, stomach is just a little upset.”
Naturally Aika didn't seem to miss a thing.
“Oh my god you're pregnant aren't you?”
Mira immediately tensed up, hoping to completely avoid this topic, “What are you talking about?”
“You aren’t drinking which is pretty out of the ordinary for you, you’re randomly sick and I’ve noticed the weight gain.” Aika quickly insinuated.
Mira didn't answer, deciding instead just to get up and get ready to leave. Midorima grabbed her hand to stop her, it seems like he has other plans.
“They were going to eventually find out Mira.” He said, looking up at her.
“Is that a confirmation?” Her father looked back and forth between them waiting for an answer.
Mira sighs, “Yeah dad, it is. I'm pregnant.” 
Neither of the parents said anything right away. The tension gathering in the air was enough to show that this news was about to be either very well accepted or very poorly.
“We had the perfect life laid out for you. All you had to do was do as you were told and follow it.” Her father started to lecture, “First you turn down one of the best universities in Japan, and then rather than going to any university at all for a real career, you start to follow this ridiculous idea at some art school, and now you're 23 and pregnant. You couldn't have at least been decent enough to get married before spreading your legs for the first guy to take interest in you?!” 
For the first time in an argument with them, Mira was speechless. Her father certainly had a tendency to be cruel, but that was low even for him. He continued yelling, Kenjuro and Aika eventually getting involved in the argument. Mira started to tune out the yelling. This whole night has done nothing but stress her out, and stress is not good for her right now. She felt a sharp pain rip through her abdomen and lower back which snapped her back to reality and the current argument at hand.
“I don't understand where I went wrong with the two of you. My son is a faggot and my daughter is a who-”
“That's enough,” Mirodrima said sternly, “I understand you don't agree with Mira’s life choices. But you cannot control her. She is an adult and it's still her decision to make. As for her being pregnant. No it's not ideal timing right now. My parents were rather disappointed as well. 
We’re not married, and I’m only 21 years old and in medical school while starting this family, but we’re doing it. And my parents have never once referred to myself or Mira in such a derogatory manner.”
“Shintarou.” Mira grabbed his hand and squeezed to get his attention. 
He crouched by her side, “What's wrong?”
“Can we go? I'm starting to cramp badly and I'm just ready to go home.” She whined starting to stand up.
“Yeah let's go, but I'm going to call your doctor to make sure that things are ok before we go home.” 
He helped her stand up and started walking with her to the front door. He occasionally glared back behind them to make sure their family got the hint to leave them alone. Kenjro followed behind them to the car. Midorima helped her into the passenger seat taking her keys to drive.
“Feel better sis, call me later so I know things are ok.” 
Kenjuro closed the door and then went around to talk to Midorima who was on the phone. Once he hung up he turned his attention to Kenjuro to talk to him before climbing into the car.
“How are you feeling? Are you still in pain?” 
She shook her head, “No, it stopped for now. I just feel really sick now.”
He nodded and started the car. The ride home was fairly silent as he focused on the road and Mira focused on not throwing up. He pulled up to their apartment and he quickly came around to her side in case she needed help getting inside. 
“Your doctor said that as long as you aren't bleeding and you don't continue to be in pain that you should be ok. Sometimes some cramping isn’t uncommon, especially in stressful situations. But if they start again she wants us to come immediately,” He explained while they were settling in the bedroom, “so if you're in pain like that again I don't care what time it is wake me up and we’ll go ok.” 
Mira nodded changing into one of his shirts to sleep.
“Why do you insist on stealing my clothes all the time, you have your own dresser full of them.” He grumbled and changed as well.
“Oh stop whining,” She teased looking back at him, “I only steal your shirts and it's only for bed. Besides you never wear these.” 
He grumbled under his breath again while he settled in bed. Mira crawled in next to him and curled up into his side. He's finally used to cuddling with her...it only took him forever to do so. He turned on the lamp on his side of the bed signaling that he planned on reading for a bit before bed.
“Don't fall asleep with your glasses on again.” Mira said rolling over to turn off the light.
He scoffed, “that was once.”
She chuckled, situating herself into a comfortable position to drift off. Mira was nearly asleep when Midorima poked her in her back to get her attention.
“Hmm? What's up?” She rolled over and looked at him. 
“What your parents said earlier, it's bothering me.”
She sighed and sat up, “Just ignore it. Don't ever let anything they say bother you. Like you saw they're a bunch of judgmental assholes.”
He shook his head, “Nothing like that. They aren't bothering me. It just has me thinking. Are you really ok with how things are going?”
She cocked an eyebrow at his question, “I told you earlier I was. I mean, so long as you aren't planning on taking off on me anytime soon I'm perfectly fine with how we're doing ok.” 
He nodded, setting his book aside, “we should go to sleep.”
Mira leaned over and kissed Midorima before laying back down, “Goodnight Shin.”
Midorima returned the kiss and put his book away before laying down and wrapping his arm around her, “Goodnight Mira.”
21 notes · View notes
shesclearlya3 · 4 years
Text
i loved you first p.4
pairing: Xavier Plympton x Reader
word count: 2,332
warnings: violence, language, fluff, oops
part 1 | part 2 |  part 3 | part 4 | epilogue
Tumblr media
4.
Your life seemed to flash before your eyes.
Chloe Smith was in tears; her red hair matted while her makeup from the night before smeared under her eyes. You had never seen her look like this. She was always fabulous. You'd admit it now, even knowing she was crazy.
"Chloe..." Xavier said softly, his hands slowly rising as she continued to cry with her eyes on you. Your eyes fell to the gun hanging by her side, her finger fiddling with the gun. She was going to cock it eventually. 
"Sit down!" she shot at you, and you didn't hesitate to take the spot next to Xavier. You realized you should have stayed away from him, but Chloe didn't comment, only raising the gun at the both of you.
"You don't have to do this," Xavier said, his voice hesitant. You knew he was trying not to cry, and you were right there with him. "This isn't worth it."
"You're worth it!" she yelled, pointing her gun directly at him now. "You're worth it, Xavier." she cried, her voice wobbly. You had never heard anything like this in your life. This all had to be a really fucked up dream.
You knew it was probably best to keep your mouth shut. Chloe hated you; you didn't want to push her any farther and risk putting Xavier in any more danger than he already was. 
Your thoughts were overshadowed when Chloe turned her attention back to you, her voice venomous when she asked, "What do you have that I don't?"
I'm not psychotic, clearly.
 You instinctively snickered at that, which was a huge mistake. You watched as Chloe's eyes went dark before moving the gun just inches from your face and fired. 
You and Xavier both yelled; he grabbed you and pulled you down as the bullet whizzed right by, almost hitting your ear. Your heart was now in overdrive as Xavier took this opportunity to rush forward and tackle her to the ground. You screamed as they wrestled, desperately looking for a phone to dial 9-1-1. 
You hoped that a neighbor would call the police. You weren't particularly close with them, but you were friendly enough to keep an eye on one another. You started to cry when you realized your phone was dead, and you didn't know where Xavier's was. 
There was no way you could sit back and watch this unfold. Chloe was screaming, cursing your name as Xavier wrestled the gun away from her. You looked around for something heavy, figuring this could be your Paul Sheldon moment.
You spotted an ugly vase that Xavier's mother had gifted you when you moved in together. It always sat underneath the accent table, collecting dust. You snatched it, looking to see that Xavier was somewhat able to pin down Chloe. But the struggle for the gun was still ensuing. Your ears rang as another shot went off, striking the lamp your grandmother bought you.
The last thing you wanted was to hurt him accidentally. You lunged for the pair, catching Xavier's eye last minute as he fell off her, falling to the ground. You smashed the vase against Chloe's head. A cry escaped your lips when a jagged piece broke the skin of your palm. Chloe shrieked, before falling unconscious. 
You gasped, falling to your knees as Xavier wheezed on the ground. You glanced down at the now bloody head of Chloe, who was still breathing. 
"That fucking bitch!" Xavier snapped, sitting up. You watched as he grabbed the gun, switching on the safety. "We need to call the police."
"I-I couldn't find your phone," you said shakily, stumbling to your feet, your eyes still on her unconscious body. 
Xavier had to dig underneath the cushions, but he found it. There was just enough battery to report the incident, and he stayed on the line as you both moved far away from her, almost sitting on top of each other in the corner. 
Your chest felt like it was on fire. The tears wouldn't stop as you hung onto Xavier, who gently shushed you while he spoke to the operator. You wanted Montana, you wanted Brooke. 
You were so shaken up that the panicked knocking on the door caused you to shriek. The operator on the phone was worried, as Xavier got up to investigate, before letting out a "fuck!"
"XAVIER! Y/N! IT'S ME, IT'S CHET AND MONTANA! OPEN UP!"
Xavier wrenched open the door, explaining to the operator that you were still waiting on the police.
"We already called the police, they're not here yet!?" Montana yelled, rushing past the boys to where you were cowering in the corner. "Chet was outside when he saw Chloe arrive and called them."
She brought you into a hug as you hid your face in her neck, wishing for all of this to stop. You heard Xavier ask why Chet was outside, in which he replied, "Because I'm not dumb, I knew the bitch would be back."
You always adored that Chet was so protective of your friends. You had to smile, feeling your heart lift slightly as Montana held you tightly, shielding your face from Chloe.
It seemed like an eternity when the police and ambulance finally arrived. Ray ended up showing up sometime later while you were outside, claiming that Brooke was stuck at work and wished she could be here. 
You watched with your friends as Chloe was wheeled out on a stretcher; her hands cuffed as they loaded her into the ambulance. Your debacle caused some attention, as concerned neighbors and strangers gathered around. You slowly started to feel better, but the fear of almost being killed kept creeping on you. The paramedics cleaned up your wound and bandaged it.
Because your apartment was now an active crime scene, you and Xavier were forced to room with Montana and Brooke at their residence. You had gathered your things before riding over with Xavier in the back seat; his grip on you was still tight. 
You were pleased when Ray and Chet came over later that night with packed bags. They insisted on the group being together for support. You had hugged your friends more in the past few hours than you have all year. You knew they were as equally scared as you were, while simultaneously trying to ease your stress. 
That night after everyone settled into bed, you were restless. It was well past three in the morning, your boss already notified about what transpired and you needed some time off. Xavier was in the bathroom, almost begging his boss to give him some time, too. 
You waited until he finally came out, visibly lighter as he crawled down next to you, peeking to see if you were awake. The unexpected action caused you to snort, and he smiled at your laugh. 
"I'm sorry if I scared you," he whispered, settling down beside you. "My boss finally cut me some slack for once in his life."
"I think you should just quit, they don't deserve you," you whispered.
"Trust me, I've been telling myself that the day I started," he joked, and you felt hopeful that things could be normal again. "y/n, I just wanted to let you know that you saved our lives today."
You frowned, shaking your head, "You had her pinned to the ground. If anything, you're the hero."
Xavier shook his head, scoffing, "Don't be ridiculous, you knocked the crack-whore out."
You cackled at that, hiding your face in the blankets as Xavier's blue eyes widened, playfully shushing you as Ray snorted in his sleep a few feet away. "Keep it down!"
"Then don't make me laugh!" you seethed, yet your tone was playful. "You should know by now that you make me laugh without trying."
Xavier beamed at that, settling down to lay beside you. He was delighted to hear that, now smiling like an idiot at your compliment. You moved closer, putting your head on his chest as he wrapped an arm around you.
"I don't mean to make light of the situation," Xavier said softly, starting to run his hands through your hair. You closed your eyes in peace. "But I'm glad we were with each other today. I could never live with myself if something happened to you because of me."
"I need you to stop blaming yourself," you scolded. Xavier's face flushed, and he was staring at the ceiling with a hurt expression you couldn't see. "I told this to the others, and I'll say it to you. You didn't know. Montana..." you smiled, "She has a suspicious nature, and she's right ninety percent of the time. Montana had an equal hand in this."
"I should have known, though," Xavier said, frowning. "I was her boyfriend. I was going to move in with her!"
You smirked, "They say you don't really know a person until you live with them. Or something like that."
Xavier finally smiled at you, "Something like that?"
"Yes. That's what my mom said when I told her we were living together."
"Huh," Xavier said, his hands still running through your hair. "Your mom is a wise woman."
"Of course she is, why do you think I'm the way I am, hmm?" you joked.
"I guess that would explain a lot," he said softly. You laid there, your head still on his chest as you listened to the sound of his beating heart. 
In mere seconds he could have been taken away from you. 
You didn't realize your nails dug into his chest until he winced, "Ouch, y/n?"
You gasped, "Oh, I'm so sorry, Xavier." you said, rubbing the spot on his chest where you hurt him. 
"It's alright," he said, before placing his hand over yours. "I'll be here when you wake-up."
You tried to fall asleep then, but images of Chloe holding a gun in your face was a plague. Xavier was still awake, staring at the ceiling as he stroked your hair. He could feel your wildly beating heart, and he wished there was something he could do. 
Xavier was always the strong one of the group. You could always lean on him whenever you needed, even if he was struggling with something himself. But he wanted to save everybody, even though he knew it was impossible. His own past haunted him, and this was just the newest addition. 
The clock slowly ticked towards five in the morning, and you were still unable to find peace. You eventually sat up, Xavier's arm falling to the side as you sighed, rubbing your eyes.
"y/n?" he asked, sitting up beside you. You gave him a weak smile, which he frowned. "Do you need me to call someone?"
You shook your head, "I just think sleep is off the table for us tonight." 
He laughed quietly, looking around the dark room to see Montana hanging partially off the couch. Brooke was right on the floor beneath her, her legs over Ray's stomach, snoring.
"I feel safe with everyone here," you admitted, glancing at Chet, who was curled up with a pillow. "I always felt safe with you guys."
"Me too," he admitted, taking your hand. "I know I've made a lot of bad decisions in my life. I always felt like I wasn't supposed to be here, you know?" Your heart hurt hearing that. "I got myself in so much bad shit, and I guess I still do that. But I'd always find my way back... I had my friends. I have you."
You wiped at your eyes, knowing Xavier hated to see you cry. "You've always had me." you laughed weakly.
"I wish I would have stopped being so stupid-."
"Are you kidding?" you laughed now, a little too loudly, you may add. "You just told me last night you were always flirting with me! You're the clueless one? Please."
Xavier gave you a smirk, and you reached up to pat down his messy hair. His blue eyes were bright in the night, and you knew you'd always be able to get lost in them. 
"Do you think it would be inappropriate if I kissed you?" Xavier asked, tilting his head at you playfully. You blushed deeply, thinking of all the times you dreamed of this happening. 
"I don't want you to feel like you have to rush into anything with me..." you admitted, smiling shyly at him. 
Xavier nodded understandingly, "I normally would say that too. But today was an example that we're not promised anything, y/n. I don't want to waste any more time with you than I've already had."
You couldn't believe this was happening. After a silent agreement, Xavier leaned in, pressing a deep kiss to your lips. It was better than you ever imagined, your hands gently twisting in his hair as his arm slid around your waist, pulling you in tight. Xavier kissed you until you couldn't breathe, pulling away with a satisfied smirk. 
"That was amazing." he grinned, keeping his arm around you as you smiled back. 
"I know, thank you." you joked before you were startled out of your wits when you heard Montana mumble into her pillow, "Oh, thank God they finally kissed."
Your mouth fell open when Brooke tiredly said, "About time!"
"You guys heard them kiss? Gross!" Ray slurred.
"Were you guys listening this entire time!?" Xavier yelled, your shock finally wearing off as you laughed loudly, hiding your head under your blanket.
"Only the last few minutes," Montana said, turning over. "Thank fuck, you guys were driving us all crazy, not dating each other."
"You guys are the worst!" you cried out as Xavier laid beside you, a broad grin on his face. 
"But you love us, y/n," Brooke giggled softly, "Goodnight."
You and Xavier finally fell asleep minutes after your friends fell back asleep. Chet stirred, peeking at you guys from his thick pillow. He smiled before laying back down to sleep.
taglist: some tags still aren’t working :( 
@the-walking-daryl @trichy-knitts @shydragonrider​ @thefandomzoneisdangerous @lemonwhiskers @jetblackpayne @langdonsvcrd @okoktrinity22 @uwonman @stefanmikaleson1864 @sevenwonderwitch @rubbrninja @iamnotjesha @leatherduncan @imshakingandcryingrn @bratzblitz @goblackcat69 @brookethompsonownsme @bookoffracturedescapes @zodiyack @bitchchatter @guiltyfiend @psychobitchtess  @aangrana  @thexmancometh @wtfcas @pleasforhelp @capshoney @agentnightshade44 @frenchlangdon @morganelizabeth-paige-blog @fathoe69333 @infagnito @felicityofbakerstreet @codyfernmorelikedaddyfern @arthurismybby @fandoms-allovertheplace @welcometothelioncage @mysteryartisticwriter
191 notes · View notes
shhhlikeme · 4 years
Text
“Losty Aone” / “Losty Mountain Man🏔” Series:
Outtake Collection #5:
Tumblr media
———————————
A/N: I am posting two outtakes today! Please read the voting poll that will be at the end of Outtake #6. As you know I am on a slight writing hiatus except for this story. I love it so much so thank you to the small amount of you who continue to read it - love y’all.
‼️THIS IS THE 9TH PART IN A SERIES READ THE OTHER PARTS BEFORE THIS ONE: ‼️
TABLE OF CONTENTS
———————————
Aone 1 Year 2 Months Into Crushing On You And Having a Funny Conversation with Kenji, Koganegawa and Katana 💵👮
“Hey! Futakuchi and his friends! Wait up!”
While on the way to volleyball practice, Aone, Kenji & Kanji heard a distant female voice from behind calling them.
The three tall boys turned around, seeing an out-of-breath Katana trying to catch up with them from 20 meters away.
To Aone’s right, Kenji sighed.
“Here we go, He murmured under his breath in annoyance.
Kenji was convinced that he should sign up for the Date Tech talent show and claim that his talent is collecting clingy exes. He wouldn’t even have asked clingy-Katana out if his white-haired best friend didn’t have it crazy bad for her best friend.
Aone grunted and Kanji’s eyes were just wide because the popular cheer captain of the school knew him as Futakuchi’s friend!!!!
“Hi-hi-“ Koganegawa started when she was still way too far away, but Kenji warned him:
“Do not speak again. You’ve already proven you can’t get your shit together around hot cheerleaders and if you don’t want them to label you as the weird first-year for life I suggest you quiet down now.”
Agreeing, Koganegawa shut his mouth and nodded.
Katana finally reached the three giants, taking a moment to catch her breath and fix her hair as she looked up at them.
“Whoa, you guys are huge.”
Kenji nodded nonchalantly. “You needed me?”
“Oh, uh, yeah. I just left a cheer meeting with Y/N and...”
Aone went on alert to the sound of his crushes name. The two volleyball boys on either side of him felt his cringe and looked at Aone quickly, then back at the cheer captain.
“.....in the meeting we realized we raised way more than we hoped, which is awesome because we can get a more expensive bus and a better hotel and stuff but....”
your best friend was blabbing on, and Kenji was rather annoyed by her it.
“—I don’t want to interrupt, Katana.... but could you maybe hurry it up? We have practice in 10 minutes and we have to run laps if we’re late just like the cheerleaders—“
“Oops! I totally get it. Sorry. Basically I just wanted to say that we calculated our donations and sent out thank you baskets to our highest donors and well....since you’re the captain of Date Tech’s boys volleyball team—I thought I’d ask you directly if your team would even want a gift basket or maybe something else?” She winked at Kenji flirtatiously.
Girl-crazy Koganegawa’s mind went to very dirty places. “Something else??? Something else like what—“
Kenji reaches his arm out to pound his first-year in the chest so that he would stop talking. As Koganegawa coughed, Kenji furrowed his brows at Katana, addled.
“Huh? Why would WE get a gift basket?”
Katana tilted her head, addled as well. “Well.......your team did donate $1,000 (106,128.50 yen) to our fundraiser, which was one of our biggest single donations so—“
“Oh WE DID?” Kenji’s eyes were wide like Bokuto’s an owls when he heard the amount donated. He was trying to contain his big smile from breaking out as he nudged a very frozen and very guilty mountain man next to him.
Katana didn’t understand why Kenji was so surprised with something he did himself.
“Uh............yeah.”
She looked at the faces of all 3 boys, Kenji’s looking amused and suspecting, the hot blonde in the middle looking angry but shaken, and the one with 3 brown spikes in his yellow hair was staring at her boobs.
Katana snapped her fingers in front of his face and Koganegawa looked back into the cheer captains menacing glare.
Futakuchi tried to steer the attention away from his setter who was stupidly playing with fire.
“Katana,”
“Hm?” She smiled at the handsome volleyball captain.
“No gift basket. Thanks for asking. You guys can just cheer extra loud for us at the next game you come to. Okay? That’s thanks enough.” Kenji smiled sweetly.
Katana giggled in return, melting under Futakuchi‘s smile.
“Alright! Sure thing!! Thanks a lot by the way. The cheer team will have the best trip ever and we owe a lot of thanks to your team!” Forgetting the blushing first year on the end that she was going to rip apart, Katana bounced away happily.
Aone turned and started walking briskly to the gym.
“We’re going to be late.” He stated simply, training his eyes forward.
aone!!!! Get your sexy simping ass back here—
The two teammates caught up with him, sandwiching him as they walk.
“Aone Takanobu. You gave that team of bimbo’s 106,000 yen?! And tried to hide it from me—your best friend?!”
Kanji set a hand on his middle blockers shoulder. “Takanobu-senpai. You are whipped, dude!”
Kenji continued. “Look. I know your monthly allowance is twice what you donated to them, but, you can’t just give Y/N 106,000 yen!”
Aone growled in defence. “I didn’t. I gave it to the struggling Date Tech cheer team—“
“Oh cut the shit, Takanobu-san. You wanted Y/N to have a good trip 🙄”
Aone nodded tightly. “I will admit that is a large part of my donation, indeed. But—“
“—Aone senpai, you even disguised it as a donation from all of us? You’re so smart! That way Y/N won’t peg you as a creepy stalkerish guy. That’s like—“ Koganegawa paused, his eyes lighting up. “Wait. If you said it’s from all of us, then that means your donation might work in my ‘date me’ favour with the cute first-year cheerleaders......!” He sported a shit eating grin.
Turning the corner before the other two, Kenji called over to the underclassmen. “Kanji. I do think the 1st year cheerleaders will love you for this, but DIDN’T you already donate to them individually?”
Kanji gasped as he internally cringed. “Shit, I forgot!” He exclaimed. “I did! On three separate occasions 😱!”
Aone shrugged. “That is not my problem, Koganegawa-san.”
“No shit it isn’t your fault...... but I mean I wouldn’t have given them 32,000 yen if I knew you were donating 106,000 on the teams behalf! My allowance is only 43, 000 yen a month!!!”
On the other side of Aone, Kenji smirked. “You still would have done it even if you knew..... big boned setter 😑.” The captain rolled his eyes. It served his underclassman right to let the cheerleaders take advantage of him even though Kenji warned the whole team not to fall for it!. “You’re powerless around hot girls all the time, let alone ones that ask you for help when dressed as sexy mermaids, genies, or cats.”
“Actually, it was just the cop.....” He admitted shamefully. Looking at the ground as he walked, shaking his head. “She just asked me three times and I couldn’t say no.” He bowed his head in embarrassment.
Throwing his head back, Aone let out a loud hearty laugh as the three members of the Iron Wall entered their team’s locker room just in time. Kenji held the door open for his upperclassmen, a little in awe because a laugh from the mountain man was a huge rarity!
“So thaaat’s why you asked me to spot you for lunch!” Kenji laughed too, ruffling the hair of the blushing boy who he now considered to be a little brother.
Aone ruffled his hair too as he walked through the door Kanji held open. “At least I’m not whipped for the entire team, only one girl.” Takanobu teased.
“Oh, fuck you guys.” Grumbled Koganegawa as he fixed his hair that they just attempted to ruin. He was pouting. “You guys are the worst senpai’s ever.”
———————————
You, 1 year And 6 months Into Being A Losty and hear of Aone for the first time? 🙄⏱
“Hey guys, so how much did we raise at the Halloween fundraiser again?”
You called as Katana and yourself left your kitchen to meet all of the pyjama-clad cheerleaders in your den.
You still couldn’t believe that you guys were even able to call it a fundraiser!
As Cheer captain, Katana literally just told the team to wear cute and sexy Halloween costumes every day the week of Halloween in random places like the malls, outside of the grocery stores, the school field...make a few flyers, set up tables with a sign saying CHEERLEADING FUNDRAISER🤸‍♂️ and that’s that. The team gave nothing in return, Katana just told everyone to ask boys everyone but mostly boys politely for donations.
Surprisingly, it worked very well!
Since all of Date Tech’s stupid school funding went to the major sports teams, and your team used the leftover budget on the new uniforms, you had no money for Regionals. Each member was able to pay for most things but travel was too much. The team needed $3,500 to pay for the coach bus to and from regionals.... but they ended up raising around....
“Just over 7K (USD).” Responded one of the cheerleaders as she braided another’s hair.
Katana smiled. “I’m so proud of you girls!”
Kusa, the vice captain nodded as she dug into the s’mores. “Personally, I’m just happy that we got such huge donations from the hottest guys in school!”
Lost, you sat down on the couch and widened your eyes. “We did???”
Katana rolled her eyes at you. “Don’t act surprised, Y/N. You raised the most money....” Katana started clapping for you and the entire team joined in, congratulating you.
Your jaw dropped under the attention you didn’t ask for. “Shut up, Katana! Guys, really—“
“That’s awesome, Y/N! But I mean you did look amazing as a genie! You made me want to donate!” Kusa smiled, shaking your knee encouragingly. “Did any boy even say no to you??”
You looked down and played with your fingers. “Well, no, but...”
Kusa gasped. “Wait. Was it you who got the volleyball team to donate 106 000 yen?!”
The room silenced in anticipation.
“No! I didn’t—maybe Justin Bieber look-a like did it because he wants to get back with Katana I don’t know.....”
Katana scoffed before blowing on her toenails that she started painting.
“Nah. He doesn’t want me back....yet. But he will. That team did it on their own. Without anyone even asking.”
“Either way, they are so hot and they must like our team!!” Kusa squealed, and the other cheerleaders murmured excitedly in agreement.
“Especially Aone Takanobu!” One of them added.
Remembering that you heard that name before, but you forget where, you looked at your teammate. “Who?”
“Only the hottest blonde at the school! He’s in your year. Don’t tell me he’s on the long list of guys you don’t notice, Y/N.”
You covered your face as the girls collectively booooooooooo-ed you, throwing popcorn and pillows at your body jokingly. You giggled and shielded yourself.
“I’m sorry! I have no idea who he is!”
“You don’t know anybody. I swear you’d forget us if we somehow were kicked off this team. Just know that he’s gorgeous. Super tall, really serious and silent, one of the best on the volleyball team........ but most importantly................he has washboard abs. Total hottie.” Kusa explained and the rest of the cheerleaders fanned themselves as she did and pretended to faint.
“Maybe one day I’ll meet him.” You laughed, catching the base who pretended to faint in your lap. You tickled her side.
Uninterested in the conversation because it wasn’t about her favourite Dateteko volleyball boy, Katana took the reigns of the conversation again. “By the way Kusa. I think it was you who convinced the volleyball team to donate so much!”
“What?! Why me?”
“Well, I saw that giant first-year starter donate 3 times to the donation table after you spoke to him. You know the only with the three brunette antennas???”
Kusa blushed furiously. “Oh my God, I didn’t want him to donate three times! The first time I asked and he did, but the other times I just said hi to him because I kept running into him and then he just blurted out that he’d love to donate more money!! Geez, I kind of think he thought I was a real cop or something and that he would go to jail if he didn’t donate.”
You and the team bursted out in laughter until your stomachs hurt, exchanging all of the amusing stories from this fundraiser all night long.
———————————
1 year 11 months into Aone Crushing On You and Kenji Tries To Ship Him With Someone Else 📲💔
“Hey man, look. She’s pretty like Y/N and she’s a cheerleader too. She goes to Karasuno where that short ginger you like goes.”
Aone shrugged his shoulders, trying his best to study in the library. He ignored the Instagram page link Kenji texted to him.
“Will you at least answer her dm? That ginger told me she’s like obsessed with you ever since we last went over there.”
Aone shrugged again.
That was the wrong girl obsessed with him. “Maybe.”
Futakuchi sighed, wishing he could take the pain away from his best friend.
Ever since Aone realized that the girl he loves likes doesn’t even know who he is, he has been in somewhat of a slump.
There have been no more extraordinary games, even if Y/N was there cheering because Aone knew that even if he played extraordinarily well, you’d still probably ask the teacher who he was.......
he thought about that everyday.
Aone’s shoulders slumped a bit at the thought and Kenji noticed.
Aone just didn’t understand how he could like you this much when you two haven’t even had a conversation yet. He guessed it was because he knows almost everything about since you literally expose all of your business in class when Aone is listening. He knows your likes, dislikes, your hobbies, your fears, your favourite foods, etc. Every time he hears you he falls a little bit more because you were so perfect, not to mention pretty.
So, so pretty.
That’s why Kenji has been trying to steer his attention away from you and onto the many girls who do notice Aone, the ones who wish they were riding his dick every night.
a.k.a me 🙋🏾‍♀️
“If not the Karasuno chick what about this other girl from Inarizaki? The distance is further so she won’t expect as much face-to-face time but she really wants to meet you.”
“No thank you, Kenji-chan.”
Kenji frowned, watching Aone stare at the same page in his textbook in sorrow.
“Ok well........,..There are a lot of girls on our Date Tech cheer team who are interested.....” Kenji suggested quietly, trying to pull any emotion from him to know he’s still alive.
Aone looked away from his textbook for the first time since they’ve sat down, meeting his brunette friend’s eyes.
“Why would I want Y/N to think I’d ever date one of her friends, Kenji-san? If she believes I am taken, then she will never want me.” Aone explains with a heavy heart.
Kenji knew he’d say that. 🙇🏽 It definitely wasn’t what he wanted to hear, but at least Aone was still predictable to him. For the past few months Aone has been acting quite different, being extra silent at practices, lunch, and walks home now. He didn’t call Kenji for Y/N advice anymore even though he continued to have occasional wet dreams..... so Kenji was thoroughly concerned for his best friend. Aone must be lovesick, in a depressing way, and for the first time Kenji felt helpless. He hated seeing his friend like this.
“You can’t keep torturing yourself like this, Aone.”
Aone tried to collect himself. “I’m not—“
“You are. Everyday you just sit in your sorrow about Y/N. Meanwhile I can tell your feelings for her are still strengthening every day. You either need to man up and ask Y/N out or take one of these girls on a date to forget about her. You have fan girls, man. Hot ones. And I can’t stand seeing you like this anymore.”
Aone frowned.
“None of them measure up to Y/N.”
Kenji was surprised at his response. “W-well no, but—“
“Futakuchi, I am aware that I have been acting rather pathetic. I am aware that you, my parents, and the team are concerned about me. I apologize for making you all worry. But as of right now, and as much as I do wish it was different — my heart is held by Y/N-chan. She’s the first thing I think about when I wake up, she’s the last thing I think about before I fall asleep...and as you know she’s in my night dreams and day dreams. She is the perfect girl for me and she is right there all the time; she’s in all my classes, at our games, she’s in the caf, the halls, the library...I know that you and Koganegawa want me to ‘shoot my shot’ with her or even another girl but I don’t think you two understand. Before, I’ll admit that I was just shy to pursue Y/N. That is true. But it’s been two years. My feelings have grown so strong for her....and I’m not shy to pursue her, per se. Given the opportunity I strongly believe I would.”
“So what’s stopping you then, Aone-san?”
“.......I’m scared.”
Kenji’s eyes bugged out. “Scared?! Aone, you’re the bravest person I know—“
“Not when it comes to her. Even so, I’m not scared as in the fear of horror movies or heights. I’m scared of how much it might break me if Y/N rejects me.”
☹️☹️☹️☹️💔💔💔💔💔
Kenji frowned, understanding. “I see...”
Kenji thought back to over a year ago how upset Aone was back when Y/N was in a flirtmance with that tool from the baseball team, then he thought of Aone’s dejected face every time you’d walk by him in the halls like he didn’t exist, and the worst and most recent—he thought of Aone’s face a few months ago when he fled the classroom because he realized you had no idea who he was when he was standing right behind you. He had been devastated.
He still is.
Even with Takanobu’s permanent scowl, people a step away from Kenji or his parents (like the team) could tell that he wasn’t the same.
“I know I’m being a coward, Futakuchi. But I don’t think I can handle any more pain—from liking Y/N and her definitely not feeling the same—than this. At least not until the volleyball season ends. That way I can deal with it myself in the summer. But if I knew now I’d ruin the season.”
Internally appreciative to be the only confidant of Aone, Kenji closed the pages of Instagram girls he planned to show his friend, exchanging his phone for his matching Japanese Literature textbook.
“What page were you on?”
———————————
Taglist: @crushzone @galagcica
Outtake #6: CLICK HERE
Outtake #6 has bare dramaaaaa & y’all are finally starting to date
Pls do not forget to read the poll at the end of it and vote!
76 notes · View notes
thelastpilot · 4 years
Text
Knighted- Chapter 8
oops okay i know i never update but take this as an apology? :Dc More Royal Guard!Nino and Princess Alya!
Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6  Chapter 7
Nino loitered uncertainly in the corridor a short distance from the King’s chambers, pulling with undeniably shaky fingers at his royal seal. Being dressed in Full Armor did not fill him with as much pride as it had before, instead now it serves as a reminder for the scrutiny he was about to be under.
Nino leaned out from his hiding spot in a random archway, hoping his two-sided luck would hold and Adrien might appear. He just wanted some kind of reassurance that he looked appropriate for an audience with the King. The last time he had one he had been in torn worker’s clothes with too-big tattered boots and an old sword at his hip. The things he wore now were significantly more impressive but… if he wore any of it wrong he’d look just as much like a farmer as he did when he first got there.
All the senior guards had conveniently ignored him this morning… so he had no confirmation one way or another.
The thought made his hands feel hot as he struggled to repress that twist of anger. So much hard-won ground had been shattered underneath him last night. Part of him resented the Captain for causing such a scene, but no doubt she had her own opinions. He couldn’t even imagine how long she must have fought and struggled to be acknowledged even once by the royal family, or perhaps her motivation was more on behalf of her men. He couldn’t tell, not like he even knew what this was all about yet, but even as far in as the royal chambers he could practically feel all the veterans rooting against him, hoping he would be punished somehow. Like that would somehow be fair.
There were a few who didn’t care about his summon, Kim for one. He had caught wind of Nino’s little scene with the royal family from all the gossip, but it hadn’t occurred to him to mind at all. He was just sad he had missed it since it sounded so hilarious, and though Kim probably didn’t mean it as supportive per say Nino was grateful for it regardless. And the Captain has relaxed as well after her initial outburst so… he had no idea where he stood with her. Still, whatever allies he had retained hadn’t been around to help him get ready. He had only ever worn full armor once, and while he was reasonably sure he had done it right, he felt abruptly…
Alone.
Nino waited as long as he could, pulling at the straps of his armor and trying to keep his anxiety from paralyzing him as the seal slipped and folded. The more he tugged at it and the more it bunched and slipped, the more stranded he felt.
Servants and messengers passed him quietly, their duties sending them streaming passed like he was left to stand on a solitary bank, untouched by the current. He was almost out of time to stall now, and he took a moment of his privacy to breathe.
For the first time in a while… he felt like a farm boy. Holding his father’s sword in a field and pretending to be a soldier.
He breathed deeply again, attempting to steel himself in whatever way he could, when-
“It’s the loop.”
 The voice could not have been gentler, but the guard jumped regardless, turning quickly to face the interrupted stream.
Nino looked and found a servant meeting his gaze, the girl looking apologetic for startling him but raising her free hand to point at his shoulder. “The seal,” she explained, her voice girlish and sweet, “If it doesn’t catch it won’t stay, you can’t pin it or it will slip when you move.”
The girl smiled warmly and shifted the weight of the basket on her hip. She was dressed plainly, like a worker, but her natural beauty could not be hidden in simple clothing. Her dark black hair poured loosely on her shoulders, and she matched him with kind, blue eyes as she waited for a response.
“The- oh-,” he finally answered, feeling a little lame as he tried to look. His armor was too bulky to allow him to see what she might have meant, but before he could come up with the words to ask she was placing her things against the archway and stepping forward to help him.
“It’s easier to do it as you’re getting dressed,” she coached gently, stretching up onto her tip-toes to fidget with the weighty cloth. She smiled when he tilted his shoulder down to make it easier for her, now crouched a little awkwardly but trying to be accommodating.
He was quiet for an unsteady moment more, but when she stepped back to examine her work he couldn’t help but blurt out, “T-thank you!”
“Anytime,” she answered genuinely, making a show of checking for any other problems.
He hurried to hold his arms out, eager and relieved to have the second opinion. He smiled and sighed happily when she nodded, finding no other faults and nodding her head once more in confirmation.
“So everything’s good?” he double checked anyways, grateful that she was humoring him, even if she laughed a little.
“Fit for a King,” she reassured him.
The stranger bent down to retrieve her things but Nino beat her to it, quickly picking up her basket so he could hand it to her.
“Thank you so much,” he said again, laughing a little. “Genuinely. You have no idea how much better I feel having someone to tell me I don’t look like an idiot.” He rubbed at the back of his hair a little with a gloved hand, a gesture he could never really kick. “I get… uh, nervous,” he admitted.
To his surprise she laughed again, the sound of it sweet. “Everyone does, it’s okay. But I am glad I could make you feel better.”
“What’s your name?” he asked quickly when it looked like she was going to leave.
“Marinette. And I know who you are,” she answered with a slight curtsy. “It’s very nice to meet you Nino.”
Nino stood there with a dumb expression on his face, opening his mouth as if to respond but falling short, settling for a frown when she laughed at him again. “… my captain might have a point about my name getting around.”
“It’s not a bad thing, honest! It’s just that, well, the servants talked a lot about you when you first showed up.” She gave him a little shrug and another one of her smiles, gesturing with her head down the hallway. It took him a second to realize she was urging him to get going, probably having some sense that he was going to be late. “It makes sense for all of us to know who you are.”
“I guess…,” he allowed, glad when he noticed she was heading the same direction as him. They walked a little while. “Do people… like me?”
She laughed again and he frowned at her playfully, but she didn’t seem to mind making fun of him. And, honestly, that was pretty nice.
“Yes Nino, people like you, you’re a hero to a lot of them you know.”
“Oh, well I-… hm,” he hummed quietly, naturally walking with practiced steps now as they made their way towards the royal rooms. After a moment he said, “I never really set out to be a hero or anything. I was just trying to find paying work.” He mulled it over for a second and gave her a shrug too. “Guess I got a little overzealous.”
He shared in her laugh this time, some of the posted guards he passed giving him a look, but he didn’t care. The servants that passed them in hurried errands watched them curiously, a few of them smiling even, and that held a lot more weight to him, he realized.
As they walked and talked lightly about not much at all, it occurred to him that he might be worrying a little too much about what people thought again.
A simple thought that probably wouldn’t stick but… hey, he was trying.
 He hadn’t been very far from his destination when he faltered, so it wasn’t much of a walk until they were passing the royal chambers he was familiar with, Marinette pausing in front of the door he recognized as Alya’s. He couldn’t help but peer at it curiously, Marinette diverting his attention for a moment with a curtsy.
“Thank you for escorting me, sir,” she said for show, Nino aware for the first time of the two guards posted outside the princess’s room watching them intently.
“No problem mam,” he replied with a bow, Marinette giggling a little at the informality. He swore he heard one of the guards huff, but whatever. Screw them.
He was done trying to impress people who didn’t matter.
“Thank you again,” he added, lingering a little to look through the gap she created as she opened the door. He couldn’t see anyone inside, the servant possibly looking to complete a task while the princess was away.
“Anytime,” she repeated.
It was too short but… they both looked at the posted guards, and reluctantly they let their interaction end. Nino was quite possibly going to be late now and that was completely unacceptable, but he had gotten so caught up in the small talk.
As Marinette disappeared inside he was left to hustle down the hallway, hyper aware now of the servants as he passed them. The hallway wasn’t too crowded as he crossed the short distance to the King’s chambers, but a few of them looked. A few of them smiled.
And he felt a little less abandoned.
The King’s Chambers were empty as he paced his room, wanting to enjoy this rare moment of solitude but his mind too heavy with guarded thoughts. He didn’t even find peace enough to sit, though he wouldn’t have been able to. Every chair in his well-furnished chamber was stacked with parchments and letters, each one a source of distraction. He paused for a moment and picked one up, finding yet another confirmation of attendance, which was good, he supposed. More arguments to be had, more things to discuss. All the same things, so little ever decided. He had managed to spare his children from this particular round of discussion, even Alya though she of course assumed it was out of punishment. Still though, he knew she wouldn’t complain.
As soon as his thoughts turned towards his daughters, he was interrupted by the familiar wrap of an armored hand on the door.
“Your summon is here for you, sire,” one of his personal guards called in, his voice stilted and professional.
Otis stood for a moment… frowning. … had he called for someone? A servant perhaps. To send something? He hoped not, he had nothing to be sending. Or did he have something and he had just forgotten? That was probably… bad. If he had sent for a messenger, he definitely had a message that needed sending, but- hm…
“Come,” the King called, fully prepared to make something up. One perk of being the King is that you usually went unquestioned, but he felt a little haggard and old to have something slip his-
The door opened and a tall guard stepped calmly through, and the moment the King saw his face he was relieved to have his conversation with the Captain the day before suddenly spring to mind.
RIGHT.
“Yes, yes, I remember now,” he muttered out loud by way of greeting, gesturing at the guard as he took a post near the door closing behind him, bowing obediently. “Excellent, you’re right on time. I intended to speak with you in person. Nino, yes?” he confirmed his name despite being fairly certain of it, if only to give him an opening to respond.
“Yes Your Majesty,” he replied right away, his voice firm.
The King paced closer, his hands folded behind his back as he examined him. He had not scrutinized him this closely since Adrien had first brought him to be considered, having not even seen him again until yesterday. He was dressed appropriately and held himself more confidently then he had when they had first met, but he had grown since then. Not is stature, but something else.
He was made of something stronger now.
The King looked away from him, enjoying the moment but not having long to spend on this. His eyes wandered over the many papers and tomes that required his attention, but he looked back to the boy to give him what focus he was due.
“Did your Captain inform you of the nature of this summon?” he asked plainly, lifting a stack of papers from one of the chairs nearby.
“No sire.”
“Really?” Otis replied, shrugging a little. “I suppose I didn’t tell her much. When I asked her about your performance, she was begrudgingly honest.” The King couldn’t help but smile at him with humor. “I think a guard sticking out so much annoys her, but between you and I she has no room to be so critical.”
He rolled his eyes, and Nino was struck briefly by how humanizing that was, though the King himself did not seem to notice.
“I still remember when that tiny woman fought her way through the entire Knight’s Tourney and lit the social hierarchy of the castle on fire just by showing up,” he continued with a chuckle. “Comparatively? You are very quiet. But second to a hurricane is to be expected.”
There was a moment where the boy said nothing, but when he looked up at his silence the guard smiled. “The Captain carves a figure sire, I don’t want to make her angry.”
“Wise man!” Otis exclaimed, rewarding him with a smile and enjoying how this seemed to make him relax a little.
This young lad has been here for a season now, but despite what may have been his best effort he still did not quite vanish into the crowd like he must have intended. However, he could understand why his daughter’s might have been intrigued by that difference.
“I have duties for you to attend to, so I will keep this brief. I’m sure you have taken notice of the number of visitors the castle is entertaining at the moment…?” Otis let it hang in the air, waiting for Nino’s ‘Yes Sire,’ before continuing. “Well, we will be expecting a good deal more within the coming weeks for political purposes and the castle will be crowded as a result. I’m sure you can understand that security is our highest priority.”
“Of course sire,” he obediently replied, looking serious.
Otis gave him a slight nod of approval, elaborating as he stepped away to look over the papers crowded on his desk. “With every noble comes an entourage of guards who aren’t ours and servants we don’t know. Things are bound to be overheard and whispered about before long… For the most part the people give me their good faith, but the air within the castle grounds is sure to be tense, in time.” He looked over at the guard standing attentively, eager it seemed to show him that same good faith he spoke of. He nearly smiled again but kept his expression even.
“In times like these, I worry about my daughters. With so many people in the castle I tend to restrict their movements and they resent me for it, but my intentions are good. We have many guards and this is their home, but until we have our privacy it is best if they stay in this wing of the castle, unless needed elsewhere.”
Otis made a vague gesture with his free hand, pointing out towards the direction of the hall somewhat dismissively.
“We have our regular detail of course, they will remain, but when it came to their personal guard you came to mind.”
The King had been looking through the papers in his hands with distraction but glanced up just in time to catch the shock running across the young man’s face. He mastered it quickly of course, fumbling for a professional distance but his earnest nature betraying him somewhat. This time Otis couldn’t help his smile, seeing what his wife may have meant when she spoke of him. He did seem… young. But he wasn’t a fool. He had spoken to both the Captain and Adrien directly on this matter, and even if Alix had done so with distaste, she gave a fair and honest report on his abilities. Whether she was pleased or not to have her senior guards passed over, she assured him that the young man was capable and driven.
“They like you,” the King explained, raising an eyebrow slightly and was glad to see that the boy still had enough wits about him to look nervous. “They told me all about you yesterday… I was skeptical, but it was my wife who encouraged me to reconsider. It was her suggestion that we assign you to them.”
He continued to watch the boy carefully, attempting to gauge his emotions and finding this moment important. The safety of his children was no small consideration.
“They are bound to hate me for cooping them up,” he continued, sighing, “but I am prepared for that. The least I can do is give them someone they like. They might get bored eventually but it’s worth a try if it means keeping them happy.” He grumbled a little at how this might go poorly for him… and after a moment he narrowed his eyes, sealing the guard to the spot.
“My daughters mean everything to me, your first priority is always their safety. However, if you can manage to also keep them happy and behaved… I encourage you to try.”
Otis relaxed only slightly and looked away to give the boy room to release the breath he was holding. “Who knows, they might even listen to you. You’ve had great luck before, perhaps you’ll have some more.”
“Thank you, your Majesty,” the boy said somewhat breathlessly, his expression awed and determined. It was very similar to the look her had given him before, when he was awarded a place in the castle. “It is… an honor, sire.”
The young guard bowed deeply, overwhelmed it would seem. Otis nodded and waited for him to stand, looking him in the eye. Nino did not look away at first, perhaps he did not think to. Little things like that showed where he came from, but as he hurried to correct himself Otis had faith that he had practice where it counted. Maybe not in courtesy or court proceedings but… he seemed earnest, and incredibly loyal.
When the boy had stood before him as he was sworn into the guard, he had sworn his fealty with an intensity he could never have appreciated from one of his people; his greater, humbler people. He could do with more time, and teachings… but there was also something else. Something unteachable that Adrien had assured him of.
He would gladly give his life to uphold what he had sworn to, and that intensity gave him some small comfort. It was a position of relatively little risk, for now. He was the last one in a long line of obstacles between the world and his daughters, but that final barrier was an important one. He was curious to see how this farmer would do.
“You will be assigned as the personal guard of my twin daughters; you are not to leave their side until the visitations have concluded. Then we will see what to make of you.”
Something flashed across his face, just minutely.
 Oh.
The twins?
Oh. Yes, of course.
Of course, he had meant the twins. That made a lot of sense. He had just sort of assumed- but, well he had said they. He just thought he meant- well the daughters. But yes, the twins. He was to watch the twins.
Nino wrestled with the pride that grew within him, in a war for his life with the grin threatening to compromise his composure. He was bursting at the seams with energy, completely overwhelmed with determination. Within one audience he was again aware of the seal on his shoulder, the vibrant purple of it so present in his mind he thought he might drown in it. HA! And so many of the old bastards in the guard were waiting for him to fail! Hoping he would be punished!
The King milled around his desk for a moment, murmuring to himself and sifting through papers, and despite his confidence high he felt another spark of unease as he was unsure of what to do. He hadn’t actually been-
“That will be all I imagine,” the King finally said, “You are to defer to your Captain for orders and instruction, though I imagine the Knights may wish to speak with you as well. You are dismissed, but Nino,” he added abruptly, cutting off the bow the boy was about to give him. He looked him in the eye again, stressing his authority. “Remain attentive.”
“I- yes, of course Your Majesty,” Nino managed, his pride somewhat deflated by what seemed to be doubt, but he shook it off easily enough as he bent into a deep bow. Fine then, he thought to himself as he stood up straight, turning and leaving with measured, confident steps.
All he could ask for were opportunities. Chances, risks, that’s all. His whole life here was a series of gambles he stubbornly leaned into, again and again, and he wasn’t about to quit now. Part of him was ashamed of himself for ever wavering, letting his worries get the better of him as he quaked in the hidden archway like a child. Everyone was waiting for it to collapse in on him, and maybe he was as well. But until then, he thought, marching down the hall standing above all the others,
I’m not stopping.
 -----------------------------
“STOP! Stop that both of you!”
Nino’s desperate shouts were met with mischievous laughs, overlapping each other and shrieking shrilly as he dashed through the ruined chamber, snatching Ella from the edge of her balcony as her sister screamed and ran passed him, diving for her bed and crawling underneath. Ella flailed in his arms, still in one of her formal dresses despite the fact that she was supposed to be in bed AGES ago, rebelling against him as they had the time of their lives. “Etta! Get out of there right now!”
All he got back was her screaming laughter, kicking further beneath the bed as Ella finally wrestled free and ran to join her, laughing hysterically as Nino caught one of her ankles, tugging her back. As he pulled her back and groaned in frustration he fell heavily to one knee, Ella tucked underneath one arm as he crouched and fished his free hand underneath the huge bed frame. He barely caught the edges of Etta’s dress with his finger tips but it was enough to get a grip, apologizing in his mind to the seamstress he knew was responsible for their dresses repair and tugging harshly, sliding the giggling princess out into the open so he could glare at her.
This was SO not his damn job.
“Your handmaidens are going to be here any minute so both of you settle down! It’s bed time and I expect you to listen!”
“You can’t tell us what to do!” Etta piped up, her face scrunching up as her playful sneer was ruined by her laughter. “We’re princesses!”
“Oh, don’t even try it,” Nino muttered, scooping her up under his other arm and toting them towards the bed as they laughed and laughed, knowing full well that excuse didn’t work anymore.
The twins thought they were so funny, nobody entertained them like they could entertain themselves. Separated they were docile but together they were ridiculous, and honestly it was his own fault.
He’d been at this for two weeks now and he was losing his mind trying to contain the monsters he had made of these two little girls.
Everything had started out just fine. It had honestly made his day to see the look on their faces when he was presented to them as their personal guard. They had been in public company at the time so they did their best to restrain themselves, their parents strict lessons on formality no doubt ringing in their ears but they still grinned up at him with joy. He didn’t bother to hide his warm smile in return, letting them be excited, and letting himself be a little excited as well. He took his position very seriously, but he was relishing in the opportunity he had reflected upon before. How these kids could not be children, there in the halls or even in the body of the castle. They had been children only a few times since he had met them and they had come to know his name, twice in a hallway and once in a field… and he had wished then that he might give them more of that.
But THIS was bullshit.
Nino tossed them both roughly onto the bed, giving them a glowering look that they both seemed unphased by, rolling around and laughing to themselves. He gave a heavy sigh and smoothed down their dresses, in the middle of reminding them to be lady like with their skirts when there was a knock on the door.
“Speak,” he called out, having to project to be heard.
He immediately sighed in relief when the familiar voice of one of their handmaidens reached him, turning and heading towards the door as he said, “Enter.”
The girls sat upright but were still laughing to themselves as the handmaiden entered, carrying their sleepwear in her hands and greeting them sweetly. However, when she looked up at Nino her greeting died in her throat, instead replaced by a sympathetic chuckle.
“Having a hard time?”
“That’s one way of putting it,” he grumbled sourly, allowing the princesses to hear him and grimacing at their chorus of laughter. Nino gave the maiden the most genuine look of frustration he could possibly muster as he abandoned the girls and crossed over to her, saying quieter, “The other way of putting it is not age appropriate.”
He got a laugh out of her like he had been hoping, her muffled giggles into the cloth she was holding enough to mollify him a little (only a little). Mylene, as she was called, looked up at him with pity, and then suddenly held out her things for him to hold.
He took them in confusion but watched obediently as Mylene slowly reached up to tie back her thickly corded hair with a long cloth, her expression settling into the most relieving thing he could possibly see.
The mom face.
He sighed audibly as she snatched back their things from him, calling out in a sing song voice, “Now, your highnesses,” and it was utterly effective.
The twins halted in their bouncing, growing still as their maiden strode towards them, scolding them in that same, oddly firm sing-song tone. “You know it’s time to be getting ready for bed, so it’s not very fair to give your guard a hard time now is it?”
Etta and Ella were quiet, shooting each other looks before mumbling something like, “Well you weren’t here-,”
“Yeah so we were playing and-,”
“Well,” Mylene cut them off, busying herself with gathering them up despite their protests, “me running a little behind is no reason to run rampant, so let’s get you two ready.”
She waved her hands at them dismissively as their complaints got more pronounced, and Nino couldn’t help but smile smugly when they glared at him. It was a petty victory to have to rely on the maidens again but he didn’t have that way with them yet, he was a guard not a caretaker. Usually at least one of their four maidens was with them, the leader of the bunch being Mylene, but in the brief time where they were not… it was chaos.
He had no one but himself to blame.
He jolted from his thoughts when Mylene suddenly turned on him as well, coming at him quickly and shooing him with her hands, pushing him out the door while explaining, “Go! They need to be washed and changed I’m already late as it is, go!” And then he was out in the hallway, left to breathe a blissful sigh.
Thank god for the maidens… it was almost an entirely genuine prayer, he thought it with as much reverence.
Nino posted up near the door to the twin’s room, relaxing a little more than he might normally since his presence was clearly superfluous. There were six other guards in this hallway alone, not to mention how many of them were posted nearby. The other guards looked over at him when he was pushed out into the open, but quickly returned to minding their spaces and he was left without their attention.
This was more or less his routine, having gone through a similar schedule every day for the last two weeks. What the young princesses were expected to do to occupy their time changed every day, but their movements were so restricted through the bulk of the castle’s meetings that for the most part they spent their day in the same wing they slept in. Nino was forced to stand by quietly as they diligently practiced and studied, watching over them as they saw to their lessons and whiled away their time. There were very few pockets of chaos as they did this, normally reserved for when he was escorting them back to their rooms for the evening to sew or read. That’s when they would start getting rowdy, and he would have to corral them inside when they were at their most energetic. Of course they would be, they were asked to sit and curtsy and sing for hours during the morning and early afternoon, they were children of course they get hyper. So, he tried to be understanding of their little outbursts but god it was so hard to manage. The handmaidens had a masterful approach by now that he did not, and since he was their most interesting ‘new friend’ he was put through quite a bit.
The maidens had gotten to quite like him, thankfully, Mylene being one of the only ones he had actually met beforehand. He often saw her hanging around Ivan, waiting for him to be done with his shifts or crowding around to watch him spar. No doubt she had been with him before realizing she was going to be late, but who was he to ask. The thought made him smile.
That was a little inappropriate, a royal guard and a handmaiden, but it wasn’t so bad. He was noble born but its not like he was a duke or anything, and she was high up in the inner circle as one of the young princesses’ caretakers. So it wasn’t so bad, and almost no one minded. Not that Ivan had admitted to it yet, despite everybody’s teasing.
The only other servant in the royal company that he recognized before starting was Marinette, and that was only by a handful of hours. He knew her now to be the chamber attendant to Her Royal Highness Alya Cesaire, but he did not get to see her often. A few pleasant conversations but not much more yet.
It was starting to get late as his mind slowly began to turn towards the twin’s older sister, but he was distracted before long by the gentle, distant call of his charges from inside.
He smiled, both at their insistence of telling him good night, and at the fact that he would soon be off duty. He was working for the entirety of their waking hours so breaks and privacy were rare and short lived. Still though, as a result the pay was astronomically better and just two weeks of work put him miles ahead in his family’s winter fund so… he wasn’t going to complain.
The job had plenty of perks too, he supposed.
He knocked before entering and shut the door quietly behind of him, in a significantly more even mood now that he had had a moment to recollect himself. He was actually about to apologize for being rough with them when he looked up and across the room to their bed and was disarmed by a smile.
“Hello farm boy,” Alya greeted quietly, focusing more on tucking the girls in for the moment, but glancing over to receive his returning smile. And his little bow.
“Hello Your Highness,” he answered without hesitation, gesturing to the door on the left wall that connected this room to her own, “I hadn’t realized you were in your room. I apologize if we were being loud.”
“Oh I’m always in my room,” she grumbled quietly, moving a strand of hair from Ella’s face and only speaking up to say, “And I don’t mind the noise. It sounded like the girls were having fun, even if,” and she glared at them, “it was at their guard’s expense?”
The twins giggled but did not answer, offering no apology whatsoever and Alya looked back just in time to see Nino roll his eyes.
The girls were still giggly but it looked like they were getting tired, Mylene still somewhere nearby it sounded like, probably wrapping up for the night. His replacements to guard the door should be arriving soon, and everyone was getting ready to end the day.
Nino was just in the process of deciding whether or not he was allowed to strike up a conversation when Alya stood up a little abruptly, smoothing her somewhat simple (but still elegant) dress with her hands. She leaned over to kiss both of her sisters on the forehead, stepping away towards him with the intention to pass him it seemed like, and he squashed his disappointment at the missed moment. Tomorrow maybe… but she seemed to be busying herself, already at the hall door by the time she was addressing her sisters.
“Sleep tight you two, and don’t be making a fuss. You’ve been a little too rowdy today and I’m going to be giving your Night Guards a special instruction to come and put you both to bed if they hear anything. So stay in bed.”
She gave them what felt like a fake glare and Nino had no doubt they intended to ignore her entirely but… that was night guards problem.
Still though he raised an eyebrow at her hasty exit, leaving as soon as he arrived and forgoing the door that just went to her room. Instead she was going to take the hall, so she could pass on a message? But she could have just asked him to do that, he was the one passing off to them anyways.
He was going to suggest this when Alya just opened the hall door, giving the twins a final good night and Nino a goodbye of his own, before she quickly but quietly shut the door behind her, and he was alone with the girls once again.
Well the girls and Mylene but she was busy.
Nino was still looking at the hall door with a frown when the twin’s tried to get his attention but…
“Sir Guard,” Ella whined, “Ninnoooo,” and he finally turned, clearly distracted and looking back towards the hall a few times.
“Yes?”
“Goodnight!” Etta exclaimed, like it was obvious, waving a little though he was fairly close to her. Her sister copied her and Nino waved back, smiled, but then looked back to the door, a bad feeling creeping up on him.
The twins were saying something more but he started to make a hasty exit of his own, mollifying them with a few warm goodnights and assurances that he would see them in the morning, but heading quickly for the door as well.
Because it had taken him a moment to realize but the replacements for the night weren’t actually there yet.
Nino opened the door with a little more gusto then necessary and left his charges pouting a bit but he had something slightly more pressing to be concerned with.
Nino entered the quiet, stuffy stone hallway with a significant spike in awareness, not taking anything lightly just because there were others around to watch his back. Mostly because, judging by the gap in security, he wasn’t actually as covered as he had assumed.
He looked down towards Alya’s room and felt a horrible crawl of dread against his skin as he saw her two personal guards waiting obliviously a good distance away, distracted by something and talking amongst themselves. The two of them were still of course doing their job and guarding the door, but…
Nino had a terrible feeling that they were under the impression it was occupied.
‘Okay, okay that’s fine. We don’t need to freak out yet, she couldn’t have made it too far surely someone would have seen her,’ he thought to himself placatingly, looking frantically down both ends of the hall and not seeing much besides a good chunk of guards who couldn’t have possibly missed that. So she must be back inside because how could they have not seen her.
Right so… Nino shifted his weight uneasily, the clink of his boots muffled slightly on the plush, ornate rugs left everywhere. She was out of his sight for… maybe thirty seconds, which was growing rapidly as he hemmed and hawed. He had every reason to assume that surely the six other guards in the hall had seen her standing there, taken her message on behalf of the night watch and escorted her back to her room. Yeah, that’s what happened probably, he probably just missed her.
He tried to let himself breathe a little, but he felt warm and uncomfortable for awhile more anyways. That was pretty irresponsible of him… in his defense he had been directly called in by royalty and could not disobey and there was plenty of presence in the hall, and his position inside the room always constituted that room as guarded regardless of the positions at the door, but if he wasn’t at the door and someone left then he was left relying on everyone else to catch it.
And he didn’t like relying on anyone else.
But what could he do really, order one of the others to watch his door for him? Half of the guard hated him, and the royal hall was almost always reserved for senior guards so usually everyone in the hallway hated him. So they would likely not listen to him anyways, or report him for negligence.
Oh well that was a great thought… they were probably just waiting till the ends of their shifts now to tell Alix about how Alya left the twin’s room unattended.
It was like, two seconds… ugh.
The severity of their watch really must be driving the daughters crazy at this point, and Nino fought a frown at the thought. Two full weeks of constant uninterrupted watch, and it would keep on for a few more days, or so the servants had told him.
Nino continued to bear the stiff silence of the hall, the only sound the occasional chatter from Alya’s guards a ways away from him. He watched them with a skeptical eye for a while, wondering where they got off chatting so much. And moving so much, every few minutes one of them would wander off and check the windows, looking around before returning to their post.
With such diligence, inconsistent though it seemed to be they surely saw Alya leave, and surely returned her to her room. It was almost as certain that this likely irritated her which… he completely understood. He mourned his own privacy while working so closely with the twins, he couldn’t imagine that being the entirety of his life. The rumors he had heard over time of the princesses (mostly Alya) sneaking off or even attempting to evade their guard (again, mostly Alya) had been entertaining when he heard them, but now as they occurred to him they seemed a little dismal. And also a little alarming, but again, six guards in a hallway. Wasn’t even a problem. Some of them weren’t even facing this door and a few of them were talking amongst themselves but still, six.
Regardless, he wished he could offer her royal highness some kind of reprieve, more so then kind smiles and informal chit-chat whenever he could spare it. If he could give her freedom he liked to think he would, so long as she didn’t try to run off on him.
Which she wouldn’t do, and hadn’t done, especially not now.
Doubt clung to his back as he started to shift uneasily in place, trying to decide just how much stock he was willing to put in rumors versus the capability of his fellow guards. He watched her personal detail start talking again, laughing at something and turning away… and his fear for the worst grew past his ability to give good faith.
“Ehem,” he eventually dared, every guard in the hallway instantly turning to regard him and nearly all of them sneering. He swallowed slightly but straightened his back, trying and failing to be casual as he said, “Um, just a status report. Before I leave for the night um… but where is the eldest princess? She’s… in her room, I suppose?”
There was a brief disbelieving silence before four of the guards just straight up ignored him, the final two being Alya’s personal detail who snorted condescendingly.
“Obviously,” cracked the senior guard, his partner laughing meanly as if to mock him. “What the hell you think we’ve been doing all day?” The two shot each other a look, shaking their heads at his idiocy and returning to their not so diligent guard,
of a completely empty room.
 “Ah,” was all Nino replied.
 Fuck.
127 notes · View notes