#never really call out his thoughts and try to dodge the subject

[tunnelstep]

i think he would like bugs

hello, hope you're having a wonderful day :-) moar kittie req time....

a little update on my last recieved fella (ivoryfall) (holds him gentle like hamburger): i decided to make him into the leader of one of my clans in its prior generation. he had some steep character development throughout his deputyship but he never lost his bluster, even if he grew significantly less naive over time. maybe this next kitty will flesh out his ranks

23 - Common I'm so glad he found a home in your Clan's lore!! He would make a good leader with a little growing up. Ivorystar!! Here, take an apprentice for him <3

Salmonpaw (Salmondrop)(he/him) is a red classic tabby tom with sage green eyes. Crimson marks both his flanks in thick, blocky swirls. His tabby markings cover most of his pelt, leaving his base coat--a cream so pale it could be called pink--showing only as thin arcs between the tabby stripes like veins of quartz through marble. His front two paws have tall white socks, and white speckles his chest and stomach like snow. His whiskers are long, white, and drooping. His green eyes are desaturated and dull, but have glistening, emerald arcs cupping the base of the iris. Salmonpaw has a long body and a long tail, a thin and narrow cat that slips through undergrowth as deftly as his namesake fish.

Salmonpaw is an easily excitable tomcat, easily distractible too. He finds wonder in small things and can lose track of time examining the fingers of a fern frond or the ridges of bark, tracing them with his eyes. He loves uncovering patterns. He has big dreams, but his goals change with the moon and he never sticks to one goal long enough to make real progress towards them. Salmonpaw is non-confrontational and has trouble standing up for himself. He dislikes arguing and will quickly give up when pushed. He’s never been a proud or stubborn cat and can easily admit to his mistakes.

[theosbaby]

helping hand

lorenzo berkshire x fem!reader

masterlist

SUMMARY ! the guys find out that enzo is still a virgin and they keep bothering him about it, so he asks for your help.

WARNINGS ! friends to lovers, use of y/n (just once i think), loss of virginity, SMUT, virgin!lorenzo, sub!lorenzo, dom!reader, mutual masturbation, p in v, lots of praising, neck grabbing, hair pulling, slight orgasm denial, unprotected sex.

NOTES ! english isn't my first language, so you might find mistakes. yes, i have read filthy and i know lorenzo isn't innocent at all, but i wanted to portray him like that for this one, hope you like it!

lorenzo was your best friend, he had been since you both were a couple of tweens and met at the hogwarts express on your first year. you remembered that day as if it had been yesterday. he had bumped into you, which made you drop your chocolate frog to the ground, after that, he immediately apologized and bought you the whole honeydukes trolley as an apology; at that moment, you swore to yourself you would never let him go.

and seven years later, he was the most important person in your life.

as every friday night, lorenzo and you were having a sleepover in your dormroom. that night, pansy, your roommate, was out on a date with some dude and you had the room all to yourselves. you were lying in your bed, enzo next to you. a film was playing, but you were having trouble to focus on it since enzo kept moving; he looked uneasy, which was really rare to be honest, lorenzo was the calmest guy in the whole wizarding world.

you couldn't possibly imagine what was going on in that pretty head of his.

truth is, the week before, the rest of the guys had discovered that enzo was still a virgin and they had been teasing him about it nonstop since then, which had already started to seriously bother him. at first, maybe you could say it was funny, but after eight days of constant jokes, it was not funny anymore.

you sighed, finally deciding to ask him what was going through his mind.

"lorenzo," you called him, using his full name, which you rarely did, "is something wrong? you seem off today..."

enzo looked away, clearly trying to avoid your eyes, and you frowned; that was the confirmation you needed to know that something was not fine, he never averted your gaze like that.

"nothing, just... dealing with some stress." he answered, dodging the subject. when he saw your unpleased look, he added, "it's not a big deal, seriously. don't worry about it."

"cmon, enzo..." you said, reaching to cup his cheek and force him to look at you, "i know you like the palm of my hand and i know something's bothering you."

you smiled reassuringly at him, pausing the film to focus fully on the conversation, then you added, "you can tell me anything, you know that, right?"

enzo's cheeks blushed slightly, his eyes darting back and forth as he looked at you, clearly hesitating whether he should tell you or not.

"you wouldn't... you wouldn't think any less of me, would you?" he asked and you saw a hint of vulnerability in his light brown irises.

you frowned as you looked at him, caressing his cheek softly; his attitude was making you really worried.

"of course not, enzo... you're my best friend," you told him with a soft and sweet voice, trying to get him to open to you.

he nodded slowly, leaning into your touch; he found comfort in your presence, it had always been that way. taking a deep breath, enzo finally confessed.

"well... it's just that... the guys found out i'm still a virgin and they've been teasing me about it all week." as he talked, his voice was barely above a whisper.

"that's it?" you asked, chuckling as your worried expression visibly softened. "they're a bunch of idiots... just ignore them," you reassured him, your hand moving up to stroke his soft hair.

enzo managed to let out a small laugh, his expression softening at your comment too.

"yeah, i know..." he muttered, his eyes fixed in yours as he thought of his next words, "but it's hard not to let it get to me when they treat me like some sort of joke."

"hey, don't say that..." you replicated, your brow furrowed as you heard his words. "there's nothing wrong with being a virgin."

he nodded, agreeing with you, while his eyes drifted back to the paused movie on the screen. despite your words, he still seemed a bit troubled. you were definitely going to beat the guys up the next time you saw them for making enzo feel so bad about something completely normal and natural.

"i know that... i can't help but feel self-conscious about it though," he said, then elaborated, "I mean, everyone else seems to be... well, you know."

"experienced?" you asked, finishing his sentence.

you grabbed his hand, entwining your fingers with his; you wanted to make him feel better. he looked down at your intertwined fingers and sighed softly.

"yeah... experienced." he nodded while he talked. "it's not like i haven't tried to lose my virginity or anything; it's just never been the right time or person, i guess."

you gave his hand a gentle squeeze when you heard his words, smiling at how sweet he was. enzo was simply the perfect guy, the perfect friend, and you were sure someday he'd be the perfect boyfriend.

"you'll get there eventually, trust me," you chuckled and rested your head on his shoulder. "just don't overthink it, okay?"

lorenzo smiled back, clearly more relaxed now that had confided in you. his fingers tightened slightly around yours as he rested his head on top of yours.

"i know, thanks for listening, darling."

"always, enzo." you kissed his cheek briefly. "and if they bother you again about it, just let me know, i'll gladly hit them," you added, laughing.

"you would do that for me?" he looked at you, his expressive eyes sparkling in the dim light of the room.

"i'd do anything for you," you answered honestly, smiling warmly at him.

it was the truest thing you had ever told him; there wasn't a single thing you wouldn't sacrifice for him. he was just worth it. your words seemed to awake something in him, you could almost see the gears in his head spinning as he stared at you intently.

"really? anything?" his voice deepened a bit, his eyes still locked onto yours. "can i ask you something then?"

"of course silly, anything," you replied, letting out a nervous laugh as his intense gaze made you feel butterflies in your belly.

"would you..." he swallowed nervously, taking a deep breath before continuing. "would you maybe... want to be my first?"

your breath hitched when you heard his proposal, your heart started racing in your chest. for a second, you thought that you could be dreaming, so you pinched yourself; the pain you felt confirmed that your were, in fact, not sleeping.

"enzo, are you sure about that?" you questioned, unsure if he was saying it seriously or not. "we've just talked about that, there's nothing wrong with being a virgin," you repeated.

"i know, darling." he bite his lower lip, looking down at the floor for a moment before meeting your eyes again. "but i can't stop thinking about it... and i'd really like it to be with you."

"really?" you gasped in surprise, nipping at your bottom lip to try and hide the smirk that tugged at the corners of your mouth.

you loved enzo; not the kind of love you feel for a brother, though, you were in love with him, and you had tried to convince yourself otherwise for a long time, because you thought your feelings weren't reciprocated, but now... he was in front of you, asking you to be his first, and you weren't sure if you'd be able to ignore your feelings anymore.

"you aren't just doing it out of social pressure?"

you wanted to make sure he was not feeling pressured to do it; you wanted him to do it only if he finally felt ready to take that step.

"no, i mean it," he said, blushing shyly. "i really want it to be with you, y/n. you're so beautiful, and kind, and smart. i've had a crush on you for years."

his admission made your heart skip a beat; you thought you were going to faint right there and then. your thoughts were all over the place, your mind racing as you looked at him, but there was just one thing that you knew for sure; you were dying to kiss him... so you did.

"then, i guess it can be arranged," you whispered, reaching to cup his face and pull him into a kiss, one that was very sweet at first.

enzo's eyes fluttered shut as he leaned into the kiss, his hands moving to rest on your hips. he gasped softly against your lips, his heart racing wildly. you took control of the kiss as you tangled your fingers in his hair and tug at it, slipping your tongue in his mouth; the innocent kiss soon turning into a full make out session.

his hands moved slowly but surely down to the small of your back, gently pressing against your lower back and pulling you even closer to him. you slightly moaned into the kiss, unable to get enough of the taste of his soft lips.

"you taste so good, enzo," you muttered between kisses, not pulling back at any moment.

your hand moved down his neck, gripping at it, which made enzo gasp softly, his fingers digging into your waist as his tongue became bolder in your mouth. he could feel himself getting hard, the rush of blood making him dizzy.

he was practically on top of you at that point, so you pushed him gently until he was sitting on the bed, back against the headboard and you straddled his lap, leaning in to resume the kissing. quickly, he wrapped his arms around you, pulling you as close a he possibly could. one of his hands moved to the hem of your shirt, pushing it upwards slowly; the gentle caress of his fingertips on your skin gave you goosebumps.

"you want me to take this off, baby?" you asked, breaking the kiss, as you started toying with the hem of your top.

lorenzo looked at you with hooded eyes, licking his lips slightly. "yes, please… take it off."

you smirked, grabbing the hem of your top and pulling it off your body. since you were not wearing a bra, you breasts were now completely exposed under his intense gaze. his eyes darkened as he saw your boobs for the first time; they were perfect, just like the rest of you.

"have you ever touched a girl, enzo?" you questioned, a sweet tone to your voice.

he swallowed hard, his hands aching to touch you, and answered, "no, i haven't."

"don't be shy, baby," you whispered with a smile, grabbing his hands to encourage him to cup your breasts, squeezing them lightly. "like this."

enzo stared at your face closely, his eyes filled with lust as he mimicked your action, his hands squeezing both your boobs gently. his thumbs brushed against your little nipples, causing them to harden instantly.

"you're beautiful," he breathed out, completely stunned at your beauty.

you gasped slightly, your cheeks flushing as a heat wave washed over your body; your panties growing wetter by the second. the way he touched you, as if he was worshipping your body, was a huge turn on.

"thank you, baby," you muttered, squirming in his lap.

enzo moaned softly as he felt your body grinding against his hard length. he kissed along your jawline and down your neck, nipping softly as he went. you let out a cute whimper, your eyes fluttering shut when you felt his tongue lapping at one of your hard nipples and you reached up to tangle your fingers in his soft hair, caressing it tenderly; he groaned against your skin as he began to suck at the hard nub gently.

his hand moved down between your legs and he slipped his fingers underneath the fabric of your shorts and panties; you felt his digits rubbing hesitantly over your pussy, as if he didn't know what to do with them next.

"enzo," you gasped at his action, tugging at his hair tenderly. "you have never done that before, right?" you chuckled as you you caressed his face.

lorenzo blushed slightly and shook his head slowly, still teasing your sensitive skin with his fingers. his eyes locked onto yours as he whispered back, "no... i have not."

"let me show you how to do it properly, yeah?" you said with a sweet voice, grabbing his hand to pull it out of your panties.

then, you got off his lap, sitting next to him as you pushed your shorts and underwear down your legs, finally exposing your pussy. his breath hitched in his throat as he saw you completely bare for the first time. he reached out tentatively, tracing a finger along your upper thigh.

your hand moved down to cup your pussy, your fingers gently parting your slick folds to rub your swollen clit in circles, teaching him how you liked it; you couldn't help but gasp at the touch.

"just like this, see?" you asked, looking at him with glazed eyes.

enzo's eyes darkened as he watched you touch yourself; you looked so vulnerable and exposed, yet so sexy. when you withdrew your hand, he replaced your fingers with his, mirroring your movements as he started rubbing your clit in small circles.

"fuck yeah, like that..." you muttered, your breathing coming out in sharp pants as your hips bucked forward. "doing so good for me, enzo," you praised.

he groaned at your praise as he watched you writhing at his touch. his dick was rock hard in his pants and he wished more than anything that he could slide it into your tight pussy right away.

you reached next to you to push his sweatpants down his thighs, just enough to free his erection. he arched his back slightly to help you and his hard cock sprung free, standing tall against his flat stomach. you bit your lower lip, your mouth watering when you saw his dick; he was really big.

"can i touch you, baby?" you asked, your hand absentmindedly tracing patterns over his abs.

enzo's breath hitched at your touch. his abs flexed slightly under your fingertips as he nodded eagerly. when he gave you his permission, you grabbed his length in your hand gently, pumping it slowly at first.

he groaned at your touch, leaning back against the headboard as you began to stroke his cock, his fingers still rubbing your soaked pussy. his eyes were half-closed as he watched you move your hand up and down.

"that feels so good, darling," he muttered.

you moaned in response when his digits picked up speed, pressing down your swollen clit and making you squirm in pleasure. your chest raised and fell quickly as you gasped for air.

he smirked as he felt your body respond to his touch, leaning forward to capture your lips in a passionate kiss that you returned instantly. his tongue slipped inside your mouth as his hand slid down your slit, searching for your entrance; he pushed two fingers inside of you, feeling your wetness coat his digits as he began to thrust them in and out.

you whined, involuntarily breaking the contact between your lips, and your face scrunched in pleasure. your hand moved faster as it stroke his cock, your thumb teasing his tip, that was leaking precum.

he groaned, his mouth finding your neck. his free hand slid up to cup your breast, massaging it gently as he continued to finger fuck you. he was already close to cumming, all the new sensations overwhelming him, but he wanted to make it last as long as possible.

"enzo, fuck," you cursed, your pussy tightening around his fingers when you felt the coil in your belly about to snap. "such a good boy... making me feel so good."

you gasped, your pumps becoming sloppier as you approached your orgasm. enzo's breath hitched at your praising words, hips bucking against your hand, unable to contain himself any longer.

"please, love... let me inside you," he begged between breathy moans, his fingers thrusting in and out of you harder.

"how do you want me, baby?" you asked in a whisper, your lips brushing his as you spoke.

enzo nipped at his lower lip, he didn't even have to think his answer. "i want you to ride me," he muttered as he looked into your eyes, his own glazed with lust.

you gasped when he withdrew his fingers from your pussy, a smirk tugging at your lips as you said, "whatever you want, baby."

you released his cock from your grasp to climb onto his lap. enzo's breath caught in his throat when you straddled him, the sight of your wet pussy just inches from his cock making him shudder with anticipation; he almost came on the spot. his hands found purchase on your hips, pulling you closer to him.

you grabbed his cock and placed the tip against your entrance, slowly lowering yourself onto it. you couldn't help but moan as you took his big cock inside you. once he was fully seated within your pussy, you stood still for a moment to get used to the new intrusion.

"how does that feel, my pretty boy?" you asked, leaning in to nuzzle his neck affectionately.

he groaned, his hands moving to cup your ass as he began to instinctively thrust up into you. it felt so perfect, so right, like every inch of him belonged inside you.

"it feels so good," he whispered in your ear, his breathing ragged.

"yeah... it does," you agreed, starting to ride him slowly at first; his cock reached all the right spots inside you so easily. "it's like your dick was fucking made for me, enzo," you moan, your breathing growing uneven.

he shuddered as he bucked up into you, his fingers digging into your ass so hard that you were sure he would leave bruises. you were so fucking tight, and he was so hard, the friction almost too much for him to handle.

you smirked as you saw him so helpless underneath your body while you rode him. you reached to tug at his hair, tilting his head back to suck at his neck, leaving some hickeys, which made him moan.

"you like being deep inside my tight pussy, enzo?" you teased him.

your boobs bounced as you jumped on his cock; that sight only adding to his pleasure. you placed your hands on his chest to support yourself, seeing his eyes roll back in his head as he felt you tighten around him; he thrust up into you, hitting that perfect spot again and again.

"yeah... so fucking much," he answered, panting heavily.

"such a naughty boy..." you cooed, a smug grin tugging at the corners of your lips. "but i love it."

you looked closely at him; he was completely flustered, cheeks flushed and hair sticking to his sweaty forehead.

"you look so fucking pretty underneath me, enzo," you complimented him

he groaned, sliding one hand down to rub against your clit roughly, the other one still holding onto your ass.

"don't stop, please." he breathed out, his hips lifting up to meet every downward thrust of yours.

"you close, pretty boy?" you asked him, watching his face attentively as he nodded in response. "you gonna be a good boy and hold it in for me, yeah?" you ordered with a soft voice.

he whimpered, biting his lip harshly. his cock throbbed inside you, aching for release, but his thumb did not stop rubbing circles on your clit; the sensation of his dick pounding into you together with the stimulation on your clit making you weak on the knees.

"yes... I'll be good for you."

"that's my boy," you praised him, struggling to keep up the pace while riding him since your legs had started shaking from the pleasure. "you gonna make me cum, baby." you breathed out, moaning loudly.

you hand had a conscience of its own and moved up to grasp at his neck, applying light pressure on it. enzo's eyes fluttered shut at the sensation, your grip limiting his air flow very slightly, but enough to make it pleasurable.

"oh fuck! i'm cumming," he moaned, gritting his teeth.

"hold it," you commanded, your voice harder that time. "you won't cum until i do."

he moaned in frustration, shaking his head as his hips jerked up into you. "please... i can't."

"just a minute, baby, i'm almost there," you promised, whimpering while your pussy started clenching around his cock as your orgasm built up.

you kept riding him until you finally fell over the edge, letting out a long string of soft moans and whimpers while your whole body shook. you leaned into his body, your hands gripping at his skin as pleasure washed over you.

"oh gods, enzo," you moaned, "you can cum now, baby."

as soon as you gave him permission, he came with a loud whimper, almost a cry, shooting his thick cum inside you in long spurts, your pussy milking his cock as both of your rode out your highs, holding onto each other tightly.

he panted, leaning his forehead against yours, his heartbeat slowing down as he tried to catch his breath.

"that was amazing."

"pretty good for a first time, huh?" you chuckled, out of breath too, while caressing his back and shoulders; your bodies were completely pressed together.

"fuck yeah... let's do it again," he laughed, grabbing your hips to push you onto the mattress; your body bounced slightly.

"enzo!" you giggled, but your playful laugh soon turned into a moan when your best friend buried his head between your legs.

you had definitely created a monster... you weren't complaining, though.

[theglamorousferal]

Persephone's Binding Part 6

AO3 Prompt Part 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Jason crouched into a fighting stance, mimicking Danny. They began to circle each other, making a complete circle of the training ring in the process.

"One of us has to move first, and you're the one who wanted to test me." Jason quipped. Danny lunged, intending to hit a spot of fabric visible between Jason's armor.

Jason dodged, then went to hit Danny in the middle of his back, only for him to fall through him. He tucked into a roll and popped up on on knee. "Okay, now that's not fair. Density shifting? Didn't think I'd be fighting someone like the Martian."

Danny paused. "Martian?" He shook his head. "Never mind, I can ask later. I'm already handicapping myself with like half, the shit I can do keeping projectiles outta the fight. At least let me keep my basics."

Jason looked at him suspicious. "What are your basics?"

"Oh just intangibility, invisibility, flight and super-strength." Danny grinned like the little shit he was. Definitely a younger sibling. Jason thought. He rolled his eyes and got to his feet, ending up in a fighting stance again.

"Yeah, but If I can't touch you at all how are you gonna gauge how I fight?"

Danny tilted his head and squinted his eyes at him. "You have a point." He pouted. "Fine, I need dodging practice anyway."

"Good, now come at me." Jason gestured. Danny gave up trying to obey gravity and flew straight at Jason's mid-section, intending to tackle him. He was not expecting Jason to flip out of the way and to the side, before landing facing where Danny now was positioned.

Danny growled and then leapt towards Jason swinging at his face; Jason did not expect the kick to the stomach. With the air punched out of his lungs, Jason swiped at Danny's head, intending to knock him over. He only managed to send him spinning towards the railing before Danny caught and righted himself.

"You good?" He asked as Jason wheezed a breath in.

"Yeah, I'm good, when was the last time you fought a human kid?"

Danny froze for a moment before a dark look passed over his face. "About seven months. And I was aiming to harm." He shook himself after a moment before a guilty expression flashed across his face.

"I'm good, I promise. Just maybe pull it back a little so you don't accidentally break a few ribs." Jason waved him off, jumping a bit and getting himself psyched back up. "Let's go."

They continued to spar for hours. Danny won the first match, then Jason. The third they got each other locked in a grapple that neither could break and called it a draw. They moved onto weapons after that, first with swords, edges dull for training, then staffs. After a bit they broke for some water.

"So, your sister mentioned you were attending IRU? What's that?" Jason asked after chugging half a bottle.

"Oh, Infinite Realms University. There were a bunch of entities, ghost and neverborn alike, whose obsessions are either teaching or have decided that to feed their obsession and therefore existence, that they would teach others about it. It started as a group of ghosts who manifested together and then slowly expanded to cover every conceivable subject or degree. Myself and a couple of friends are trying to put together a way to do online classes so the people in Amity can attend."

"Oh, so they take full humans?" Maybe I can get a degree if I'm stuck here.

"I mean, they take anyone at all if they can handle the ambient ectoplasm."

"Right, you have both mentioned that. What exactly is ectoplasm? I nebulously know it has something to do with ghosts, but nothing further. Ghosts aren't really a thing in my world as far as I'm aware."

"Right, Jazz mentioned you're new to literally all of this stuff. We grew up with it and then I have it as a lived experience. Here's this is a form of ectoplasm." Danny allowed ectoplasm to pool in his cupped hands. It was florescent green and giving off a glow that shone across Danny's armor.

"That looks like Lazarus water but not bubbling. Can I touch it?"

"Probably not until we get your soul looked at. I mean, I can see it if I look, but I won't know what I'm looking at."

Jason paused. "You can see my soul?" He asked, incredulous.

"Yeah, it's something I've been working on with some of my teachers. Kinda tricky to learn, and you need a proto-core at least to do it. It's taken me a few years to get it down right, now I gotta take more lessons on recognizing differences and classifications, I need to learn before I take the big chair." He chugged the rest of his water bottle and wiped his face with his arm.

"You nervous?" Jason asked.

"Wouldn't you? All I did was fight a dude like I always did to save my town and it resulted in being ghost royalty." He grumbled.

"I mean, I tried to steal the tired off a car and it resulted in me being able to summon mystical glowing swords."

"No way."

Jason smirked and stood, holding his hands out and willing the All-Blades to appear. Glowing flame-like blades sprang to life from his closed fists.

"Okay, that's pretty cool. I mean, I can do that with ice too, see?" Danny holds out his own hands and two swords made from ice appeared to grow from them.

They both looked at each other's weapons, then caught each other's eyes and smirked in unison. "Race ya to the ring!" Danny yelled then lumped high into the air above Jason who scrambled towards the ring.

[euphor1a]

Bewitched (iii)

↬ pairing: bad boy!yeonjun x good girl!oc

↬ characters: loner bad boy!yeonjun, heartthrob!soobin, best friend!beomgyu, female oc (can be read as f!reader too) + a few supporting characters.

↬ genre: college!au, bad boy!au, slow burn, drama, strangers to lovers, smut, a bit of unrequited love.

↬ summary: After starting college, you never really imagined that you’ll cross paths with Choi Yeonjun — the loner bad boy with influences. But life is full of surprises, ain’t it?

↬ rating & word count: 18+ ; ~3.1K

↬ warnings: profanity, mentions of anxiety, bullying, explicit sexual content; manhandling, dirty talk, fingering, orgasm denial.

↬ disclaimer: this is fictional and doesn’t reflect any of their actions or personality!

↬ previous 𓍯 series masterlist

↬ a/n: thank you to anyone who’s still interested in this baby of mine, i appreciate you a ton <3

You’re supposed to vacuum the apartment today, but you can’t seem to focus, at all. And honestly? It sucks. The more you’ve been trying to move on and be grateful to have dodged a bullet like him, the harder you’ve been thinking about the culprit nonstop.

Three days have passed since you found out a very shocking fact that has left your poor heart in a whirlwind. But you don’t know which is more terrifying — the fact that Daniel is Yeonjun and he lied about his identity, or the cold, harsh truth that you’re still insanely attracted to him. 

A dreary sigh escapes you. Life is not favoring you at all. It’s become such a pain in the ass at this point. Why did you have to fall for someone like him? It would’ve been so much easier if you had feelings for someone whom you know and trust, someone sweet and caring, like Soobin, or even Beomgyu.

Plopping down on your couch, you close your eyes. Things are looking very complicated right now. Not only the thought of that lying bastard has plagued your mind, but also, it’s hindering your daily life. You’ve been extremely unmotivated and anxious ever since the truth unfolded. You wish you had the power to fix everything, but alas, you don’t. 

You remember how Yeonjun looked at you under the moonlight, the way his soft lips devoured your mouth. Are bad boys really capable of such gentleness? You don’t know… from the start, you’ve stayed away from the problematic people, like “bad boys”, just as your parents instructed. And guys like Yeonjun, if you’re being honest — you still prefer to steer clear out of their way. Not the devil himself, though. He got you addicted so fast and so hard that it’s difficult to back out now.

As if to distract you from his thoughts, your phone rings loudly. You squint your eyes, letting the sound bring you back to reality. Soon after, you inhale sharply and reach for the device, your heartbeat picking up with stupid hope.

Turns out it’s Soobin. With a gentle smile on your face, you answer the call, his soft voice cooing in your ear.

“___, just wanted to check in! How are you holding up?” You calm down almost instantly, grateful to have someone like him in your life.

“I’m… alright, I guess. How about you, Soobs? Anything interesting going on?” You speak softly, not keen on making this gentle giant worried in any way.

“Ehhh, what a lame way of trying to change the subject. It didn’t work. You better be taking care of yourself, miss lady, or I’ll–” 

You cut him off midway, reassuring him. “Oh god, of course I am taking care of myself! Don’t worry!” 

“Hmph.” Soobin grumps on the other side. Even if he tries to come off as threatening, he really just ends up sounding adorable.

“Oh, come on now, don’t be mad at me…” your voice is adorably childish in the end, making him sigh. Why do you do this to him? 

“I’m not mad at you. But you do need to take care of yourself.”

“Did you really call me to lecture me about self-care?”

He groans at that. “So, what if I did?” 

You pout, trying to change the subject. “Soob, can I ask you for something?” 

“What is it?”

“Where did you meet Yeonjun that day? Just curious.” 

There’s no answer.

“Soobin?” 

He clicks his tongue. “At our college.” 

“I know that! I mean where at the college?!” you whine, clearly displeased.

“I can’t tell you.” 

“Why?” 

“Trust me, I’m doing you a favor.” 

“I didn’t ask for your favor, did I?” 

He ends the call, leaving you frustrated. Before you can call him back, you see a message pop up in your notifications.

Soobin: i think ___ is genuinely going crazy

Soobin: beomgyu, we gotta do something

___: Soobin… 

Soobin: gyu? this is urgent! 

Gyu: uhhh what now..? 😭

Soobin: she wants to know where i met yeonjun.

___: 😶

Gyu: girl why are you asking for trouble 

Gyu: if it’s something important we can talk to him about it 

___: Do I look like a five year old to you?

___: Why would you talk to him instead of me?

Soobin: you don’t understand, do you?

___: Understand what? This bs?!

Gyu: ___… 

Soobin: see, this is why it’s so hard to communicate with you 😔

Gyu: soobin! don’t! 

___: Wow, okay. I’ll leave you guys be.

Gyu: nono princess 🥺 don’t listen to him!! soobin is out of his mind!! 

Gyu: you can’t just leave us :( 

___: Damn right I can 🥰

Soobin: NO ONF IM SO SORRY 😭😭

Soobin: *omg i was just emotional and said whatever came in my mind i’m sorry

Gyu: this is such a mess 🥲

Soobin: don’t leave us 🥺🥺🥺🥺😔😔☹️☹️😢😢💔💔

___: Yeah whatever

Gyu: why do you want to meet yeonjun, anyway? 

___: *sigh*

___: It’s personal.

Soobin: uhm that’s suspicious 🙂

___: And you asking the very same Yeonjun for “help” isn’t? 

Soobin: ouch 🤕

Gyu: this guy… how many times do i have to tell you to watch your damn mouth 😒

Gyu: ___, i understand that it’s personal. but, as everyone says, it’s better to stay away from him.

___: You two don’t understand 😞

Soobin: i give up 

Gyu: soobin 😬

Soobin: i’ll text you the wing, floor and room no. 

___: Thank you, I guess

Soobin: you’re welcome bb 🥺

Gyu: soobin, you’re a whole goose 🙄

___: Huh? 

Soobin: GYU 🔪🔪🔪

Gyu: nothing lol

___: Okay 

Soobin: 🥺🥺

Gyu: 😧

___: ??? Bye

Gyu: just promise that you’ll be careful! 

___: Promise 🥰

Gyu: 😘

You smile as you notice Soobin’s direct message shortly after. Instantly giddy, you sent him a bunch of heart emojis.

It’s official. You’re gonna confront Choi Yeonjun. Face to face.

Next monday,

So, today’s the day. You’ve thought it through several times and took your time. Beomgyu did try his best to scare you off, but you’re not afraid of Yeonjun. Not at all.

Maybe because you know that he has a weakness for you. Or probably because the urge to meet him is too much and it’s numbing any other senses. Either way, here you are, walking through the hallway that leads to where he usually hangs around.

Tall, scary looking fellas stare you up and down, whispering to themselves as you walk up to the empty classroom, also known as his den. 

“Hey kitty, where are you going?” An edgy looking girl stops you, regarding you curiously. The unsolicited nickname throws you off, but you refuse to let that be visible. 

“Isn’t it obvious?” you shrug, hoping to appear nonchalant. They are kinda scary… 

Another guy comes up, his voice mocking, “This place isn’t for you, cutie. Go back to your class or something.” A bunch of other guys agree, laughing at you. 

Their ridiculous behavior makes you sigh. This type of people are the last ones you wish to deal with. “And who are you to tell me that, exactly!?” you state firmly, crossing your arms around your chest. 

A bunch of them chuckle, drawing more attention. “Aww look, she’s trying to bite back. How adorable.” 

“Really? Is that a way to treat someone?! If I’m here, that surely means that I have business with him, don’t you think?” you hiss in anger, glaring at everyone who gathers around to see the show.

Your words and attitude only fuel their laugh. A person from the crowd remarks, “Look, this little nobody thinks she has business with ‘him’, apparently.” 

More people join in to laugh at you, various remarks being thrown around carelessly. You start to feel cornered and humiliated, your hands turning into fists from frustration. 

“Why the hell is there so much noise? Do y’all want to be sent back or what?” A deep, commanding voice shuts everyone up. You turn around with bated breath, your body freezing immediately as your eyes register the familiar face. 

It’s him. The demon that’s been haunting you for weeks now.

Yeonjun seems pleasantly surprised when he sees you, but he quickly replaces it with his cold demeanor. “What was happening here?” 

The girl who approached you comes forward. “This… this kitty was trying to get into your office. So, I stopped her and asked what she was here for. Guess what? She was trying to be all sassy as if she’s the one in charge. Obviously, she got destroyed… hence all the noise.” 

His expression is unreadable for a second, and you wonder if you’re gonna be sent back empty handed. But then, Yeonjun glares at the gathered crowd menacingly, a hushed silence falling across the hallway. The ones at the front immediately lower their heads. “Judging a book by their cover now, are we? I don’t keep you guys around to assume if a kitty has business with me or not. And, last time I checked, stopping someone doesn’t include ridiculing them in front of everyone just to feed your petty little egos.”

“Jun, but–” one of the guys start, taking a step forward. 

“I don’t have time for your hollow excuses, get out of here immediately, all of you.”

“We’re sorry!” Several of them chime in, dispersing without looking back. But some throw you suspicious looks, earning another glare from Yeonjun. 

“My, my. Rebelling much? If you have a problem, then come over here and talk to me.” His raised voice booms through the space, making everyone leave with mumbled apologies. Once everyone is out of sight, he turns towards you, his eyes earnest. “I’m sorry for how they acted. They’re not used to seeing pretty, little, goody two shoes like you around here. But still, they were rude, and I apologize.”

You nod in acknowledgment, rolling your eyes. For some reason, his words feel insincere. But you have other things to worry about. Like, confronting him for his actions.

Before you can do or think anything further, Yeonjun grabs your wrist, gently pulling you inside the classroom. You gasp when he presses you up against the closed door, his body caging yours, a bit too close for your liking. 

His brown irises study you with curiosity. “Why are you here, ____?” 

You struggle against his grip, trying to move your hands away but failing. “Ugh– let me go!” Being so close to him makes you feel all mushy, and you don’t want to deal with that now.

Thankfully, he untangles one of his hands from yours, raising an eyebrow. “You didn’t answer my question.” 

“Pfft— Shouldn’t I be the one demanding for answers, Daniel?” 

Like the maniac he is, Yeonjun chuckles at that, shaking his head. “I see. What answers, if I may?” 

Is he kidding with you right now? What the hell is this attitude? “Why did you lie?” 

He stops at that, regarding you thoughtfully. “I had my reasons.” 

His monotonous reply pushes you off to the edge. Failing to hide your anger, you jab a finger on his chest, demanding clarity. “What reasons, Yeonjun? That you had to lie and play with my feelings for a day?”

Yeonjun grits his teeth, his grip tightening significantly on your wrist. “I did not play with your feelings, ___.” 

“Liar.” punching him on the chest, you try to take your hand away, but it backfires. He traps you inside his strong embrace, his hot breath fanning over your head. 

“What are you doing–”

He tips your chin upwards, his pupils dilated as he looks at you with a burning hunger. “You enjoy testing my patience, don’t you?” 

Your body shivers involuntarily, your lips just inches away from his. Swallowing nervously, you look away. But he grabs your chin, forcing you to look at him.

Yeonjun leans in, dangerously close to you. “I’m warning you, don’t play with fire. You’ll be suffering and I hate to admit it, but I’d be damned if that happens.” His whisper is hot against your lips, a weird feeling coiling in your stomach.

What the hell is he talking about? Why does he sound like he’s from a cliché forbidden romance fanfiction? 

“Well, what if I want to play with fire?” You suppress your wish to cringe, eyes challenging him to reply. A strange wave of emotions displays in his brown irises, his free hand forming into a tight fist. 

“Don’t blame me when you get burnt.” His lips crashes against yours swiftly. Yeonjun lets go of your arm, and you curl them around his neck, instinctively pulling him closer. He smiles in the kiss, as if victorious, his hand grabbing your ass and squeezing the flesh briefly. The stinging sensation makes you moan. 

Yeonjun grazes your lower lip with his teeth, asking for permission to ravish your mouth — which you gladly provide. His prying tongue slides past your lips, meeting with your tongue in a passionate kiss. You gasp in pleasure, pulling onto his hair when he starts trailing kisses down your jaw. Yeonjun backs you up against the only table in the room, his voice a growl. “Why do you do this to me? Fuck!” 

You look at him, your chest heaving as you try to process the mind-blowing kiss. But alas, he’s not done yet. 

“Are you here for this, huh?” He reaches to drag his thumb over your chin, forcing your gaze up to him. “Wanted my touch that bad? ___?” 

Liquid heat rushes through your veins when he moves his hands all over your body, brushing against your sensitive spots. He squeezes your breasts, enjoying the perky nipples that he feels through your clothes. “Tell me.”

“No!” You choke out, “I came here to ask you why you lied about your iden– ahh, god!” 

Yeonjun lowers his head to your neck, dipping his tongue to lick the sweet spot. You melt under his touch, both pleased and bewildered by the fact that he obviously hasn’t forgotten your most sensitive spots. His eyes are fixed on you as he brushes both his hands beneath your skirt, tracing them up to the edge of your panties. 

You throw your head back in pleasure, your knuckles turning pale as you grip on the edge of the table. “Please… ” you mewl, looking at him desperately. 

Yeonjun smirks, brushing your inner thighs. “Please what?” 

“I need you to touch me.” You sigh shakily, your eyes pleading with him. Apparently, he’s beyond teasing, because as soon as he reaches your soaked pussy, he pulls the piece of clothing to the side and pushes two of fingers into you.

“Yeonjun…” your head falls on to his shoulder while he pumps you gently, a groan escaping him. 

“Fuck, you’re drenched.”

He picks up pace, not giving you a moment to breathe. You cry out when he curls his fingers inside you, hitting your g-spot. His pace gets rougher, clearly fueled by your moans. 

When his thumb finds your clit, you clench around him, your breath coming in short gasps.

Yeonjun smiles complacently. “You love this, don’t you?” The pressure on your clit increases slightly. “You love that I’m the one doing this to you.”

Without waiting for an answer, he draws his now slick digits away and puts them in his mouth, depriving you of an orgasm. 

You whine, biting his neck from the frustration. Yeonjun makes you look at him, his voice dropping by an octave, “Bad girls don’t get to come.” 

You try to rock your hips, craving any type of friction that can satisfy you. But he stops you, growling in your ear, “It’s time to go back, sweetheart. I have work to do. As much as I’d love to do you instead… I can’t. Not now.” 

You look at him with dazed eyes, your voice a whimper, “You always leave me high and dry like this. I came here to confront, but you–” 

“Shh. I told you; I had my reasons. I was simply trying to protect you.” 

“Protect me from what exactly?” 

Dropping a kiss on your forehead, he retracts. “I’ll tell you the next time we meet, ___. If I find it feasible, of course. You should probably fix your clothes though…” 

You look at your disheveled state, sighing. “You’re not trying to get rid of me, are you?” 

Yeonjun looks offended. “You clearly don’t know me yet.” 

“But–”

“No buts. Don’t you have classes or some shit?” 

You yelp at that, suddenly remembering where you exactly are. Quickly climbing down from the desk and fixing your clothes. While you finger brush your stray waves, he regards you intently. 

“Like what you see?” 

Yeonjun chuckles, nodding. You walk up to the nearby window to see your state, the dusty glass surprisingly reflecting quite well. “Tsk, thank god I wear a transfer-proof lip tint. All of my lip-gloss is gone however, and it looks weird.” 

“You don’t have a bag with you, though. How are you gonna reapply?” 

You sigh. “I left my bag with Soobin. I’ll just reapply later.” 

“Wait.” Yeonjun walks up to you slowly. “Won’t it look suspicious, though? I have a lip balm, does that work?” He offers you a small tube of strawberry scented lip balm. 

“Well, it won’t look the same but obviously it’ll be somewhat glossy.” 

“Then take it.” 

You quirk an eyebrow at him, gingerly taking the tube from his hand. His eyes follow each of your little movements as you part your lips a bit and apply the lip balm, pouting at the end which makes him chuckle. 

“Thanks, here you go.” You proceed to give it back, but Yeonjun shakes his head, throwing his hands up. 

“You can keep it for yourself. It suits you so well.” 

“Oh?” A bit surprised, you look at the cutesy tube of lip balm in your hands. “Thank you…? Won’t you need it though? Your lips look a bit dry, even now.” 

“Are my lips dry? Hold on.” Yeonjun leans in for a peck, his lips firmly landing on yours. Your heart skips a beat from his sudden action, butterflies in your stomach. Why’s he so??? 

He pulls back soon enough, rubbing his lips together. “Thanks, baby.” The glint in his eyes indicate that he’s enjoying this exchange very much, only causing your heart to go mayhem.

Nodding, you start to walk away nervously. You cross the room quicker than expected, hand resting on the lock of the door.  “We are not done yet, Choi Yeonjun.” As you look back one last time, you feel a strange sting in your chest. 

Yeonjun tilts his head, smiling, “Oh, trust me, this is just the start.”

end of part iii ↺ next

˗ˏˋ꒰ 💌 end notes ꒱

thank you so much for reading!! it’s been a while but i hope this was a fun read! 🩷 sorry for any mistakes left in there!

as always, reblogs and comments are highly appreciated! your support keeps me motivated 🌺🌟 you can also send feedback through asks <33

[miintsprigz]

Casanova, Crushed

Half-baked Dadspy hurt/comfort drabble, go

Ok fine, bigger explanation: Scout asks out Pauling, she says no, whether it’s because she doesn’t like him like that, because she’s a lesbian, I don’t know exactly what’s canon.

Either way, Dadspy tries to help.

Had this idea for my scout OC and her spymom, but decided to try it with the canon characters

—

It was quiet on the base. Much too quiet for a team with a Scout.

The other mercenaries sat around the table, smoking, playing blackjack, slinging a couple drinks.

Spy sat back, a silent observer even amongst the members of his own team. Seemed that even in the casual moments, he was still a spy first.

But even now, he noticed only seven other men in the room. The eighth, the noisiest one, was suspiciously absent.

His son, as much as he’d never admit it, was nearly as good of a hider as he was.

How could he admit it though, he thought. The kid hated him, and why shouldn’t he. He was a mercenary before he was a man. There wasn’t much there to like, let alone love.

Jeremy had been especially loud earlier—something he himself couldn’t recognize as nervousness. But Spy did. He was shocked at how well he knew his own, despite his careful dodging of the actual responsibility of raising him.

“Arright, arright, shuddup! Cuz I’m actually gonna do it today.”

“Ye always say that, lad.”

“Well I mean it dis time! I’m gonna tell ‘er.”

He had a feeling that he knew what that meant…and if he was right, Scout’s absence meant things had either gone miraculously well, or…

“I’ll be back.”

“No rush, Frenchie! Haha!”

The boy’s room was suspiciously vacant.

Now. If I was an idiot, where would I hide…

Climbing up the side of the fort, sure enough, he got his answer. The limber figure sat hunched on the edge of the roof, his feet dangling over the edge.

Oh…

In a split decision, Spy decided to render his footsteps audible, despite knowing a tumble off the roof could be easily explained away as stupidity. If he was right, and it looked like he was, then the last thing the poor fool needed was a few broken bones in addition to a broken heart.

His hearing sharp, Jeremy turned to look over his shoulder, but not before quickly rubbing at his eye.

“‘Ey. What’sa matta? Got real borin’ wittout me down there, huh?”

Spy rolled his eyes. “Bored to tears.”

He motioned with a tilt of his head to the spot next to Scout, and was surprised when he moved over.

“What are you doing up here, Scout.”

“Could ask you da same.”

“…fair enough. It wasn’t obnoxiously loud enough in the game room, so I went looking for a good source of noise. Found it.”

Jeremy scoffed, shaking his head softly, then fell silent. Unlike him.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Shoot.”

“…are you alright?”

Scout’s eyes widened. The Spy noticed his jaw lock slightly.

“…yeah, yeah I-I’m fine. I uh…I had a weird day.”

“Mm?”

Spy felt a pit in his stomach as the boy’s voice went soft.

“I uh…asked Pauling out. For a date. An’ I called it dat.”

He arched an eyebrow, biting back a smile. Although he’d never own up to it, he knew the look. He’d seen it in the mirror. Although it sometimes felt like he’d been born the devilishly charming rogue he played, he knew deep down that it was learned. Seeing Scout in such a state defrosted memories of more than a few failed passes.

“Well…what did she say?”

“…”

Scout kept his eyes down. Not a sound out of him, other than a soft exhale as he took a gulp.

“…I’ll change the subject.”

“No.”

His eyes went half-lidded.

“She said no, Spy. Long ‘n’ short of it.”

“…ah…”

“Said it ain’t nuthin’ personal. Don’ really wanna get into it, don’t think she’d like dat. But…yeah. So…dat’s it.”

“That’s it then.”

“Yep.”

The two men sat in silence for a while. The Spy pulled a cigarette from the case in his pocket and lit it, taking a short drag before watching the blue-gray smoke twist upwards in a plume as he exhaled.

Ugh. What do I even say to this? Why do I want to do anything at all? I missed my chance for this…he’ll probably punch me if I try anything even resembling comfort.

And yet…he tried. Lifting his free hand, he gently put it on the Scout’s shoulder. Scout didn’t budge. The normally fidgety, hyperactive young man had been still as stone for this whole conversation, as if it had taken all his energy just to sit up there.

“Well…you can never know unless you actually come out and say it. So I’m glad that you did that.”

A smile tugged at his lips, barely there.

“I see why you like her. Dangerous, but sweet. Not bad. Not bad at all. Let me guess: she was polite, but didn’t pull any punches…”

Jeremy nodded, looking up at the watchtower across from the fort.

“Yes, that’s our Pauling. Well…it’s too bad that it didn’t go the way you wanted it to. Even though she was surely graceful about it.”

Spy couldn’t believe the nonsense that was coming out of his mouth. And the fact that it…wasn’t really nonsense. This was stuff nobody told him when he was the one staring into space with a hole shattered through his heart.

Things he needed to reassure himself of, before he was the world’s greatest. When he was just…whoever that was that stared back in the mirror when the mask was off.

“But it really is much too quiet in there, and Soldier thinks he’s the best at blackjack now, so…I know you’d hate that.”

Scout turned his head ever-so-slightly, and Spy could just barely see his face. A dull pang struck his chest.

Jeremy’s eyes were full of tears.

“I’m…sorry, Jeremy. I know how much you liked her. I’ll be honest, I don’t have much experience with this side…”

Liar.

“…so I don’t know how to hel—”

Spy reeled back slightly as Jeremy’s arms snapped around him, locking him in a rough embrace.

“…Spy, I dunno what ta do…I…I love her, but...”

It was so uncanny to hear the normally bold, cocky voice so shaky. So fragile. As if concerned that the boy would dissolve if he touched him, Spy gingerly closed an arm around Scout, giving the closer of the two shoulders a slight squeeze.

He remembered saying those exact words again and again about a woman they both knew very well…

I love her, but…I can’t be with her.

“…I know, Scout. I know.”

Spy felt his stomach twist as Jeremy lowered his head over his shoulder, arms rattling with silent sobs as he fully latched on. He could feel tears dampening the back of his suit, and yet…as much as this would normally repel him—it certainly felt wrong—he couldn’t bring himself to let go of his boy.

His boy.

While the other men did God only knows what down below them, Spy rethought those words.

Could I have been with her?

If I had…

This would be happening under much different circumstances.

He stayed quiet, letting the fellow mercenary get all of his emotions out, eyes falling closed as he held the boy just a bit tighter.

I’m sorry.

[justatypicalwizard]

Wants Within | S. Shinazugawa | Chapter 9

✦ Sanemi Shinazugawa x femReader!, college au, reader is adult

✦ Synopsis: You're a college student taking classes with a very strict lecturer- professor Shinazugawa. Because of an unfortunate even you got on his bad side so now you're trying everything to regain in his eyes. Well, you most certainely didn't expect that kind of attention.

✦ Word count: 2,3k

18+, minors do not interact

Your next meeting was on Friday. Fortunately the weekend lets you stay longer in the evening. Well, fortunately for you at least. Shinazugawa didn't feel so well with it. He has a lot going on in his head, especially about you.

The things that Rengoku told him about, that you were an adult and that it was okay. At that moment it felt like total bullshit. Unfortunately, the more time passed, the deeper the thought rooted in his mind. The thought about doing things with you... adult kind of things. All of your one-on-one meetings only boosted his imagination. Also, the way you looked at him. Of course he noticed it.

At first he thought you were just such a patient student which he liked. Then he acknowledged all your longing glances and sighs. He got angry. He thought he was a dumbass, thinking you liked the subject and how he led the classes and it came out you were only looking at his appearance. It was rather hurtful but whatever. People are like this and you just need to live with it. Well, then you signed for the competition, came to him on your own, asked for his help and worked your ass off just before his eyes. Now he has proof that you are, in fact, a good student, you just happen to have a crush on him. Now this was the most devastating thought for him, because he liked it. He liked the fact that you were interested and pursued your dreams and also, how your cheeks tinted with pink whenever he would lock eyes with you. You looked like a sweet, tasty piece that he could treat with tenderness as well as roughly.

No, no, no. This is your student you fucking dumbass.

It was easy to say when he sat in his office in the middle of the day, harder when he was alone at home, Genya out of the house, and feeling kinda horny. At these times, the thought would appear in his mind and give him a headache.

The white haired heard a knock on his door, it must have been you. Lately, the two of you would bring each other coffee. One time it was you, the other time him. The cup was already placed on your side of the desk, right next to his.

''Hello.'' You greeted upon coming.

''Hey.'' He answered.

Both of you dropped the formalities in your chats. Still, you called him 'Shinazugawa' while he referred to you as 'Miss Y/N'. Well, he was not sure whether he wanted you to call him by his first name. Not because of the university stuff. He just kinda liked to be called 'Sanemi' in certain situations and he tried to dodge any possibility of coming back to these trains of thoughts.

After you've done all the necessary things for the day, it was already very late.

''Ten p.m. Oh my god. Time flies by is your having fun.'' You laughed a bit, looking at the clock.

''You're having fun?''

''And you're not?'' You asked.

''Never said that. It's just university stuff, most of students would find it rather boring or even agonising at times.''

''Have more faith in us professor.'' Second laugh exited your lips as you started to pack your things.

He saw that you're about to leave and he kinda didn't like the thought.

''Any plans for the weekend?'' The white haired brought up.

''Huh?'' You looked at him puzzled for a second. ''Oh, no, not really. Maybe I'll meet with Anna, my friend.'' You shrugged.

''Really, not meeting with anyone else?''

''Who should I meet.'' You giggled a bit at the interrogation.

''I don't know, you were the one that told Tengen you liked someone. Yet, I've never seen you busy with any boy or a girl. Did you lie to Tengen?'' He gave you a raised brow look.

You were surprised he remembered that conversation.

''That? It was a bluff.'' You waved your hand. ''He was just pursuing very much.''

''So you did lie?''

''Well... not entirely.'' You looked to the sides with a silly grin.

''Good to hear, because if you would and he would know it you would be dead in your classes with him, which you'll have. He would never ever forgive you. And don't think he would be an ass, no he would stick to you even more.''

''Do you don't like him?'' You asked, surprised by the amount of badmouthing.

''No, I never said I didn't. Actually I know him long enough to know that I can say such things about him and he'll still write to me nearly every weekend if we're going out together with his three wifes.'' This time Shinazugawa shrugged.

''What? Three wifes?'' You sat back down upon hearing it.

The white haired didn't even look back at you, just smiled under his nose a little.

✦

You and Shinazugawa sat and sighed, looking at his plan. The two of you were just about to sum up the project and send it to the competition but just then Shinazugawa got the information that he is required to attend a series of end-of-semester meetings. He wouldn't have time until the end of the week and the next week was Christmas already. You had to finish it very quickly.

''I must have a day off, this can't be.'' He was flipping from day to day and you were peeking over his shoulder.

He had literally no time. Then, he stopped one day. It was New Year's Eve. He looked at you pointing at that day and you gave him a pleading glance. Sighing, he went back to the calendar.

''I think I can take this day off of my plans.'' He pointed to the date.

You looked at it and spotted that he had something written down there. It said 'Genya-birthday trip'. Your heart dropped. He wanted to cancel a birthday trip with his brother rather than let you down with your work. You couldn't let that happen. Gritting your teeth, you gave him the answer.

''If you don't have any plans I think New Year's Eve is okay. I actually can't come the other day.''

He looked at you surprised.

''Okay then. Note down my phone number, we'll need to be in contact.''

You nodded your head, taking out your phone. The two of you exchanged numbers.

✦

Christmas was a nice, peaceful time for you. Unfortunately, it ended very quickly and you had to go back to your dorm to meet with Shinazugawa. You got an invitation for a party but you had to partly turn it down. You let Ann know that you'll come as soon as it's possible but you don't know the exact time. Because of that you decided to dress more part like, to be able to go straight from the meeting to the party. Shinazugawa would get why you look like that.

You put on a classic black dress that had a turtleneck, shoved off your shoulders and was mid-tight length. You also put on black stockings that hid under the dress's hem. Then you accessorised, fixed your hair and put on your normal party makeup. Choosing the boots of your liking you looked at your phone. Earlier the two of you decided that you would call Shinazugawa around six p.m. to get information about the place of meeting. He was not able to come earlier.

As it was six, you made your call.

''Hello, this is Y/N L/N, I'm calling to ask where do we meet.''

''Hey, I've tried to get to my office at the university but it's impossible now. You'll have to come to my apartment, I have a second office here. I'm waiting for you. It's not far from the university, I'll text you the address.'' You heard from the other side.

What? You're supposed to go to his house?

''Okay.''

Taking a look at your outfit you started to doubt whether it's a good idea. Next second you got a text with the address and an annotation 'Waiting!'. Shit, no time to pick a new outfit and you're not going to a New Year's Eve party in sweatpants.

✦

Arriving at the place you found the right number and dialled it. The door to the apartment building opened for you and you heard Shinazugawa say '12th floor'. God, thanks there is an elevator here. Finding the right door, you knocked at it. Hearing footsteps from the other side you thought you're about to explode.

You were just about to come to his house, on New Year's Eve in a sexy party outfit only to do a project. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Please professor, have doe's buttons up to your neck.

The white haired man opened the door. He had a black shirt this time, of course not made up to the very end under his neck, and classy black pants. You matched, how sweet.

''Welcome.'' He greeted, letting you in.

You took off your shoes and stood in the hall not knowing what to do.

''Come this way.'' He started to guide you to his office.

The house helt modern yet cosy. It was in white, black and grey shades with a lot of geometric, wooden and sometimes metallic elements. Nevertheless, Shinazugawas presence was visible in every corner. Neatly hanging coats, calendars and boards with tons of his stuff, you even spotted a perfume, passing next to the bathroom. It looked fancy and expensive. Damn, he definitely not broke.

His office looked neat and professional, just like you assumed. The chairs here were far more comfortable than the ones in the university and the desk was bigger with many articles on it.

The two of you started with the project to be able to finish it as soon as you can. Well, you still glanced at him from time to time. You asked yourself whether he looked better in that white or black shirt. This one contrasted with his snowlike hair and place, lavender eyes, but it also slimmed him out even more and gave him a less teacher vibe. Looking down you spotted a black, leather belt. Oh god, what could he do with it?

Mmmm, noooo, no girl.

He was not as obvious as you were, but he had a hard time not to look at that tight, short dress. At first he thought it would be the only thing distracting him but then you sat down. The hem of that freaking dress went up a bit and revealed that you had stockings. He had to cough to mask his realisation.

With these thoughts in mind the two of you worked, not focused at all. You constantly had to correct something, change and rewrite, both of you blaming it on the hour and the fact of today's celebration. The thing that none of you paid attention to was time, how funny.

Once you finally submitted the work you glanced at the clock and made a shocked sound. It was quarter to midnight. Shinazugawa also looked at the time and grumbled.

''I'm so so so sorry professor.'' You darted your head his waw with a scared expression.

The only thought that occupied your mind was the fact that you took him nearly the whole night. It was also impossible for you to reach your party on time.

''No need to be, I didn't have anything planned for tonight.'' He answered.

''What? Why? It's New Year's Eve.'' You asked shocked as he stood up.

''I have a lot of things to do and taking a day off is nice.''

You nodded your head. Understandable looking at his plan.

''Well then, I will go now.'' You smiled at him, also pushing yourself up from your chair.

''You want to spend the countdown alone in the dorms or in an uber?'' He asked.

''Well, I've got no better option.''

''Actually I thought it may end like that. If you want, you can stay till the countdown here.'' He was not facing you so you didn't see his expression.

''I... um...'' You didn't know what to answer. ''Well, if it's not a problem.''

''If it was I would not ask.''

Nodding, you traced after him as he headed out of the office.

''Is your brother home? Would he be joining us?'' You asked but then you realised he never told you he has a brother. ''I know from a friend that knows Genya.''

At first he gave you a suspicious look but then he dropped it after hearing your explanation.

''No, he's on a party.''

Oh. So you're alone.

Shinazugawa reached into his fridge. The kitchen was joined to the living room. You sat down on one of the black couches. The material was slick and cold. Your heart was about to fall out of your chest, a warm sensation started to create in your stomach and your spine seemed to be plugged into a contact. The lights were still off.

Suddenly, you saw Shinazugawa place a champagne glass on the table from behind you. You could almost feel his breath on your neck as he bent over to serve you. He placed the bottle next to the glasses and sat down on the same couch, not touching you.

''I suppose we wait for the countdown.'' He said quietly, his voice a bit harsh but with an interesting, encouraging, new emotion behind it.

He looked at you, his back comfortable in the sofas corner, hands on both sides, wide apart and staring straight at your face. You didn't know if it was only your imagination or was there something more behind those pale lavender eyes. Something that made you feel like a prey but also like a woman...

SERIES MASTERLIST

[skylarsblue]

✦New Life from Old Battlegrounds✦

(SoapGhost Content based purely on a piece of fanart by a Twitter mutual. Will I make more than one chapter? Perhaps) ✧TW; References to past abuse(Simon), implied death during childbirth(Simon), reference to a domestic dispute(Johnny) ✧Fluff, Mild Angst, Single Dad!AU✧

★Link to Ao3 Ver : ★Link to fanart that inspired it

✧Meeting✧

John hummed to himself as he walked down the street, dodging people passing him and contemplating what to make for dinner. At the same time, he noted the things around him, thoughts bouncing from subject to subject as it always did. His mother used to joke that if he didn’t learn to contain his thoughts, one day, his brain would be sick of being in his skull and it’d escape. Bounce all over the room like he did. He gave a quick snort at the memory, making a quick note that he’d need to call her again, since it’d been about a week since he’d spoken to her last. It was still very odd being far from her. It’d been such a change from his original plan as a teen, though, he supposed his entire life at that point was far from his young plans for his life.

For starters, he’d been certain he’d be more in the military for longer than he was. He wasn’t completely free from government work, but he wasn’t a constant on-call soldier anymore either. Most of his job was paperwork now. Was it his preferred job? Admittedly, no. He often missed the days on base, the training, the adrenaline rush of battle. Not that he liked to complain, he had it good regardless, he felt so anyway. He’d always been the optimistic type. The way his job was now kept him home more, it was safer, the pay was good, and it was honestly nice to have access to food outside of MREs. He most certainly did not miss the MREs. While his teenage self, and himself in his younger twenties, flourished in the aggressive environment of war, he couldn’t keep that life. Thanks to another curveball from the universe.

John had never considered himself to be fitting of the definition “playboy”, though some of his extended family and exes disagreed. He had no issue with being tied down, though it always seemed it never lasted very long. Be it due to personal differences or the way the military kept him away. He always did his best to be a good partner, not perfect, but good. Still, the longest committed relationship he’d had lasted about two years and a couple months, and that had been when he was fresh out of his teens. All the poor experiences and seeming inability to keep a partner, he didn’t fear the prospect at all. He still looked forward to having a partner permanently one day, getting settled down and such. But that didn’t stop him from casual fun either. He never saw any reason why two adults couldn’t have fun for a night, and leave it there. The problem was really the risk that came with that kind of fun, specifically when his partner had the biological equipment for pregnancy. He’d had one scare when he was sixteen, but that also turned out to be his first experience with a cheating partner. Aside from that, he skated through his pleasureful escapades without problems. He was clean and childless.

Until he wasn’t.

He’d gotten a little too cocky with an apartment neighbor turned casual fuck-buddy, and he came home from a mission to a rather pissed off expression on her face and a DNA test in her hand. It wasn’t ideal by any means, both had agreed on that. It scared him to all death. But his mother had carried many children, and his father sunk in the lesson that it was a woman’s choice completely. He wasn’t carrying anything, his body wouldn’t be changing, so he left the decision up to her. She wasn’t happy with the reality but a heavily religious upbringing made the idea of an abortion out of her options, even if she was rebelling from the eye of God. He’d only nodded when she had said the thought of getting one made her sick. At first, the plan was to try at an actual relationship. They liked each other enough to have sex, he made her laugh plenty, she had a lot of sweet qualities John admired. But by the eighth month, whether it was hormones or the reality of a child weighing heavy on her mind, she’d turned into quite the she-beast, to put it lightly. To the point Johnny sported a new scar on the palm of his hand from a lamp being thrown at his skull.

It became very apparent a relationship wouldn’t work. However, John also couldn’t shake the attachment he’d grown to the child he’d helped create. The last month of her pregnancy was hell on his psyche, but he stuck it out in the hope he’d get to see the baby, even if he’d have to fight it out in a court. Something his eldest sister, Edith, promised to help him with, should it be messy. Thankfully for him, however, the mother really hadn’t been too keen on staying that way. It admittedly stung when she’d responded so poorly after delivering the child, even the nurse winced at her coldness. John got one hundred percent of the parental rights, however, without a court case or a fight. Even if the prospect of being a single father scared him halfway into an early grave. He had many nights where he stayed up on the phone with either his mother or his sister, needing both advice and pep talks. And he still held a pill of guilt from the one night he considered giving his new daughter up for adoption, truly worried he wasn’t cut out for it.

Though, much to the joy of his current self, he’d stuck it out. He had to change and sacrifice a lot, and every now and then, he had the wonder of what would’ve happened had he not taken responsibility. But the thought was often rocketed out of his brain by the simple image of his daughter’s excited face when he came to pick her up from school. A very small, old building, situated in Leek, England. When the baby had just been born and the situation was still fresh, he wanted to give the woman who’d given birth to his daughter to change her mind. So he’d stayed in England, albeit a completely different town. He wasn’t so open to the idea now that he’d raised her, but the town had charmed him, and he wasn’t hugely fond of the concept of taking his daughter out of her hometown. Even if he missed Scotland often. Though he did everything he could to ensure his daughter wouldn’t end up with an English accent. Had it taken a decent chunk of money to get a cable package that included Scottish channels with Scottish cartoons? Yes. Did he regret it? Not at all. Visiting his family for holidays also helped. His daughter, named Maisie, was very fond of her visits to the country. Part of him hoped it could set up for her being open to moving there when she was older, though he didn’t cling to that idea very tightly. He had plenty of time before her teen years. Or, at least he told himself that, even if she turned five at the speed of light. Much like his second oldest sister, Davina, warned him.

John jogged when he spotted the school just ahead. He occasionally drove the distance, but it often wasn’t worth the gas it wasted, not when he could walk the distance with ease. Children filed out to their parents, the sound of little laughter never failed to make John grin. He’d always loved kids, even before being a parent to one. Likely because of the large family he came from. After all, he was the fifth kid born out of seven. His mother was a triplet, and his father had six sisters. The family events were more like circuses with the amount of kids. Sometimes it was hard to get any attention at all. It didn’t affect his adoration for his bloodline though…excluding the occasional prick of an aunt or step-uncle. 

The blue-eyed man walked up to the school, whistling a tune as his hands came to rest on his jean-clad hips. It was warm for once, without a layer of overcast in the sky. John tapped the rhythm of a song stuck in his head on this hip, eyes scanning through kids, parents, and teachers. Stopping once to give an awkward nod and strained smile to a mom he’d met at a school event once. He averted his eyes quickly however. Not to throw a woman under the bus, but John wasn’t too fond of her less-than-subtle flirting she’d chuck his way whenever he went to an event for his daughter. He hadn’t dated since Maisie’s mother, for his own sake and hers. And even if that wasn’t a factor, he was about ninety-nine percent sure the woman was married. John was a lot of things, but a homewrecker certainly wasn’t one.

His brain flicked back on when he heard a familiar little voice shout a goodbye. With a genuine grin this time, John turned and spotted his little girl waving to someone. He let out a sharp whistle, something he’d picked up from when his father owned horses. Quickly, Maisie turned and searched for her father, breaking out into a look of pure joy. Little Mary-Janes clacked on the stone as she sprinted to him. John crouched down and held open his arms, ready to receive. As soon as she reached him, he hoisted her up high with a laugh, reveling in her joyous giggle. He brought her down and set her on his hip, supported by his arm.

“Didn’t you have a bow in yer hair when I sent ya here?” John questioned, and Maisie looked away. “Uhhh noooo?” She lied, making him snort. “Ya lil’ bugger, you yelled at me all mornin’ for not tying it right!” He playfully scolded, making her laugh as he pinched at her side, having her curl away from the ticklish feeling. “I kept the piggies in though!” Maisie retorted, touching the tiny brunette pigtails in her hair. They were a bit messy now, but to her word, they were intact. John sighed with a head shake. “‘Suppose you got a point there. Where’d the ribbon go then?” He asked, subconsciously taking her rucksack when she took it off and held it away from her.

With the pink strap over his shoulder, looking hilariously small against his frame, he watched her eyes grow with excitement. “I gave it to my new friend! I tied it around her wrist and told her to wear it until I could make her a bracelet.” The little girl explained proudly. The ex-soldier tilted his head with a little chuckle. “A bracelet huh? For a new friend? You must like her a lot. That’s a high honor, lass.” He commented. Maisie bobbed her head aggressively, showing she agreed quite intensely. “She’s my best friend now. She’s new to town too! She said she lived in Manchester before, but her dad didn’t like the school she was in, so they came here.” 

John hummed with a quick nod, showing he was listening. He adjusted her on his hip and opened his mouth to speak, ready to suggest a treat before they went home, seeing as how it was such a nice day out. But he paused when his gaze caught on a figure near the front of the school. There wasn’t really anything amiss at first. Just another parent picking up their child it seemed, based on the little blonde girl that was being cautiously lifted off the ground. But it was Maisie’s outburst that made his eyes stick. She pointed with a smile. “That’s my friend! Her name is Ellie!” The information barely registered as John took in the stranger.

Tall, broad, with an aura he’d only attributed to an animal before. A doberman-like intimidating energy. Dressed in almost all black with a black surgical mask across the lower half of his face. An image of intensity only broken by the soft, chubby features of Maisie’s new friend. Round and rosy cheeks with big eyes. John couldn’t look away from the man’s face though, noting a noticeable scar that ran to the stranger’s temple, barely clipping the end of his eyebrow and leaving a subtle indent in the short blond hair at his temple. Just as John was about to force his eyes away, the man turned slightly, and their gazes locked. Cliche and beyond cheesy, but John was suddenly stunned by just how pretty this man's eyes were. Instead of holding the borderline scary aura the rest of him did, they held a gentleness. Light eyelashes in contrast to cinnamon brown. There was a purple tint under the man’s eyes, adding to the naturally tired slope of his eye shape. John always liked eyes, he always found them his favorite thing to look at on people’s faces. Although here, he was suddenly very acutely aware that he had been straight up deadpan staring at a man he didn’t know for God knows how long. The man also clearly noticed, given the uncomfortable shift in his shoulders and the almost anxious glance away, only to connect back with John’s eyes. Obviously, double checking if he was meaning to stare at him. Thankfully, Maisie’s voice helped break John’s train of thought and pull him from his own head.

“Can Ellie come over?” Maisie questioned. “Huh? Oh, uh. We would need to ask her pa, bò.” Her father stammered a bit, looking down at her, although he was certain he could feel the other man’s stare still on him. Internally, he worried he’d already sealed in a bad impression. There was nothing more awkward than accidentally staring at a stranger for seemingly no reason, and then getting caught. “Well he’s over there, let’s go ask!” Maisie tugged at the collar of John’s shirt. He sighed quietly and took a second to prepare how he’d manage that. He debated if he should open with his name or just boldly state an apology. When he decided he’d figure it out once in front of the man, he took in a breath and readied himself to charm his way out of the awkward tension he’d just built.

However, when he looked up, fully prepared to walk toward the man, he was startled by the masked stranger being suddenly closer. A safe distance away but close enough for a conversation. Maisie didn’t miss a beat, waving happily at Ellie who returned the gesture albeit with less enthusiasm. John blinked before he coughed, rolling his shoulders and smiling. Needing to look up was something new. He wasn’t short by any means, and he’d met plenty of tall people, but there was something about the rest of his man’s energy that made his height seem all the more intense. “Afternoon, ‘m John, Maisie’s dad. Uh…sorry about the staring. Wasn’t intentional, was meant to be more of a glance and I forgot to move my eyes.” The Scot said with far less grace than he’d hoped for, he was even using his hand to talk, a habit he always had but that often worsened when he was nervous. The man blinked slowly at him before holding out a hand, which John noted was gloved, despite the warm weather. The gloves had bone detailing on them. 

“Simon.” Ellie’s father answered through a gravelly voice and thick accent. John silently hoped his relief wasn’t too visible as he reached to shake the extended hand, shoulders less tense. “Pleasure to meet’cha, Simon.” He said genuinely, letting his hand come to rest on the strap of Maisie’s bag. He inhaled to speak again, only for his daughter to cut in. “Can Ellie come over to play?” She asked quite loudly. John sighed and patted her on the arm. “It’s “may”, lass. Also say please, and don’t interrupt.” He said, voice soft as he reminded her. Though his tone was gentle, she straightened her back and quickly addressed him with an apology before looking back at Simon. “I’m sorry. May Ellie come over to play, please?” She asked, slower this time. Simon hummed and shifted his weight a bit. He looked down at his daughter, asking silently for her opinion. Ellie nodded with a shy grin. Simon looked to John again. “I’m not too keen on her being at stranger’s houses.” He said calmly. His blunt tone made Maisie deflate, taking it as a complete no. John did as well, but he was quick to offer a solution. “Well that’s alright. There’s a park near a shopping center nearby, Maisie goes there every weekend. If you have the time, maybe we could meet there instead. Let the girls play without havin’ to be at one of our houses.” 

Simon tilted his head back down to his daughter once more, Ellie nodded up at him again, this time her eyes wider and her head shook more intently. “That’ll do.” Simon replied calmly. Maisie perked up again, swinging her legs with excitement as John gained a smile of his own. He struggled to bring out his phone and unlock it with only one hand. Simon rose an eyebrow curiously until the brunet held out his phone, open to a new contact page. “We can work out the details whenever ya have a second.” John explained. Simon took the device carefully. He adjusted Ellie so she could wrap her short arms around his neck. John bit back a snicker when the little girl hung from her father’s neck, allowing him to have both hands free. With the freedom, he slipped off a glove so he could type in his number and his first name into the contact. Once it was done, he handed the phone back and let Ellie rest back on his arm.

“Alright then! That’s solved, just let me know when you get an opening in your schedule.” John nodded. Maisie was silently climbing up his form to get on his shoulders, something he adjusted to seamlessly while keeping Simon’s gaze. His legs turned and ready to leave. Simon tilted his head subtly. “What ‘bout your schedule?” He questioned lightheartedly. John chuckled. With one hand holding Maisie’s ankle, he gently bumped Simon’s shoulder with his fist. “I’ll save you a spot, sir.” He said cheerfully. Simon blinked and followed the Scot with his shocked eyes as John started to walk away. Maisie waved to Ellie and shouted a loud goodbye. Simon could feel the gentle touch through the fabric of his jumper long after it was gone, and it stunned him a bit. He blinked before sighing. “Bloody hell…” He mumbled before turning to walk in the opposite direction, keeping his daughter tucked in his arm. . ⋅ ˚̣- : ✧ : – ⭒ ⊹ ⭒ – : ✧ : -˚̣⋅ .. ⋅ ˚̣- : ✧ : – ⭒ ⊹ ⭒ – : ✧ : -˚̣⋅ .

Simon bounced his leg as the train shook on the tracks. He kept his gaze either in his lap or out the window, although acutely aware of his surroundings. He always was very observant, no matter where he went. He knew there were a total of twelve other people in his cab and he’d clocked one as an alcoholic off the bat. Spotting a hidden brown bag in the suited man’s bag, amongst various business documents and folders. The pristine suit and silk tie meant nothing. Simon was sure to sit furthest from that stranger, even if he’d been occupied with a meeting on his laptop. It wasn’t his business and he didn’t care to hear the stranger’s sob story, he didn’t really care. The detail-oriented system his brain operated under was built from training.

Simon needed to spot subtle dangers, it was the only reason he was alive to see anything at all. If his childhood strife wasn’t enough to train his subconscious on how to spot the incoming dangers before they occurred, allowing him time to prepare for the fallout or prevent the situation entirely. The years he spent in the SAS certainly did. If anything escaped his line of sight, people would be dead, his own life included. All it took was a single blindspot taken advantage of to send blood splattering to the ground. He’d seen it, he’d caused it. It wasn’t something to take lightly and it was a habit he knew he’d never get rid of. Not that it was a bad skill to have, it kept him alive, although there were days he yearned for a life more peaceful. 

He’d never been free from pain or trauma, if he wanted that, he’d have to reincarnate completely. Something he doubted God, if the being even existed, would be willing to give him. His father’s torment, however the most damaging on his mind when at its most malleable, seemed like the least of his mental struggles. Even if he still had nightmares where the feeling of a reptile’s dangerous and scaled lips touched his own. They paled in comparison to other images that would keep him up at night. The feeling of unwanted hands or the scent of earth mixed with a body’s decaying organs were by far the worst ones, though even those had gotten better. Mostly with time. They weren’t as frequent, thankfully. He had more recent agonies, ones that still stung like fresh. The loss of his entire family but the one man he’d disowned weighed on him heavily, the bruising ache of betrayals from people he considered friends. All these things only kept at bay from keeping himself busy, or, when they were at their worst, an uncharacteristically vulnerable discussion with his coworker and past superior. But all these things were years in the past. His most recent internal gash was only five years behind him, and while he’d begun to walk away from it, he still felt it burn under his skin.

Simon very rarely got close to anyone. Every time he did, it seemed they either died, grew to hate him, eventually betrayed him, or merely vanished. Sometimes he’d ask himself what he’d done to deserve it, occasionally he’d brood in a fit of emotional anger over what those who’d wronged him had done. Usually though, he’d bared with it, even expected it. Every individual he met, he readied himself for something to go wrong. It hadn’t been any different when he’d accidentally bumped into a woman at a library, almost knocking the poor thing over. He was exhausted and a bit woozy from some pain meds he’d been prescribed, thanks to a bullet wound that knocked him in his lower ribs.

She’d been nothing but benevolent, and to call her anything but beautiful would’ve been a crime. Simon had a brand new urge when she’d smiled at him, the urge to run, sprint as far as possible. Her dimpled cheeks, wavy & glowing honey-blonde hair, and kindhearted eyes squeezed the oxygen from his lungs, almost taking out his knees. She even helped him find a book he’d actually enjoy, which he did. It would’ve been bad enough with that one encounter, but then he bumped into her again in a cafe. This time, it was her who knocked into him, promptly covering his hoodie in tea, much to her horror. Simon felt nauseous when his heart stuttered, watching her apologize frantically and ask if he was okay, her cheeks flushed in embarrassment, even when he assured her it was fine.

It was the third time, at a pub, that he learned her name. It was also that time that she’d graced him with her number. He didn’t contact her for a month. Even in the current day, he wasn’t sure what prompted him to call her. His apartment had just been so quiet, the rain so loud, and his heart heavy. Something about her sleep-addled voice must’ve flicked a hidden switch in his brain, because that phone call spurred a relationship. Not a whirlwind romance like in the movies by any means. He didn’t know how to treat her, and he pulled away from her frequently. She’d broken down in tears once when he’d gone a month avoiding her, having assumed she’d done something wrong. That night had ended with him held tightly to her body, earning a kiss with more emotion than he thought he was capable of.

It was the longest relationship he’d had. Technically speaking, given he didn’t really count the on & off situationship he’d battled with from the ages of fourteen to sixteen. All that had done was tell him he wasn’t straight, he hated disco music, and he wasn’t fond of the constant anxiety of his father’s heavy hand over a relationship that wasn’t even exclusive. It also was the kindest relationship he’d had, perhaps even on a platonic level. He could never wrap his head around how someone so gentle could exist. How a voice could feel like a blanket’s warmth on shivering skin, how a touch could feel so safe, or how perfume could be so intoxicating. He’d been so disarmed so fast it baffled him.

He’d known her for four months, dated her for two, and admitted he loved her the entire time on the third month. Coincidentally, the same month she’d shyly placed a positive pregnancy test in his hand. She’d been terrified to tell him, clearly. Probably because he’d been very avoidant on the topic of family, while she’d mentioned her dream of motherhood early on. Simon almost ran again, he’d gotten on a bus in the middle of the night when she’d gone to sleep. He wasn’t sure where, it was his apartment she was sleeping in. He was never sure how he’d ended up at the cemetery his mother was buried in, but it shocked him into going back home. His father was a stain on his DNA, a coward and a bastard. He already resembled the man, the last thing he needed to do was fall into the pit of spineless decisions the man had.

It didn’t scare him any less. Even when the idea of being responsible for a newborn had begun to lighten up, the worry something bad would happen only got heavier. He prayed for it to be paranoia as her stomach grew. He’d even asked whatever god that would listen to put the weight of anything awful to fall on himself, not her or the baby. And he cursed whatever God existed when her water broke far too early, and when it sent the sweetest woman he’d ever had the pleasure of meeting into utter agony. He always hated hospitals, and that hatred worsened when he had to carry her into the ER. He’d paced for hours. There was a risk of losing the baby, something that made his stomach twist. There was a risk of losing her, something that made his chest tighten. There was a risk of losing both, something that actually made him vomit in a trashcan near the waiting room. He couldn’t decide which was worse. 

Simon didn’t get to decide either. He’d been handed a tiny, fragile baby girl swaddled in blankets. She was beautiful, but the moment wasn’t sweet. When he made eye contact with the nurse, the woman’s face said enough, and for the first time in a long time, Simon sobbed. Enough for his entire body to shake. His coworker had to hold him that night, it was the only way to keep him together. “I’m sorry, Simon.” was all the bearded man could say, in a voice gruff from years of ordering soldiers and smoking, but filled with genuine heartache for the man broken once again.

His daughter, Ellie, came out fine. She was small and fragile, sure, but alive. Simon had to ask his friend if babies ever remembered their newborn phase, purely in fear that his child would remember him crying while keeping her swaddled up on his chest. He couldn’t even use the nursery he’d help make, he moved the crib into his room, right by his bed. Though, for the first month he didn’t even use it. He slept with the newborn on his chest, hands rested on her small form, just to make sure she wouldn’t vanish. He even became on a first name basis with the pediatrician because he visited so often, constantly burning with anxiety. The doctor told him to go to his own care physician and get a prescription for Xanax, lest he collapse from the stress. Having such a dramatic change wasn’t good for his health. His friend took it upon himself to make everything as easy for Simon as physically possible. From a shift in careers to watching the baby so Simon could finally sleep, even if he needed a mountain of melatonin to do it. 

He pulled himself together. Even if the time he’d spent with the angel he’d met at the library was cut short, something he somehow managed to blame himself for, up until his daughter Ellie was three. She was the spitting image of himself aside from two things, two things he treasured about her the most. In her brown eyes, the left held a split of color, bright green, the color her mother had. The other feature was a singular mole on her tiny shoulder, just adjacent to her neck, exactly where her mother had one. He always found himself softening when he was reminded of these two tiny details about his child. Even if Ellie didn’t truly understand why. It seemed the features she favored about herself were the ones that she shared with her father. Something Simon managed to find a bittersweetness in. 

He’d been so hesitant to send her to school when she became the right age. To the point he started her on half days, to get her acclimated slowly, but admittedly more for himself. It was fine at first. She had the occasional bad day, but she always attributed it to loud noises or lots of stimuli. It was when she turned four that she started coming home and telling him about the occasional mean comment. It wasn’t too bad, in her words. But the day he was called to pick her up because she was brought into a hysterical meltdown, a combination of some kids teasing her and a substitute teacher’s rough handling of her emotions, Simon had just about lost it. If looks could kill, his eyes would’ve been the equivalent of an air strike. He’d been ready to tear the old woman’s head off, and he’d never been closer to kicking actual children into the sun than that moment. 

The school had a habit of not helping when kids were bullied, and when Simon really looked at it, he realized the environment Ellie was always in. His apartment was cramped and dark, not to mention old. His downstairs neighbor was always yelling at his roommates, the upstairs one was a drunk, and the old lady across the hall never failed to make a comment when she caught Simon in the lift. The traffic was hell and the closest park needed a train to get to, since he didn’t like to drive. He had plenty of money saved, and when he asked Ellie if she would miss anything, her only answer was the birds that nested in one of the windows. 

So, he found a small home, packed everything, and took Ellie out of Manchester. He liked the ability to add more security immediately. No longer relying on a lazy landlord and a chain lock. He could secure every window and door and install a proper security system. Ellie was most fond of the dogs she’d seen being walked in the neighborhood, as well as the large window seat her new room had. The only one who knew about the address change was Simon’s coworker, the only one with a spare key too. In case of an emergency. He’d waited a full month before enrolling his daughter in school again, and he honestly would’ve waited longer, had Ellie not complained about the cabin fever. 

It was fairly close, but just a bit too far to walk to, hence why Simon took the train. The bus was also an option, but it was far too crowded for his liking when he’d seen the stop. He adjusted his mask when walking from the station to the school, the hand in his hoodie pocket held a small back of sweets. Something he grabbed for Ellie as a prize for going to her new school. He silently missed his balaclava. He would’ve worn it if Ellie didn’t remind him other kids would probably be scared of it, and he was intimidating enough on his own. As usual, he scanned the area as he approached. Counting every child and adult he could see. He slowed to a stop on the sidewalk, waiting patiently to see a head of blonde tresses tied in a bun with a white scrunchy, one with little ghosts on it. She’d begged for it when she saw it, and it was easy to pick out of a crowd. He relaxed when she came into sight, noting how she waved at a little brunette girl that ran away. 

Ellie walked to him briskly. Simon zeroed in on a red ribbon tied loosely around her right arm in an uneven bow. “Hi daddy.” Ellie said softly as she reached him. “Hi, squeaker. How was your first day?” He asked. He bent to pick her up when she raised her arms. “Good. I didn’t talk to many kids, but there was this one girl who was really nice.” She explained, then held up her ribbon-decorated arm. “She gave me her hair bow, said it was a placeholder until she could make me a bracelet. Her name’s Maisie, but the others called her MayMay.” Simon hummed in acknowledgment, face softening as she described it with a smile. It’d been the first time another kid had made an effort to befriend her, something that brought Simon a lot of relief. “So, I assume you had fun then?” He asked.

Ellie nodded again. “She taught me Scottish words. Her dad’s Scottish, she said.” Simon listened and nodded. He turned, ready to head to the train station again. He only stopped when he felt the shiver up his spine, a sixth sense he developed when in the sights of a sniper. He even looked at the builds first, checking the roofs. It was only when he looked ahead of himself that he saw who was staring. A brunet stranger with blue eyes and a messy mohawk. Simon blinked as the man gazed at him, noting the little girl in his arms. He looked around at his sides. Maybe the stranger was looking past him? No, no he was certainly staring at him. 

Simon felt Ellie tap him. “It’s okay, daddy. That’s MayMay, that man’s her dad.” She whispered. He looked at the man once more, seeing him now distracted by Maisie. He sighed slowly and looked at Ellie. “You want me to say hello, don’t you.” It was less a question, since he knew the answer, and more a statement. Reaffirmed by Ellie’s gentle nod. Simon let out a defeated sigh, and his daughter patted his shoulder in sympathy. She was well aware of her father’s introversion. Still, Simon walked up, though not too close. He could hear the little girl’s accent, mostly Scottish with a British twang of sorts. Maisie’s father let out a sigh and looked up, though clearly startled by Simon’s now closer proximity. A few seconds passed as the man took Simon’s form in, before he coughed and introduced himself, quickly followed by an awkward apology.

The man’s shoulders were tense, that was the first thing Simon noticed. He also noticed a scar on his chin, and along his right eye. And, a bit shamefully, he noted how tightly the man’s shirt hugged his well-built chest and arms. Simon wasn’t one to gawk but even he had to admit those biceps were impressive. He blinked, then held out his hand. “Simon.” He stated calmly. John relaxed and shook his hand. He looked ready to say something before Maisie cut him off, too caught up in her own excitement to remember manners. “Can Ellie come over to play?” She exclaimed. Ellie smiled at the enthusiasm and Simon could hear her stifled giggle.

John’s voice was gentle when he corrected his daughter, and Simon admired how Maisie immediately responded. Maisie asked again, and while Simon wouldn’t have any problem saying yes, he wasn’t going to agree without his daughter’s confirmation. He never liked the idea of forcing her to do anything she didn’t want to, if unnecessary. But she nodded when he looked down at her. He paused. The idea of letting his daughter go to a stranger’s house made anxiety pump into his veins, and while this man seemed nice, he didn’t want to give out his address. “ “I’m not too keen on her being at stranger’s houses.” He admitted. Honestly, he felt a pang of guilt when John’s daughter deflated. John seemed to as well, if only for a second, Simon caught the look akin to a dejected puppy. Really, the man had serious puppy eyes.

John bounced back quickly though, grinning once more with white teeth and a sparkle in his eye. …or maybe that was just the sun. Yeah, just the sun. “Well that’s alright. There’s a park near a shopping center nearby, Maisie goes there every weekend. If you have the time, maybe we could meet there instead. Let the girls play without havin’ to be at one of our houses.” The Scot suggested. Simon glanced at Ellie again, her nod was intense. He exhaled, she wanted to see the park anyway, better to do it with someone she was friends with. He remembered going to the park alone, it was not a fun experience. “That’ll do.” He answered, following the movement of John struggling to pull his phone out, and he was admittedly confused at first when it was held out to him.

Simon looked at the cracked screen protector as a new contact page stared back at him. John said something about working out the details. Simon bit back his apprehension and took the phone, adjusting Ellie. A silent code they developed, one of many, when he needed both his hands free for a moment. She secured herself around his neck and he let her hang off him so he could take off a glove. He tapped in his number and his name, all in lowercase. John’s grin was sunshine bright as he took the device back. Simon wondered if his cheeks hurt at this point while Ellie settled back on his arm. Maisie climbed over her father, something the man seemed unphased by, helping her adjust to be on his shoulders. “Alright then! That’s solved, just let me know when you get an opening in your schedule.” John said cheerfully. The longer he spoke, the more Simon could see this man spiritually being a dog. Probably a terrier of some kind. He was way too happy. Though, really, it was an endearing quality. Certainly more pleasant than the bitter old lady across the hall.

Simon had the faintest of smiles behind his mask as he jokingly asked the man about his own schedule, seeing him ready to leave. John chuckled and gently connected his fist to Simon’s shoulder. “I’ll save you a spot, sir.” He said. Fire radiated over the blond’s skin from where John had tapped him, and he felt the air suddenly vanish from his lungs, leaving him stunned. Even after John began to leave. “Bye-bye, Ellie!” Maisie shouted back, making the little girl wave back. Simon swallowed as the urge to high tail it back home filled his nerves. He pushed it down, not for the sake of seeming brave, but quite the opposite. He wasn’t going to feel that way again, he refused. Not so soon. But as he turned to leave, and he settled on the memory of a puppy-eyed gaze and bold grin, he was worried. Very worried.

"Bloody hell.” He whispered, hugging Ellie closer. The little girl rested her head on his shoulder, eyes shut. He let himself exhale a puff of anxious breath, feeling himself settle at the sight of her peaceful form. He’d be fine. They’d be fine.

[ourlittleuluru]

Voyage Of The Outcast - My Thoughts 2/4

I would say these chapters are more establishing stuff, so there's not THAT much to note about. But we do get to see more of Xavier's social circle and how he interacts with other people that isn't MC

Notes in Chp 2 ~ 5

First... AAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaa

he's wearing that outfit!!! WITH THE GLASSES

But then those glasses are quickly gone... =^= boo...

Oh, but it's never a guess. Because that's always the dang case. And this isn't the first time now, is it?

And Xavier is a man who seizes his opportunities~

Finally getting to lead a short brief period of being classmates again... 🥺

Waddaya mean what did you just say 😭

This line just 😂 yea it definitely felt that way

Also suspiciously, a new NPC and student has a whole portrait??? 🤔

There wasn't much in these chapters but of course, classic Xavier...

A smooth operator, even when trying to break the ice and start with something to lead. Man's got years of experience u-u

Also I love how there's the subtle raise in his voice in the voice acting when he said "I think I forgot to check in for my morning class", in the way that he's purposely saying it just loud enough for the other student to hear and chime in. Good thing they took the bait 😂

Also, he knows...! He knew who he was targetting when the student mentioned the name!

XAVIER! SMH! You liar >:T

👀 MC was thinking of something there...

But anyways my thoughts on sitting in the back row, often the main targets to get called :v and indeed getting called up was a thing. NGL tho, I thought we were gonna be thrown a legit question and we'd have to pick an answer 😂

And I'm sure... VERY POSITIVE, Dr Ulysses here is just doing it on purpose now X'D And Xavier just... his little sigh of annoyance and frown

But of course, he steps up and starts giving a whole lecture about it. The thing to note here tho is..

The game is also using this chance to hint at a lot more things with the Deepspace tunnel too, I bet. Also hinting at the time travel stuff!

He literally did it too though 🥺 and now he's back

Man be humble bragging here 😭😂 SIR pls!

How many diplomas you have? Yes.

Well, okay at least he's making full use of his time on Earth to learn stuff! Like that's really cool! Granted... I do wonder now if he's ever kept up with the subjects or are they just oudated at this point X'D

And now we get to the good part! I like how the writers roped in some characters and reference back to the Anecdote! Also cute lil banters ToT

Oh, MC you have no idea...

Xavier keeps trying to keep people at a distance, yet over the years, he's forged several bonds with people in each lifetime. How bittersweet.

And think again MC :v;;;; Do you remember who's your partner?

Just casually disappearing, do things and comes back with a report like... Xavier... c':

Again, MC repressing the questions relating to Xavier and focusing more on the practical, and mission important ones. This is a whole theme through the entire branch but... well that'll be left for the end

I feel like in this branch, MC is just getting so many lil mini heartattacks, man. He keeps surprising MC with so much new info and also MC finding out new info about Xavier

Classic Xavier dodging, granted it really wasn't the place to cause any hoo-haas

There's a lot of hints in the Main Story now that is hinting at him being around for way longer. Especially for those without Xavier cards or doesn't come across his anecdotes/ tender moments

It's like a little nice catch up. BUT it's also a way to shape up more of MC's doubts about Xavier.

[mrsjavierp]

Where you belong?

Chapter 3 - Acquainted

Javier Peña x latin!f!reader

Summary: Running away from life as you always knew to start a new position as Head Chief on a DEA Office, far away, on Colombia. There, you'll face violence, as you never thought you could. There, you'll meet Javier Peña, your stubborn agent...

Warnings (to the whole fic): +18!, angst, smut, cheating, last relationships, drug dealing, bad spanish, english is my second language, use of Y/N and Y/LN, no description of the reader.

(If I forgot anything, tell me, pls!)

Word Count: 1.6k

A/N: thanks so much for all your love! Sorry to keep you waiting, hope you like it!

*

Narrator's POV:

Coming out of the shower, Javier, once more, fought against his crave to remember:

Y/N dancing, he could see himself holding that body close...

Stop it, Javier! - he thought

Y/N wearing her red lipstick and a black dress, he could almost feel her lips on his...

No, stop it! - he continued.

Y/N almost purring when she called that stupid barman by "mi amor", oh, he could do so much: He could punish her, he could imagine her moaning...

No, fuck, no! - his voice in his mind almost screamed. - Stop, Javier. He doesn't want you, why would she anyway?

Y/N didn't even like Peña, so he believed...

Of course Y/N's supposed rejection towards Javier could be explained by a bunch of reasons: he was arrogant, was a complicated subordinate, a living RH nightmare, hated to follow the rules and orders, and risks? Oh, the stupid risks...

Truth be told, Javier Peña was fucked up in a lot of ways.

His boss had hella of work to do, a reputation to manage and maintain. If she's half as smart as he thought, she would have studied her team, to say the least.

Javier Peña had a problem, although. He wasn't expecting or counting that she would be so fucking perfect: loved whiskey and cigars, smart and hot as hell, such an angel that a devil like him definitely did NOT deserve.

And, of course, didn't want anything to do with him.

And now, she was just a few steps away, right next door.

Javier took a deep breath, trying to pick up an outfit, be damned the day he said "Yes" to Connie and Steve to join them at the USA's club in Bogota.

*

Y/N's POV - 1st Person

I should've known better... I should've said something before... I knew I wasn't gonna run away forever. - I thought. - Oh fuck, and he just entered home, like, in the morning. Where have you been, Peña? Stop it! Leave it!

I shook my head, trying to keep him out.

I had so much to do, groceries, Mail, beauty salon, bank, Yoga... Then, I'd go check the USA's club here.

But he had to show up like that? When I'm trying to dodge him?

Around 1 pm, I went to the damn club, they checked my ID and let me in.

It seemed really nice, with lots of activities, different sports, a bar, restaurant, SPA... It almost felt like an advantage to fight the drug war.

After I changed and put my bag into the locker they lent to me, I walked around for a while, until I decided to lay by the pool, wearing nothing but my red bikini, enjoying the heat and the breeze.

All was missing: a good drink and a bittersweet cigar.

*

Steve, Connie and Javi arrived about 2 o'clock, and the club looked a little bit empty than it would be on such a beautiful day. All of them were still trying to recover from the insane amount of tequila they drank.

All 3 agreed to go to the pool, since it was such a beautiful day and the bar provided all they needed.

Connie started to babble about Y/N, when they sat down, how she was a strong, smart woman. She wasn't a pushover... If so, Y/N was hard working and demanding of all of the DEA.

Javier made a face, while Y/N was the subject. He just wanted a little bit of peace, just to forget about you, until Monday. Murphy knew his partner like a few, and loved to mess with him even more.

Steve pretended that he didn't understand what bothered Javier so badly and endorsed Connie.

Steve ordered the beers, trying to enjoy a little break from all.

Javier's mind went to a place he avoided, just like the night before: his life in the US.

Truth be told, he could've brought Lorraine, she could try to make a home, he could see his son grow a little closer... But when they offered a chance to escape his wife, he left without looking back.

Colombia, despite all the problems, meant freedom to be, peace to live. He left the US, but brought an old self, another version, honoring his so called fame as "Laredo's leg spreader".

Not even his marriage kept Javier safe from that fame.

Of course, Lorraine and her family ignored all the comments and rumors about it, and when they've got a shot, loved to put Lorraine as a savior, his savior from a life of sins and depraved behavior.

Of course, Javier avoided doing anything at Laredo or its proximity.

But, again, Colombia was a new world, even with an anchor.

Once a week, he called his son, his little boy who was 3 years old, sent letters very often, sent money, different toys and... Was obligated to actually speak to Lorraine.

How could Javier deny his baby boy a family, just like he had?

Well, not exactly like that. Chucho and su mama loved each other a lot, not the same case as he had in his so-called relationship.

Avoiding another self-pity session, Javier made an effort to hunt his next company to bring home... At the same time, he spotted a hella of a piece of ass, wearing a ridiculously small red bikini.

Although Javier couldn't see a face yet, he was quite amused by the view and continued to appreciate it.

A few minutes later, a waiter came to serve her... With a scotch.

Neat scotch.

That's odd. - he thought. - what a coincidence.

She sat down, still not facing him. Her hair was smooth, with the wind playing with it.

"Showtime!" - he whispered to himself, leaving Connie and Steve.

Walking, as if he was the king of the world, towards the red bikini lady, he could see a little more... Her smooth skin, her curves, her nice ass, that was even hotter seeing it closely... Even noticed something on her ribs, maybe a tattoo?

Javier, the king of the world, was wearing a white speedo and open button down linen shirt, his aviator sunglasses, flip flops and his cocky smile...

A smile that started to fade, as her beautiful body became more familiar, her fresh perfume invaded his nostrils... And Y/N finally looked at him.

"There's no fucking way..." - he thought.

Steve and Connie felt like they're watching a stupid romcom, holding themselves, trying not to laugh in a way they'd notice.

"Agent Peña?" - she called him, pretending to be confused, yet, with her mouth watering so badly when notices his cock throbbing through his speedo.

A ridiculous tight speedo, that left little to no imagination.

You ignored the arousal between your legs.

As you spoke his name, with that mocking tone, that accent, that voice he hated to love, Javier became borderline painful. It felt like all of his blood went straight to his cock.

And there was him, dick hard as a rock, wearing small white swimming trunks, face to face with Y/N, the woman who he was positively sure hated his guts.

His jefe.

In parallel, little did Javier Jesus Peña know how you were drooling over his figure.

Of course you're having the time of your life, seeing the embarrassment all over his face, as he did not expect any of that...

However, not only your mouth, but also your very much wet cunt, clenching over nothing.

You got up, walked slowly on purpose, saving that unholy view, to greet that devil.

You meet halfway, but close to the pool.

"Javier Jesus Peña..." - she said, his name dancing on her lips. To him, it felt like something bittersweet. Felt like a motherfucking sin, a curse. - "What brought, better, who dragged you here? Let me guess, Connie and Steve?"

"Si, jefe." - he responded, still in disbelief. - "Care to join us?" - he showed the table. - "I know how you like'em."

Fighting Escobar seemed like eating candy, compared to the effort he was doing to look calm.

"Sure, will be nice. I did not expect company, since we all drank tequila as if it was water... Not even from you, given that you arrived in the morning." - and she laughed.

Javier offered to pick up her stuff, as she made her way to the seat. You let him, trying to keep it together.

In fact, you kept together, just not enough to walk straight, since you fell into the poll.

Per instinct, Javier took off his sunglasses and jumped, to save her.

"Gracias, Javi..." - he noticed that was the first time she called him by nickname.

You had military training, was an unbelievably fast and handy fighter, could take down a man twice your size, knew how to survive in the jungle, to shoot, to swim, to kill... You're Head Chief of the DEA.

Not to Javier, at the moment.

You're just a lady in danger to him.

Yes, Javier Peña was a manwhore, that was no secret, he fucked half of Bogota, was no stranger to brothels... But, on the other hand, he could be a gentleman. He grew up in Texas, it was his southern way.

Javier picked you up in his big and strong arms and took you to the edge of the pool. For a few, he could feel your soft skin, now wet, shivering... Saw your nipples get hard and appear though the bikini…

You really meant to thank him.

Javier just nodded, still taking in all those feelings and sensations, especially the one of having you so close, you fit so well against him...

*

Next

[vivianleighwishesshewasme]

The Italian Beasts Beauty

Green eyed monster

Charlotte finds out about Giana. Luca is surprised by her reaction.

Luca had been trying to avoid her for days. For whatever reason she had refused to take his repeated rejections as gospel truth. He dodged her at every turn outside of his office. She came in cleaning one day wearing a uniform much too tight and too small for her.

He started locking doors in whatever room he was in if Charlotte was absent. She hadn’t seen to catch on yet and Luca wasn’t sure how to brooch the subject to his wife that he’d fucked the maid a few times in the past and now she wanted to follow around the married man making puppy eyes at him. 

Giana refused to accept that Luca wanted to be faithful to Charlotte. He’d told her it had nothing to do with the truce. It really wasn't for him. He was falling in love with  Charlotte “Lottie” May Changretta more and more everyday.

She was young, whip smart and energetic. She made him feel alive even if she also made him feel like an old man trying to keep up with his young bride. 

He couldn’t wait to show her New York, she’d eat it up. She bounced all over his home village when he took her for walks. She reminded him of a little golden retriever. 

She’d playful smacked his chest after sex last time he’d said it. To be fair he’d finally said it out loud. 

He smirked remembering that she’d sat up, the sheets pulling off her creamy white breasts exposing them to him and the chilly night air. She was unpleasantly surprised.

“A big fluffy, fluffy headed dog, that’s what I remind you of? Flattering.” He smirked trying not to laugh out loud, grateful the toothpick in his mouth kept him from opening up his mouth and laughing outright. He didn’t want to accidentally swallow it or give her the idea to toss it down his gullet in anger. 

She was cute but feisty, just how he liked them.

She’d said he was like a cat, powerful and seductive, did whatever he wanted and demanded attention when it was his choosing for it. 

She was perturbed when he shrugged. He couldn’t argue with it. Besides, he didn’t mind cats.  At least she hadn’t called him a dog. 

He smiled to himself wondering what she’d gotten up to. He poked his head out the window seeing his little wife jumping up on the bench trying to capture an orange from the trellis high above her little blonde head.  

She seemed to love oranges. At least on the boat ride back to New York he knew he wouldn’t have to worry about her getting scurvy. He has to find an endless supplier in New York for oranges though. She’d told him they just tasted so wonderful here, like eating straight sunshine. He laughed thinking about her. He was definitely falling in love. 

“Charlotte, Geez let me help you.” He climbed out the large window and briskly strode up to her reaching up with ease to pick the fruit she wanted.

“You look like a little monkey.” He handed it to and thought better of holding it above her head as she jumped and tried to grab his arm. She almost hated getting teased but she was getting better about taking a joke. She’d told him her father had been very playful and fun when they were younger but as they all aged he seemed to get older and more jaded. 

“I can get it.” she scolded him as she missed again and he turned his body slightly making her jump on his back and wrap her legs around him. He laughed out loud at her boldness. He loved when she jumped at him, especially if it led to other amorous activities. 

“Like I said, a little monkey.” His husky tone was causing her to blush furiously, adding some peach blush to her tanned cheeks. Italy had been good for her coloring. He enjoyed peeling off her clothes at night or during the day and kissing her little tan lines. 

“I’m a cute little monkey.” She protested as she tried reaching for it again. He was just too long and lanky for her to be able to reach anything unless he wanted her too. 

“Never said you weren’t.” He leaned his head next to hers and kissed her over his shoulder. A quick little peck but it ignited his blood. He hoped it did hers too.

“Charlotte, you need to ask for help. You're going to topple right over the edge and someone is gonna put you in their pocket.” She bit his neck lightly and he spun, dropping her onto the bench. 

“Save that for tonight Mrs. Changretta.” He jested as she blushed crimson. She hadn’t told him but he knew she loved when he called her that. He was worried though in the future if they fought really long and hard that he might accidentally slip and call her Shelby. He almost had once already.  He knew she’d never forgive him for that.

When he turned he let out an annoyed sigh as Giana walked up to him and asked if she should make a dessert tonight. Her hip was jutted out toward him in invitation and not for chocolate cake, he knew that much. She played with a lone curl that she’d refused to pin up because the first time he seduced her he told her she looked pretty like that. And she had but now he had a little pint sized blonde goddess with his ring on her elegant little finger to bury himself into at his disposal. 

He was a sucker, he knew he was wrapped around her little finger.

“What I told you I’m busy with Charlotte today.” He snapped at her. Tapping the side of Lottie's fruit unaware he was doing it.

“Where is she then?” Giana’s thick accent floated above the scent of flowers and oranges. 

He felt her digits dig in gently to his side as she steadied herself and popped her head out from behind his waist. His body had been shielding her from view.

“Can I help you?” She sounded annoyed and commanding. Giana smiled and backed up a bit pretending she only spoke Italian. I knew better, and now so did Charlotte. The jealousy dripped from her tongue like honey. The Shelby jealousy, that was a trait I hadn’t expected from her but I was happy to hear it. I must mean a little to her if she was willing to defend me from a former lover. 

Giana turned and practically ran into the house. She’d be making herself scarce especially with Charlotte around. Couldn't believe my petite little wife was defending me. It would be comical if I didn't appreciate it. 

I started peeling the orange for her knowing I was avoiding a conversation that was about to start.

“I can do it myself, Luca.” She stood in front of me and held out her palm. I needed to distraction while I thought about how to broach the subject of my and Giana to her. 

“Nah, I wanna do it so I can shove it in that lovely mouth so you stay quiet when I tell you something you ain't gonna like.” I couldn’t believe I’d said that but I did. She blinked at me and opened her mouth to protest. I quickly did as I said I would and placed an orange slice in her mouth. She bit down on it and lowered her eyes dangerously low. 

“I got lonely, a lot. So I have some…women around me in various places that helped alleviate that need willingly. Giana was one of them. I told her I’m off limits, I'm yours and only faithful to you. I can fire her if you want me too but after your little jealous bit there, I think she finally got the hint.” I didn't want to look at her but I did because it was the right thing to do.  

To my surprise she doesn't  seem to care much. No, she seemed sympathetic.

“I know you had people before me Luca, you are way too sexual to have kept in your pants. What I want however, is a heads up in case we go somewhere in the future and I have to drape myself over you to establish my claim.” She approached me seductively and smoothly melting her  body into mine as those large gray blue eyes batted themselves at me. She tilted her head slightly looking up. 

God, I needed her right now! If John Shelby knew how skillfully sinful his little girl would be he’d have locked her up no doubt. 

I almost choked on my saliva. I hadn’t seen this confident sexy side to her yet. I like what I saw. 

“Why don’t we head into the bedroom, Coniglietto and I can show you how appreciative I am of your intelligence.” I handed her the rest of her orange which she tossed behind her as she reached up to climb me on her tippy toes. 

How in the hell could any woman think she could compare to her, my little bunny?

 I pushed him backwards and onto the bed. His eyes were wide by my actions. I wasn’t used to taking charge but I had a new emotion I didn’t feel often.

Jealousy, I could see the little blonde haired green eyed monster reflecting in my husband's green eyes as I straddled him. And lust, his eyes held lust. 

“Lay back or I’ll push you back.” I commanded sounding sexy even to myself.

“Yes Mrs. Changretta.” he did but cleared his throat. He put his hands on my hips and guided me on top of him. “You know I'm only going to take this for so long.” he said. I nodded and slid down his lap unbuttoning his pants and taking them with me off the bed. 

“Oh, you're going to be the death of me.” I giggled showing off my dimples. He loved that about my smile. I reached up and touched my head gently guiding it down. We both knew what I was doing. 

I stroked him first, getting him to full length before I took him into my mouth. His groans. Hip thrusts that he desperately tried to control and pats to my head began to increase.

“Charlotte, pull back, now.” I listened to his command as he panted and flashed me a smile. 

“Come here cowgirl.” I grinned and sat on his lap as he filled me and gripped my hips. 

I was his and he was mine. No other lover was ever going to change that.

[riftwalker-limbro]

scarred - part 5

masterpost

----

The next day, Vince indicated he was ready to try out fighting. Happy to oblige and finally see what he was capable of, Kelth decided to start by observing how he did in unarmed hand-to-hand with Sufford.

He did not fare well at all. His stance was nothing that Sufford could place as useful or stable. Sufford held back and slowed down his movements, widely telegraphing incoming hits, but still had to hold back from actually touching the other when he failed to dodge anything. Every time he thought he was about to get hit, Vince flinched back wildly, no control or discipline, which didn’t help anything.

Sufford’s concern grew, and after another near-hit, when Vince took noticeably longer to get back into his stance, he called a halt to it. At some point between the last time they’d taken note of Sufford’s mentality towards the newcomer and now, he had changed from being concerned about taking on a useless warframe to being concerned for said useless warframe. Kelth would’ve been glad for his change of mind, if they hadn’t had entirely the same concerns.

The second after practice was called off, Vince dropped his arms and walked away, sinking down onto the floor, back against the wall, breathing hard, chest rattling with the rhythm of it. In contrast, Sufford’s energy levels had barely gone down.

Since practice was over and Sufford very unwilling to subject him to any more physical tests today anymore, Kelth broke the transference link and rushed up to the lounge themself. Once they got there, Vince was still on the floor, Sufford still standing over him with his arms crossed.

“Sufford, can you go grab his datapad?” Kelth asked. He’d left it in the hallway, so it wouldn’t be in the way but still easy to get once practice was over. It was very solidly over, now.

Sufford looked up, nodded, and went to retrieve it. Kelth sat down in front of Vince.

“You okay?” they asked, worry thick.

Vince rolled his head back to lean against the wall, giving a weak nod.

Kelth snorted. “Somehow, I don’t really believe that.” Sufford reappeared, sat down cross-legged on the floor with them, handing Vince his pad. He accepted it, but put it down into his lap immediately, still rattling. “You shouldn’t push yourself like this,” they chided him. “If you need a break, tell us. This helps no one.”

Vince didn’t respond immediately. Eventually, he did lift one hand to the datapad and typed out a short message, without his usually correct punctuation or capitalisation: “done for the day”.

Kelth frowned again. “No shit. Get some rest. We can do something much less intense tomorrow. It’s fine if you can’t get the hang of this, or not just yet - Sufford was kind of made for hand-to-hand combat, this outcome isn’t surprising.”

Vince nodded, and after another moment, made to move. He waved off Sufford’s offer of help, struggled back up to standing by himself, and slowly disappeared down the hallway.

—

The next morning, Vince contacted Kelth with the same offer he’d started the previous day with. Even if he did feel like trying that again, they were still feeling off about the outcome, and were curious as to his other abilities still, as well. So, they made a counteroffer: how did trying out transference sound?

They almost felt bad about how giddy they got when he accepted - they’d been curious about it for so long, but had to remember to keep an open mind. They’d been thinking about how there could be a warframe that had never been battle-tested: maybe he had just been a fluke of some kind, or he might not have any abilities at all. Kelth settled on simply trying to be as open as they could be, and told him to meet them in the somatic link’s room in ten minutes.

When he arrived, they first spent some time polishing up his - surprisingly poor - understanding of what transference even was. They didn’t miss his flinch when they said they’d be with him in his mind, and rushed to reassure him that they wouldn’t be able to see or do anything he didn’t want them to, which did seem to relax him somewhat.

Eventually, Kelth thought he was ready, so they had him sit down on the floor to prevent hiccups, and entered the somatic link device themself, closing their eyes but leaving the device itself open. They easily found his transference signal, so close to them, still a little shaky, flickering with a regular frequency. For a second, they wondered if that was something that could or even should be fixed, but they quickly put the thought aside for now and requested a connection.

For a second, nothing happened, and then - still nothing, but different, as they could feel the connection taking hold. The world was still as dark as it had been when they closed their eyes in the somatic link. They could still feel their own body as they always could while connected to Sufford, but where they normally had access to Sufford’s somatic data next to their own, Vince was a black box. Whereas they always had a sense of Sufford’s mental state, Vince was silent.

Start with the basics. “Vince?” Kelth spoke with their own voice, “I know I said you could cut me off from whatever you liked, but could you try and let me see through your neuroptics?”

They could suddenly feel the embarrassment spike in him, as he took another few seconds. Suddenly, it was like they had just blinked, and they could see their own body sitting in the somatic link. A thin black line ran through their field of vision, hairline cracks fanning out from one end, not particularly impeding Vince’s view, but still noticeable.

They still couldn’t move, but when he moved his head, the neuroptics followed. He seemed to be beginning to figure out transference communication as well, because he sent them the feeling of a question. “Yeah,” they replied in kind, doing their best to send him encouragement as well, “that seems to work fine. Nice work. You want to try out giving me access to your vitals next?”

Apprehension and a brief spike of fear, which were gone again quick enough for Kelth to doubt that they’d just felt those at all. Then, one by one, they gained a sense of his limbs. They were starting to get a mild headache, which they normally never got from Sufford, but they wanted to go for as long as Vince wanted, so they ignored it. In the somatic link, their leg suddenly cramped up, so, hissing in pain, they half withdrew from Vince, intending to wait it out until it passed - but the second they were no longer in full transference with him, it went down again, along with the headache.

The connection was still present enough for Kelth to feel the sudden worry in Vince. “I’m fine,” they spoke out loud, “It’s just my leg having incredibly bad timing. Let’s try that again?”

At his nod, they went back in fully, and suddenly, the headache was back, along with their knee throbbing like they’d just woken up on one of their bad days. Well, that was no longer a coincidence.

“Vince,” they carefully asked, “your scars aren’t just on the surface, are they?”

He did the mental equivalent of drawing up his shoulders high and looking away - embarrassment and shame, as well as resignation. A second later, he figured out how to speak through transference.

“You know they aren’t,” he said. His voice was raspy, but less deep than Sufford’s, and he had an accent they weren’t familiar with. Kelth was too baffled to reply for a second, so he continued, sounding defensive. “You’ve seen the projection, you know how deep they go.”

“Yes, but I didn’t realise you were in pain because of them,” they replied.

“Your leg is the same, no?” he shot back.

Kelth was stunned for a second - surely not? Surely their leg would eventually still heal? But it had been a while…

“Shit. Sorry,” Vince said the second he could apparently feel the realisation hit them. “I didn’t mean to-”

“No, you’re right, I think,” Kelth said. “Putting that aside for now, I can figure that out later, on my own time.” Mildly hypocritical of them, but whatever. “Do you know if there’s anything we can do to help with your pain?”

Vince sighed. “I’m not sure. I’ve looked around online, and there’s nothing much for warframes out there, but the coat does help - the pressure is… better than nothing.” He was silent for a moment, and then continued, with seemingly renewed energy. “Enough about that, let’s continue. What’s next?”

He shook his head out and raised it, sitting ready for the next step, jolting Kelth out of their own thoughts when his field of vision jerked all over the place. “Okay,” they said, “I can see through you, I can tell what you’re feeling, the next step is letting me drive. Let’s see if I can raise your arm, first.”

They tried. No response.

“Vince?”

“Yes, sorry, one moment- there?”

They tried again, and this time, his arm jerked up wildly, which caused Vince to flinch back from himself, causing him to almost lose his balance. He managed to not fall over by putting the hand not currently in the air on the floor behind him.

“Was that you or me?” he asked them, surprised and a little disgruntled.

“Sorry, I guess Sufford is heavier than you are,” they said, sheepish, “let me try again, starting from as little force as I can put in.”

Together, they figured out the strength required for his movement, going limb by limb until Vince was standing up, walking around jerkily, piloted by Kelth. He didn’t indicate he wanted to stop when they asked, but his stress levels were rising rapidly, and Kelth was starting to connect some dots, and feeling extremely bad about the conclusion presenting itself.

“Hey, if you want to quit for now, you can, y’know,” they said, tentatively.

Immediately, all of Vince’s anxiety vanished - it wasn’t likely that it was actually gone, though, just behind a newly-built barrier. 

“No, no, this is fine,” he said, with an incredibly false air of bravado. 

Oh hell no.

They frowned and withdrew a little, slow enough that he was able to notice and catch himself before he fell without their control. “Vince, you don’t need to do anything you don’t want to. That’s not how we do things here. You don’t need to push yourself beyond your limits.”

A flash of panic reached them from behind his walls, but that was hidden away quickly, too. But now they knew to look for it. “What if I want to push myself?” he retorted, now sounding annoyed. “And you said it yourself, it’s in the name, I’m a warframe, aren’t I? So I should be able to do these things.”

“Just because you’re a-” Kelth started, before their idea from earlier returned, and they tried to word it in a way that might help Vince. “Oh, maybe- I’ve been thinking about how you’ve never seen battle, and maybe you’re from a different line of frames altogether? Sufford’s really built for it and you can tell, all of his abilities are to do with fighting, too.”

Vince kept silent, didn’t move, so they cut themself off and backtracked, cursing themself for their off-topic thoughts.

“Either way, you need to tell us when it’s too much, this isn’t sustainable. It’s a lot, and it’s all new to you, and-”

“If I don’t push myself about it, I won’t get up to speed, will I?” he said, snark on full display.

“Why are you being so stubborn about this?” Kelth said, frustrated. “There is no need for this, none. If you don’t want to take care of yourself for your own sake, think about it like this: how do you think I feel now that I know I’ve been forcing you to do things you didn’t want to do?”

That startled him, badly, and as if by reflex, he kicked Kelth out of transference altogether. They opened their eyes, woozy and blinking as if suddenly woken from the middle of a dream - that was not pleasant, but at least he had enforced his boundaries. And at least the headache was finally gone. Vince’s past twitchy behaviour made so much more sense to them now - and it had gotten suspiciously better with the coat, which he did say helped with the pain. Oh, they were so fucking blind.

He was standing in front of them, staring right back. After a moment, he suddenly drew himself up and strode over to where his datapad was still laying on the floor. No more transference talking, then. He typed something out, motions harsher than usual, and stalked over to them, stiffly presenting the pad so they could read it.

“If you insist. Same time tomorrow.”

Not a question. Before they could reply, he turned on his heel, coattails snapping around his legs, and strode out of the room, leaving them to sit there with their realisations.

—

They hadn’t expected to see him again at all until the next day. Instead, that evening when they were sitting in the lounge with Sufford after an unsuccessful drive run, trying to fend off a headache of their own making, he stormed in with half a datapad.

Half a datapad, with a break that looked incredibly clean, and a mood that had completely turned around from how the day had started - he looked excited, steps with almost a hop to them. He put the halved datapad down onto the table.

Ordis’ hologram flickered to life in response. “Did you fucking break- ahem, your datapad, Vince? It seems to be-”

He stopped in front of Kelth, pointed at the one they were currently using. With a glance down at his broken one, and still very startled by his sudden appearance, they lifted it closer to their chest, protective. There was only one more spare on board, and they weren’t the cheapest. “What- Vince, what did you do?”

He gestured at his throat and shrugged widely, as if to say I’d love to tell you, but I can’t.

“Will you break mine too if I give it to you?” Kelth asked, one eyebrow drawn up.

Vince seemed to realise what it looked like he was trying to do, then - he facepalmed, and then shook his head at them.

“Fine, but if you do break it, I’ll- doodle something on your hat,” they threatened lightly, staying away from any mentions of having to repay them. They were still reeling a little from the morning, and didn’t feel like even joking about putting more pressure on him.

He took their pad and immediately set to typing, metal fingers tapping out a quick rhythm against the Tenno-made glass. At least he was getting some use out of it, as opposed to Sufford, who didn’t particularly see the point in such technology when they had Ordis, as he had grumpily told them after the coat incident. When he was done, he handed it to them, bouncing on his feet as he waited for them to read it.

“You mentioned abilities this morning. I think that might be what happened. I was trying to recall an equation when something activated, and now the other half of the datapad is in my room, on the floor, stuck in a plane of existence between reality and the Void.”

Kelth stared at the last bit. “What.”

He grabbed for the datapad, so they let it go, amused. He started typing with renewed vigour.

“A plane of existence between reality and the Void?” Kelth mused. “Ordis, do you know anything about that?”

The rapid tapping stopped, as did his signature rattling breaths. From the corner of their eye, they saw Vince freeze up.

“Hm,” Ordis said before they could wonder why. “There seems to be some research into such a thing, from a group of researchers at the University of Deimos - which was never finished before the Old War really got going, sadly. The continuation of the research was not considered worth funding during wartime. It seems some key researchers also went missing around this time, and they lacked the expertise afterwards.”

Kelth perked up. “Vince, do you know about this? Were you built as part of their work?”

Vince slowly turned towards them, tilting his head. He shrugged.

“It sounds like what you did is at least related, though, right?”

Vince switched to a new tab in the text application and typed a question of his own. “Can you send me the documents you found, Ordis?”

“I’ll send them to your new datapad,” he said. “Oh, this is exciting - these equations do not make sense when considered for the accepted laws of physics, but if you take into account-”

Kelth’s attention suddenly caught on something else. “Wait, Vince, these are your abilities? You figured them out?”

Vince glanced up at them, before looking down, opening yet another tab, and typing out another new sentence. “I think so? I need to try out more things, starting with retrieving the half datapad on my floor. I can’t manually remove it, my hand just goes through it.”

They grinned wide. “Nice work! Yeah, now you have to figure out the rest of it, I guess.”

Ordis made a sound, as if to start saying something, before he cut himself off.

“Ordis?” Kelth asked.

“Nothing, it’s just- that’s a, uh, very clean cut on that datapad,” Ordis said, noticeably uneasy. “It’s like the cuts we found on the edges of your fragments.”

Oh.

Oh shit.

Vince had once again stopped breathing, standing completely still. Next to them, Sufford leaned forwards, ready to- Kelth wasn’t sure.

Oh, that was a really horrible implication. “Are you sure about this, Ordis?” they asked.

“The patterns are identical,” he said.

The tapping of Vince typing something new startled Kelth out of their own horror-tinged surprise. This time, he was slow and deliberate about it.

“It makes sense to connect the two, though I don’t have memories to confirm anything. Speculation on if that is really what happened would be useless. I will be careful and take every measure to avoid harming myself or others while investigating my abilities going forwards.”

He seemed much more subdued than earlier at the prospect of figuring out what he was capable of. And in a way, Kelth was glad - this sounded dangerous, less predictable and familiar than Sufford’s swords, he should be looking at this with the utmost caution.

“If you need help or resources to figure this out,” they said, “tell us. You’re not alone in this. And this isn’t something you can leave not-figured-out.”

Vince paused, but nodded. He sighed deeply. Drawing himself back up, he sheepishly pointed at their datapad again.

Kelth snorted. “Ordis, you said you had-”

“Taxon is on its way with the spare datapad,” he said.

“Thanks,” Vince signed, with less delay and more confidence than last time. Kelth felt pride swelling up in them for him.

“You’re welcome,” Ordis said, warmly.

[monochromaticbeans]

Chapter 19: We Go Down Together

(Spoilers for "A Letter From Baji Keisuke")

If you get hurt

I'll try to make it better

If you go down

Then we go down together

“We Go Down Together” ~ Dove Cameron and Khalid

The air was thick with tension, heavy with the weight of the upcoming battle. The First Division prepared themselves mentally, some leaning against their bikes, others murmuring about Yotsuya Kaidan’s growing numbers. This was the calm before the storm, the final moments of peace before the inevitable clash.

Hikari glanced over at Keisuke, her heart twisting at the sight. He’d been distant ever since Chifuyu found Ryusei tied up at the batting center in Yotsuya. Ryusei wasn't answering any of her calls or texts. And every time she’d ask Keisuke about Ryusei, he deflected or changed the subject, leaving her with more questions than answers. Whatever he knew, he wasn’t sharing it with her. He was keeping her out of it. She knew that for sure.

She understood, of course. He always took on the heaviest burdens alone, never wanting to worry her. And she knew Chifuyu was in on it, too, protecting her in his own way. As much as it annoyed her, it also touched her deeply. They were always looking out for her.

This fight, though? No way was she sitting this one out. Now that she knew Ryusei was involved. She wouldn’t let herself believe he’d really switched sides, but it was the truth: he wasn’t with them anymore. And now, she was about to fight someone who’d once been like family.

“He’s their attack captain, Hikari,” Keisuke told her that morning, his voice low and tense. “He’s not Toman anymore.”

She fiddled with the buttons on her jacket sleeves, buttoning and unbuttoning, over and over. She had to remind herself why she was here, what she was fighting for.

“Hikari.” Keisuke's voice broke her out of her thoughts. She looked up to see him standing a few feet away, his dark eyes focused on her. His usual cocky grin was nowhere to be found, replaced by a seriousness that unsettled her. “You ready?”

She nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. “Yeah. I’m ready.”

Hikari stepped closer to his bike, her hand brushing against his arm as she climbed on behind him. The familiar feel of the leather seat beneath her, his solid warmth in front of her—it was comforting in a way that words couldn’t describe. Her arms wrapped around his waist, and for a moment, the weight of what was coming melted away. It was just the two of them again, like it always had been.

“Hang on tight,” he murmured, glancing back.

“I always do,” she replied, voice steady.

The First Division roared to life, engines growling as they shot down the streets toward the meeting point. Adrenaline pumped through Hikari’s veins. This wasn’t just a gang fight. It was about family, about defending the people who mattered. And it was about facing someone she never thought she’d have to fight.

***

The clash was immediate and brutal. The air filled with dust, and the sounds of fists and feet against flesh echoed through the abandoned lot. Hikari dodged and struck, her body moving on instinct as she took down Yotsuya members left and right. But her mind was fixed on one thing: finding Ryusei.

Her eyes scanned the chaotic mass, searching for a familiar face. Chifuyu was nearby, locked in a fight with two Yotsuya guys. Keisuke was further ahead, already taking on the top fighters with his usual reckless abandon.

Chaos swirled around her, and her vision filled with the blur of fists and feet. Her ears rang with the sound of bodies hitting the ground and angry shouts. The heat of the fight was in full swing now, Toman's First Division pitted against Yotsuya Kaidan's overwhelming numbers. Her muscles burned, her lungs heaving as she ducked and weaved through the crowd, delivering swift kicks and punches to anyone who dared challenge her.

She spotted Ryusei earlier, standing across the lot, fighting alongside Yotsuya. The sight knocked the breath out of her, cold and sharp. Ryusei—her friend��in the enemy’s colors again. Every part of her wanted to believe it was a mistake, that he’d come to his senses. But when she saw him facing off with Chifuyu, the worry turned to something else: urgency.

From the way they moved, she could tell they weren’t fighting to hurt each other—yet. Each blow was controlled, like a test. Chifuyu was trying to reach him, not beat him, and Hikari knew she had to get there before it turned into something neither could walk away from.

But these damn Yotsuya pricks were getting in her way. She drove her elbow into an opponent’s gut, sending him sprawling. Another swung at her—she ducked, swept his legs out, and sent him crashing into a stack of crates.

"Get out of my goddamn way, you ass-hats!" she snarled, her foot connecting with the ribs of the next guy who dared to block her path. Each step felt like a mile, and every second that passed made her more anxious.

Finally, her eyes narrowed as she saw Ryusei hesitate, his guard dropping just for a split second. Chifuyu took the opportunity, stepping in closer, his fists lowering as his voice rose above the noise of the fight.

"Ryusei!" Chifuyu's shout carried through the chaos, his voice sharp with determination. "You're not Yotsuya! This isn't you!"

Ryusei faltered, his movements slowing, but he didn't drop his stance. "Shut up," he muttered, but his voice lacked the venom it should've had.

Hikari saw the opening and pushed harder through the crowd, frustration mounting as yet another Yotsuya idiot tried to grab her. “Oh, come the fuck on…” She spun on her heel, planting a firm wheel kick into his side and sending him sprawling. “You guys are really starting to piss me off!”

Finally, she broke through the last of the Yotsuya members and reached Chifuyu, her eyes meeting his in a brief, wordless exchange. He nodded, understanding her intent. They were in this together, united in their determination to save Ryusei.

Chifuyu's voice dropped lower, his tone more urgent now. "You're not one of them, Ryusei. You're First Division. You're Toman.”

Ryusei shook his head, his fists still raised. "I'm your enemy now. Just accept it.”

"No, you're not!” Chifuyu cut him off, stepping closer, his gaze fierce. "You think we're gonna turn our backs on you? You think Baji-san is just going to give up on you and let you walk away?"

Hikari's heart pounded in her chest as she finally reached them. She stepped up beside Chifuyu, her gaze locked on Ryusei. He looked conflicted, his eyes darting between them, although his fists were still raised in defense.

"Ryusei," Hikari said, her voice softer now, but filled with urgency. "Chifuyu's right. You're Toman. You're one of us. No matter what.”

For a long moment, Ryusei didn't move. His eyes flickered with doubt, with guilt. But slowly, his fists began to lower, his arms dropping to his sides as the weight of their words sank in.

"I... I have to save Kojiro," he admitted. His best friend, deeply troubled and haunted by the shadow of his older brother, was spiraling out of control. He had to save Kojiro from himself.

Hikari stepped closer, her hand reaching out to gently grasp his arm. "Then come back. You don't have to be alone in this. Let us help you.”

For a moment, it seemed like he might argue, might push them away again. But then, with a heavy sigh, Ryusei nodded, his fists unclenching as the fight drained out of him.

Just as the tension seemed to release, Kojiro, the second in command currently leading Yotsuya Kaidan, charged toward them with a knife, his face twisted with fury. He swung wildly at Ryusei, but Ryusei moved without hesitation, knocking him out with a single, powerful punch.

The chaos around them came to an anticlimactic halt, Yotsuya froze as their leader crumpled to the ground, out cold.

Hikari's breath hitched in her throat, a wave of relief washing over her as the battle finally ended. She glanced over at Keisuke, who stood a few paces away, dirt and sweat streaked across his face. His expression softened, pride and relief flickering in his eyes as he watched Ryusei knock Kojiro out. For the first time all week, his shoulders seemed to relax, the tension easing as Ryusei finally came back to them.

They won. Not just the fight, but Ryusei.

And as the dust settled, Hikari realized something else. They hadn't just saved Ryusei, they had saved themselves, too. The First Division was whole once more.

[mediocre-daydreams]

Hey! I loved your tasm fic “I know you’d never” I was wondering if you could do something like that with Marvel Peter Parker? With the prompts “don’t you dare walk away from me!” And “get out of my sight! go!” Maybe the reader had a rough past and gets scared when people yell at her so flinches when Peter starts showing signs of aggression in an argument? (Sorry I’m a sucker for angst 😘)

here's the beaut! i had too much fun writing this. i wasn't able to fit the second prompt in there (sorry about that) but i tried to squeeze in the general sentiment! thanks for the request &lt;;33

'𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲'𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡

peter parker x gn! reader

inspired by treacherous (taylor's version)

notes: swearing, slut shaming and use of related words, big fat angsty argument, allusions to SA/undefined trauma, accusations of cheating (just accusations though!!)

w/c: 2.1k

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

“stop giving me excuses! please, holy shit, just tell me the truth for once!” peter yelled, his voice strangled as he paced back and forth in his room. what had started as hushed whispers of annoyance had grown into a full-blown screaming match the minute may left for the grocery store.

“for once? what the fuck is that supposed to mean?” you scoffed. “like you haven’t been keeping secrets this entire relationship. you didn’t tell me you were spiderman, i found out by accident! you told may about me three months after we started dating! you’re the last person who should be talking about-”

peter threw his hands in the air in disbelief. “are you serious? you’re going to bring stuff up from months ago? i told you, i was trying to keep you safe! why do you keep changing the subject? if you have nothing to hide, just answer my question!”

your voice was shrill and piercing. “no, i’m not fucking cheating on you with brad davis! i can’t believe you’d even accuse me of something like that! you’re being paranoid!”

“what was i supposed to think? his clothes were all over your floor, goddamnit, and you’re always talking to him and being all touchy, you’re my partner, and-”

“what about you and mj? i never say anything about you guys even when you cuddle and hang out and whatever because i’m not irrational and- and possessive! you’re only mad at me because of your stupid double standards; what, am i not allowed to have guy friends because i’m not a dude? but it’s okay for you, ‘cause manwhores don’t exist, do they? it that it?”

peter’s face fell the minute you said ‘double standard.’ was it true? did you have a point? but still, why wouldn’t you have told him brad was coming over? why did you keep dodging the subject? all the evidence pointed to cheating!

“-and i’m so sick of it! everyone thinks i’m a slut because god forbid i have male friends, and now you too? do you see me that way too? like i’m some kind of- of…” you choked on your words, tears welling up in your eyes. you swiped them away, not caring about mascara streaks.

“stop putting words into my mouth!” peter bellowed, tugging at his hair. “you know i wouldn’t- i’d never call you that!”

“yeah? then why was that the first thing you accused me of? you don’t have to call me a slut to slut shame me, peter! i just-” you hiccuped, clutching your chest as you struggled to breathe properly. there was something in peter that wanted to run to you and take you in his arms, to brush the sweaty strands of hair from your forehead and kiss your cheeks until you felt better.

but the insecure side of him, the dark feelings that he’d been suppressing every time he was with you—you’re not good enough, you don’t compare, you’re a second choice—had taken over. his pride wouldn’t let him budge.

peter took your shuddering breaths as an opportunity to butt in. “i have never thought that about you; you’re the one who keeps bringing it up! you just keep labeling yourself a s-slut, so if that’s how you really see yourself, why don’t you just go fuck brad davis already? he was already half naked in your room, so it shouldn’t be too hard, huh?”

you let out another gasping sob, rubbing your snotty nose, disheveled. tugging at your shirt, which had suddenly become very warm and too tight, you snuck a peek at peter’s face. he was flushed and unforgiving, chest heaving in sync with your wobbly breaths.

you met peter’s eyes, praying that you could find some sort of apology or remorse or care, but you only found a cold barrier pushing you away. so that’s what you did—let yourself be pushed away.

digging the palms of your hands into your eyes, you turned to his door, the floor creaking quietly from the weight of your footsteps. the air in his room stilled for only a few seconds before peter’s voice cut through the silence again.

“what are you doing?” his voice was thick.

“leaving. i don’t want- i’m not doing this,” you croaked, freezing in place but refusing to turn and look at him.

“what do you mean, you’re not doing this? you can’t just-” you heard peter’s thumping footsteps behind you and you jumped into motion again, reaching for the door with the intention of slamming it in his face. 

peter growled. “don’t you dare walk away from me!” he lunged forward with superhuman speed, grabbing your wrist before you could even touch the doorknob. you shrieked, breath catching in your throat as your blood chilled. whatever peter was saying didn’t matter because you couldn’t hear it. everything had gone all muffled and you couldn’t see straight—why couldn’t you see? you brought your fingers up to your eyes.

oh. you’d begun crying. really crying, this time. you felt pathetic, standing between the door and peter’s chest, trapped by just one of peter’s hands. it was at times like these where the reality of your situation set in. you were dating spiderman, and when he said he’d wanted to protect you, you never thought that would include protecting you from him. because right now? right now, you were scared.

“please,” you pleaded, mustering up the last of your strength. “please, i’m sorry. please, i didn’t mean it. i’m sorry peter, please, i don’t want it, i’m sorry, please don’t-” you sniveled, tugging gently to free your wrist from his grasp. at the sound of your broken cries, peter let go of you immediately like he’d burned himself and stumbled backward, nearly tripping over a pair of old sneakers lying on the floor.

“i’m sorry, oh my god, i’m so sorry,” peter echoed, eyes wide in horror. “i didn’t mean to- shit, sweetheart, please look at me,” he begged, his hands floating in the air with uncertainty.

you whimpered and as peter slowly took in your figure—arms crossed tightly against your chest, fisting the neckline of your shirt with trembling fingers—he crumbled. “i’m sorry peter,” you whispered, eyes shut and head hanging low. “i didn’t mean it.”

“don’t be sorry, um,” peter looked around the room desperately for anything that could help. the two of you never fought. peter knew how much you hated fighting, especially with him. late one night, you’d confessed to him that he was the person you trusted most and that he made you feel safe. you had kissed his nose and teased him about being spiderman.

peter felt nauseated. how had he gone from being your protector to another projection of the people who’d hurt you—the people he promised he’d protect you from?

“hey, hey, look at me. can you look at me, baby?” he crouched, moving slowly as to not startle you, and held his hands up innocently. “i’m not- i’m not going to hurt you. you’re at my- may’s house, okay?” peter cringed when he had to stop himself from saying his own name. it disgusted him, the way he’d scared you so much that just hearing his name could potentially upset you.

“it’s s-safe here. she’s coming back with groceries, d’you remember?” he looked up at you from his perch on the ground, hoping to catch sight of your face and gauge how you were feeling. your hands were covering your mouth and you were breathing unevenly, each exhale coming out more like a heavy sigh. 

peter watched you timidly, saying nothing. you moved between grabbing the fabric of your shirt to rubbing your nose to slamming the heels of your hands on your forehead before you could get your breaths under control. once you established a steady pattern, you looked up at peter wordlessly.

you just blinked at him. his mind couldn’t help but compare you to a very dejected-looking frog. it was a very poor-timed thought.

“hey,” peter whispered. “are you okay- wait, that’s stupid. no, i’m sorry. d’you, uh, wanna sit down?” peter fell into a seated position where he had been crouching, tapping the floor in front of him. you followed suit, maintaining a couple of feet between the two of you.

“i’m so sorry,” peter sniffled. “i never meant to scare you. i would never hurt you. never. that’s- i would do anything to make sure nothing bad happened to you. and i’m so sorry that i was the one who was the bad… happening.” he pinched the bridge of his nose, too ashamed to meet your eye when you finally looked at him.

“everything about brad was- god, i’m so stupid, aren’t i?” he chuckled bitterly, only to choke on some snot and start coughing. you snorted, unable to contain your amusement.

“it’s okay, pete. i was just being- you didn’t do anything wrong. i was just making things worse for us and you’re right, i shouldn’t have let brad-”

“no, please don’t say that.” peter looked at you pleadingly. “no, you were being a good friend to brad. you’re the kindest person i know, and i was lashing out to you because i was so- so insecure. you’re thoughtful and caring and incredible so i wouldn’t be surprised if brad liked you too, and y’know, he’s brad davis. and you deserve everything, and i let my own doubts get to me and i was so scared to lose you, love. i don’t know what i’d do if i lost you because there’s nobody like you and i don’t even know if i deserve you, but i was so scared that you’d find someone else better and that i’d lose you so it was really my fault, and-”

you cut peter off by shuffling closer and wrapping your arms around his neck, to which he reciprocated with a tight hug. “i don’t want anybody or anything except you,” you whispered into his shoulder, tears slowly fading from your cheeks. 

“i would never hurt you,” peter murmured, nestling his chin further into the crook of your neck. he blinked back burning tears as he kept his eyes level, staring at the wood of his door directly across from him.

“i know,” you sniffed, running your hand through his curls lovingly. “i was just- i went on a tangent and it was right at the front of my mind so i just reacted but peter, i trust you with my life. i trust you and i love you.”

“i love you too.” peter pulled away from your body so he could examine your face. he brought his thumb below your eye to clean the remaining dampness and dab away any streaks of makeup. his heart ached as he took in the damage and pain he’d inflicted.

“i’m sorry for yelling at you,” peter whispered, smiling sadly.

you pressed your forehead to his. “i���m sorry for not being more transparent.” your breath tickled peter’s face. “can i kiss you?”

he hummed in affirmation. the kiss was salty, short, and a wordless message: i’m sorry. peter’s lips were a little chapped and yours were wet, and in all fairness, it probably wasn’t a very good kiss, but it was good enough for you.

“i don’t want to think about this anymore,” you confessed shyly. “not- not the fight. i just don’t want to think about… the other part.” peter pursed his lips, swallowing hard. the miscommunication could be discussed later. but you were hurting, and regardless of whether he’d been the cause, he’d never let you be in pain.

“are you okay if i touch you? where would you feel most comfortable?” peter slid his hand under your jawline to tip your head up and face him. you smiled uncertainly at him.

“yeah, you can touch me,” you murmured. “please, stay with me. ‘n, um, can we sit on the bed?” 

peter nodded, scooping you up and carrying you sideways in his arms until he set you down on top of his comforter with such softness that you didn’t so much as bounce. he crawled beside you, extending an arm. you snuggled yourself into his open embrace, and peter curled his arm around your timid frame and pulled you to his chest, resting his chin on the crown of your head.

he breathed in sharply as he felt you nuzzle yourself even closer to his body. how you could trust him so fully, how you could love him—even after he’d exploded at you—he would never understand. perhaps it was because you were a better person than he was.

his enhanced senses allowed him to pick up the slowing of your breath and the settling of your heartbeat into a steadily pumping metronome that beat against his own chest. kissing your hair, he let himself close his eyes, slipping into the most vulnerable state that one could be in—an unconscious sleep—with the love of his life.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

peter parker masterlist | main masterlist

taglist: (comment to be added)

@bambamwolf87 @yourallihave @im-a-slut-for-fluff

[mari-the-bimbo]

please please pleaaaseee update tje bodyguard megumi series 😓 i love all the other series the jjk males are getting but i need to know what happened pls and thank youuu

Bodyguard Megumi: night changes 🫶🏽

A/N: Ok I made it shorter but it’s cuter now, I didn’t wanna annoy ya’ll by adding more plot lines LMAOO 😭 enjoy! 🫶🏽

The confrontation was successful, but there was no denying the chaos that ensued when Megumi suggested marriage. And even after your dad agreed, the house was still chaotic with surprise, even days later.

You needed a break from it all. That’s why you and Megumi escaped at night, currently walking around the quiet park in the moonlight. Your bodyguard-turned-lover following you with his hands in his pockets.

“Y/n stop walking too fast ahead, stay close to me, it’s dark out here” Megumi warned you sternly, making you roll your eyes with a grin. Even with you securing a future together, it didn’t stop the raven haired sorcerer from his strict bodyguard attitude.

“Awww don’t worry ‘gumi, you can hold my hand if you’re scared” you cooed mockingly at him, pushing yourself against him teasingly, making him roll his eyes, trying to fight off the smile on his face.

“Remember you would always say that to me?” You remind him, and he thinks back to those days, when he first felt himself becoming protective over you. He nods his head at the memory fondly.

You were so cute but so fiery, ready to defy his every word, yet you would run into his arms whenever you were scared, ‘not much different to now’ he thinks, as he tucks a strand of your hair behind your ear lovingly.

But he suddenly he snaps out of it, and furrows his brows at you once again “Oi, stop trying to change the subject you gremlin, you need to stop walking ahead okay?” He says.

You shrug your shoulders indifferently, and comply to his wishes by walking beside him inside, holding the man’s larger pale hand, making him secretly happy.

“You know you can stop being such a party pooper bodyguard now Megumi? You’re my man now!”

“Yeah now I got to deal with your annoying ass but for free” he teases, making you throw a playful punch that he easily dodges.

“Mhmm acting like you weren’t the one who suddenly suggested to be my husband!” You tease back with a laugh.

He’s silent for a moment, causing you to look back at him, “gumi?” You called out.

You watch him awkwardly scratch the back of his head. “I never really asked you if you want to marry me, I just kind of went for it, my mind was so focused on securing you from your dad, I completely forgot to ask you if you even wanted to-“ his sentence was cut off as your lips quickly crashed into his, distracting his looming thoughts with a sensation of your lips and tongue moving in sync against eachother.

His dark blue eyes gaze into your own as you pull away, he looks like he’s stuck in a daze as he stares foggily into your eyes.

You wrap your arms around his broad shoulders and jump onto him, making his large hands grab your waist, holding onto you.

“Don’t be silly ‘gumi, I want to marry you, I wouldn’t have it any other way” you reassure him sweetly. He finally smiled, before holding you closer by the neck for a hug, then finally setting you back on the ground.

“Why are you so cute?” He grumbles, as if he’s actually perplexed by your cuteness, while pinching your cheek.

“Ah! Gumi you lil-“

But your sentence becomes muffled as the strong dark haired sorcerer easily pulls you into his muscular warm chest, his toned arms wrapping around you as if you will disappear if he doesn’t. You hear his slow breathing against your ear.

“I love you. So much angel” he says.

You could feel your heartbeat increase at the confession, yet the reply that left your mouth came so easily.

“I love you too ‘gumi” you sigh with smile, burying yourself into his chest with a tired groan, making your beloved laugh at you lovingly.

[itjazzbicch]

Caring

Pairing: Steve Fox x Reader 

Summary: Becoming best friends through boxing, the reader and Steve always have fun testing their abilities in the ring, but when his arm starts to bother him during one of their sessions, the deep care the reader has for him beings to show...

Warnings:  N/A

Never wrote anything for Tekken till now, Steve being my first so, I hope that I did well and you all enjoy it!

Word Count: 757 

I DO NOT OWN THIS GIF:   

"Come on, Steve! This is easy!" I laughed, dodging his punches and circling the boxing ring.  

"That's because I'm taking it easy on ya!" He laughed, circling along too, only making me laugh more: 

"Where's the fun in that?!" 

Steve and I crossed paths and became friends through our boxing careers, taking the time to train with one another since we were evenly matched. It was a great pass time, a learning experience, and a fun time between friends considering we loved this sport.  

"Don't get mad when ya can't keep up then!" He smirked, getting in stance with his approach. 

I knew that smirk and immediately put my guard up. He really was taking it easy on me! I had to move so fast to dodge his punches that I was tripping over my feet. Of course, he found that hilarious, going to tease me more: 

"What's the matter? What happened to all that confid-" 

Mid-sentence, I could see how he stuttered in his stance, his left arm tensing up. I stopped immediately, going to speak, but he shook it off, getting back into stance: 

"Come on!" 

"Steve-" He was being so stubborn, throwing another punch that I dodged and this time, he fell to his knees, yelling out in pain while holding his left arm, the one with the massive scar running down it, "Will it kill you to just listen to me for once?!" 

Quickly tossing off my gloves, I kneeled to him, taking his arm from his tight grip, rubbing it softly all around to try and make the pain go away. 

I always wondered what happened to his arm but was too afraid to ask. It had to have been something personal or something that he didn't want to talk about, so I never asked. But as my best friend, I had to help him in any way that I could. 

"Any time you feel that pain in your arm, stop," I glared at him, hoping he'd listen for a change, "Your health comes first, Steve." 

"I'm f-fine," There he went lying to me, easily telling that he was still feeling the pain, seeing his hand move in his glove while clenching his fist again and again. 

"You lie to me again and your arm won't be the only thing in pain," I scolded, continuing to massage his arm and slowly, I could see the pain drifting away, glaring into his eyes again, "I'm not trying to be mean. I care about you and don't like seeing you like this." 

"I know," He huffed out, growing silent as I took his arm, placing kisses all over it, hoping a joke would raise his spirits: 

"Besides, if this ever takes you out of boxing, I'll have no one's ass to kick during practice." 

"Is that right?" He chuckled, "Ya weren't saying that when I had ya tripping all over the ring." 

"Wanna say that again?" I played, raising my fist to him, getting a real laugh out of him this time, taking a deep breath and being serious this time, "Let's call it quits for today. I can tell that really hurt." 

"Ya have no idea," He whispered, slipping his gloves off and as he did, I let some of my curiosity slip out while examining his scar: 

"You ever go to the doctor to see if anything can be done about this? This is a mean scar, man." 

"It's uh-" He didn't want to ignore me, but wasn't sure what to say, only letting me know, "it's complicated."  

"I see," I whispered softly. It was a sensitive subject just like I thought, trying to make things better when I kissed his arm again, "Well hopefully that'll help some, hm?" 

All he did was smile at me at first, making my cheeks heat up, especially when he wiggled his eyebrow at me: 

"I see why ya always try to act so tough all the time now. Ya just a big softy." 

"Oh, sorry that I'm just trying to be a good friend!" I gasped, turning my head and trying to act upset, but he was right about that, making me melt with a kiss on my cheek: 

"I know. I never said it was a bad thing. I think your help will work." 

"Well yeah, it's me," I smiled into his blue eyes, giggling along with him as he shook his head, both messing with me, but meaning as he kissed my cheek again: 

"Ya are a special one, I'll give ya that." 

[hawks-supremacy]

Golden Swirls

summary: when Sakusa's sister told him how people found their soulmates, he was disgusted. or at least until he found his.

pairing: sakusa x reader

genre: fluff and angst

word count: 3.2k

a/n: i finished this a week ago but didn't like it so i completely redid it. i also tried to write in 3rd pov which i don't think i'll do again, i'll probably just stick to 2nd pov but i wanted to try something new! anyway i hope you enjoy!

Sakusa Kiyoomi didn’t consider himself a germaphobe. Even though his cousin, Komori Motoya, liked to say he was, he still wouldn’t consider himself one. Although he said it in a joking manner it still made him think, do other people see him like that? He didn’t mind sitting or laying on the floor to do his stretches before practice, and dirt outside didn’t bother him much either. It was just other people and their germs that he didn’t care for. He doesn’t know where people have been or who could potentially be in the beginning stages of a cold and not know it. He was cautious around people, and bigger crowds made him nervous.

So when Sakusa learned about soulmates and how people found theirs at the age of 8 he was a little grossed out. What he remembers from the story his older sister told him was that everyone in the world has a soulmate, and the way you find yours was that when you made contact with your soulmate, the area you touched each other would light up in a sort of golden color. She told stories about how people would go around and try to touch everyone they thought could be their soulmate.

That’s what Sakusa thought was gross, trying to touch every single person on the off chance that they're your soulmate. Maybe it’s because he was always sick as a kid and that’s why he didn’t like the idea of other people’s germs. So as he grew up and saw people leaving gentle touches on the arms of everyone they met he couldn’t help but curl his lip in disgust. It wasn’t like Sakusa never wanted to find his soulmate, but he didn’t like the idea of people invading his personal space to find out.

High School for Sakusa was difficult, even though Motoya constantly told him he was a bit brash and abrasive that didn’t stop people from wanting to see if they were his soulmate. He managed to dodge nearly everyone who tried but occasionally there’d be a few who snuck in there with disappointed stares as their touch didn’t cause the warm golden glow signalling that they were soulmates.

Now Sakusa was a professional volleyball player for the MSBY Black Jackals and dodging the fleeting touches of fans only seemed to get harder the longer he was in the spotlight. He watched from a distance as his teammates shook hands and hugged every fan that approached them, watched as the shoulders of fans slumped at the lack of gold in their touch. Watched as fans jealously stared when his captain Meian Shugo found his soulmate in the crowded court after a game.

He had just left the locker rooms and glanced in the gym to see another crowd of fans desperately trying to see if they were one of the team member’s soulmates, another crowd of fans disappointed when the outcome they were hoping for didn’t happen. “You’re not soulmate searching in the crowd of fans?” He glanced over, startled at the sudden voice next to him. He wasn’t used to the new presence quite yet.

L/n Y/n was the new manager of the Black Jackals, having started less than a month ago. They had already begun to learn everyone’s mannerisms and habits, knowing that Sakusa was one to avoid the crowds and interviews after games, opting to keep to himself. They knew that everyone else on the team had no issues meeting the fans and finding out if their soulmates were in the crowd much like Meian’s was.

Sakusa didn’t know a lot about Y/n, but they knew quite a bit about him just from observing their practices and games. Sakusa wasn’t sure if their views on soulmates matched his, if they also thought that the act of having to touch every person in hopes of finding “the one” was odd and not appealing. He wasn’t sure if they had simply just found their soulmate already and didn’t need to bother with everyone else. What he did know was that they kept their distance at practices.

Y/n always greeted everyone from a distance when they entered the gym for practices or before their games had started. When they brought their water bottles they set them on the bench rather than handing them to everyone on the team. When the team was gathering to talk about play strategies they would be sat at the bench, close enough to listen, always jotting things down on their clipboard. To Sakusa Kiyoomi, L/n Y/n was an enigma.

They were someone who kept to themselves, never getting too close to anyone else. On the occasion that they went out for dinner after games that the team had won and felt proud of, they always sat at the end of the table, never saying many words. They were quiet and soft spoken when they did speak. Giving gentle reminders or suggestions to the team. Even though they were quiet and kept to themself they still managed to become friends with almost everyone on the team.

They exchanged excited words with Bokuto as they exchanged stories from when they were in their high school years. They gave friendly but stern scoldings to Atsumu as he did something he knew he shouldn’t have, like swinging from the bars in the gym just because Hinata made a bet that he couldn’t. They gave silent smiles as they listened to Hinata enthusiastically shout sound effects as he described his favorite volleyball plays. They gave Sakusa words of encouragement while still keeping their distance because they knew that people he didn’t really know made him uncomfortable. But Sakusa didn’t know much about Y/n.

So as he looked down at them sitting on the floor across from the back entrance to the gym, waiting for him to answer their question, he wasn’t sure how to approach the conversation. “Or have you already found your soulmate?” They asked after Sakusa still hadn’t responded to their first question. “Uh no I haven’t found mine, have you?” He finally responded as he lowered himself to the ground, still a good distance away from them. They shook their head as they kept their eyes closed and their head leaning against the cold tile wall of the hallway. “Why are you sitting on the floor?” Sakusa asked after a few seconds of silence from both parties.

“I have a headache but Bokuto is my ride home, so I have to wait for him to finish greeting every fan and then he showers. So I’d say I still have a good hour to wait.” They replied, opening their eyes and tilting their head to look at Sakusa, “Why are you sitting on the floor?” He wasn’t sure how to respond, he didn’t have a reason for why he sat on the floor, he just sat there because they were also sitting on the floor.

“I can give you a ride home if you want Y/n.” He offered, changing the topic at hand. He wasn’t quite sure what compelled him to offer them a ride home, he just felt like it was right. “You don’t have to do that if you don’t want to. I’m perfectly content sitting here and waiting for Bokuto.” They said, closing their eyes again and turning their head towards the ceiling. “You have a headache Y/n, let me give you a ride home so you aren’t sitting here for an hour.” Sakusa said as he got up and looked at them expectantly. As they opened their eyes they sighed and got up, “Let me text Bokuto to let him know that I don’t need a ride and then we can leave.” They reluctantly agreed as they pulled out their phone to send Bokuto a text. He wouldn’t get it until he got to the locker room but at least then he would know. “Okay let’s go.” Y/n said as they started walking towards the exit with Sakusa still standing in the hallway, only beginning to follow them after they were halfway towards the exit.

As they drove home Sakusa learned a little bit more about Y/n. He learned that they had met Bokuto through Akaashi who was a distant cousin of theirs, so they were closer to Bokuto out of everyone on the team. He also learned that they lived in the same apartment building as Bokuto so they carpooled every morning, which is why they always showed up at the same time. He didn’t learn much about before they joined the team as the manager any time he asked they waved it off or changed the subject.

As Sakusa entered his home, a familiar ringtone started to chime from his coat pocket. Taking his phone out of his pocket he pressed the answer button seeing it was Motoya calling. “Hey Motoya, what’s up?” He held the phone between his shoulder and ear as he slipped off his shoes before correcting his grip on the small device. “Was just calling to let you know we have a game against each other coming up next month. Did you just get home from your game? I thought I heard the door close.”

“Yeah I got home late because I drove the new manager home. They were waiting for Bokuto, but they had a headache and he was going to be a while.” Sakusa explained as he walked over to his kitchen to find something to eat. “Oh you guys got a new manager? Who is it?” Motoya asked curiously. “Their name is L/n Y/n. They just started a few weeks ago, so I don’t really know much about them.” He said as he got out ingredients from the fridge and went to wash his hands.

“You mean L/n Y/n from Itachiyama?” As Motoya asked what he thought was an innocent question, Sakusa felt himself freeze, “Who was that again?” He asked hesitantly. “You don’t remember Y/n? You hated them, or at least it sure seemed like you did.I mean you were cold and distant to everyone but it seemed like it was worse with them.” As Motoya continued to explain to Sakusa who Y/n was he suddenly felt very terrible. From what he remembers Y/n wasn’t always shy and soft spoken. They used to be bubbly and friendly, always trying to include everyone, including him.

It wasn’t that he was mean to them by any means. He didn’t go out of his way to bully them, but one day he had enough of their bubbly and outgoing personality and just snapped. He wasn’t having the best day and hearing them just kind of set him off, and now he felt terrible, because Sakusa knew that sometimes all it took was one person to yell at someone who was outgoing and suddenly they weren’t as outgoing anymore as before. He doesn’t quite remember what he said but he remembers that after he yelled at Y/n, they were more quiet.

“Motoya, I didn’t even recognize them. They’re so different from when we were in high school, they’re so quiet now.” Sakusa said as he leaned on the counter with his head resting in the hand that wasn’t holding the phone. “Yeah they started being quiet after you yelled at them. Didn’t talk as much.” Motoya’s voice got softer the more he talked about it. “I don’t even remember what I said, Motoya.” Sakusa sighed. “Well first of all you told them that no one cared what they had to say, and then you said something along the lines of how you feel bad for whoever their soulmate is if they're going to be that loud all the time. It was pretty bad, Kiyoomi.” Motoya changed the subject and they talked about something else for a bit before Sakusa had to eat something and then shower if he wanted to go to bed at a decent time.

It was the next morning and Sakusa was heading over to Y/n’s house to try and apologize. He wouldn’t see them today since they usually have the day after a game off so that the team can rest. He was suddenly very nervous as he knocked on the door to their apartment. “Bokuto, you have to learn how to cook something at some point, I can’t feed you all the time!” He heard their voice get closer to the door as they walked towards it, and soon the door was pulled open, “Oh you’re not Bokuto. Sorry, he usually comes over around this time every day on our days off. Uh come in?”

As they moved out of the way and opened the door more Sakusa noticed that they wore an Itachiyama sweater and suddenly felt stupid that he didn’t realize sooner. As he stepped in and slipped off his shoes he took note that the apartment was pretty clean other than a few things here and there. “Sorry it’s a mess, I was going to clean today and then well you showed up.” Y/n said as they went through and picked up a few things, “Are you hungry? It’s about noon, have you eaten? I was in the middle of making lunch, but I made enough for like four people because I don’t understand that I can cut the recipe down.” He watched as they rambled and walked around the kitchen to finish cooking the lunch they had started before he arrived.

“Yeah I’ll eat if you don’t mind. I didn’t eat anything before I came over.” He said sitting down on one of the stools by the counter. Even as he was around them for just a few minutes he couldn’t comprehend why he would yell at them like he did. Their presence was so warm and inviting, they were so caring and observant of everyone around them. Now he felt like even more of an ass before he came over to their apartment.

“Not that I don’t want to hang out with you or anything, but why exactly did you come over to my apartment today?” They asked setting down two plates of food on the counter and taking a seat across from Sakusa. Sakusa moved the food around his plate for a bit while he nervously thought about how to start the conversation. “I’m sorry.” He said and looked up, “About what happened when we were at Itachiyama.” Y/n paused, their food halfway to their mouth, and set down their utensils. “Oh, so you do remember that.” They said fidgeting with their hands, “I had honestly thought you forgot. It’s okay though Sakusa, it’s been what? Five years since that’s happened? I’ve moved past it, we’re different people than we were back then. I kinda get it though, I was a little much huh?” They asked, beginning to eat again.

“It wasn’t okay though, I shouldn’t have talked to you like that just because I was having a bad day Y/n. People care about you and what you have to say, and I guarantee your soulmate will love how bubbly and excited you always are.” Sakusa apologized again, he wasn’t sure he would ever be able to apologize enough to them. “Honestly Sakusa it’s fine, I’ve gotten over it, besides I might never find my soulmate anyway.” Y/n said as they finished their food and put their plate in the sink. “I know you got more quiet because of what I said. You’re not as outgoing or bubbly anymore, you’re more shy and reserved than before and I feel awful for that. I didn’t realize that what I said could have that big of an impact on you-”

“Well it did.” Y/n interrupted him, “It impacted me so much Sakusa. I was just trying to include you so you didn’t feel left out during group projects or activities. I was just trying to be nice to you Sakusa, you know it’s really stupid I even had a little crush on you. I know that’s dumb because the chances of us being soulmates is basically zero, but you were nice to me. You talked to me, helped me on the homework, and somewhere along the way I developed a crush. Then you yelled at me.” Y/n took a deep breath and laughed pathetically, “You yelled at me, which is really stupid, because people told me all the time that I was “too much” and needed to calm down. But it was different coming from you, coming from someone who I had thought had become a friend of mine.”

“Y/n I’m so sorry, I didn’t know.” Sakusa said as he made his way toward them. “I know you didn’t, Sakusa. I told you I’m over it. I guess I just wanted to yell back at you for it, even if it is five years later. Honestly I forgave you two years after it happened. I’m still bubbly and outgoing, it’s just that I wasn’t sure if you would’ve hated that at practice so I toned it down. Ask Bokuto, he’ll tell you.” Sakusa had felt a little better after hearing that from Y/n. He wasn’t sure he’d ever forgive himself if they had never gone back to their excitable personality.

“Here let me help with the dishes.” Sakusa said as he reached for the plate in their hand. They were about to protest when they felt a warm go on the tip of their index finger where his hand brushed theirs. Sakusa watched in awe as golden swirls danced around both of your finger tips, somehow in sync like a dance that wasn’t quite complete without its partner to help hold the rhythm of the number. The warmth of his hand was nothing like his sister had described to him. It felt like the first rays of sun in the morning on a warm autumn day with more of a comforting warmth than a hot one.

Neither of the two said anything as they watched the golden swirls fade away, but still felt the warmth of them underneath the skin still. “I know I said I had a crush on you earlier and I should be ecstatic that this is happening but a part of me can’t help but find this really ironic.” Y/n said laughing, still staring at their hands. “What do you mean?” Sakusa asked with a confused stare as he looked at Y/n. “You don’t think this is ironic? You literally told me my soulmate would find me annoying and now you’re my soulmate. It’s kind of funny.” Y/n explained, finally looking up at Sakusa.

Sakusa thought for a minute with furrowed eyebrows before realizing what they meant. “Would you be quiet about that?” He asked now laughing at the situation as well, “We just found out we’re soulmates and you’re making jokes? I’m glad you’re back to your old self but come on Y/n.” He gave a gentle shove to their shoulder as they laughed more at the situation and Y/n continued to make jokes and lightly shoved him back.

Outside the apartment Bokuto lowered his ready to knock fist with a smile, deciding to come back at a later time as he heard laughing coming from the inside of the usually quiet apartment.