#oh i really hope i have time for tomorrow's

[madebycloud]

No Erase

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oh wait.

You forgot one thing.

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

The perfume.

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

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

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

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

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

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

—

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Thank you.”

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

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

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

Finally.

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

—

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

Caitlyn's locker.

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

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

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

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

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

—

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

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

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

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

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

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

—

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

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

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

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

Vi smirks. “Hey,” she greets.

That smirk alone pisses you off.

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

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

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

The audacity? 

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

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

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

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

“No?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

—

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Or maybe they're not coming at all.

And then you hear footsteps coming your way,

THIS IS IT.

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

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

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

Vi.

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

“Damn, you look good from this angle.” 

WHAT?

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

“Why are you here?”

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

Wait...  that's your letter!

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

How the hell did it end up with her?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“That letter is meant for someone else!”

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

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

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

“How did you-”

“Someone put it in my locker.”

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

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

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

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

“Maybe,” you grumble.

“Maybe? so it is yours?”

You avoid her gaze, avoiding her smug look.

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

“STOP READING IT!”

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

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

“You wrote this much for someone?”

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

“What are you, ten?” she retorts.

“And what are you, an idiot?”

“I'm not an idiot, unlike you.”

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

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

“And how the hell would you know?”

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

“They could still-”

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

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

“Maybe I was meant to have it then.”

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

“Maybe it's a sign.”

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

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

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

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

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

She's being weird. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“And why is that?”

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

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

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

You nod. “Back to normal.”

“I could kiss you right now.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I doubt it.”

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

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

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

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

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

She looks embarrassed.

She's embarrassed?

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

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

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

But you remind yourself, this is Vi.

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

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

—

Time passes by more slowly than a snail.

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

Why is time passing so slowly today?

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

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

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

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

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

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

The hallway is a goddamn mess.

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

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

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

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

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

Okay, what?

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

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

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

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

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

“Glad you came.” 

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

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

“What, no smart shits today?”

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

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

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

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

“...is it like fast?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Hold on to what?”

“Me, dumbass. Grab my waist.”

“Hell no.”

“It's for your own safety.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She snorts. “Touchy, aren't we?”

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

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

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

“Just hold on tight.”

—

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Candy, huh?”

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

“Why do you know that?”

“Everyone knows that.”

“Why does she have candy anyway?”

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

“Really?”

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

You nod silently, impressed with this old lady.

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

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

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

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

Vi looks around as well. “Yep.”

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

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

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

“Pretty much.”

You groan. “I hate guys like that.”

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

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

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

You give her a weird look. “Why?”

“Well, you're... y'know… cute.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You.

Fuck.

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

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

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

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

“Well, I don't.” 

“It's only a kiss.”

“It’s still embarrassing.”

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

“Excuse me? I am an excellent kisser.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It's no big deal. 

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

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

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

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

You're going to die.

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

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

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

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

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

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

But you do it anyway.

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

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

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

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

She's actually gorgeous.

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

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

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

—

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

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

You hum, nodding along.

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

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

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

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

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

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

But, oddly enough, you feel safe.

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

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

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

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

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

But... you are.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You don't get it.

What changed?

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

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

And you're still the same.

Everything, suddenly, feels... different.

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

The only thing that hasn't changed is her.

Well, no, that’s a lie.

She has changed.

She feels different.

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

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

Everything is just different.

Maybe the two of you had changed.

But you're not sure how.

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

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

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

For now.

You don't understand.

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

Because you're not sure how to process everything.

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

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

She tilts her head. “I do? Where?”

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

What in ever loving hell are you thinking?

“Hello? you alive over there?”

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

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

Everything feels... slower.

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

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

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

...

Holy shit.

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

Damn it, what the fuck?

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

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

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

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

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

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

—

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

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

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

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

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

“No, I got it,” you insist.

“I know you can, but let me.” 

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

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

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

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

“So-”

“I-”

You cough awkwardly. “Go ahead.”

“No, you can speak first-”

“No, no, I insist. Go ahead-”

“I'm fine-”

“Stop being stubborn-”

“Says you-”

“Yeah, I am stubborn-"

“Shut up-”

“Make me-”

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

“Are you challenging me-”

She snorts. “Pfft, no, that-”

“Then why would you say something like that?”

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

“It wasn't.”

“It was a little funny.”

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

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

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

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

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

“Yeah, I remember, I'm not an idiot.”

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

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

“The feeling is mutual,” you quip back.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“See you at school, then?”

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

“Hey,” she suddenly says.

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

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

You shrug. “Yeah, go ahead.”

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

“I'm not promising anything-”

“Just... humor me.”

“Fine. I promise I won't get mad.”

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

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

“You don't?”

“No... I don't hate you.”

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

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

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

“Yes… that time.”

“Seriously? that was months ago.”

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

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

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

“I was distracted,” she counters.

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

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

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

She falls silent, looking away again.

Wait.

Hold on.

What?

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

“What?”

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

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

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

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

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

“What do you want?”

“What was that person's name?”

“What does it matter?”

“Cause, I have a hunch.”

“Care to share this hunch with me?”

“Uh, Caitlyn Kiramman…?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Didn't what?”

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

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

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

You shut up.

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

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

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

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

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

Wait... what the actual fuck?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Are you serious...?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

—

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

Prove it.

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

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

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

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

And by god, she will prove herself.

[traveler-at-heart]

Average

Summary: Natasha and you make an unlikely pair.

Natasha Romanoff x F!R

“Describe yourself in one word”

Boring.

No, not boring. You’ve traveled, even if it was to the places everyone goes to when they’re backpacking through Europe.

You have friends, go out to the movies, you love concerts.

Like everyone else. You are like everyobody else.

Average.

“Y/N?” Holly insists, making you snap out of your thoughts.

Right, this is about her dating profile, not an existencial crisis inducing question for you.

You can focus on that while you take your Thursday bath.

“Curious” you offer.

“Like the monkey”

“Adventurous”

“So a harlot?”

“Oh, my God! Difficult, the word you are looking for is difficult” you sigh, crashing against your desk. Your friend laughs, going back to her phone.

“I’m writing down sexy”

—

The question sticks with you as you go back home.

Average height, average hair color. Regular clothes. 9 to 5 job. You’re smart, but not particularly good at anything.

There’s nothing outstanding about your small, normal family life as well.

And honestly? You like it, but if you were to go out with someone tomorrow, would you even know what to talk about?

It’s one of those days, where you aren’t sure if you’re stuck in your comfort zone or happy and fulfilled with what you have.

While you prepare dinner for one and eat in front of the tv, you can’t help but hope that maybe, just maybe, tomorrow will be out of the ordinary.

—

Careful what you wish for.

Flying aliens across New York are definitely out of the ordinary.

When you wished for an exciting day, you kinda hoped to spot a celebrity, or eat something nice out. Not be a first hand witness of the end of the world.

People are running in every direction, screaming terrified. You’re ready to join the mass hysteria, but something makes you look around the street.

There’s a woman trapped under some metal, struggling to free herself.

Aliens blast around you, and you’re torn.

Run.

And you do, except that against all logic, it’s towards the woman.

“You need to evacuate” she says, waving her hand. “Someone come in, damn it”

Judging by her outfit, and the way she places her fingers over her ear, she must be an agent in the field.

The woman probably knows how to protect herself. Maybe she could easily get out of it. Or it’s her job to die to protect others.

Either way, it’s unacceptable for you to leave her behind.

“Come on” you use a piece of a spaceship for leverage, lifting the heavy object that’s trapping her.

“Careful” when she looks up, she sees one of the aliens throwing something at you. Pushing you out of the way, you both stumble down the destroyed street until a tall man comes to the rescue.

“Took your sweet time” the woman complains.

“Sorry. Who are you?”

“A citizen. Take her to safety”

“Wait” you plead, but he’s already carrying you to the evacuation zone.

“I didn’t introduce myself. I’m Steve Rogers”

Oh, well, getting carried by Captain America definitely doesn’t happen to you every day.

Wish granted.

—

It’s been a week and the city is slowly getting rebuilt. It’s not like they have another choice. New York can’t stop, not even for an alien invasion.

So, life goes back to being the same.

9 to 5, cooking, old movies.

Meeting with friends, who were eager to hear your story about being rescued by Captain America. In a few days, they’d forget.

You seem to have a problem with that, because you can’t forget that beautiful woman and her red hair, striking green eyes looking at you while you helped her.

It’s stupid, really. You don’t even know her name.

But as days go by, you remember more things that seemed to be lost in the moment.

That cute little nose, her full lips.

She’s the most beautiful…

“Excuse me”

It takes you a moment to understand someone’s speaking to you. As you turn around, you find the woman, staring at you with a smile.

“Hi” you say, a little too loudly.

“Hello. Glad to see you made it out safely”

“Yes, well, Captain America made sure of that” you nod, fidgeting with your hands.

Now that there’s no aliens or an imminent threat, her attention is on you and nothing else, which makes you squirm a little.

“Can I… buy you a coffee? To thank you for saving my life”

“No need to thank me” you say, hoping she asks again because you’re eager to spend time with her.

“I insist” she says with a smile.

That’s all it takes for you to agree.

She let’s you choose the place, a small café close to where you live.

You finally learn her name when the barista takes her coffee order.

Natasha.

“Nice to meet you, Y/N” she says when you get your own drink, and she pays for the both of you. “Wanna sit down for a bit?”

Of course, you want to know everything you can about Natasha. So you nod, and let her pick a table for you to sit.

“I’m really grateful”

“It’s what anyone…”

“Most people were running away from danger, not towards it. Especially for a stranger” she says, smiling.

You decide that you really like her smile.

“Well, most of my friends wouldn’t believe me if I told them it happened. I’m a pretty average person”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah” you shrug your shoulders.

“Tell me your favorite song” she asks suddenly and you roll your eyes. “What?”

“That’s such a generic question! I have tons of them, it depends on my mood”

“Favorite song to dance to while cleaning” Natasha asks again and this time you nod, thinking about it.

“The Piña Colada song” you say, trying not to laugh. “You?”

“Uhm… Bad Reputation” she confesses.

“Yeah, you look like a Joan Jett kind of girl”

“Is that good or bad?” Natasha arches her eyebrows, intrigued.

“It means you’re a badass and cool. I think, don’t take my word for it”

“No; I think I will”

You sip your drink, feeling intimidated by her intense stare.

“How did you find me?” you ask, remembering she only knew what you look like.

“It’s kind of my job to find people. What’s yours?”

“Something far less interesting” you deflect the question, but Natasha keeps looking at you. “Data analysis”

“Sounds important”

“It isn’t” you say, smiling. “Not as much as saving the world, at least”

You keep talking for a bit, until Natasha gets a call. That’s fine, you know how to take a hint.

While she’s talking, you go up to the counter and ask for another coffee and a sandwich.

“Are you still hungry? We can get something to eat” Natasha says, concerned. You find it endearing.

“No, it’s fine. Thanks for the coffee”

“I don’t think it’s enough to thank you”

“You really don’t have to”

“Let’s go to the movies another time. Would you like that?” Natasha says, smiling as you bite your lip.

“Yeah, ok”

“I think I should get your number, just in case”

You agree with a smile.

And after the short walk home, you hear your phone ping.

Natasha: Wednesday at 7?

Y/N: See you then :)

—

It’s strange, to develop a friendship with someone whose life is the opposite of yours.

Natasha always asks you things about yourself, things that you think are irrelevant. But maybe she does it because her work is all about secrets, and there’s not much to share on anything else.

“Did you go to prom?” she asks one night as you’re walking back to your apartment.

“Yeah, with my gay best friend. We were each other’s beards”

That makes Natasha laugh, but for some reason she tenses a second later, standing in front of you.

“Hey, Y/N” a man says, and you recognise the voice instantly. Your hand goes around Natasha’s wrist, sliding all the way to hold her hand. You squeeze once to let her know it’s ok, and the man in front of you is not a threat.

“Homer, hi” you greet the man who is usually living in abandoned buildings. “Did you get the clothes I left for you?”

“I did and I shared them with Pop, we’re nice and warm now”

“Alright, I’ll stop by later in the week with some food, ok?”

“Much appreciated. Have a good one, ladies”

He’s pretty harmless, but you understand that Natasha has to be on guard all the time.

“I’m sorry” she says, still holding your hand. “I tend to think the worst of people”

“From everyone? Including me?”

“Never you” she shakes her head. “You’re too kind”

“I’m just an average person” you repeat, the same way you’ve done your whole life.

“You’re wrong” Natasha says.

She doesn’t let go of your hand for the rest of the walk.

—

It’s been a few months since you started hanging out with Natasha. There are times when she’s away for days, or weeks, and you just know she’ll show up after the mission.

You’re always home and you’re always there to welcome her back.

A part of you is still playing dumb, but you know those lingering stares and small touches are becoming a problem. Each time, your heart beats faster, and you find that you spend more and more time wondering what it would be like to kiss her.

There’s gotta be a way to stop these foolish dreams, because Natasha is an agent, a trained spy, and a hero. You are a girl from the midwest, who moved to a big city and still gets lost in the subway from time to time.

Maybe spending less time together could be the solution, but it’s impossible for you to say no to her.

Which is why you’re waiting outside of the theater. You don’t really like ballet, or rather, it’s a little too sophisticated for your simple mind, but Natasha insisted on taking you, and buying you some fancy clothes.

It all sounds very nice, except she’s not here and you’re freezing, refusing to head inside until you see her.

Natasha’s phone is dead too.

After an hour, you convince yourself to head home, and call a cab. It’s too far away to walk with these heels that were also not your idea.

You stop by the café that you and Natasha like, ordering a hot cocoa for you and coffee and a sandwich for another woman who is usually sleeping in the streets.

“Looking like a million dollars” she says, accepting the food with a smile. “Did you have a good time?”

“No, not really. My friend didn’t show” you sigh.

“Is it the girl that follows you around everywhere like a lost puppy?”

You laugh at that. There’s no way the Black Widow acts like a lost puppy around you.

“You mean my friend Natasha? Yeah, she was probably busy with work”

“Her loss” the woman tsks.

“Well, here” you notice the air is cold and the woman’s gloves are basically shreds of fabric. “These will help”

“You’re a doll”

Another hour goes by and just as you’re about to leave and look for Natasha, she rushes to your door, knocking frantically.

“I’m sorry, mission ran long”

Of course you step aside to let her in, because you can never be mad at her for being busy saving the world. But still, you stay silent as you walk to the kitchen, knowing she’ll be right behind you.

“You’re mad at me, aren’t you? Of course, you have every right to be. I made you dress up and then stood you up…”

“Nat” you interrupt her, frowning. “I don’t care about that. I’m a big girl, I could have gone inside and enjoyed the show. I just…”

“What? What is it?”

“Well, I was really scared about you” you confess, turning your back to her. “I know enough about your job to understand it’s dangerous, and I just kept fearing the worst. Would it have been so difficult to text me to let me know you were ok?”

You finish your rant with a huff, crossing your arms and turning to look at her.

And Natasha is smiling.

“This isn’t funny”

“No, it’s not. You’re just cute even when you’re angry”

“Not the time to joke”

“Who said I’m joking?” she gets in your way when you try to leave the kitchen, thinking she’s being impossible.

“What are you doing?” you say when she leans forward, placing her hands on your arms.

“Just let me show you” she asks, and then you feel her lips on yours, kissing you slowly. Only when you place your hands on her neck, does she pull you by the waist and deepens the kiss.

“Why…”

“I don’t know if you know this, but I’m in love with you” she confesses when you break apart.

“But I’m just av…”

“Don’t say it” she pulls you against her, your noses inches apart. “The world can be a very bad place sometimes. And you have no idea how hard it is to find someone as kind as you”

“It’s nothing”

“It’s everything” she smiles, kissing you again. “Can I make it up to you for missing our date?”

Butterflies erupt in your stomach when she calls it a date. You nod, smiling.

“Same old dinner and movie plan?”

“Sounds perfect to me”

[larluce]

Merlin arrives with a baby in Camelot AU

(co-writing with @roxineedstosleep)

BASED ON THIS PROMPT >> NEXT PART

Chapter 1: Prologue

At night in some outlying village of Camelot. Merlin, carrying a two year old Bigritta in his arms, hides behind a wall, while a search party of Camelot knights pass through.

Brigitta: (cries suddenly)😭

Merlin: (rocks her anxiuously, whispering) Shh, it's okay, shh, it's okay, baby, don't cry. Please, don't cry.

Knight x: (shouts from afar) I heard something!

Knight y: (shouts from afar) That way!

Merlin: (desperately, grabs some mud and puts some on Brigitta's face and hair) I hope this works. (murmurs) Miht dagan, beþecce me. Adeadaþ þisne gast min freondum ond min feondum. (his eyes turn gold)

Knight x: (finds Merlin's hiding place) Got you! Hand over the prince's daughter immed... (trails off as the sight before him becomes clearer)

Merlin: (in his Dragoon the Great appearence, sitting on the floor with a dirty crying baby at his side) Alms for this poor old man and his grandson. Please, he's really sick. (lifts the baby at the knight as to cause pity)

Knight y: (Arrives) Did you find them?

Knight x: No, it's just an old man asking for alms.

Knight y: (looks at "the old man" and his "sick grandson" still crying, frowning)

Merlin: (sweats)

Knight y: (gives Merlin some coins) Go find some shelter. It's cold.

Merlin: (sighs in relief) Thank you so much, Sire.

Knights: (leave)

Merlin: (hugs her) We are safe, we are safe, Biddy! (kisses her fondly). Don't worry. I won't let them take us apart.

Meanwhile, the knights in some other part.

Knight y: Remember, the prince wants both his daughter and his servant back safe and sound.

Knight x: His daughter I understand. But why his servant? He stole his daughter! The prince's only daughter! Many have been executed for less!

Knight y: I know, but his Highness says... they are both his family.

Knight x: ...

Two years ago...

Merlin wonders around the woods when suddenly he hears a baby cry. As he aproaches the sound an horrible smell hits his nose, so he has to cover it. Finally he enters a part of the woods that was apparently razed by a fire. Merlin lets out a scream when he spots two charred bodies on the ground.

Merlin: (scared to death) Wha... What the hell happened here?! 😨

Baby: (cries) 😭

Merlin: (goes to what seems to be a small extinguished firepit, where a newborn baby is crying in the middle) Oh, Gods! How did you end up here? (picks her up) Shh, it's okay. I'll get you help.

Time skip. In Merlin's house.

Merlin: (enters, carrying the baby in his arms)

Hunith: Merlin! Where have you been? I was about to send Will for... (notices the baby) Why are you carrying a baby?

Merlin: (pretty shaken up) I found the baby in the woods. There were burned corpses and a firepit, I-I don't know. It was horrible-

Hunith: Calm down. Give me the baby. (takes the baby and examinates her carefully) Poor little thing. She mustn't be more than a few days old.

Merlin: It's a girl?

Hunith: (nods) Ask Hector for some milk.

Merlin: (About to leave, but turns) Mom, you think those corpes were her parents?

Hunith: That's not really what worries me the most.

Merlin: (confused)...what? What do you mean?

Hunith: Tomorrow I want you to take me to the place you found her in. If it's not what I think it is, then we can still find a relative of hers that can take care of her.

Merlin: And if it is?

Hunith: (full of sorrow) Then she really has no one.

Merlin: (leaves to get the milk)

Time skip. After Merlin showed his mother the place he found the baby.

Merlin: Are you going to tell what is it or not?

Hunith: ...

Merlin: Mom, I know someone did this. I'm not dumb.

Hunith: ...

Merlin: Was it Cenred's army? Camelot's knights? Are we in danger?

Hunith: No.

Merlin: Then what is it?

Hunith: (her eyes watering) I think her parents tried to kill her. Burning her alive.

Merlin: WHAT?! 😨 Why would they do such a thing?!

Hunith: I think they believed she was a changeling.

A changeling. Merlin remember some stories about those. Human-like creatures left by a magical being when kidnapping a human baby, so they don't notice the real baby is gone. In some stories the creatures that do this are fairies, in others demons or trolls. Supossedly these creatures take human babies for them to act as a their servants, for the love of a human child, or just out of malice. When the parents realise their baby is a changeling sometimes they just abandon them in the woods and wait till the fairies or whatever creature to replace it for their real baby again. But others go to the extreme of torturing or killing the supposed changeling so their real baby is brought back.

How does someone find out their baby is a changeling? Supposedly because strange things would happen around the infant or because said infant has some features that resembles a troll or fairy. The sad truth is, most parents take advange of this believe to get rid of babies that are born with a deformity or a disability.

Hunith: I think those corpses were her parents. Something went wrong when they lighted that pit.

Merlin: Well, I don't feel bad for them anymore (looks at the baby that now is peacefully sleeping in Merlin's old cradle, his heart breaking for her) I don't understand... she looks... normal.

Hunith: Yet somehow she survived a fire that was meant to kill her.

Merlin: (turns to his mother, alarmed) You don't believe she is really changeling, do you?

Hunith: Oh, no! (giggles) I think fairies and trolls have better things to do than kidnap some strangers' babies.

Merlin: (opens his eyes wide in realisation) Wait... you don't mean... you think she is...

Suddenly the cradle starts floating and rocking itself in the air.

Hunith: (smiles sadly) She is like you.

...

BASED ON THIS PROMPT >> NEXT PART

Welcome to this new AU! 🥳 I hope you like it ^^.

Why is Merlin running away with Brigitta? How did Brigitta end up being consider "the Prince's daughter"? Find out in the next chapter ;)

Tagging @chaosofbelievers , @blackgigglypuff , @stressed-but-chill , @nocheaseforyougoodsir , @thedragonlies , @evedaser , @lolazoel , @sammythetoaster , @caraspud , @g00pygunkyguy , @bertolio , @purpuraffe , @lordemryspendragon , @herstarlight , @justaz

If someone else wants me to tag them in the next part, please let me know.

[windixie]

feels like apple cider | frat boy! gojo x reader

🎞️ pairing . academic rivals college au. frat boy! gojo x reader

ch . 1/ 🌱

summary . ever since you could remember, gojo was always significantly better than you in anything and everything. given that you have gone throughout grade school to high school, and to eventually college with him. competing through test scores and letter grades, you find yourself hating the white haired man even more. after your friend convinces you to let loose for once and enjoy a frat party, you wind up in the bed of none other than gojo. the bigger problem? you can't remember anything before that but he does. and he's not letting you go anytime soon.

warnings ⓘ 18+, fem! reader, enemies to lovers, academic rivals, smut, fluff, angst, gojo is really mean, sort of slow burn?

taglist . @aldebrana @hyori2 @hanakotateyama

masterlist . link

playlist .

wc : 1.3 k

authors note ! welcome all to the premiere of stuck by you (sby) i really hope you all enjoy this story as much as i will enjoy creating it. have fun reading .

if anyone were to ask you, ‘what is your favorite season ?’ you’d be quick to respond with ‘fall’. you loved everything about it. the pretty vibrant colors the leaves would turn into as the temperature changed , rewatching your favorite shows especially gilmore girls which helped you romanticize school life and get you into that rory gilmore mindset. but most importantly , you adored having apple cider. it’s around this time where the town center in your small and cozy hometown would host its annual fair. there would always be this sweet family that would have their stand next to the other food vendors, selling the best apple cider you could ever have.

that’s what you were looking forward for today. the apple cider that just made your mouth water. only thing holding you back was your human geography class. it seemed as if the universe was just testing your patience, with time moving unbelievably slow.

“you’re in deep thought, baby” you heard a familiar voice behind you. although, you wish it weren’t that familiar. you turned to look up at him — satoru gojo. the tall and muscular man grinned taking his glasses off and placing them on the table before sitting down next to you.

you grimaced at the endearment similarly to when apple cider goes bad making it more sour, like vinegar. “thought i told you not to call me that” satoru chuckled at the way your nose scrunched up. “right. anyways, you prepared for tomorrow? heard the test was thirty questions. not a lot but that means it’s going to be difficult. im sure I won’t have any problems with it” he said, his usual cocky demeanor in full swing.

“wow im sure.” you said, barely able to keep yourself from rolling your eyes at the boy. you looked back down at your study guide highlighting key points to put in your cheat sheet that was allowed by your professor. an 8 x 11 sheet of paper, limited to one side, and handwritten as always. satoru didn’t need one. he never did. he was so full of himself that he was certain that he’d pass any test without the assistance of a cheat sheet.

satoru was always a popular man. effortlessly stealing anyone’s attention with just his looks. you can’t deny that he is attractive, but you would never admit it. not to mention his unshakable personality that makes everyone around him want to be his friend, be him, or be with him. so you weren’t surprised at the quiet whispers. you glanced over taking notice of the group of girls ogling at the boy sitting next to you staring at you in jealousy and judgement that you were the one to sit next to him. satoru noticed as well giving them a smile that made them immediately fangirl.

but as satoru turned to look at you once more, you were already packing your things. ready to head out to the town center to get ahold of the, oh so delicious, apple cider. you were honestly an addict. you even dreamt about it once, tasting the most precious thing to you in the world just to get awoken by your friend who so happened to also be your roommate loudly moaning after bringing in a new boy from whatever party she had just come back from. you cried that night.

“you going somewhere?” satoru asked not looking at you but at the tits of one of the girls that had just walked by. he’d definitely hit that tonight at his party.

“town center” you replied in that sweet voice you had. oh wait no. no sorry not with satoru. you replied with a dull voice as you zipped up your messenger bag and slung it across your body. “alright, I’ll see you at the party tonight? oh that’s right.. you never come out of that cave hm? sorry I forgot !” he teased as you left the classroom.

the fresh breeze of air welcomed you as you stepped outside. the fair wasn’t far from your college. it was actually very close just a ten minute walk that you were taking right now. maybe after grabbing your apple cider, you could head to your dorm and finish season three of gilmore girls as well. you were excited at the thought that you couldn’t help but smile.

you made it safely to the town center watching as people enjoy the rides and spent time with loved ones. your beloved stand wasn’t put up yet so you decided to pass the time by browsing the shops. your eyes scanned around the clothing displayed on the window and they eventually landed onto a mini skirt. the pretty piano design on it immediately caught your eye. you needed that.

you walked in, greeted by a worker before making your way deeper into the store in search of that skirt. as you were searching, your eyes caught a certain brunette . “mari” you called out. the figure turned around to reveal your friend — and your horny roommate. “hey girl! not a surprise to see you here.. let me guess. apple cider?” you chuckled still looking around for that damn skirt. “obviously, you know how much I’ve been craving it? human geography is the lamest class it made so hungry” you whined receiving a giggle from mari.

there it was. the last piano skirt and it was in your size. thank god. you knew the universe couldn’t hate you that much. “ooh that’s cute, you gonna wear it to the party later?” she asked you as she also searched through the racks. you scoffed. “as if I’d ever step foot in one of gojo’s parties.” there was no way through heaven and earth, that you would willingly ever walk into a sweaty fraternity party where people were making out in the couch, pool, or in the rooms. big ew.

“cmon haven’t you known satoru since you were kids?” she asked tilting her head. “doesn’t mean I like him.” you mumbled making your way to the check out. “y/n seriously, you gotta go out more. this is a great opportunity. look ill even promise you that I’ll stick with you the whole time we’re there” you? go to satoru gojo’s party? the same boy you’ve been competing since diapers over toys, clothes, grades, relationships — which you lost because to this day you’ve never had a boyfriend — grades, friendships, and did I mention grades?

you thanked the lady as she handed your skirt in a bag after placing the receipt in there as well. “I dunno mari..” you said which only received a sigh from her. “just go this once. if you don’t like it, you won’t have to come again, promise” you thought about it. you were a sophomore in college and you haven’t been to a party till now, might as well enjoy your time here. but gilmore girls…

“fine. I’ll go.” you gave in. “yes ! okay this is so exciting. im gonna go now to start getting ready, you should to” she squealed as she held onto your arm. “i will, after getting my apple cider” you reminded her . “okay okay hurry ! ill see you back at the dorms !”

you watched her walk away before looking down at your watch. 6:30. shit wait what time does the stand get put up? you rushed to where the food was glancing up at the posters before you saw the familiar apple sign. you made your way over before getting your heart absolutely broken. there was none left.

the lady that was in charge took notice of you. “oh sweetheart you’re late, I just sold my last one.” seriously? you’ve been looking forward to this all day ! you can’t blame the woman though, she’s just doing her job. as you let out a sigh you glanced to see him. satoru. with the same girl who gave you a dirty look earlier. apple ciders in both their hands.

gojo smirked seeing the wheels turn in your head. “sorry, looks like I got the last one” the universe really does hate you.

a/n : I hope you all enjoyed it ahh this is my first time writing such a long fic :,p I hope to be able to write ch 2 soon !

[daceydeath]

Dance Practice

Pairing: Yeosang x reader Word Count: 1.6K Genre: Smuty smut smut Warnings: 18+, MDNI, Explicit Activities

What started as some friendly assistance in helping you master some choreography morphs into something so much more

You were meant to be concentrating, but Yeosang wasn’t making that easy, being a trainee was everything you wanted and although you had tried to audition for so many companies, you ended up only having one option, KQ. It had its disadvantages but the advantages far outweighed them. One of the biggest was being in the vicinity of Ateez. So here you stood as Yeosang so kindly offered to help you out with the choreography after watching you utterly failing to pick it up as fast as the other trainees that were using the spare practise room that he had reserved for the afternoon, and you could not keep your mind on anything other than how his arms loong in that black tank top. Biting your lip hard you tried desperately to stop your mind from undressing him as you watched him move so gracefully in the mirror in front of you, his movements precise and perfect, which of course they would be it was choreography that he performed constantly that you couldn’t seem to be able to even begin to master.

“I know Hala Hala is intense but I’m sure you can get it” Yeosang smiled in the mirror looking at you as you pinched your eyebrows together, you were unendingly grateful that he thought your frustration was to do with the choreography and not the ache developing in your lower half,

“Thank you for helping me Yeosang sunbaenim” you smiled genuinely, bowing as he turned to look at you properly. “You are far too kind”.

“Do you want me to go over it again or would you like to practice tomorrow?” he asked in his honey voice, making it even harder for you to keep your mind on the task at hand.

“Oh perhaps tomorrow? I don’t want to take up anymore of the time you had reserved for yourself” you bowed again not wanting to take advantage but also desperate to be slightly further away from him so you could clear the thick fog of lust from your brain. 

“It’s really fine. I only wanted to work on some of our choreography for our comeback. I can do that later, I really think I can help you if we give it an hour” he smiled cheerfully, already moving to get the music cued up. Tying your baggy dance shirt at your waist so that you had some control over it you nodded and accepted your fate that you would learn the choreo then go home and have a long evening with your vibrator. “Let’s do it one more time without the music and then we will try it faster”.

Nodding you got into position to his right watching him run his hand through his hair as he counted you in and started to teach you the first half of the song grinning everytime you picked something up easily and slowing his movements every time you struggled. He repeated himself over and over until he could see each movement click in your mind,  walking to the back of the room you saw him grab his own drink bottle sipping slowly as he watched you finish the last run through on your own.

“Take a water break” he urged, handing you a bottle of water.

“Thank you” you breathed heavily gulping down a few mouthfuls of water.

“Is there anyone you need to let know why you’re late home?” he asked suddenly, looking slightly guilty, that he was taking up your time.

“No, I’m allowed to come and go from the dorm for practice” you blinked confused at the odd expression clouding his pretty face.

“Good, just didn't want to be responsible for causing you trouble” he sighed pleased.

“I’d happily get in trouble for you” you whispered softly, unable to stop yourself and when he curled one of his perfect eyebrows towards you, you slapped your hand over your mouth, your face burning with embarrassment. “I am so sorry” you swallowed hard looking at the floor hoping a sink hole would open up beneath you.

“I didn't quite catch that” he smirked, stepping closer to you until he was almost standing right before you. “Care to repeat that princess?”.

“Um…I…uh” your fumbling just made you feel worse until Yeosang took your chin between his fingers forcing you to meet his eyes.

“I thought I heard something about getting in trouble?” His smirk morphing into a shit eating grin that had your heart racing.

“Yes trouble” you breathed unable to move a muscle.

“I'm going to get you in so much trouble, princess” he continued his other hand locking onto your hip and pulling you hard against him, with your bodies now flush you could feel the way his cock twitched against you and it made your mouth go dry. He gave you a few moments to move away and when you didn't his lips crashed into yours making you gasp, taking the opportunity you gave him he licked into your mouth his tongue dancing with yours. Your lips stayed locked together until you were almost dizzy, breaking away only long enough for him to thread his fingers into your hair and pull you back to him. Backing you up until you were trapped between his hard body and the cold glass of the mirror.

“Yes” you moaned breathily as he kissed his way across your cheek to your jaw then down your neck.

“Tell me to stop if you don't want this” Yeosang mumbled into your hot skin.

“Want this sunbaenim” you whimpered, his hands cupping your breasts and massaging them roughly through your clothes. You could feel him smile against your throat as his hands moved to push your sweat pants down your hips enough that he could slip his fingers between you waiting wet folds.

“It's Yeosang, just Yeosang” he purred, quickly finding your clit and circling it with his fingers making your body jolt.

“Fuck, Yeosang” you yelped softly, spreading your legs wider for him and letting your head fall back against the glass.

“You going to let me have you angel? Right here where anyone could walk in and see you?” He teased his fingers shallowly pressing into your entrance. You nodded silently, breath coming out in short pants the more he toyed with you. “Need to use your words my pretty little angel”.

“Yes Yeosang. Please” you finally gasped, pleading for him to continue touching you. His smile turned almost predatory as he finally pushed two of his fingers inside you stretching your walls in preparation.

“Get undressed” he ordered, chuckling as you fumbled to get your shirt and bra off while he continued pumping his fingers inside you his cocky smile returning as you whined in protest as he slipped his fingers from you to pull his own tank top over his head his wet fingers deftly untying his own drawstrings as he kicked off his shoes. “We don’t have all day, angel”.

Swallowing hard you toed your own shoes off stepping away from the mirror towards him and shimmying out of your pants leaving you in only your underwear in the empty dance studio in the middle of the afternoon. Pulling you back into his arms he kissed you again running his hands over your body, squeezing your arse and things while you ran your fingers across his perfect abs. Sliding his hands down your thighs he hoisted you up encouraging you to wrap your legs around his waist before pressing you against the wall next to the mirror.

“So you can watch me fuck you angel” he whispered huskily making your shiver against him. Slipping the cotton of your underwear aside you expected his fingers to return to you core but when the blunt and swollen head of Yeosang’s cock began stretching you open you had to bite down on your lower lip hard to stop from crying out.

“Yeosang” you mewled as he bounced you roughly on his cock his length stretching you walls harshly as he snapped his hips against your arse.

“Fuck you feel like heaven” he groaned lowly against your throat when he mouthed at your flesh licking and sucking at your skin. The quiet of the room was broken by heavy breaths and slapping skin until a loud knock against the door started. You gasped your walls, quivering around Yeosang who grunted softly and thrusted harder into you as a wave of your arousal soaked him.

“Sangie? You in there?” Wooyoung yelled, waiting a few seconds before trying the handle which rattled a few times. Yeosang pressed his lips to yours, his tongue tangling with yours to silence your noises as he continued pounding into you until Wooyoung left, leaving you teetering on the edge of orgasm, your walls quivering around him.

“Yeosang, Fuck” you choked out while your eyes rolled back your walls clamping down on his dick as you came hard Yeosang followed you over the edge letting your walls milk him of his hot seed before kissing you softly on your cheeks and nose.

“So you like being caught huh?” he chuckled teasingly, continuing to hold you against the wall “I’ll remember that for next time”.

“Next time?” you breathed unevenly trying to catch your breath.

“Yeah when I take you out on a date” he smiled, genuinely lowering you to the floor carefully to make sure you could stand properly, you grinned letting him collect your clothes from the floor before he helped you into them and helped you leave while avoiding any of his members who may still have been lingering.

a/n: Thank you my lovelies for reading this and leaving me likes, reblogs and comments as little breadcrumbs of joy xx

Taglist (open): @christopher-bangnaldoskzz @armystay89 @damnyouficc @roamingpolar

@tara-skyhold @bakedlilgoonie @krishastumblernow @mrsseals16 @fawnpeaks

@leeknowinggg @tanzen-ist-gold @uno7 @ocean-dreamer-sky-chaser @skersey33

[4urvalidation]

A CASE OF LIMERENCE | Chapter Ten

PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER

A/N: Listen - it's almost half past one am here, I can barely see, got work tomorrow and I tried to edit this as best as I could. That being said: I am obsessed with this chapter. Okay. Hope you enjoy ✨ I am going to bed!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TW: MDNI! graphic sexual content: characters being horny, oral (fem receiving), fingering, masturbation, dirty talk, praise kink, suggestive language, mentions of birth control (lmk if something's missing)

Sarah is singing Happy Birthday from the top of her lungs; the grin on her pretty face growing with each passing second. When she’s done, they laugh so hard, Leni’s got tears in her eyes. The memory of last night slowly fades away from her mind, especially the hours she spent in the shower rubbing JJ off her skin.

“What are you doing out so early?” Sarah asks once she notices Leni isn’t in her stuffy hotel room, but on her bike, speeding down the streets of the island.

“Buying myself a birthday present.” 

“Ooh. And what will you be treating yourself to?”

“Plan B.” Leni says casually. “And some Sour Patch Kids.”

Sarah suddenly grows very quiet. When their gazes meet, there’s a perplexed look on her face and headphones in her ears, “Explain? Please?” 

“I had sex with JJ.” Leni sighs, her mind already alight with memories from the previous night and she really doesn’t want to relive every single detail, but the words are already falling out of her mouth and before she knows it, Leni’s recounted the entire thing. 

“Maybe he was nervous?” 

“Well yeah - he came right inside me - of course he was nervous.” 

“I meant him being bad at… sex, but yeah that tracks too.” 

Another sigh tears straight out of Leni’s throat. Suddenly she feels very tired and the barely four hours of sleep she somehow managed to get aren’t doing her any favors. 

“You want me to cancel tonight? We can just stay in your room, order junk food and watch crappy movies.” Sarah smiles kindly, but it doesn’t reach her eyes like it usually does. This whole entire thing is worrying her and Leni absolutely hates putting her best friend in this state. Especially after how hard she tried to get her and JJ together. “Or! Or - and I think you’re gonna like this one - Rafe gave me back my keys to Tannyhill.” The mention of his name sends a spiral of shivers down Leni’s spine. “So, how about we throw a little pool party? Girls only. Just like old times.” 

The corners of Leni’s lips perk up a little - it’s a rather tempting idea and she knows it would be a lot more fun than having to spend the rest of her birthday making sure things between her and JJ are cool, but…

Rafe.  

He’s definitely going to be there; lurking from the windows of one of the many rooms in Tannyhill and even though the thought creates a warm feeling in the bottom of her belly, Leni is still not ready to face him again. At least not this soon. Not when the memory of her embarrassing mewl is still so fresh in her mind. 

“I dunno, Sar.” 

“Oh come on! You said you miss the place!”

“I do, but-” 

“I get it. You wanna see JJ.” 

Leni blinks. No, she doesn’t. As a matter of fact, she wants to unsee him; permanently erase the memory of him digging inside her vagina and replace it with -

Rafe. 

Breathless, she watches his name flash across her phone as if manifested. “There’s no shame in liking him.” Sarah’s voice echoes back inside her head and suddenly she remembers they’re still on a call. “Besides, you can teach him the things you like. I’m sure he’ll appreciate a lesson or two.”

Leni is playing it cool -  returns to her hotel room, takes the pill, opens the bag of Sour Patch Kids and just stares at Rafe’s Instagram profile until the screen goes black. Then, she changes out of her clothes; picks an outfit for the party; Facetimes her parents; avoids questions about Rose; watches an episode of her show and only when she’s completely out of things to pretend to occupy herself with, decides to hit accept on Rafe’s request.

And follow him back. 

She blinks. 

They’re mutuals now.

It’s strange - knowing him for such an incredibly long time; her entire life almost, but only now getting a glimpse of his social media. Sure, she’s gotten a few insights over the years: a screenshot or a silly video Sarah would send for the sole purpose of making fun of him or the stupid captions he’d make. 

He used to be so… cringey, so patronizing. With his stupid pastel polo shirts and ugly boat shoes; using every chance he’d get to call Sarah a bitch or humiliate her in one way or the other. Their arguments echo in Leni’s head as if they only happened yesterday. A mix of volatile screaming and bitter tears, always ending with Sarah threatening to tell their dad.

Rafe’s mouth would always fall slack when she’d say that. As if betrayed by her sudden decision to break one of their unspoken rules, he’d clench his jaw before stomping his feet on the way out of whatever room he had previously cornered them in. 

This is the person she likes. 

This is the asshole she can’t help lusting after.

And maybe that’s all that it is - crazy, stupid lust because it’s been a while since she’s had sex. Good sex. Brilliant sex. The kind that leaves her legs shaky for days and she can’t stop thinking about the things that are going to be done to her next. Or maybe her heart’s been broken to oblivion. Broken to the point where it’s affecting her mind and ability to think properly so now she’s got no other choice but to spiral after her best friend’s psychotic brother.

But he’s not psychotic. 

Rafe’s soft, toothy smile flashes before Leni’s eyes and her heart skips a beat. 

She wants to cry at the memory of the weight of his gaze. Those hauntingly blue eyes; dark and wild like the ocean on a stormy night and his hands - large and calloused - pulling at her waist, at her dress until he’s got her standing inches away from his face.

Leni wonders what his lips would’ve tasted like if he dared to kiss her. She imagines him tilting his head; thumb and forefinger angling her chin towards him - closer and closer- and he tastes clean. Like Coke or some fruity soft drink his friends would make fun of him for having. He’s soft, the kiss light and somewhat reluctant, but only for the first few seconds. 

The moment he feels her hands pressed against his chest is the moment Rafe deepens the kiss. He sticks his fingers between the loose, messy strands of Leni’s hair, while the others grip her waist so tightly, she thinks they might leave bruises. His tongue pushes her mouth open and he groans inside her throat - needy and desperate; hand suddenly bunching the corners of her dress; pulling the material over her hips and shoving his leg between thighs. 

She’s rubbing herself against him; each movement eliciting a round of deep, frantic moans that tear apart at her throat and leave the material of her thong in sopping ruins. His mouth is on her neck now - tracing her skin with wet, open mouthed kisses that fog her brain to the point she no longer has one. 

“Look at you. Look how desperate you are for me. How needy.” Rafe whispers in her ear; rough and patronizing as his thumb draws circles over her thong. The touch makes her hips buck forward and she mewls -  a loud, shameless one that makes him smirk darkly. “If I’d known you wanted my cock this badly I would’ve fucked you ages ago.” 

He removes his legs from between her thighs and for a brief terrorizing second, leaves Leni in complete and utter shambles. “Rafe,” She whimpers his name, practically on the verge of pleading. This isn’t fair; he promised her a present and now he’s making her beg and she’s going to; she’ll get on her knees and plead until her mouth is so full of him she can no longer think straight, but he’s got other plans. 

Pressing her against the window pane, Rafe pulls the dress over her head - leaving her in nothing but her thong and he’s kissing her again - except this time his lips inspect every needy inch of her body. Humming, he circles his tongue against her nipple; licking all the way down to the soft skin of her navel before burying his face between her legs. 

His blue eyes never leave her. They loom over her face as he eats her out like his life depends on it; like he hasn’t had a meal in days and she’s the most delicious thing he’s ever tasted. Her nails scratch at his buzzed head, gently tucking him closer until he’s decided to insert one of his fingers. 

The pressure that his touch elicits, along with the roughness of his tongue against her folds have Leni throwing her head back; practically slamming it against the window and she can no longer keep it in. She screams; frantic loud moans echoing across the entire dark room and his hand flies forward: a single calloused palm tightly pressed against her mouth, quieting her. 

“Oh you liked that, didn’t you sweetheart?” He slides a second finger inside her, fastening his pace and forcing yet another earth shattering moan out of her throat. “Shh - look at you going crazy and I still haven’t even put it in yet.” Rafe smiles, satisfied at the way he’s making her act right now and fuck she wants him. His fingers aren’t enough; they will never be enough. 

She needs him: hard and thick and throbbing inside her. 

And like he can read her mind, he unzips his pants in one single movement - exposing the enviable length of his cock and the way it presses itself against his taut stomach. Practically salivating, she finds herself reaching over to him - eager to feel his hardness between his fingers, but he’s got other ideas. 

He slides himself between her folds over and over until she has no other choice but to shamelessly mewl for him to stick it in. “Please… Rafe… please…” She pleads in between breathless sighs and he’s grinning now. He likes this; enjoys the sight of her begging for him. “I want you.”

“You want me?” Leni nods frantically at this question, fingers gently wrapping around his length and guiding him towards her sopping entrance. “No, baby. You don’t want me. You need me. Can’t even get wet without thinking about me. Look at me-” His hand touches her neck, gripping at it just enough so she would do as he says, “I want you to look at me, when you say it! Say that you need me!”

“I need you.” She mewls. 

“Where?” He grunts, rubbing the tip of his cock against her entrance and teasing her to fucking oblivion, “Where do you need me, baby?” 

“I need you inside me. I need you so fucking bad. Please Rafe… please…” 

“Good girl. Say it again - say you need my cock.” She feels him push slowly inside her - thick and throbbing, ready to burst right then and there, but he won’t. He isn’t. 

But she is. 

Leni’s eyes fly open and she’s laying there - on her bed, breath heaving with her hand between her thighs. She feels like an earthquake has just pushed through her body, leaving her in a complete state of shock. 

It’s like her first orgasm all over again. 

Lazily, she pushes herself on her elbows; the TV is still playing an old Friends rerun that she put on mute the second the thought of Rafe filled her mind and fuck, fuck, fuck. 

She’s late. 

She is so fucking late. 

And then her phone lights up.

At the Chateau, Leni mixes cheap rose with fruit flavored sparkling water. Pope’s got the grill fired up and JJ and Kie were a whole hour late, but she really can’t be bothered with that when her mind; her gaze is focused elsewhere. 

The window. 

Specifically the one looking out the driveway.

“Hey Birthday Girl.” JJ snakes an arm around her waist, kissing her temple, but Leni’s eyes remain glued to the empty gravel road outside. She wonders what would happen; what everyone’s reactions would be like if suddenly a pair of bright headlights were to illuminate the darkly lit room they’re partying in. 

“Having fun?” JJ is now pulling her closer, eliciting unwanted memories of the night before and she really doesn’t want to be reminded of that; especially not with his semi-hardon pressing in the small of her back, but it’s not like she’s got a choice. 

“Of course.” Leni smiles - her mind still very present in the fantasy where the rumbling engine of Rafe’s truck quiets everyone and forces them to look outside. The commotion his unexpected appearance will cause is crystal clear in the back of her brain and she can already smell the random acts of machismo the boys will instantly put in play. 

“Sorry for being late.” As long as I’m not. “I was getting you this.” From the back pocket of his cargo shorts, JJ pulls out a book - its bright green cover capturing Leni’s attention almost immediately and making her heart drop.  

Normal People. 

He got her Normal People. 

“You got me a book.” 

“Uh, yeah. Do you like it? If you don’t - we can switch it for something else. We do have to take my boat though cause all the bookstores here only sell fishing manuals and-” Leni kisses him. 

“Thank you.” She’s smiling, “It’s my favorite.”

JJ grins, “Yeah I know.” 

Their eyes meet and - how can she not like him? How can she not like this sweet blubbering boy? Her fingers gently trace the crumpled bow that transforms the book into a present and no - JJ might not be able to give her an orgasm, but he can give her peace. Consideration. Stability. 

“I’m really sorry for last night.” He croaks suddenly, his voice barely a whisper and Leni shakes her head. 

“No! I’m sorry. I practically forced myself onto you.”

“Are you kidding me? That was the hottest thing that’s ever happened to me.” His hands find her waist. “I like it when a girl can take charge.” JJ’s lips lower onto hers and they’re kissing now - gently, with the patience of a thousand saints and maybe she doesn’t feel like ripping his clothes off, but she most definitely feels like this is the type of kiss she will remember forever.

“Are we looking for anything in particular?” Cleo’s voice startles her. 

Leni had been staring out the window again, but this time for a completely different reason. With prickling fingertips wrapped around a half empty glass, all she desperately hoped for was for Rafe to have not taken her seriously. To have read her message, rolled his eyes and continued doing whatever he did when he wasn’t wasting her time. 

And yet-

No.

No, no, no.

No more yets, no more chaos, no more Rafe. 

She turns to Cleo, her heart suddenly stuck in the middle of her throat. “If I tell you something, will you promise not to tell anybody?” Cleo’s brows furrow at the question, her eyes carefully inspecting every inch of Leni’s startled face before nodding. “Promise!”

“Okay, okay - I promise.” 

Leni sighs. 

Pulls out her phone.

Shows Cleo the messages. 

When their eyes meet again, her friend’s jaw has fallen slack. 

“You can’t tell Sarah. You can’t tell no one. (“Babe-”) I swear to god Cleo, if you tell anyone about this I will tell the world that you’re in love with Pope.”

“I see why Rafe likes you so much.” 

“No, Cle, I’m serious-”

“Leni! Relax. Your secret’s safe with me.” Cleo bumps her hip playfully. “And who on earth told you I’m in love with Pope?!”

Leni laughs, “No one has to tell me anything when I’ve got eyes!”

“Well, at this point I hope you’re the only one who's got them. Shit’s starting to get dire.” 

“How dire are we talking exactly?”

“I can’t stop listening to The Prophecy.”

“Been there.” They grow quiet for a moment. The lyrics of Taylor Swift’s song involuntarily playing in the back of Leni’s mind as she squeezes Cleo’s hand. “It’ll get better. You’ll see.” 

“And if not - I’ll just live vicariously through you!”

“Me?!”

“Yes, you!” Cleo grins, the sudden excitement on her face strangely intoxicating. “Be honest - why were you really late?” Leni rolls her eyes before showing her the dozen of mirror photos she took before finally deciding on the one to send Rafe. “Oh, you want him bad.”

“Remind me to tell you about the birthday present he promised me.”   

Cleo’s eyes widen. 

“What’s going on over here?” Sarah swoops in just then, her arms almost immediately wrapping themselves around Leni’s waist. “Cle, are you trying to steal my best friend?” 

“Trying?”

“I was just showing Cleo photos from when we were kids.” The lie glides down her tongue with enviable swiftness and Leni really doesn’t like just how natural she is at this brand new hobby of hers. 

“Yeah - did you know your best friend happens to be Little Miss Psychological Warfare?”

“Oh I’m aware.” Sarah nods, the corners of her lips perked into a smile. “You should’ve seen the shit she’d pull on Rafe when he’d bully me.” 

Cleo’s gaze meets Leni’s. “Oh, tell me more!”

“It’s stupid.” Leni rolls her eyes, eager for the topic to change, but Sarah is far too eager. 

“She used to go into his room and rearrange his things. Like - move his little collectables, (“Hide his charger”) Mismatch his socks, (“Put pennies in his shoes”) There was this one time when he took this really gross photo of me and put it on the internet and Leni was so mad (“He called you fugly!”) Thank you for reminding me - anyways- Leni was so mad, she somehow found out his password, broke into his cloud account and started deleting photos. But not like all at once. On Monday she’d delete two from March, on Wednesday she’d delete four from November and so on and so on, until Rafe was like - convinced he was losing his mind.” 

Cleo blinks. 

“Oh! And speaking of losing his mind - the summer after that, he randomly decided to pour ice water on Leni and me while we were sunbathing, so the following night Leni had the neighbor’s dog piss into a cup and she poured that piss in Rafe’s bed while he was sleeping so the next morning when he woke up he thought he’d peed himself.” 

“Yeah and then he found it was me and threatened to cut my hair in my sleep if I ever pulled that shit again.”  

Sarah laughs. 

“So, you’re an insane person.” Cleo says. 

“No. I just don’t like it when people fuck with my best friend.” 

“Oh that reminds me,” Sarah says suddenly, “Rafe’s seeing someone.”

Leni’s heart skips a beat. 

“What?” 

“Yeah, he just posted her on his story.”

She can’t believe her eyes. 

That asshole.

PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER

[veilsofroses]

Hellow can I request for a jushiro x reader for the first time they have sex which jushiro initiates because they’ve been dating for a year.

Jushiro Ukitake x f!reader

warnings: MINORS DNI 18+, NSFW, smut, praise, vaginal fingering, penetration, no protection, creampie author’s note: so so sorry this took so long 💔💔💔 still enjoyed writing it tho, added a lil spin to it. this is for my ukitake lovers out there!!!!! i get it!!! word count: 2.4k

｡⋆｡‧˚ʚɞ˚‧｡⋆｡

You slam the book on your lap shut with a huff. The two shinigami passing by jump, then scurry along. You had reread the same page about five times now, too lost in thought to focus so you give up. 

You stay seated for a moment, closing your eyes and dwelling on your thoughts. Tomorrow was going to be your one year anniversary with Jushiro, your loving, ever-so-sweet, captain of a boyfriend. Honestly, you really couldn’t ask for anyone better, he was the perfect man for you—kind, caring, beautiful, brave. But one thing irked you more than it should. 

He had yet to take you to bed. Sure, you’ve laid down and slept together, but never slept together, and it was really starting to hurt your pride. It made you question. Was this his way of being respectful or was there something about you-

You didn’t finish the thought. Jushiro was the perfect boyfriend in every way, there’s no reason for you to complain. In that year, he’s treated you better than you’ve been treated your entire life. But even so… 

You open your eyes, sighing rather loudly. 

“Everything okay, sweetheart?” Jushiro’s soft voice fills your ears. Your head snaps in his direction, sitting up straight in the chair you sat in. 

Jushiro approaches you, his captain’s robe flowing behind him. He wears that usual warm smile that always melts your heart. “Oh! Uh—yes, yes, I’m fine, everything’s fine,” you reassure him, waving your hand and standing from your chair, praying he doesn’t pry. 

He tilts his head, eyebrows furrowed, his long hair slipping from his shoulder. He doesn’t seem convinced, reaching out a hand towards you. You grab it before it reaches you, “I’m just hungry, that’s all,” you decide that’s the best excuse, giving him an overly wide smile. It wasn’t entirely a lie, you could eat. 

He gives you a defeated smile, grasping your other hand with his, understanding. His thumb brushes over your hand, “Alright if you say so. Let’s head to the dining hall then?” 

You give him a genuine smile, thankful he knows when to leave it alone, and nod, letting him lead you along to the hall. 

Once at the hall, food in hand, he leads you to a table where Shunsui sits with Nanao, both deep into their meals. They offer polite greetings when you sit. 

Shunsui clears his throat, “Captain Ukitake tells me tomorrow is officially your one year of being together,” he comments casually, leaning back in his seat. 

Jushiro rubs his forehead and grumbles softly, clearly a bit embarrassed Shunsui just exposed that he talks about you, though he was sure you knew that he did by now. 

You chuckle awkwardly, “Oh, yeah it is!” you say with feigned excitement. Normally you’re eager to talk about it—you love Jushiro and want everyone to know it, but you just can’t seem to muster a genuine response. You hope they don’t notice. 

Shunsui doesn’t and chuckles, continuing, “All I know is that you’re one lucky gal. He’ll tell you I was the ‘womanizer’ of the two of us but I heard tales from the girls. He’s not inno- AGH!” 

He’s cut off by Nanao smacking the back of his head with a clipboard. “Jeez,” he says, rubbing the area. “In what world is it a decent idea to tell Y/n that,” she scolds him. Jushiro sits silently, his head in his hands, questioning his choice of friendship. 

“Seems he must have wasted all his energy on those flings,” you find yourself saying, unable to catch yourself, your voice hard. 

The table goes silent, all three of them looking at you wide-eyed, caught completely off guard by your words. You can’t bear their staring any longer so you stand up, the chair scraping behind you, and you storm off, leaving your food on the table barely touched. 

Jushiro watches you march off, mouth agape, words caught in his throat. It was unusual for you to act this way.

“Trouble in paradise, huh- AGH! Again?” Shunsui looks at Nanao pleadingly. 

“Look at what you caused,” she shakes her head. 

Jushiro stares at the doorway you disappeared through before getting up and racing in the same direction without a word. 

You reach your private room, slamming the door shut behind you, and bursting into tears. You make for your bed, plopping down on the edge, your head in your hands. You made a fool of yourself, letting yourself say such a thing about the man you love, in front of his friends, on top of that. You didn’t deserve him. 

You don’t hear your door open and close quietly between your uncontrolled heaves. You only realize when a force weighs down the bed and wraps his arms firmly around you, turning your face to his. 

Worried green eyes rake over your face, “Y/n, what’s the matter?” his voice pleading, it stings your heart. Your regret for your actions deepen, you were being immature. 

No, you had a right to feel this way, but he also had the right to know why. 

You sniffle, attempting to compose yourself before you speak. He patiently wipes away your tears with a thumb, holding your face. You put your hand over his and he looks at you expectantly. 

“I just- I wish-“ you struggle to find the words but he just waits quietly, brushing a strand of tear-soaked hair out of your face. “Jushiro, why haven’t you slept with me yet?” It was a more direct approach than you anticipated to take but you suppose this got the job done. 

His eyes widen, his head jerking back slightly, clearly not expecting such a question. “Why haven’t I..” he trails off. 

You explain further, “I just.. I feel a bit.. rejected,” you look down, embarrassed at the confession. “Maybe I just haven’t been forward enough with my advances but I’ve never felt your desire to take it any further with me and it makes me question if there’s something about me that you don’t-“

He suddenly grips your shoulders, “No!” his voice desperate to prove something. 

You blink, “No?”

He also blinks and realizes how hard he’s gripping you and lets go, holding your hands instead, “I-I mean, no, of course not! I love everything about you. I’m sorry, I hadn’t realized you felt this way.” 

“Then why?” your voice cracks and that breaks something inside him. He sighs deeply, “What Shunsui said was true. I suppose I.. messed around a lot as an adolescent,” something uncomfortable stirs in your stomach at this, “but it’s for that same reason that I waited so long with you.” 

You tilt your head, “I don’t understand.” 

He puts a soft hand on your cheek but his eyes are serious, “I wanted to prove to you that I am serious about you. You’re not just another fling or something casual, I hope to spend the rest of eternity with you. I wanted you to feel respected. But it seems my foolish attempts made you feel the exact opposite,” he looks down, sighing in disappointment in himself. 

Of course, he would. You had heard from the other captains that he had matured a great deal since his youth. It made perfect sense for him to think that way. With someone like Shunsui around, it was inevitable for you to find out about his past antics, and because of that, he didn’t want you to feel like you were just another one of those girls, so he was probably waiting for you to openly say it was okay. You shake your head, you should’ve known and now you feel silly. You’re about to respond but he continues, his face flushing just enough for you to notice. “The truth is, holding back from you hasn’t been any easy feat. Now I find out you were waiting on me, and it angers me that I didn’t do this any sooner.” 

Before you can ask what he means, he pulls your lips into his, his hand firmly on the back of your neck. You yelp in surprise, your hands falling to his chest, not used to this boldness from him but you give in immediately, the built up desire from the last year finally having an outlet. 

He pushes you back against the bed, his lips never leaving yours, his long, white hair falling to your sides, caging you in. You eagerly oblige, opening your legs, the erection you hadn’t noticed brushing against you, making both of you gasp. He pulls back just enough to look at you, eyebrows furrowed and his cheeks red. “I’m so sorry, love. I never meant to make you feel unloved in any way.” 

You shake your head, putting a finger on his lips to shush him. “Enough of that. I know, Jushiro. Make it up to me now,” you smile softly but your words make his green eyes darken, lost in your gaze. He wastes no time in reconnecting your lips, this kiss much hungrier than the last. 

His hands roam your body, drinking in every curve, and you arch against him, desperate for his touch. 

He trails kisses from your mouth to your cheek, then down your jaw to your neck. You moan into his ear and feel him shiver at the sound, letting out a low groan. He grabs the collar of your uniform, pulling it off your shoulders, revealing your collarbones and bare breasts to him. 

He pulls back, unable to reel in his blatant staring. You lay there, smug, watching his face redden at the sight. “I-Is this okay?” his voice is barely a whisper, his composure gone. He brings his eyes up to yours, seeking. 

You answer by slipping your arms out of the top, your upper body now fully exposed, and by pulling his down, revealing his chiseled chest and abs. “Understood,” he breathes out, drinking you in once again before pouncing back on you. 

Despite his hurried kiss, his tongue is gentle, tracing your lips, asking for entrance, which you grant. You run your hands through his hair, tugging and pulling. He tugs at your pants and you lift your hips, allowing them to slip off easily without breaking the kiss. You do the same for him, his hard cock slapping on your stomach after being freed.

Jushiro’s skin was hot against yours, your bodies trying to feel every inch of each other. Each movement grinds his length against your stomach. 

He reaches his hand down to your thighs, squeezing and tracing his fingers along the sides of your core. Damn him. “I didn’t take you for such a tease,” you grind out in between kisses. He smiles against your mouth, brushing his fingers over your slick folds. You gasp, arching into him, your peaked nipples agonizingly rubbing against his chest. 

“You’re so beautiful,” he says, pushing his forehead against yours, sliding in one finger, then two. “J-Jushiro,” you moan out, his thick fingers stretching you out, preparing you for him. You feel his cock twitch. 

You grab his cock in your hand, earning a guttural moan you felt in your core, your walls swelling around his fingers gliding smoothly in and out, covered by your wetness.

You pump him slowly, Jushiro matching your pace with his fingers. His forehead on yours, he stares so intensely into your eyes, showing you all of him and trying to see all of you. 

You meet his lips once again, your pace on each other quickening. Wet sounds along with muffled moans fill your room, his fingers eventually outpacing your hand as you feel your climax approaching. 

“You’re doing so well,” he whispers gently, your hips buck against his hand and he curls his fingers inside you, reaching your release, and you scream out, high-pitched and rough. 

He hardly gives you enough time to recover when he’s already flipping you over, putting you on top of him, his hands on your waist. 

“I want to see all of you,” he tries and fails to keep a composed voice, sounding raw. You lift up from his chest, taking him in below you, his white hair splayed out, wild, and yet, he looked as beautiful as ever. You steadily hold his gaze while you lift up, lining his throbbing cock against your soaked entrance, and watch his face as you slam down, taking his full length at once. 

He cries out, throwing his head back and squeezing his eyes shut, his eyebrows twitching. His grip on your hips tightens as you also cry out, his thick cock burying deep inside you, stretching you out more than you ever have. 

His hands offer support, helping lift you up only to push you back down, his cock filling you up with each thrust. “Oh, Y/n-” he can hardly speak with you taking him in deeper and deeper each time, your pace quickening, skin slapping against skin.

He grinds his teeth, his eyes rolling to the back of his head and his grip on your hips hard enough to bruise. But that doesn’t stop you from bouncing on him over and over. You throw your head back with a loud moan, squeezing your own tits. The sight along with your tight pussy squeezing his thick girth is enough to kill him. 

"Ah- J-Just like that-" he can hardly get the sentence out. His legs start to spasm, his hips bucking up against you, pushing his length deeper into your swollen hole, releasing broken cries. His orgasm comes rushing at him with one final thrust, and he spills everything he has into your wet pussy, lining every inch of your walls with hot cum. 

He releases your hips, his arms flopping down on the bed beside him with a thud, and you flopping down in his chest. Nothing but heavy, ragged breaths are heard, both of your hearts about to beat out of your chests. Your bodies are hot and sticky with sweat but you don’t move away from each other. 

“I’ll never forgive myself for waiting so long to do this with you,” he finally says, wrapping his arms around your back. You chuckle, lifting your head from his chest to look at him. 

“Glad you finally came to your senses,” you flick his forehead where white hair sticks to it. 

He laughs, “I deserve that.” He thinks for a moment then turns to the clock mounted on your wall. “Well, would you look at the time,” he looks back at you with soft green eyes full of nothing but adoration, “It’s midnight. Happy one year anniversary, Y/n,” he pushes his nose to nuzzle yours. 

You push further to give him a tender kiss, “Happy one year anniversary, Jushiro.” 

[thatonesonicfanfictionwriter]

I'm the anon who requested the tipsy reader I apologize for that! Instead could I request Shadow x Artist!Reader who's really into this painting for Shadow and he can't see it yet cause it's a surprise and it ends up being a painting of Maria at least from how Shadow described Maria to Reader? Once again I apologize for the other request, have a good day! ❤️

“A Special Gift for you!”

Pairing: Shadow the Hedgehog x Artist Reader

Requested: Yes (by an anon).

Description: Art was always something that made you happy. Hopefully you can share that happiness with your partner.

Notes: This one is cute! And no need to apologize, mistakes happen and I appreciate you coming back with another request! Hope you like this one, anon!

(Reader will be gender-neutral.)

(Not proof-read/beta-read.)

– – – – – – – – – – – –

“What are you doing?” you hear a voice say from behind you.

You stop your painting, turning your head, seeing your confused partner, Shadow, standing next to you with his head tilted.

“Oh, hey Shadow!” you say with a smile. “I’m just painting.”

“What are you painting?” he asks.

“Cream’s pet chao, Cheese and Chocola,” you reply. “I thought it would be a good birthday gift for her.”

“Oh,” he mutters. “Thank you for reminding me that’s coming up.”

“No problem,” you say, returning to your painting.

But as you get to work, that gets you an idea.

Sure, Christmas is a couple months away still, but nothing wrong with a surprise gift beforehand!

But first…Time to finish painting these chao.

After doing so, you set the painting aside, putting a new canvas on your easel, Shadow being long-gone, off doing his own thing.

Good thing he left the room, actually.

Because this next painting was a surprise for him.

You get out your pencils and a drape to put over the canvas should Shadow arrive unexpectedly or should you have to leave the painting unattended.

You think to yourself for a moment how you want this to look.

Shadow likes simple things, but she was really special to him, so…Ugh, conflictions!

Okay, got it.

Simple background, but detailed painting.

That’ll make Shadow happy.

To be fair, anything positive regarding her would make him happy.

Hopefully not make him cry.

Yes, tears are healthy, but seeing him sad makes you sad.

…Okay, now you just sound like a bad person.

Nevermind that thought.

Regardless, you want this to look good.

You start with a rough sketch, the sound of your pencil being the only thing in the room.

After that, you polish up the sketch, again with your pencil. Looking good!

Now to decide on a background…

Ah, of course! Space and stars!

You get out your black, blue, and purple paint, along with the white and yellow for later.

But hearing the door open, you quickly put the drape over the canvas as Shadow walks in.

“Hey Shadow! What’s up?” you ask.

“Just wanted to let you know it’s getting late,” Shadow states. “Don’t stay up too long.”

“I won’t, I’ll be in bed shortly,” you tell him.

Shadow nods before leaving the room, closing the door behind him.

You suppose you could start with the paint tomorrow, you are kind of tired after all.

You set all of your paint down near the easel, making sure the drape is on snugly before leaving the room.

A few days pass, and with extensive work, the painting is done. And a good few days before Christmas at that!

You sign your name at the bottom of the painting as you usually do, in white, making it look like a constellation.

Now to bring it to Shadow.

You pick up the painting and exit the room, with the back facing outwards so Shadow can’t see it.

“Shadow! I have a surprise for you!” you say in a cheery sing-song voice.

“A surprise?” Shadow asks. “But it’s not even Christmas yet.”

“It doesn’t have to be a holiday for you to get a gift, silly,” you say. “Now, close your eyes and hold out your hands.”

Shadow sighs but does so, and you place the painting to him with the painted side towards him.

“Okay, now open!” you say excitedly.

Shadow opens his eyes, and his pupils immediately dilate to a small size as he carefully puts a hand on the painting.

“You…you made this for me?” he asks quietly.

“I did,” you reply. “Now you can see her whenever you want.”

Tears start to fall from his eyes and you move to wipe them away as he sets the painting aside, hugging you.

“Thank you…” he mutters.

“No need to thank me,” you tell him. “I just wanted to see you happy.”

And he couldn’t be happier; he was glad to have a caring partner like you by his side.

[stilljuststardust]

Thank you for your last post! I will definitely take the advice you gave me! Something else just happened recently and it is giving me mild paranoia so I want to handle this situation as soon as possible.

I have ADHD as well - so sometimes sticking with one thing can be very difficult. I’ll try revising as well - it sounds cool and I never thought about that before!

My list has everything I ever want in my reality - and honestly every time I have tried manifesting any list I created it always failed for one reason or another.

I’m going to affirm I have my list wherever I think about it - and if I have to do something I will continue to assume I have it as well. Again - sometimes my ADHD really messes everything up - but with your advice I should be okay. <3

Do you have anymore advice to share? Because one other thing is simply that when I notice something I dislike while doing what I am supposed to do - I end going back to the old story.

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:

How to saturate with ADHD

I was supposed to do a post on this and then I avoided the fuck out of it because I also have ADHD and genuinely need to be medicated for it. I'm very bad at doing.

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:

1. What to avoid

ADHD will literally give you side plots if it means it can get you to avoid the task. The side quest is a trap.

Your brain is going to tell you to grab one more post, one more subliminal, redo your list, it's a lie. You know the law, you know what you're doing, you know what you're manifesting.

It's not ruined, don't restart

You're going to procrastinate. You're going to push it off. Your brain is going to tell you that you already messed up today so you might as well just do it tomorrow. No. Your assumptions can change in an instant you start now.

Don't try to "sit down and affirm" in the literal sense.

You are going to get restless quickly. Rock back and forth, bring a stim toy, pair it with a physical thing like stretching or doing a plank.

"I'll do it in an hour" is also a lie. No you won't.

Do it now or you won't do it at all. You'll be just as if not more resistant in an hour.

Phone bad. Affirm good.

"Oh I'll just use it as background noise" and then you're watching a deep dive into five nights at Freddy's lore.

You don't need a new method. You have a method.

Yes you are doing your method right. No you shouldn't switch to a new one

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:

2. What to do

Noise cancelling headphones.

I get distracted by noise.

Engaging saturation.

If you're struggling with robotic affirmations try affirming in a way that makes you feel engaged. Pretend you're bragging, telling a friend, or telling your success story.

Stick with it.

Your brain is about to come up with thirty reasons not to. Be prepared for that instead of hoping a wave of motivation will come. "What if it won't work" you already have it, it has worked.

Remember that you're not trying to have it you already have it.

Think as if you have it. That's the end goal. Yes it's ok to "affirm to get" but it's not ok to affirm that you don't have it even if it's from the perspective of "trying to"

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:

[bloodlineslut]

The Law of Obsession (Ch.3) | Roman Reigns

Pairings: Roman Reigns x black! OC

Warnings: none

Summary: A day in Roman’s life at his law firm, including a glimpse of some of the shady business he does. Jimmy and Jey convince Roman to go out with them after mentioning Laila would be there.

Word Count: 2.7k words

A/N: okay so…it actually is the next day but yall I get distracted while trying to study so I wasted a lot of time before I finished this chapter pls don’t shoot me. Also, can you say cliffhanger at the end?? Something spicy is gonna happen in the next chapter though so don’t worry

Roman’s eyes blinked open, staring at the ceiling of his luxury condo that overlooked Miami Beach.

Every morning, he woke up at 7 am on the dot, like clockwork. His morning routine consisted of grabbing his phone to check for any missed calls or texts he may have gotten through the night. Especially any from Paul or the twins.

As usual, there were.

Paul Heyman: 2 missed calls

Paul Heyman: Chief, I apologize for the late text, but a man by the name of Sami Zayn is requesting a meeting with you tomorrow morning when you get to the office. He says he really needs your help.

Jimmy: Hey uce, I might need you to handle some business for me next week, that cool?

Jey: Aye man, we still gon’ go to that club tomorrow night?

Roman read through and responded to all the texts, shaking his head at Jey’s message. He found himself hoping for a text from a certain person, though.

Laila.

‘Last night was a school night. She probably studied herself to sleep.’ Roman chuckled at the thought.

She was such a good girl. Focused on school and working hard.

She was just what Roman needed.

A breath of fresh air.

Something good and pure that he could come home to after a dirty day at work.

Roman sat up and got out of his king size bed, not bothering to make it until later.

He goes straight to one of the bedrooms that he turned into a home gym, putting his AirPods in and going to his workout playlist. The room had a mirror that ran from one end of the room to the other, a mini fridge with ice cold water, Gatorade, and protein powder/bars.

There was every piece of workout equipment in there that you could imagine, from dumbbells to machines and everything in between.

Roman usually tried to make his workouts in the morning an hour long, so that he could shower and everything else, and still be on time for work.

After working on his back and legs, he walked back to his master bedroom to take a steamy shower and to wash his hair.

Another hour later, he was out the door and on the way to the firm.

“Good morning, Mr. Reigns! Here is your coffee, and a list of all your meetings lined up for today.” His secretary greeted him as soon as he walked through the revolving door.

Sasha Banks.

She had the biggest crush on him, but Roman never even looked at her in that way. To be honest, he was a bit oblivious to her advances because his mind was always solely focused on work.

He took the coffee and the file from her, only giving her a quick “Morning. Thank you.”

As he walked towards the elevator, his back to Sasha, her smile faded a little, wishing that he was as interested in her, as was she.

As soon as the elevator doors opened to the top floor, where Roman’s office was located, he was greeted by the sight of Paul.

“Good morning my chief! I see that you messaged me back earlier. I’ve directed Mr. Zayn to your office if that’s okay with you?”

Roman slightly scowled at having to be bothered when he just got to work. “Alright Paul. But next time, wait until I’m here.” He firmly warned his right hand man.

Paul nodded apologetically. “Yes, sir. I won’t disappoint again!”

Roman inwardly rolled his eyes, just wanting to be left alone for at least 5 minutes.

He saw that his office door was slightly ajar with a man with shoulder length messy red hair seated in the chair in front of his desk.

“Oh hello, Mr. Re-” Roman put his hand up to silence the new client.

Roman could tell that whatever this guy did can’t be that bad.

“5 minutes of no talking.” Roman told the man, just needing to settle down.

Five minutes later, as promised, they got to business.

Sami explained that he got busted for marijuana in his possession that wasn’t really his. He was with some of his friends and they got pulled over by a police officer and Sami “looked the most suspicious” so they brought him to the station and charged him.

Roman raised an eyebrow at this. “They thought you looked the most suspicious?”

Sami laughed with a scoff. “I know right?!”

“You look like you wouldn’t even kill a fly. Why did you come to me?”

Sami pointed at nothing, motioning that one of his family members was the one who recommended Reigns, Heyman, & Associates.

Roman scrunched up his face and laughed. “Nah. You’d be better off going to the floor under me. Talk to one of the associates, they’ll help you out.” He pointed out, opening his meeting schedule from the file on his desk.

Sami’s mood didn’t even falter. “Oh okay! Wow, thank you so much Mr. Reigns. I’ll go do that.” He quickly stood up and left the office.

Roman grabbed one of the sleek black pens settled in a company mug and crossed that meeting off of his list. In another hour, he had another meeting with what was becoming one of his regular clients—Dominik Mysterio.

He shook his head. That boy was such a headache. He’s always doing dumb shit without thinking. This time, he tried to shoplift but got caught by the store owner.

Now, Dominik was sitting in front of Roman, nervously bouncing his leg. “I wasn’t trying to get caught! I always get away with it…”

“Yea, well this time, you didn’t. The store owner caught you.” Roman bluntly told the boy—because he didn’t see him as a man with these childish acts he displayed.

Roman leaned back in his cushioned office swivel chair, thinking.

“Now, I could handle this little misdemeanor in court. I could get the charge dropped, call some people, maybe bribe ‘em.” He rested his hand on his jaw, stroking it. “Or I could get my men to pay this guy a little visit.”

Dominik’s eyes widen. “Like talk to him?”

Roman chuckles at his naivety. “Yea, sure. Put a little fire under his ass.”

Dominik swallows nervously. “They won’t hurt him right? I don’t want anyone to get hurt.”

Roman squints his eyes. This boy could damn near be his son, as many times as he’s gotten him out of trouble.

“No, they won’t hurt him. But, the next time I see you up here, I’m gon’ teach you something.” Roman warned.

Dominik nodded his head. “Thanks Mr. Reigns. I’ll try to do better.”

“Yea, yea. Get out.”

As the day at the firm was coming to an end, the only thing that helped Roman get through it was the thought of Laila.

The office was peaceful.

That was, until he heard the familiar voices of his two loud ass cousins down the hall.

“Yo, yo, yo! So, we going out tonight?” Jey and Jimmy walked in his office without even knocking or anything.

Jimmy plopped down on the couch that was situated in the corner of Roman’s office, looking at his phone.

“Ya’ll just don’t have any decorum huh?”

“Aye, we family. We don’t gotta do all that, uce.” Jimmy chimes in from the corner, making Roman sigh.

“So yes to the club?” Jey presses on.

Roman shakes his head no.

“Man come on! When was the last time you went out? College?” Jey teased him, making Jimmy laugh out.

“Shut the fuck up.”

Jimmy stood up, walking next to Jey. “You know Naomi gon’ bring Laila with us…” Knowing that would catch Roman’s attention.

Roman’s eyes shot up at the twins.

“See how them big ass ears just perked up like that?” Jimmy grabbed his own ears and pulled them up, illustrating how Roman looked.

“How do you know that?”

Jimmy smacked his teeth. “They was planning to get ready together, do each other’s makeup or hair or something. You know girls be doing that stuff.”

Jey pointed at his twin, agreeing.

“So, it’s a yes?” Jey asked once again, and Roman’s lack of an answer was all they needed to hear.

“Yeet!” The twins both dapped each other up, before doing the same to Roman, making a ghost of a smile appear on his face.

“Only if.” The twins dropped their shoulders and groaned out.

“You two do something for me next week. Rough a guy up a little bit.” He briefly explains.

“Alright, uce. You know we got you.” Jey agrees.

“Aye, what about what I told you about, though.” Jimmy says cocking his head to the side.

“I know. I’ll handle it, don’t worry.” Roman reassured his cousin.

The three of them ended up talking for like another 2 hours about everything they needed to get caught up on in each other’s lives.

Jimmy’s phone started ringing and it was Naomi. She told him that Laila was about to come over to their house so they could start getting ready.

After he got off of the phone, he explained he was going to head back to his house. “Roman, we gotta bounce. Knowing Naomi, she probably want me to pick them up some McDonald’s.” He shook his head.

“Aye, catch you later tonight though?” Jey puts out his fist for a fist bump and Roman obliges.

“Yea.”

The twins were almost out the door when Jimmy turned around. “Can you bring your driver to the house when you get there? I ain’t trying to be nobody’s DD tonight!” He dramatically put his hands up in defense.

Roman actually laughs at this. “Yea. And I’ll bring the Escalade for all of us.”

“See, that’s what I’m talking ‘bout. See you uce!” And they were both gone just as quickly as they had arrived.

After finishing some more paperwork, Roman could finally leave and go home. The thought of seeing Laila later made his heart speed up a little bit.

He grabbed his keys and briefcase and headed to the parking garage that was connected to the building and made his way to his condo.

As soon as he walked in the door and locked it, he texted his driver and informed him that he’ll be driving tonight and that he’ll get a bonus since it was at such short notice.

Putting his briefcase on the kitchen island, he headed to the bathroom to take a quick shower and touch up his beard.

Quickly finishing his shower, he stepped out and wrapped the white towel around his waist, walking to the closet. Damn near all his clothes were black, so he grabbed a plain black T-shirt, a pair of black cargo pants, and his Jordan 11 Retro Bred’s.

After getting dressed and spraying some cologne on, his driver texted him back just in time saying that he was waiting in the car outside.

Roman set the alarm in his home before locking the front door and heading downstairs.

“Good evening Mr. Reigns. How are you?” His driver greeted him as he sat in the backseat.

“Hey man, I’m doing good. And like I said, you’ll get that bonus because it was short notice. Appreciate it.” He told the driver, firmly shaking his hand.

The ride to Jimmy’s house was calm and silent as Roman never listened to music in the car.

They pulled up in Jimmy’s driveway and Roman noted the extra car that was present that wasn’t Jimmy, Jey, or Naomi’s.

A black Volkswagen Beetle.

Roman smirked.

He stepped out of the still-running car, as his driver preferred to just always stay in the car and wait for everyone else so he could bring them to their destination.

Walking up to the front door, he rang the doorbell and waited for someone to answer.

“Ya’ll that’s probably Roman!” He heard the muffled sound of Naomi’s voice on the other side of the door before she opened it.

“See I knew it. Hey Roman, come on in!”

“Hey Naomi. Them knuckleheads ready?” He motioned his head to the kitchen.

“They up in there taking shots.” She rolled her eyes and shook her head in irritation.

Suddenly there was the sound of another voice getting closer to the two.

“Naomi, can you put this necklace on for-”

Laila stopped in her tracks at seeing the sight of Roman. Her heart beating out of her chest in his presence, just like when they talked for the first time at the café.

His eyes were glued to hers, smiling softly at her, sensing her surprise at his coming.

“Aye Naomi! Come here for a minute!” Jimmy called from in the kitchen in the midst of him and Jey laughing about God knows what.

Naomi rolled her eyes for what felt like the hundredth time, but obliged. “This house knows no peace.”

Laila giggled before looking back to Roman.

“You need help with that?” He looked down at the necklace she was holding in her two hands.

Laila forgot that’s what she came downstairs for and looked at the dainty chain in her hands. “Oh yeah…”

“I’ll put it on for you.” He reached out and gently took it from her hands, being careful not to tangle it.

“Thank you.” Laila spoke out, turning her back to him and moving her hair out of the way.

It was so intimate, the position they were in. She nearly jumped at the feeling of his fingertips on the back of her neck as he opened the clasp and locked it around one of the chain loops.

While she was trying to control her labored breaths, Roman was getting a bit excited too.

He let his fingertips linger on her nape for a few seconds longer than necessary. His fingers were warm.

“Too tight?” His voice was low.

Laila swallowed and let her hair fall as she turned to face him. “No, it’s fine.” She smiled at him, still so nervous and not knowing what to do with her body, hands, how to stand, or anything.

“You look so beautiful.” The sudden compliment caught Laila by surprise.

This night was just full of surprises.

“Thank you,” She smiled, feeling her face get hot.

First, she didn’t know Roman would be accompanying them to the club because the twins made it sound like he was a homebody.

Which he was, but as soon as he heard Laila was going, he immediately was on board, even if he had to sacrifice his relaxing night by being surrounded by a bunch of dumbasses who were drunk and acting wild.

Laila’s outfit consisted of a white button down halter top, a pair of jeans, and some white open-toed heels.

Roman liked the simplicity of it because he was sure she’d look good in anything.

His eyes were raking over every inch of her, just admiring how perfect she was.

Her eyes rested on his arms.

She noticed them before obviously.

The way his suit fit so deliciously over every part of his body at the café that day. But standing so close and directly in front of him with nothing between them, she saw everything in sharp detail.

The veins running down his forearms, his knuckles that seemed slightly rough, the thought that he could most likely defend himself very well if need be.

“What?” Roman asked, noticing that she zoned out. He wanted to know what she was thinking at all times.

Laila shook her head, laughing it off. “Just thinking..”

“About what? Tell me.” The way he just coerced the answer out of her. It made her weak in the knees. Like you have no choice but to do what he says.

She never had a man take the lead like this.

She never had a man at all, actually.

“You definitely work out a lot.”

Roman grinned at this, scratching his ear, and putting his hands back in his pockets.

“Gotta keep up appearances,” He kept his eyes locked on hers. “Sometimes I gotta remind people who they’re working with.” He said the last part lowly on purpose, and more seriously.

This made Laila laugh. That beautiful melody in his ears.

He’d give anything to hear that laugh every single day.

Their moment was interrupted by two tipsy twins.

“We ready to gooooo!” Jey blurted out.

Naomi looked over at Laila and Roman. “You two bet’ not end up like this.” She pointed to the twins.

Laila and Roman looked at each other and shared a laugh.

After everyone got back in the Escalade and Jimmy making the driver laugh, Laila who was seated right next to Roman couldn’t help but wonder what the night had in store for them.

taglist!: @duhitzkay380 @emotionalhottiee @minsingular @potatosackk @vebner37 @lov3rla03 @romanreignsbae

if you want to be tagged, just comment and let me know!!

[meddwlyngymraeg]

I'm a learner, so I can link a few resources I've collected over time and the ones I've found useful. Personally I feel like Duolingo should tbh never be used alone, just because it gets you used to searching for the next word in a list rather than forming the sentences fully in your brain. If you can keep that in mind and always speak the Welsh sentence before you look at the options, that's solid.

For speaking and learning the language, I definitely recommend SaySomethingInWelsh, their techniques really helps you start independently using Welsh. If the cost worries you upfront, they make the first lesson of their new course, and the entirety of level 1 of their old course available for free, so at least try it out and see if it helps you.

The BBC has some good resources for listening and reading. They continue to have an archived version of their old Catchphrase Cymraeg site, which has listening in the form of short story-like podcasts. They've also got a Welsh grammar cheat sheet that covers a Lot and is a handy reference to keep.

The Welsh government has an accessible archive of 9 keystage levels of Welsh reading in PDF format. Even level 0 will assume a few things like knowing common auxiliary short forms like 'es' for 'mynd', but hopefully that alongside other resources, googling, grammar guides and lessons is helpful.

Radio Cymru has good listening clips too — Pigion (clippings from the news) and Stori Tic Toc (5 minute children's stories) are good listening podcasts.

On the note of children's material, don't be afraid to listen to children's stuff. When it comes to your language, you are sort of a baby! And that's okay. If you've been learning a few months, you're doing very well to have better Welsh than a baby. Don't be embarrassed to read and listen to children's materials. God knows they're more colorful and comforting at times.

For reading and more study-oriented stuff, the Dysgu Cymraeg courses are comprehensive and have at least 3 levels of material— lots to climb through! I might also have linked the supporting audio files that went with the course. S4C's Dysgu Cymraeg Youtube channel is also a good place to find people speaking and doing little things like reading out a recipe in welsh, with subtitles underneath. Oh really useful stuff to improve your pickup new words! S4C Dysgu Cymraeg also posts a series Welsh Word of The Day (Gair Y Dydd) on the social media like Instagram which is useful again for vocabulary.

I'm linking the posts in which I have previously accumulated resources and links, not just the ones that I mentioned above, but other ones that other people have recommended to me and that I've seen on the internet. Hope you find these useful!

PS, oh, and have a good dictionary at hand. And have fun speaking, and try not to panic when you try and get the Welsh out (which for a learner, is also totally normal)!

hi! so im going to wales for uni next year, any tips or resources for learning welsh? diolch!

Ooh, excellent - llongyfarchiadau!

SaySomethingInWelsh is my go-to recommendation for those wanting to learn Welsh in a natural, conversational way! You can also choose between the two main Welsh dialects, which is handy depending on which university you're attending (northern dialect for Bangor/Wrexham, southern for the rest!). But there's no major difference between the two - I [begrudgingly] accept that the southern dialect is more accessible for learners as it's generally more prevalent in learning materials and Welsh-language media.

There's also Duolingo, which is great for getting to grips with the basics and getting some daily practice. It's unfortunately no longer being actively updated by Duolingo (which is a huge shame!), but a lot of my Welsh-learning friends enjoy it nonetheless.

A lot of universities also offer free or discounted courses for students, so definitely worth checking what yours has to offer! Dysgu Cymraeg (Learn Welsh) has some free resources and regularly provides courses, and a lot of communities provide laidback Welsh cafes where you can rock up and practice your Welsh over a paned with fellow learners!

And finally: defnyddia dy Gymraeg - use your Welsh! Whatever you learn, whether it's a simple greeting or a few sentences, make sure you get into the habit of using it frequently, even if it's just a word or two! A shwmae a day can go a long way, as they say (they don't, I just made that up but I'm trademarking it immediately).

(Note: I'm a native speaker so I don't have much practical experience with these resources myself, so if anyone has any further recommendations, get in touch!)

[goldeneyedgirl]

AILess Whumptober Day 2: Insomnia

sweet dreams (day 2: insomnia).

twilight, alice/jasper, pg, human/vampire au, post-new moon. no warnings.

I don't think this is my finest work, but you know what, we're here for the vibes.

After the Cullens leave, I feel like… like some part of me is missing. Like I’ve been hollowed out but I’m still forced to walk around. I physically ache. All I want to do is sleep, except when I am finally, finally allowed to crawl into my bed.

That’s when it’s utterly impossible.

Aunt Lorraine says it’s my ribs, my shoulder. It’s been three months, they shouldn’t still be keeping me awake. I know that, but Lorraine insists it’s nothing else.

She gives me a bottle of essential oil and another crystal. More of her hippie nonsense; my dresser is cluttered with the other rocks she’s given me to solve my problems. I had to hide my aspirin in the pocket of my winter coat and my inhaler in my school bag because I know she’d throw them away if she knew about I still had them. Colloidal silver, oils, and stones are the only things she’ll allow, and I cannot stand it. After two months of having every oil and potion and leaf pushed on me instead of the painkillers the doctor prescribed, my tolerance is stretched to the limit.

“Some lavender to help you sleep, and some blood-stone for under your pillow,” she says, as she walks around the basement, straightening my things. “That one is a classic jasper…”

I nearly throw the stone against the wall when she says that, as if she’s intentionally hurt me, but she keeps prattling about the healing power of the newest oil and rock she’s given me and I know she hasn’t realized what she’s said.

The rock feels cold in my hand.

She doesn’t stay long, she never does; the cushions on the couch are fluffed, my schoolwork has been pointedly stuffed into the bookcase, and my laundry hamper is full. That is the extent of the mothering I get in this house; Uncle Rod’s always working - when he is on furlough, he’s good to me. He cares; he reminds me that he wanted me here every single time.

But Lorraine is distant and it’s clear that she’s drawing the boundaries between my cousin and me. And it’s fine, Willa’s so little, Lorraine wants to focus on her. She’s her daughter, I’m just her niece by marriage. She probably hadn’t wanted some troubled teenage girl she’d never met moving into her basement.

It’s fine.

But I wish…

“Sleep well,” Lorraine finally says as she leaves, pointedly not closing the door behind her, and I listen to her climb the basement stairs. I wish… I wish I had someone to kiss the top of my head, tuck me in, and maybe hug me when I cry.

I haven’t had a mom hug in so long. I could really use one.

I wait until I hear Lorraine close the door at the top of the stairs before I get up, and go into the laundry room to brush my teeth, and firmly shut my bedroom door behind me. I check my phone on the charger, ignoring the spam messages that pop up. Every freakin’ night, the stupid texts promising me credit cards and car loans, the phone calls that are silent just long enough for me to hope, only for the automated message to click in. If I didn’t know better, I’d think someone had signed me up to all of it as a punishment.

The oil and stone are still on my nightstand when I get back, practically mocking me. I ignore it as I climb back into my bed; the book we’re assigned for English rests under my pillow. It’s optimistic to think I’ll open it tonight. I’m already weeks behind.

I lie still and wait for something. Sleep, preferably. But it doesn’t come.

Mostly I think about what I had. What I lost. I want to travel back in time and shake myself. Those broken ribs don’t hurt as much as what comes next, you stupid girl. Beg him, scream and cry and throw a real tantrum to make sure that he doesn’t dare leave you behind.

Breathe deep so you remember his scent, of rain and leather and ashes scattered to the wind. The way you could curl against him, your cheek against his chest, and that perfect stillness that was so wrong and yet so calming; the way he would slide his hand under your shirt and over the skin and bone of your hip in a way that wasn’t sensual or lascivious, just comforting and so perfectly intimate.

And remember all of it properly. That proper, perfect feeling of a maybe family. The way Esme asks you to bring over the photo album so she can see you as a baby, a child, and makes you tell her about every single photograph, side by side on the couch, her fingers tracing over each snapshot of your face. The way Carlisle listens to you so intensely, like what you’re saying is so important, and then really thinks about what he says in response. The way Emmett made you leave an inhaler in his truck, just in case - and always offered to go through the drive-thru when you were in the car. Rosalie never smiling at you, never ever being slightly welcoming, but being the one that always checked if you needed a ride home after school.

And Bella’s wry little smiles, a beat-up book in her lap, and her hair around her face as you tried to explain something to her - a fashion trend, pop culture, some grand plan in the nebulous future. The way Edward would always move over just a little so you could sit down at the piano with him, the music propped up on the stand arranged for you if you wanted to sing the tune along with him; never needing to tell him that it was a comforting reminder of doing the same thing with your mom before she got sick.

Then remind yourself it was far too perfect to have lasted any longer.

Feeble moonlight spills in from the narrow windows where the wall meets the ceiling - the joys of living in a basement. I sink deeper into my bed, and I look over at my nightstand where the blood-stone sits. If I could smash it, I would.

My phone buzzes absently. Looking to refinance? Call (206) 342-8631.

“I nearly had a mom and dad who could love me,” I whispered at it. “I nearly had a family forever. And someone who loved me no matter what.”

The tears are hot as they roll down my face. “Why couldn’t you stay? I… It was an accident, we could have fixed it.”

Nothing. It was just a rock, after all. The sleepless nights had caught up with me if I was talking to bedroom decor.

Rolling over to face the wall where my photo-wall had been, I squeeze my eyes shut and just plead with my brain to give me rest. More than the scant, soupy hour or two I got before dawn.

It refuses.

My chest hurts.

My phone buzzes again. Nickel off expired baby food today only!

I’d turn the stupid thing off, but I’d promised my sister that it didn’t matter what time of the day or night it was, if she called I would answer. There wasn’t much I else could do for her nearly three thousand miles away, but I could do that.

I didn’t feel this lonely in Mississippi. Not when mom died, not when dad remarried, not when I was at the hospital. I never thought of myself as being hopeful, but now… now I feel like there’s nothing. Just a void of days I have to fill. I can’t imagine feeling human enough to exist in the world as a functioning adult. I’m hanging on by my fingertips now, and it feels like it gets worse every single day.

It was so stupid. It was an accident. I think Dad or the hospital have hurt me worse.

My phone buzzes. Cheap Designer Gear!!! 1 Day Only!!

I glared over at my clock, as if it was the reason I was still awake, and not the hopelessness that had taken residence up in my bones. That my mind was traitorously replaying every chuckle, every quiet conversation, every gentle kiss. I wanted Jasper here with me now, tucked up beside me with a heavy book that would bore me to tears, his hand rubbing soothing circles on my back to help me sleep. And when I’d wake up, he’d be gone but there would be a little note folded on my pillow. I love you, I’ll see you at school. I had dozens of them in the shoe box I’d banished my photographs to. Thirty two nights, thirty two little notes in his beautiful handwriting, all with the same first line.

I love you.

My eyes slide shut and maybe just for a moment I can float; that in-between sleep that solves nothing but at least makes the time pass. I am warm, the pain is tolerable, and right now I can almost remember how it feels to have Jasper’s hand on my back soothing me to sleep as he reads…

Buzz.

And the illusion was gone. Rolling over to an empty bed and grabbing my phone, knocking half the items piled on my nightstand everywhere, I felt like I was probably going to smash it if it was another ad.

A call from a number I didn’t recognize; Cynthia was always losing her phone, but I was more horrified that she was calling me after three a.m; she was twelve, she needed to be in bed asleep or watching Youtube or something. Not calling me for help.

“Hello?” I croak, weeks of no sleep and hopelessness coming through in that one word. I sounded about eighty. “Cece?”

Silence. I waited for the automated message to click in for a few seconds, but nothing.

“Cece?” I asked again, suddenly close to tears. “Please, just say something.”

“Alice?”

I was suddenly more awake than I had been in months, sitting up straight. Jasper, my Jasper.

He sounded terrible, desperate and broken and lost. A small part of me was relieved he was suffering as much as I was. A larger part was terrified because he was the one that took care of me, protected me; I didn’t know how to fix his problems.

But the largest part of me was just desperate for him not to hang up the phone.

“Jasper?” I sounded like a child when I said his name, and I heard his breath hitch.

“I’m here.”

I had a million questions for him. Where are you? Why are you calling? What’s wrong? Where’s your family? Why did you go?

None of them came out. Instead, I just started sobbing and was faintly aware of myself begging, pleading, with him to come home. Promising him that I’d do anything, anything if he’d just come back to Forks.

I don’t know how long I cried and begged but when I eventually ran out of tears, Jasper was still there, trying to calm me down.

“It hurts too much,” I sniffled down the phone. “I need you to come home, please.”

Silence. I could hear the sound of traffic; a payphone somewhere. This connection to him was tenuous, momentary, and the rising panic was making me feel sick.

“Alice,” his voice just made everything feel better, softer, and I would have given anything to have him beside me. “Alice, take a breath, you’re going to have an asthma attack or make yourself sick.” His voice had lost that desolate quality, had taken on that warmth that I remembered so well.

“Please come home,” I whispered. “I promise I’ll do whatever you want, I just need you here.” I could hear the wheeze in my voice, and Jasper probably could too. But I couldn’t bring myself to get up for my inhaler; it felt like if I moved, he’d be gone forever.

Silence. I could feel the tears building again.

“I’m coming,” he finally says, his voice cracking. I let out a sob. “I’ll be there soon, I promise. You need to rest, Alice. Why are you awake?”

“Can’t sleep,” I said, blotting my face with a tissue. “I just… can’t. I’m so tired Jasper, I need you to come home.”

“I’m coming home now, I promise.” My body is relaxing. “You need to sleep, Alice. Just close your eyes and I’ll wait for you to fall asleep, okay?”

“Do the others know you called me?” I said, curling into my pillow. I still had the letter they’d left me with, written by Rosalie, cold and impersonal. They had to go, they had to leave because they were a danger to me. That they would leave me to live out my life in peace and wished me the best. It was the kind of very polite missive that cut right through me and made me feel very small and insignificant.

“Don’t worry about the others,” Jasper said soothingly. “They’re fine. Everyone misses you. I miss you.”

“You do?” I sounded pitiful.

“So very much.” His voice cracks and I can hear the pain, the longing. “I’m so sorry Alice.”

“I’ll forgive you as soon as you get here,” I yawn. “In person, I promise. How far away are you?”

“It’s going to take me a couple of days, but I’ll leave as soon as you go to sleep.”

“Tell me,” I began, sleep prickling at me. “What you’ve been doing.”

His voice was warm and melodic and I couldn’t distinguish a single word of it as my mind grew fuzzier, aware of nothing but Jasper’s voice and the warmth of my phone screen.

Home, home, he was coming home. And we’d never, ever be parted again. I refused, I couldn’t. He was home…

Love you, love you. The words drip in my mind, the last conscious thought I had.

If this is a dream, I don’t want to wake up.

I blinked sleepily as my phone alarm went off for school, balanced on the edge of my nightstand. I had fallen asleep in an odd little cocoon of pillows and blankets but it was the deepest sleep I’d had in weeks.

I had only the vaguest memory of my dreams, of Jasper’s voice and comfort, tears of desperation and then of relief. I had felt safe, hopeful again. Whatever it had been, I felt clearer than I had in a long time.

And as I climbed out of bed, I saw the blood-stone, where it had fallen next to my pillow. Instead of tossing it amongst the others, I left it where it fell.

Maybe it would give me another nice dream tonight.

[defiledtomb]

WE'RE GONNA BE OKAY!!!!

[teddybeartoji]

anyway i hope i will feel a bit more alive tmrw i miss everybody i miss spamming the dashhh😔😔😔😔😔

[lilliancdoodles]

Life is like the ocean, it goes up and down by @tastytoastz (Click for better quality, master post of all my art for this fic)

[zomboyfren]

Headcanons things I've noticed from observing her very closely