#quite literally because I just knew those two would befriend these guys in the blink of an eye 🤣

[mikeytea]

Y’all hear me out on this HC I got

A friendship between Ai , Pierre , Cole , Tommy and Tyrone but all of them lack braincells ✨

And I also like to think Tommy and Tyrone started it by just adopting Ai into their group after realizing “this girl is exactly like us? We need to befriend her lol”

[mooniefics]

AFTER CONTEMPLATING FOR SEVERAL MINUTES:

reiner braun 🤪 + “please?? just pretend we’re dating. it’s only for today, i promise!”

this is literally the cutest moonie, i'm proud of you for hitting 250!! ilysm 💖✨💕

oh my gosh i’m so sorry this took me so long,, thank u so much for the request n the congratulations mar !! very happy that my first work for this event can be for my love, our one n only reiner ♡(｡- ω -)

in all your years of knowing reiner, you couldn’t say that you’d ever once heard him sounding so frantic.

“please?? just pretend we’re dating. it’s only for today, i promise!”

those were the exact words he’d used over the phone, imploring for you to come to the official marley high ten-year reunion and pose as his girlfriend. despite how you assured him that you were certain no one would judge him for being single, he seemed adamant that it would be the exact opposite. and after a few apologies for your laughter at his predicament and a brief negotiation over his payment of getting you your favorite drink from the cafe near your workplace for the next few weeks, it was a done deal.

though you admittedly felt a twinge of anxiety upon entering the venue of chattering adults, dressed in the best semi-formal outfit you had in your closet, you could see that he was the more obviously nervous one between the two of you.

“just relax, rei.” you murmured, slipping your hand in his and giggling at the way his arm tensed, “these are your high school friends! i’m sure they’ll be surprised enough that you managed to find a nice girl like me all by yourself—“ he huffed disapprovingly, earning another small laugh, “—and only ask about your work or something.”

you barely finished your brief attempt at a pep talk when a loud voice came from somewhere by the food table. “is that you, braun?!”

reiner’s jaw shifted, a sign you’d come to learn meant him holding back a wince, turning to see a man with slicked back hair and a broad grin on his face approaching. based on his heavy-lidded gaze, paired with the red solo cup tipping dangerously horizontal in his grasp, you assumed he was quite tipsy already.

“considering how late you are, i wasn’t sure you’d even show,” he chuckled, still having to peer up at reiner despite still being taller than you, “but the more i thought about it, the more i remembered you never were the punctual type anyways.”

“great to see you too, porco..” reiner replied half-heartedly, palm already getting clammy in your grasp.

you glanced momentarily between them, deciding to come to your friend’s rescue by clearing your throat, drawing the teasing attention away from him. “actually, he was late because of me.” you flashed a smile, leaning into reiner’s side. “just wanted to look my best since i knew i was gonna be meeting his old friends.”

“holy shit..” porco muttered after a moment of silence, hazel eyes blowing wide as he stared at you like you’d disappear if he blinked even once, only breaking his gaze to turn over his shoulder and call out, “piecky, c’mere! i think reiner’s actually got a fuckin’ girlfriend!!”

you barely stifled a laugh at reiner’s low sigh of discomfort, pointedly ignoring how the people around glanced at porco’s shout. “did you seriously used to hang around with that guy?”

“no..” he grumbled back, “he hung around the people i hung around with and always gave me shit for no reason.”

“wow, rei, feeling a little feisty tonight, are we?”

he scoffed as you reached up to poke at his cheek, able to see the pink flush that had settled over his sharp features despite the dim lighting, dodging your inquiry while he looked ahead. “he’s coming back.”

putting on the smile you’d practiced so many times right back on, you caught sight of a cheerful dark-haired woman sidling over to your small group. “reiner?! you seriously got even taller? who’s this?”

you both exchanged names, offering a hand for her to shake which she eagerly took, turning to reiner for affirmation of your identity, to which he said, “yeah, she's my.. girlfriend...”

“how long have the two of you been together?”

“a couple months—”

“—almost a year.”

you quickly laughed off the sudden nerves of giving conflicting answers, turning back to reiner’s friends and recovering with, “we’re not super big on keeping track of dates. you know how time flies when you love someone.” you turned up to reiner, lips perking into a doting smile, “right?”

his cheeks flushed an even darker red, a sheepish smile brightening his expression. “right.”

“looks like you’re the only single one, pock.” pieck teased, laughing when the man rolled his eyes and huffed.

“you’re still with zeke?” reiner asked, prompting her to extend her left hand, waggling her fingers to show off the large diamond ring on her finger.

“yep, engaged for two years now!”

“apparently still too good to come to anything she invites him to.” porco grumbled in response.

“i already told you he’s on a business trip,” she frowned, taking his cup from his hand and taking a generous sip from it, “i’m sure he would’ve come if he hadn’t had somewhere else to be.”

“whatever you say..” he sighed, letting her finish his drink despite his apparent annoyance.

thankfully, your small slip up had been ignored, allowing both you and reiner to relax when the two finally turned their attention back to you. the night progressed much less turbulently than you’d previously anticipated, reiner allowing you to handle any questions directed at your relationship, not saying anything when you frequently slipped in little white lies to make everything seem more convincing. it didn’t stray terribly far from the truth, you were entirely honest about the way you’d met and the things that had made you “fall in love with him”. 

you took a strange amount of joy in posing as his significant other, just as he gave equally genuine reactions when you wrapped his arm around your shoulder or ate something from his plate of food, flustered and smiling all throughout. for a few brief moments, you almost forgot that he was meant to be pretending too. he’d seemed more than happy to see that you were getting along well with all his old friends.

you learned more about reiner in the hour that you’d been milling around the room with him than you probably ever had in the confines of the job environment that you’d met him in—intrigued to hear that he’d been the captain of the football team, feuded with the neighboring high-school’s while being head over heels for the captain of their cheer team, held the title of champion arm-wrestler for all four years he attended marley—little details that you made you would’ve never known had you never agreed to come. the unintentionally intimidating, humble, easy-to-fluster human resources manager that you’d befriended apparently used to be a total jock, always getting himself into trouble. 

and, based on how many times you’d been congratulated on managing to stick by his side for longer than a few months, you could only assume that you hadn’t even scratched the surface of discovering the entirety of reiner’s character.

eventually, your small group of four that’d you started out the night with had reconvened, tipsy from constantly sipping on spiked punch, an excited exclamation from pieck made all of you turn. “look! the photo booth finally opened up!!”

she was already rushing away for the corner of the venue before anyone could say a word, everyone following suit with a laugh as she stuffed a five dollar bill into the pay slot.

“uhh, pieck, i think this thing was only meant for two people.. max.” porco said after drawing open the curtain, earning a frown from her.

“but i want us all to take a picture together!” she slid into the booth despite the observation, turning to you, “c’mon, i’m sure we could all squeeze in if you sat on reiner’s lap.”

you felt your face flush, knowing there was no way to work around her request without raising some kind of suspicion and ruining the act you’d both somehow maintained for the entire night. “sounds like a plan..!”

you could feel how tense reiner was behind you as you got settled on his thighs, hesitating to rest his hands on either side of you while pieck and porco struggled to work the screen before them. you were starting to regret not asking if this was okay with him before agreeing, but you were sure he would’ve found some way out of the situation if he was truly uncomfortable. he only seemed to be preoccupied with the thought of making you uncomfortable, something which made a flicker of affection warm your chest.

“alright! we’ve got four pictures,” pieck announced, “starting... now! and make the first a normal one!”

the first three pictures were the standard photo booth antics—one with all of you smiling normally, one with all of you making the most ridiculous face you could think of in five seconds, and one of all of you arguing over what the third photo should’ve been.

“do something cute for the last one to make up for the messed up one!” pieck demanded through her laughter, pointing urgently at the countdown on the screen, “hurry up an’ kiss or something!!”

you turned back to look at reiner, wide golden eyes gazing down at you, obviously unprepared for the steadily escalating circumstance that was only being intensified by the chanting of “kiss, kiss, kiss!” coming from the woman who’d paid for the photos in the first place. and although you knew you had no obligation to do what she asked just because she had been so kind to you despite only meeting you tonight, or because the timer was winding down towards zero all too quickly, you still found yourself reaching out a hand to settle just under his jaw, heart racing impossibly fast when you realized he was already leaning down to meet you halfway.

his lips were still sweet with whatever juice had been mixed with alcohol, skin warm and blushing from your proximity, the hand that had been resting in your lap wandering to lace your fingers with his. the exchange didn't last nearly long enough, the click of the camera drawing you back to the cramped reality, pieck's cheers through giggles and porco's disgusted scoff for you two to get a room.

"i better be invited to your wedding!" pieck joked, reaching across you to draw open the curtains in a silent sign for you to pry yourself away from reiner.

"likewise." you replied with a smile, almost giddy with excitement as you clambered out of the photo booth.

though reiner's expression just barely passed as casual, his cheeks were burning red, even the tips of his ears flushed as the four of you waiting for the machine to dispense your photos. the function was winding down fast, and as soon as your drawn-out goodbyes were finally finished, you and reiner left, hand-in-hand, much to talk over but neither of you willing to speak until you'd reached the privacy of his car.

you turned to him, smiling in the dim glow on the lights of his dash, laughing softly at his sheepish expression, "i know you said we'd only pretend for a day but.. you think i could request a little extension?"

[twistedlymad]

Hello there, I love blogs and your writing. If you have the time, can you please write about the MC (fem reader) where she accidentally summons Stitch himself, befriends him, Stitch took an instant liking to her, with the TW guys becoming jealous to the new familiar and Stitch causing all sorts of mischief and pranks towards them. Thank you, keep up the good work and stay safe

Ohmaigawd. When I first read your request, I was honestly shocked! OwO

I literally could not have made the connection between Twisted Wonderland and Stitch at all! When I started writing, I did so many research! Forgive me, but, I have not seen any episode nor movie related to Stitch during my entire childhood, hence the research ahaha

One note though, I cannot make you summon Stitch as he already is a being on his own. However, I can make him appear in Twisted Wonderland :’)

Anyway, I hope this story lives up to your expectations! Thank you for requesting and have a lovely day! 

What if Stitch appeared in Twisted Wonderland? (Ft. Grim, Ace, Deuce, Sebek, Jack, Epel and Crowley) (Twisted Wonderland crossover w/Lilo and Stitch)

It was a quiet night at Night Raven College, no unnecessary arguments, no drama involving dorm leaders nor their members and most importantly, no fights occurring.

Or so you thought.

After having dinner, you and Grim went back to your Ramshackle Dorm after saying your goodnights to your friends.

“Fgnaaaaa! That deluxe-katsudon was the best dinner I’ve ever had!” Grim said as you put him on top of your head. It was his go-to spot for relaxing.

“You always say that to anything you eat.” You said, laughing. “You should cut down on all the extensive eating, you don’t want to have a certain teacher order you to run laps more than usual now do you?” You continued, a slight smirk on your face as you felt slight shivering on top of your head.

“Ahaha, you know what? Maybe I’ll skip lunch tomorrow.” The creature said to you and you shook your head.

“I told you to pay attention to your diet, not skip out on meals. It’s unhealthy.” You said as you opened the door to your humble Ramshackle Dorm, Grim jumping from your head and went inside. Before you went in yourself, you took a look outside and saw that the sky was clear and the moon shone upon you with no distractions. You felt a slight breeze blow through your hair and decided that it was a perfect weather to take a walk.

“Grim, I’m going to take a walk! You can go to sleep without me!” You yelled into the dorm before closing the door behind you and went on your walk.

You weren’t far from the dorm, in fact, you were taking your walk on the small field behind the building, enjoying the peace and quiet for once. As you looked up to the sky again, you noticed the stars that littered the sky. You took out your phone and took a picture of the night sky. However, a certain star caught your eye.

It was rather large to be a star? You thought it must be because the star was relatively close. You almost shrugged it off, keyword: almost. You would’ve went on your merry way if it wasn’t for a certain fact about the star.

It was getting bigger, it looked as if it was right above you. Once your mind had taken this fact into realization, your legs got the message and began to move out of the way. You ran to a few trees and hid behind one of them. A crash was heard soon after, it was rather loud, Grim would have probably heard it if it wasn’t for the fact that he was asleep. You peeked your head out from behind the tree to see what had happened, but all you could see was smoke.

Your mind had told you to get back into the dorm and call Crowley but your curiosity got the better of you. You began to walk towards the smoke to see what had crashed. You craned your neck, trying to get a better view when all of a sudden a part of the crash had flung open. You were taken aback and took a few steps back, fearing for whatever would emerge from the thing.

However, the only thing that emerged is a blue koala? Was it even a koala? You weren’t sure. Your whole body froze as it looked at you.

But what scared you the most was the fact he had 4 arms.

AND 4 GUNS?!

The creature then pointed the guns at you and your arms immediately flailed up to shield your face.

“D-Don’t shoot! I wasn’t going to hurt you!” You yelled, hoping that it would just go away. The creature just looked at you, guns still pointed at you. However, you noticed that it was slightly trembling, so you slowly lowered your arms.

“Umm… Hi?” You waved to it, you weren’t sure if it even understood you. But it replied.

“Hi?” Your eyes widen and slowly crouched down to its level. The creature still had its guns pointed at you. You just held up both your hands as if to show you were harmless.

“C-Can you understand me?” You asked and the creature nodded, but then shook its head.

“Ah… I’ll take that you do understand but you aren’t quite sure on how to speak it.” The creature nodded furiously.

“Interesting… Do… Do you have a name?” You asked and slowly approached the creature. The creature still stood his ground.

“S-Stitch. My name is Stitch.” It said and slowly lowered its weapons, slowly realizing that you meant no harm.

“That’s very good, where are you from?” You kept the conversation going. You were trying to let it relax and know that it has no need to be defensive. You sat down and looked at it.

“Ha… Hawaii.” You nodded with a smile.

“I assume you’re a boy?” He nodded.

“Ah… I see… I should introduce myself too.” You said to him. “My name is (Y/N) (L/N). Nice to meet you.” The koala-like alien blinked at you before nodding.

“(Y/N)?” He asked you.

“Yes, (Y/N), that’s my name.” You smiled to the creature, it also gave you a smile back. Stitch and you looked at the crashed craft and could already tell that it was unusable. Sighing, you returned your attention back to the creature, you used your hand to cup his head to look at you.

“Say, Stitch, how about you stay for the night? We could go find help first thing in the morning.” You offered and you saw his eyes light up. Stitch nodded and you smiled.

“Alright, come, let’s get a good night’s rest.” With that, you and Stitch walked back to your Ramshackle Dorm. You let Stitch sleep on the bed while you slept on the sofa. Grim was already asleep on the bed so he didn’t hear the crash happening. You let Stitch shimmy himself into the bed and tucked the two creatures in, after doing so, only then you went to sleep on the couch.

You were awoken the next morning by a scream.

“FGNAAAAAAAAA!”

Your eyes jolted awake and you saw Grim running towards you and away from an already awoken Stitch.

“(Y/N)! THERE’S A MONSTER IN OUR BED!!!” Grim yelled, jumping into your arms. Your eyes travelled to Stitch only to see him looking kind of sad. You just let out a small smile.

“Grim, he’s not a monster, his name is Stitch and he crash landed on our yard yesterday. I’m going to take him to see Crowley in a short moment.” You said, petting Grim to soothe him.

“Does that make him an alien?” Grim asked you and you shrugged.

“I guess.” You said, letting Grim go and walking over to Stitch, who was now curled up into a ball. You then bend down to his level.

“Good morning Stitch, I’m sorry you got scared a moment ago, but this is Grim! He won’t hurt you, he was just surprised to see you.” You said and nudged Grim over.

“I am the Great Grim, the most powerful mage in Twisted Wonderland!” You rolled your eyes at his introduction.

“Grim? (Y/N)?” Stitch asked and you nodded.

“Yep, that’s us. Now, let me just go prepare for the day and we can go find help for you.” You smiled at Stitch and left Grim and Stitch in your room. You got dressed and had Grim resting on your head while you hugged Stitch in your arms. As you did, Stitch somehow morphed his extra 2 arms back into his body, this made you jump a little.

“So, you can morph those arms in and out?” You asked the blue creature and he nodded. “Wow, that’s very surprising. Well, time to go.”

With that, the 3 of you set off to find the bad fashion sensed and lazy headmaster. When you arrived at the headmaster’s office, Stitch had hidden himself behind your legs. You giggled and told him not to worry and went in the office together with Stitch and Grim.

Truth be told, the headmaster had let out a girlish scream when you brought Stitch into his view. The 3 of you were taken aback but the headmaster had quickly calmed down and asked you what had happened. After explaining the situation to Crowley, he decided that he will have students from Ignihyde Dorm to check out the crash and see if they can help, meanwhile, you get to have Stitch stay as your pet since you were a beast tamer after all. But in return, you must keep an eye on him 100% of the time and not allow any nonsense to happen at all.

Pfft, I think most nonsense happened because of you Crowley.

“Well, looks like we’re stuck together for now Stitch!” You said to the blue koala. “Now, you two better behave well in class later on.” You said and the three of you went to class.

After this time with Stitch, you would be lying if you said you weren’t attached to the him. Grim and him actually chatted here and there and became fast friends really quick.

Whispers and gossiping were heard once you’ve stepped foot into your classroom. You felt slightly uncomfortable, Stitch saw this and bared his fangs at the students who were gossiping about you and Stitch. Grim shot a few nasty looks here and there but nothing much.

“(Y/N), I don’t mean to be rude but, what is that?” Deuce asked you once you sat down at your usual spot, between him and Ace.

“This little cutie, is Stitch!” You said happily to the two of them.

“He’s the most adorable little creature I’ve ever seen!” You added, hugging Stitch closer to you. In return, the little blue koala-like creature snuggled close to you too.

Little did you know, a few sounds ‘tchs’ were heard from the two Heartslabyul boys beside you. However, Stitch heard them. Oh, this little creature knew what was going on when he looked up to see two jealous slightly annoyed faces looking down at him. And with that, he had concocted a plan to see how far he could annoy them.

They boy’s eyes widen as they saw Stitch had a semi-evil smile on his face as you giggled and kissed his nose. The boys were shocked! A few veins of theirs popping too! Low grumbles and mumbles were heard from the boys but you payed no attention to them as Professor Trein had walked in and began teaching.

As the bell rung, signaling that it was time for lunch. You stretched your body, arching your back after having it hunched over a table for some time. You then looked down to see a sleeping Grim and a semi-asleep Stitch. You let out a soft giggle and woke the both of them up.

“Grim, Stitch, come on, let’s go get some lunch.” And the two creatures woke up.

“Fgnaaaa! It’s eating time already? Come on, let’s go!” Grim said excitedly.

“Jeez, Grim is sure as hyper as ever.” Deuce commented.

“He better not steal my sandwich again…” Ace added and you let out a small laugh.

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on him.” You said, winking to the two boys. They blushed slightly as you walked with the two creatures to the cafeteria. The boys followed behind but was met with Stitch sticking out his tongue at them behind your back.

Cue more veins popping and potentially a bad boy Deuce breaking out.

Nevertheless, the two Heartslabyul boys had scowls on their faces and kept mumbling to one another. Somethings about ‘that little alien thinks he’s so high and mighty’ and ‘how dare he have more treatment from (Y/N) than us’ were thrown here and there from them.

When you arrived at the cafeteria, Grim jumped from your head and ran in a beeline towards the line for buying food. Ace and Deuce accompanied him as you and Stitch went to find your other friends. You saw them sitting at a table when Epel had waved you over. You smiled, waved back and head towards their table.

Jack, Epel and Sebek sat and chatted when you came over, and all their eyes landed on Stitch. You noticed that and began to explain what happened last night. Once you finished, Ace, Deuce and Grim were back with their food.  

“So, he’s an alien?” Jack asked and you nodded.

“Yes, and he is the most adorable creature ever! How can you not love him?!” You let out a small squeal and once again hugging Stitch closer to you.

Multiple and I mean MULTIPLE ‘tchs’ were heard. You were too busy giving Stitch attention that you didn’t hear a single thing.

Remember when I said Stitch knew about this jealousy the boys had for him?  

With a small smirk on his face, he kissed your cheek.

Innocently.

Jaws were dropped to the ground, eyes were wide open like saucers, and the most terrible thing was,

Sandwiches and food were squeezed until they were either like a thin piece of paper or entirely inedible.

FOOD WAS WASTED. HOW COULD THEY?! QwQ

You were shocked to have Stitch kiss your cheek. You looked back at the blue koala-like creature only to see him giving you the most adorable puppy eyes ever!

“Awwww! I love you too!” You said and hugged Stitch tightly and him hugging you back, tightly as ever.

“You see what we had to deal with?!” Ace whisper-yelled to everyone and they all nodded. Well, everyone except Grim. The little furball was just happy he got his sandwich and sat there, eating happily.

You guys were chatting and eating, with the occasional glaring between Stitch and the boys of course, when Crowley came up to your table, informing you that the dorm members of Ignihyde managed to fix Stitch’s aircraft and even upgraded it.

Truth be told, you felt happy and sad at the same time. Sure, it might mean Stitch gets to go home, but it also meant that you’ll have to say goodbye to him. It might have been only a day, but you’ve grown attached to the creature and now it’s time to say goodbye.

You had stick on a smile on your face and hid your true feelings inside.

“That’s great! Well, Stitch, let’s go and see your new aircraft!” You said to Stitch and all of you went back to Ramshackle Dorm to send Stitch off.

When you arrived, the aircraft in front of you didn’t look too much different when you first saw it, but it did have a few tweaks here and there. You let Stitch inspect his new ride, checking for anything that might go wrong again before taking off.

You were painfully quiet, which didn’t go unnoticed by the boys and Grim.

When Stitch had finished inspecting, he gave you a big smile and nodded furiously, telling you that everything was okay and that he will be going shortly. You gave him a smile back.

“Well, looks like you’re going home.” You said to him and gave him a hug. He hugged you back tightly and did something very surprising.

“Ohana.” Said the blue creature. You were puzzled.

“What?” You asked Stitch as you pulled away from the hug.

“Ohana means family. (Y/N), you took me in even when you knew I wasn’t normal. You, Grim and everyone were friendly to me and didn’t try to hurt me in any way. You even helped me in this unfamiliar world and didn’t push me away. That’s why, you’re all family to me.”

“You’re my ohana.”

Tears streamed down your face when Stitch said those words. A genuine smile had formed on your face and Grim was right beside you, bawling his eyes out as well.

“Thanks Stitch, you’re ohana too.” You said as you and Grim hugged Stitch together.

The boys at the back were holding in their tears. How could they think that this sweet little creature tried to take you away from them? They felt like as if a gun struck their hearts with guilt for wanting to hurt Stitch even though he only wants someone to guide him through this unfamiliar world.

You then pulled away from the hug and let Stitch get into is aircraft. Once the engine is up, you stood back and waved goodbye to him. He smiled and waved goodbye to you too before ascending into the sky, going back to his home.

The boys came up and comforted you as you wiped your tears away.

“Listen, (Y/N), we know Stitch meant a lot to you…” Deuce started but you just shook your head.

“Don’t worry, even though my relationship with Stitch was strong, I still have a lot of ohana here.” You said and smiled to them, in return they smiled to you as well.

“Yanno, I don’t mean to ruin the mood, but, VARGAS’ CLASS STARTS IN 4 MINUTES.” Grim said to everyone and you all laughed.

“Well, we better hurry if we don’t want to get punished. I remember the last time it was Sebek and Ace who got punished and their punishments were to run 200 laps and do 300 push-ups.” You giggled at the memory and the boy’s faces paled.

“What’re we waiting for? LET’S GO!” Ace yelled.

And so the 7 of you ran as fast as you could to get to class in time.

[gamerwoo]

Seventeen headcanon: Seventeen as mall workers

a/n: I’ve always lowkey wanted to do some sort of mall series but never actually had a solid plot so we gonna just do this instead. and Pentagon will be mentioned bc I wanna do one for them and I want them all to work in the same mall and no one can stop me 😤

-

Choi Seungcheol

currently works at GameStop

he quit his job at GNC a few months ago because he decided he hates working out

while he hates having to restock things or go into the back for stuff, he at least likes video games

definitely not the dude you want to end up yelling at on the phone

there have been so many times he’s had to give the phone off to Wonwoo or another co-worker because he would definitely lose his job

too high of a temper to work at GameStop tbh

but he knows what he’s talking about, so

has definitely recommended you games even before he worked in there

you’d just happen to be in there when he was and he’d notice you looking between two games and he’d tell you which one was better suited for you after asking what you normally play/what you like

now that he works there, he always puts in his two cents and will give you his discount on top of your own

-

Yoon Jeonghan

the current manager at Starbucks

he used to be the manager at American Eagle but he hated working there because retail sucks

unfortunately, the only other job he could snag was in -- you guessed it -- still retail

but at least he gets yelled at slightly less in Starbucks

and it’s probably only because he makes everyone else do things for him so he doesn’t have to

will take his sweet ass time making a drink

refuses to work the register

would rather stay off toward the back and make the drinks than deal with the people

always says he’s too busy to do things because he’s still training Yanan even though Yanan’s worked there longer than Jeonghan has

he’s also slightly salty at Yanan because he might be the better looking barista

one time he asked you if him or Yanan was cuter and you said him so he gave you your drink for free

refers to you as his “favorite customer”

-

Joshua Hong

works at Guitar Center

between him, Jihoon, and Jinho, he probably knows the least about instruments

pretty much only knows guitar things

but all he does is sit at the counter and play the guitar and sing

you are literally the only person who likes hearing him sing Sunday Morning

Jihoon told him to stop before he smashed the guitar over his head but you were in the store to kill time before your break ended and you said you were enjoying it

so Josh smirked and continued while Jihoon rolled his eyes

“’customer’s always right’ my ass...”

whenever you come in or he sees you walk by he’ll be like “got any requests?”

has offered to give you guitar lessons but you're always busy with work so you say “maybe another time”

but he continues to ask

-

Wen Junhui

works at the pet store downstairs

there hasn’t been a single time you’ve gone in there or walked past there and he wasn’t holding an animal in his arms

loves all the animals

also makes animal noises at the animals but it’s weird because he actually sounds like the animals

notices you come in to play with the animals during your break so now he always tries to get you to bring one home

“it’s not for the business, I just want them to find homes”

once got yelled at for actually getting in one of the puppy pens to play with them

-

Kwon Soonyoung

currently works at Hot Topic

the only reason being that store could not give less of a hell what goes on

he’s been fired from literally every other place at the mall

got fired from Starbucks for drinking too much coffee and shaking so badly all the time that he would spill drinks

fired from Build-A-Bear for exploding a bear with stuffing and making a child cry

fired from Bath & Body Works for dropping candles and spraying perfume in a customer’s mouth on accident

dropped and broke a guitar at Guitar Center

basically his last hope was Hot Topic but if Wooseok can work there and do absolutely nothing, Soonyoung was safe working there

he does attempt to do his job, it’s just that when it comes to basically existing, he’s bad at it

knocks things over, trips on things, is the loudest thing in the store

but he’s friendly and he does his job so who can complain

-

Jeon Wonwoo

the manager at GameStop

the youngest one working there but he’s in charge

usually the one to deal with the shitty customers but Wonwoo is thankfully good at containing his anger

well, at least until he hangs up the phone or the person is gone

goes in the back to yell about it to whoever is back there, even if they’re listening or not

Shinwon and Seungcheol give him a hard time for being the manager and always laugh and go “glad we’re not you!”

but he does love his job because he gets to work with video games

lowkey not very good with the girls who ask him for help though

gets blushy and can’t look them in the eyes

actually he’s really shy with people in general so tbh he’s always somewhat flustered

but he’s always feels happy when he helps someone find a new game or something so he likes his job

he’s usually the one who checks you out at the register and he’s the one who signed you up for a rewards card because you were in there so often

you don’t know this but before the rewards card, he would just give you his discount because you were literally always getting games or stuffed animals or pop figures from there

-

Lee Jihoon

the manager at Guitar Center

again, the youngest at his store, but the one in charge

his assistant manager, Jinho is slightly angry about it

but Jihoon knows everything about everything

any instrument you need fixed or need info on, he’s your guy

he comes off as very serious and not too friendly, but if you make him crack a smile, he suddenly seems super approachable

if he sees you having lunch at the food court when he’s on his break, he joins you sometimes

“you don’t give me a headache”

you assume that’s a compliment

some customers don’t take him seriously because they’re rude and assume he’s “a child”

but of course he schools their asses in his knowledge of instruments, so

sometimes his work is so satisfying lmao

-

Lee Seokmin

works at Bubble Bee

between him and Kino, it’s no wonder they get a lot of business

they’re both so cute and sweet and smiley

there was a short period of time where Soonyoung worked there and tbh those two were a mess

suddenly they only shared one braincell and poor Kino was stuck cleaning up their messes

but Seokmin and Kino work well together

not to mention Seok looks really adorable in the uniforms

always makes really good bubble tea

likes when the straw color matches the color of the drink though

you’ve never spoken to him much but he’s always smiling and cracking jokes and tbh you’re soft for him

-

Kim Mingyu

he was hired at GNC like, a month ago

he used to work at Starbucks but he got fired

because even though he made good coffee, the poor big idiot is clumsy as hell and kept spilling things and dropping things and knocking things over

Hongseok and Matthew knew him sorta so Matthew decided to hire him

he doesn’t really know what he’s doing but it’s fine

Hongseok’s training him while Matthew does most of the work since he’s manager

people started calling them the Big Tiddy Committee which you think is kinda funny

he’s usually in there when you go in to hang out with Hongseok and he’s really sweet

a lil dumb, but sweet

-

Xu Minghao

works at Lush

he originally planned to work at Sephora because he’s good with like, fashion and stuff

but he didn’t feel like dealing with that and Lush seemed less...annoying

he does seem kinda quiet and a little cold at first because he doesn’t really smile a whole lot except when politely greeting someone

but it’s easy to make him laugh

and he has a cute laugh and a really pretty smile

so when you first went in there to get a bath bomb and he asked if you needed help, you were really tempted to just say you were just looking

but you let him help and you got to talking and Minghao was really sweet

sometimes he has lunch with you, too because you just like talking to him

you found out he’s friends with Jun from the pet store and Yanan from Starbucks

it seems like a weird group of friends but hey, you also thought Minghao was a lot colder than he turned out to be

he always texts you when your favorite items are in stock and he may or may not use his discount and set them aside for you to pick up

“cash app me later it’s fine”

-

Boo Seungkwan

works at Sephora

he really wants to do makeovers but he’s not allowed to lmao

mostly just works the register and like lowkey judges everyone’s makeup

he will hype the hell out of you if he thinks you did something well

“your eyeliner is insanely sharp, oh my god”

“your eye shadow is beautiful!”

“that lipstick color looks so good with your skin tone”

has no frickin idea what to do with his discount because he doesn’t wear makeup

you once went in there and asked him for help and he just blinked at you and went “okay, let me find someone who knows what they’re doing”

at least he’s honest

-

Chwe Hansol

works at FYE

makes playlists to play at work in the store

literally just always vibing

the chillest worker in the entire mall tbh

one time he helped his manager, Hui make you a mixtape because you were looking for new music

so then he got interested and started talking to you as well about music

at this point, you’re going to befriend the whole store

looks like he doesn’t do much because he’s usually sitting at the counter and vibing

but he loves helping out customers and picking out music for them or fining things for them

he just loves to help out and talk about music

-

Lee Chan

works at American Eagle

when you see him in those jeans, you get it

he’s like a walking billboard because damn he looks r e a l n i c e

usually working the sales floor so folding and getting things from the back if someone can’t find a size

doesn’t work the register too often

so whenever you go in, he’s usually who greets you at the door with his beautiful smile

honestly he just looks like he should be working at that kind of store y’know? he fits

he doesn’t mind the job even though Jeonghan couldn’t stand it

despite that, he still is human and understand that shit is expensive

and since he recognizes you as a fellow mall worker, he sometimes goes up to the store you work at and let’s you know when they’re having special sales and stuff

[moonboohoo]

BOOK: DREAM; IN THE STARS

CHARACTER: IWAIZUMI HAJIME X READER

SUMMARY: IN WHICH A GIRL NEEDS TO REPAY HER SINS BY BEFRIENDING WITH A VOLLEYBALL PLAYER.

WORD COUNT : 5158

*LOWERCASE INTENDED.

2.1 ㅡ SOUL. 

warnings: major angst. 

days had stretched into months, and months had stretched into years. the seasons come and go like old friends. they bring memories of seasons past and the promise seasons to come.  even though these seasons were like the circle of life, which means there were some possible new changes and such, but people nowadays still lack a sense of humanity - therefore, you came up with a conclusion that becoming a grim reaper was more likely to be happier than reincarnate into another identity, which you wouldn't face the same thing all over again. maybe the trauma still haunts you, it was hard to forget and move on from what had happened in the past, and the wounds take time to heal.

after going through numerous trials and interrogations, the ruler of the afterlife - kaito-sama had previewed your life throughout these years. you've been told that committed suicide was a crime, and in order to repay your sins - they have given you a task to follow akaashi to guide the deceased to the afterlife.

how many years do you need to follow him? and, do they give you a chance to reincarnate? you have no idea, and you didn't really care about that anyway.

the pale cerise and cranberry pink blossoms of the cherry trees on the streets had fluttered downwards with the end of spring. the temperature was starting to get warmer, you could see people cursing the weather, as they took out their handkerchiefs to wipe their foreheads. nobody knew your existence, after all. you were a spirit, a grim reaper, and you're pretty much happy about it. you wanted to be alone and not interact with humans, you're scared that they will hurt your feelings again. letting out a long sigh, you raised your head for a gulp of air. the sound of the ice cream truck was heard, you saw a bunch of kids running around hysterically calling for their parents to give them money for ice cream. when they got the money from their parents, they went running toward the ice cream truck screaming, "ice cream!" , "ice cream!"

you gulped nervously and ran towards the ice cream truck, you haven't been eating ice cream for god knows how long, and you just wanted to sniff on the creamy, sweet texture to satisfy your desires. there were two kids standing beside you, licking and eating the ice cream happily. one of their cones had sprinkles and candies while the other one had nuts, coconuts and a host of other delicious toppings on them.

"(y/n)..."

no response.

"(y/n), come on." akaashi dragged you away from the scene, you pouted slightly as you followed him. he pinched the bridge of his nose before facing you, and you knew that akaashi was irritated, both of you were on a mission and the fact that you get distracted by an ice cream truck was ridiculous to him. akaashi forced himself to calm down, his angry expression returned to normal. you felt relieved when he patted your head, he usually did that when you're afraid of him, he didn't want to make you feel uncomfortable as he tried not to trigger your emotions, akaashi knew everything about your past events, and scolding you was definitely not an option.

"i told you to walk beside me, (y/n). it was hard for me to keep an eye on you when you're walking behind. moreover, i'm sure that you know we grim reapers, also counted as spirits - we won't be able to eat those, you know. "

you let out a dramatic sigh and walked past him, "akaashi...ice cream is literally the best! i mean, have you ever eaten ice cream?"

"(y/n), you never ate anything since the day you died, and it's been 15 years. and to answer your second question, i never eat that before..." his voice trailed off, as he wore a nervous expression on his face. you turned to him, your eyes widened in surprise. you thought akaashi was joking with you, you're flabbergasted and pretty much speechless. maybe akaashi hates sweet things? but, ice cream was basically a dessert that everyone likes - and he really did mention his favourite was sweet sticky rice, you've tried it before when you're little, and you immediately regretted after eating it because it was too sweet for you. akaashi fiddled his fingers when you squinted your eyes, staring at him curiously.

what was he doing in his entire life-

"akaashi-" just when you wanted to speak, he quickly covered your mouth and waved his right hand around. and for the next second, both of you were standing in the living room. you couldn't even process what was happening just now, as akaashi pulled your ear and dragged you upstairs, you made a whining voice as you tried to protest by pushing him away, but akaashi was strong, by the time when you guys were outside the room; your right earlobe had a light bruise and it was all thanks to your partner.

you crossed your arms over your chest and let out a huff, "kaito-sama told you not to simply use your powers here in case there are any emergencies..." you sighed, pushing the door open without looking at him. there were times that akaashi would suddenly get really flustered when you asked him a few questions that he didn't know how to answer, and as a result; he would end up using his powers and bring you to other places. but today? it was unacceptable. akaashi never did this to you, and you're now fuming with anger because he was acting normal, even though he could sense that you're grumpy because of him.

"(y/n), can you tell me the details about this man?"

"hisnameiscalledfujowararukawaandhe'salready78yearsoldhedoesn'tlivewithhisfamily becausehisdaughterhateshimandhe'sgoingtodieafter10minutesduetoheartattack." you simply told him in one go, without rephrasing your sentences. you pouted your lips and stared at him angrily, you're still waiting for him to pat your head, or giving you his awkward smile as an apology, but that doesn't seem to be the case. you watched the man sink slowly into the bed, his breathing becoming slower and slower and his hands were clutching on his shirt tightly, struggling to breathe. and then, you glanced over to akaashi. he was fiddling his fingers again, he slowly went towards him and put his hand on his forehead, his lips slightly quivered when he saw the man tears streaming from his deep blue eyes, loud, heaving sobs tearing down his throat. akaashi turned away and took a deep breath, he dug his fingers into his soft hands, trying to regain his composure. you couldn't help but worried about him, you nudged his arm with your elbow, he sighed while staring on the ground, not bothered to look at you.

"he's an old friend of mine," he spoke softly.

you didn't quite catch up with his words, and you're confused, too.

"i don't understand, akaashi. this old man is your friend?"

"he was already in his second life." akaashi sat on the chair, he brushed his hair back from his forehead, fingers shaking. "we're friends during the tokugawa period (aka edo period, 1603-1867. the final period of the traditional japan). both of our parents were farmers, and he will always ask me to play with him every day. we went to our secret hiding place behind our houses to build sandcastles and threw pebbles on the tree, we enjoyed talking to each other - and we talked about a lot of things. when i was 13, he was forced to move out with his parents. we made a promise to each other, and i thought our friendship will last forever."

you nodded, not knowing how to respond. "so...you have the ability to see their past memories?"

"y-yes...by touching their foreheads..." you blinked a little and waited for him to continue his story.

"we passed through, every spring. and you know what children are, always swearing internal friendship, then quite forgetting one another when the season has passed. he did not even know me when he came back to my hometown. he is so changed. and both of us were already 19 years old at that time."

you wanted to ask akaashi a lot of things, but your mouth was screwed shut. you didn't want him to think about his tragic past memories, but you're curious about his real identity. you shifted yourself closer and stood beside him, and there was this very one question that you've been dying to ask him a few years ago, but you didn't get the chance to ask him properly. you're contemplating whether you should ask this question or not, and you wouldn't give yourself too much expectation of him answering you since it was too personal.

"akaashi, why do you end up becoming a grim reaper? only people who committed sins are forced to...you know...i mean! we don't have a choice, right? kaito - sama said people who committed sins need to become a grim reaper!" you waved your hands nervously, and you regretted asking akaashi. you're ashamed at your insensitivity towards him. akaashi was looking at the old man, watching him took his last breath as he rolled his eyes back, he stood up and walked towards him as he avoided eye contact with you.

"...i killed my sister, and i ended up becoming a grim reaper for 300 years."

───

one of the guards leads the old man to the judgment hall, as you and akaashi went to a small garden beside the south gate, sitting on the bench while looking over the pond. fish were jumping above the large waves, which splashed on the shore. lily pads were swaying in and out of the waves, smaller frogs were jumping from pad to pad, playing as laughter filled the entire pond. you were always amazed by the beautiful flowers growing on the side of the pond, and you've never seen such unique colours before. their petals were surrounded by little blue diamonds, and the people in the afterlife told you that butterflies were reincarnated into those little gems, which you didn't understand why.

"butterflies are meant to shine, (y/n)." akaashi sat beside you, closing his eyes while responding to your question.

"stop reading my mind, akaashi," you stated coldly, clearly still annoyed that he didn't apologize to you. he was extremely quiet, it seems like there were other things occupied in his mind. was it your fault today? asking him in such a casual manner, you felt guilty for not being considerate of his feelings. you sighed again, you cleared your throat as you looked at him, you thought it was better for you to confront him face to face. you took a deep breath, opened your mouth but the words didn't want to come out. your heart was beating fast and it was odd - you weren't afraid of him, but this feeling made you so anxious.

"...today is my last mission with you, (y/n)."

it hit you hard. if you're to describe your feelings right now - sadness, anger and frustration mixed into one. you clenched your fist, your tears fall uncontrollably. you hated akaashi for not telling you, you hated him for being so selfish - he should've told you earlier, and you could spend time together with him as much as you can, it was hard to accept the fact that he was going to leave you, akaashi was there since the beginning of your death. 15 years of him taking care of you, 15 years of him staying by your side when you're depressed, 15 years of him doing a lot of things to you, to make you feel safe and comfortable around him.

"i'm sorry...i...i- please listen to me, (y/n)." he grabbed your hands and asked you to look at him. "after all these years, kaito-sama has finally given me a chance to reincarnate... i've been wanting to tell you since last week, but when i looked into your eyes, i felt guilty. it- it was hard for me too, it's been bothering me for months. (y/n)...i-"

he cried.

akaashi was crying.

when he cried, there was a rawness to it, like the pain was still an open wound. he hugged you tightly, the sobs were stifled at first as he attempted to hide his grief, then overcome by the wave of his emotions he would break down entirely. as much as akaashi tried to hold it in, his tears falling down one after another, without a sign of stopping. you hugged him back as your hands clutching on his black cloak, as you too, couldn't stop holding back your tears. you wanted akaashi to be happy, you wanted him to live a normal life again, it was true that you're still frustrated about him not telling you in the first place but, nothing matters now. akaashi wiped off his tears and pushed you away gently, his hand rubbed the bruise on your right earlobe and smiled; "sorry, (y/n)..."

"i-it's okay..." you hiccuped through your sobs.

"i've never pulled anyone before, except for my sister when she's naughty." akaashi bit his lips, tears threatening to fall. you nodded, his eyes not leaving you. "(y/n), i'm so sorry..."

"it's okay, akaashi...it's not a big deal...even though i was angry with you just now, i-"

"it-it's not fine..." he gripped your shoulders, his whole body was trembling when facing you. your face softened as you tried to draw circles across his back with your fingertips. "(y/n)... i said...i've never pulled anyone before, except for my sister..." akaashi repeated, closing his eyes as his salty drops fall from his chin, drenching your cloak. "akaashi, i know..."

"you don't understand! (y/n)! you are actually my sister!" he shouted as you flinched slightly. at this moment, you couldn't process anything that was happening around you. you didn't know what to think or how to think about akaashi. he was lying, right? those tears were rolling down your cheeks, the world turned into a blur, and so did all the sounds. he looked past your memories, he knew everything about you when he first met you in your room, touching your forehead and soon connecting the dots between you and him; and now this guy - who was crying and sobbing, was your brother.

why? you didn't want to believe him, but akaashi was the only one who knew your past, and you're so confused, you have no memories at all and you couldn't just simply hate him.

but he killed you.

he told you that he killed his sister, which was you... he kept apologizing to you, his nose grew very red at the tip. "i'm-i'm sorry... you are my sister...i don't have a choice really... those armies came to our town, trying to enslave all the girls... you're so scared, you hid under the table and kept screaming my name... i didn't want you to suffer, (y/n)! they're nasty and dangerous, i can't fight back. so...maybe i was thinking, it's better for you to die instead of being captured by them." akaashi's body was wracked with great sobs and he shook like a leaf. you scooted closer and pulled him into a tight hug, your eyes were burning and your chest felt heavy as if it were filled with lead. you smoothed your chaotic hair and wiped the tears from your cheeks which were now blotchy and mottled.

"i don't hate you, akaashi," you reassured him, his crying starting to subside but you could still hear his sniffles, you patted his back as both of you went silent for a moment. you're still in a trance - and it was hard for you to digest every single thing that he had said to you. you couldn't recall your past memories, and it was unfair to akaashi, too. he was trying to protect you from danger, and - even though killing you was not an option, but it was already over. it pains you when you saw akaashi crying to you, completely vulnerable. akaashi was always calm and thoughtful, he wasn't the type to break down so easily...

as much as you wanted to stay like this for a while, but it was time for him to go.

"hey...(y/n). thank you for everything." he slowly stood up, smiling at you. "don't cry, (y/n). i'm trying my best here...please smile for me. take care of yourself, okay? be strong, try to depend on yourself instead of others. if you're feeling lonely, you can always go to other grim reapers, make some new friends and it will make your life less boring. don't be afraid, i'm here for you, always." he pointed his own chest as tears were streaming down his already wet cheeks. he quickly wiped off his tears and you - your eyes now filling tears with glistening in the light, bouncing sadness through the atmosphere.

the pain you carry in your chest was inexplicable. seeing him walk away from you hurts you a lot. even though you wanted to hold him and keep him by your side for a long time, it seems like it wasn't going to happen. you didn't expect him to leave you someday.

"i will never forget the moments that you laughed with me, helped me...i don't regret any of those memories. thank you for everything...once again, i hope you found your happiness," you told him.

he walked towards you and kissed your forehead, "goodbye, mochi chan."

───

2009, March 29.

another 14 years had passed.

it took three years to accept the fact that akaashi had left you, and up until now, you're still thinking about him sometimes. you hoped that he was doing well in his life, as much as you wanted to see him again, it was hard for both of you to meet each other now. he was not going to remember you, and his looks might change...maybe a totally different person, who knows? you sighed as you put the name list on the table, kaito-sama didn't assign any mission to you today. you stood up and stretched your body, letting out a yawn.

"yo, (y/n) chan !!"

you immediately rolled your eyes.

hachiro kazumi, assistant of kaito - sama. you had no idea what he was doing honestly, you only knew that he was good at writing reports and flirting with other grim reapers, especially guys. ever since akaashi had left, kazumi had become your temporary partner. god, this fox boy was annoying, he never stopped asking you silly questions and he was excited every time when he got a chance to go on a mission with you. and also, you didn't understand why he could look into his mirror all day, praising himself over and over again, and also gave himself a nickname called "the charming fox boy". you closed your eyes when he pulled you into a tight embrace, his tail wagging around as he squished his cheeks against yours.

"uh-ow...kazumi, that hurts..." he laughed as he pushed you away gently. "kaito-sama wants to see you right now!" you nodded as you tugged your hair behind, ready to go to the palace. but kazumi was still standing there, his head tilted to the side as his yellow eyes were staring at you, as you've forgotten to do something right before you go to the palace. you scratched the back of your neck and sighed, "right, i knew it." you walked to him and patted his head, rubbing his ears as he purred in satisfaction.

"alright ! let's go, (y/n) chan!"

kaito-sama was already standing there waiting for your arrival. you bowed to him as both of you proceeded to the room with kazumi followed behind. he closed the door as he asked you to sit on the silver chair, kazumi rummaged through the shelves and took out a few documents and placed it on the table. kaito-sama nodded slightly, he read through the yellow papers and gave it to you, as you're eyeing on them curiously. "i have a mission for you, (y/n)." kaito - sama clasped his hands together on the table, your eyes widened in disbelief when you've read through the last paper.

"kai-kaito - sama...eh...uhm...i don't understand..." you put the documents aside, blinking your eyes, utterly confused. you need an explanation from him, why did he assign such a mission for you? kazumi smirked at you, he wanted to say something but was interrupted by his superior. "after several discussions, we're giving a special task for you, instead of guiding the dead to the afterlife, you can spend your time in the real world to complete your mission, isn't that nice?" he smiled as he gave you papers to sign your contract. you hesitated, it was new to you, as much as you didn't want to disobey his orders, you thought it was quite ridiculous for you to take care of a boy for 4 years.

"kaito-sama, why do i need to babysit a boy for 4 years? plus, i'm dead. i won't be able to go to his world and follow him all the time, right? and the documents - it stated that i will be living with the hayato family, they got married but they didn't have any children since then. t-this doesn't even make sense? i'm dead, kaito-sama, i don't understand...why do i need to be friends with him?"

he sighed, scratching his cheeks as he tried to think of a better explanation, to make it convincing to you. "anyway, we are able to change your "parent's" memories. you will become their temporary daughter for 4 years. and also, don't question anything, (y/n). it's for your own good, you got to reincarnate once he's officially 18 years old. you will be going to the same school as him, and when the time you got into the real world, your body will start to shrink - as you know, this boy is only 15 years old, and your physique will be the same age as him, too."

"we can make you alive again, (y/n). only for 4 years."

you rubbed your temples and took a deep breath. kaito-sama didn't exactly answer your question, and you couldn't just disobey his commands. you didn't care about your reincarnation, though. you were just feeling very, very exhausted when you knew you're going to classes all over again. you took a piece of paper and wrote several things about his background, and also the details of the hayato family as well. you put it inside your pocket and signed the contract unwillingly, you tried to stay positive and cheery as possible, you didn't want yourself to be depressed for the next 4 years.

documents ; details of iwaizumi hajime and the hayato family.

kaito - sama smiled at you, "(y/n), as i said, it's for your-"

"yeah, yeah. it's for my own good."

"cheer up, babe! kaito-sama give you a chance to reincarnate! you just need to finish this mission, (y/n)!" kazumi pulled a chair and sat beside you, playing with your hair.

you groaned and looked up to him, "i'm not a guardian angel...you know? i'm a grim reaper."

they lead you into a darker room, which kazumi brought a few spellbooks and gave it to kaito- sama. the spellbooks were from the previous ruler, they guarded them like precious gems. kazumi prepared the circle. the candles glowed and the prepared purification materials were readied. kaito-sama asked you to step into a circle centre, as he took the spellbook and his hands ran over the words of the spell. the light rose up from the ground and circled your body. your body vibrated, your skin turned to silver as the light shot through your body. your head started to get dizzy, you felt yourself drifting further and further and you could hear kazumi yelling at you, but you couldn't hear anything from him.

suddenly, you woke up in an unfamiliar room.

the room was purple with beautiful murals on the wall, hand painted by someone else. there were a few books and papers on the table, and there were dry baby breaths beside you which you didn't know why, but it smells good, though. the vanilla scent lingered around your room, it made you sleepy but you forced yourself to crawl out of your bed. the paper that you've written the details on was on the table, you quickly put it inside your drawer before your so-called parents looked at it. your room was so different compared to your own room many years ago, you're happy when you see a few stuffed toys on the shelves. you hoped that the hayato family was not abusive, as you're nervous and excited at the same time.

you went to your bathroom and looked at the mirror, your face was slightly rounder and chubbier compared to your true form. other than that, nothing changed much. you didn't have much acne on your face, though. you're quite satisfied with your new room and your looks, you smiled as you went out of your room.

"(y/n) chan!! (y/n) chan!!" your heard footsteps approaching you and when you turned around, you saw a woman with black hair grinning at you happily as she grabbed your wrist and led you to the kitchen. your hands started to get sweaty due to your past events - she wasn't going to beat the hell out of you, right? "tada!" she took out the butter cake from the oven and placed it in front of you. "isn't it lovely! we are going to bring this to our new neighbour, what do you think? (y/n)?" her eyes beamed with excitement, sniffing the scent of the butter cake and let out a hummed of satisfaction.

"e-eh... uhm...yes? it-it looks tasty!" you replied, your heart was still beating fast.

"why are you so tense?! my daughter? here," she then kissed your forehead and ruffled your hair, "are you feeling better?"

"...i feel loved." you thought of yourself, you never experienced this kind of thing before, except for akaashi; kissing on your forehead before he left.

"yeah." you smiled, giving a peck on her cheeks. she smiled widely, asking you to follow her to bring this butter cake to your next neighbour, which you're happy to oblige. you felt safe when you're with her, you could tell that your "mother" was an optimistic person. you looked around the living room, you didn't see your dad in your house. "where's dad?" you asked. your mom wore her flip flops and turned around and looked at you, "ah, your dad will be coming home tonight! don't you remember? we are going to celebrate his birthday!"

"ah-ah yes! sorry, i forgot." you smiled sheepishly.

you knocked on the door twice and waited for their response, your mom was holding on the aluminium tray as she whistled softly to you. you could hear footsteps and then the door was swung open, revealing a small, brown-haired woman smiling at us. "i'm sorry, i was washing the dishes!" your mom shook her head, telling her not to worry about it.

" i brought you some homemade cake! hope you will like it!" she told her.

"oh my...i did not expect this! p-please, come in! make yourself at home!" she waved her hands frantically as she quickly took the cake from your mom, leading you guys to the living room. once she put the cake on the table, the woman turned around and asked you, "hi, sweetie! how old are you?"

"ah! i'm 15 years old." you told her, you cringed slightly due to the childishness in your voice.

"oh really? i have a son of your age," she replied enthusiastically as she helped your mom to take out the plates and put it on the dining table. you nodded and sat on the blue sofa nervously, you started to fiddle your fingers as your eyes started to dart around. this is the first day of your mission, and you still need to endure for 4 years. you closed your eyes, trying to calm down your emotions, a part of you wanted to stay with the hayato family forever, but another part of you wanted to abandon this mission and went back to the afterlife, completing easy tasks instead of befriending with a guy in the real world.

"hajime! come down now and serve our guests, please!"

"coming..." you saw him walking down the stairs and yawned loudly, he rubbed his tired eyes as he went to the kitchen, drinking a glass of water before he proceeded to the living room. when he saw you, his face turned red as he quickly poured a glass of orange juice and gave it to you, you laughed at his reactions before you took the glass from him. "i-i'm sorry! i just woke up from my nap, so my vision was quite blurry..." he rubbed the back of his neck.

"o-oh, it's fine!" you tried to hold back your laughter, as you quickly drank your orange juice. he sat beside you, and you could tell he was trying his best to find something to talk to you. "i'm not good at conversations, so i'm sorry if i weirded you out."

"not at all! don't worry about it."

"uhm...what's your name?"

"my name is (y/n) hayato. your name is iwaizumi hajime, right?"

oh shit.

you mentally facepalmed yourself, why did you say something like this? you just blurted out his name, iwaizumi will probably think that you're a stalker, his eyes widened as he questioned, "how do you know my name?"

"i got your name from the afterlife and my boss asks me to take care of you-"

"oh, your mom told me your name!" you winked at him, as you quickly took a sip of your orange juice and faced him again. he nodded slightly, and he asked, "you are the same age as me right?" you replied with a nod as he continued, "which high school are you going to? i'm going to aoba johsai, though. my friend forced me to go with him." he sighed, as he rubbed his left cheek. "just think about him makes me want to - ugh never mind."

both of your mothers shouted from the kitchen, asking both of you to take the cookie jar and placed it on the dining table.

"i'm going to aoba johsai too! wanna walk together to school everyday?"

[itsclydebitches]

Can we please have more of Uncle Oz? That prompt was beautiful and my little heart needs more. Specifically why Oz slept on the couch before as Yang mention it has happened in the past. *puppy eyes*

Okay, okay, I’m an IDIOT who doesn’t remember her own writing. Because my fool brain ended up writing about Qrow sleeping on the couch instead, for undetermined reasons. Will I ever successfully answer a prompt? Will Qrow and Oz ever end up in the same drabble together again? Stay tuned to find out! 

(Prompt list is here) 

Tai took two steps into Ozpin’s latest apartment, saw the quilt lying haphazardly over the couch, and had the distinct urge to walk back out again.

“What did he do this time?” he sighed.

Ozpin’s lips thinned. He cast his own look at the messy pile of pillow and blankets, seeming to project an unwarranted amount of disdain at the poor, innocent fabrics. They wouldn’t be the first inanimate objects to take the brunt of Ozpin’s emotions. In lieu of people—and very much to their benefit—Ozpin tended to take his rare anger out on the trees of Forever Fall Forest; the occasional dish that gave a satisfying shatter. Those moments truly were rare though. More often than not Tai simply found piles of methodically torn up paper on Ozpin’s desk.

Right now the sleeve of his sweater was slowly coming undone, the loose thread rolled, rolled, rolled between two fingers. Yep.

“Don’t even try it,” Tai said, gesturing at the weak smile Ozpin had just conjured out of will alone. “If you tell me not to worry, say it’s nothing, or worse, start going on about how I came here for a nice visit? I will take this umbrella and shove it straight up your ass.”

“Hardly the best way to start our evening together.” This time the twitch of his lips was genuine. Ozpin swept aside to let Tai through, arm falling in a graceful arc to indicate the umbrella stand and a small mat for his shoes. “Truly though, you didn’t come here to—”

“Finish that sentence, Oz. I dare you.” Tai shook the umbrella and a thousand water droplets scattered across the floor.

“Oh for dust’s sake. You’re as stubborn as he is,” and with a huff Ozpin turned on his heel and headed back towards the kitchen.

Hmm. That didn’t bode well.

A lack of reprimand for getting water all over his entryway? Check.

Insulting his guest—because yes, any comparison to Qrow was an automatic insult in this family—right when they’d arrived? Check.

Visible frustration, petulant attitude, further faux pas by abandoning Tai to his own devices? Check, check, check. Tai cast a longing look at the door and kicked off his shoes.

“Formal announcement,” he said, wandering into the kitchen to find Oz slamming milk onto the counter. “I would like to remind everyone here,” Tai gestured to an invisible audience, “that I am not even related to you. Not technically. Not since I dumped Raven’s fine ass. And yet here I am, the best of fake brother in laws, here to be your shoulder to cry on. Metaphorically. Because I just bought this shirt and I’m not prepared to find out what two-thousand year old tears might do to it.”

The look Ozpin cast him could have melted iron. “Are you going to be like this all night?”

“Until you tell me what happened? Absolutely.”

“Very well. That shirt is horrendous though. By the way.”

“Thank you. Wore it special for this visit. Oh, extra marshmallows in mine. Don’t be stingy, old man.”

Ozpin agreed with a roll of his eyes, plopping said marshmallows into two mugs as the milk began to steam. He’d said once that only fools put the marshmallows in last. Pouring cocoa over them ensured the perfect, almost-melted-but-not-quite consistency for scooping up with a spoon. Tai had said he was crazy and had said spoon chucked at his head.

The cocoa was very good though.

“I can hear it buzzing,” Tai said, taking a seat at the counter. With speed worthy of a huntsmen Oz had his scroll out and tucked away in a drawer. Neither he nor Qrow had much time to cook, so their kitchen had the sort of aesthetic perfection usually only found in domestic magazines. Tai ran his finger over the absurdly clean marble top, tracing a line from mug to salt shaker. “You ever going to answer him?”

Ozpin pulled up a stool directly beside Tai, their knees now pressed together. Need for physical contact? Check.

“My silence is answer enough.”

“Oz.”

“He—”

Ozpin cut himself off and all at once the wind went right out of Tai’s sails. Oh. No more jabs or check-lists then. That expression wasn’t something to trifle with. He…

Well. Let’s just say the last time Ozpin looked like that he’d had the name ‘Summer’ on his lips. Dejection of that sort—pulling at an intrinsically optimistic nature—only ever meant someone’s death.

The mug of cocoa slammed down on the counter. “Qrow’s dead?”

“Tai.”

“Right, right, sorry. Stupid, knee-jerk question. So he…?”

“Almost died, yes.” Ozpin delivered the news without a trace of emotion. Not to the casual observer, at least. “Of course, he’d never admit as much to himself. Let alone to me. Oh no, the man will go to his grave—literally!—insisting that he’s never made an impulsive decision in his life. Not on the battlefield, anyhow.” His own mug was snatched up and half the chocolate poured down his throat. “I married a fool.”

Been there, Tai almost said, but bit his lip at just the last moment. Right. Serious conversation now. It was just hard when he could so clearly see the picture spread out before him. He hadn’t visited last week because Qrow and Oz were out on a mission, the sort of thing that wasn’t secret exactly, but played close between them for Tai’s own peace of mind. They had to have encountered grimm because Ozpin would have been on a warpath if any humans or faunus had gotten between them. So maybe Qrow took on too many. Or, as Oz said, played the over confident fool. Maybe he was just careless.

…or maybe, based on how Oz was rubbing at his shoulder, Qrow had taken a hit meant for him.

“How bad is it?”

The question came out a whisper, but you’d have thought Tai shouted it with the way Ozpin jerked. Right. Pretty unused to having other people read him so easily—or at all. Tai would have liked to rib him on it. Only problem was, Oz was only transparent like this when something was well and truly bothering him.

Damn his own, kind nature. Tai was a freaking saint and everyone was going to realize it one of these days. He should really get some sort of medal.

Ozpin, meanwhile, had deliberately moved his hands back to his mug and carefully re-schooled his features. They might as well have been discussing budget reports.

“He dodged it,” Ozpin said, each word clipped and a little bit fragile. “Barely. After pushing me out of the way, of course. You’d think two thousand years of training would keep me from making an initiate’s mistake, hmm?”

“You’d think two thousand years of training would have taught you the lesson you’re always pushing on us.”

“Which is?”

“No one’s perfect, Oz.”

A curl of his lip and two taps against porcelain. It said, I should be.

“I don’t care about perfection.” Liar. “But I do care if my mistakes endanger others. More pressingly, given that it’s clear I will continue to make mistakes, I care greatly when others wish to take on my consequences when there is absolutely no need.”

Tai forced himself to swallow down another sigh. Oh, they all knew that speech well now. The problem with befriending an immortal was that he believed, with every fiber of his being, that he was meant to take the hit. Always.

Tai also knew damn well that he wouldn’t be the guy to talk Oz out of that. That particular honor went to the man currently banished to the couch.

Funny the irony there. And by ‘funny’ Tai meant ‘Not at all what the absolute fuck, Ozpin.’

“What I’m hearing,” he said slowly. “Is that you’re punishing Qrow for doing—wait for it—this absolutely horrible thing called loving you.”

Ozpin scowled. “You know very well it’s more complicated than—”

“Get over it.”

Ozpin blinked.

“Everything’s complicated for you. Everything is always going to be complicated. So for just this one thing get over it and accept that Qrow loves you. That loving you might include dying for you. I sure as hell hope not, but if you don’t allow him that then you’re gonna reach a point where he’s not even sleeping on the couch anymore.”  

Impassioned speeches, thy name is not Tiayang Xiao-Long. He’d tried though. With good reason. Ozpin was staring at the countertop now, one foot lightly bobbing over the rung of his stool. A bit of his bottom lip pulled up between his teeth. That was something.

Oh, Tai was under no illusions that he’d change someone like Ozpin so easily. But for now? That lack of pushback was just enough.

Finally Ozpin raised his head. He moved it in what might have been Remnant’s smallest, most terrified nod.

Or maybe Tai was just finding what he wanted to see.

“You want to see Ruby’s latest drawing?” he asked, tapping the space above his heart. Pure coincidence that his girls’ artwork happened to be tucked in the pocket there. “She’s got some pretty awesome ideas about what the grimm must look like.”

Ozpin’s eyes shown. “But of course. Although… perhaps we should wait for Qrow?”

Just like that. Smooth it over. Tai was good at that, though he had no illusions that he’d never again walk in to see Qrow’s pillow stuffed onto one end of that couch. Dust only knew how Oz would react the next time he tried to play hero… or whether Tai would ever be allowed to die for him as he would any other friend. That might be too much to ask him for.

Remember he’s different, Tai thought. Every victory is so much larger when it’s with Oz. You’ve just gotta remember that.

Tai lifted his mug in a toast. “Sounds like a plan.”

The cocoa was cold now. Tai decided to focus on the sweetness instead.

[romnff-blog]

suncity

warnings: kinda angsty (with a bit of fluff), tw for anyone who’s triggered by talk of drowning, a couple of swear words &&&& I think that’s it.

pairings: bucky x reader

a/n: the title of this has almost nothing to do w the story unless you wanna be deep about it and whatever I just couldn’t think of a name for it and this was the song I listened to while writing so djdjsj

-

“You have got to be kidding me!” You complained, somewhat to yourself but loud enough for anyone at a five mile radius to hear you as you attempted to sort out the equipment Stark had set you up with earlier that morning as the enemies continued their attack on you. You’d thrown a few kicks and punches with your able hand and feet as you tried figuring out how to work this hell of a device with the other.

“What is it this time?” Urged an annoyed Bucky through the tiny ear piece, “what’s got your panties in such a twist?” He mumbled in complete annoyance, sounds of throats being slashed and heads being banged into one another echoing through the coms in the background.

“Shut it, Manchurian candidate,” remembering Tony’s nickname for the old guy that made you chuckle, you retorted, “don’t you have some ass to be kicking?”

“Don’t you have some nails to be polishing?” He shot back. That little shit. It’s as if you could literally hear the smirk forming on his face as he knew exactly what it took to set you off. With a huff, you stormed off to the end of the deserted island, holding your weapons in very close proximity as you continue to keep a close eye for any enemy attack.

You could hear the Captain and Nat scoff and exchange a few words before hearing Steve’s demanding voice, “stop arguing, you two, keep an eye out. We may tolerate your annoyance but these guys won’t. They’ll have your heads chopped off within the blink of an eye, Ill assure you of that.” All was silent for a moment as the team had split up, each taking their own personal rage out on the enemy before Natasha’s smug voice shot up with a, “cap’s right, it’s like you guys are like, I don’t know, in love or something. I’ve only ever seen couples fight the way you two do—“ her words were cut off with loud, annoyed groans from both you and Barnes, emitting a low chuckle from her. Asshat.

Here’s the thing with you and Bucky. How does one put this? Well, you didn’t really get along. Like, at all. When you first met, there was an instant click between you two. Everyone had noticed from the beginning. You weren’t ever even really sure what it was but you just seemed to get along so well and it made you more than happy seeing as how it took you almost weeks –with some, even months– to befriend half of the people on the team, so everything just seemed so easy with him. Next thing you knew, you were doing everything together. Almost like best friends, you could say.

Almost.

You weren’t really sure what happened or what it was that you did to him but he just -all of a sudden-stopped talking to you. You questioned the action, even tried confronting him about it a couple of times but only ever got really short, angry and sassy remarks. It broke you heart. To think that the one person you found easiest to open up to, the person you looked forward to waking up in the morning just to see, the one you’d always find rummaging around in the kitchen at 3am knowing damn well you’d be up, unable to sleep, wanting someone to talk to. Knowing that one person who made you happiest all of a sudden just..hated you? And for no reason, you thought.

It’s made you think a lot. What could it have possibly been that you’d done to upset him so much? He’s never been one to hold a grudge, I mean, come on. The guy fell off a freight train, almost died, (not before being “brought back to life” by a couple of evil men) been experimented on and used as a killing machine. If he really was one to hold a grudge, it would most definitely not be towards you. So what was it?

It took some time but slowly you started pulling away as well. Why was it fair for him to treat you this way, yet you’d still come running into his arms the second he’s in need? Fuck that. From that day onward it was like a competition between the two. Always arguing, calling each other names, refusing to work together. The team had most definitely taken a notice on this as well. Always having to deal with the endless bickering between the two.

Little had y/n known, Bucky most definitely did not hate her. Probably the exact opposite. He didn’t know he’d ever feel this..feeling ever again. Especially not after ‘dying.’ He didn’t think he was worthy of such a thing after what he’s done for decades. Steve still has to remind him everyday that that wasn’t him, that he’s innocent and that he’s had no choice. It’s like Steve had put some spell on y/n because soon after she had befriended bucky, that’s all she would tell him. Steve teased his dearest friend about his newly found friend crush on y/n. Bucky loves steve, he really does, but there are times that all he wants to do is crane kick him in the neck.

Ever since then, that’s all Bucky could think about. Did he actually like you? Could there have been a hint of truth in what Steve had said? No, it couldn’t be. You would hate him forever and never talk to him again. Maybe even laugh in his face before storming off and out of his life forever. It’s odd because after all the man has literally gone through years of brainwash, physical abuse, almost dying (if not everyday then every other day) and having murdered innocent people with his own bare hands. A little rejection shouldn’t be a worry. It shouldn’t. But it is. Or, was, you could say. There is no way you’d ever talk to him (well, in a friendly manner, at least) again. Not after how he has treated you all these years. That’s why he’s been so cold with you. But you could never know that. No, he would rather die (trust me, he knows exactly what he’s talking about and yes, he would much rather die, again.)

Looking around herself, y/n took a look at the pile of bodies stacked up on-top of one another, taking in an exhausted breath. It’s been hours since you arrived on this little island and hours since you’ve seen the rest of the team. The mission you were sent on consisted of you, Bucky, Natasha and Steve. Steve and Natasha were off somewhere in the forest where some of the hydra agents hid, the piezoelectric sensor -a device that uses the piezoelectric effect,- that nat had tony set up earlier during one of his machine test-outs had set itself off at their presence, measuring not only the change in pressure, acceleration, temperature, strain, or force and converting them to an electrical charge. That had those agents off their feet in no time (literally.)

You and Bucky had been set up to work together, but due to your, as Steve would say, ‘pointless, ongoing and sadly never ending bickering,’ you were unable to do so as Steve worried the two would be the ones to kill each other before any hydra agent could. Having had your ear piece on for quite some time your ear started to get a bit irritated, so you did as anyone would with an irritating ear piece and went to remove it. But upon doing so, you hear a strange noise. Hesitant, you perk an ear to listen closely, com hanging loosely on your chest. The noise, it’s almost like a muffled scream. But where’s it coming from?

With wide eyes you reach for the com and, surely enough, said noise is coming from the other end of the piece. The muffled screamed..is that..? Oh no.

“You vant him,” you hear a thick German accent speak softly but demandingly, allowing you to hear the screams of terror, “come get him!” And with that you hear a loud splash and your heart stops.

“BUCKY,” you scream before running off into the secluded area. You didn’t even know where your feet were taking you anymore as you weeped at the thought of having lost him. A stream of tears descended your face like a broken necklace of pearls, clutching and beating at your chest as you sobbed violently.

After trudging in the sand for what seemed like hours -in reality having only been no more than twenty minutes- and sobbing like a madman, something had caught your eyesight, turning your full attention towards the calm waves you noticed a shiny, what seemed to be metal object waving in the water. Had your eyes been deceiving you? Your doubts were answered by another wave and this time you knew that your eyes had not been playing any sort of tricks on you.

In shock and utter disbelief, you gasped, running towards the water and jumping in, not at all caring about getting wet. You swam and swam until it felt like the water was burning your lungs. Had only you learned how to swim, this would have been a piece of cake. Keeping your eyes wide open, even through the salty ocean water, you had caught sight of him. It’s like someone had lit a fire because your heart was starting to get all warm and fuzzy again. Or was that just the water slowly making its way into your body, slowly killing you due to your lack of swimming skills, Lord knows.

Was it the salt from the water or the fact that you had been crying for so long that your eyes felt like they were burning, you would never know.

Finally getting a hold of the unconscious metal-armed man you once called friend it’s as if all that worry and doubt you had about his safety was all gone. Well, almost. It would really help a lot if he wasn’t unconscious right now. Using all of the strength you didn’t even know you were capable of handling, you fumbled around your belt to attach yourself to the man with the help of a hook and rope you always carried around the belt of your suit in case of emergency. The weight of his bionic arm and the density of the water making it all even tougher to get the job done and it worried you if whether or not you could make it out in time and alive. The thought of that weighed down on you even more, almost triggering an anxiety attack.

It took everything in you not to start panicking in this situation right now and breathing in wasn’t necessarily an option right now. The only possible way of making it out alive, you thought, was abandoning Bucky and swimming to your own safety and there was no way in hell you were gonna let either of those happen. It’s either you both live or you both die. Something in y/n had sparked motivation, thinking about bucky more than herself, pushing herself to the limit and carrying all of bucky on her back and swimming as much as she possibly could to the top. Each move seemed to make the surface look so much further away than it actually was, and it should have made you feel like giving up like it would in most situations but it only motivated you to continue swimming and even harder and faster than the last.

After what seemed like hours of terror and anxiety, both yourself and Bucky had reached the surface. With heavy breaths you threw yourself to the left side of bucky, looking over at him and smiling tiredly, letting out the biggest breath of relief. It seems as though the evil man had duck taped bucky’s mouth. In panic, you quickly removed the tape and, without a second thought, began performing cpr. Continuing for what seemed like forever, it seemed to be of no use. His pulse was now going (as it wasn’t before) so that was a relief but he was still unconscious and that was enough to set you off on another sob-fit. Burying your face in his chest, you began to weep.

It’s as if the heavens were answering your every prayer because in came Steve and Natasha rushing in on the scene.

“What happened, we heard your screams and then both your coms went off, is everything alri—oh my god..” Steve came running before he could even attempt to finish his sentence as he took notice of the mans unconscious state. “Romanoff, call up Stark. Tell him to get the jet and hurry. We’re going back early.” He ordered, earning a quick, “On it.”

Less than twenty minutes later and the jet was here. Bucky’s body was being carried in the back. You took the seat right next to him, praying everything was alright.

You had made it to the hospital as you prayed he was in good hands you couldn’t help but think back to all the good times with him. Sure, a lot of it was mostly just the usual arguments and nonessential bickering but you still cherished it. No matter how much he may have hated you, he’s still the man you fell in love with the first day you met. You hated having to admit it but it’s true. You were head over heels in love with this man (who, let’s not forget, hates your guts!) and if you were having doubts about it before, today most definitely clarified those doubts.

You didn’t realize you were lost in thought until the nurse was waving a hand in your face. Shaking yourself out of the trans, you looked up at the woman.

“Are you y/n?”

“Yes? Who’s asking?”

“The patent is awake. James barnes, says he wants to see you.” Said the woman before turning on her heel, leading me to the room.

‘He wants to see me?’ You thought ‘I don’t know whether I should be scared or happy. Is this a good thing? Should I be excited? I’m thinking too much.”

Your breath hitched in your throat as you looked at the man in the hospital bed eyeing you wearily with a tired smile. “Come ‘ere.” He motions for you to sit beside him. So you do.

“Hi.” You whisper shyly, ghosting your fingers along where the scars appeared -between the shoulder and metal meet- hesitantly.

“Hi,” He replies, smiling tiredly before replacing it with a tiny frown “you saved me.”

Confused, you reply, “yeah, I did. What’s wrong?”

“Why?”

Why? What does he mean why?

“Why? Why not? Did you think I was gonna let you drown to death? Is that what you were expecting or me?”

“No, no,” He replies defensively, “it’s just,” He sighs before mumbling “I don’t deserve to be here, especially after how I treated you and after all I’ve done all these years. I don’t deserve to live, you should have just left me to die.”

That was all it took to set you off.

“Are you kidding me buck? Of course you deserve to live! You have never done anything to me or to anyone else to make yourself think you aren’t worthy of walking the face of this earth like everyone else. What you “did” all those years? That wasn’t you! You had no control of yourself. They took advantage of you in a vulnerable state and made you do some very unspeakable things. But it wasn’t you. You have zero reason to believe that you aren’t worthy because you are! You’re the most amazing person I have ever met in my entire life! When we stopped talking and you turned away from me and our friendship I was beyond hurt, wanna know why? Because I care about you buck! so so much. Everyone on the team does. You are loved, Bucky. You’re wanted and you’re so worth it.”

Bucky blinked a couple of times, taking in the sudden rant you just went on as he thought. You really did care about him, huh. If it weren’t for the funny tasting medicine they gave him he would probably know what to say, instead going for,

“Would you totally hate me if I kissed you right now?”

And that was it. This was bucky’s shot. No more fear of rejection. No regrets. It was chilling but thrilling and he definitely was not expecting for you to say what you were about to.

“No.”

It was in a hushed tone. So quiet you might have missed it if you had not been listening closely but lucky enough for bucky, the silence filling the hospital room made it so that whatever hushed whisper either one of them had spoken to the other could be heard loud and clear to them but no one else.

So what was he waiting for? He did as he promised and leaned -well, not in because he’s the one in the bed and he’s actually looking up at her so- up to capture your lips in his and -as cliche as it is, because what’s a first kiss without a cliche, overused reference?- it’s like Independence Day came early because you’d never think you’d feel this many sparks in your entire life (see, what’d I tell you about the cliche, you were warned, folks.)

You put your everything into this kiss, reminding yourself to be as gentle as possible, almost as if he were brittle glass you were afraid you’d break if you kissed any harder. The kiss was everything. Passionate, slow and tender but reassuring and it was not rushed but quick enough to assure there would be more in the future.

Breaking the kiss, you’d rest your forehead against bucky’s, enjoying each others presence. Neither of you spoke, but you were definitely thinking the same thing. This was going to be the start of something new -and you liked the thought of that- but for now you both really need the rest, so best assured you do.

-

a/n: hi it’s 11pm and my head hurts like a lot lol so I’m gonna sleep but hey! my very first ever one shot! and it’s pretty long, I’d say? idk that’s probably just a matter of opinion (idk what you would consider long) but. hopefully there’s more in the future, just hope you enjoyed this one. please show this some love, ur girl would really love that. pls feedback is very very much appreciated! also literally not kidding I haven’t proofread this so let’s just pray there are very minimal, tolerable mistakes ok im djdjsj ok bye now ilysm hope you’re having the greatest day/night

hugs, k 💌

[dragonfairy1231]

Reversed Quartet

This was partially made for and very much so inspired by queenofhearts7378. Please check them out, they and thier Secret Quartet side blog are amazing!

Chapter 1. Heroines in New York?

“Ugh!” A teenage girl with bright violet eyes, pitch black hair and a fair complexion groaned into her phone, on which was a three way call to her best friends.

“It-It’s not that bad Sam.” Danny Fenton, son of local town (formerly thought to be mad) scientists and known as the boy with his head in the stars around the small town, tried to placate his irate friend.

“Not that bad?!” The girl shot back, springing back up from the bed she’d just laid down on.

“Danny, I’ll be going to New-freaking-York. Just so that my mother can go see the newest fashions revealed. And I’ll be gone for a week! What if something major happens?” She frantically questioned him. Should someone have been listening in, they may have thought she was referring to the Ghost Attacks the small town of Amity Park suffered from nigh daily. However, you would have then been very confused, considering any ordinarily rational person would want to be as far away from those attacks as possible. Yet, Samantha Manson, who’d tell you yes, is usually quite rational, wasn’t a particularly ordinary person. This is thanks to an accident involving the Fenton’s portal into the Ghost Realm a little less than a year ago; the purple eyed girl was, quite literally, only half alive.

Or, more accurately, a Halfa. Half ghost, half human. Her ghostly self was known as Sam Wraith*, Amity’s own superheroine against the other ghosts that came through the Fenton’s portal in order to start and stir up trouble. Sam has made it her job to make sure Amity Park was safe from the more ill-intended ghosts, while calming and even befriending those who were merely sprites born of being wronged in their own life or afterlife.

Thanks to her mother’s plans of going to New York, and dragging her husband and daughter with her though, Sam would not be able to do her job for an entire week, more than long enough for the town to be destroyed. The other voice on the phone call snapped Sam from her thoughts with a scoff.

“Well geez, thanks for the faith, Sam.” Tucker Foley shot back, the Techno Goth of the Trio, who knew how to solve most of the team’s problems either by technology or the dark mythology he so enjoyed. Sam rolled her eyes as she let out a puff of exasperation.

“It’s not like I don’t trust you guys, I just don’t trust karma, fate, chance and all those other universal forces to not send the biggest baddie here the minute after I’m out of state.” She refuted. She heard Danny giggle softly over the phone and resisted the urge to clutch at her heart at the sound, despite neither boy nor anyone else being able to see her. ‘Stupid crush!’ She cursed as Danny began to speak up again.

“Sam, we can deal with a little bit of trouble. If it gets that bad than we have Jazz, Marth*, my parents and even Valerie helping out. The town will survive, promise. Besides, even superheroines deserve a week off every once in a while. And yeah, I know that a fashion week isn’t really your scene, but it’s New York. There has to be plenty of things to do. Not to mention all the different cultures.” Sam bit back a groan and gritted her teeth. He was tempting and daring her now.    

Yet, Danny has always been able to do that, he knew just what to say, always. Whether her and Tucker were fighting about Veggies VS Meat, or she was riled up because of Skulker’s bragging of his ‘accomplishments’ in hunting down others. It was probably bad he had so much power with just a few words, but he never abused it against anyone. That was just part of who he was. As always, Sam let out a sigh.

“Yeah… okay…” Sam relented, “but only because Marth is around.” Danny and Tucker laughed.

“Of course.” She could hear Tucker’s smirk over the phone and solidly decided she’d pinch his ear next time she saw her goth friend.

“Well, I’ve got the last bit of Lancer’s essay to power through, so I need to let you lovebirds go.” Tucker told them.

“WE’RE NOT LOVEBIRDS!” Came the automatic angry yell from Sam and the embarrassed one from Danny. Tucker just laughed as he hung up as he said goodnight, leaving his two friends alone on the line.

“I have to go too,  Jazz and I need to make sure all the ghost gear is turned off so none of it finds Marth in the night or morning.” Danny told her, the shyness he never quite could be rid of evident in his voice, and Sam smiled.

“Okay, night Danny. And, thanks again.” She told him.

“You all are always welcome here Sam, goodnight.” Danny responded as he hung up. Sam sighed again as she stared at her ceiling. She shook her head as she got changed into her PJs and headed off to sleep.

‘Who knows. Maybe a week off could do me some good.’ Sam thought before the halfa drifted off to sleep.

*I choose Wraith to be Sam’s transformed last name because of the switched from M to W is easier to correlate and similar to the F to P of Fenton to Phantom.

*Marth is this AU’s version of Danielle (Trust me, I’m sobbing that’s she’s gone too). His full name is Samarth Manson/Wraith, but he prefers going by Marth to make himself feel more different from his ‘original.’ And, unlike Danielle who could definitely be just Danny’s clone and a girl because of XY genes for male and XX genes for female, Marth got his Y gene from Danny, which is why he stays at Danny’s house instead of with Sam when visiting Amity. That and the fact that he’d have two people looking out for him and if he is sighted or his signature found it can be more easily played off by being in a ghost hot spot. And, yes, Vlad is around in this AU, and his goals still include the death of Jack and Maddie for his wife, as well as Danny as his son because of the boy’s intelligence and skills with ghost weapons. He wants Sam as his protege, the one to which he will teach all of his skills to. However, Danny and Sam both vehemently refused. So it’s actually a bit ambiguous if Marth got Danny’s DNA in him on purpose or accident.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

“Marinette! Are you ready?” Sabine Cheng called out to her daughter, her and her husband’s suitcases besides her.

“Almost, Maman!” Her daughter called back. Said girl already had her suitcase packed, and was now looking for her portable charger that she knew was somewhere for the plane ride.

“Ugh! Plagg, could you please help me?” The blue eyed girl begged the small black kwami that floated above her desk, currently eating his apple and camembert cake.

“I could, but… I could also keep eating this.” The black cat countered,cackling as he took another bite of his cheesy cake. Marinette sighed and shook her head, but couldn’t keep the smile off her face. As troublesome as her kwami could be, she couldn’t help but love the mischievous cat-like being.

You see, most people would peg Marinette as a normal girl, with a normal life. Marinette herself would be the first to say as much. But, she had a secret. She was one of Paris’ two main heroes, Chat Noir! With her Kwami Plagg’s help, she was able to transform into the superheroine with the power of destruction at her fingertips with only a word needed to give the command. Her partner, the ever handsome Ladybug, and her had saved the city more times than one could count on both hands from Hawkmoth and his Akumatized victims.

Right now, however, Marinette was going to visit her mother’s cousins along with her parents, the Longs. The Longs lived all the way in New York City, New York, America. Which brought Marinette to her current problem. The aspiring fashion designer could’ve sworn she placed her portable charger on her desk just last night, but it was now misplaced. Which seemed just her luck.

Speaking of… her phone began to ring, and a quick check revealed it to be one of her best friends, Adrien Agreste. Adrien was usually extraordinarily busy, being a model for his father’s fashion line, taking fencing, piano and Chinese lessons, on top of school and basketball. However, all of this had not stopped the green eyed blonde and the clumsy dark haired girl from becoming equally extraordinarily fast friends, almost to the same level as her and her nearly life long friend Alya Césaire. Marinette put the phone to her ear and smiled as she continued to search for her charger.

“Hey Adrien!” She answered happily.

“Morning, Bluebell!” He responded, calling her the same nickname he’d had for her since the sweet valentine he’d shyly given her. “How’re you doing today?” The blonde asked her. Marinette gave a half-hearted groan as she began to check the floor by her closest.

“Well, we need to leave in half an hour, I still haven’t eaten breakfast and the infamous Marinette luck has struck again, this time against my charger.” She jokingly complained. Adrien laughed and Mari had to smile at the noise, he didn’t laugh enough. And honestly, no one could deny the sound was practically sunshine. ‘Just like a certain spot of pure sunshine.’ She thought dreamily before shaking out of her fantasies and back into the present.

“Where have you checked so far?” Adrien asked her. Marinette hummed as she thought.

“Computer desk, where I thought I left it, floor around said desk, corners, fashion desk and floor around there, and now closet.” She listed.

“How about under your bed?” He suggested. Marinette blinked and shrugged.

“Okay, but I don’t see how it’d end u-what the heck?!” She exclaimed as she put her hand under her bed and almost immediately found her charger. Adrien laughed again and Marinette shook her head.

“Adrien Agreste, the everworking lucky charm.” She giggled.

“Aww, you flatter me Bluebell.” Adrien flirted back jokingly.

“So, what were you up to beforehand?” Marinette wondered as she placed the charger (after checking to make sure it was charged) into her travel bag, along with her drawing pad.

“Three guesses.” He responded dryly.

“Model shoot?”

“And she gets it in one!” Marinette laughed at her friend’s dramatic announcer voice.

“Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the shoots, but sometimes I wish I could just sleep in for a little bit. Once I’m up, I’m up until night.” He told her.

“Yeah, I’ve seen and marveled at that.” Marinette replied.

“Marinette? You ready to go?” Sabine’s voice called again.

“Oui maman!” Marinette called down as she grabbed her suitcase and bag.

“You’re going to visit your cousins, right?” Adrien questioned.

“Yep. Oh, hold on a second, Alya is calling. I’ll just make a four way call between us and our favorite couple.” She giggled as Adrien chuckled. Marinette saw it was now time for her family to leave, lest they be late to the airport. As the phone was still ringing Marinette spoke to her Kwami.

“Come on Plagg! We’re going to be late!” The black cat sighed before zipping to Marinette’s inner jacket pocket that she made for him, making a pleasantly surprised purr at finding it newly lined, and with some of the decorative yarn hanging from the edges. Marinette giggled at the vibrations against her heart, and began to make her way down the stairs as Adrien and Alya answered again, Nino joining the call a few seconds later.

“Hey girl! Hey Nino, Adrien!” Alya’s voice called out.

“Sup Alya, dude and dudette!” Nino greeted.

“Hi you guys.” Adrien responded.

“Morning Alya, Nino. And I was already talking to you, Agreste.” The four laughed, calling each other by last names had long since been a running joke. “My parents and I are  about to be heading out to catch our flight.” Marinette told them.

“Well, you seem to be going to New York at a wonderful time for you, Mari.” Marinette could practically hear her friend’s smirk over the phone.

“And why is that?” She questioned her friend suspiciously.

“Yeah, I’m confused too.” Nino told his girlfriend.

“Oh! I remember now. My dad had gotten an invite but he turned it down in order to prepare for Paris’ next month.” Adrien added. Marinette raised an eyebrow and waved at her parents, accepting a cream cheese and berry danish from her father with a smile and mouthed “thank you.”

“Well don’t keep us in the dark, dude! Spill!” Nino implored. Marinette hummed her agreement with her friend through her mouthful of danish. Adrien and Alya laughed and Adrien said Alya could tell.

“You’ll be arriving at the same time New York’s fashion week starts girl!” Alya told her. Marinette was very glad she had just finished swallowing because her mouth had flew open and, if not for her willpower to avoid awakening her napping Kwami, she would’ve bounced in place.

“You’re kidding?!” Marinette nearly squealed, using her napkin to set her danish down. Her parents gave her questioning looks and she mouthed “NY Fashion Week!” with a large grin. Sabine gave a start and a giggle as she checked her phone, seeing that her cousin Susan had just texted a certain question. Tom gave his own deep laugh as he rubbed his enthusiastic daughter’s head.

“I can’t believe I’m actually going to be in New York during it’s fashion week! Maman, Papa, I know we’re going to see family but can we please, please pretty please just take a little peak?” Marinette begged her parents. Sabine giggled as she showed her daughter her phone, which showed her Aunt Susan asking

Susan: Hey Sabine, your daughter wants to be a fashion designer, right? Would she be interested in helping me out with some catering things for NY’s fashion week? It comes with free tickets.

Marinette couldn’t control it now, and did bounce in place, rushing to give her mother a hug and rambling to explain to her friends. It seemed as though her trip to America wouldn’t be able to get any better!

*  Okay so… Adrien likes Marinette as way more than “just a friend” (I’m calling you out Agreste!!!), and I put this in through the nickname of Bluebell, the same way canon Chat calls canon Ladybug My Lady. AU Ladybug (Since male Ladybugs are still called Ladybugs, and with his general reaction to the stereotypically feminine things, I feel like Adrien wouldn’t really mind being called Ladybug. Plus it still allows for a lot of puns.) will playfully call AU Chat Purrincess (because this is still Adrien being a superhero. Just because he’s not Chat Noir doesn’t mean he won’t crack puns every five seconds.) and Chaton, but he likes his partner in a one hundred percent ‘platonic’ way. Or, at least as platonically as Canon!Mari likes Canon!Chat. This Marinette, on the other hand, likes her hero partner a lot, even if he does crack silly puns all the time at her expense as well as his own. And she’s completely oblivious to Adrien’s feelings for her, and will always deny Alya’s claims that the blonde does like her romantically despite his flirting that she always takes as joking. So… the Love Square. It’s still here. Yay! And! Mari likes to pamper her Kwami when he behaves himself. Plagg is anything but complaining when he finds all the little surprises Mari will leave for him, such as small balls of yarn, small knitted blanket piles, camembert treats and cubes, and little softly lined pocket in her purse and jacket so that he can be close by but take all the catnaps he wants.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Theresa Fowler groaned as she popped her back. The flight from her hometown of Norrisville, Oklahoma to New York City, New York, was a tiring one.

“You alright, kiddo?” Her dad questioned her. Theresa smiled back.

“I’m okay dad. My back just hurts from those chairs. They were totally wonk.” She told him. He chuckled and shook his head.

“I will never get your generation’s slang, ‘resa.” He told her. Theresa just grinned back as she blew violet and indigo strands out of her eyes.

“Alright, your mom should be picking us up soon. Why don’t you use the ladies’ room while I call her and get us some food to go. I’ll send you a picture of the menu. After that, we can go to baggage.” He told her.

“Alright, thanks daddy. See you in a bit.” Theresa then jogged off to find the bathroom, the red glow coming from her bag brightening, causing Theresa to almost curse. Grabbing her cell, she put it up to her ear as she talked to the centuries old book.

“Okay, yes I know, just another minute. I’m trying to find the bathroom Nomi, would you calm down?” She told it. The glow died down and she rolled her eyes.

‘So dramatic!’ She thought. Finally, she found the bathroom. And by some miracle, a stall was empty.  After putting a paper down so she could sit (do you know how dirty airport bathrooms are???)

“Okay, what’ve you got for me Nomicon?” She questioned as she shloomped into Nomicom’s lesson world.

Shadowy figures filled her view. One was very familiar, being herself. Well, herself in costume, at least. The Norrisville Ninja’s figure was with two other feminine ones, and one that was a frickin DRAGON, so that was cool. One of the female figures didn't have legs, rather a wispy sort of tail. The other was just a cat girl as far as Theresa could tell. A catgirl with a staff, but still, catgirl. The neon words then filled her view, as the four figure faced off against another figure, this one with a much meaner aura.

“Four heroes, with Power from times ancient, shall face a darkness reawakened. A bond between the Shadow Walker, Fire Breather, Nature Specter, and Sable Destroyer alone can withstand the restless Myth.” Theresa read. She blinked furiously as she looked at the five figures, trying to make out the Nomicon’s strange prophecy.

“Nomi, wha-” She felt herself starting to be tossed out and bit back a curse.

“Oh come on! At least explain it better than that! Nomi!” She yelled before being thrown back into the real world.

Theresa sighed, disgruntled. Sure, she loved being a heroine and all, but why did prophecies have to be so convoluted?

*Yep. Rather than Randy, the Messenger choose Theresa in this AU. I’m not actually sure if the Ninja has ever been female, as the only past ones we see were male, but it has now happened.

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Rose sighed as she stared at her ceiling. This Saturday was so far kind of boring. Sun said that there didn’t seem to be any trouble so far, and that Rose should take today to catch up on her homework. Her sister had even agreed, saying she could take care of any problem that came up in the community. Rose was grateful for that, but it was seven o’clock when that happened (curse her internal alarm!), and it was now two p.m.. Safe to say, Rose Penson was very bored. Trixie was visiting a hospital that was allowing high schoolers a chance to see how some surgical procedures were done, and Spud was… well he hadn’t picked up his phone so she assumed he was busy. Which only left…

“Hey Rose.” A very familiar voice greeted softly from her window. Rose’s face lit up as she saw her boyfriend sitting on her open window sill.

“Jake!” She grinned, bouncing off her bed to hug the green haired boy. Jake chuckled as Rose pulled him into her room, as Jake would often come in this way. After all, if anyone from the Huntsclan saw him just walk through the door, Rose and Raquel’s  parents and identities would be in quite a bit of danger.

“Sorry I haven’t been able to come in a while.” Jake grinned sheepishly. Rose shook her head as she pecked him on the cheek.

“It’s fine, I understand. I’m just glad you were able to come over. I was kinda bored.” The blonde giggled.

“Aww, my dragoness was left all by herself? How cruel.” Jake teased. Rose laughed again.

“Dork.” She told him. Jake dramatically put a hand over his heart.

“Oh! How the lady wounds me!” He whisper-exclaimed as he fell onto his girlfriend’s bed. Rose couldn’t help laughing again, and Jake mentally clapped himself on the back. He knew it was cheesy, but man, did he love that sound. Rose sat down next to him, and ran her hands through his surprising soft hair.

“No gel? I thought your hair looked a bit deflated.” She whispered. Jake took her other hand and kissed the back of it.

“Just finished attempting to train 88 and 89 again. It was either hair gel, or you. I think I made the right choice.” Rose hummed, unable to keep her own smile off her face.

“I think so too…” she kissed the top of Jake’s forehead, and the couple just smiled at each other. Both inwardly sighed, content to just relax with the other close by. Jake and Rose may have had more rough patches than most couples, because of what they were. The fire that rested in Rose’s lungs, and the magic in her veins, being the first of her kind to be born with such in America, her role was clear. Being the American Dragon was her fate.

The mark that the swirled around Jake’s hand, visible only when he didn’t gloves or hide it with powder, pronounced that he was to be a slayer of dragons. To kill even the one he knew he loved. Even though Jake had refused, sometimes, he wondered just what Fate and Destiny had in store for them. He just hoped they would be on their side.

It was moments like this, that he remembered why he wanted that so badly. To go against everything he was taught and raised to believe. When he could see the flaxen haired, blue eyed beauty above him. Even when she had turned into a dragon, with sky colored eyes and slit pupils, with glinting scales and hair spun of gold, he couldn’t help but to be awed by her. Likewise, Rose adored him, this was her hunter. With hair dyed green by gel, and eyes so dark a brown they looked like two black holes that would just suck her in. She didn’t care that she was taller than him, it just made it easier to tease him and kiss his forehead and cheeks.  They were each other’s first love, after all. And with how much they had been through, they believed that, just maybe, they were in love.

The sound of a phone ringing cut off their moment, and Jake groaned when he saw the number.

“Hello?” He questioned as he picked it up, gesturing for Rose to keep quiet.

“Yes. … No. … Yes sir. … I’ll be there shortly.” He said emotionlessly, hanging up his cell. Rose looked at her boyfriend, who had assumed a rigid upright position since he answered the phone. She watched him deflate and she put her hand gently on his shoulder.

“Do you have to go?” She asked him. He gave a half smile half frown.

“Sorry lovely, but we can’t have them getting suspicious. I much prefer your head where it is to be frank.” He stroked her cheek and kissed her forehead. She walked him to the still open window, and as he climbed out, she grabbed the front of his shirt, giving him a chaste kiss on the lips.

“Come back soon, Hunter Boy.” He grinned.

“As you wish, Dragon Girl.” And he was off. Rose sighed before shaking her head. Geez, sometimes she really did feel like a silly, love struck teenager. Of course, at least her boyfriend was no better. She walked over to her laptop and pulled up a site of what was going on this week.

“Huh. There’s a fair in downtown Manhattan? Sounds interesting enough.” The blonde shrugged. A knock on her door, which Rose answered with a “come in!”

“Hey Rosie, do you have any plans for today?” Her mother poked her head into her elder daughter’s room. Rose has just closed her laptop and was heading to her closet to pick out a hoodie to ward off the spring chill, even if her inner fire usually worked plenty enough to provide her with enough heat.

“There’s a fair going on in Downtown Manhattan. Figured I’d let ‘quel, Trix and Spud know than start heading down there myself.” Rose told her. Amaryllis Penson hummed.

“Well, tomorrow is the beginning of New York’s fashion week. I know you’re not super into the latest fashions, but I figured some mother-daughter bonding wouldn’t hurt.” The elder blonde offered. Rose narrowed her eyes, a small smile playing on her face.

“Raquel said no already, didn’t she?” She folded her arms as her mother groaned.

“Really sweetie? Just have to call me out like that?” Rose laughed as she nodded.

“Yeah mom, I don’t have any plans for tomorrow anyway. It sounds fun.” Rose told her. Amaryllis grinned as she hugged her elder daughter.

“Oh, here. For the fair. You know they’re really expensive, and working at Mr.Long’s* shop only gets you so much.” Amaryllis said as she pressed five twenties in her daughter’s hand.

“That’s for your sister too by the way.” She told Rose. After putting the money in her wallet, and her wallet in her handbag, she gave her mother a quick “thanks” and a hug before rushing down the stairs with her helmet and grabbing her skateboard.

“Later mom!” She called.

So far, today seemed like it’d be a pretty good day.

*so the Longs (and by extension, the Changs) still have Dragon Blood, but they haven’t had the actual transformation in many generations. Lao Shi decided that unless his grandchildren were dragons, the secret wouldn’t be passed on, hence why he still knows of the magical world and has Fu Dog, but isn’t the Chinese Dragon. He just accidentally found out Rose is the American Dragon, and offered her a cover job. She does help out in the store and work there, and Jake has been over a few times and met the man. Lao Shi thinks that his employee’s boyfriend looks an awful lot like what his grandson could’ve, but doesn’t act on any suspicions incase they’re wrong, and he would only cause more harm to his daughter.

[shadesofjanuaryblues]

Chiberia

Chicago.

 Chicago. One of the greatest cities. THE Windy city.

Also known as Chitown, Chiberia.

I live here. Not directly in the city, but about 30 minutes out west, in the most basic middle class town. It doesn’t fall into the small-town category, but it isn’t a big town either. But basically, you go to the grocery store, and there is a 43% chance of you running into someone you know.

Well, let’s start from the beginning. I’m an immigrant. 

I am pure-breed, one hundred percent Lithuanian. Born and raised. Well, I guess, “halfway” raised. I came here when I had just turned thirteen. Straight into the school-year. Eighth grade.

The middle school I went to wasn’t big. Everyone knew everyone. Obviously there were the popular, the “independent” friend groups, and of course, the not-so-popular. But I’m not here to describe the social pyramid of the American school system.

All you have to know, is that I was placed in an ESL class, which was created to help out students who have a hard time with English. This helped me gain two friends, which gave me a little comfort to go through the school day without having to cry in the bathroom during lunchtime. Hell, I was glad to have someone to borrow a notebook from.

Going back to the whole ESL thing: my family stumbled into the office of the school, merely 2 months after moving here, me having absolutely zero English skills and having not formed any because I was only surrounded by my Lithuanian speaking family, we were told that I was not going to be able to repeat 7th grade, and that I was going to be placed straight into the next school year. Of course, our pale flustered faces were accompanied by my second-hand cousin, who had attended that school as well, earlier on. Anyways, they put me in a class - for immigrants. FANTASTIC resource, don’t you say? Except the biggest problem was that my ESL teacher’s second language was not Lithuanian, it was Spanish.

Now you say, “so many people go through these classes, they learn English, like even you, you’ve been here for, what, eight years already? I can’t even tell that you have an accent!”

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Heard it all before. Yeah, truthfully that class did help me. Not to learn English, but to complete my homework. That’s it. Meanwhile I was in an English class learning the same stuff as the other eighth graders were. History? A bunch of foreign words and gibberish. Science? Oh man, don’t even get me started. Even PE? CONSTANTLY hearing shit I did not understand. Like pacer test? Do you know how much nerve it took for me to ask a fellow classmate what the fuck that was and how do I do it? To literally make a fool out of myself with my “broken English”? Even math. Slopes, fractions, functions? I had not even heard of those terms when I got there, and in eighth grade they weren’t learning it anymore, they were perfecting it. So many hours spent by my kitchen table crying.

One advantage American kids had, was that they could ask their parents. I couldn’t.

Well, in other words I did, but they didn’t know.

 And the purpose of this whole written rant isn’t for me to shit on Americans. Not at all. It’s for you, the reader to realize or relate to the struggle immigrants have to go through. And many other issues that I’ll cover later, but this would be the first.

 Comes the age 15, I had befriended a fellow Lithuanian, a year earlier, who helped me ENORMOUSLY with my English. Not only the formal language, but the slang as well. This friendship was beneficial to us both, because at this point she had been living there for eight years, and having moved here at an earlier age, her Lithuanian was getting rusty.

Anyways, at 15 I started setting up my first bank deals with my parents. In person I would introduce myself as their daughter, the translator. I was learning new banking terms in English and Lithuanian on a weekly basis. By the phone, I talked on behalf of my mother, I mastered the art of lowering my voice and sounding more formal, knew my mother’s social security number by heart before I had even really looked at mine.

By sixteen I was handling most of my family’s bills, loans, car payments. I was answering most of their formal calls. Later that year my parents opened up a trucking company. With the help of some Lithuanian representatives, and myself, the company was running. I went over all of the contracts that were signed in terms of buying a truck, leasing a trailer, safety and all other regulations (not going to get into detail). Then, I got a temporary job at another trucking company in the summer solely to learn how to dispatch.

I had to learn how to dispatch so I could teach my mother. My mom’s English was still very weak at the time and she was scared to go and learn it herself.

In other words I had no choice. I spend my summer mornings waking up crabby as shit, going upstairs to make phone calls with cocky dudes with egos breaking through the roof. “Illinois to Alabama, one pick, one drop. Potatoes. 750 miles, rate 950”. See at that point I was taught to shoot double, then lower it to the most reasonable price. “Where’s the pickup? Loose potatoes? (Requires a paid wash afterwards, therefore rate should always be higher- waste of money and time), I’ll take it for 1500”, “HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHa are you out of your mind, where have you even heard of prices like this? 1000, take it or leave it”.

Approximately 70 calls a day with one successful, if it’s a good day. Sometimes I’d be on that computer for over 10 hours.

My mom learned, she started dispatching, things got a bit easier. I only had to handle the “bigger” things. Claims, detentions and other shit like that. Stressful as hell, burned out most of my patience out by the age of 17.

At seventeen, I started rebelling. I wasn’t happy with my life, but I also felt fucking invincible. By then I had earned a bit of social acknowledgement, I guess everyone saw me as the bitch I was portraying myself to be. Reckless and bad as fuck.

Street racing, going 120 on the highway to the city and back, drinking in the forest in the car. Coordinating who’s throwing a party on what weekend, sneaking out and coming home hammered, only to sleep for a few hours and go about my day like nothing ever happened.

This lasted a whole year, shit more than that. I made a lot of good and bad memories, been places I really shouldn’t have been, but I don’t regret any of it. But guess where I ended up on Halloween night the year I turned 18?

Cuffed to the fucking wall at a police station.

Wow.

Who would’ve thought, what a surprise!

 I’m not quite comfortable going into detail in writing, but if you know me then you know the story, and if not, ask me about it in person, I’ll be happy to tell you.

The one thing I want to put on the table is that it wasn’t drug affiliated, and not criminal.

 However, I was facing jail time. But hey, I was lucky enough to get those charges dropped, and that was the biggest lesson I could ever have.

 From that point on, I went to my court dates, reevaluated my life, and started rebuilding. I had to switch schools, which introduced me to new people, ended up cutting some off, and befriending new ones. Graduated, started going to the local community college. I was working the whole time, trying to make spending money, still helping out my parents with all the financial stuff. In college I was undecided, tried out a couple different options, they didn’t seem to work out.

Not this brings up another issue I have with the way society has been built.

HIGHER EDUCATION.

I ended up picking something I felt I had an interest in, and not what my parents thought would be good for me. I enrolled in the architecture program. I was doing great, I was able to keep my focus, I wanted to improve and was eager to learn new things. Finished off the first semester. Through sweat, sleepless nights, and tears – ended up with all A’s. That significantly brought my GPA up.

By the second semester, I was ready. I was excited, because at this point we were actually starting to be able to create. This had to be my favorite part, because I consider myself relatively creative, I constantly have random ideas flowing in my head. It’s kind of like slight madness.

Anyways, when we started, my architecture program coordinator was teaching one of the classes. By that time I had already formed a professional relationship with her, she was very helpful and gave enormously valuable advice. Every project we did, I put my heart and my soul into. There weren’t any major guidelines, yet I kept being told to simplify my work. I kept being told to change it up, almost so I would blend into the other projects hanging up beside mine. I talked to my professor, she complimented my creativity, she said she hasn’t seen this much creativity and thought in a very long time, yet I still had to change it, and simplify it.

I don’t blame her, or anyone, really, but I felt myself get more and more suppressed. I felt like I had to fit into a basic box that’s been designed by someone else. I accepted it, decided to move forward. Life is all about compromise, isn’t it?

But then, in the middle of my somewhat peaceful life…

 ….I found out my mom was having an affair.

 It’s almost like being practically the head of the family, I finally stepped a couple steps down and within a few blinks everything went to shit.

Wow, I can’t even describe you how I felt, truly broken. Like even worse, I felt like family was ripped out of my hands.

I tend to rely heavily on friends and family, and these two really are the only thing that kept me alive throughout all those years. And just like that, it’s gone.

The day I found out, I had been driving to the mall with my mom. I was putting a song on thru her phone, when a text message came in. I recognized the number, I had asked her about it roughly 4 months ago.  She told me it was nothing, just some stupid guy hitting on her, and that she blocked his number. During that car ride, looking out the window I realized that all those evening yoga classes weren’t really even yoga after all. Shit hit me hard. But what I managed to blurt out was “I’m going to pretend I didn’t see this, so that we have one good last day, and I will deal with this tomorrow”.

Fast forward over the next month or so, listening to my mother’s lies, and my dad’s psychosis trying to vent to me, I lost my mind. Actually, this time. I lost it. I dropped out of school after numerous failed attempts to show up. I would park up, get my backpack and tell myself “okay I’m going to go in one minute”, on repeat, until the class ended and I would take my ass back home, shameful and full of hatred. My anxiety and depression peaked at this point. I went to therapy, refused drugs, decided to continue going to therapy until I got somewhat stable. My friends pulled me out of the hole, forcefully, very unpleasantly, but I am eternally grateful for them. Took a very long time to heal, but I healed, I got back up, and I started moving forward.

Shortly after my father found out my mom was having an affair, he switched his life around trying to win her back. I respect him for that, however it didn’t work. The house went on sale. The house got sold. Dad (who is actually my stepdad but has been raising me since I was 3 years old), was moving in with his friend. I didn’t like that friend at all, he was an alcoholic and quite inappropriate at times. Mom? Off with her new husband. Greta with her dog and cat? Choose.

Do I want to live with someone who makes me feel very uncomfortable and is quite unpredictable?

Or do I live with the man who is the reason my family, and my life has fallen apart? Whom I, in fact, fantasized about stabbing at the time?

 I said fuck you to them both. Picked up more hours at my two jobs, with the help of my dad, I rented out a 500 square foot studio apartment. I worked a fuck ton, and I mean it. From one job to another in the same day, back and forth thru the week. Paid my bills, dad helped if I came up a few hundred bucks short. My diet consisted of solely the food I could get at the restaurant I was working at. If I worked there only 4 days that week, that means I was only going to be eating those 4 days, the next three, I’d get off my other job, if the time was right I would visit someone and eat what they gave me, if not I’d literally not eat. Cigarettes were expensive and they were my priority.

Slowly my dad got back on his feet, despite his deep depression that he simply wasn’t able to understand. He started out helping out more and more, at this point I was able to save a few bucks for myself. Those bucks were spent mostly on ramen and bottom shelf wine.

A while later, I got promoted at my job. I started being a manager at the restaurant I was working at, and then slowly went into accounting.

Quit my retail job, and have been relying on shifting from manager to waitress for the past 6 months.

I would go into detail about how difficult it is to be put in a higher position as a 21 year old white woman, working with middle age white men, but that’s just a buzzkill. Everyone knows “white men run this shit” and I have a HUUUGE problem with that, but it’s fine. Not going to worry about it.

  So why, after all this time, this magical city that I’ve seen my best ant my worst moments in, suddenly makes me sick to my stomach? Why can’t I stand being here?

Is it a bad case of (literally all year long) January blues? Is it all the cold and the gray? Is it all the garbage on the streets?

Downtown Chicago is like a painting you hang up on your wall. “Like, wouldn’t it be cool to be there right now?”, or “okay, this is the building I’m going to live in”. Pure fantasy, baby. You drive to your minimum wage job that you hate, you see the Chicago skyline in between the clouds ahead. All it is – a reminder that you probably will not be able to live on the 92nd floor of that building, no matter how hard you try. Some of us will try our best, but we will not achieve great things. Chances are slim, so we definitely should still try, but prepare for the worst. Life is funny, it will never go the way you want it to.

 I type this from my dad’s apartment, which I moved back into, with the hopes of going back to school soon.

  A few more things I want to mention while I’m here:

1.       Value your family, always. No matter how dirty they do you.

2.       It’s okay to hold your life on pause, to fix and reevaluate, as long as you make progress after.

3.       Don’t rush to move out of your parents, you will feel lonely. Like really fucking lonely.

4.       Don’t max out your new credit cards if you don’t want to be paying the bill (I’m currently still working on this)

5.       Yes, these new Nike’s will make you feel like a bad bitch, but you worked 10 hours for this amount of money.

6.       Don’t take a fucking 5 year loan out on a car that doesn’t hold value, shit drops value by the minute. Worst thing to ever invest in.

7.       Treat your friends to lunch, and make sure they feel appreciated, even if it’s Wendy’s 4 for 4.

8.       Last, but not least: don’t fucking litter please.

[tacendaletter]

Mauka & Makai Chapter 4

In which life was what happened while everyone was busy making other plans – and life didn’t need to be gentle to anyone.

Pairing: Yanjun? x OC || uni!au

Genre: Angst. A whole lot of it. Also, not a genre, but Li Mei and Zhengting are friendship goals.

Chapter 3 | Chapter 5 | Masterlist

Chapter 4 – “Are you really sure you do?”

“So, how’s it going with the boys?” Cheng Xiao threw a chip in her mouth, wiggling her eyebrows in a playful manner as her gaze pierced into my stone-like one. Natasha and Mei Qi cupped their faces as they laid sprawled out on the floor. We were all lying on the floor in Cheng Xiao’s room with a great amount of candies and other stuff lying around our bodies. “Yeah, tell us how your love life has been doing,” Natasha winked at me as she reached for a slice of pizza. With a sigh, I rolled my eyes, which resulted in the others laughing. “Haha, aren’t you guys funny,” I monotonously replied before taking another bite of my own slice of pizza. Mei Qi raised a brow at me and then inspected her newly done nails. “Why? Isn’t it going well with you-know-who?” I almost threw my pizza at her, but changed my mind in the last second.

She wasn’t worth the pizza.

No, not the pizza.

“You’re lucky I’m having pizza in my hand right now and not anything else.” Mei Qi chuckled, looking back up at me. “That’s why I considered it safe enough to say that,” she winked again. This time, I grabbed the nearest pillow and nailed her face with it. “Die, bitch,” I almost screamed as I threw it at her, resulting in making Natasha and Cheng Xiao laugh. “But seriously, jokes aside,” Natasha started as she sat up, crossing her legs as if she was about to start meditating, “are you really never seeing anyone? You’ve been single since we met a few years ago. Don’t you get lonely from time to time? I mean, there have to be guys you were interested in at least, weren’t there?” Natasha looked at me with innocent, but stubborn eyes.

I knew right away that I wouldn’t get away with not answering this time. The thing was, she had asked me once before but I had dismissed talking about it with a “I have better things to do than pining after guys” and it wasn’t even a lie. The girls knew I had still been working at that time, though they hadn’t known about the extent of my night shifts and how little time I truly had. Even though I didn’t need to work anymore because of Ting’s parents and my scholarship, I still had other things set as priority way, way above relationships. So I met Natasha’s curious gaze with a steady, but soft one.

“You know, even though I could have time if I set dating as a priority, I don’t really want to right now. Kun is much more important to me. My friends are much more important to me. Graduating with good grades is so much more important to me. Dating can wait for another few months, if not even a whole year. I’m not rushing through life, you know?” The girls looked at me, letting my answer settle in for a few seconds before answering. I hope they wouldn’t bring up Natasha’s other part of the question again and I was hoping that what I did say, was enough.

What she said wasn’t necessarily untrue, because I did feel lonely – a lot more often than I would like to admit. But I also didn’t think that dating could make one feel any less lonely, if one could easily feel like the only person in the whole world in a room full of people to the point where you could feel someone breathing down your neck. If one still could feel lonely then, one more person in the room, aka the other person in the relationship, wouldn’t really change much in that aspect, now would they? “But do you really never see a guy and imagine what it would be like being in a relationship again?” Cheng Xiao threw in and I stared at her for a few moments.

“Well, I do see some guys at times that I think are handsome and some flirt with me, and I do wonder at times what kind of boyfriends they would be, but I just know that nothing would work out as of now. I just have too many other things on my mind that a boyfriend couldn’t help me with, so I don’t see the point in trying.” Mei Qi sighed at my answer, now mirroring Natasha as she also sat up, crossing her legs. I looked up at them before following suit since I decided that my neck would start hurting at some point trying to look up at their faces all the time. Cheng Xiao followed after me.

“And what about him?” Cheng Xiao inquired as the other two looked at me worriedly. “What about him?” I inquired back, knowing exactly whom she was talking about. Cheng Xiao scowled, throwing back her long brown hair with the dyed tips. “You always say he is like a brother to you, one of your dearest friend, but we all know what you truly feel, Li Mei,” she expressed her thoughts as she looked at me with an honestly concerned look in her eyes. “How would you guys even know what I feel?” The three of them quirked their brows in unison. “Because you’re posing a question rather than denying? Duh.”

I glared at Natasha for a moment before rolling my eyes with a sigh. “Be careful, otherwise Kunkun’s words become true and your eyes will get stuck in the back of your head,” Mei Qi flicked my forehead and I looked at her in an offended manner. “They haven’t done so for the past ten years of me doing so multiple times a day, so I don’t really fear that possibility.” Now it was Mei Qi’s turn to roll her eyes. “Back to the topic,” Natasha clapped her hands together, noticing the tension slightly rising in the room, “do you think it would be a good idea to hide your feelings for possibly another year or so? What if he falls in love with someone else in the time you don’t seize your chance?”

“Then it wasn’t meant to be, I guess,” I shrugged as I looked back at Natasha. My words made the girls sigh and slump their shoulders. I knew, they didn’t like the way I brushed it off so easily and seemingly didn’t care about it. “This is really frustrating, you know, Li Mei?” Mei Qi stared at me, literally piercing through me with her eyes. “One day, you are going to be seriously heartbroken because of that, and we just really don’t want to see that day coming. Are you sure it’s really about your priorities instead of fear? Are you scared he will reject you? Because I seriously can’t see that happening. He’s whipped. He is so fucking whipped for you, and you just shove your emotions aside like that. He has been whipped for you for years.”

“He was already whipped for you when we first met,” Natasha threw in. I scowled. Now, I didn’t really believe that. Natasha had moved from Singapore to China a few years ago. She made friends with Zhangjing real fast, which was how I even met her in the first place.

And where there was Zhangjing, Yanjun normally wouldn’t be that far.

And where there was me, Ting was normally not that far, either.

Even though it took quite a while before I considered her a friend, I was really happy that I had met Natasha and the other two, because they were one of the most loyal and best people I had ever met. Out of the three, I’ve known Natasha for the shortest, but I felt closest to her. It wasn’t until the end of high school that I befriended Cheng Xiao and Mei Qi, even though I had already known both since I had been in middle school because they were classmates of Kun, therefore also two years younger than me, making Natasha still the oldest of us four, though.

“Isn’t that a little over the top?” I just countered. Natasha raised her brow, leaning her torso closer to me to look me deeply in the eyes. “When we met, it was you, Yanjun, Zhengting, Zhangjing and me. He practically only had eyes for you. Don’t tell me you’ve never noticed all these years you’ve been friends.” I sighed in defeat. “No, I don’t believe he loves me. I know him too well, Natasha.” Natasha kept staring at me, searching for something in my eyes. “Are you really sure you do?” I blinked. It threw me off. I didn’t really know what to say to that.

Did I really know him too well to really tell? Did I?

“You know, eventually, he will move on. And he will leave you behind, thinking you never felt anything for him in the first place. You will only break both of your hearts in the end.” If I had thought Natasha’s earlier words had caught me off-guard, then she definitely rendered me completely speechless with those. Those last words especially hit me quite hard. “There are things more important than my emotions,” was all I could say to her. “Don’t say such nonsense,” Mei Qi said at the same time Cheng Xiao asked, “and that would be?” I looked over to latter while all three of them just stared at me expectantly. I was expecting my voice to crack now.

“Xukun.”

But my tone of voice was a lot more determined and final than I thought it would sound. And with that, silence engulfed us for a while. The girls just looked at me without saying anything, then at each other, and then back at me. “Listen, Li Mei,” Cheng Xiao started. She shot Mei Qi and Natasha a wary glance before she continued. “We know you love Kunkun, and he loves you dearly, too. But I, for one, know something he probably has never told you.” I furrowed my brows and tilted my head slightly. I wanted to open my mouth and ask her what the hell she was talking about.

Kun didn’t keep secrets from me… did he?

He had been extremely exhausted today when he woke up. So much that he would barely eat, and had gone right back to bed in a separate guest room once we had arrived at Cheng Xiao’s. It��s been about five hours since we’ve been talking and it was past 2am right now. I could only imagine Kun’s frame lying in bed, sleeping peacefully; imagine his face that made it look like he was at peace, healthy, just like any other innocent little kid.

He wouldn’t keep things from me, would he?

“It was something he said back in school…. When he was still able to attend school. He said it before he got so sick…” Cheng Xiao looked like she was having a hard time trying to string her thoughts together and remain calm. It kind of worried me. What did my brother tell her that would affect her that much? I intently looked at her as she took in a big breath. “It was the time when you had moved out from your grandparent’s place and cared for the two of you by yourself… He told me that he knew about the things you have to sacrifice for him. He felt really bad for it. He was sad that he couldn’t do much but getting good grades so that he would get into a good college and would then get in a good university and would then get a job to repay you. He knew about how hard it was for you. Everything that happened to the two of you… He wanted to repay you, and he only knew one way to do it… Do you remember how he always said he was going to be a singer once he was done with school? He wanted to give up that dream for you, so he could repay you for the things you were doing for him back then.”

I only blinked. In that moment, I didn’t know what else to do.

What was I supposed to do?

Why would he have to repay me? Kun? I was his big sister, why would he have to repay me? I was responsible for him, not the other way around. “He wanted to give up his dream to get a good earning job, so you would never have to worry about the two of you ever again. Now, Li Mei, that was before he got sick and even more dependent on others, not being able to continue going to college, not being able to help you out with all the weight you carry upon your shoulders, or all the worry you try to hide from him… Imagine how he feels about it now?”

I couldn’t imagine it. My mind had suddenly turned into a blank space of nothingness. I couldn’t hear the voice inside my head that was saying my thoughts out loud, only for me to hear – normally. I had not a single thought as I blankly stared at Cheng Xiao. “He wanted to give up being a singer to help you out, but now he is more dependent than ever. He already felt bad for the things you had to give up back then, think about how bad he must feel now, seeing that you still have to sacrifice so much for him. Your love for him is admirable and you are a great sister, Li Mei, but I believe Kunkun would want you to have a life separate from him, for you to do things others your age do, like dating and everything.”

“You broke her,” Mei Qi boxed Cheng Xiao’s arm once I had still remained in the position of only staring at latter with a blank mind for several moments. Natasha moved towards me as I tried to hold in every single emotion that had wanted to come to the outside, and I could see her mouth move, but I couldn’t hear a single word she said, like she was muted. I felt so many things at once, it was hard to keep my emotions inside. Anger. Sadness. Fear. Regret. They all wanted to show on the surface, except for one: happiness. Reasonably, happiness was about the only thing I was not feeling right now. Kun had wanted to give up his dream? For a high earning job instead? Given his sickness, it was granted he would be able to do neither of the two until he was healthy again.

To be honest, after all this time, I have slowly given up on the hope of him being completely healed. Up until now, all that the best treatment he was getting now, did, was to assure his condition wouldn’t worsen – there was no healing process for now. I was skeptical by now if he would ever be a healthy young man again. I had gotten used to the way we were living now, and had mentally prepared myself for our daily routine to go on until we both died of old age. I wouldn’t even really mind it, except for the fact that it meant he would always be ill and have a lower quality of life than he deserved. Kun deserved so much more. So, so much more. But as of now, it almost seemed hopeless.

“I am so sorry for being a burden.”

At least now I understood what he had really meant with that.

At least now I understood just how much deeper that went than I had thought.

Masterlist | Chapter 5

[theshipden]

Pining Over A Pinetree

Bill Cipher never kissed someone. Even though Alphas, Betas, and other Omegas threw themselves at him, he wasn't interested. Even when rumors of his 'skill' in mating and scenting and kissing passed around the school, he never denied or admitted to any of it. Bill Cipher was an Omega, an unclaimed, uninterested Omega.

He didn't want anyone to have any of his firsts- First Kiss, First time, First scenting, First mating, First marking, First anything. He didn't want a mate, he didn't want an Alpha. The idea was unsettling, unsatisfying. Someone commanding you, protecting you like a toddler, constantly around you and needing you. He didn't want that nor did he care for it. He was perfectly happy with being alone. It's not that Bill couldn't get a mate, quite the opposite. Bill was smart and cunning, top of all classes with perfect attendance, popular and well liked, attractive and suave, mysterious and playful, he was what every Alpha was looking for. He was what some labeled the perfect omega. But he didn't care for all the attention and thirsty, hormonal fleshsacks called potential Alphas. It was made very clear that Bill wasn't one to be the submissive omega, no, he nearly killed the first Alpha that forcefully came on to him. And very quickly everyone came to respect him. No one ever caught his eye or appeased to his interests or intellect.

That is, until a pair of twins from California came into class that day. Dipper was settled beside his desk, Mabel not too far away from her brother. Mabel was the first to show interest in him, and she was adorable but just not what he wanted. He didn't want her like that. Bill continued to accept her offers to hang out and go places, befriending Pacifica along with her twin sibling. He noticed how differently the Alpha smelled, how intoxicating the smell was. It was a mixture of Pinetrees, forest, Rosemary with a hint of dominant musk. Bill wanted to inhale it deeply, get covered in that scent, smell it forever. But smells were just smells. And Bill quickly dismissed any further thought about it. Then came the brunette's sense of love for knowledge, the lengthy jokes that only he understood and laughed at, the obsessive compulsive behavior that made him focused and determined, the soft yet nerdy appearance and love for science. Dipper wasn't the most muscular alpha Bill's ever seen, wasn't as dominant, wasn't interested in sex or anything all the others seemed to be, he wasn't the most confident nor outgoing. He was timid and hesitant, reserved, smart, adorable and very handsome. Mabel soon grew attached to Pacifica, the bond between them very clear, and Bill was left to grow closer to the male twin.

Bill's never wanted closeness, never wanted to spend his time talking or listening to one single person unless it was himself. He didn't want to put someone else's needs over his own, never wanted to please anyone but himself, and he never ever wanted to fall in love. Grow attached. He didn't want that. Didn't need that.

And yet, whenever the twin brushed past him or bumped into him a little- whatever touch landed on him- made his skin tingle and his heart warm in the most disgustingly pleasant way. Bill didn't want to be jealous over anyone, not possessive either, he found the traits annoying but the very thought of Dipper getting attracted to someone besides himself made something burn inside him. The blonde turned to steal a glance at the Alpha beside him, lazily sketching some atomic particle that he memorized thousands of times by now. His gaze returned to the paper, oh he despised the way his cheeks would heat slightly at peering at that stupid alpha.

"Hey, Bill?"

"Hm?" Said omega broke out of his thoughts, pencil pausing in its shading as he casually looked into those mocha eyes. He kept himself composed but the need to seal the other's lips became increasingly hard, especially when that cute sparkle in those eyes lit them up and stole his breath away.

He never wanted to kiss anyone before.

"Wanna be partners for the project?" Dipper flashed him a bright smile, one that wasn't shown much due to the boy's timid behavior, he liked to think it was solely meant for just him. Well- him and the twin's family, of course. He didn't like the way his heart skipped a beat.

He never cared for anyone like this.

"Oh, yeah sure, Pinetree." Bill returned to his drawing. He could feel the alpha's breath tickle his neck as he peered to see what the omega was up to and he fought himself, he would not bare his neck, he would not expose it. He would not submit. Would not obey anyone. Not fall into line because of this alpha and his stupid scent. Oh how annoying it was that his inner omega howled for Dipper to claim him, how it wanted Dipper for his alpha.

His alpha. That sounded nic- no! No! What was he even thinking? Apparently the twin had been talking about the direction of the project. He only knew because the bell cut the brunette off mid-sentence, quickly the omega shoved his things into his bag and started to walk out the door. He made it into the hallway alone before Dipper was suddenly by his side again panting.

"Hey! Didn't you hear me saying wait up? God, you're fast." Bill didn't like how he wanted to apologize and make it up to the alpha. He didn't like how the praise at his speed made him want to purr.

"Bill? Are you alright?" That voice, laced with concern and worry, stirred more mixed emotions from him. It was meant for him. Directed for him. No one else but him.

"Okay, stop for a second. You've been spacing out all day and scowling. What's wrong?" Dipper stepped in front of him, making him stop. Bill's fists balled at his sides, oh what? Did Dipper think he was gonna let himself be forced into listening to him like the omega he was? Well he was wrong!

Roughly, Bill shoved past him. His inner omega whined and cried in protest, wanting to nuzzle into the alpha and be loved, it wanted all the affection he'd never gotten before. But he ignored it. His anger suddenly making his blood boil and his heart fluttered when he got a whiff of that scent, it peeved him even more. There was a gentle but firm touch to his shoulder, the twin once again trying to keep up with him.

"Seriously, what's up? What's making you so angry?" Came the exasperated response, the care and want to help clear in the brunette's voice. Once again, his breathing faltered at the soft touch and he was leaning his weight into it-

Hell. No.

Hissing, Bill covered the red on his face with expressing his anger, the leaning in framed by him turning sharply on his heel. "Maybe if you would just drop it and leave me alone, I wouldn't nearly be as mad!" He didn't mean the outburst, the hurt on the alpha's face made him regret it. Bill never regretted anything he said, never cared how it impacted other's too heavily. His temper was being steadily lost.

"I'm, I'm sorry Bill, I didn't mean to-"

"Oh! Oh! You didn't mean to? Well, you surely don't mean to do a lot of things! But here we are!" He knew it was unfair to do this, to take his frustrations and fear out on Dipper, but he couldn't help it. He felt bad but he couldn't stop. "God- why can't you just, just! F-Fuck, I-" The omega growled and blinked his eyes clear, forcing the tears away. He wouldn't do this, he never cried over someone, never got so emotional over someone. Never did any of this before, it was all new. Horrifying and powerful and new.

Dipper's face scrunched when he saw the omega shake and spotted the tears that threatened to fall, he felt horrible, he wanted to help and comfort. His throat was dry. Maybe it was getting closer to Bill's heat and that's why he was acting so weird lately. But before he could muster up the courage the blonde was bolting away from him, the crowd and hoard of students swallowing him up.

Bill wasn't in the next class, or the next, or the one after, and he wasn't hiding out in the library or band room. He wasn't in school and that was worrisome, Dipper explained what happened to his sibling. He didn't know what to do or say, he didn't know how to help. He texted Bill, called him countless times and even asked around but no one heard from him and even Mabel's attempts to reach him was proving invalid. Both were extremely concerned. And the way Bill seemed to hold something back, restrain himself didn't go unnoticed by the twin. Ever since that omega expressed interest in him Dipper had never been able to look at anyone else, not that he really wanted to anyway, even if all Bill was looking for was friendship. He heard the rumors, doubted most of them, but if any were true then he wasn't even on the same status that Bill was. He had no experience, all he could be was awkward.

"Anything yet?" Dipper turned to his sister who was staring at her phone screen, after a minute or two passed she groaned.

"No. He isn't answering." Mabel slumped into her chair. The omega was a private guy, really. No one really knew very personal things about him, no one but the gang of his friends that followed him around like a God. Even then, they didn't answer anyone's questions and only ran people off but they seemed to approve of the twins. "Hey, maybe we should stop by his place? Bring some comfort food as a peace offering, have a sleepover, kiss and make-up." She half joked attempting to lighten the mood.

"No offense Mabel, but I doubt he's in that kinda mood." He frowned, chewing on his lower lip as he thought. Actually the food part didn't sound too terribly bad, if there was one thing Dipper knew it was that Bill never turned down food, the guy never got full! And Bill did skip lunch once and took him with on an "Adventure of a Lifetime." He smiled fondly at the memory, Dipper knew exactly what to get the omega! "Mabel I just got the best idea, but I'll have to call you later, love you bye!"

The omega wrapped the sheets around himself tighter, God he was so embarrassed. And still a little upset. He cried over literally nothing and overreacted and probably just ruined whatever it was he and that stupidly attractive twin had. Bill felt his heart pang and his shame rise when he received the text messages and calls, instead shutting his phone off completely rather then answering. His house was big and empty, the blonde lost his family fairly young and never looked back. He yearned for that gentle touch, the soothing scent of pines and musk, the warmth of the alpha. Bill grew tired of being so angry for so long and his anxiety and crying left him utterly drained. He was exhausted emotionally and all he wanted to do was sleep, which wasn't hard for once. When he woke up next it was to soft knocking at his door, he mumbled something too soft and jumbled for anyone to make out or hear in protest. The knocking returned firmer and louder, making him grunt as he stood up, all the warmth trapped inside his blanket leaving. Making him cold, hungry, tired, and irked.

Another harsh round of knocking came and he yelled his upcoming arrival. Bill snorted at how little patience he had left, looking over his outfit of choice. When he left school he had taken to more comfortable clothes- there was nothing more comfortable then going shirtless with pajama pants and shielding oneself away from the world in blankets and pillows. The asshole that interrupted his nap was going to really get it. Walking out of his rather large bedroom and crossing the household the omega unlocked the door and swung it open. One hand was rested on the doorknob while the other was stationed on his hip, before he could even begin his rant the smell of his favorite food hit him making him really look at who was standing in his doorway. Dipper.

Dipper Pines. The alpha of his dreams was standing there, nervous as all hell, for him. With his favorite comfort food in tow and looking increasingly adorable the longer the red creeped into his complexion. Bill didn't miss the way the other's eyes looked him over, suddenly he was self-conscious. Okay sure, maybe he did have one or two or well- more then that amount of inky black and golden tattoos climbing up and down his arms and back, some even ghosting over his chest and abdomen. Shit, shit. What was he suppose to say or do? He never really- how was- Oh God. Could this day be any worse!? As if sensing Bill was about to bolt for it again or yell more, the brunette spoke up, presenting the food in a friendly gesture.

"B-Before you get mad! I just wanted to apologize for pushing you about it, I-I know I shouldn't have and I should've left it alone. It's personal and I crossed a line. I get that, really! But I just wanted to say that I was sorry for offending you and I don't expect you to tell me anything -because you don't have to!!- but I uh, wanted to offer my support." The blonde seemed taken aback. Dipper thought he was gorgeous, hair messy and wild, body toned and bare, sweet flowery and vanilla scent filling his nose, baggy pants barely clinging onto his hips. He forced down his need and want to do something, anything to the beautiful omega in front of him but he knew better. He would never do something like that to Bill. There was a long pause, the blonde finally snapping out of his stupor.

"No, no, you're fine Pinetree. I just- God that was such a dick move of me. You didn't deserve that, I was just stressed about something. Sorry, it's my bad." Bill glanced away suddenly a little more aware of how his insides were melting from the sear sincerity of the gesture, the kindness he didn't deserve or ever want until just now. He-...he needed it. And well, he was too tired and sluggish to really try and force himself into some withdrawal. If this alpha made him happy and went so far for him, then fuck it. He didn't want it before but he wanted it now. And if he passed the chance up by being a complete idiot, he'd really hate himself. So he stepped to the side. "You can come in if you want and just do whatever."

Dipper let a breath go he didn't even know he was holding, nodding and walking into the house. Honestly, he's never been inside Bill's house before, only ever parking in the driveway or glancing at it every now and then when he passed by. It was big and spacious, the interior just as exquisite as the exterior, the golden, darker colored, and similar hues all fit together perfectly and even complimented the owner. The omega closed the door behind them both, guiding them to the kitchen where he sat on a chair by the breakfast bar, the alpha instinctively taking the closest seat next to him. The twin pushed the bag and milkshake towards his friend and watched amused and Bill started digging into it. How could he make eating look so cute?

"We can watch some movies or something in the living room, you can take your pick of which one." The omega suggested while munching on his meal, pointing in the direction and the alpha once again nodded, stalking off to find something interesting. It shouldn't have been a surprise that Bill had a collection of what seemed to be every genre, he picked something he thought they could laugh at together- a romantic movie. They've done it before to irritate and mock Mabel, why not do it now? It seemed like the perfect thing to improve the omega's mood. He always smiled so big and laughed so hard back at the shack. Huh. Bill spent a lot more time at the shack then he did with them here, he wondered why, maybe he got lonely? With a house as big and as empty as this, he could understand if that was the reason. The brunette set up the movie and called for his friend, to which Bill walked in and sat down on the couch, tossing his feet over the armrest and crossing his arms over his chest. The twin joined him, sitting somewhat close to the omega as they both eyed the TV, watching as the movie's beginning was displayed on screen. Dipper was soon entranced by the scenes and characters, dialogue hooking him and soon the world around him faded out. Bill wished he could've been as distracted by the film, Dipper was too eye catching for him to properly focus. Jaw slack, brown eyes swimming bright with different emotions, hair curly and soft. He scooted closer and it went unnoticed. So he did it again. And lightly pressed himself against the alpha, again, it went unnoticed. Making Bill relax and silently purr at the excuse to be close to the male, he was warm and his scent was incredibly calming, a small bit of heaven to the previously stressed omega.

An arm slipped around his waist, a normal action done by Alphas to Omegas, often Mabel had done so to him and Dipper had too. Arguably, some of his beta and alpha friends had also done it too, it wasn't something uncommon. It was to bring comfort, help soothe, a sign of trust and appeasement, friendship or fondness. It wasn't something that should be taken into deep consideration.

It wasn't something that should've made his heart race or his cheeks to dust pink, his inner omega shouldn't purr in delight and howl in want from it. Bill shouldn't be affected by the touch at all. He should've been able to brush it off like usual.

But he couldn't.

The only reason Dipper had noticed how close they were was when his chin had come to rest atop fluffy blonde hair on instinct, a small sniff and he could smell the pleasantly sweet scent. He had a second's panic before the aroma of happiness coming from the boy beside him made his anxieties simmer down, the alpha had to admit, snuggling next to Bill was therapeutic and possibly one of his favorite things. By default, his inner alpha taking control of his body drunk on omega pheromones, raised his hand to tangle in those soft locks. His fingers gently carded through the other's hair, with great care unknotting any knots that he stumbled across, rubbing and massaging the scalp with featherlight strokes. Bill lightly mewled, eyelid drooping shut as his body relaxed into the alpha's arm. Oh how he loved this. Dipper was no longer focused on the film but on the beautiful blonde at his side, he would've never guessed how easy it was to melt the usually fierce omega. He'd never seen it done before, but here Bill was, leaning into his touch and sighing fully content with each and every minute passing by. The brunette found himself yearning to lean down and claim those plump lips as his own, to make moments like these a routine, to test out other things on the strong omega. But Bill never accepted any Alpha, he stood no chance. He was just a friend. Though, he would take what he could get and if this is what Bill wanted and allowed, then Dipper would be just fine with it and if not he'd manage. This was about Bill after all, not his own animalistic desires. Turning his attention back to the movie, he began to point out its flaws or plot holes, earning lazy chuckles or smoothly taunting side comments from Bill.

In the middle of the film is when the girl hungrily pressed her lips against her alpha's, body being pressed against the wall as moans and grunts were forced out of both partners, hair being tugged and bodies explored. Teeth nibbling lips and skin, love being confessed and spilled, it was purely romantic. The blonde found himself envious. He wanted Dipper's lips to smother his own, he wanted Dipper's hands sliding up his body in the same way, wanted his hair tugged, Bill wanted the alpha on top of him, his body pressing perfectly against his own, grunts and curses and love pouring out from each other's mouths. Bill was extremely jealousy of two fictional people, of actors, he found himself ridiculous. But the fire that sparked inside him only grew the longer the scene continued, and he growled. The sound rumbled from his chest and made the gentle hand in his hair pause before resuming, a polite hum sounding from above with the sweetest, most sincere voice Bill's ever heard.

"Are you okay?"

He would've hated how by just playing with his hair the alpha could calm him, that with his warmth and scent his anger would be melted away. But instead the omega decided to relish in it, bath in the comfort and secret pleasure it brought him before he found himself acting upon it, wanting just a bit more. Bill sat up quickly, making the twin purse his lips in question before strong thighs were straddling him and nimble hands were being placed on his shoulders, pressing him lightly back against the couch cushions. It was fluid and fast, but not rough like he expected, the actions were just as kind and soft. Leaving room and space for him to throw the omega off if he truly wanted to. At first, Dipper had been worried he overstepped a boundary and Bill was really going to let him have it but he realized his mistake and soon found that Bill was gazing at him. Searching for any signs of discomfort, for anything akin to anger or hatred or any other negative emotion, he was searching for permission. In all the time he's known the omega he learned soon that Bill hated to be stereotyped for his genes, despised bending over backwards for alphas, basically hated any and everyone who regarded him in that manner or thought they were above him because they were betas or alphas. Bill was more courageous and spontaneous then any omega ever born, most failed to believe he was really an omega, he loved control and power and was quite manipulative. So it was a bit of a puzzle as to why Dipper was suddenly straddled by the blonde, his animal side loving it and ready to take more more more- but he could never force Bill to do anything he didn't want. He cherished Bill more then that, thought of him better. Which is why he found himself asking, concerned for his friend.

"Bill, what're you doing, is this- Do you, are you sure you want to be doing this?"

Instead of an answer he received only a stare, the twin could tell there were conflicting thoughts battering around behind those feminine lashes, golden captivating irises shining as a single thought seemed to win favor and before he could think soft lips were pressing against his. It was light and ghosting, allowing for him to pull away or push the omega off if he saw fit, but he didn't. In fact, the brunette pressed back against those lips with vigor, hand flying to the other's head to assure that this was wanted. Immediately that same fierceness the omega was known for showed, teeth biting at the alpha's lip and hands desperately pulling their bodies closer, tongue darting out to swipe at the twin's lips trying to gain entrance. Of course he was met with access, Dipper could feel the omega's tongue slide into his mouth in time to tangle with his own, a heavy snarl erupting from the alpha's throat and his hands gripped at the other's hips ensuing in a dance for a victor. Naturally Dipper let Bill win, freeing a hand to glide up the omega's back to lightly pull at fluffy blonde hair, he could taste the omega on him and pick up on the intoxicating scent. Dipper made an effort to control himself before things got too wild, tugging the blonde a small ways away as he panted to collect his breath, the satisfied purr from the omega at both the action and the sight made him shiver and fight to not just resume their heated kiss. "Bill, what was all that?"

Said boy only rolled his eye, diving in to reignite their previous activity but was stubbornly met with a hand against his chest, pushing him back. Huffing with an annoyed expression, Bill leaned forwards to press kisses against the jawline of the twin, fingers dancing along the edges of his shirt before ghosting against pale skin. His words were broken apart with his kisses, making the twin's strength and resolve weaken at the distraction which enabled Bill to move his lips lower. "I like you, okay, and you obviously like me too or else you wouldn't be doing this. Now shut it." Then those kisses turned to a tongue sliding up his neck, a pleasant shiver running up his spine and making him have goosebumps.

"B-Bill wait, what happened today? At sc-school then?" The twin had to bite his lower lip to keep from giving into his inner alphas desires, he didn't want Bill to regret this because of some hormones or urges, but with the way the omega's hips were slotting against his was making it difficult.

"Just got worked up is all," The blonde grumbled against heated flesh. "Don't worry about it." And the nibbling resumed full force. In a last ditch effort to save them both from his inner desires, Dipper grabbed Bill by the hips and flipped their positions, laying the omega down on his back with the alpha between his legs. The twin's weight was pressing the blonde's arms where they were between them, momentarily stuck while the brunette sighed looking down at the dissatisfied features of the blonde. Moving forward he pressed a quick kiss to his cheek sweetly.

"You can't get mad, ghost me and Mabs, and then try and feel me up. We should talk about this, set boundaries, and you need to tell me what's up! Not spring this on me all of a sudden." Dipper cooed, resting his forehead against Bill's almost motherly. This time, the alpha saw the way his cheeks turned rosy, it made him smile.

"That was my first kiss," was all the blonde said on the matter. Too stubborn and too prideful to admit he was so troubled by his own feelings for the twin, the film became background noise, long forgotten as they just rested in one another's company. Then it was Dipper's turn to blush bright red.

"W-wha- why give it to me?"

"Because," the omega trailed off. Pouting, eyes brows furrowing as he looked anywhere but those glistening, understanding brown eyes. He was pinned by the alpha, he was letting himself be pinned, he was letting Dipper have control over him. Gathering up his courage and hiding his sudden nerves, Bill stared right into those eyes with his single one. "I want you to be my alpha."

Dipper was shocked to say the least, frozen in his place as he looked down at the blonde in complete surprise. He was ecstatic and overwhelmed but he wasn't sure how to express which emotion, he didn't want to scare Bill or possibly over react and embarrass himself. Taking his weight off from the boy and freeing his arms, he smiled softly. "Okay," Dipper murmured moving in to press another smooch to the corners of the omega's lips. "I'll be your Alpha, I'm your's."

Bill couldn't help the way his heart raced at the words, the blood rushing to his face as he seemed at a loss for what to do next. Before he could even think or respond, the twin was trailing sweet, kindhearted smooches all over his face. Starting from the forehead, then the brigde of his nose to the tip, fanning over his cheeks and down to his throat. The blonde felt the kisses turn to suckles as they neared his pulse point, a stripe was being licked up his neck, scenting him with so much care and adoration that he was positive his heart would burst and he'd melt right through the cushions.

"P-Pinetree," The omega whined. Hands gripping on to the loose navy blue hoodie the twin never left home without, the alpha hummed and nuzzled into the crook of his omega's neck taking a deep whiff and purring at the mixture of scents on him. This time around it was Bill who insinuated the affectionate gesture, rubbing his hands up and down his alpha's arms and over the shoulders, easing whatever tension was hiding there before gliding his fingers into the mop of curly brown hair he grew so fond of. "Stay here for the night. With, with me."

And Dipper happily agreed, chest rumbling with delighted purrs. Pride filled his chest when he would walk into school tomorrow with his omega and just everyone would know who Bill belonged to and who he was loyal to. Bill was his, and he'd make sure to never let his omega get that stressed or close to tears ever again.

[lubdubsworld]

Fibonacci (Yoongix Jamie Park )

Chapter 10

"I bought alcohol and chips." Jackson holds up the spoils of his late night dorm raid and Jamie manages a weak smile. They are huddled in the abandoned dance studio on the eighth floor which is no longer in use and is just used to store junk that didn't belong anywhere else. Jamie and Jackson had discovered it nearly two years ago and since then , it's been a sort of haven for both of them, when they want to get away from the real world and just bask in their own friendship. Jamie remembers holding a sobbing Jackson through the night when he spent his first Christmas away from his parents and she also remembers the first time she had cried in front of jackson when Yerin had told her her intentions to debut solo.

Now , though it feels different. Jamie's never openly discussed about her feeling for Yoongi with anyone, not even Jackson. He only knows that she likes a fellow idol .

"It's one of the BTS brats, isn't it?" He finally says when she starts taking sips of the soju without another word.

She sighs in defeat. This is their safe place. She can speak about anything here and Jackson would keep it to himself, she knows.

"It's the worst of the whole lot." She says despondently and Jackson's eye widen in shock.

"Tell me it isn't Suga hyung." He says horrified and she flinches at the absolute look of terror on his face. It strikes her that most people stay away from Yoongi because they see him as someone capable of doing bodily harm when annoyed. Which she thinks is slightly true. If she weren't female, she's sure she might have been kicked a few times by the stern Daegu guy. Yoongi doesn't think silliness is cute. He was likely to curse someone out irrespective of whether they were cute or not. Not like Jamie, who genuinely befriends all kinds of people. Come to think of it, they're pretty different that way.

And probably in a billion other ways.

"I'm screwed aren't I?" she says softly.

He looks thoughtful for a second and then shrugs.

"Well, he does have a bit of a shady past. I mean you don't become a famous underground rapper without burning a few bridges. Word is his old gang is still out for his blood. But honestly, I don't think he's that bad. Sure, he's probably the worse kind of boyfriend. I thought girls like romance. Don't you want a guy who's sweet and nice? Someone who'll share an umbrella with you? Who'll sing to you? Someone like ...BamBam or Yugyeom?" He says hopefully, like dangling a carrot on a stick. Jamie gives him a pitiful glance.

"Love doesn't work that way, Jackson. You don't go looking for it. It finds you." She says softly. And when it does, it turns you upside down, inside out. Rips your heart to shreds and drives you crazy.

"Let me guess, he hates your annoying ass?" Jackson smirks. Jamie rolls her eyes.

"Actually he kissed me."

After that the entire thing sort of spills out of her. It's cathartic, just talking about it out loud. When she's done, her jaw is aching and Jackson has that serious look on his face, the one that's as sincere as it is rare.

"Well, I think he's a pretty closed off guy, emotionally. He's probably struggling with his feelings as much, if not more, than you. Don't forget that he only knows you for a couple of years. You've been liking him a lot longer." He says softly.

Jamie shrugs.

"It doesn't matter. You know what he told me before leaving? ' Kisses don't mean anything' " She says bitterly.

Jackson grins at that.

"Oh, babe. He wasn't saying it to you."

Jamie stares at him in confusion.

"He was saying it to himself. He kissed you and now he's got to answer the obvious question. Why?? He's scared of what the answer might be, so he's trying to convince himself that kisses don't mean anything." He looks rather scarily excited by the whole thing and Jamie gives him a wary glance.

"That sounds rather far-fetched, don't you think?" She sighs. She's just so tired, these days. It's hard to concentrate on her schedules and to move on with her life when she literally cannot go ten minutes without thinking about him. Feeling his phantom fingers on her waist, his soft lips pressed against hers. The heady, masculine scent of him that seemed to cling to her everytime she comes within a few feet of him.

"Well, there's only one way to find out, isn't there?" Jackson suddenly jumps to his feet and Jamie blinks. She's sure this is not going to end well.

"What way?" She asks , already regretting her decision to tell Jackson.

"We prove to him, that kisses always  mean something." He winks and grabs her wrists, hauling her to the feet.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"This is really quite devious of you." Jamie grins, face buried in the warmth of Jackson's chest as they stood cramped in the closet. It was the MNet showcase and they knew for a fact that BTS was just down the hallway, fresh out of their performance. The storage closet was located in the hallway that led to the BTS dressing room which was at the dead-end of the hallway. This also meant that no other group or idol would be allowed here , not even fans. It was essentially the perfect place to carry out their little deception.

"I just hope it works." Jackson mutters under his breath and Jamie hits him.

"Don't say that. I refuse to believe I spent forty minutes inside this place without reason." She hisses and Jackson grins down at her.

"You have the reason , baby J. You get to spend it with yours truly" He leers at her, waggly eyebrows and all.

Jamie rolls her eyes.

Suddenly the sound of someone coming up makes them straighten.

"Hyung, I'll get it...." They hear Jimin's voice and Jackson nods.

"They're here." He whispers excitedly and Jamie can feel her palms begin to sweat. Damn Min Yoongi for making her resort to middle school tricks just to get his attention.

"So, how do we do this?" She asks , suddenly scared out of her wits. What the hell is she doing , right now? Shit, she should've thought this through! And honestly was it actually worth risking her entire career , just to-

Jackson leans down and kisses her.

She blinks in shock and forces herself to close her eyes and clutch his shirt, just as they'd practised . Jackson leans into the door which swings open and the pair of them stumble out into the hallways, joined at the lips, hands wrapped around each other and Jamie's hair artfully mussed. It's quite a spectacle.

They pull away and Jamie isn't disappointed.

Min Yoongi is standing  three feet away from her , looking for want of a better word, like death warmed over. He gazes back and forth between her and Jackson and his jaw hardens and his fists clench into fists and Jamie feels a surge of triumph shoot through her. He feels something for her. He really does. It probably isn't love. Or even infatuation.

But it is something.

And she would not let him take the coward's way out .

She's going to fight for him. She's going to fight for the right to be in love with him. Fight for the laughter , the joy and the happiness they could share, if only he'd give them a chance.

Even if he's the one she's going to have to fight.

But then she catches sight of Jimin and her heart sort of breaks because he looks genuinely hurt and in pain.

Jackson recovers remarkably and is already chatting with Rapmon but Jimin makes his way over to her, pain so obviously radiant on his features that she feels tongue-tied. Did he really like her that much? She swallows nervously. She doesn't want to hurt him.

"I didn't know you were dating Jackson." He says softly and oh God, are those tears?

"We're not!! We just... We fool around sometimes.." She says shrilly and regrets how bad it makes her sound. Next to Jimin, Yoongi goes even paler and she bites her lips. She's not sure what to do now, now that she's got her confirmation. How to get him talk to admit it??

"We need to leave soon." Yoongi says stiffly , turning away and she kicks herself. Of course, he's going to become even colder, he's going to shut her out even more. She fights to keep her temper and takes a deep breath.

Fine. Yoongi is made that way. He's not going to stop and think about this. If anything he's going to try and convince himself that this is yet another reason for him to not  like her. But this time, Jamie's not backing off. She's, quite frankly, had enough of his indecisiveness.

She bows demurely and says her goodbyes before leaving, purposely ignoring him.

Tomorrow, she'll have a word with the guy.

No matter what it takes, no matter how many times he pushes her away, she's going to do it.

Tomorrow she's going to make Min Yoongi admit that he feels something for her. That she's not a fool for liking him all these years.

That they had a chance.

That they could, with a little hard work, maybe even be together.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

Jamie huddles a bit closer to the shadows as she waits outside her company. It's almost eleven in the night and she knows she's definitely not supposed to be out here. But there's only so many times she can ask the the company driver to sneak her out to the BigHit dorms and offices. It's cold and the air is biting against her face. October is just a few short weeks away and she knows she's an idiot in so many ways.

It's not that she regrets her little stunt with Jackson. The playful Jackson had meant well and in a way, the whole thing was a success. She knows Yoongi is affected because of her. It's just that , it doesn't really change things. Yoongi is no romantic hero. He's not going to come storming over claiming that she belongs to him and him only. on the contrary, he'd bound to push her farther away. Which makes her wonder if it was even worth it .

But it is.

It really is.

All these years, Jamie's always known that she's literally the farthest possible deviation from what he desires in a woman. She's never once imagined that he may actually feel something for her. But now she knows. She's just got to...hold on to him. Jamie sighs in defeat. She can feel some of her emotional turmoil taking a toll on her. It's not easy, pushing this boulder. Not when the boulder keeps getting bigger and the mountain steeper. But she's not giving up.

By the time she reaches the recording studio where she knows Yoongi is usually huddled on nights, it's a little past twelve. She opens the door stealthily.

"Oppa...?" She says tentatively. It's dark and she can see him huddled over the couch as usual. He doesn't reply but sits up. She fumbles against the walls and flicks on the light, blinking against the brightness. It takes her a second to adjust to the light and she realizes it isn't Yoongi on the couch.

"So, this is where you meet him?" Jimin rasps out and Jamie flinches because there's a couple of empty bottle of liquor on the couch around him.

"Oppa...I.. I was looking for Yoongi oppa." She says nervously and he laughs rather bitterly.

"Aren't you always? You were looking for him when I first met you and now, years later, you're still looking for him. Have you ever considered that he doesn't want to be found?" He says softly and she stares at him.

"Oh, I know he doesn't want to be found. " She smiles a bit. " But I also know he needs  to be found. " She says firmly.

He scoffs.

"Don't make him out to be some tragic romance hero. He's an underground rapper. He's probably done stuff that would make your stomach churn and your hair curl. He's not some weak soul who needs to be rescued. He's strong and brutal and he's happy alone. If you try to step in the way, he's only going to hurt you!" He says feverishly and Jamie bites her lips.

"That doesn't scare me." She whispers. " Where is he?" She asks again.

"I'm in love with you. Doesn't that mean anything to you?" HE says brokenly and she stays still, staring at him. She doesn't reply, because she knows that anything she says is bound to hurt him. He has to get over her and the best thing she can do is stay away from him.

He hesitates and finally nods.

"I suppose you must really love him. If you could pull off a stunt like the one you did yesterday." He says and she blushes a bit. Jimin finally smiles, defeated.

"Yoongi isn't here. He's gone to Daegu for the night."

She blinks in surprise.

"For the night?" She's stunned. Alone? At night? Why though? Worry begins to eat through her.

"He does that sometimes. He'll be back by the morning though so..."

But Jamie's already getting out the door.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yoongi pulls the coat closer and dips his head lower as he climbs into the bus. It's really late. almost twelve thirty. The bus is empty but for a couple in the back and he takes care not to let his face show. They do seem lost in each other but you never know. There's another figure at the back of the bus, probably a school girl considering her build and the way she's trying to disappear into the walls. She's probably scared, going home so late and he thinks a small prayer , hoping she's safe as she gets home. She doesn't look up and he's grateful.

But he doubts a lot of people can recognize him. He's dressed in an oversized hoodie and the snapback hides his blonde hair. He settles against the window and stares out into the night, trying to get some semblance of coherence in his thoughts.

It's all so scattered.

He wants to see her tonight, he realizes with a pang. He just... he wants to tell her to stop trying so hard to get his attention. She's already got it, for God's sake. He just... He wishes he could turn her away without hurting her. There's so many things that make him worry. 

He worries because she comes out looking childish, reckless and even immoral when she tries to get his attention by throwing herself at other guys. And Yoongi isn't really a jealous, possessive guy to begin with. However, he's worried about the effect her behaviour would have on the guys. She hangs onto these young boys, who are honestly more men than boys. She wears short clothes, lets them hug her, touch her and kiss her and he worries that they might get the wrong idea about her. He worries that someone might take advantage of her. Sure he understands that she's grown up with them, literally, but still, he's not entirely sure they look at her the same way she looks at them. They'd be blind not to notice that she's grown into a beautiful, talented young woman. If she's managed to catch Yoongi's eye ( considering how immune he usually is to women around him ) she's bound to catch other people's eyes as well.

Its giving him a headache, to be honest.

It's beginning to affect his work now and he thinks a trip to see his friend, Jae ,  in Daegu should help. It's the first time he's coming alone, he usually drags Rapmon or J-Hope along, but tonight he just wants to be alone. Spend a few hours talking to Jae and get the bus back home before any of the usual crowd starts. He knows it's a bit dangerous, him going back to Daegu after the way he left but honestly, he's too tired to care. He needs to sort his heart and thoughts out and there's nothing more cathartic than talking to his best friend.

The ride is smooth and he listens to some music and dozes lightly. It's five, nearly six years since  Jae died yet the nightmares don't stop. He misses his best buddy and each time he shuts his eyes at night , he replays that last goodbye. His promise to return back, once he gets into one of these casting agencies. He's going to save some many, get an apartment and he's going to come back for Jae. Take him out of the hell-hole they'd accidentally fallen into. Jae had been ecstatic.

"Follow your dreams, Yoongi. I'll be here cheering you on. I'll be waiting for you." He's whispered, the last time he'd seen him. But he hadn't.

He'd been killed in a hti and run just weeks after Yoongi had left for Seoul.

It destroys a part of him, knowing that his friend had died alone. The company hadn't let him go back even for the funeral. He couldn't blame them. He was a trainee, not really of much value yet. But he couldn't help but feel that Jae had been thinking of him, looking for him in those last moments. He'd probably hoped that Yoongi would come save him and fix things. The way he always fixes thing.

Pain begins to seep through his heart and the wound is as raw and fresh as yesterday. He struggles to keep his emotions under control. When the bust stops, he takes note of the deserted streets and begins walking. He has the slight feeling of being followed but decides it's just his imagination.

The cemetery is colder and so dark he can't see shit. When he reaches the tombstone, he knows he;s made a mistake.

He shouldn't have come alone.

He's screwed.

The figures around the tombstone straighten and Yoongi hesitates. He's not sure how many are there. His night vision isn't what it used to be, his fighting skills rusty at the best. It's been a while since he's had to defend himself against..two (or was it three?) men.  

He stares as they slowly take a step forward.

Recognition crashes through him.

"Min Yoongi . Or should we call you Suga?" The guy says softly and Yoongi notes the glint of metal in his hand. Great, a knife.

He's going to get killed in the graveyard, all because he's too reckless to act smart.

"Nice to see you too Kev." He says casually. The leader laughs, the sound raspy and unamused.

"I'm so flattered you remember. This is fate. Who could have said we'd meet like this, tonight?"

"I don't want trouble. I just came to see Jae." Yoongi says quietly and Kev's eyes narrow with hate.

"You mean the guy you killed?" He hisses and Yoongi flinches. Kev had been a friend too, long back.

"I didn't..."

"Shut the fuck up , you lying motherfucker!! You planted those fucking impossible dreams in his head... You alienated  him from us and it fucking got him killed!!" Kev screams and Yoongi hesitates. There's no reasoning with someone as drunk and unstable as Kev. He's just trying to remember all he's learnt about taking on three assailants at the same time, when a noise makes him jump.

But then his eyes catch sight of something else, out of the corner of his eye.

The other guys notice it too.

there's something moving among the gravestones.

"Who the fuck is it?" Kev yells and one of the other guys runs to the gravestone, grabs something and hauls it up.

It's the girl from the bus, Yoongi realizes with shock. He recognizes the school-girl blazer and the hooded sweater. He stares at her in shock and horror. Oh , fuck he doesn't really have it in him to rescue her as well. She has her head down and Yoongi flinches when the guy pulls her hood back roughly, yanks her thick blonde hair back , with enough force to make her head snap forwards, revealing the pale terror of her face.

Yoongi stops breathing as his mind registers the familiar features.

Jamie.

He stays perfectly still and turns his face away from her. His heart is pounding so hard, he's sure they're going to hear him. His fingers start trembling and he can feel his throat go dry. This is real, he thinks, adrenaline pumping through him and all his senses sharpening . She's in real danger.

He shuts his eyes and licks his lips nervously.

Don't let them know you know her.

He tries to regulate his breathing, keeping his gaze away from her. Maybe they'll just let her go.

They've got him , haven't they? Yoongi doesn't mind getting roughed up a bit, if it's going to give her enough time to get the hell away from here. Maybe if he lets them take a go at him, they'll let her go.

Please, God.

He stares straight ahead and then suddenly she's whimpering. Terrified he turns around, his heart jumping to his throat when he sees her on her knees, the sharp blade of a knife aginst her throat while Kev held her head up by her hair. His body reacts before he can get his head on straight. He moves forward, craving blood. He manages to knock Kevin flat on his ass and drag her up at the same time.

"RUN!!" He yells but she's sort of frozen in shock and fear. Cursing, he yanks her forward and pushes her behind a gravestone before turning around, just in time to avoid a fierce uppercut from Kevin. Although it's been years,his muscle memory is strong and he lands a few solid blows. But he's still outnumbered and he's tiring out. He manages to knock one of the guys out when he sees Kevin, rushing at him knife held high. He braces himself for the blade slicing through him, but it doesn't come.

Jamie's thrown herself in the way and he stares in shock because she's managed to catch the blade with both her hands, so tight that there's blood dripping down her palms , red and angry .

Kevin lets go of the knife, the sight of blood finally bringing him to his senses he curses under his breath and backs away.

"Fuck this shit...let's get out of here!!" he yells and all three of them disappear into the shadows. Yoongi collapses aginst the nearest grave, heart pounding and body aching so badly he feels like dying. Jamie is cowering nearby, sobs escaping her in pathetic little whimpers as she cradles her injured hands against her body. Yoongi has to dredge up every ounce of his energy to crawl over to her.

"You horrible bastard.." She screams, pummeling him with a closed fist as she cries. " You could have gotten killed!!  What were you thinking, coming here all by yourself!! Oh, God I hate you Min Yoongi!! i hate you so much ...I'm not going to do this anymore...Never again...!!" She yells , ugly sobs wracking her body and he has to stifle a smile because she looks absolutely adorable and he's going to hell for finding this amusing.

"Shh..." he says softly, gathering her close. He settles back against the damp grass and draws her close, letting her bury her face into the warmth of his chest while he wrapped both arms around her. She's warm and soft and feminine and his body molds against her so naturally. They fit together like puzzle pieces falling in place and he kisses her hair, over and over again, murmuring soothing words of comfort while she exhausts all her tears.

They stay like that for a long time and when she finally finishes crying, her nose is shining and her eyes are red and swollen. He pulls back and lightly traces her face. He takes her hands and gently wraps his kerchief around the gash on her palm. It isn't too deep thankfully. Once he finishes tying it off, he pulls her hand up and lightly kisses it.

"I'll kill you if you try to pull stunts like this again." he says mildly and she glares at him.

"Not before I kill you. How could you do that? Come here alone?" she says and her lips wobble a bit.

He wants to bite them.

"I lived here for years, Jamie. This is where I'm from." he says gently and she doesn't reply, burrowing closer to him. He wraps his arms tighter and she sniffs.

"I'm going to stop liking you. You're insane. You could've gotten killed. You're so..." she shakes her head and he grins.

"This is only half as bad as you kissing Jackson in that closet. You're an idiot." He says mildly.

She flushes a bit.

"I wouldn't have to do this if you'd just stop being a coward and actually give us a chance." she says .

He stares at her , this pretty girl who isn't scared of calling him a coward, or walking into graveyards at night, or throwing herself in front of a knife for him.

Maybe it's the little brush with danger they've just had or maybe it's just something he's been wanting to do for a long time. He leans down, gently grabs her chin and pulls her up for a proper kiss.

Her lips are soft and warm and plush against his, her taste as warm and exotic as he remembers. He gently uses his thumb to trace circles on her cheek, warming her skin with his touch as he traceS the seam of her lips with his tongue. She melts into his arms and he's never felt so powerful in his life. Jamie surrenders to him like no other women ever before. It feels like she's offering her body and soul and he wants to put her on a pedestal and worship her.

And then  he's leaning forward, pushing her into the warm , damp earth of the ground as he straddles her, thighs on either side of her soft waist, careful not to put too much weight on her body. She whimpers against his lips and he captures the sound with soft kittenish licks to her lips. It feels heavenly, kissing her like this, her warm hands at the nape of his neck, playing with the silky black strands of hair there. He moves his hand to her waist, finding the little gap between her shirt and her skirt, slipping his fingers in and tracing circles on the smooth skin of her stomach. She makes a choking noise when he lightly dips a finger into her belly button. He wonders how she'd react if he used his lips instead of his fingers. Kiss her all over and teach her all the ways he could make her feel good.

He can feel himself going hard and he has to rein himself in.

When he pulls back, she looks glassy-eyed with arousal and he bites his lips in amusement.

"We're making out in a graveyard." He whispers softly and she grins back, her face a vibrant shade of red.

"I don't mind...." she says softly . He grins and lightly brushes his thumb across her lower lip.

"This is going to be difficult." He says softly and there's a wealth of meaning behind the words. She stares back at him and he sees that she understands him completely.

"But we'll do it. " She says firmly.

"We may hurt a lot of people." he says thinking of Jimin's smiling face.

"We'll try out best not to." she says , lightly tracing his eyebrows with her fingers. He smiles.

"Do you want to get back, now?" He asks.

She shakes her head fiercely.

"Not yet..I ...I mean.. just a little more, maybe we could...."

He's already leaning down to kiss her again.

Reality can wait. The night was still young and they were only getting started.

[nadiineross]

title: mutual friends: five, probably

pairing: kara/lena, lena/having actual real life friends

note:  no mon-el and maggie. alex is out and secure in terms of her sexuality. complete-ish; its just fluff. (read my tags if u want something extra lmao)

summary: Lena’s a little nervous, to be honest. Sure, she’s made friends, but if you really think about it, she can still only count that number with one hand. (To be fair, four of those friends work for a secret government agency, so it’s not that bad.)

It starts with Jess.

She’s beautiful and sharp, both mind and tongue. And the first thing she says to Lena after she’s hired is, “This will be the most unprofessional thing I will ever say to you, count on that, Ms. Luthor, but I won’t sleep with you.”

And that’s that.

Loyal as ever, Jess moves to National City with her, wordlessly stocking up her collection of alcohol at the end of the first week as she did back in Metropolis and forging a strange, mostly silent bond with Lena.

Jess is her first friend in a long, long while.

The next comes wrapped in pastel sweaters and plain button ups.

Kara Danvers, hair as golden as her heart, is a puppy.

Lena’s smart, though. She managed to survive the Luthor household, after all. Kara didn’t befriend her out of the kindness of her heart – Lena doesn’t doubt it’s there, no, she did is because she’s a Luthor.

It’s fine. She just has to prove them all wrong. Easy.

Okay. So it’s not that easy.

Literally the same month, she gets shot at in a helicopter (god, she knew flying was a mistake) and has her building attacked.

Still, it gets her a friend in Supergirl. Supergirl!

Who would’ve thought?

“You should be careful.”

Lena reaches for her glass, water, because she feels like she’s bordering on alcoholism, and regards Jess over the rim of it.

“Kara Danvers,” Jess clarifies, “The reporter.”

“What about her?” Lena asks, eyebrows raised.

Jess is thoroughly unimpressed. Under ‘Education’ on Lena’s Wikipedia page is a list of Russel Group universities. She doesn’t appreciate Lena’s attempt at playing dumb. “You’re a Luthor and she works at CatCo – Supergirl’s biggest fan club.”

“I’m a Luthor,” Lena says, almost amused. “And I haven’t done anything wrong. I have nothing to hide, Jess.”

“I’m not talking PR-wise.”

“Whatever happened to professionalism?”

Jess rolls her eyes.

Lena almost grins. Almost. She hides it behind her water, covered by her hand. “I can’t believe I pay you.”

“I can’t believe you’re letting Ms. Danvers manipulate you into friendship just so she can write stories about you,” Jess retorts.

Lena narrows her eyes. “You don’t know her.”

“Neither do you.”

“And how am I supposed to if I don’t give her a chance?”

Jess, mouth pressed into a line, turns around and opens the door. “Be careful.”

“Aren’t I always?” Lena smiles, wryly. She picks her pen back up after transferring the water into her other hand – try as she might, she is not ambidextrous – and finishes signing off a contract.

The door closes as Jess snorts. Outside, Supergirl flies by, a grin on her face.

The air is colder up here, on her balcony, she notes as she pours water out of a half empty plastic bottle, the ones she left around for drop in meetings, into the one potted plant she has out here.

Jess had went home earlier, but not after insisting Lena left at most fifteen minutes later. That was an hour ago. She makes another note to herself to restrict Jess’s access to security footage so she won’t nag Lena about it tomorrow.

“It’s late, Ms. Luthor.”

“Supergirl.” Kara. Lena’s not stupid. It’s almost an insult, honestly. They’ve been friends for just short of half a year now.

Kara drops herself onto the balcony and offers her a tiny smile. “Why are you here so late?”

“Unfinished work,” Lena replies, dismissive. She crumples up the bottle before twisting the cap on and quirks both her eyebrows. “This brings back memories.”

Kara nods, straight faced. “I’m sorry you, well… Almost… Died.”

Lena laughs and steps back into her office, tossing the bottle into the bin by her desk. “I’m sorry you had to skip coffee with Kara to save me from plummeting thirty floors.”

Kara follows her in, closing the balcony door, and rounds the desk just as Lena takes a seat. “Any time.”

“My hero,” Lena says, almost teasingly, turning on her laptop. “Not to be rude, Supergirl, but why are you here?”

“Oh.” Kara blinks. “Just checking up on you. Because we’re friends.”

That’s another thing, Lena’s jaw tics, because of the three friends she has in National City, two of them are the same person. The other, is her secretary. She sighs to herself.

Lena glances over at Kara and sees her peering over at a pile of CatCo magazines on her coffee table, all of which has at least one article she’s written. Well, at least she tries to hide it. “I’m fine,” Lena says, amused when Kara jerks around. “But thanks, Kara.”

Supergirl beams. “No problem, Lena.” A beat. “Ms. Luthor. Wait. Wait, what?”

After a fair amount of panic and two days of flat out avoidance on Kara’s part, she comes back with apologies spilling out of her mouth and bag after bag of take out.

For the next week, Kara tries to bribe Jess into liking her, because even though Kara’s proven to be a good friend, Jess still doesn’t like her.

Eventually though, Kara manages to find the secret, which is just twelve shots of coffee every morning and a quota of ten words per person spoken to her before eight.

And after that, Lena gets it. The invitation to what Kara makes out to be the most prestigious weekly happening in the entire city, if not country.

Game night.

There, she’s met with two not-quite-glares and two grinning idiots to make up for it. There’s Alex, Kara’s Rottweiler guard dog of a sister, and then there’s James Olsen. The other two are obviously Kara herself and Winn, the guy she’d met at her own gala.

She arrives five minutes late due to another IT disaster, despite wanting to show up at least five minutes early, and is disastrously overdressed.

Kara lends her a pair of jeans and a loose sweater to go over her dress shirt.

When she comes back out, James and Winn are still arguing over which game to start with and Alex is pouring herself more wine into a Mickey Mouse mug with her phone in hand. (Lena groans quietly out of the back of her throat, because, honestly, mood.)

They end up settling it when Kara declares that since it’s Lena’s first game night and it’s her choice, which implies there will be more game nights in which Lena doesn’t get first choice, making Lena want to bounce a little like Kara would. She doesn’t, instead, she gingerly sits herself down next to Kara and the arm of the sofa, and picks out Trivial Pursuit.

Kara wilts a little at the choice, but Lena’s in it to win it, so she just pats Kara’s arm – she’s not touching her leg, no way – and promises Kara that they can team up.

They split into two teams, Kara and Lena, and the other three. About four seconds in, it’s made clear to Lena that it’s really actually Lena playing and Kara’s still stewing over which president haunted the white house.

Still, Lena reckons she put up a good fight. She loses. Still.

Kara apologizes sheepishly when she realizes they’ve lost and she’s still deciding whether it was Washington or Jefferson – it’s neither, Abraham Lincoln’s ghost was supposedly sighted.

It’s only after Lena’s completely obliterated at Go Fish and they take a short break does one of the others finally talk to her.

“I love Kara,” Alex says as she sidles up to Lena in the kitchen, “But you shouldn’t have paired up with an alien for a game that was going to quiz you on human and pop culture.”

Lena, twisting the end of her borrowed sweater, smiles, softly, looking over at Kara who’s currently trying to throw chips into Winn’s mouth while James films the entire thing. “Who else was going to pair up with me?”

Alex snorts and mutters something with the word fuck. “I’ll do it next time. If you can even say no to Kara’s face.”

Lena grimaces and meets her eyes, stepping back a little at the slight hint of accusation there. “I–”

To her immense relief, Kara starts clapping her hands and hailing them back over before Alex can interrogate her more.

“We’re playing Monopoly now,” she announces, pulling Lena down next to her, except putting her in the middle, next to James, this time.

Winn immediately starts dishing out money and it doesn’t escape Lena’s attention when he slips both Kara and himself an extra hundred. Neither, apparently, does it escape Alex’s, judging by her indignant snort when Kara tries to hide it.

They don’t say anything.

James goes first, rolling the highest and scoring himself another roll, and buys out every property he lands on, screwing Winn over.

Unsurprisingly, Winn goes bankrupt first and spends the rest of the game trying to distract James as revenge.

Alex soon gets bored and runs herself into the ground on purpose, only to foster a renewed interest and starts helping Kara with strategies, leaving Lena as the last person who’s playing normally.

And with Alex’s help, Kara’s actually winning, so Lena, who’s already figured out they’re trying to get James out of the game with Winn, decides to help.

In the end, two hours of arguing and one noise complaint in total, Kara’s pouting into Alex’s shoulder as she tosses her last buck into James’s grinning face. He gives Lena a high five when she bows out and lets him have his victory and for once, she feels like she belongs.

“Thanks, guys,” Kara says after they’ve finally settled down and cleaned up (there was a lot of cleaning up, no thanks to Kara’s bad aim, or as she insists, Winn’s habit of moving every time she throws a chip to scam her).

She hugs everyone goodbye, first Winn, then James, and then it’s Lena, who she grapples around the waist and buries her face into. Lena doesn’t think she’ll ever be used to this.

Alex sticks around, giving Lena an awkward nod over Kara’s shoulder before turning back to the TV.

Outside, James and Winn wait for her, which is just… Well. Lena doesn’t want to say weird, because it’s sweet of them, really, but it’s weird.

“Thanks for letting me win,” James says with a wide grin, hand coming up to rub at his neck.

“My name’s Winn and you still let me lose,” Winn says as they wait for the elevator.  

Lena laughs and tucks her fingers into her sweater (Kara’s not getting it back). “I didn’t know you’d be that bad at Monopoly.”

“I resent that. Really. I do.” Winn pauses, leaving the atmosphere in the elevator silent and awkward and Lena shifts her weight onto her other foot. “Anyway, tell me about photonic crystals and the hot solar absorber you’re developing.”

Lena tenses. Her little IT problem that made her late. “Did you have anything to do with a cyber-attack?”

Winn’s eyes widen. “Uh. I mean, no. Technically, yes.”

James transitions from absolute bewilderment to a frown and smacks Winn over the head. “We talked about this.”

God, Kara and her friends are going to be trouble.

After that, she forms a bond with Winn over what is quite frankly, nerd-stuff.

She counts him as her third friend she makes in the city. Slow progress, but progress nonetheless.

Alex is fourth when, the following Friday night, they team up together as promised for Trivial Pursuit and wipe the floor.

She’s still frosty at times, especially when she catches Lena smiling to herself at Kara doing something either really cute or stupid or both, but other than that she’s a formidable opponent in Monopoly and has a sense of humour Lena could appreciate.

James is last and it takes her three more game nights for her to finally understand why.

“Literally only Kara doesn’t know,” Alex says.

Lena gestures to her shelf of alcoholic drinks. “Help yourself, Agent Danvers.”

Alex happily pours herself a glass of whiskey and sits herself down on the couch. “Nice office.”

“Thanks,” Lena says. “Literally only Kara doesn’t know what?”

Alex gives her a look. Her entire body goes rigid until she relaxes when Jess steps in with a tablet. “Ms. Luthor, I have this month’s – oh. Hello.”

“Thank you, Jess,” says Lena as she nods for her to hand the tablet over.

“Both James and Winn know, Lena,” Alex says whilst Jess taps away at a second tablet, waiting for Lena to finish scanning over the reports. “About you.”

“Hm,” Lena hums, distracted.

Annoyed, Alex clinks her glass loudly. “And Kara.”

Ah. Her eyes moves rapidly from Alex to Jess and back to her tablet, she almost misses Jess’s scoff.

“Oh yeah,” Jess mutters under her breath, even if it’s obvious they’ve both heard it.

Alex smirks.

“I don’t know what either of you are talking about.” Lena returns the tablet back to Jess and pointedly looks over at the door.

“Of course, Ms. Luthor.”

Jess is a little shit.

When the door closes, Lena swivels around in her chair to face Alex. “Could you not embarrass me in front of my assistant?”

“She probably has more embarrassing stories about you than I do,” Alex replies. It’s true. Part of the reason why Lena’s stopped drinking after work is because she says some really stupid things without a filter. “Beside the point, Lena, everyone knows.”

“And what is your point?”

“That there are already three other people I know who are ready to kill you if you hurt her. Four, if you count Cat Grant,” Alex says, nonchalantly. “Also, just ask her out.”

Lena raises an eyebrow. She really expected more. “And you’re encouraging this, why?”

Alex gives her a funny look. “I want my sister to be happy, not a nun.”

Lena laughs.

“And by the way, even James agrees.”

“Why wouldn’t he?”

“I can’t tell if you’re serious or not.” Lena stares at her. “They used to date?”

That– Lena stares at her some more. That actually makes a lot of sense. As far as she can tell, Kara and James both have the urge to help and, well, there’s something between them. Something a little too stiff for people who’ve been close friends as long as they have.

Alex mutters a Jesus Christ and gets up. “You’re both blind.”

And that’s that.

Winn’s off to some nerd convention for the next game night, so they can finally play two-on-two. Kara attempts to be fairer; she sticks their names on a random generator she gets off Google and picks teams every time they play a new game.

It takes off perfectly, starting off with Pictionary and a strange team played game of Battleships (specially lined with lead, she’s no cheater) with Kara, followed by more single player games they’ve turned into twos, like Chess with Alex (apparently, Kara’s misplaced Trivial Pursuit), and then Clue with Kara, again (making up ludicrous murder scenarios much to all of their amusement).

And then it’s James. She’s paired with James four times in a row. Really, what kind of random generator puts her up with the ex-boyfriend of her current crush? And pits them against the Danvers sisters? A higher power is out to get her, truly.

“Uh. Hippo? No! Elephant!”

“Yes!”

“Alligator? Crocodile.”

“Yes! Did we win?”

Alex chortles and wraps Kara up in a fierce hug. “As if those losers could beat us. We’re the reigning charades champs, Kara.”

Kara mimes wiping dust off her hands and takes a seat, grinning smugly at Lena and James.

“Well,” Lena says, apologetically, “I’m not much of an actress.”

James smiles, warmly. “I’ve heard otherwise. Medusa had us all fooled.”

“Do you want to act first or should I?” Lena asks, a little stilted.

“I’ll do it,” he says. “Theme?”

“TV shows!” Kara shouts, even though she’s an arm’s length away.                                                                                

He does as told and turns to face Lena as she takes out her phone to open the app. “Ready?”

“As ever.” She doesn’t really have the time to watch TV, but she’s hoping for classics and shows that are so mainstream even she couldn’t avoid them.

James, always, always smiling, guesses to the best of his ability, even when she flounder a little on some of them. Unsurprisingly they lose, but by the time they’ve played four rounds, they’re only behind by a couple points.

They take a break before they launch themselves into legitimate single player games. Kara sprawls all over Lena’s lap as James makes conversation with Alex. “Are you having fun?”

Lena laughs, absentmindedly sticking a hand in Kara’s hair and working out the knots. “Yeah, of course.”

Kara hums. “Oh. Well… good.”

“Good,” Lena repeats.

“Okay. And you’re going to keep on having fun?” Lena furrows her eyebrows. “Because we’re playing Go Fish next.”

Ah. Lena bites back a laugh and fakes a huff. “I’m leaving now.”

“Lena.”

After that, James walks her to her car since it’s on the way to his.

“Have a good night,” he bids, waving as she tosses her bag into the passenger seat.

“You too,” she replies.

L-Corp’s finally announcing the new solar cells and she gives CatCo an exclusive.

Kara spends the majority of the interview gushing over a cat picture and mulling over the casual game of chess they usually play whenever she stops by the office. Jess drops in every now and then, leaving behind a snide comment before she leaves.

Then, she goes for a photoshoot with James (who insists on being the photographer).

She’s a professional and she’s had shoots before, whether it be with her family or for L-Corp, so the shoot flies by.

Lena lets a stuttering college student wipe the makeup off her face and smiles kindly when he murmurs a bye.

“Just a second!” James calls before she can walk out of the studio. “Don’t you want to look at the pictures?”

“I’m sure they turned out excellently,” Lena replies, turning a little. “I trust your abilities in photography.”

James jogs up to her, his camera in hand. “Yeah, but you’re not even a little bit curious?”

Lena bites her lip before sighing and inching closer to peer over at the camera. “Okay, fine.”

She was right. She looks like she can stab a man with a stiletto and still look meticulous. That’s not the image she really wants for herself, but it’s one that she must have to run her company. Besides, it fits with the sleek, modern thing L-Corp’s going for.

“I look… great,” Lena says, slowly, as he flips through more photos.

“Are you complimenting me or yourself?” James jokes.

“Me, of course.” He comes to a stop on the last one, where she’s her hand’s half way to her mouth and she’s laughing her guts out – probably when Kara dropped in and did something endearing. It looks… nice. Softer. “Oh.”

James grins and turns his camera off before she can comment on it further. “Hey, I get off work in five. Wanna go for drinks?”

Lena, taken aback, only blinks.

“Hello?” James waves a hand in her face. “You in there, buddy?”

“You want to go for drinks with me?”

James tilts his head. “We’re friends, aren’t we?” He frowns. “Or do you not drink alcohol?”

“No, I do,” Lena says, hurriedly. “Yeah. Drinks. Sounds good.”

James chuckles. “All right, then. I’m going to put all this back in my office. I’ll meet you at the front?”

“Sure,” Lena says.

She almost texts Kara or Alex, or even Jess, to come be a buffer, but decides against it when she sees Supergirl zooming past overhead (she hopes it’s a cat stuck in a tree) and knows Jess would be a nightmare to put up with.

James comes out soon enough, tie loosened and customary grin in place.

He leads them to a bar walking distance away, so they don’t have to worry about transportation (she doesn’t really have to, because she’s technically still on the clock and has chauffeurs) and opens the door for her.

“Bar or booth?”

“Booth, please.”

James gestures to the one in the corner. “I’ll get us drinks. What do you want?”

“Oh, no, I can get my own,” Lena says. “I can afford it.”

“It’s fine,” James says, nudging her. “Come on, before a group of underage NCU students take it. You can buy the next round.”

Lena begrudgingly splits up with him after giving him her drink order, sliding into the booth and shooting a text off to Jess, telling her to head off early since she’s most likely not coming back to the office tonight.

Jess blue ticks her as usual.

“So,” James starts when he sets her glass down and settles down opposite her. “How’s business?”

She raises her eyebrows after taking a sip. “Friends talk about this in a post-work bar hang out?”

“Touché,” he replies through a laugh, and that’s how she makes her fifth friend, six months into living in National City.

They skip game night next week, because there’s an arson somewhere downtown and Kara and James have to rescue people as Alex and Winn work with the DEO. She feels a pang of incompetence in her chest when she sees all her exhausted friends the next day when Winn insists on a movie marathon to compensate, but she quickly pushes it away.

Winn’s apartment is as nerdy as she envisioned, and they mostly just leave the other three to geek over all his random gadgets he’s got scattered around.

Later, Kara flies everyone home individually.

It’s not the first time, the second actually, but it is the first time when Lena’s actually not dying.

Kara drops her off last, because Alex basically fell asleep two seconds into High School Musical 2 and Lena insisted that James go next, because Lena’s still trying to figure out how Winn got an entire airplane engine into his bathroom.

She hates flying, but she’ll take any chance to cling onto Kara. She’s desperate, so what.

“Are you okay?” Kara asks as Lena shifts in her arms to tuck her head into the hollow under her chin. “I can go slower.”

“No, it’s fine,” says Lena, “Thank you.”

“No problem,” she replies, brightly, before hesitating. “I, uh, don’t know where you live.”

Oh. Lena reminds herself to invite them over for dinner or something, and then mutters out her address as Kara changes direction sharply.

“My bad. Sorry.”

Lena tightens her hold on Kara, patting her muscled bicep lightly. “It’s okay.”

When Kara lets her down on her balcony, she takes a moment to adjust, murmuring her thanks when Kara quickly scoops her purse out of the air when she drops it.

“Uh,” Lena finally says, “Kara.”

“Yeah?”

“I don’t have keys to my balcony.”

Kara blinks. “Oh. Right. That’s all right. Just give me your keys and I’ll fly down to let you in, this way you won’t have to fly again.”

Lena smiles a little, stepping up closer to dig into the purse Kara’s still holding and pressing it into her palm. “My hero.”

Kara looks almost dazed as she flops over the balcony with the keys.

It takes longer than expected. Kara apologizes when she finally barges into Lena’s apartment and twists the lock open. “The doorman wanted a signature.”

“It’s okay, Kara.” Lena whips off her cardigan, tosses it on her couch, and kicks her heels off. It takes her about two entire minutes for her to realize Kara is staring curiously at her walls. “Not what you expected?”

“Well, no. But it’s nice.” Lena gives her an amused look, padding to her kitchen for a tub of ice cream she’s not going to eat, seeing as she bought it for Kara ages ago from a brief trip to Europe but never found the time to give to her. “No, really, it’s nice,” Kara says, earnestly.

Lena takes a spoon from a drawer and turns, juddering back into the fridge when she finds Kara right there.

“Sorry! Sorry.”

Lena laughs and thrusts the ice cream into Kara’s hands. “Eat up, Supergirl.”

Kara takes one look at the label and is a goner. Lena can tell. “You’re a lifesaver.”

“Says the superhero to a Luthor,” Lena says, dryly, shuffling around Kara to hoist herself up onto the island.

“You know I don’t see you as a Luthor, right?” Kara asks, frowning and holding the half-finished carton aside. “Sure, you’re Lena Luthor, that’s your name, but you’re not… You know. A Luthor.”

“It was a joke.” It was. Kind of. “Seriously, Kara, enjoy the ice cream and your out of this world metabolism.”

Kara giggles, appreciating the pun, and scoops a literal quarter of the carton on her spoon, stuffing it in her face. Lena shakes her head and turns to grab a roll of napkins.

“Come over here,” she says, one hand coming up to Kara’s neck once she’s close enough and the other with a napkin dabbing at her bulging cheeks. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Thanks,” Kara says around a mouthful of ice cream. A glob lands on her suit, just over the crest, and Lena quickly swipes that up before Kara can move her head more.

After that, Kara takes it slower, taking tinier spoons as Lena scrunches up yet another used up napkin.

It’s warm and quiet in here, surrounded by framed CatCo articles written by Kara, pictures from various game nights, and even one of her and Jess a gossip site had gotten when she’d first moved here. (She forgets to think about the one she has of Lex at her high school graduation hanging proudly by the door.)

When Kara finishes the carton and sets it next to the pile of napkins, she leans into Lena, sandwiched by her thighs. “Are you going to work tomorrow?”

“I always go,” Lena replies, eyes flicking from Kara’s still hopelessly sticky jaw to her eyes.

Kara’s hand rises up to cover Lena’s, still on her neck. “You work too much.”

Lena almost laughs in her face. “You have a day job and a night job.”

Her hand tightens on Lena’s. “Yeah, and I’m an alien who doesn’t need as much rest as you.”

“Your night job is beating the ever living shit out of criminals and charging into exploding buildings. We’re even.”

“Lena Luthor.”

“Kara Danvers,” Lena retorts, swiping her finger lazily over Kara’s pulse point. She wonders if Kara’s heart beat is just really slow or her skin is too dense for her to feel for it. “Thanks for worrying about me.”

“Not a problem,” Kara reassures, immediately and vehemently. “That’s what friends are for.”

Lena smiles and is so close to kissing her that she almost feels like crying when Kara jolts violently, head swiveling around.

Kara’s mouth is open, ready to say something, to apologize, but Lena hops off the counter and swipes twice at Kara’s shoulders. She pushes some hair away from Kara’s face and tugs her lower so she can kiss her forehead. “Go get ‘em, Supergirl.”

Kara gapes, then it morphs into a grin. “See you tomorrow, Lena.”

A moment after Kara’s jetting off, Lena falls back onto her counter, sagging. That was a disaster. A big gay disaster.

Lena sighs, takes the empty carton and spoon, and throws them into the bin and sink, respectively. She’s 100% certain the only reason she’s gotten so bold is because prolonged exposure to Kara and her friends have really boosted her confidence.

She’s not sure if she likes it.

“I heard through Winn who heard through Alex that you kissed Kara.”

“On the cheek,” Lena says, not missing a beat. She’s exhausted.

James hands her a whiskey, because that’s a thing now, they go for drinks every Monday and she finds that it’s an effective bonding experience and also an excellent time to bitch about businesspeople. He can really relate now that he’s been stand in chief at CatCo for half an entire year.

He’s somber, odd for him with his usual cheerfully charming disposition, but not in the slightest within this context. Lena sighs and hopes that this isn’t the end of their friendship. She doubts it, because James is genuine and accepting, and all-in-all the greatest guy she has ever known, and will ever know.

Lena’s sure of it. James pats her hand and Lena’s sure of it. “Now, usually, I wouldn’t help someone who’s head over heels for my ex by gossiping about said ex, but you’ve got a good head on your shoulders, Lena Luthor.”

What’s with everyone and her full name? Christ.

Lena slumps lower in her seat. “And?”

“And the only reason why I know about this is because I heard through Winn who heard through Alex who heard through Kara talking about it for an entire hour and a half instead of choosing to eat the potstickers Alex brought for her.”

“Potstickers? Not, I don’t know, say, pizza?” Lena can’t hide the shock in her voice and she doesn’t really try to.

“Potstickers,” he confirms.

“Christ,” she whispers.

James nods in agreement. “Agreed. She’s in deep.”

“What the hell am I supposed to do?”

For the first time that night, he laughs.

“You’re on your own on that one, buddy.”

Predictably, Alex stops by the next day just after Kara’s left (she tries her best to drop in every morning, firstly, so she can give Jess her morning coffee the way she likes it, and secondly, to bid Lena a good day). “I assume you’ve heard.”

“Hello to you too,” Lena says, sending off an email and returning to her inbox. “How did you get past the guard dog?”

An email from Jess pops up. In it, is a link to a shared company document and in that, is a long list of HR complaints, dated in chronological order starting from the conception of LuthorCorp. She’s pretty sure if she prints it out, staples the ends together, and throws it over the balcony, it would just reach the floor. Message received, loud and clear.

Lena closes the tab and starts up on an apology email.

“Jess loves me,” Alex says, they share a good natured laugh at Jess’s indignant scoff.

“Close the door, please,” Lena says, and after Alex kicks the door shut, continues, “I did hear. From James.”

Alex takes a seat opposite Lena and raises her eyebrow. “You should ask her out. Y’know, on a date. That’s how normal people do it.”

“She’s Supergirl and I’m a Luthor.”

“No, she’s Kara and you’re Lena,” Alex says, sharply. “Try again.”

Lena sends the email off to Jess and rubs her forehead. “She’s straight.”

“Didn’t you graduate from Stanford or something?”

“Only Met U for my bachelor’s and master’s and M.I.T. for my PhD, actually.” Lena props her chin up in her hand.

“All right, humble brag – actually, not even humble,” Alex says. “I did med school in NCU.”

“All right, humble brag – actually, not even humble.” Lena smiles as Alex rolls her eye at her. “And I knew that. Kara talks.”

Alex throws her head back and groans. “Don’t I know it, Luthor. She won’t stop talking about your cheek kiss. Just ask her out. Why are all you both so incompetent?”

Glancing around pointedly, Lena furrows her brows and forces herself to be stiff-lipped to stop herself from smirking. "I run a multi-million dollar company and your sister holds the safety of an entire city in her hands.”

“Exactly!” Alex points an accusing finger at Lena. “I expected more from you guys. Well, actually, not from Kara. It took her an entire year of pining over a taken man to get a boyfriend.”

Lena’s eyes widen. “A year? Taken? James was taken?”

At this, Alex positively cackles. “Oh, wait till you meet Lucy Lane.”

“What?”

Alex takes her phone out and holds it up to her ear. “Oh, what’s that? A real life emergency? Sure thing.” She gives Lena a salute, excellent form, because of course. “Ask her out or I’ll sue you and use the money to pay Kara’s favourite potsticker place to stop selling to her!”

James tells her their whole story when she requests a pre-game-night visit at her office, since Alex has proven to be unreliable and whenever she’s around Winn, they end up arguing over robot ethics or something. (She’s also not about to say anything about it to Jess or Kara.)

Throughout the entire thing, his expressions flicker through pure adoration, frustration, contemplation, and sadness, bordering on wistfulness. Lena gets it, to some extent at least. She puts a hand on James’s arm and pushes his drink closer to him as he comes to an end.

He chuckles, mirth not quite reaching his eyes, and knocks it back.

“I’m sorry that it ended.” She means it, sincerely. “I’m sorry.”

He shrugs. “I guess some things just don’t work out the way we want it to, no matter how much we want it to.”

“Still,” Lena says, this time she means to say I’m sorry for violating the bro code or whatever that stupid shit is.

They fall into companionable silence as Lena switches her laptop off and halfheartedly organizes her desk into piles of paper.

When they go to game night, she sits shot gun in James’s car, instead of going separately.

By the time they reach Kara’s apartment, they’re back to easy banter. Kara opens the door to Lena’s red face, holding back her laughter and failing disastrously as James greets her happily.

“Hey, guys,” she says, carefully, “Come in.”

They’re early, so Kara lets them pick their spots first and dig into chips.

“Hey, Lena?” Kara asks when Lena’s rifling through the giant pile of snack foods for the cool ranch Doritos. “Do you want to change out of your work clothes?”

Lena curses under her breath as she straightens up, remembering that she left her casual outfit in her own car. “I forgot to bring a change of clothes. Can I borrow something?”

“Of course,” Kara responds, instantly, and leads them to her room. “Do you want jeans or sweatpants? Shirt or are you fine with just a sweater?”

“Jeans and sweater. Thank you.” She’s seen Kara’s ducky sweatpants and she’s not going to be caught dead in those around Winn and Alex.

“Any time.” Kara hands her a pair of jeans and opens another drawer to pull out her sweater. “So, um…”

She adjusts her glasses nervously.

Lena smiles, patiently, hoping Kara doesn’t bring up the cheek kiss. She’s not ready. “You’re going to have to finish the thought, darling.”

Kara blushes fire engine red and glances down at her feet. Pet name slip, oops. “Right. So are you and James… a thing? Or…”

“I’m – Kara, I’m gay,” Lena says, mildly. She came out publicly at least two years ago. This explained quite a lot, actually.

“Oh, Rao!” Kara blinks in quick succession and stumbles a little more over her speech, some not even spoken in English, or in any human language, for that matter. “Sorry. For assuming. That’s great! Good. That’s good. For you, I mean.”

Lena laughs and her chin bobs as she nods slowly. “Thank you, Kara. I do enjoy lesbianism.”

“Right.” Kara pushes her glasses higher, despite the fact that they’re at a reasonable height on her face. “I’m just gonna – I’ll go and let you change.”

That could have gone a lot better. It also explains why Kara herself hasn’t asked her out yet. Because Lena kind of wants that, she does.

When she goes back out, Alex has arrived and Kara’s on the phone with Winn in another room. She stuffs her folded dress into her purse and takes a spot next to James, who’s found the cool ranch, bless him.

After Kara walks out of the apartment to help Winn carry something up, Lena clears her throat. “Kara didn’t know that I’m a lesbian.”

Alex chokes on her sour cream and James lets out a long, suffering sigh.

“That clears up so many things for me,” Alex says. “I should’ve known. She basically told me I didn’t find the right guy accidentally when I first came out. She’s kind of awkward and just generally unaware about people’s romantic lives. Unless it’s on Sitcoms.”

Lena blows out a puff of air.

James gives her a thumbs up, though. “Maybe she’ll ask you out like you want her to.”

Here’s hoping.

“I’m learning so much today.”

Once again, because Kara’s magically found it, Lena wins at Trivial Pursuit, this time with Winn. It’s clear that Kara’s been reading up, since she actually contributes more to her team’s efforts. (Or, more likely, Alex tells them, when Kara goes to the bathroom, that she’s memorized as many answers as she can – later, she stomps out the bathroom and very emphatically tells them that Alex is a lying traitor.)

They try charades again, with one person sitting out every round to assign topics. When it’s Lena’s turn to pick, she gives Kara a choice between movies and animals (and she thoroughly enjoys Kara’s medley of the Little Mermaid songs), and James a list of occupations to act out for Alex.

To Winn, she gives musicals, because while he can sing, he doesn’t know anything about it and she’s still bitter that he’s declared himself the winner of their robots ethics discussion. Alex gets TV and she thanks her profusely. James and Alex win that particular round, seeing as James runs a magazine, so he knows his pop culture and Alex spends every other night binging on Netflix with Kara. Also, Winn flops spectacularly.

Next, Winn rotates off, putting James with Kara and Lena with Alex.

He gives Lena impressions and accents. Needless to say, she loses the game for them.

Judging by the unstoppable force of her laughter, Alex doesn’t necessarily mind.

Lena grins, good natured, and joins James. She’s going to destroy Winn, later, when she tells him what the fuck else she’s brewing up in her labs, which are very carefully guarded on her unhackable servers, thank you very much.

They’re nearing the end of a game of poker (Kara is as bad as expected; Lena is as bad as unexpected) when Kara hears some trouble a couple blocks away. It’s a mugging that Supergirl can handle on her own and faster than the Guardian can, so she goes alone, telling them they can stay as long as they want.

Still, Lena ends up going home early because she still has responsibilities, and Jess will kill her if she cancels another early morning Saturday meeting. James drives her and only starts off down the road when the doorman closes the door behind Lena.

She’s already asleep when Kara flies past her window.

It only takes Kara about an entire month before it happens. It’s almost winter now and Kara’s been wearing more sweaters in an attempt to fit in.

Lena herself is decked out in coat after trench coat. (Jess mutters something that sounds like, “There’s no in between with you two,” but she’s apparently never saying anything unprofessional to Lena, so she’ll give Jess the benefit of the doubt.)

There’s about a hundred articles written on her love affair with Kara, so they’re not necessarily fazed when a random kid takes pictures of them out on various lunches (on the ongoing hunt for National City’s best restaurant, not that it exists), but it’s not something Lena’s happy about.

Kara avoids the camera, self-consciously nudging her glasses using the tips of her fingers, before flat out frowning at the guy until a waiter notices Lena Luthor’s accompanying glower and kicks him out.

“How’s your week been?” Kara asks.

“You saw me yesterday,” Lena says, affection warming her tone. Seriously, they had game night literally less than twenty-four hours ago.

Kara puts a single index finger on the tip of Lena’s glass of iced lemon water, and Lena knows there’s not a chance in hell she’ll be able to lift it without breaking the cup. “How’s your week been?”

Lena laughs and wraps a hand around Kara’s. “Now? It’s great. How about yours?”

“Glad you asked,” Kara says, “Do you have, by any chance, a jerk detector you need testing? I know a guy. Snapper.”

“I’m sure I can start development on one.” Lena gently pries at Kara’s hand until she gets the point and moves away from Lena’s cup so she can take a drink.

Pouting, Kara splays her fingers over her face and slots her chin into the concave in her palm. “I can’t wait till Ms. Grant comes back.”

“Do you know when that is?” She’s still holding Kara’s other hand

“Well, no.” Kara grips a tiny bit tighter. “But I have hope that it’s soon.”

Lena’s pretty sure that’s enough to bring Cat Grant back. That’s one of Supergirl’s strongest powers, after all. She isn’t aware she’s said it aloud until Kara’s blushing and just about ready to haul Lena right over the table. “You think so?”

“I know so,” Lena says, fiercely. She has an unwavering faith in Kara, that’s only trumped by Alex to the best of her knowledge.

Kara beams before she nibbles at the edge of her lip and uses her free hand to fiddle with the tablecloth. The abrupt change in demeanor makes Lena knit her brows together and take another sip from her water. Are they going to talk about the coming out this now?

“Lena?” She hums in acknowledgement. “Can this be our first date?”

Her water goes down the wrong pipe and she coughs into her hand, so no one sees it dribble down her chin. Kara, almost knocks over her own drink when she stands abruptly to help Lena wipe her face and pat her back.

“I – I’m sorry,” Kara says, panicked. “We can ignore that.”

“What?” Lena croaks out, shooing her away, so she can just take seat and let Lena process. “No.”

“No?” She’s got the kind of wince that makes her scrunch up one side of her face in a pained smile.

Once Lena’s sure she’s not going to spew more water all over the place, she clears her throat and straighten up in an attempt to gather her dignity. It’s shattered. Spilled all over the floor. “I mean, if you want to ignore it, then… But I don’t. Because I would love it. If it was our first date.”

Kara’s entire body shakes with nervous energy as she bobs into her nod. “Yes! Definitely. I would be honoured.”

There’s a brief pause.

Lena giggles and then, after a second passes, Kara follows.

“We’re a mess,” Lena says.

“Gosh, don’t tell Alex, she’ll never let me live it down.”

“She’ll never let me live it down. Or Winn.”

“Pact to never tell them?”

“Done.”

[michelleloc17]

Saitama x Female!Reader part 5

There was a slight fear that sparked in (Name's) chest that being asked about Saitama wouldn't be surprising to her anymore. Why? Because everyone asked about him. Due to all the commotion from gossiping and stories, there was hardly anyone in the Association who didn't know about the new couple. Like I said. It spreads. For (Name), it had begun subtly. After a week back from the hospital, the female was making her usual rounds through corridors in HQ and greeting some heroes she had befriended since her time here. Saitama had begged her to move in with him, but felt a bit self conscious about it. Politely, she declined her awesome boyfriend, who would plaster on a pouty face whenever she denied his request. On her way back to her quarters, (Name) had picked up a small snack accompanied by a bottle of (fav. Drink), one of her favorite beverages. Upon walking back to her room though, she found her feet dragging a bit and her body tip forward in a slight trip, her drink and the snack falling to the floor with a thud. Cursing to herself, (Name) struggled to pick it up, due to the pain in her shoulder but was stopped by a shorter lady with bright green hair. The (h/c) haired female gazed down at the shorter one as she bent down to pick it up, and handed it to her. This stranger was very pretty, with a toned slightly muscular body and a form fitting black dress that flowed out at her legs but were cut into thick slits. Her green hair matched her equally dashing green eyes and her face even though looking stern held a slight hint of mischievousness within them. Taking the drink and snack from her, (Name) immediately thanked her, as the other female nodded. "Don't mention it. You're the Caped Baldy's girl, correct?" The shorter female pointed up to her, and upon that mention, (Name) flushed a tad, smiling. "Y-Yes. Saitama is my boyfriend. I'm (First Name) (Last Name)." She replied, bowing politely as the green haired lady nodded, a slightly impressed smirk on her face. "Hm, you may call me Tornado. I'm a bit shocked though." The female, or Tornado commented, placing a finger on her chin as she literally looked (Name) down from head to toe. (Name) blinked at her, confusion etched in her expression. "Shocked? Why?" The female asked, as Tornado folded her arms across her chest. "How did Saitama end up with a girl like you? You're too pretty for him. Unless it's out of pity you're dating him." The green haired female exclaimed, making it seem like (Name) was completely out of Saitama's league to be with her. The comments honestly hurt the (h/c) haired female, but she controlled herself, trying to be positive. "Oh, well we've been friends since we were children. I've had feelings for him for quite a while, and he's very good to me." (Name) smiled at the ground, recollecting on their first week officially as a couple. He was still the same, but his actions did change slightly. He was always flustered with her, and when other men where around them, sometimes Saitama would keep her closer or claim he was cold just so he could receive a hug from her in front of other men just to say: hey, she's mine. When it got late after she had spent most of her day with him and Genos, Saitama would walk her home and cuddle with her till she fell asleep, then would walk back to his room his mood light and giddy. Tornado took note to her expression and nodded. "Well, alright. But if he gives you any trouble I will not hesitate to kick him in the ass." She huffed, softly pounding her left palm with her right fist. Those words made (Name) smile more genuinely, and she as well felt her head nod. "Thank you for that. Girls have to look out for each other, right?" (Name) commented, earning a soft laugh from the shorter one. "If you need anything," Tornado spoke, waving as (Name) stepped in her room, gazing back at the green haired female. "You can come to me." As the female shut the door to her room, Tornado found herself quickly turning a corridor and sighing. Reaching up, she pressed a button on sometime of head gear she had hidden from sight with her hair, and soft static rang through her ears. "Yes, it's Tornado." "No! She's not with me you idiot!" "No...she seems really nice. I don't think she's a threat." "You do anything to her, I'll fuck your shit up." "Why do I care? Don't ask me why, because I don't care." After that, (Name) was constantly bombarded with questions about her darling boyfriend and herself, and it seemed she had gained a new friend at the Association. After meeting Tornado, despite others talking bad about her, had become good friends with the green haired female. Tornado was glad there was another female that had a seemingly good head on her shoulders, and wasn't a weirdo like most of the female heroes or staff members at the Association. She was just a normal person, which sometimes Tornado wished to be, and was glad she wasn't some crazy fan-girl or something. (Name) was also introduced to the fact that Tornado was blessed with amazing psychokinetic powers, meaning she could move anything and carry things with only her mind. The female had realized Tornado had these powers when the green haired female literally flung a man all the way across the room after he did something (Name) could only assume Tornado was not pleased with. It had been roughly two weeks after meeting Tornado when (Name) was literally dragged one day out of HQ to go someplace that the green haired female called, "A Sacred Place." (Name) was uneasy at the fact she was doing this, but hesitantly complied, following her. Going to a location where she had no idea where it was at was not the only thing that made the (h/c) colored female uncomfortable. Living in the Association, there were a set of rules that every hero who lived there had to live and abide by. (Name) residing in the living spaces of HQ also had to follow these rules, and there was one important one she and Tornado were about to break. Leaving HQ without Authorization. Heroes were upon strict orders to report when and where they were leaving to, if it be fighting a villain or just to visit family, everything had to be recorded. This is to prevent a possible emergency if certain heroes were needed to defeat a monster. If they failed to locate a needed hero, then that may lead to mass destruction and more casualties that could've been prevented. Running quickly behind her, they turned a corner to see a guard at the end of the road leading into the main entrance of the Association. Upon seeing the two coming, he stepped in front of the barricade that prevented easy passing and blew noisily on a whistle. "Stop! I need authorization before you pass!" The guard called out, as the two females got closer. "Tornado? I don't think we can go--" "Here! Leave it to me." The green haired female raised her hand still running with (Name) following, and a bright green aura began to form around her palm, lacing through her hair and making her eyes glow. The guard suddenly froze still, standing with his eyes blank and his expression dull as the two easily passed by him. After reaching a good distance away from him, Tornado's glow disappeared and she slowed her running to a stop. Huffing slightly, (Name) stopped behind her, still at shock at what she had just witnessed. "What...what did you do to that guy?" The female gasped for air, her shoulders heaving as her heart thumped violently in her chest. Tornado's breathing was also ragged, because she usually didn't run, she would just fly everywhere. Swallowing a lump in her dried out mouth, she lazily pointed to the guard far off from them and coughed. "He's okay. I just..." she had to let herself breath for a second. "I just erased his memory of seeing us. I knew if we just left without authorization he would definitely tell higher ups, and we'd get in trouble." She felt her breathing slowly go normal again and she stood straight, placing her hands proudly on her hips. (Name) gazed back to see the man now going about his business like they had never passed through, and turned back to smile brightly at Tornado. "That's amazing! That could really come in handy someday!" The location Tornado was wanting to take (Name) was a place that (Name) was not really expecting. The two had to take a train and use some flying to reach a small town accompanied by a range of mountains and a beautiful body of water. Gazing down at the scenery below her, (Name's) eyes brightened. "It's so pretty, Tornado! What is this place?" She asked as Tornado held her easily with her psychokinesis. Gazing down at the town herself, Tornado felt a small smile grace her lips and her eyes held, nostalgia. "This is the town where my sister and I grew up." (Name) sat quietly in the grass with her bare feet dunked from her mid calfs in the lake. The water was absolutely refreshing, and the breeze was nice to feel. Tornado was sitting beside her, her legs tucked close to her with her chin resting on her knees. Her eyes were gazing at the water, and from time to time she would fling some rocks with her powers to skid on the water. "I'm assuming this is that Sacred Place you were going on about." (Name) hummed slightly as she spoke, tilting her head back to bask in the slowly setting sun over the mountain side. Not a lot of people lived in this town as (Name) was informed by Tornado, who seemed more happy as she talked about her past and childhood. "Yes, this is my Sacred Place. If anything were to happen to this place, I don't know what I'd do." Tornado sighed, turning her head for her cheek to rest on her knees. The female beside her nodded, reaching to gently touch her injured shoulder that was resting on its sling. "You care about this place a lot...why'd you take me here?" (Name) asked, her head now turned to Tornado, who's calm face tensed. "Well...you've been getting a lot of pestering from a lot of people in the Association about you and Saitama...and I thought you'd appreciate a breather." Tornado huffed slightly, a tint of pink dusting her cheeks. (Name) giggled watching as the S hero pouted slightly, and nodded. "I appreciate your concern...but I really miss Saitama. Can we start to head back?" The (h/c) female gently took her feet out of the water and shook off some water from them to sip on her shoes again. She really did miss Saitama. This was the first time in weeks they hadn't seen each other at least once everyday. She had been gone all day. Tornado nodded softly, standing up and stretching. "Yeah, we can leave. But there's another reason why I've brought you here." "Another reason?" Tornado nodded, glancing from the lake then back to (Name) who's (e/c) eyes were intent on her. "You know your boyfriend has immense power." "Right." "And you know he can basically defeat anyone with one punch." "Correct." "Well...the Association picked up something when you came back to Japan." "When I came to the Association for the first time? That was like 7 months ago." (Name) was slightly alarmed that the Association was extremely nosy in her business, but stayed silent as Tornado explained. "They noticed his strength falter a bit, and their first assumption was that you for some reason was draining his power. That made the Association suspicious of you." Tornado gazed up for a second to see (Name's) expression. The look on her face held many emotions, some that Tornado couldn't quite make out, but she continued. "They wanted me to spy on you. To see if you had any bad intentions on the Association. But clearly you do not. I actually consider you to be a friend, and you have to be very special to be my friend!" The green haired female exclaimed, a hand placed on her chest as she spoke. "...Let's just go back, Tornado." (Name) whispered with her gaze glued to the ground. "Take me back." Returning to the Association, (Name) went to the first place that came into mind. Saitama's quarters. Having a spare key to the room, she slipped into the room and passed the living room, kitchen and bathroom and toward Saitama's own room. By the time Tornado and (Name) had gotten back from their little adventure it was already night, and barely managed to escape getting caught. Walking into the dark bedroom, she saw Saitama's sleeping figure sprawled on his bed with the pillows and blankets all askew. (Name) let out a yawn, taking off her jacket and shoes to crawl to Saitama's side. The movement on the mattress caused Saitama to stir slightly, and slowly his eyes peeled open to see a figure laying right beside him. As usual, he didn't think much of it. But he turned slightly to flick on the bedside lamp to show his beautiful girlfriend, who had her eyes closed. "(Name)!" Saitama exclaimed, but not too loud as to be considerate. (Name) opened her eyes once again to smile up at her excited boyfriend, and leaned in to greet him with a kiss. The bald man returned the kiss, hugging her tight but keeping mind to her hurt shoulder. "I missed you so much..." Saitama admitted, nuzzling her close. (Name) reached up and placed her hand on Saitama's cheek, apologizing. Saitama didn't want to make a big deal of it, but he noticed her demeanor. Something was eating at her, but he didn't know what. He understood from experience that if someone was upset, it was in the best interest to not bug them to admit why their upset. How would he go about doing this? After the female apologized it was quiet for a moment, with just the two of them cuddling together in bed. Suddenly, (Name) felt cold finger tips crawl under her shirt and touching her stomach. The sensation made the female yelp slightly, and she held onto Saitama's shoulders in panic. "Saitama, what are you doing? You're hands are fucking cold!" (Name) hissed, as the bald mans mouth placed itself on her jaw, sucking on her skin softly. His hands went higher on her torso and placed themselves on her breast, gently reaching to unclasp her bra. "Sai, a-answer me! What's gotten into you??" She squealed when she felt his tongue lap on her neck and travel to her collarbone, causing her to let out a soft moan. Saitama had successfully unclasped the bra and it now hung loosely on (Name's) shoulders. The females cheeks were flushed a bright red, her eyes half lidded gazing up at her boyfriend, who was now on his knees with his body caged around her. "As long as you trust me, there's no need to worry." He whispered, tucking some strands of (h/c) behind (Name's) ear, and smiling. "But I want you to know I respect you, so I'm asking for your consent. All I want to do is please you." His face was gentle, unlike his usual bored expression or the occasional serious expression. He sound and looked contempt and happy. (Name) look back at him, feeling a smile perk up on her lips, and she reached out to wrap her arms around his neck. "You have my consent. Please me..." she whispered, before leaning into a more loving and passionate kiss. As morning hit the the windows and showed through the cracks of the blinds, it's light shines brightly on the sleeping face of (Name) who awoke to find herself cuddled tightly in the bare arms of her hero Saitama, who was still peacefully asleep. The female smiled lightly, placing her hands on his bare chest and she laid quietly in his arms, watching his sleeping face. It was when she realized both herself and Saitama were completely naked when she remembered the events of last night. Whoo, she'd be sore for a couple of days.