#ri complains about something

[fratricideknight]

ppl be like "we live in a world of hook-up culture! there's no room for hopeless romantics such as myself anymore :(" and "i'm aro and no one will ever want to be my platonic life partner :(" meanwhile i am on my knees begging to swear my undying fealty to someone

[seoafin]

I'm sorry it straight up reeks of internalized misogyny and just plain misogyny when women complain about weak female characters

[adhdtsukasa]

would you still like me if i said that i don't like the new set ...

[ridragon]

cursed to be human tbh

[navybrat817]

Bucky needs to be smothered in kisses. No sex has to follow, just him allowing you to pepper kisses all over his cute face simply for being him and for looking so pretty and cute. Like, "Shut up, Bucky and take it" - proceeded by dozens of kisses 💋💋💋

Bucky deserves all the kisses! How about a little something for our tattoo artist?

What Dreams Are Made Of

Pairing: Tattoo Artist!Bucky Barnes x Baker!Female Reader Summary: You're on Bucky's mind before your date. Word Count: Over 1.5k Warnings: Ki-ssing, Fluff, slight insecurity if you squint, slight feels (it's me), Bucky Barnes (he's a warning, okay?). Graphics talent and thanks: Banner - @sgt-seabass, Divider - @firefly-graphics, Bucky edit - Nix, Moodboard - yours truly A/N: My second Connect 4 (C4007 - Square 1) / Into an Alternate Juneiverse for @buckybarnesevents! Set in my Sin on Skin AU, but can be read as a standalone.❤️ Not beta read and written on my phone, so any and all mistakes are my own. Please follow @navybrat817-sideblog for new fics and notifications. Comments, reblogs, feedback are loved and appreciated!

Bucky flopped down on the break room couch with a tired smile. He had a hard time sleeping the night before and wanted a little rest before his first client of the day arrived. It didn't surprise him when he struggled to sleep. He could sometimes be a night owl when he wasn't dealing with the occasional nightmare, but last night was different. You consumed his thoughts after he went home.

Every single one of them.

You thinking of me, Sugar? I hope you are.

Hell, you hadn’t left his mind since he first walked into your shop. His beautiful, sweet baker with the warm smile and humor to brighten his day. You looked too pure to be with someone who looked like him. He wasn't blind to the stares he received whenever he went out. With his physique and exposed skin littered with ink, many wrote him off as dangerous without a second thought. They would’ve been shocked to learn he was a bit of a science nerd who loved to read in his spare time or that he served his country alongside his best friend.

Something told him you’d appreciate all those little details about him, especially since you asked him out.

"Wish I was taking you out now, Sugar," he whispered to himself as he shut his eyes.

Bucky didn’t want to admit to himself that he was a little nervous. From his chats with you, he gathered enough of an idea on where it would be good to take you for your first date. He didn’t want it to be generic though. If he couldn’t make it unique, it at least had to be special. Something you’d remember. You deserve the best.

And he wanted to show you he was nothing like your prick of an ex.

"Hey."

The sound of your voice beside him made his eyes open, his heart racing as you smiled. He hadn’t even heard your footsteps. When he tried to sit up, you pushed him to lay back down. The sugary scent that lingered on your skin from the shop had him licking his lips as you moved on top of him. But instead of your normal work clothes and apron, you wore a sundress.

One that was dangerously riding up your hips as you straddled him.

And he was too in awe to stop you.

“How did you get back here?” he whispered, not at all upset that you managed to sneak into the room.

“Steve let me in,” you whispered back, framing his face. He couldn’t decide where to place his hands. He wanted them all over you. “I had a break and couldn’t wait to see you.”

“You saw me last night,” he smirked as you leaned down, your lips dangerously close to his. “Not that I’m complaining.”

While the guys heard all about you and expected to meet you at some point, no one thought you would rush into the shop the way you had. You didn’t know it yet, but they all had a soft spot for you because of Bucky. Even if they didn’t, not a single one of them would’ve put up with how your dick of an ex spoke to you. Respect meant everything in their establishment and any man who talked down to someone the way he had with you had no right to be there.

The fucker made you cry, but I wiped that smug look off his face just for you.

“Too long to wait,” you smiled, your breath skimming his mouth. It paralyzed him as he waited to see what you would do next. “And I know our date isn’t until Friday, but I want to kiss you now.”

“Why do you wanna kiss me?” he smiled because yours was contagious.

“Because I want to thank you.”

“You don’t need to,” he promised. He’d stick up for you no matter what the situation called for. Call him smitten or a decent guy, that was just how he was.

“I want to. I also want to kiss you because you’re pretty. And, yes, you are pretty because I say so,” you teased, which earned an almost bashful smile from him. He was far from pretty, but any sort of compliment from you meant the world. “But mainly because you’re a good man and deserve a kiss.”

“Just a kiss?” he asked as he did his best to keep his hips still. You didn’t just deserve the best date, but you deserve a gentleman as well. Fuck, did he want you though and the things he wanted to do to you were far from innocent. He wondered if you felt through his jeans just how much he did.

“Just a kiss. For now,” you said, closing the gap between the two of you.

There was no hunger or desperation when your tongue slipped past his lips. Even when he deepend the kiss, you didn’t rush. It was soft and tender, but held the promise of something more just like your first kiss had. He wasn’t just a moth drawn to your flame. He carried the fuel and wanted to douse you in it.

Bucky craved to be the one who brought your fire to the surface until it consumed you both.

“Am I dreaming?” he exhaled, finally gripping your hips when you dragged your lips along his face. The featherlight motions were enough to drive him mad, tempting him to flip you over so he could explore your body properly. No, he needed to let you stay in control for now. “Sugar, you’re killing me.”

“And what a way to go, Hottie. So, shut up and take my kisses,” you giggled.

He chuckled as you smothered him with your lips and he took the opportunity to hold you closer. It felt right to have you in his arms. He couldn’t recall the last time he fell for someone so quickly, if ever. What if that scared you?

What if he scared you?

“It’s time to wake up, Bucky,” you whispered in his ear. “I’ll see you soon.”

Bucky’s brows furrowed as you faded from his arms. “Sugar?” he asked. Where did you go?

“Buck, you need to get up!”

Steve’s shout startled Bucky awake and it was a miracle he didn’t fall off the couch. His heart pounded before he realized he had been dreaming. You weren’t in the back room with him. You hadn’t smothered him with gentle kisses.

He was all alone.

“What the fuck?” he whispered, tossling his hair as he sat up.

Figures. It was just a dream, but I’m glad I had it.

“You okay?” Steve asked as he carefully approached his friend. “Hey, I wasn’t trying to scare you. Called your name a couple of times and that didn’t do the trick. Didn’t think I should touch you either.”

“I’m fine. Thanks,” Bucky huffed a little. Both of them had their share of nightmares after being overseas. Steve wouldn’t have yelled his name if he thought something was wrong, so he must’ve appeared peaceful enough. Peace. That was what you gave him, even if his jeans felt a little tighther and uncomfortable.

“You need a minute?” the blonde smirked when Bucky adjusted a bit.

“Why did you wake me?” he replied, avoiding his question. The guys knew well enough how crazy he was about you and didn’t need to know he was dreaming about you in the shop. “I’m sure it was extremely important.”

“Because your client should be here in a few minutes and I wanted to make sure you didn’t sleep through the appointment. So, yeah, extremely important.”

With a nod, Bucky slowly got to his feet. “Space is already cleaned and disinfected. Stencil’s done, too,” he said. He liked to prepare as much as he could and they prided themselves on having a clean and safe workspace. “Um, Sugar hasn’t stopped by, has she?”

Steve shook his head. “No, she hasn’t,” he answered, giving Bucky a small smile when he frowned. He knew all about the date. “But Friday is just around the corner if you don’t see her before then.”

He tried not to feel disappointment and swore he could still smell the sugary scent of you in the air. It must’ve lingered on the couch from when you were there the night before. He wished he could have that smell on his pillows and sheets. “I like her.”

“I know you do. We all do,” Steve said, leaning against the wall. “We even told Hal he wasn’t allowed to go into the bakery out of fear that she’d fall for his charm,” he added with a wink.

I’m charming, too.

“No, punk,” he said, not wanting to be more vulnerable than he already had. “I really like her.”

The playful look on Steve’s face fell, replaced with something softer. “I know, jerk. And I think she really likes you, too. So be the good guy we know you are and sweep her off her feet.”

That’s exactly what Bucky planned to do.

Bucky, our hearts are yours! Check out more of Hottie and Sugar wiht Sweet and Strong. Love and thanks for reading! 💙

Masterlist ⚓ Bucky Barnes Masterlist ⚓ Ko-Fi

[izunx]

heyoo! Would you like to make a story about Kakucho x reader afraid of rejection? I'm curious what it will look like!

kisses :3

(sorry for my English :c )

bonten KAKUCHO x reader

jealous reader is afraid of rejection

xx this is a very cute request ty!

no warnings.

you had kakucho have been friends since childhood. ever since you guys have been young, he’s been protective over you.

he’s always been nice to you, caring considering how sensitive you’ve always been. you would’ve assumed that he’s fed up with you now. but he’s not. why?

you were too fear struck to face the reality that he LIKED YOU

kakucho never had eyes for any woman other than you. but you were riddled with stubbornness.

the fear of rejection.

you couldn’t blame yourself though. when you and kakucho were both 15, you went through something ‘traumatic’.

you went through rejection.

“kakuu” you whined while your head was in his lap whilst he was scrambling his arms in the air, wondering how to comfort you.

“it’s not the end of the world, y/n”

“you don’t get it!”

“I do tho.” he grumbled.

“I thought he liked me. he even chose ME to do his homework..”

he struck at disgusted face at that one.

“come on, you can do better than him.”

“NO, I’m never doing that again!”

and you were not joking about that.

your female friends at work ridiculed you for that, they didn’t seem to understand why you didn’t make a move on kakucho when he cared about you so dearly.

“y/n you can literally see his heart eyes for you!” your friend squealed seeing kakucho in his car, picking you up from the work dinner you guys had.

“stop, he’s just a friend” you sighed.

“just a friend MY ASS”

“I swear he’s been in love with you since you guys were like babies” your friends snickered.

“ugh you teases”

you stormed away, approaching kakucho.

“what’s up with you?”

you pouted.

“why are you moody for,”

“they’re asking about us again”

“is it bothering you?” kakucho in reality liked it when both your friends suspected you two, but he wouldn’t let you know that. likewise, you only pretended to be annoyed.

“never said that,”

“did you have fun with them?”

“yeah but I’m drained!”

he sped off, you in the passenger seat talking his ear off about your day at work. he didn’t complain tho.

“we can’t stay out for long tho,”

“hm?”

“there’s this girl I gotta help out at her little cafe, made her a promise.”

“girl?”

“yep”

you unintentionally tightened your grip on your seatbelt - you didn’t like hearing about that one. what you failed to see tho, was the reddening on his face as he glanced at your moody face.

but you were afraid to ask. I mean, who were you to ask about any girl he hangs out with?

you did like him. you couldn’t deny that one, but could you say the same for him, did he like YOU?

“do you have to do it?” you meekly whispered.

kakucho raised his eyebrows at the one, he didn’t think you’d really want him to stay. considering the mood you’re in.

“thought you weren’t ina good mood?”

“I feel better now though”

“sorry y/n, but I really did promise her”

but he did want to stay with you.

you didn’t respond to this, rather you turned your head to look at the cars rushing past you two and you stayed silent the rest of the ride. sulking.

he sighed as you got out, “it won’t happen again so don’t be too mad at me.”

but it did.

it happened again.

with that same cafe girl.

“what do you mean she broke her arm and now she needs help working around the cafe?”

“y/n I still owe her a favour ..”

“we haven’t hung out in ages though.”

he moved the hair out your face and just smiled.

“I promise, after this one we’ll go out”

again, you just didn’t reply. ‘he’s falling for her’ you assumed.

“you could clearly see the blush on his face talking about her” you grumbled into your pillow.

turning on your phone, you just looked at the multiple pictures you took of kakucho as kids.

you really did want to ask him out. but what if he rejected you and then that would mean you guys won’t ever be back to being bestfriends, was it worth the risk?

you phoned kakucho, and he answered immediately.

“you done? can’t you come over now?” you asked first thing.

“I got a work call pretty, I can’t right now” you were too oblivious to hear his disappointed tone.

“mhm, yeah that’s fine.”

you hung up.

‘pretty’. you loved when he called you that, it was the same name he’s been calling you since you were young.

you simply just stayed depressed the whole weekend. well that was initially what happened, but you were disrupted.

bonten had kakucho working like a dog, considering he was an executive. he was gone up until the moment you called him to now.

he appeared in front of your door shamelessly wearing a white shirt covered in blood, his suit jacket unable to cover it properly.

“hey pretty,”

you were persistent however, refused to talk to him and instead attempted to slam the door. he knew better though, stopping it with his foot.

“you know you can’t be moody forever”

he forced himself in,

“my shower ain’t working, I’m using yours.”

but you stayed silent.

his eyes was observing your every move. your awkward stance in the hallway, your averting eyes, and nervous leg shake.

“I’m not liking this silent treatment anymore, y/n”

still no answer.

he furrowed his brows, “hey, come on, talk to me”

“the girl.”

“girl?”

“yeah.”

kakucho didn’t have to ask further to know what you were talking about. he covered his face with his forearm, attempting to hide that stupid boyish grin.

“ahh come on now, don’t tell me you think I like her, pretty?”

“don’t call me that.”

he raised his eyebrows at that one.

“I didn’t mean to make you upset, were you jealous?” he took steps forward towards you.

“jealous? I don’t even like you.”

that would’ve made anyone laugh.

“really?”

“yeah”

you weren’t taking a risk, he probably liked that other girl more is all you could think.

“yeah but I like you”

guess you didn’t have to take the risk but —

“no you don’t”

he was playing with you. it was plaguing your mind.

“y/n. don’t do that”

“do what?”

“I know what I feel for you, are you just tryna say you don’t like me?”

was he testing you? you don’t want a replay of when that boy humiliated you. 7th grade or not. you still had the video he had recorded of your watering eyes and flustered face.

“I’m not like him y/n, you think I’d hurt you?”

your eyes again just watered, you covered your face.

but this time, he gently moved your arm away and held onto it.

“been wanting to be with you ever since then”

“I trust you, kaku”

“I’d trust you with my life, if that means anything to you”

he didn’t have to say a word more before you moved quick to steal his lips. he didn’t hold back either.

“knew you were jealous,” he mumbled smirking against your lips.

“shut up.”

hands tangled in his hair, you stared up at him worried.

“no more talking about that girl”

“if it means I can have this everyday,” he rested his forehead on yours.

“maybe admitting I like you wasn’t that bad of a thought”

“you think? told you could do better than that wimp.”

STOP THIS IS KINDA CRINGE BUT HOPE U GUYS ENJOYED LMFAOO

[pvnks0ul]

worth the wait (18+)

❀ nerdy!riri w. x nerdy!fem!reader

sypnosis: with you turning her away every time she tried to make a move, Riri eventually remembers that she is, infact, stronger than you

⚠︎: cw/amateur writing, fingering(clit stim only), barely any plot, dirty talk!

(Not the one inspired by scotty)

Ri–!“ You find yourself having to remove her lingering fingers away from slipping into the edge of your leggings for the umpteenth time.

She groans throwing her head back in disapproval about to throw a tantrum for the umpteenth.

“Gonna break your pencils & take all the tiles off that keyboard.” She plops herself down onto your little twin mattress.

Your laughter taunts her as she clenches her legs in want, she just needed your attention and can only feel disruptive when you don’t even spare her a single glance.

She groans again, “Dont know why you're even working on that stupid shit when all your other partners bailed..”

Your eyes roll, you take a deep breath remembering that she's obviously only trying to rile you up for a response because you've explained many times that just because you were paired with people of a less fortunate intelligence doesn't mean your grades have to suffer...plus they paid! So it was a win win.

"Y/n, baby, I didn't come over here to stare at your back. Just talk to me and I'll help you with everything in the morning!"

“Really? You can wait, it's not gonna take too much longer! I’m closing it up literally right now.” You smile while tapping away at the aforementioned keyboard.

Riri grumbles something most improper under her breath, "You told me that last time and now the sun is going down."

She eyes the side of your face because she knows you can feel her stare. She pauses,"Gimme kiss."

"What?"

"Just give me a kiss."

"Riana.." You tilt your head, backspacing on a minor spelling error you'd made. Even just her voice was a bug distraction.

"I promise I wont try nothing." she pleads and hopes you won't turn around for the time she crossed her fingers behind her back.

You turned away from the screen at her complaining with a sigh before standing on wobbly legs, “So just one kiss and you’ll leave me to go back to my program in peace?”

Riri nods, trying hard not to burst into a smile but with all the straining she does it only makes her little dimples pop more.

You roll your eyes before falling suit, Riri lifts herself to meet your lips. When you try to pull back she holds the side of your face with every intention to deepen the kiss. She bites down on your bottom lip before swiping over the skin with her tongue and your knees buckle. Riri mewls while pulling on your arm purposely making you stumble and fall ontop of her.

Her hands are quick to grip your hips, pressing you further between her legs, you didn't try too hard but you struggled to break free. Riri slips her tongue into your mouth, you moan when she starts licking over your own and still you don't break away but then something cold slithers inside, feeling too much like mischief that you finally have to pull away from the messy kiss.

You'd be a liar to say the game of cat & mouse you tried to play didnt already have you turned on but you did have an actual project to work on and all her touching was not helping.

You lift up as much as you could, trying to hold her arms down by continuously pressing on her wrists, after wiping her spit from your bottom lip with the long sleeve of your sweater, "Wait, listen! Riri, I really have to—"

She doesn't want to listen, her index and middle pressing between the slit of your folds, you freeze up as she strokes your sticky arousal with the pads of her fingers, swiping at your throbbing little bud, "Shit– you keep telling me to wait but you're already so wet.."

Riris mouth waters at the thought of how’d it’d taste on her bare tongue, having her face enclosed between your thighs, letting you rut against her and messy up her nose, chin– have her glasses foggy from how hot she was making you.

Your bottom lip falls under your teeth and suddenly you’re no longer running from her ; instead grinding down onto her palm.

And Riri's so lost, possibly lust drunk, just muttering pleads for you to let her help as if she wasn't already strumming her fingers on your pussy and making a bigger mess in her own pants, like you weren't already whining and wrinkling her tee with closed fists as she rubbed your clit in tight circles, your head spinning with each one.

"Fu-Anngh! Fuck, okay, fine, yea whatever you want Ri!" Just crying out & blabbering more nonsense, finally giving into her greedy fingers and you could feel yourself literally unclenching (mentally) from the migraine that was the stupid report you’d been working on nearly all week long.

Your eyes are glued shut, watering under the pressure of her constant pleads, "please, cum on me baby..." she whispered against your earlobe, pressing her chapped lips there over and over.

She can feel your nipples pebbling against her chest and gets even more worked up, eyes swirling something dark with lust and wrist burning from the awkward angle but she didn't want to stop, not until she had you sensitive & sore & thanking her for how good she is to you.

Laboured moans breach your lips as you swayed back and forth on her fingers, "Ffuuuck, feels so good Riri!"

Riri groans as you humped her hand, she stares you dead in the face, your expression and the sounds you were making telling very different pictures. "Y'sound so pretty.." she speaks with a raspier tone in reference to the sloshing of your clit against her wet digits.

Your lower half collapses into her, and riri can feel your pelvic bone from how deep she was rubbing into your cunt but you loved it. All it took was her thumb bumping over the small bead steadily to have you panting and whimpering, buzzing in pure bliss as she kneaded you through it with her thumb, "Mm fuck! Give it to me, baby." you gasp as she greedily inserts her two fingers pass your sticky flower to collect whatever cum hadn't yet spilled out.

You curl your back into her, face nuzzling into her neck bashfully as she happily sucked your juices clean off her fingers ending with a sigh when it’s all gone. You giggle and kiss the base of her neck, right over her clavicle, your head feeling dizzy even as you rested up against her.

“t–tricked me.”

🔖: @blushyrawrz @ririshotgf @lppriceisright @s0lam33y

a/n: happy pride month yall..not too happy though, another month without riri and riri only on my screen 😔

[grandpeachpersona]

It's A Man's World

Chapter 5 (Batter up)

a/n: To clarify, I do not own the rights to any pictures or names used in this story, except for Sierra Riley. All other rights and names belong to the NFL and MLB. Additionally, some characters are inspired by the game MLB The Show 24, which includes fictional characters. The title of the book is inspired by the song "It's a Man's World" by James Brown and Betty Jean Newsome, for which I also do not own the rights. All rights are held by Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. and Unichappell Music, Inc. Enjoy!

If you had told me 10 years ago that I would be playing for the Atlanta Braves, I would have told you. You're lying, but here I am. After the draft, I had to fly to Florida for spring training, and then when that was over, I flew to Atlanta to sign my rookie contract, which is $380k for my first year plus a 2 million signing bonus. Then fly to Cincinnati for my first game for the season. Safe to say I've had a crazy couple of weeks. 

Oh and how fitting that Joe is throwing out the first pitch since its Reds opening day.  So it's really true what they say. It does come full circle. 

I walked out from the clubhouse into the away dugout. I noticed Joe in the batter's box swinging a bat at baseballs as they fired out the shooter and must I say he looked damn good while doing it too. 

Ok, time I come clean about something. Do I have a crush on my best friend Joe Burrow? Yes. Am I scared to tell him? Yes. Why? because if I do I'm going to make a complete fool of myself and I just do not want to risk that and possibly losing a friend.  

But friends don't text each other every day for random things or have late-night phone conversions like they used to when they were in LSU together. To sum it up over the last couple of months Joe and I have slipped back into our old ways and not that I'm complaining I just wish we were more. 

I noticed Joe had finished and might as well say hello. I walked out towards home plate catching the tail end of his conversation “I'm so proud of her…to watch her play in college I knew she was big league bound and now she's here.” I heard Joe tell my teammate Austin Riley, a third baseman. 

“There's the woman of the hour!” I hear Ja’marr call out as I make my way toward the group, my heart racing with a mix of excitement and nerves.

I shake my head, feeling a bit overwhelmed. “Stop! I'm done crying for today,” I reply, my voice tinged with a slight whine, reflecting the emotional rollercoaster I've been on.

Ja’marr looks at me with a supportive smile. “How do you feel? Are you ready for this?” he asks, his eyes filled with genuine concern. I nod slowly, trying to muster a confident expression despite my jitters. “I feel ready; I’m just trying not to overthink everything,” I admit, forcing a nervous smile.

“Sis, you’ve got this in the bag!” Ja’marr encourages, his voice steady and reassuring. “Don’t let them cloud your mind—just play your heart out, like you do every time.” His words resonate with me, pushing back the self-doubt that threatens to creep in.

“Ri, you’ve worked your ass off for this moment,” Joe chimes in, giving me a playful nudge on my shoulder. “You’re going to absolutely kill it today! And we just happen to have front-row seats to witness your brilliance.” His enthusiasm and belief in me fill me with warmth and motivation.

Nodding, I accept their words with a grateful smile, feeling a rush of confidence. “Thanks, you guys! That really helps. But now I have to ask: what the hell is this?” I say, gesturing pointedly at the Cincinnati jerseys they are both proudly wearing. They burst into laughter, clearly thinking they could charm their way out of my noticing their blatant team allegiance.

“Hey it was a gift from them but believe me I would wore yours if I could” Ja'marr gives his excuse. I turn to Joe waiting for his.

“I'm from Ohio.” he gives the most obvious answer—typical Joe.

------

Against all odds, Joe delivered a flawless pitch after the pregame festivities and the stirring national anthem. I could feel the excitement coursing through me—this was my moment, my MLB debut.

As they called my name, I heard Joe and Ja’marr erupting with cheers from their private suite through the crowd their support only boosted my confidence and set the stage for what was about to happen.

I locked in my focus, ready to face the pitcher. He glanced at the runner on first, then turned his gaze to me and wound up for the throw.

The pitch came rushing straight at me! I instinctively jumped back, narrowly avoiding it. “One ball, no strikes.” But that wasn’t a mistake; he wanted to rattle me. Too bad for him—I’m not easily shaken. 

I reset myself, gripping the bat firmly, ready for the next challenge. The pitcher checked the runner again and delivered another pitch.

This time, he made a crucial misstep—an offspeed pitch! I saw it coming, and without hesitation, I swung with all my power. The crack of the bat was electric, and I sent that ball soaring out of the park. A home run on my very first hit! 2-0, baby! Now that’s how you make an unforgettable debut. 

-------

We won only by the skin of our teeth 5-4. I had just changed out of my away uniform into some sweets and a hoodie when I heard a knock on my locker room door. 

“It's open” I shout, not feeling like walking to the door. 

The door opens and Joe pops his head in “Hey can I come in?” 

I waved my hand “Yeah come on” 

 He steps in closing the door behind him “Getting ready to head out just wanted to say you looked great out there today” he compliments. 

“Thanks, I had to show off a bit, you know. Oh! I meant to give this back to you, but everything just happened so fast,” I said, remembering his chain that he gave to me to wear on Daft Night. But I never did give it back to him. If I remember right, I was in my gym bag. Bingo pulled it right out. 

I went to hand it back to him be he stopped me “Keep it Ri” 

 “Huh?” I said making sure I heard him right. This boy is crazy.

Joe cracked a little smile “Keep it...believe me I've got plenty”  

I looked at him to make sure he wasn't joking “You sure cause this is worth more than my signing bonus” I joked nervously.

He smiled and nodded his head “Yeah I'm sure think of it as an ‘I knew you would make it’s gift”.

I smiled “Ok no take takebacks Burrow,” I said putting back in my bag. 

“What are you doing when you leave here?” Joe asked suddenly. I shrugged my shoulders. “It's still early so I'm not really tired. Might just chill back at the hotel. Why what's up?” I answered taking a seat on the bench.

He looks at me for a second then slightly shakes his head. “Some friends of mine wanted to go out to eat and all but Ja'marr had to leave soo…” 

“You want me to go in his place?” I finished the sentence for him. 

This is not anything new. I went to a lot of Joe's events as his plus one back in LSU. And he did the same thing for me. 

“Yeah but if you want to call it a day I understand” he quickly says.

I shake my head with a laugh “No I'll go with you, Joe. Plus it would be nice to get a breather before tomorrow's game” I said, opening up my suitcase. 

“Give me a few to get changed and I'll be right out”

Joe raised his eyebrows “You really could go in what you have on” he said nonchalantly 

Is this boy out of his mind? “Joe I'm not hanging out around people I don't know in a hoodie and sweatpants,” I said looking at him all upside his head.

“Yes, you can cause one where only going to Texas Roadhouse. Two you just finished a hell of a baseball game and have a right to wear this. And if someone has a problem with it then we can go and have our own dinner” he says the confidence just flows out as he says it.

My stomach should have not tightened up but I just love how protective this man is. Biting my lip not knowing what to say except “Alright let's go”

-------

Joe was walking me up to my room after that impromptu hangout session with his friends which by the way all amazing. 

“Yeah I'm definitely paying for this tomorrow,” I said feeling like I was ready to pop. 

Joe gives out a small chuckle “Yeah that makes two of us”  

I give him this funny look “You got time to burn it off, Joe. I on the other hand have to play a game tomorrow” I said pulling out my keycard for my room. “Fair point Far point,” Joe said not disagreeing with me

Stopping in front of my room “This is me” I said turning to Joe “Thanks again for inviting me” I said suddenly nervous as I looked at him and his features pretty blue eyes, dirty blonde hair so silky you could run your fingers through it and not get tangled. To some it up this boy was fine. 

His voice knocked me out of my thoughts “No thank you for coming. I owe you one for this Ri” 

Yeah, a date.

“What’d you say” I saw Joe's eyebrows raise..Did I say that out loud could have sworn I said that in my head. 

“I didn't say anything,” I said quickly shaking my head trying to avoid this conversation at all costs.

“Nah, Nah you said something. What did you say?” he asked stepping a little closer. Looking the other way with a blush on my cheeks “I said a date” I repeat my words still not looking a him. 

He stood there with the biggest smirk on his face “I still didn't hear what you said say it again and this time” he paused to gently grab my chin “Look at me” 

Soaked absolutely Soked straight through.

Unable to move I said it again looking straight dead in his eyes “A date. You owe me a date” 

Joe nodded his head and let my chin go “That's what I thought you said” he said stepping away from me. “Ok, how about this. If you get to the World Series which I know you will I'll take you on a date” he said proposing a challenge or more like a bet. “Ok and if I don’t,” I said waiting for the catch no pun intended. 

“Then I still take you on the date’

[kurt-nightcrawler]

Phone Calls

David x Female Reader

Summary: David is a lover. Paul is... Paul.

Warnings: swearing and smoking

Word Count: 1.1k

“I should call her,” David huffed as his hand ghosted over the phone. 

“Then why aren’t you?” Paul asked, smoking a cigarette. 

“I should call her…” He repeated. “I should call her… but it’s past seven o’clock. What if she’s asleep?”

“Do you hear yourself?” Paul asked. “It’s seven! There’s no way she’s asleep.” Paul inhaled smoke. 

“Yeah, but (Y/N) doesn’t seem like the type of girl to sit around and wait for a guy to call. She probably won’t be there to answer.”

“Then leave a message.” Paul took a drag and blew out smoke. “Or go give her a visit, I dunno.” 

“Paul!” David practically gasped. “I can’t just go over to a girl’s house uninvited. I'm not a heathen!” 

Paul snorted. “Dude, we eat people.”

“So? You know I once scored a princess with my charms and good manners—“

Paul quickly cut him off before David could go on a long ramble. One Paul had definitely heard before. “—Yeah, yeah, the Russian chick, I know. I know.” David rolled his eyes. 

“Look,” Paul took another drag. “All I’m saying is, it isn’t 1954 anymore, man! You don’t have to be begging for this girl’s attention. Trying to act all innocent and impress her folks and befriend her father. You can just, call and leave a message saying you want her to come over to fuck.” 

David frowned, “You don’t get it… I knew I should have brought Dwayne with me. He’s a romantic. He would understand.” 

Paul threw his cigarette butt on the ground and stomped it out. “Hey, man! Out of the two of us, I’ve gotten more pussy this week than Dwayne. Dude’s been bitchless lately!” 

“Yet you’re being useless right now,” David complained. “So shut up.” 

“Fine, fine whatever. Call your girlfriend or whatever. When you freeze up after two words I won’t be here to help you ‘woo her’ or whatever.” Paul stepped away to smoke more, while David made his phone call. 

He slowly spun the wheel of the rotary dial, each number going in one at a time. He was nervous and didn’t want to mess up. 

David brought the phone up to his ear and listened to the ringing as he waited for her to pick up. 

Ring. 

David thought about what she might be doing. Maybe she was reading one of her little romance novels that got her all flustered when he walked into the room. 

Ring. 

Maybe she ran a bubble bath and was using an expensive soap. Rubbing it all over her body… she would smell nice, and David would have to try his hardest to not try and immediately sink his teeth into her skin.

Ring. 

Maybe she was watching an old movie. One about some poor little Maiden being snatched up by a handsome monster of some kind. Maybe she was—

Ri—Beep! Beep! Beep!

The loud beeps of the receiver brought David out of his daydreams. He huffed and hung up the phone. 

“She didn’t answer.”

“Okay?” Paul was unsure what David wanted from him. 

“What do I do?” 

“I dunno, man,” Paul shrugged. “Did she say she’d be busy tonight?”

“No.”

“Okay…” Paul tried really hard to think of something. “Maybe she’s working… we could go visit her.” 

“She’s not. She told me she was off tonight.” 

“Well, I dunno. If you don’t want to go to her house and see if she’s home, we can’t really do anything. Maybe call again.”

“I can’t seem needy!” David whined. 

“Literally, dude, what do you want from me?”

“Some help,” David stated like it was the most obvious thing ever. “But clearly you don’t know what to do.”

“Sorry. Soulmates and serious shit aren’t my strong suit. You know that.��� 

“Yeah, but I figured you would know something. You flirt with everyone you see.”

Paul shook his head, weakly denying David’s claims. “This girl has got you practically wrapped around her finger! This is embarrassing for you.”

David crossed his arms and glared at Paul. “At least I’m not saying the wrong name during sex!” 

Paul put his hands on his hips, “It was an accident!” 

David stole the cigarette right from Paul’s fingers and took a drag. “It was embarrassing. That’s what it was.” 

“I don’t care. Marko ate them a week later anyways.”

“Yeah, 'cause you begged him too.”

“Shut up!” Paul tried to grab the cigarette back from David, but he swatted him off. 

“You shut up!” 

“No, you shut up!”

“Paul!”

“David! Hi!” Both the blondes froze and looked at the person who walked over. 

David quickly regained composure and pretended as if nothing happened. Paul did the same, coughing, trying to clear his throat. 

“Hey, sweetheart,” David was playing it cool as if his last twenty minutes of mooning over this woman didn’t just happen. “What are you doing here?” 

“I had to stop by the video store and return my movies. I spotted Dwayne, and he said you were over here.”

David could not focus on a thing she said. Instead, he just stared at her. His eyes turned into little hearts, his mind focusing on how the moonlight and the neon signs of the boardwalk made her glow. How her big smile made his dead heart beat again, and how she spoke with such kindness to him. David was a killer, and as pretty as he was, people were not nice to him. 

“Dude,” Paul elbowed him. 

“Sorry, what? I zoned out,” David lied. 

“I just asked if you wanted to go get something to eat,” (Y/N) said. 

“The lady is telling me to get lost!” Paul jokingly put his hands on his chest and faked disgust. 

(Y/N) laughed, “I am not! Go and find your other boyfriends and see what they’re doing. I’m sure you’ll have fun. Come on, David,” She held out her hand for him to take. 

David dropped his cigarette and stomped it out with his boot, quickly taking (Y/N)’s hand and letting her drag him off further on the boardwalk. 

“So what have you been up to tonight, Princess?” David asked, wrapping an arm around (Y/N) as they walked off. 

“Okay, leave without saying goodbye,” Paul said to himself, somewhat joking. “I see how it is!” He eyed his cigarette, the one David threw on the ground. 

“Can I…” He squinted his eyes at the butt. “Nah...” He deemed it unsalvageable. “I’ll just have another one.” 

Paul patted his pockets trying to find his pack of cigarettes. “Ugh, come on–” He pulled it out and opened it up. “Are you serious?!” 

There were none left.

[the-broken-truth]

Blot-Mates: Yuu & The Overblots [Part 3]

SEGMENT: AZU

Summary: Seeing Yuu slightly overworked and complaining about his Magicless Body, Azu attempts to trap in him a contract. Will Yuu agree to the contract? What does Azu want? What are the conditions if Yuu doesn't hold up his end of the deal?

[Note: The Yuu Variant is Male with Enma Yuuken's Body Build, Yuuka Hirasaki's Fighting Skills, and Yuuta Mito's Cooking Skills.]

[Note: This Storyline will be written in Script Format.]

Parts: [Prologue] - [Ri] - [Leo] - [Azu] (Here) - [Jami] - [Vi] - [Idi] - [Mal] - [All] - [Epilogue]

[After a rather filling breakfast, Azu lounged in the large bathtub, keeping his sensitive skin and tentacles moist. Well... He was trying to relax, but his mind went to the Prefect of Ramshackle who had been taking care of all the Overblots since they were separated from their Original Bodies. Azu had been noticing how the Overblots reacted to Yuu, mainly Leo & Ri, who were rather clingy and overprotective of the Magicless Prefect. Speaking Yuu's Magicless Trait, Azu noticed how tired Yuu was after the day of attending classes with Grim and doing the Headmage's Work, as well as work around the school for the petty amounts of Madols and Thaumarks that the Headmage was throwing at him. Azu was thinking about how he could use this information to his advantage when the door opened and Yuu walked into the bathroom, covered from shoulders to feet soil and his black hair more messy than it normally was.]

Yuu (Walking over to the sink and grabbing a bar of hand soap): Sorry for coming in unannounced, Azu, but the bathroom is currently being used and I need to get washed up so I can make dinner. (Turns on the water and starts washing his hands)

Azu: That's quite alright, Prefect. It would seem that you were rather...busy. Did the Headmage have you digging new flowerbeds in the Botanical Gardens, again?

Yuu: No, I was doing something else. (Exhales)

Azu (Raises an eyebrow with a small smirk on his face): You see rather tired, Prefect. Are you certain you have enough energy to make dinner for all of us tonight?

Yuu (Drying his face and hands with a towel): Honestly, I am very tired, but I refuse to rest until all my boys are full and relaxed themselves.

Azu: 'Your Boys'? You consider us your boys even though we all tried to kill you?

Yuu: Just as I told Ri and Leo, it's not your fault you guys overblotted in the first place.

Azu (Stares at Yuu for a while): Do you think your life would be easier here if you had magic of your own?

Yuu: (Chuckles): There were so many moments where I thought life would be easier for me if I was from Wonderland or had magic of my own, but I am a simple Magicless Human and I have to deal with it.

Azu: What if you don't have to deal with that? What if you could change that?

Yuu (Looks at Azu): What are you getting at?

Azu (Smiles): Make a deal with me, Prefect.

[Just then: A Golden Contract appears in front of Yuu's face, making him jump slightly back before he looked over at Azu, who was waving a Fishbone Pen in his right hand.]

Yuu (Grabs the Golden Contract and starts reading it before looking over at the Smirking Azu): What is the meaning of this?

Azu: It's clear that you want to be like the rest of us: Magical and Powerful. I can grant you that - A magical core and magic of your own...if you can complete the terms of my contract.

Yuu (Reading the Terms with a raised eyebrow): You want a Saltwater Pool/Pond at least 7 to 8 Feet Deep, with concrete floor and walls, constructed in a timespan of...4 Days?! (Looks at Azu) Digging a hole that deep is going to take at least 2 days!

Azu (Smirking): I am a very impatient man, Prefect. I've been in this small tub for a very long time and I want to be able to swim.

Yuu (Looking at the contract): Failure to do so will result in... (Looking at Azu) Seriously? That's what you want in return if I fail to meet the conditions of the contract? That of all things?

Azu: Yes - that's the one thing I have wanted since coming here. So... (Holding up the Fishbone Pen) Do we have a deal, Prefect?

[Yuu looks at the pen for a moment...before smirking at Azu, grabbing the pen, and signing his name on the bottom of the contract before handing it back to Azu; who looks rather shocked that Yuu signed it.]

Yuu (Smirking): See you soon, Azu. (Walks out of the bathroom)

Azu (Chuckling to himself): Oh... You will give me what I want, Prefect, and once I have it, I won't let anyone else take it away from me.

Ri (Looks at everyone as he lowers his fork from his mouth): Has anyone seen Yuu?

Leo: You're right. He served dinner and left rather quickly. He didn't even want to eat with us...

Idi: Is something wrong with the Prefect? What would have him so panicked?

Mal (Looking at Azu's Smirking Face as he eats): You did something to the Magicless Child, didn't you?

Azu (Sitting in a large clay Octopus Pot that is halfway filled with saltwater): What makes you say that, Mal?

Mal: That devious smirk on your face. What have you done to the Magicless Child?

Azu: I haven't done anything to him... However, we did make a deal.

Ri (Standing up and glaring at Azu): You trapped my brother in a contract with you?! What did you offer him?!

Azu: I offered to make him like us - Magical.

Jami: You can do that?

Azu: Of course. There is nothing the contracts cannot do. I will give him a magic core and magic of his own if he can give me what I want in 4 Days... If not, well... I will get the one thing I wanted since I met him.

Leo: Are you planning to steal Ramshackle away from him, just like you tried to do the first moment you met him?!

Azu: Of course not, I'm no longer interested in Ramshackle. What I want...is something more valuable than Ramshackle or any kind of Unique Magic I could gain.

Jami: What are you after?

Azu: Wouldn't you like to know, Snake?

[Azu sat in the bathtub in his room with a smirk on his face: He just had to wait a few more hours until the contract's time limit expired and the one thing he desired would be his. Sure, he felt wrong tricking the Prefect into signing the contract knowing that he was never going to finish the task in less than 4 days, but he was doing this for his own selfishness...and the Prefect's Well-Being. Yuu wouldn't understand it at first but as time went on, he would understand and forgive him. All he needed was time. Suddenly, the door opened and Yuu walked in with Azu's Octopus Pot on a wheeled cart with a smile on his face.]

Yuu: I have something to show you, Azu.

[Azu didn't have time to question Yuu as the Prefect walked over to him, wrapped his arms around his waist firmly but tenderly, lifted him out of the tub, and placed him in the pot before wheeling him out of the room, down the hall and out the back door that led into the empty field behind Ramshackle... Well, it wasn't empty anymore.]

[There were two pools about 20 Feet wide each that too up the space of the yard and both of there were lined with lights on the concrete surfaces of each pool so people could see even if they were swimming in the dark. There was a sign near the pool on the left that said 'Azu's Pool'. Yuu wheeled Azu over to the pool and lifted him out of the pot before gently placing him in the warm water, leaving Azu shocked; it was everything he asked for but how did Yuu manage to do it with only a few hours to spare.]

Yuu: What do you think?

Azu: It's... It's perfect, but I don't understand. How did you manage to do all of this within 4 days?! I was certain that you were going to fail!

Yuu (Smiles with a raised eyebrow): Oh, you wanted me to fail, just like how you wanted me to the first time I signed a contract with you?

Azu: I... I...

Yuu: Azu, I am not angry with you. When I saw your Failure Condition, I knew that you just wanted to have something with you: Your Failure Condition was me becoming your Blood Brother.

Azu: (Looks at the water)

Yuu (Places his hand on Azu's head): You didn't need a contract for that, My Octopi. If you want me to be your brother, I don't mind. I'll be your little brother. (Smiling at Azu)

Azu: (Looking up at Yuu with wide eyes)

Yuu: Okay, let's get you back in your pot so I can go make dinner. (Puts Azu back into Octopus Pot)

Azu (Looks at Yuu intently):...

Yuu: Why are you looking at me like that?

Ri (Looking around the living room): Where is Yuu?

Leo (Looking in the Kitchen): He's not in the kitchen making dinner. Where could our little brother be?

Yuu (In the Backyard): AHHHHHH!!!

[Ri and Leo run through the house and out the backyard door to see Azu trying to pull Yuu into his Octopus Pot with his tentacles: Yuu's legs are kicking outside the opening of the pot.]

Yuu: PLEASE, SOMEONE HELP! MAKE HIM STOP!

Ri: YUU! HOLD ON!

Leo: WE'RE COMING, LITTLE BROTHER!!!

[Ri and Leo run over and grab each of Yuu's legs and start pulling him out of the pot but Azu is not letting go.]

Ri: Azu, let him go!

Leo: Give me back my brother, You Clingy Octopus!

Azu: No! He's Mine! My Brother! I am not sharing with any of you! He's mine!

Ri & Leo: GIVE HIM TO US! HE WAS OURS FIRST!

Azu: NO!!!

Yuu (Being used as a tug-o-war rope): GREAT SEVEN, HELP ME!!!

[END - TO BE CONTINUED]

[fratricideknight]

maybe i'm not full of love, just self-pity and directionless rage. i'm constantly disappointed in people (mostly myself) but i'm too tired to truly care.

[ladylucksrogue]

Foxiyo for number 29 please 💕

Thank you so much for the ask. This one was a lot of fun. Gave me the opportunity to write Fox in a good mood

Prompt: Kiss to the back of the hand

Riyo Chuchi walked into the Coruscant Guard HQ, two cups of caf balanced carefully in her hands. She was a familiar face here, and the Shock Troopers on duty nodded as she passed. No one would stop her, not that they had any reason to. She smiled at one of them before making her way down the corridor to a familiar door, managing to chime the door with her elbow.

Fox was behind his desk, surrounded by datapads, his focus on something in front of him. His brow was furrowed, and the look on his face was somewhere between boredom and irritation as he tapped his stylus against the desk.

He glanced up as she entered, his features relaxing into a bemused smile. “Morning.”

“Good morning,” she replied brightly, handing him one of the caf cups. He took it, raising an eyebrow when he recognized the logo on the cup.

“This is a bribe,” he said, though the almost delighted smile on his face as he took a sip suggested he wasn’t complaining.

“No! What makes you say that?” Riyo protested, her eyes widening in mock innocence as she took a seat, her own caf in hand. Damn him, he was too perceptive for his own good.

“Corvarro's?” he asked pointedly. Okay, so maybe she had gone a little overboard splurging at one of the most expensive caf shops in the district, but their caf was worth it.

“I might have a few concerns about the security situation for the upcoming gala,” she admitted.

Fox leaned back in his chair, giving her a knowing look. “And what, you know a guy?”

“Fox!” Riyo huffed. “It’s not like that. I’m genuinely worried about the security plans. I’ve been reviewing them, and some areas are severely under-resourced. I’ve tried bringing this up with the committee, but no one’s listening.”

“And this couldn’t have been handled through an official committee memo?” Fox asked, dryly.

Riyo leaned forward. “I thought it was important enough to discuss in person. The safety of the attendees—”

“—is my job, if I remember correctly,” Fox interrupted. “Believe it or not, I’ve got it handled. My men are stretched thin, but they know what they’re doing. I’ll look into your concerns, but I’ve got a patrol to oversee in less than an hour. It’s not going to happen right this second, no matter how charmingly insistent a certain Pantoran senator might be.”

There was a teasing edge to his voice, and Riyo caught it immediately. She paused, studying him. Despite the seriousness of the topic, Fox seemed unusually relaxed, even playful, a side of him she didn’t see often, especially not when he was this deep in work.  She had half a mind to be smug about that, the evening had done him good after all.

“I’m just trying to make sure you’re aware of the gaps,” Riyo insisted.

“And I assure you, we’re not just sitting around, twiddling our thumbs,” Fox retorted, motioning to the datapads, the clutter, on his desk. “I’ll add it to the list,” he promised, his tone softening slightly.

“You’re in a mood, aren’t you?” Riyo huffed, unable to resist a small smile.

“It’s probably the caf,” he teased, standing up and tucking his helmet under his arm, taking another drink from his cup. “As much as I would love to continue this conversation, I do have a patrol to get to.” He motioned toward the door, and Riyo reluctantly got to her feet.

“Just send me the memo, Ri. I’ll take care of it,” he added, but before she could respond, she felt his hand take hers. The suddenness of his touch and the intensity in his gaze froze her words in her throat. Before she could react, he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the back of it. It happened so quickly that she almost questioned if it had really happened as the door hissed open.

“Senator,” he said with a hint of a smug grin.

“Commander,” she managed, her voice just above a whisper as her heart skipped a beat and a blush crept up her cheeks. She offered a slightly flustered smile before stepping into the corridor. As she turned to head down the hallway, she nearly collided with Thorn.

“Easy there, Senator. You alright? You look a little flushed,” Thorn said, with his usual easy smile.

Riyo nodded, smiling at Thorn as she made a show of fanning herself. “Oh, yes, it’s just a bit warm in here, that’s all.”

Thorn raised an eyebrow, amused. “Whatever you did, keep it up. I’ve never seen Fox this relaxed.”

Riyo blushed deeper, trying not to let her thoughts wander back to the previous evening with Fox. It had been a wonderful evening. “I didn’t do anything,” she mumbled, trying to maintain her composure.

Thorn chuckled, clearly unconvinced. “Right. Well, have a good day, Senator,” he said with a knowing smile, leaving her alone in the corridor.

As Riyo walked out of the building, she couldn’t help but smile to herself, the warmth of Fox’s kiss lingering on her hand, along with the memory of other kisses that had meant so much more.

[andromeda-nova-writing]

Impressions

Wriothesley x Fem! Reader

Summary: With Wriothesley not wanting his photo one may wonder about the kind of Impression that he wants to leave upon people. Or maybe just question if he may be a bit Kamera shy and finding any valid excuse to avoid his photo being taken. What’s seen in a photo can lead to many thoughts about the person within. Why not try to make it something good?

Words: 2,404

AN: A kind of sequel to the sticker fic. It stands on its own pretty well though. It's a miracle I had so much of the fic done in time for his birthday.

Y/N made her way towards Wriothesley and Sigewinne after watching Charlotte, Lumine, and Paimon leaving Fortress of Meropide. “Sigewinne, the rest of the medications you asked for have been finished up.” She reported. Even though the flood didn’t destroy Fontaine, some things had gotten lost in the waters and there were people in the Fortress who did require certain medications daily. It was best to get things back to normal as soon as possible after the disaster had been mostly averted.

Wriothesley looked over to her with a sense of relief washing over him. “See there’s work to be done, no need to continue this conversation.”

Y/N looked down at Sigewinne. “Do tell what I’ve interrupted.”

“His Grace still refuses an interview with Charlotte. Specifically having his photo taken.” She explained.

“There’s no need for attention to be placed upon me. I just want credit to be given to those who deserve it more than me.” He continued the same argument and reason he gave to everyone.

She rolled her eyes. “Sigewinne, I think I’m beginning to agree with my mother that our dear Duke, His Grace, Warden of the Fortress of Meropide, Wriothesley is afraid of the kamera.”

The two girls laughed over her teasing. Wriothesley had rolled his eyes and crossed his arms over her joke. He considered walking away to just end it before any more teasing could go forward. But then again her words were actually quite telling.

“You talk about me to your mother? Didn’t think I made such a big impression on you that warranted that.”

“It is precisely because there are no photos of you that she asks questions. And don’t be so full of yourself Ri. I talk about everyone in my life to my mother. You can feel important if you ever meet her.”

“Y/N’s mother is quite lovely. She’s always so curious about everyone and everything.” Sigewinne explained the lunch the three of them had a few weeks ago. “She creates the most adorable stickers. I still have to frame the portrait she drew of me.”

“It���s just a napkin drawing. Don’t think too much of it. She just can’t keep her hands still and you happened to capture her eye.”

Wriothesley could not believe what he was hearing as the two kept their conversation going without him. Was her mother in on the great stickering week he had gone through? How many of the stickers had he peeled off were created by that lady?

“I’ll see what I can do about you seeing her again then for a proper portrait. And if no times line up, maybe I can borrow her kamera to get a good reference photo for her.” Y/N leaned down just a bit and covered the side of her mouth with her hand. She did even not attempt to lower her voice. “Then we can try and sneak a photo of our kamera shy Duke.”

The two of them were laughing once again. Why were the only times Y/N used any of his titles it was a sorry attempt at professionalism or just to tease him? He grabbed Y/N’s arm pulling her up so she was no longer leaning down. 

“See Sigewinne, he continues to manhandle me. You’ve known him the longest. Tell him how to treat a lady.” Y/N complained. 

Sigewinne continued her laughter. Wriothesley was way too in love to do anything that would hurt Y/N. The two of them made a very cute couple, well if they ever got together.

“If you have time to tease me and joke around, then you can come help organize some files in my office since Sigewinne has no work for you.”

“I have plenty of work to do for her.” She argued attempting to pull her arm away. He didn’t budge. His grip was firm yet gentle enough to not cause her any pain.

“Actually that’s all I needed for you at the moment. Ottnit and I can cover the rest.” With how busy it had been there had been no way Wriothesley had been taking enough time to rest. And Sigewinne trusted that he wouldn’t actually put Y/N to work inside his office or work himself.

“Oh, the betrayal. Ottnit is officially my favorite between the three of you down here.” That was a lie. She’d never pick a favorite.

“Just don’t forget to take a break you two. I don’t want to interrupt your time to remind either of you.” Sigewinne began her walk back to the infirmary before Y/N had a chance to comment on what she had said.

“Wriothesley.” She whined as she was gently being pulled away towards his office. “People will talk. I thought you didn’t care for that.”

“You must be people then if you are already discussing about me with your mother.” He laughed as they made their way into his office.

“Only because of your actions. I don’t know how it got to her but she thinks you can’t keep your hands off of me.” She only spoke the next part once the door was closed behind them. “She thinks you’re courting me. And since you rarely make appearances outside the Fortress of Meropide, my mother wants a photo of you before she truly believes that rumor or listens to me.” It didn’t help that part of Y/N wanted that rumor to be true as well. Even then it wasn’t like she could find the time to admit it aloud just what she wanted.

They made their way up the stairs. “I don’t know why you need a photo of me if we aren’t actually a couple.” He let go of her arm once they reached the top.

Y/N frowned, looking around and seeing his office was spotless. Liar. Not a single thing was out of place. There wasn’t even a stack of papers on his desk. “Is it wrong of me to still want to show her a photo of my friend? The only photos I’ve managed to find of you are mid-fight in the Pankration Ring. I can’t show those to her.”

Wriothesley walked over to a bookshelf with his tea collection looking through it to find what suited Y/N’s tastes the most. “It’s a photo that has my face in it. Sounds like it counts.” 

"I am not showing my mom a photo of you shirtless, sweaty, and punching someone during a boxing match. She may be quite the easygoing person but I think she'd have my head on a platter if that was her first impression of you." 

"Vanilla Chai or Orange Cinnamon?" They were her favorites but he wasn’t sure which one she'd be more in the mood for. "You want a good first impression of me for her? I'm a Duke. Shouldn't that be good enough?" It was usually good enough for people who had no need to have any idea how he was as a Warden.

Y/N moved over to his desk and began messing with the gramophone playing the record he had on there last. If she was to have tea then she'd have music as well. "Earl Grey if you don't mind. I actually enjoyed it a lot last time you offered it." The sound of his music was lovely to her ears. "And no your title is not a good enough impression for her. Where do you think I got my dislike of titles from?"

"Well bring her down to the Fortress one day. We can all have lunch together." He offered up the idea as he began to steep the tea for them. "If it's that important to you that I make a good impression on her, I'm sure a lunch here would help."

Y/N sighed and shook her head. "I want her to meet you Ri not the Warden of this Fortress. She can meet that side of you at a later date.” Realistic it was a side that she hoped her Mother would never truly have to meet. “She should meet my friend. The one who could put away two pots of tea and is covered in stickers and loves songs you could easily find yourself slow dancing to." 

“Is that how you view me?”

“You’re also a bit cocky, love to gossip more than you would ever admit and you find too much fun in watching people guess if you are joking around or being serious.” She sat down on the couch in his office. 

“Well, now I’m not giving you your favorite mug.”

Y/N’s laughter filled the room. “You’re so mean. You should be happy I’ve only brought up the good things about you to my mother. I want her to like you.”

“You shouldn’t worry about it too much. Watch Sigewinne find out and she’ll be worried about you for the entire week.”

“I have to worry about it. You’re such a mystery to so much of Fontaine and have way too many rumors floating around you. I don’t want my mother to believe rumors about you.”

Wriothesley began pouring the tea out in the two mugs for them. “If I agree to let you take a picture of me, can we drop this?”

“Under what conditions? I know there’s more than just me dropping this.” She sat straight up excitedly waiting for her mug to be handed to her. He still had her favorite mug out for her. 

“Just be in the photo with me.” 

“Admit you are kamera shy.”

Wriothesley rolled his eyes before handing Y/N her favorite mug and taking a seat on the couch next to her. His mug was placed on the coffee table in front of them. “All because I don’t care to have my photo taken doesn’t mean I’m afraid of the kamera. I just don’t think there’s ever been a good reason that requires a photo of me.”

“So you must find this a good enough reason then.”

“You were going to try and get a photo of me regardless.” With how sneaky she was about handing off more stickers to Sigewinne, Y/N would have an easy chance of taking the photo. Knowing his luck with the woman, he would notice while she laughing over a photo where a stray sticker had wandered towards his face.

She frowned. “What do you take me for? I was only joking earlier. You should know I respect your privacy.”

He shook his head. “I just meant you would keep begging me every time you showed up here. As funny as that would be, I don’t want you to waste your time.”

Y/N laughed. “Do you really think I would be caught begging you for a picture? I could easily convince you into it if I wanted.”

“And how would you do that?”

“Have I not just convinced you?” She drank her tea hiding the smile that crept onto her face.

He sighed realizing he had no way out of her question. “Remind me why I enjoy your company.”

She shrugged. “How am I supposed to know if you never told me? You know Ri, this would be the perfect time to tell me. I’m all ears.” Y/N placed her mug on the coffee table. She scooted closer towards him and looked him in the eyes. There was an attempt at looking like the most innocent person who definitely would never tease him. 

Wriothesley rolled his eyes. “Suddenly I forgot. Whoops,” he spoke with a shrug before reaching down so he could finally enjoy his drink that should have cooled off enough.

She crossed her arms before falling back onto the couch. “You’re an ass.” She told him almost singing it along with the music that played.

“I thought that was just my charming personality. The part you wanted to introduce to your mother.” He began teasing her.

“Don't make me regret telling you that,” she sighed. 

“Which part?”

“The second part. I've never called your personality charming.”

“You sounded charmed when you were describing me moments ago. And considering what you said, I should feel important that you want me to meet her.” He threw her words right back at her. “If you would have regretted it, I don’t think you would have brought it up.”

“If I can reveal all of that to you however indirectly-”

“Seemed pretty direct to me.” He interrupted. His smile was met with a glare. He shrugged a small apology for interrupting her.

“If I can reveal all of that to you indirectly,” she started once again. “I would hope you would understand I’d only regret it if things didn’t go the way I hope they would.” And the most she would hope for now is just a cherished friendship. Even then a cherished friendship was something she could happily live with.

Wriothesley placed his mug back down on the coffee table. “You really do worry too much.” He finally gave in to the thoughts that plagued the back of his mind for many months. He placed the gentlest kiss upon her cheek. “I really don't think you were worried about what your mother would think about me as much as you say it aloud.” He knew her long enough to know when she actually was worried and he couldn’t find any of it within her voice.

Y/N felt frozen. Yes, they flirted back and forth, she was used to that. But she didn't think they would ever act upon anything. She wasn’t even sure if their flirting was serious or just a thing they did jokingly.  “Wriothesley?” She spoke quietly in her shock. Never did she think such an action would steal her thoughts away. It was the last thing she expected but his action was something she welcomed to happen again. 

“Yes?” He leaned back away from her giving her space to process what had happened between them.

“Are you serious?” She began to wonder when their flirting changed from jokes into something different. Had it become serious without her even noticing?

“Only if you had been.” He had been. Playing with someone else’s heart would have been cruel. To love someone platonically, familially, and romantically was something he took seriously. He’d been through enough to know you don’t play with anyone’s heart. A heart is something that should be treated with the utmost care.

“I should be more worried about what she thinks. I'm gonna need her to like you now.”

[petitelepus]

Old Friends, New Lovers? Part 1

MODERN!HAGANEZUKA HOTARU X FEM!READER

Summary: You and Haganezuka go way back. You were childhood friends and these days you are both teachers at Kimetsu Academy. The only thing is that you have the worst luck when it comes to finding love and Haganezuka is starting to get enough about it. Things happen and you finally end up together. Now it should be smooth sailing from here on forth, right? A lighthearted story about you and Haganezuka banging here and there and other sweet stuff like that.

Warnings: Cursing, Drinking, Smoking, Vomit

A/N: Modern!AU, Female Reader, Teacher Reader, Teacher Haganezuka, From Friends To Lovers, Tengen Uzui, Kyojuro Rengoku, Goto, Gyomei Himejima, Kanae Kocho, Sanemi Shinazugawa, Kyogai

PART 1 - PART 2 - PART 3 - PART 4 - PART 5 - PART 6

It was Friday and the students were already on their way home to spend their weekend away from school. That left teachers to fill in last-minute reports and grade essays, projects, and exams. The teachers were mostly minding their own business when you suddenly slammed the door to the teacher's office open and then shut behind you.

"I AM PISSED!" You exclaimed out loud and your colleagues turned to look at you as you frowned, "Who is going out drinking with me today?!"

The teachers glanced at each other and hands rose one by one. You huffed and nodded, "Great! I'm gonna-!" You were about to say when suddenly the office door slid open and a student peeked inside, "Miss, I need your signature on my paper…"

"Ah-!" You put on a kind smile and nodded as you followed the student out of the office, "Of course, lead the way."

As you left to aid the student, the teachers shared glances with each other.

"What was that about?" Goto asked and many sighed.

"I guess she got dumped again." Tengen thought out loud and Gyomei frowned sadly, "Again?"

"Wasn't she just recently seeing someone?" Kyogai asked and Sanemi nodded, "Yeah. Looks like this one didn't work out for her either."

"She has been this way ever since elementary school." Haganezuka grunted, "She would always chase after boys or girls she liked and then end up heartbroken when they wouldn't return her feelings. Same thing in college."

"Oh right, you guys are childhood friends, right?" Kanae asked and the masked teacher scoffed, "She's a pain in the ass, that's what she is."

"Yeah, you've known her the longest!" Tengen laughed, "Maybe the two of you should date-!"

The art teacher didn't get to finish his sentence when the office's door slid open and you entered the room. To your colleagues' confusion, instead of complaining or shouting, you burrowed yourself into paperwork.

"Are you alright, young lady?" Kyojuro asked and you growled, never taking your eyes off the papers before you, "Yeah, just gotta get these done and I can clock myself out and then go and try to forget this douchebag ex…!"

The teachers glanced at each other but then focused on their own work. The only one who kept looking at you was Haganezuka, but even he focused back on his work before anyone could notice.

Later that night you and your colleagues had gathered in your favorite restaurant slash bar to enjoy good food and drinks. The night was going well, despite it being your way to take out some steam.

"I hate that bastard!" You exclaimed as you chugged your drink, "I gave him two months of my life and he goes and starts seeing his coworker!?"

"Again?" Tengen asked, "What happened to that woman you were seeing just a while ago?"

"Oh, don't get me started!" You shouted, but it was too late, "She said I was nice, but she wasn't looking for something long-term! Apparently, I was just her rebound after she had a nasty breakup!"

"Sounds like you have poor luck when it comes to men or women." Obanai grumbled and you nodded, the alcohol making your mood whimsical and sad all of a sudden, "What am I doing wrong? I'm nice, I have a good job and I'm pretty!"

You pouted as you looked at your colleagues sadly, "I am pretty, right?"

"You're very beautiful." Kanae nodded with a small smile, "But you know, you don't need to be dating someone all the time? You can be single for a moment if you want?"

"You don't get it Kanae… I'm already 36, and I'm not getting any younger!" You cried out, "It's time for me to find love, settle down, maybe pop out a kid or two, and just…"

"Just?"

"I don't know…" You murmured sadly as you drank the rest of your drink in one go and then got up, "I'm going out for a second. I need to get some fresh air."

Your colleagues nodded and didn't pay any mind to you as you got up and stepped outside for a moment. It was already dark, but you didn't mind it. You dug out a cigarette pack from your jacket's pocket, grabbed one, and placed it between your lips before lighting it. You knew that cigarettes were a horrible habit, but you had to blow off some steam or in this case smoke.

"Why the fuck am I this way?" You grumbled quietly by yourself as you blew out some smoke.

"Because you are an idiot, that's why." Came a familiar voice and you turned and saw a familiar Hyottoko mask looking in your direction.

"Haganezuka?" You frowned as your childhood friend settled next to you, content to just watch you smoke. You frowned, "What are you doing here?"

"You always smoke after a breakup." He replied, ignoring your question. You grunted and took a drag of your smoke, "It's a bad habit of mine. Always has been."

"Oh yeah? I remember that you started to smoke to impress a guy." Haganezuka reminded you and you frowned as you remembered that crush who didn't even know you existed. You still remember how you had left him a love letter, but another girl had taken credit for it. Those two were probably married and had kids by now.

"Don't remind me…" You crumbled, suddenly getting a bad taste in your mouth and it wasn't just the cancer stick. You decided that you didn't want it anymore. You groaned as you dropped the cigarette and stepped on it with your shoe.

"Fuck it, I'm-" You were saying when you suddenly felt your balance shift and you almost tripped on your own feet. You would have hit the ground if it wasn't for Haganezuka quickly catching you.

"Alright, I think you've had enough!" The man snapped and you groaned as you felt alcohol really hit you. Talk about a sneak attack.

"I'm taking you home." Haganezuka said and you groaned as you tried to stand up on your own, "Just give me a second, I gotta go and pay my tab and-!"

"It's already taken care of." The man said and you looked at him in awe, "You paid my bill?"

"You better pay me back." He grunted and you rolled your eyes, "I will, I will."

The two of you left and as you were walking, you found yourself leaning against Haganezuka's side, enjoying his body's warmth and how stable he felt.

"You're a good friend, you know that?" You thought out loud as you looked at your friend who just grunted. You hummed as you smiled, "You always have been. Even when we were kids, you would always look after me."

"That's because you were a huge crybaby."

"Still… You always took me into your games and such."

"Because you would cry if I didn't include you."

"Ah, memories," You chuckled, "Where did I go wrong?"

"I don't know and I don't care."

"So cruel…!" You whined, and Haganezuka groaned, his patience wearing thin, "Fine! You want to know what's wrong? You fall in love far too easily and with assholes and idiots out of all people!"

"Mean..!" You pouted, "When did my dating become your business?"

"It becomes my business when you always end up with a broken heart!" The man snapped and you were tempted to snap right back at him but you looked as saw that you were already by your apartment building. Haganezuka took you to the front door and you told him the code that the door needed to open.

Once inside, the two of you took an elevator to your floor and walked to your front door. You dug out your keys from your pocket and inserted them into the lock and with a click, your front door opened.

"Thank you for taking me- Whoa, what are you-?" You were interrupted as Haganezuka followed you inside your apartment.

"I need to use the toilet." He grunted as he took his shoes off and you sighed, "First door on the right, you know it."

The man nodded as he went to use your toilet slash bathroom and you made your way to your small kitchen. You glanced at the clock on the wall and noted that it wasn't as late as you had thought. You peeked at your fridge and you were pleased to see a half bottle of vodka and many bottles of Cola.

You heard the toilet being flushed and you peeked to see Haganezuka step out of your toilet.

"Hey, if you don't have anything better to do then would you like to stay and help me finish this bottle?" You asked as you showed your vodka bottle to your friend.

"Why the fuck do you have a bottle of vodka in your fridge?" He asked, and you pouted, "Are you gonna drink it with me or shall I finish it myself?"

"…Fine!" Haganezuka grunted as he walked to your living room and you joined him on your couch with two glasses, a bottle of Cola, and vodka. You poured your glasses full and handed him his vodka-Cola.

"Bottoms up!" You clinked your glass against his and took a long sip of your drink. Haganezuka groaned as he took off his mask and placed it on your coffee table before taking a sip himself.

You immediately looked at him and smiled at the sight of the handsome face he hid behind that funny mask of his. "You're really handsome, you knew that?"

"I don't care." He grunted and you chuckled, "Shame. You would make someone really happy."

Your friend grunted something under his breath and you took your chance to take a sip of your drink.

"I want to ask you something." Haganezuka looked at you with those pretty orange eyes of his, "And I want you to be honest with me. No bullshit or such!"

You hummed thoughtfully, wondering what he wanted to ask, before nodding, "What do you want to know?"

"Why did you never chase after me?"

You blinked, taken aback by his question. It was not a question you expected him out of all people ask.

"You are my friend-!"

"I said no bullshit," He snapped and you frowned, "I didn't-!"

"Tell me the truth or I'll squeeze it out of you!"

"But I… Fine!" You pouted stubbornly as you averted your gaze from him, "Because you were my only friend and I didn't want to chase you away like I chased everyone else I liked…"

You blushed as you realized just how pathetic you sounded… And you blushed even worse when you realized that you just told your friend how you liked him.

"Idiot." Haganezuka grunted as he took a sip of the drink in his hand, "As if you could ever chase me away."

"W- what was that?" You couldn't understand what you heard. Did Haganezuka like you?

"What do you think?" He shot right back at you and you froze, "I… I don't know?"

"Let me explain it to you so that even you can understand…!" Haganezuka growled as he looked at you, "Do you have any idea how annoying it is to listen to you talk about finding someone to love when I am right here!?"

You blinked, confused and the alcohol in your systems didn't help you at all. Nope, if anything, it made things harder for you to read and understand.

"What do you want?" You asked and Haganezuka frowned as he took your drinks and placed them on the table. You were about to repeat your question, but he grabbed your face and kissed you without any warning.

You felt your eyes widen, but slowly you let them close and you found yourself kissing him back. It was a very simple kiss, but for some reason, it filled your stomach with butterflies unlike any other kiss ever did.

Slowly and reluctantly, Haganezuka pulled away from the kiss and tucked a strand of your hair behind your ear.

"I want to be your lover." The man said and you stared at him with your eyes wide.

Those butterflies..! They were coming back, and-!

"Hrk!" You slammed a hand over your mouth and bolted, running straight to the toilet and letting it all out. Haganezuka flinched as he heard you hurl and he decided that you had enough to drink. So while you were getting rid of everything in your stomach, he took your drinks and bottle of vodka and poured them all into the kitchen sink.

He heard you flush the toilet and walked into the bathroom to see you hugging your toilet seat like your life depended on it.

"Had enough?" Haganezuka asked, not resisting a chance to tease you. You groaned weakly before your body convulsed and you dry-heaved, but nothing came out.

"I'm…" You gagged, "I'm never drinking again…!"

"Alright, come here you drunk," Haganezuka helped you up on your feet and took you to your bedroom.

"Hotaru…" You whined and whimpered as he tucked you under the blanket and as soon as your head hit the pillow, you fell asleep. Haganezuka stared at you for a second before he grunted and left your bedroom, opting to sleep on your couch so he could make sure that you remembered this night tomorrow.

[accirax]

initial thoughts on DCAS episode 7

very notable that this was within the context of being about "love" specifically. (at least) one-sided trevek canon? (i'm not even a huge trevek shipper i just think this whole plotline is funny)

okay, so Yul's foot injury IS real. or at least, he's using it as an excuse to complain. still, the fact that it was brought up again an episode later makes me think that it's going to have SOME relevance to the plot.

any time that Yul has to parrot something in Emily's "you go girlfriend ;D" manner of speaking i cackle. he didn't choose the home decor saying any time is wine time lifestyle, the home decor saying any time is wine time lifestyle chose him.

Grett i am... genuinely confused. how can you possibly think that Yul is actually in love with you? did you really receive THAT little love in your home life? you have no ability to distinguish catty and fake praise for your accomplishments from real ones because your family gave you THAT little recognition? man. now i made myself sad :( ily Grett

okay, confirming that 1) it was Tom's trap, 2) they are willing to eat squirrels, 3) Tom is serving as the provider for the Cyan tribe. all things to take into account for any upcoming Cyan eliminations.

why

and how does said boyfriend feel about you kissing another man on television, Tom? this is a stupid lie.

again, why? it's probably already apparent from my earlier comments, but i changed my mind; i'm fully with Jake in this argument now. sure, Jake is really insecure and overly emotional, but what the HELL is Tom doing? making up a boyfriend is a really shitty thing to do, whether Tom had a legit reason for not calling Jake these past two years or if he didn't contact Jake due to his own mixed feelings/indifference. in either case, he should have told Jake the truth. at least when Jake was acting immature in S1, he was 24. Tom is a nearly 30 year old man. ACT LIKE IT.

Fiore slay

this is a really interesting response due to how vague it is, including in the vocal performance. was he taken off guard by his boss being nice to him? does he believe that she's telling the truth? does he feel bad for Trevor, or will he come to believe that he IS way better than Trevor? i'm glad that they're continuing on with the concept of the hosts having a plotline, because imo that was one of the highlights of S2, but they aren't doing it in a way that eats up as much of the screentime as it did in S2.

if Will was out of the picture i would be shipping these two so hard. who am I kidding, i kind of still am anyways.

Ally's other gf is here :,) glad that they got to reconnect (and neither of them were eliminated for it)

Fiore slay

the confirmation that Aiden thinks that the idea of him having any attraction to Tom is laughable and disgusting is HILARIOUS to me. bro really said, "why the hell would i be into YOU when i have JAMES lmao" straight to Tom's face. tbf, James and Tom are like... opposites in terms of personality and appearance (beyond being generally handsome and athletic young men).

"silly me, i keep forgetting that not everyone met their super cool and attractive boyfriend on reality TV. my bad!" (/pos)

(i tried to type "hubby" instead of boyfriend but i spared you all. it was too cringe even as the one subjecting others to the cringe.)

okay this was very fitting for her. iconic.

honestly, Alec and Riya's villainous alliance/friendship is really fun. leave it to Alec to always find himself in the least likely but most entertaining duos. Riya really benefits from being paired with a legitimate strategist, and someone who won't just let her totally get away with stuff.

we had to get in one last Fiore taking unnecessary damage for the road :,(

feeling like Jaiden is going to be winning the starting couples' survival roulette. and Wishley, to the extent they count.

now i'm no physicist, but how did this work? shouldn't the ball be a fast and heavy enough object at this point that it would jump over the log, not ricochet off of it? i suppose if the ball is made of something more like wicker than yarn, it could be a bit more likely to do that. but then why is it going to the side? it hit the log straight on!

... are you not allowed to help him anymore? what?

ellie is going full villain mode fr. if her and gabby's relationship gets messed up, that would definitely be karma. but, i suppose she survives this episode...

this is funny because nobody strikes me as the pizza and soda loving type. Alec, Grett, Yul, and Riya all seem like people who would want to eat something that's both fancier and healthier.

communication W (for both of them)

Fiore is such a best girl that she's not even a salty juror. she's not mad at them for so long that she can't use her final moments to throw a wrench in the works for everyone else. the grind never sleeps, clowns <3

and she even conquered her greatest nemesis, the bus, this time. fly high, queen. i'll miss you.

well, as a Fiore stan, this episode was a bit sad for me. but, i do totally understand why Magenta would both vote for Fiore and lose the challenge. (damn you, Ellie...) Fiore already did super well in both S1 and the original Adventure Camp, so i understand why they wouldn't have her go super far again in this season, especially when everyone knows she's such a threat.

i just hope that we can still get a little more closure for her and Alec than we got already in this season. all it has to be is, like, him being sad at her elimination for reasons other than pure strategy and maybe a nice conversation at the finale. it doesn't have to be Alec finally adopting her... even if i did want that to happen... i'd just prefer to know that they leave things on good terms.

anyways, another really solid episode! i look forward to the next one. thanks for reading!

[shinsengumi-archives]

Letter from Kondo Isami dated May 20, Genji 1 (June 23, 1864) to Nakajima Jirobei (中島次郎兵).

The second line from the left reads, "Male sexuality is popular" (男色流行).

Original letter

（本文略） 尚々、御家内中様御尊父始メ御勇猛之至奉恐賀候。陳者尊兄健次郎様事市ヶ谷辺江御縁談���由、恐悦至極奉存候。 次ニ下拙義も素□愚魯身不顧尽忠報国有志御募リ相成、然馬合之局中ヲ預リ、州鄙客申述頻ニ心配致ゆへ□哉意外多病相成、依而去二月肥後守殿□なるへく温泉致候様、依之罷越候処僅七八日ニ而俄ニ　肥後守殿御役替ニ付飛脚到来、其夜五十丁十六里帰京致候。 併相応度候哉当節大丈夫ニ相成候間、御懸念可被下候間敷、且乍憚一統様暫時処公然様奉願上候。 一、扨先年府中宿おいて御同様始楼登リ、妄戯仕事時々思ひ出申候。就而者当節婦人戯候事聊無之。局中頻ニ男色流行仕候。尚帰府之上申上度。以上

Translation

(Text omitted) I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you, including your dear father, for your bravery. I am very pleased to hear of your older brother Kenjiro's marriage proposal and move to the Ichigaya area. Next, I have been recruiting volunteers to repay the nation with loyalty without regard for my own life, and have been entrusted with the affairs of bureaucrats. I've had too many worries on my mind and I have been unexpectedly very ill. Last February, Higo-no-kami-dono asked me to visit a hot spring, so I did. After just 7 or 8 days, a courier suddenly arrived with news of Higo-no-kami-dono's change of position, so overnight I returned to Kyoto at a distance of 50 blocks and 16 ri [16 hour walk]. At the same time, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you for your concern. For the time being, I can only offer my best wishes. Now, I sometimes recall that last year when I was in Fuchu, we visited brothels and indulged in raunchy games. In that regard, people no longer play around with the ladies these days. Male sexuality is popular frequently throughout the headquarters. I would like to mention this to you upon my return to my home province. That is all.

Commentary

In the main text (omitted), he writes that he was disappointed in the Shinsengumi's position and its role, and that he considered disbanding the group, but was consoled, and so on. [T/N: This was before Ikedaya]

In the postscript, in addition to congratulating the Nakajima family on their happy event, he wrote that he had fallen ill due to hard work and went to a hot spring for treatment, as recommended by Katamori, but after about a week, Katamori informs him that he was to be reassigned to a different position. It is written that he returned to Kyoto, sick and beaten.

He then fondly remembers how they used to indulge in "raunchy games" together at a brothel in Fuchu, and tells them that these days there is no such thing as playing with women at all, and that "danshoku" (male sexuality) is prevalent within the Shinsengumi.

(source: www.toshizo.com)

Translator Notes

Instead of interpreting it as Kondo complaining about the prevalence of male sexuality, doesn't it sound like he's actually trying to convince Nakajima to go for male prostitutes together next time?

"I know we used to play around with women, but no one does that anymore. Here at the Shinsengumi HQ, we do male love all the time. Just something I wanted you to know before I visit you ;)" 😂