#riri absolutely approved!!! | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

ohjustkreat · 2 years ago

Text

Moments In Between

A Shuri x Riri One-shot Series

Available on Wattpad/AO3 (Kreat)

************************************

There was no battle that Shuri had fought or enemy she had faced that caused her to be as nerve ridden as she was today. Finally after every trial and tribulation, she was marrying the love of her life. Their relationship was far from a fairytale, yet Shuri and Riri both knew they would have a happy ending.

"Shuri, I can feel your nerves over here. Do the rest of us a favor and keep them to yourself." M'baku said, earning him a glare from Shuri.

"Bast, leave her alone, M'baku. She has a right to be nervous. It is their union day." Okoye defended. "So, are you ready?" Okoye said as she put her hands on Shuri's shoulders.

"More ready than I've ever been for any moment in my life. I get to marry my soulmate."

"Yes, yes, kisses and rainbows. Save your speech for the ceremony." This earned M'baku a glare from both Okoye and Shuri.

"I only speak the truth." M'baku said as he raised his hands and shrugged his shoulders in innocence.

"Shuri, don't listen to him. It's your day and you can say whatever you please." Okoye said, smiling and looking at Shuri through the mirror.

*knock* *knock*

All three pairs of eyes turned towards the source of the sound as the door opened.

"Shuri, it's almost time" Nakia was smiling as she entered Shuri's quarters.

Shuri exhaled as the dropping feeling reappeared in her stomach. "Nakia, how does she look?"

Nakia's eyes lit up at the mention of Riri. "Shuri, she looks absolutely beautiful. As do you."

"Thank you. I'm just ready to see her. Actually, I'm not sure what I'll do when I see her."

"Just don't freeze and you'll be fine." M'baku inserted, wearing his signature charming smile. Shuri looked at him with agitation as Nakia and Okoye stifled back a laugh.

"Okay, enough teasing our Bride." Nakia said, still laughing.

"I was only trying to give advice." M'baku said.

"Try some better advice." Shuri said.

"Fine, you want advice?" M'baku for once turned to a more serious tone. He took a deep breath, preparing what words were about to leave his mouth.

"Always so dramatic," Okoye said as M'baku cut his eyes at her.

"As I was saying." M'baku started as he turned his attention back to Shuri. " Shuri, I know that this life has not been easy for you, but it has given you someone to share it with. Someone who loves you. Do not let your past wounds bleed on the heart who loves you now, in the present. I wish you two the best in this life and the next." M'baku surprised everyone with his words. Pulling Shuri into a hug, he whispered into her ear "I love you, little panther, and I am so proud of the woman you've become." Releasing her, he looked to see there wasn't a dry eye in the room. Nakia attempted to pat away the tears that were threatening to fall from her eyes. Okoye on the other hand let them fall, not caring for the makeup she was wearing anyways.

"Now, I have another bride to go and offer my great wisdom to. We'll see you out there." M'baku gave Shuri one last meaningful look before leaving out the door. Over the years, M'baku and Riri had grown close. M'baku was mostly just intrigued by Riri's smart mouth and her ability to sometimes out banter him. And to no one's surprise, she had chosen him to present her to Shuri.

"I should be going to. Congratulations, Shuri." Okoye said as she gave Shuri a quick hug and left out the door.

With it just being them, Nakia took advantage of the moment. "Shuri, I wasn't sure what to say on this day. How to say, I'm so amazed by who you've become. The strength it took to get to this point, physically or mentally, I'm proud of you. I also see the way you unconditionally love and care for Riri. How protective of her you are yet, gentle. I know your mother and brother approve. And they are here with us today. You look at Riri the way T'challa would look at me. That's how I know you two are meant to be. You look at each other as if you're the stars that light up each other's sky." Nakia dabbed at the tears that had started to fall from her eyes.

"I wish they could have been here. I wish you and my brother could have had a day such as this. I told myself today was not just about the love Riri and I share for each other. But about the love and sacrifices of everyone, ourselves included, for us to get to this point." Shuri felt her eyes start to water. "Bast, no more deep talks. I'm going to cry enough at the ceremony."

Nakia chuckled, " Okay, you're right. Are you ready?"

"Now or never, let's go." Shuri took a hold of Nakia's arm. She had chosen Nakia to present her to Riri. She only felt that it was right. She also was thankful to have Nakia's support. Shuri was close to shambles,the epitome of a nervous wreck.The couple had stuck to the long tradition of being separated the day before their ceremony. She hadn't seen Riri in over 24 hours and now the next time she would be seeing her, would be as her wife. Walking out of her bridal quarters', Shuri prepared herself. It was time.

******************************************************************************************

Riri looked into the mirror. Her dress fit her body perfectly. Months of designing and tailoring her wedding dress had paid off. She was in awe of the intricate designs , the details of everything from the hems to the stitching. It was perfect. Riri felt beautiful for the first time in a long time.

"That dress isn't going anywhere and neither are we if you don't get out of that mirror."

"M.J. a girl only gets married once, well one time that truly matters." Ayo and M.J. both chuckled.

"And I'm lucky enough that this will be my only wedding. Shuri knows not to play with me." Riri said jokingly.

"Or she'll have to face me. And I might not have a cool super suit like everyone else but I don't play about my Riri." M.J. added in from her spot on the lounge chair.

"That will be a very quick fight." M'baku inserted as he walked through the door

"Mimi!" Riri calls the nickname out in excitement.

"Ah, you know how I hate that name." M'baku said in annoyance.

"Which is exactly why I used it. You can't be mad, you came up with it." Riri argued.

"Ah, on any other day you would not get away with that, but today is a very special day. I also know that you're just as much of a wreck as Shuri is. You two are perfect for eachother. Both small and emotional. Like two lovesick puppies."

"M'baku, did you just come to insult me?" Riri asks.

M'baku laughs, "Of course not, I came to present you to your bride to be. Now, stop deflecting. I know you are a complete wreck right now. So, what is on your mind?"

"Everything." Riri said as she turned around to face M'baku, backing away from the full length mirror. "Today, is one of the most important days of my life. Am I supposed to feel a certain way?"

"Mm, I suppose not."

"Don't get me wrong, bro, I've been practically shaking since this morning. Like, this is really about to happen. I honestly couldn't see myself with anyone else."

"I don't think anyone else would be willing to put up with you." M'baku adds.

"I said the same thing myself." M.J. said.

"I like her. And who are you?" Asked M'baku.

"Oh, I'm M.J. Friend from M.I.T. And you must be M'baku.'

"Yes, I did not think anyone else could stand this one." M'baku jokes, pointing at Shuri.

"Eh, she's not that bad." M.J. responds.

"Okay, if you two are done making fun of me-"

"Ah, don't be so upset. " M'baku says as he walks further into the room.

"Okay, everyone. We do have a ceremony to get to. M'baku, make sure she actually gets to the palace and on time. M.J., you all set to go?" Ayo says, making way towards the door.

M.J. gave Riri one last hug, "I'm so happy for you, girl." She said so that only Riri could hear her. Releasing her, she gave her one last look over and continued out the door with Ayo.

"Honestly speaking, you both really are a wreck. What is the worst that can happen? Do you think Shuri's going to say no."

"Very funny, smart ass."

"I'm just saying Ri. I honestly get sick everytime I am around you two and your kissing and cuddling. It's not enjoyable for the rest of us."

"And it's only about to get worse." Riri said, sticking her tongue out at him.

M'baku rolled his eyes. "I know. Speaking of, you are about to step into a union. I may tell a joke here and there-"

"Pfft" Riri interjected.

"BUT I am serious about this. What you're about to do is nothing to take lately. And I know you love Shuri deeply. I have never seen a more perfect match. The love you share is genuine. And Riri, if and when things get hard, just know I'll always be here. To talk to, confide in. I've grown to think of you as a little sister, Ri. And although I serve the throne, this gorilla will tame the Black Panther if she hurts you, without hesitation." M'baku pulled a now crying Riri in for a hug.

"I knew you were a softie."

"Oh shut up. You're the one who's crying." M'baku said, releasing Riri ," Are you ready?"

"I don't think I'll be more ready than I am now. I feel like I've been waiting for this moment all my life and didn't know it until now."

"Well, let's not wait any longer." M'baku offered Riri his arm. She took it and exhaled heavily, looking towards the door.

****************************************************************************

The Golden City was at its most festive. An overwhelming sense of excitement had consumed the city in the days leading up to the wedding ceremony. People from all over the nation filled the streets, celebrating the union to come. Today was no different. Bells could be heard in the distance. ringing out, signaling the wedding party's arrival. The residents of the city were dressed in bright colors, none dawning white. If not among the crowds in the street, they were standing or sitting on their balconies or outside their homes. Just hoping to catch a glimpse of the new brides as they made their ceremonial march through the town. A gesture that had come to symbolize a new couple walking into their life together.

Inside the Citadel, Shuri waited patiently outside the throne room. Nakia standing beside her arm in Shuri's. For some reason, Nakia had grown nervous as well.

*Ding* *Ding* *Ding*

Shuri felt a spark ignite inside her as she knew the ringing of bells meant it was officially time for her to walk down the aisle.

"Let's do this." She said as the tall and heavy vibranium doors opened.

Standing on either side of the aisle were various members of their friends and family. Shuri didn't notice everyone who was there as she was focusing on this moment. Gracefully, she made her way down the aisle. Nakia, who had released her arm, was not standing to the side of her. Shuri didn't think she could grow more nervous. She was wrong. As the crowd remained standing, the more rings from the bell were heard throughout the palace room.

'Here we go' Shuri thought to herself, her hands sweating. As the doors opened for a second time, Shuri tried to prepare herself. It failed. As the doors opened and Riri came into sight, Shuri forgot anyone else was in the room. Shuri had seen Goddesses before, but none of them came close to Riri. Sun gold fabric seemed to hug every curve on Riri's body. The heart-line shoulderless dress was adorned with gold dusted patterns. Each hand sewn over the period of a few months. A long train followed behind Riri as she made her way down the aisle. Shuri felt as if the sun was walking towards her. Her natural curls stopped just below her shoulders and seemed to move with her as she walked down the aisle.

Riri, who was now standing at the end of the aisle, stood and waited, her tears now matching Shuri's. Riri couldn't believe she got to marry someone so breathtaking. Shuri's was wearing a traditional white wrap. The designs matched those of Riri's dress. The same golden color, but stitched along the sides of her wrap. Over her shoulder was a shawl, white in color. It was blank except for the panther emblem that had been stitched into the middle of it.

"May we begin." The Golden tribe elder said. After receiving a nod from both Shuri and Riri, he continued. "Today, we gather in this great place, the Golden Citadel, for the union of most honored citizens. Shuri Udaku, of the Golden tribe, Daughter of late Queen Ramonda, the Black Panther, and Bast' Champion. And Riri Williams, of the Western world, the Iron Heart and the people's champion. Who will be presenting these women?"

"I will" Nakia stated first as she stepped forward.

"I will." M'baku added as he stepped forward.

"Do you both in good faith present these two to each other? Recognizing this as a confirmation of your belief in the idea that they will honor and love each other for an eternity. This act is a representation of your witness of their strength of union."

"Yes." Nakia and M'baku answered simultaneously.

"Brides, you may now turn and face each other."

Shuri was met with Riri's teary ones. Each at the other. No words had to be exchanged for them to know how the other was feeling in the moment.

"Today, today I, an elder of the Golden tribe, have the great privilege of joining you together. We will begin with exchanging vows. Shuri?"

Shuri clears her throat as she takes Riri's hands into hers. "Riri, I wasn't sure what to say until now. I prepared something, but those words don't do this moment justice. Since the moment I met you, I have had the sense that we belonged together. I didn't know what it meant then, but I do now. In our journey together, we have lost so much but have been blessed to find each other. I feel as though the universe created us for each other. Rather it be in this lifetime of the next, I wll always find you. I will always be there to love you, protect you, and support. You have given me the greatest gift. The gift of living again, being able to love again and to know that I can be loved. You are my stars, my moon, my sun, and my entire world. I'd die a thousand times over before I had to live in a world without you in it." Shuri finished and noticed the drops falling from her eyes. She was speaking from the heart and it showed.

"Now, Riri." The elder said.

"Wow, okay." Riri said as she gathered herself and tried to pat away the tears that were falling.

"Shuri, we found each other at a time when I was alone. And I needed you in a way that I didn't understand. Oftentimes, I find myself wondering, how we got here. How we made it through everything and it reassures me that we were meant to be. Not only have you made me a part of your family, but you make me into a better person. One who isn't afraid to be vulnerable or want to be isolated from the world. You brought me joy at a time when I lacked it the most. I look into your eyes and I see home. I feel a peace come over me that nothing else has ever brought me. My love for you goes across universes and it has no end. Whatever the world decides to throw at you, at us, I'll always be by your side fighting until the end. Whenever you're not by my side, a piece of me is missing. I have become yours as much as you have become mine. Our souls dancing with one another for an eternity. I have loved you, Shuri, for what seems like a lifetime. And I'll love you for the rest of this one and the next."

At this point very few guests were not trying to stop the tears that were now falling. Even M'baku had shed a tear or two at the sight of the two women professing their love for each other.

"Will the bearer bring the rings forward." The Elder called out among the crowd.

Shuri and Riri both looked at M.J. with slightly annoyed looks.

Just then a frantic looking M.J. sprung up "Oh sheesh, yea that's me." She said as rushed forward. "Sorry about that, here ya go." She said, smiling apologetically. The couple had designed matching gold-plated vibranium wedding rings. A closer look at the rings would show a black panther designed as the ring band, whose tail flowed up the shoulder of the ring and into the basket that was holding a heart shaped diamond.

"Shuri, please place the ring on Riri's finger." Shuri gently placed the ring on Riri's finger/

"Now, Shuri Udaku, do you take Riri Williams in union? To have in this lifetime and into the next. To protect not only her body, but her mind, soul, and image as well?"

"I do." Shur said, smiling from ear to ear.

"Riri, please place the ring on Shuri's finger." Riri did as she was instructed.

"Riri Williams, do you take Shuri Udaku in union? To have in this lifetime and into the next. To protect not only her body, but her mind, soul, and image as well?"

"I do." Riri said, smiling through teary eyes.

"This union has been confirmed and witnessed by the ancestors, elders, tribal leaders and the honored guests of our couple. I now pronounce you wife and wife. You may now kiss you-"

The elder member didn't get the chance to finish as neither woman wasted no time capturing the other in a kiss. Breaking apart, they were met with the cheers of their guests and the sounding of the bells. Letting the rest of the city know the ceremony had been completed.

Shuri picked Riri up bridal style as they made their way through the palace. They walked the streets for the first time as a couple. They were met with congratulations from every person they passed and were given several gifts. The festivities lasted for days after that. The couple spent every moment together, relishing in newly-wed bliss.

#moments in between #oneshot #shuri x riri #shuri fanfiction #black panther #shuriri fanfic #shuriri #letitia wright #dominique thorne #wakandans #king of wakanda #wakanda forever #shuri #ironheart #riri williams

23 notes · View notes

scribble-dribble-writes · 2 years ago

Note

Hello I wanted to ask you something since a few days now.

I REALLY REALLY LOVE NAMOR X SHURI❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

But he killed Ramonda and there's no going back from that 😭😭😭😭

Could you please give a deep analysis of how and why Namor x Shuri can be a thing in the future (IM SORRY IM ASKING TOO MUCH)

There was clear chemistry and I (& many others) HAVE SEEN IT. But damn he ruined everything and my girl's devastated and so I am. How's she gonna get back to him? How will he even make up for everything?

And ugh..... these antis call him manwhore, horndog, toxic and that's really hurting my shipper heart. Even paedo because of the age gap and that Shuri is not matured etc etc.

I really need you to lift my spirits.

And again I'm sorry for the trouble 😕

Never feel sorry for asking me stuff hahaha, I love answering them 💖💖💖

I don't get why people put characters into a box, like he's a villain so that's all he's gonna be. Dealing with anti-heroes, we need to understand that they are morally grey first and that adds a lot of complexity to how they operate.

Now as much as it's difficult to comprehend, none of these characters are real. These characters are on a page and the beauty about that is, their story can be changed however we wish like.

People acting like Namor is irredeemable and making others feel bad for shipping him with Shuri is absolute bollocks lol. I've seen so many ships that are even more problematic and yet people cherish them.

This may not be kind but having been on the other end of dealing with antis, most of them talk about toxicity and all that stuff as though people have not dealt with it in real life. The beauty of these characters is that we don't have to project people we know in real life onto them.

They facilitate ✨escapism✨ and make life a bit more bearable.

So my advise to you is *ahem* build those fake scenarios, enjoy Namor x Shuri, think of them going on dates, anything that makes you happy. That's the point of films and the reason they get made.

The Talokans and Wakanda are two kingdoms, we're not just dealing with two individuals. And in war, the inevitable tends to happen. So many real life scenarios where kings would kill the 'father' and then marry the princess when they conquer a land. Now if you think about it and replay those scenes it's quite clear how everything happens. Ramonda could have easily swum up to the surface and saved her life, but her CHOICE was to go back for Riri.

And what do we expect Namor to do? Put yourself in his shoes and see that he's doing it to save the secret of Talokan. He has no reason to trust these people, but you see him trying to build that through Shuri first. So it's a complicated turn of events. It's as it is, war between two kingdoms. In a scene like that, Namor is a king, Ramonda is a queen, Shuri is a princess. It's political, it's business.

As he hovers there, he can actually conquer the rest of Wakanda by killing Shuri to take the throne. But he doesn't. He's shifted the tide, as a king would do for his country and people, and put Shuri in that spot of being queen because he needs to be reassured of Talokan's secret. He's dealing it like how he would have dealt it because "he was blinded by hope" before.

So that whole bit, you can't actually blame anyone. Each one's doing it for a purpose. If we follow the antis logic, Bucky and the avengers were involved indirectly with regards to the death of his father. Then he should have never been a part of the avengers or helped bucky. He should have held onto that grudge.

To resolve this confusion, I keep going back to Killmonger's appearance. He starts off with the same sentence that Namor tells Shuri. "It's never about the how but the WHY?", killmonger should have been the first to be Namor's fan boy. But he's quoting that like he's a mirror, that Shuri is having those thoughts in her head focusing on the "Why" for her vengeance. He then could have approved of Namor's actions by saying that he killed her or that Shuri's family deserved it for having murdered his father. But instead, there a clear point being made that Ramonda sacrificed her life as a QUEEN not as a mother, to save another life.

So I interpret the whole thing differently but ultimately I would say Ramonda's death was an indirect loss because of the Talokan and Wakandan conflict. Yeah Namor will have to work his way back and realize what he had done on a personal level but I don't think he will apologize for it in a politically sense. He did what he had to, to keep his people safe. And diving into why he's like that will need another post lol.

But I don't get people calling him all those stuff. It hurts, I've been there. I literally am staying off til tok and other platforms because I don't want to hear about it hahaha.

Ps- so many books have 19 years old girls falling in love with a 2000 year old demi god or fae or eleven king. Shuri is 25 in this movie and is well capable to make her decisions as an individual. Namor is a mutant technically. Sooooooo age gap doesn't make sense here 🤣🙄

#shuri x namor #tenoch huerta namor #namor #mcu namor #namor x shuri #shuri #queen shuri #shuri black panther #shuramor #mcu shuri #mcu

26 notes · View notes

junicai · 4 years ago

Text

Relationship with NCT 127

➣ Taeil ☾ taria

taeil is the Sole Protector of aria’s sanity

taeil loves his maknaes so much, but he literally looks at her like she put the stars in the sky

the Proud Dad smile :’)

when aria first debuted, czennies thought that she was the same age as jungwoo - because she acted older than her age - but with taeil she lets her inner kid come out

highkey dependent on his approval for things in relation to singing

“was, was that ok?” “perfect, ari.” “ (O_O;) - (◕‿◕)♡”

she will fight mark and donghyuck for his attention, and she will win

for a while, the two had shared a dorm room before they were rearranged, and taeil let her slip into his bed when she was feeling homesick

the offer is still open, but aria takes him up on it less and less

taeil is NOT sad about that. absolutely not.

he’s vehemently against any and all diets she tries - saying that if she gets any smaller he’s going to be able to pick her up with one hand

que him dragging her out for ice-cream after a promotion, paying no mind to her protests

aria helps taeil with translating a lot of things into english during lives and interviews - so much to the point where he’s picked up a bit of an irish accent and the others never fail to clown him for it

taeil still has the small braided bracelet that aria gave to the members on their first anniversary of nct (he keeps it in the drawer beside his bed)

aria is his self-professed happy virus. he told czennies in a vlive once that her smile makes him feel really happy and he wants to protect it to the best of his ability

aria always fixes his micpack before they go onstage if its crooked, because she comes out after him in the lineup

they have monthly movie nights and they alternate who chooses the movie / show (taeil normally goes for mystery or drama themed ones, while aria enjoys making them both sob miserably)

FAN FAVOURITE MOMENT.

aria and taeil singing “I See the Light” from tangled for the NCT Music channel, and the tears that were shed by both moonis and realtai alike. sm really popped off with the staging and the lighting of the whole video - between the smiles that were on both of the singers faces and the whole ambiance created, its a cinematic masterpiece

no one was surprised when it hit 2 million views in a day, and a lot of solo stans were born from that video

➣ Johnny ☾ johria

indisputable siblings

there is not a single czennie who ships these two romantically, and that’s because they’re just too wholesome

johnny is one of the few members that aria calls “oppa”, mainly because of the age gap and sm wanted her to appear respectful, but also because he thinks she looks so cute

very chill, excellent vibes

their vlives are either chaotic messes or the closest thing to therapy since ice cubes

the blanket on aria’s bed? that was a gift from johnny - she had been complaining to mark about how cold she always was anemia tings

czennies are begging for sm to allow aria to open up a solo instagram account, becuse they see the amount of pictures johnny takes of her

in the park? he’s making her pose in front of the flowers. backstage before a show? the lighting, c’mon.

big big bear hugs - the height difference make nctzens want to die

185cm vs 158cm? p l e a s e she’s so tiny in comparison (/ =ω=)/

when she gives him backhugs it looks like a little kitten trying to wrestle with the family dog

play fighting about vernacular:

“ITS CALLED A SIDEWALK” “S I D E W A L K, ITS A FOOTPATH YOU BUFFOON”

very vocal about her wellbeing, and has asked fans before to remind her to take better care of herself and get to sleep sooner

aria, starting a vlive at 3am: hi hi~

the comments: NO GO TO BED

johnny helped her a lot when it came to the style change in choreography, as aria was used to soft, flowing movements and not the powerful, sleek style that most nct dances have

consistently forgets the fact that she is not the fourteen year old he first met, and is, in fact, an adult now. “you’re a child” “im 18″ “...no”

is the person to get angry on her behalf when interviewers belittle or ignore her

FAN FAVOURITE MOMENT.

during a fansign, a fan asked aria who did she think was the most comforting when she was stressed (besides mark and donghyuck) and aria said johnny. “he’s so, constant? like nothing seems to knock him or throw him off, and that’s really comforting when i feel unsteady.”

johnny is now known as aria’s weighted blanket.

that is all.

➣ Taeyong ☾ ariyong

taeyong took one look at aria the first time she showed up for group practice and immediately adopted her (not literally, but he would if he could)

eomma meets highly protective older brother meets life coach type beat?

so so soft for her its sickening

says he doesn’t have favourites and will then spend an hour cooking for aria because she’s been in the studio for the whole day and he knows she hasn’t eaten yet

when aria was given a duet to do for the sm stages, she had to pick another member to do it with and her first choice was taeyong

she always has said that taeyong is one of the pillars keeping her upright and sane - without him she wasn’t sure if she would have been able to complete her training

because of all the schedules they share together, if aria isn’t rooming with mark then she’s definitely rooming with taeyong

whenever she does his makeup (more often than you’d think) she point blank refuses to cover his scar, even when he asks her to

“please? i don’t like it.” *gasp* “how dare you.”

sleepy aria! snuggling into taeyong’s shoulder when a schedule ran late!

he gets uncomfy when the stylists put her in too revealing clothes, and has spoken to them on numerous occasions about dressing her in age-appropriate attire, no matter how “sexy” the concept might be

he keeps little bags of sugar-dusted strawberry sweets in his bag incase she forgets to eat and feels faint after the last time (they used to be blueberry flavoured, but he heard donghyuck throwing out any and all “blueberry-contaminated” food one evening)

taeyong doesn’t tolerate hate towards aria, especially in person, so he always makes sure to sit down the line from her so that he can see when people skip intentionally her

FAN FAVOURITE MOMENT.

taeyong had just been awarded the solo bedroom on the last night of the Mtopia series, and was staring off into the corner looking rather uncomfortable. aria, who was meant to be rooming with baekhyun looked over and saw his mouth curled downwards slightly.

“baekhyun-oppa, is it ok if i room with taeyongie-oppa tonight? i ran out of my tablets, and he has some in his bag..”

baekhyun looked down at her with a small smile and agreed, while on the video edited captions appeared with the words, “a cute maknae, asking to room with a younger member...”

➣ Yuta ☾ nakamiya

the president of realtai

this man is absolutely, completely and irrevocably whipped for aria and she is not afraid to use that to her advantage

she beat him at arm wrestling because she pouted at him - she’s too powerful

aria.exe stopped responding when yuta started to playfully flirt with her the first few times

*winks* “hu-wha-”

one of the most outwardly protective members of her, because he feels a sense of responsibility for the younger girl

he was one of the trainees she first befriended, aria’s korean not being good enough to hold a decent conversation, and yuta happy that there was another japanese trainee

9 times out of 10, when the members are making their way through crowded areas like airports yuta is always behind or directly beside aria

during a fansign one of the fans asked why he did that, and he said that he needed to keep her in his line of sight or else he’d get anxious that she’s so small that she could get swallowed in the crowds

yes aria hit him for the short comment

yuta, 50% of the time: you’re not allowed date until you’re 35

yuta, the other 50% of the time: bro where’s your boyfriend

he complains that she isn’t as sweet as she was when she first joined, and that hyuck must have corrupted her (╬ Ò﹏Ó)

he let’s her braid his hair when its longer, them both sitting on a bed with yuta in front and aria kneeling behind him so she can reach

he was the first person to take her home for the holidays, because ireland was too far to go back for a week over christmas

“what do you mean you’ve never been to japan???”

bitching about the other members in japanese? more likely than you’d think

when aria turned legal in korea, yuta took her out drinking and made sure to post pictures of her with her flushed cheeks on his instagram story with the caption “aish, i told you to pace yourself....” “happy birthday riri”

FAN FAVOURITE MOMENT.

you know that one clip of the sasaeng getting absolutely trashed by nct’s bodyguard and taeyong jumping 7 feet into the air?

well taeyong wasn’t the only one startled; standing beside yuta, aria was closest to the wall of fans when the girl ran forward towards the members. aria jumped in fright, while yuta barely made a face (#unbothered). he simply wrapped an arm over her shoulders and pulled her around to the other side, tucking her underneath his arm.

tsundere!yuta

➣ Doyoung ☾ dori

*ahem* WHIPPED *ahem*

doyoung adores aria so much

was he unsure about a girl being added to a group of boys? yes but it was moreso concern about how he was going to make sure she wasn’t accidentally trampled

they bonded over a night in the recording studio when he found her sitting on the floor with music sheets scattered around her

a whole mentor when it comes to singing

aria always turns to him after singing - especially when it wasn’t planned, like at a fansign - to see if she did a good job

doyoung has yet to tell her that she hasn’t but sue her, she appreciates the validation

the original mother and Will Not Let Taeyong Forget It

doyoung, dragging aria out of the studio: now listen here young lady-

kitten and bunny friends RISE

no seriously sm released merch of a kitten and bunny plushie and it sold out in a day

when aria had the accident that led to her two month hiatus, doyoung was the one who rode in the ambulance with her after refusing to let go of her hand

“i’m sorry sir, only family are allowed in at the moment-” “we are her family” *nurse looks around the room at the 14 other boys sitting anxiously*

he is a weak, weak man he will crumple on any decision if she smiles and slash or whines at him even slightly

carries band-aids and support strapping in his practice bag because he knows that she gets really bad blisters when she hasn’t practiced while wearing her heels in a while, and he makes her wrap her ankles for the first few sessions incase she falls

FAN FAVOURITE MOMENTS.

NCT 127 Take a Friendship Test (Glamour - 2020)

“ahh, my first impression?” *laughs* “actually, we first met in a recording studio, at like. 3 o’clock in the morning? he stuck his head in the doorway and i was so tired that i thought i had died and an angel had come to save me...” (*μ_μ)

➣ Jaehyun ☾ jaria

you know how cheetahs in the zoo get emotionally support puppies?

this is the same type of vibe

very snuggly together? but only in specific scenarios, like when jaehyun is too tired to move after a movie night, he’ll just kinda engulf aria in a hug and make her sleep on the couch with him

any back hug she gives him turns into a piggy back, its non-negotiable

likes to randomly compliment her to see how red he can make her face go

did she have a crush on him when she first moved to korea? yes, but who didn’t

that faded really quickly though once she started into the group officially - now they are more like siblings

they don’t interact that much on camera? rip to the jaria shippers

but that doesn’t mean they aren’t close with each other its just that a lot of their interactions happen off-screen

naturally, jaehyun began to think of her as a younger sister over the years they performed together

jaehyun will end anybody who lays a hand on aria

a little bap bap if you will

he asked her to take him ice-skating one day, and the entire time was spent with aria laughing her ass off as he ate the ice nearly fourteen times before getting the hang of it

he takes her out for food when he notices that she’s been put back on a strict diet plan (aria thinks she’s good at hiding those pieces of paper, but she forgets that when she puts it on top of things, that other people are a lot taller than her and have a higher vantage point)

the prince and princess of nct? check

head pats

he likes to pat her head and she’ll swat it away immediately until she gets tired and just lets him do his thing

FAN FAVOURITE MOMENT.

jaehyun was wearing a flower crown placed carefully on his head as he bent down slightly to run his hands through the damp grass. a soft shutter sound went off, before he heard a hum coming from behind him. “jaehyun-ssi, could you take off the flowers? we can’t see your face clearly because of the shadow.”

jaehyun glanced backwards at aria’s retreating figure, being chased by donghyuck with hands still stained green from the grass she had shifted through to find the fallen flowers. she stopped and waved at him before resuming her run.

“i’d rather not, if that’s alright. i think it fits quite well with the theme.”

➣ Jungwoo ☾ ariwoo

oh my god someone please stop these two

once jungwoo taught aria about the power that aegyo holds for persuasion tactics against the older members of 127, they were unstoppable

you should be afraid of them

100% have plotted someone’s murder before (and have succeeded, czennies always wondered where that last manager went after The Incident)

aggressively cute together - to the point where your teeth will rot

jungwoo will intentionally flirt with aria just to fluster her because its “so easy to do”

not very physically affectionate, but jungwoo has no hesitation calling out “uri fighting haeyadwae!” to her when she looks like she needs a little encouragement

jungwoo is the reason she wants to do a bachelors degree after finishing high school

he used to help her with her maths assignments after school when she was struggling with managing her time

they’re called the “aegyo duo” of the group, and there has yet to be an outright winner of the competitions to find the cutest member (its aria. jungwoo said it himself, its aria but we been knew)

they have an odd dynamic of looking like best friends the first second, evil masterminds the next and then siblings who want to murder each other but they make it work

will and has flopped down on her while she was laying on the practice floor and then whined when she tried to get up

he spilled the tea that aria gets super emotional and affectionate when she’s drunk

cutest shit ever that made ariwoo shippers lose their absolute minds was the clip that got released in the behind the scenes filming of Kick It, where jungwoo was half asleep in the corner and aria just pops up out of nowhere to shove a folded jacket under his head and made sure to prop it in a way that he wouldn’t get a sore neck when he woke up

jungwoo is the reason she knows korean curse words (dont tell doyoung)

FAN FAVOURITE MOMENT.

aria wobbled in her heels slightly as she stepped out of the van, trying to hold a blanket up to protect her legs while she slid off the seat onto the ground. jungwoo extended an arm around her waist, gripping the blanket in his other hand and carefully holding her to make sure she didn’t trip on the cobbled stone.

➣ Mark ☾ mari

1/2 of the best friend crew

honestly at the beginning, mark and aria weren’t very close, having only really seen each other in passing or with johnny

but after being dropped into training together the two quickly became fast friends, and now they’re borderline inseparable

you thought you knew pain? watch aria’s reaction to mark’s graduation from dream :)

mark’s the reason why aria felt confident enough to pitch some of her lyric ideas to the team, after staying up until 4am to help her make some edits so she was as confident as possible

kinda just, rests his head on her shoulder? and wraps his arms around her waist when he’s tired

mari being confused in foreigner: ???

aria said once in a vlive that she finds mark really comforting to be around - when she feels stressed or worried about something she’ll go to mark’s room and just sit on his bed for a while

aria is so close with his parents - “ahh, how’s my favourite child” “i’m doing great mom.” “no not you, how’s aria?” “wh-hu-MOM?”

you’d swear sometimes mark is younger than her, considering the pout he puts on and how much he whines when they’re not on the same team together for promotions

mark big protecc boi but also little small cuddly boi

they’re so soft for each other ( ╥ω╥ )

in one of the fancams for mark’s solo stage during superm, someone zoomed into aria singing along with him in the wings and dancing to herself with the Proudest Smile(tm)

he’s! so! proud! of! her! constantly! she could be walking and he’d be like “omg get it”

when aria refuses to get up and make herself food (this happens way too often, she just gets into the groove of her work and doesn’t want to move) mark gets her to by threatening to do it himself

consistently caught by czennies just standing behind her and holding her hand in crowded areas - airports, waiting rooms, etc.

FAN FAVOURITE MOMENT.

mark and aria were standing off to one side as the mc explained the rules of the game they were about to be playing. mark looked totally confused, and elbowed aria in her side before looking down and mouthing “what?” to her. aria opened her mouth, before closing it and looking down at the ground, muttering to herself, “결합... 結合..... le chéile.... le... le.. oh oh - combined! we have to put them together, markie.”

and thus, a new confusion meme was born

➣ Haechan ☾ arichan

the other half of the best friend crew

absolute heathens to be around when they are together

donghyuck is the person aria is closest to, and someone she’d call her best friend (only when she was sure he wouldn’t hear her)

she calls him “the demon child i can’t get rid of” but will, and has definitely pouted when he ignored her for too long

generally aria is a pretty soft spoken person, but not with hyuck around - he brings out all her chaos energy (please pray for the patience of dotae)

the pair have a little tradition of kissing the back of each others’ hands before going on stage for good luck. they can’t even remember how it started, but now its an unnegotiable pre-show ritual

he’s so clingy with her absolutely everywhere its painfully adorable (ಥ﹏ಥ)

interviews? hyuck has a hand on her knee, or if she’s wearing a skirt he’s tucked his hand in between their chairs so she can hold it discreetly. in the dorms? full body tackle onto the couch, where he proceeds to lay on top of her completely.

because of hyuck’s nickname being the sun, and aria always being around him, czennies gave her the nickname “moon” to go with him

fans thought that aria was older than hyuck for a good year and a half before she released her birthday on a vlive, because she’s normally the one tasked with reigning his chaotic energy in during promotions (that is, if she hasn’t already joined him)

but off-camera, aria is absolutely hyuck’s baby there is no disputing that. aria’s sad?he’s there with ice-cream and a blanket and a baseball bat.

the winnie the pooh character that is on aria’s bed was a gift from hyuck for her 17th birthday, after she made him watch seven episodes of the show on netflix with her one night

yes he complained, but he slapped her hand away when she went to change it to something else

a twitter thread of a czennie comparing their horoscopes together went viral when people realized that it was quite plausible that the pair were each others (platonic) soulmates

after an incident involving blueberries, donghyuck took it upon himself to check the ingredients of every. single. food item in their dorm to make sure it was ok for her to eat

hyuck clowns her for her irish accent, and aria curses him out in japanese

tldr: they cute or whatever

FAN FAVOURITE MOMENT.

donghyuck was doing a vlive in his bedroom, sitting and talking to czennies when aria opened the door to his room quietly. she didn’t say anything, just waved slightly with almost closed eyes before she crawled underneath his covers and tucked her plushie underneath her chin. hyuck didn’t even blink at it - so it must have been a regular occurrence.

294 notes · View notes

aswrittenbyaj · 3 years ago

Photo

this is a sideblog. the best way to interact with me is through reblogging (with your comment of course) and asks!

aj is a 30 year old Black woman therefore all the content written by on this blog is intended for persons 18+ (preferably 21+). by reading or interacting with this blog, you are agreeing and confirming you are 18 years or older in age.

my reader insert will always be Black, however, i encourage any and everyone to read my fics regardless. just know…we stay Black over here, including all the AAVE and n-words i feel are needed.

ageless, blank, and minor-run blogs will be immediately blocked for not only my protection, but for your protection as well. nothing personal, i promise!

i absolutely encourage interacting with me and my fics through reblogs and asks. likes are appreciated of course.

my ask box is always open to thots and prayers (ideas/musings).

last updated 6.21.23

○ stick and poke shuri udaku x Black!reader (feminine)

○ dance for you riri williams x Black!reader (feminine)

○ think about me steve rogers x Black!reader (feminine)

click here for my complete masterlist

i also do not give permission for my fics to be translated to any language and/or reposted to tumblr or any other website, with or without notifying me. do NOT repost to tiktok, wattpad, A03, or other known fic-posting sites. i do not approve my fics being used with any AI technology, app or the like. i will not hesitate to take legal actions against the guilty party.

you may not use my name, fics or related content with the intention to harass, ridicule, or antagonize real-life celebrities, within fandom-bashing publications or social media pages.

i write for any pairing i feel inspired to (fxf, fxm, mxm, nbxf, nbxnb, nbxm, mixed gender polyam, same gender polyam...and yes, these are always trans-inclusive).

i also write celebrity-portrayed OCs.

#Church Announcements

2 notes · View notes

shintorikhazumi · 4 years ago

Text

Life at stake

A/N: Sup, my name is Khaz. So I was binging Kakegurui lately (and rewatching one too many times), and then watched the ep where Mary’s bday was revealed just the other day, looked at my laptop calendar, and went, “woah- it’s Mary’s Birthday?!” So I was super excited to make my first Kakegurui fic a Mary bday fic, but then exams hit me like a truck so...

I love Mary. So Happy birthday Mary. My first Kakegurui fic goes to you. (even if it’s late lmao so I’ll make it a multi-chap)

Self indulgent af because... Because.

This. Might suck. Not the best author. Regardless, hope you at least...

Enjoy?

~Shintori Khazumi

Kirari continued twirling the coin ‘round her finger. It was getting boring in the office lately. She needed something. Some toy to mess around with. The recent days had been rather uneventful for her corporation. Nothing interesting had popped up, and all the business chains under her rule were working rather smoothly.

In short,

It sucked.

High school was definitely better.

Sayaka was by her side, ever faithful in her duties as she filed the last of today’s paperwork. Kirari eyed her expression, watching Sayaka bite her lip, a sign she was contemplating something. The ex-president of Hyakkaou guessed it was about whether or not she should get a head start on tomorrow’s scheduled responsibilities. A good insurance move for the unexpected future. How logical of her. How rational. How very Sayaka.

Ah. But Kirari was her opposite. Always had been. And much unlike her secretary, she adored the unexpected future.

You never know what could happen in so few seconds.

Be it life or death.

It filled her with a pleasurable electricity coursing through her whole body just from the thought of the Destiny stringing her along to its predetermined design. It reminded her of that one match of Fate she had with one Jabami Yumeko all those years ago- okay, maybe like... four years ago, but that was some time in the past, right?

Speaking of Yumeko...

Kirari watched Sayaka berate the girl as she sat on-yes, on, not at- the conference table just across from her now-boss, Kirari. Why she was here, well...

Yumeko was simply too uninterested in college, but unwilling to just settle down to do nothing. Thus, upon graduating from Hyakkaou, she had accepted a modified version of her “life plan” in high school that her relative had offered.

It was better than anything else to her at the time. More interesting than going to college or back home, Yumeko had told Kirari. So the girl was found working for her, managing one of the teal-eyed woman’s underground Casinos. That was it. No other conditions attached. Who was Yumeko to reject such a generous offer that was right in line with her one true love, gambling?

Okay, so maybe Kirari had been the one to scout after her and laid her bet of being Yumeko’s patron for a lifetime of gambling ahead. Yumeko didn’t actually find her offer all that appealing at the beginning, but then a bet had been set in place. A bet with a risk of whether or not this new business would go under or if it would flourish, regardless of Yumeko’s presence.

One billion dollars. If the casino couldn’t make that much profit in a week without the girl, but could with her, then Kirari would win, and Yumeko was hers forever. If it succeeded, Kirari could not touch her. Yumeko would be gone from her grasp, out of her paradise aquarium.

Of course Yumeko agreed to it.

She loved a good bet. Especially if it was one as intense as the ones she’d shared with Kirari. Kirari loved good, unpredictable wagers too. You could win it all, or lose it all. That was in gambling’s nature. But well, Kirari never gambled games she’d lose. Not on purpose at least.

And that was how she’d gotten Yumeko aboard in her little aquarium once more.

For what it was worth, Yumeko had been able to offer her the entertainment she desired. However, the more successful their whole group had grown, the less Kirari was able to enjoy messing with her very competent, and now very busy staff.

Staring at Yumeko looking over her work seriously despite being in such a position on her table was becoming dull, Kirari getting used to its oddness.

Why was everyone in this room so dedicated and serious in work?

Couldn’t they offer Kirari some semblance of entertainment right now?

Who else could she bother... ah- Ririka. Her dear twin sister. Who had just walked into the room. Surely she’d care enough to save her own flesh and blood, the spitting image of herself from the claws of death by utter boredom.

“Riri-”

“Not now, Rari. I have things to do.” The girl had her brows knitted in a frown, and Kirari suspected that the meeting she was sent to attend did not go as well as they hoped.

Guess that’s another thing for her to smooth out tomorrow. Something to spice up her bland work life. Somehow. But that was for tomorrow.

For today, however, now what... what else could she...

“Excuse me? I’m Hanatemari from HR. I have some files I’d like to have looked over for the recent proposed project.”

A rather fluffy-looking girl was bid welcome into the vast office, Sayaka approaching her and handling the business, as per usual, leaving Kirari to sulk in nothingness even more.

She decided to occupy her mind with this new arrival, eyeing her from head to toe discreetly. Hmm? There was something about the her... something familiar... Hanatemari, Hanatemari...- Oh.

Kirari internally grinned, memory clearing. Hanatemari Tsuzura-san. Hoho. Since when had she been working for Kirari? This was exciting! This was interesting! This was something unforeseen! Now maybe if Kirari could just get her to-

“Thank you very much. I’ll be taking my leave now.” The girl, before Kirari could even utter a single word and get up from her chair, had already began to clean up, and turned on her heel, walking across the vast room heading for the door.

Ahh. And there went her last resort. Would anyone be willing to just take this terrible monotony of a work routine away?

Her final hope, little Hanatemari was slipping away! Kirari would have stopped her. Kirari could have. But she was leaving now, and would it be odd for Kirari to stop her? But since when had she cared about such a thing? That’s right! She didn’t! And so she would get up right now and chat the poor employee up and try to fish for something, anything of any worth.

Before she could do that however, the girl seemed to have taken a turn to have a word with Ririka. She would have frowned, but then a voice at the back of her mind told her to watch; to observe the girl’s interaction with her currently perplexed sibling, showing her some papers that made her sigh at first, but then oddly enough, suddenly light up in poorly concealed excitement.

Oh?

“Yes. As Igarashi-san has said, I will be in direct supervision of this project. Thank you for coming all this way to show me this-” Ririka attempted to speak with her usual leveled tone of professionalism, but Kirari knew her twin well enough to notice sudden brightness in her voice, and the immediate disappearance of her earlier displeasure.

Now Kirari’s attention was definitely caught. It wouldn’t be fun to remain a spectator then, now would it? Not when fate’s dice had begun to roll once more.

“Hello.” She cut in between them, an unreadable smile on her lips as both ladies showed their surprise in their own ways.

Tsuzura had visibly jumped, almost dropping her folder and clipboard, while Kirari smirked at being able to get a flinch out of Ririka.

“M-m-ma’am! Madame! I... why- I’m...” For someone supposedly in Human Resources, this girl couldn’t hold much of a conversation. Kirari was a little worried about that department now.

Or maybe it was because it was Kirari that she acted this way? The sadistic little demon in her grinned, pleased.

“And what is it that you have right there?”

“O-oh! N-nothing someone as noble as you should trouble yourself with.” The girl squeaked out quickly, papers held tighter to her chest.

“But of course, I should trouble myself with this. This is my company, and those seem to be some documents related to a new project, I heard? Do tell me what it’s all about, Miss...” Kirari trailed off, waiting for the girl to introduce herself.

“Hanatemari. I am Hanatemari Tsuzura.”

But of course, Kirari already knew that.

“Lovely name. And what do you have right there, Hanatemari-san?”

“Oh! Um...” Kirari smiled as the papers slowly inched their way towards her itching hands. What could they possibly contain-

“Just the profiles of incoming interns and trial members.” Ririka quickly snatched the thick folder away, mixing it in with her own. “I’m sure Sayaka has approved of them for you, and I do too. You needn’t worry, dear sister. This is part of our jobs.”

Now this was suspicious. Ririka never really hid much from her. The only time she’d do it was when... ara?

This.

This was it. This was what Kirari had been wanting.

With Ririka’s sudden, careless actions, a few sheets of paper had spilled out the bottom of the files and onto the floor, one particular face-up profile causing a grin to spread wide on Kirari’s face.

Blonde hair, shimmering golden eyes, and that signature scowl of headstrong defiance that Kirari absolutely loved to coax out from this particular girl.

Ah, of course. The one who despised her so, and was one of the people who always gave her a thrill. She never disappointed Kirari, and always entertained her. She was confident, capable, faultily prideful and cocky at times, and was a tsundere.

Yes.

The perfect amusement. Ever the perfect toy.

Kirari couldn’t help but voice her desires. Her need to bring back this little fishy into her lovely, deathly aquarium.

“I want Saotome. I want to make her mine.”

---------

If a few papers on the floor were already enough for Sayaka to consider it “a mess”, then all of those applications now dropped and mixed together on the floor surely made her head hurt, Kirari assumed. Maybe she should help clear it up later if she wanted to maybe not sleep on the couch again.

“What did you just...” Ririka began, but failed to continue. Her nails dug into her palm, teeth clenched and brows furrowed.

Kirari raised a brow at this reaction.

She vaguely registered the sound of a pen clicking, before there was the tap of the plastic onto the table surface.

“What a bold declaration.” Yumeko suddenly stood up, walking towards the gathered group, eyes hidden behind bangs. “To say you want Mary-san to be...” A pause as Yumeko got all up in Kirari’s face, eyes that dangerous red glint as she breathed the last word into Kirari’s ear. “Yours.”

Oh, that delicious chill that ran up her spine.

Mary Saotome. She wasn’t even here, and yet her name had so quickly already stirred up quite the fun. As she thought, Kirari truly needed her here.

Even Tsuzura had an odd tint to her gaze, a frown marring her soft features.

Hmm.

Kirari was certain she knew why they responded the way they did. It was all too obvious, and all the more exciting. Just... weren’t these girls misunderstanding something?

Well, it didn’t matter. If misunderstanding meant an end to her daily gray, then Kirari would utilize it to its fullest extent.

And what better way to do that than...

“It seems as though you disagree with me. Don’t tell me... you all want Saotome Mary to yourselves?”

Only Yumeko vocally confirmed in her usual light-hearted, ‘but of course!’, with that deceiving cheery smile; but Kirari knew the other two shared the sentiment.

“Well then. How about...

We gamble for her.”

Yes, Kirari savored those burning gazes, the exhilaration coursing within her. They all looked way too up for it. It was perfect!

Ah, gambling your life away in high risk games was always a pleasure.

But well, this time it wasn’t Kirari’s own life. She should probably apologize to the girl once she sees her, for betting “ownership” over her.

Meh. She’d cross that bridge when Mary got here.

For now,

Mary Saotome’s life...

is at stake.

//-//-//-//-//

“A-aaa...ACHOO-! Ugh...whad da heck...” Mary reached into her pocket for her handkerchief, clicking her tongue when she couldn’t feel it there. She began to grumble, hands rummaging her bag for possibly a pack of tissues... that were non -existent as well.

Just as she was about to curse the heavens, a clean cloth was held out to her. She took it grateful to the person who she knew could be no other than her usual companion on campus.

“Thanks, Suzui.”

“Always welcome, Mary.” The brunette lad replied with a smile. “You really can’t get used to my first name, huh?” Ryota chuckled as Mary rolled her eyes at it.

“It feels weird and uncomfortable if I suddenly call you so familiarly like that.”

“And yet you’re fine with me calling you ‘Mary’?” He asked.

“Well, it’s my name, isn’t it? Everyone calls me that.”

“If you say so.” Ryota shrugged.

The pair continued walking in silence, the afternoon sun beginning to set in the visible horizon.

While Mary usually preferred this quiet between them, today she would’ve have liked it better if Ryota just... chatted her up like he always did. Lately, her mind had been swirling with a lot of thoughts, and she kind of wanted a distraction from them now.

It wasn’t like they were terrible thoughts, or things that tortured her psyche to a horrible degree that she’d be left sleepless and distraught. No.

They were rather plain, actually.

The musings of her mind were simple, and maybe related to all her insecurities and complexes growing up that had all but exploded when she was in high school.

Why those thoughts and feelings were coming back to her years later, she had no clue.

What she did know was that Mary liked to think she wasn't special.

Odd thing for her to think about when her talk was usually about being a winner, and now wanting to be looked down upon; wanting to be equals with her insane best friend; being someone who wanted to claim her life for herself as her own.

For someone so ambitious and prideful-she was self-aware of this-, she didn’t think this train of thought existed within her mind.

Looking at herself objectively, however, Mary knew she wasn’t really all that spectacular or gifted. Saotome Mary was nothing special.

Okay no, not that she wasn't special. She was, well... Not average, at least.

But compared to the other intense gamblers at school name she was at least.. Sane..r. than most of them.

And like the normal person she claimed to be, Mary went to college. Just like anyone her age would after graduating from high school.

So yes, if she really thought about it, she was going about, using her free will to choose the most mundane life route. Still beats following a pre-writen life plan, though.

If one were to talk about special- Crazy special, crazy and special, now that, that was Jabami Yumeko.

Yumeko, and the Momobami clan, and fucking Kirari, especially. Mary shivered at the thought of the latter. It was no secret that she hated her guts. They sort of got along? Maybe? But she would still sock her if she had the chance.

And yet, as much as Mary claimed to loathe the woman, she had found herself on the long list of applicants to Kirari’s very corporation.

Great.

Mary found herself registering as an intern for their a new branch of the employee services. A new project that Tsuzura- her dear old friend who she’d been reunited with recently, had shown her; and upon finding out Mary’s course, excitedly assisted her with the paperwork.

Mary sighed. Maybe she shouldn’t have agreed after all.

“It still surprises me.” Suzui suddenly cut into her thoughts, meeting Mary’s curious gaze as they crossed a bridge on their way home, Mary spotting the building of their shared apartment in the distance.

It wasn’t as though they were in any sort of engagement other than being friends. Mary just felt that it would be better to split the bill with someone else while in college, and maybe living with someone would help ease some other kinds of life burdens- heck she didn’t know. She wasn’t loaded like all their other friends, neither was she working for someone as filthy rich as Kirari-fricking-Momobami.

There were weird rumors that had floated around them for the first year of Uni, with how often they were together, and apparently living under one roof. Almost. Mary had to explain that they had separate bedrooms and bathrooms. However, Mary was very keen on making it known that she was very much not into Ryota, and very very much gay.

At most, Ryota was her platonic husband, or something. Or dog. Whichever sounded better.

But back to the issue that had just flown over Mary’s head.

“What surprises you?” She responded to him naturally, as if she wasn’t just thinking about their whole arrangement and a dozen other things instead of replying to him right away.

“That you’d choose to take this course.”

“Hah? You saying it don’t suit me, Mr. Commerce?” Mary challenged with a glare.

Ryota’s eyes widened, hands held our defensively in front of him. “No! No, that’s not it at all! Actually...” He gave her a once over. “It might suit you a little too much. The uniform.”

“Oi, creep, what were you just thinking of, huh?” Mary growled, slapping his shoulder. “Stop treating my uniform like cosplay, gosh.”

“First of all, Yumeko was the one that called it that. Second, you have to admit, it almost looks like you are-geh! Mary, we’ve talked about violence!”

“Can it, mom.” Mary grumbled, walking up the steps of their apartment complex, already fishing for the keys in her jeans pocket. “You deserved that one.”

“Okay, but nursing, Mary. You. Someone as violent as you, who causes pain. You being a nurse- please put your fist down. This is exactly what I’m talking about.”

Mary sighed, other hand pushing their door open. “Whatever. You all make fun of me and constantly ask me why. I told you why so many times!”

Ryota laughed at Mary’s expense as the girl continued grumbling about judgmental friends not appreciating her goodwill.

“I mean. You all are wack.”

Ryota gasped,a little offended. “Says you-”

Mary chose to ignore that.

“Itsuki somehow keeps hurting her nails lately, someone like Sayaka looks like she could take a break from stress or else she’d collapse. Girls is bordering insanity, I tell you. Yumeko just... doesn’t give a shit about her health in general. I swear, if she gets one more fever this week, Imma-”

Mary inhaled to calm her nerves. Ranting about Yumeko would only stress her more. Speaking of which, she should message her about her meds later.

Continuing on, “Ririka can’t cook a substantial meal to save her life.” Mary complained, remembering the time she came over to the twins’ Condo, only to see stacks of various takeout on the counter. Sayaka had been gone on a business trip for about two weeks, and Mary didn’t think these two were the type to feast on fast food, of all things.

They wanted to ‘try out commoner food’, as Kirari put it, a teasing smirk on her face as she looked down on Mary again.

“She needs to learn to cook healthier! Essential life skills!”

“She has chefs for that-”

“Irrelevant!”

“It’s actually pretty relevant.” Ryota pointed out. “And what does that even have to do with nurs-”

“Anyway! I’m doing this because I want to, and because you all are... i-important to me or whatever.” Mary suddenly turned bashful. “Health is wealth and all that shit.” Her cheeks were dusted red as she turned around, marching towards the kitchen for a glass of water to cool the burning feeling overcoming her. “And because med would take too long before one of you fools accidentally kills yourself.” Mary added before Ryota could ask anymore questions. That last statement, she shook her head, believing that it really was plausible.

With all they’d been through, it wasn’t unbelievable at all.

Ryota smiled, raising his hands in defeat.

“Okay, okay. Got it. Will never ask about it again.”

“That’s what you assholes always say.” Mary growled, looking ready to pounce again before it was cut off by a sudden chill running up her spine, bringing about another strong sneeze that shook her whole frame. “Gosh, what is up with today?”

“How ironic. Our little nurse is getting sick?”

“Fuck no, screw off, Suzui.” Mary barked.

“Hmm...” Ryota rubbed his chin with his fingers, pretending to be in thought. “Maybe someone is talking about you behind your back?” He jokingly provided.

“Ugh, if I had to say...” She sniffed. “It feels like my life is in danger. Or like someone's looking at me like a "thing" again. Ugh... It feels like all those times with Kirari. Or Yumeko... or both. Are their ghosts haunting me now?”

“Don’t just go off killing our friends like that.” Ryota scolded, approaching Mary and gripping her shoulders from behind before pushing her towards the direction of their rooms. “Maybe getting changed into warmer clothes will help.”

“Maybe.” Mary began walking on her own just a few steps before reaching her room. “Ayt, see ya then.”

“Bye.”

Before they could both enter their respective quarters, their phones went off, a message from the same person, they figured.

Sure enough, the sender couldn’t be any more familiar to them.

“Guess I’ll just grab a coat then.” Mary sighed. “Can’t really turn down an invitation from her.” She chuckled.

“You’re right about that.” Ryota shook his head, amused.

“Let’s go meet her then.” Mary finalized, to which the boy nodded in agreement. “Come on Suzui. Time to meet up with Yumeko.”

Somehow, deep down, Mary had a bad feeling.

She wasn’t special. So she hoped this meeting would be as normal as normal gets.

Somehow.

#kakegurui #kakeguri xx #kakegurui twin #mary saotome #kirari momobami #ririka momobami #ryota suzui #yumeko jabami #tsuzura hanatemari #fanfic #future au

19 notes · View notes

ririretry · 3 years ago

Text

Old Response Essay From School Comparing Arthur Miller and Shakespeare

I have writer's block this week, so here's one of my old responses from school this year. This is supposed to be bad because it was my last response for the year.

Arthur Miller, a playwriting GENIUS, beautifully crafted the pinnacle play of the entire history of mankind, Death of A Salesman, through an individualistic outlet of capturing the classical nuances of Shakespeare. Nowadays, it is always difficult for writers, producers, and artists to create their own original concept considering that a lot of themes, plotlines, and essences are inspired by timeless Shakespeare concepts surrounding family, love, betrayal, heartbreak, ambition, etc! Human nature is built off of these tenets, and like the literary mastermind like Shakespeare is, he included his environment and historical context in the midst of his works. Arthur Miller could be considered a modern-day Shakespeare based on the similarities between timeless themes and historical context. There is no way! Absolutely no way that Arthuer Miller is not on the same playing field as Shakespeare - they both shocked the public with their blatant truth and controversial topics that - in both cases - no society wanted to address. Also, not gonna lie, there weren’t any deus ex machina moments in Miller’s play, which is refreshing and almost makes his play more personable because it’s essentially more realistic than plays with kings and queens (although… tragedies about how the royal have awful qualities and tendencies really humanizes them, too…). In my eyes, because capitalism is truly the rich man’s game, people feed into consumerism culture and materialism so easily, and honestly this can be easily related to “influencer” culture (which is so funny and stupid because people call themselves influencers only to make money off of sponsorships that they don’t truly care about) because all teenagers care about these days is gaining the most likes and attention on social media! Which! Almost! Turns! Us! Into! Willy because we will run in circles gaining false approval!! ANYWAY, yes, I think Death of a Salesman deserves its own special plaque of “Hey! I’m just as worthy as Shakespeare and should receive the same amount of respect as him… and maybe a little bit more because I’m more relatable” on the wall of every 12th grade English class.

- Riri

#arthurmiller #death of a salesman #play #williamshakespeare #shakespeare #doas #influencer culture #hi

2 notes · View notes

ceealaina · 5 years ago

Text

Title: Hot for Teacher Collaborator Name: ceealaina Card Number: 3088 Link: AO3 Square Filled: Adopted - AU: Teacher Ship: Stony, IronBros Rating: Teen Major Tags: Mutual Pining, Getting Together, Humor Summary: Tony is the established physics teacher, Steve is the truly terrible new guidance counsellor. It's not quite love at first sight (but it's a pretty close thing). Word Count: 10,660

Tony drew in a deep breath, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I’m sorry, Mr. Rogers told you what now?”

Miles grinned at him, like he knew he was raising his blood pressure with every word. “He said that he didn’t go to university. He actually dropped out of school when he was sixteen, and took a solo road trip across all of the US before he got his GED. Said it was the best decision he ever made.”

“Of course he did.” Tony fully dissociated for a moment, staring off into the distance before he shook his head with a full body shudder. “Well, regardless of what your esteemed guidance counselor may have told you, you should very, very, very strongly consider not doing… Any of that, and definitely going to university. And uh… Maybe come to me if you need help with those university applications, cause… Jesus fucking Christ.”

In the back of the room Cassie and Kamala giggled. “Mr. Stark!” Cassie gasped, feigning shock. “You said a bad word!”

Tony just scrubbed a hand over his face. “I hate you all,” he informed them cheerfully.

By lunchtime, Tony was still seething over the fact that the new guidance counselor was advocating for dropping out of school. He had term projects to approve, but couldn’t focus on the proposals, fingers thrumming irritably against his desk. He lasted all of five minutes before he was getting up, marching down the hall to said guidance counselor’s office and knocking sharply on the open door.

“Mr. Rogers? Could I—,”

Tony cut himself off abruptly.

The thing was, he hasn’t actually met Steve Rogers before. And while he wasn’t sure what he’d been expecting, it wasn’t someone built like a brick house — although, he’d heard that he was friends with Barnes, that was how he’d gotten the job, so maybe he shouldn’t have been surprised. But their new guidance counselor was tall, blond, and all kinds of muscley, biceps flexing in a way too tight t-shirt as he bit into a ridiculously large sandwich. He’d jumped at Tony’s sudden arrival, turning big blue eyes up at him, and good god, that was one handsome man.

Shaking his head, Tony forced a tight smile to his face. “Could I have a word?”

He nodded quickly, frantically trying to swallow down his enormous bite, and Tony worked very hard at not imagining what else he could stuff his mouth with. Mr. Rogers scrubbed a hand over the back of his mouth, wiping off some sauce that had spilled, and did an awkward, half stand.

“Yes, yes of course,” he said, reaching his arm out. “Sorry, we haven’t met yet?”

Despite how frustrated he was, Tony couldn’t help grinning; the man was an absolute mess. He moved forward to take his hand, feeling a little swirl of satisfaction at how obviously surprised he was at the strength in Tony’s grip. “Mr. Stark -- Tony.”

“Oh yeah! Physics, right? It’s nice to meet you. I’m Steve.” He moved to pull a stack of folders off a chair. “Please, sit down. What can I do for you?”

Tony took the offered chair, leaning back against it comfortably as he eyed Steve for a long moment. “Steve, can I ask how long you’ve been a guidance counselor?”

“Uhh.” Steve shifted a little. “Not long?” He gave a crooked smile that Tony did not find endearing. “About a week and a half?”

“Yeah. That’s what I figured.” Tony sighed. “Steve, are you encouraging kids to drop out of high school?”

“What?” Steve’s eyes went wide and horrified. “No! No, of course not! I…” His gaze shifted to something guilty. “Oh.”

“Oh?”

Steve gave him a hopeful smile. “I may have mentioned something about my own… Choices... as a teenager.”

“Uh huh.” Tony gave him a ‘go on’ gesture.

“It was meant to be inspirational! They get so stressed! They’re trying to decide their entire lives when they’re only kids! So you know… I was trying to show them that not everyone has to follow the same path but also things can turn out completely differently from how you expected and it’s never too late to go back?”

“Jesus Christ,” Tony muttered, rubbing at his eyes. “Well, at least you seem to genuinely care about the kids, I’ll give you that. But Steve, we’re just trying to get them as prepared for life as we can. You can’t give them ideas like that, and you especially can’t make them think things’ll work out all hunky dory if they do.”

“Hunky dory?” Steve repeated before realizing that wasn’t really the point of what Tony was saying. “Right,” he said, looking properly chastised now. “Right, no, of course. That makes sense.”

“Okay.” Tony was lingering now, but he wasn’t entirely sure why. “Great.” He got to his feet and headed for the door before he could make things weird. “It was nice meeting you, Steve.”

Over the next couple weeks, Steve kept spotting Tony around the school. He tried not to ogle him like a creeper, but judging by the way Bucky laughed at him every time they ate lunch together, he wasn’t successful. He couldn’t help it. Tony had been like some kind of gorgeous whirlwind, and he couldn’t stop thinking about him, wondering about him.

And then, two weeks later, he was back with the same sharp knock and consternated expression. (Steve, thankfully, wasn’t stuffing his face this time.)

“Tony! What, uh… Something I can help you with? I’ve been doing everything by the book, I swear. No more epic road trip stories.”

Tony drew in the deepest breath, like a complete drama queen. “Steve. I understand a book told you to do it, but the Chamber of Secrets this is not. Please stop telling my seniors that abstinence is the only truly effective birth control method. The ones in my AP Physics class are taking it as a personal challenge to design an IUD that works as a cum trebuchet."

Steve blinked at him for a very long minute, trying to work out if he was serious, trying not to--

He burst out laughing. Full on, hand-on-his-chest, eyes streaming, can’t breathe laughter. It was a solid three minutes before he began to calm down and when he finally stopped laughing, Tony was just watching him. He was doing his absolute best to look annoyed, but Steve could see the little hint of a smile at the corner of his lips.

“That’s uh… Thank you,” Steve managed, tamping down on another burst of laughter. “I really needed that today.”

“Yeah,” Tony told him dryly. “Glad I could help.”

Steve grinned back at him. “I’ll, uh. I’ll take that under consideration.”

When Tony came in the next morning, his AP students were huddled in the back corner, all giggling in that terrifying way that only teenagers could manage. He was so not feeling it -- he was still waiting for that last coffee to kick in -- but he took a rejuvenating breath and asked the question anyway.

“Okay, let’s hear it. Get it out of the way so we can get to sciencing. What’s so funny?”

This set off another round of giggling, half the kids blushing, and none of them quite looking at him. It was, finally, Riri who spoke.

“This morning Mr. Rogers told America Chavez that homosexual sex is also a 100% effective birth control method.”

Tony stared blankly out the window for a long minute. “Of course he did,” he muttered. “Okay, as thrilling as Mr. Rogers’ questionable sex ed is, let’s get started on some actual physics, hmm?”

While the kids got settled for the class, Tony took a moment to collect himself. It was quite possible that Steve was kinda a total troll.

It was quite possible that Tony kinda liked him.

Of course something got back to a parent, who complained about the school promoting a homosexual agenda. Steve didn’t get in trouble, exactly, but it was brought up in the staff meeting.

The enormous jar of rainbow-coloured condoms showed up on Steve’s desk the next day.

Tony had heard it through the student gossip line that, in addition to them being available for anyone to take as needed, he was getting students to guess how many there were in the jar, as some kind of ice breaker. If they were close, they got a mini Kit Kat bar.

He made it half a day before he was stopping in to see for himself.

Tony had prepared some semblance of an excuse for why he was there, some actual reason that the physics teacher might have had for engaging with the guidance counselor (again). But when he tapped on the door, Steve was looking up with a smile like he’d been expecting him. And then his gaze settled on the enormous jar of condoms, and Tony forgot to pretend to be there for anything else.

“What the fuck?” He couldn’t help laughing, a little incredulous. “Okay Steve, they’re teenagers. How much actual sex do you think most of them are really having?”

Steve shrugged unapologetically, but he had an absolutely shit-eating grin on his face. “I just like to be prepared. Wouldn’t want to run out.” He leaned back in his chair and folded his arms across his chest, eyebrows arching. “Wanna guess all the flavors? None of the students have gotten close yet.”

Tony’s eyes narrowed as he blinked at the jar. “They’re not even flavored.”

Steve rolled his eyes. “That’s the joke,” he told him, like that was supposed to have been obvious. “Fine, since you’re so smart. Guess how many there are in the jar.”

Tony glanced back over at the jar, wrinkling his nose for about half a second. “Seven hundred and fifty… eight,” he announced.

Steve blinked. “What?”

“What?”

Still leaning back in his chair, Steve stared at Tony, then stared at the jar, then stared back at Tony. Then he shot forward and grabbed the jar, upending the entire thing over his desk. Making eye contact with him, he picked up a handful and started tossing them back in the jar one at a time, counting them out loud as he went. Tony started laughing, the sound close to a giggle.

“You’re not seriously going to count them all.”

Steve gave him an imperious look. “Gotta see if you’re right. Now be quiet. You’re going to throw off my count.”

Tony knew this was ridiculous, but he couldn’t seem to make himself leave. He kept telling himself he shouldn’t be encouraging Steve, but he stayed anyway, watching and laughing as he meticulously counted out each and every condom.

He’d made it to 616 when Bucky appeared, looming in the doorway as he poked at his phone. “Hey Stevie, you ready to go for… Lunch?” He trailed off as he looked up and saw what the two of them were doing, his eyebrows going sky high. “Uh. I’ll come back. Looks like you two are gonna be awhile. I don’t know what this is annnnnnnnd I don’t think I want to.”

“It’s science, Bucky,” Steve told him snottily, not looking up from his condom count.

Tony pinched the bridge of his nose. “This is not science.”

“Of course it is!”

“Right,” Bucky said. “I’m just gonna…” He pointed for the door, but neither of them even looked his way as he left again.

“It’s math, Steve, and it’s barely that,” Tony insisted. “This is... counting.”

Steve gave him a look like he was an absolute fool. “I may be a lowly guidance counsellor, but I still know what counting is, Tony. The science is figuring out whether you can actually calculate the number of condoms in the jar --,”

“I can.”

“-- Or if you were spouting shit to fuck with me.”

“I wasn’t. And it’s still math, Steve. You’ve got the volume of the jar, and then size of the condom square. Math.”

Steve stared at him for a long minute and then, without breaking eye contact, tossed another condom back into the jar. “Six hundred and eighteen.”

Tony arched an eyebrow at him. “That was six hundred and seventeen.”

Steve ended up having to start over twice, and Tony was so busy laughing at him that he didn’t realize until 2:05 that he’d missed both his lunch and his free period and was, in fact, five minutes late for his AP Physics class.

“Shit,” he yelped, hopping out of his seat. “Those kids don’t let anything go, I’ve gotta run.” He paused in the doorway just long enough to give Steve a smirk. “Let me know when you’ve proved me right!”

The kids were all scattered around the room when he got there, Riri, Harley, and Kamala giggling over something on their phones, Cassie and Kate comparing notes on homework that was definitely not for physics, and Peter and Miles experimenting with something in the corner that may or may not have been explosive. Tony shook his head, feeling a headache coming on.

“Okay, I’m sorry I’m late, unavoidable circumstances. Let’s get started, yeah?”

“Mr. Stark!” Peter called, beaming at him. Nobody made any move to go to their seats. “If you’d taken seven more minutes, we’d be legally allowed to go home.”

“That’s… Not even remotely true.” He shook his head and clapped his hands together. “Come on, children. We’ve got a lot of work to do.”

“Shouldn’t’ve been late then,” Harley snarked, but at least they were finally heading to their seats.

It was halfway through class when there was a knock on the door, and Tony opened it to some blonde girl he vaguely recognized from Nat’s lit class.

“Message for you from Mr. Rogers!” she chirped, heading off down the hall before he could ask further. His students were focused on their readings, and Tony took advantage of the moment to open the note, frowning as he tried to decipher the writing.

758 exactly. There’s something wrong with you. Also, I owe you lunch. Thursday?

Tony sat at his desk, and managed to read it over five times before Kamala happened to look up and see him.

“Hey, Mr. Stark? Why are you grinning like that?”

As soon as his lunch period started on Thursday, Tony headed down to Steve’s office, trying to convince himself that he hadn’t been looking forward to this since he’d gotten Steve’s note. The door was open, waiting for him, and he headed inside and promptly yelped as a king-sized Kit Kat bar was launched at his head.

“What the fuck?” He flailed as he tried to catch it, somehow managing not to drop it on the ground. He wasn’t particularly graceful about it, and Steve was openly laughing at him. “What was that for?”

Steve shrugged, unconcerned. “The kids get a mini Kat Kat if they’re close in their guess. You were exactly right, so I figured you get extra chocolate.”

Tony eyed him suspiciously and ignored the little delighted thrill in his stomach. “But you didn’t know how many condoms were in the jar.”

“Okay, so I just gave everyone a mini Kit Kat. Sue me.”

Tony just narrowed his eyes further. “So is this our lunch?”

Steve actually snorted. “Do I look like I survive on giant chocolate bars?” he asked, immediately flexing his biceps and twitching a pec. Tony started laughing, couldn’t stop himself, and Steve looked immensely pleased with himself. “No, Tony. I got us sushi.” Tony felt his eyebrows creep up to his hairline, and Steve huffed. “Okay, what?”

“Nothing!” Tony said quickly. “No, I just… You don’t strike me as a sushi guy.”

Steve rolled his eyes. “And what kind of guy, exactly, do you think I am?”

Tony shrugged as Steve passed him a container of sushi. “A giant, uncultured gym bro neanderthal who knows more about planking and protein shakes than he does guidance counselloring, but somehow got a job here anyway?”

“You’re such an asshole,” Steve muttered, but he was obviously fighting a smile.

Tony shrugged. “It’s like you know me or something.” He laughed, knocking back a tuna roll. “How did you get this job?”

“Bucky. We’re old friends, and now he’s my roommate too. So when the job opened, he hooked me up.”

“I mean, everyone knows that much. I meant why here? Why a guidance counsellor? No offense Steve, but you’re kinda terrible at it.”

Steve didn’t look offended in the slightest. “Hey, I wanted to teach art, but the job was already filled and somehow administration thinks art and guidance counselling are interchangeable.” He shrugged. “I don’t know. Living in Brooklyn ain’t cheap. Somewhere since high school it became trendy, I guess? It was this or baristaing at a coffee shop near my apartment, but their coffee smells like soap.”

"Yikes."

"Yikes, indeed. Anyway, enough about why I’m so terrible at my job.” Steve nodded at the chopsticks in Tony’s hand. “Eat your damn sushi, Tony. You don’t eat enough.”

Tony paused with another tuna roll halfway to his mouth. “What do you mean, I don’t eat enough?”

“Every time you come in here it’s always over lunch. And then you usually stay through lunch and your prep period, and you don’t eat anything the entire time. You need to eat more.”

“Okay, stalker.” Tony shifted a little uncomfortably. “What are you, my nonna? I eat fine.” He huffed and slunk down in his seat, pulling his sushi tray closer on the desk. Steve just blinked back at him placidly and then reached out, putting his hand over top of Tony’s.

“It’s okay, Tony. I’m a guidance counsellor. You can talk to me.”

He said it in the same way that people on television crime procedurals tell the women they find in basements that they’re with the FBI, and Tony started laughing despite himself. And then he nearly choked on a California roll when Steve started passing him glossy pamphlets on healthy lifestyle choices.

The next day Tony made a point of showing up for lunch with a huge gas station soda and an enormous bag of pretzel sticks. Steve didn’t stop grinning the entire time.

Before either of them had realized it, it had turned into something of a routine. Not every day, but usually two or three times a week, Tony would forgo his lunch or prep period, or both, and come bother Steve instead. Steve had expressed concern once, that he wasn’t using his prep periods to, you know, prep, but Tony had assured him that being a genius came with some benefits. And really, his visits had quickly become the highlight of his day, and he had a feeling that Steve was enjoying them just as much, so he wasn’t going to worry about it too much.

Once Tony had gotten over his initial concerns about Steve’s guidance counselling methods, the two of them got along ridiculously well. Tony gave Steve shit constantly but it never failed to make him laugh, and he was just as good at giving it in kind. They bickered constantly, but it was friendly and easy and familiar.

Tony had never made friends easily. He got along great with all his coworkers, but with the possible exception of Nat, they were more friendly acquaintances than full friends. When he was a kid, Jarvis had told him that he was just too smart, that the other kids would catch up to him eventually. But that hadn’t seemed to happen, even as an adult. He didn’t know if people were freaked out by his multiple degrees, or if it was the chaotic energy he gave off, or most likely, some conflagration of the above, but aside from a few close friends -- who, admittedly, he wouldn’t trade for anything in the world -- people didn’t really… Warm to him.

Steve, though. Steve was different. Almost from the beginning Tony had felt a connection with him, and while he never failed to let Tony know how impressed he was by what he could do, he never seemed intimidated by him either. Tony would never say it to his face, but he kind of adored him.

Tony popped his head into Steve’s office a few minutes before the end of the day, arching an eyebrow when he found him frowning over some a manual with stick figures doing what looked like some kind of sport -- soccer, probably. He cleared his throat, and couldn’t help smiling back when Steve looked up and positively beamed at him.

“Getting a head start on your weekend reading there, Steve?”

Steve blew out an exasperated breath, rolling his eyes and scrubbing a hand over his face. “Soccer,” he explained, confirming Tony’s suspicions. “Apparently, I’m the new coach of the girl’s soccer team.” He pouted a little. “Administration is really hard to say no to.”

Tony considered this, taking a seat across from Steve and propping his feet up on the desk. “Why isn’t Clint doing it? It is kind of his job.”

“He’s busy with archery finals, it seems.”

“Archery… Finals?” Tony repeated, blinking curiously. “We’re the only school with an archery team. They split into two and compete against each other.”

Steve shrugged miserably, and Tony tossed a pen at his forehead to get him to smile.

“Hey, come on, there are worse things you could be coaching. Those lacrosse kids are wild.”

“Yeah…” Steve rubbed at the back of his neck. “Except for two tiny little details. First, those girls are intimidating as fuck. They scare the shit outta me. And second? I… Don’t actually know anything about soccer.”

Tony snorted with laughter, before he realized Steve was serious and did his best to compose himself. “I’m sorry, how do you not know anything about soccer? You’re…” He gestured vaguely to indicate Steve’s general physique, and Steve sighed glumly.

“Yeah, I think that was the administration’s thought too. But I grew up as a scrawny art student. I know baseball, and that’s it.”

“Huh. The more you know.”

Steve groaned. “So now I’ve got to learn all these soccer rules for tomorrow, none of which make any sense to me.” He frowned down at the manual. “And aren’t there linebackers and quarterbackers and shit?”

Tony couldn’t help laughing then, not even trying to hide it. “Steve, that’s football.”

“Yeah,” Steve replied, in his ‘duh, Tony,’ voice. “Which is soccer.”

They were still arguing about the two different kinds of football when Steve realized that he had parking lot duty. Not one to admit defeat, Tony had tagged along with him. He was once again trying to explain why American football was called football (“but it doesn’t even make sense if they barely use their feet, Tony!”) when a bright, flashy convertible had pulled into the pick-up lane. Tony caught a glimpse of Steve’s confused frown before the car pulled forward enough that he could see the driver and he went stock still, grabbing at Steve’s arm.

“Honeybear?” he yelped, loud enough that a couple of the lingering students turned their way as well. Steve gave Tony a bewildered stare but Tony hardly noticed, his eyes focused on Rhodey, leaning up until he was practically out of his seat and waving his arm at him, looking delicious in a tight white t-shirt that pulled against his biceps.

“Hey, Tones! Guess who’s back, baby!”

Tony made a noise that a lesser man might have even called a squeal, but he felt exactly zero shame about it as he took off for the car. “Bye Steve, gotta go, see you Monday!” he hollered over his shoulder as he went. He didn’t bother with the door, hopping over the side and sliding into the passenger seat. Rhodey lingered just long enough for Tony to give him an enormous kiss on the cheek before the two of them sped off.

“Uh. Bye,” Steve told them empty space beside him.

“So,” Rhodey said, yelling a little to be heard as they sped down the freeway with the top down, wind whistling through the car. “Was that your big gay crush?”

Tony choked on nothing, turning his head to face him so fast that he almost gave himself whiplash. “My what?” he repeated.

Rhodey looked over at him long enough to give him a stare. “Literally every conversation we’ve had in the past few weeks has been about him, Tones.”

“That’s not the proper use of the word literally,” Tony grumbled, and Rhodey shrugged, letting it slide.

Tony couldn’t though, milling it over in his head, and when they turned into the Italian restaurant in Bridgeport, he turned to Rhodey again.

“Okay, no, so wait. Why do you think I have a crush on Steve?”

“Tones…” Rhodey gave him a fond smile. “Come on, man, we’ve been friends for how many years now? I know what you look like when you’re crushing on someone. Even if apparently you don’t.” He gave him a pointed look, snorting when Tony just rolled his eyes at him. “You talk about him all the time. And sure, some of it is ‘complaining’ about how big and beefy he is, but a lot of it is how smart he is, and how funny, and how he’ll always call you on your shit… You don’t have to actually say the words, Tony. I can just tell.”

Tony pouted at the dashboard, mulling this over. “You’re dumb,” he decided finally, ignoring Rhodey’s snickers as he climbed out of the car. “Hurry up, asshole. I’m starving. And I don’t have a crush on Steve!”

“Alright, alright, fine,” Rhodey soothed, obviously not believing him in the slightest. “Whatever you say.”

Tony shot him a glare and didn’t hold the door for him as he headed into the restaurant. After that was the usual flurry of activity when Anna spotted them from behind the cash and hollered at Roberto to come out from the kitchen so they could make their usual fuss over the two of them. He and Rhodey had found the place by accident on a Boston to New York road trip in college, and at this point they'd been coming back for fifteen years.

With all the distractions, Tony was well into the garlic bread before another thought occurred to him. “Waiiiit,” he mumbled around a full mouth. He narrowed his eyes at Rhodey, who blinked back at him over his glass of wine. “Is that why you rented the flashy convertible? And why you used the pick-up lane? You never do that, you know it’s just supposed to be for students that time of day. Did you do that so Steve would see? Because you think I’m into him?”

Rhodey shrugged, looking smug and pleased with himself. “I already know you’re emotionally stunted, but I figured if Steve hadn’t gotten off his ass and asked you out yet, maybe there was a chance he was just as bad.”

“Or, he could just be straight,” Tony pointed out which, he realized belatedly, wasn’t exactly a denial of his crush on Steve.

Rhodey just snorted. “No man could be totally straight around you, Tones. You’re a catch,” he informed him, just to see Tony try to not look all pleased and delighted. “Anyway, I figured -- assuming he’s not straight -- that it couldn’t hurt to give him something to be a little jealous of. And he was definitely gonna be jealous of me.” Rhodey lifted his arms, flexing them so his t-shirt once more strained against his t-shirt. “If you’re a catch, then I’m Moby Dick baby.” He beamed when Tony giggled into his salad. “You need me to be your big gay wingman? I’m 100% here for you, Tones.”

Tony just shook his head, still laughing. “You’re such a dumbass,” he informed him.

“Yeah, yeah, I love you too.”

The weekend had been everything Tony hadn’t realized he needed, the two of them doing all their favourite things and generally leaving a wake of chaos wherever they went. Tony loved his life, felt very fulfilled by what he did and wouldn’t trade it for anything else. But he always missed Rhodey like a limb when he wasn’t around, and having him back again, even temporarily, set something at ease in Tony’s chest.

The only problem, if he could really call it that, was that he couldn’t stop thinking about what Rhodey said about Steve. He hadn’t brought it up again, but that didn’t stop Tony from playing it over and over again, considering the previous conversations he’d had where Steve had been mentioned, with Rhodey, but with Pepper and Happy too. And, as an extension of that, how careful he was not to bring him up when he and Nat would sneak out for gelato over the lunch break, or how he didn’t join in when Bucky would start ragging on Steve in the staff room, all, “Jesus Rogers, you already look like you could stop a helicopter with your bare hands. Maybe give the gym a rest, huh?” (although Tony did have to hide his own smile at the teasing, and a couple times had caught Steve watching him with a look that one might have even described as pleased.)

And of course, thinking about all of that led to thinking about Steve himself. He was gorgeous, obviously, Tony would have to be blind not to be aware of that. But there was also how much he found himself looking forward to spending time with him, more than almost anyone else. He still hadn’t gotten tired of him, not really, not even when they argued, and he took special pride in finding ways to make Steve laugh. Steve could have been 5’2 and 96 pounds, and he would have enjoyed spending time with him just as much.

By Sunday night, when Tony found himself lost in thought again, only to realize that he’d spent the last five minutes thinking about the very specific wrinkles Steve would get in his forehead whenever he smiled, Tony had to admit defeat.

“Fuck,” he announced to his empty living room. “I’ve got a big gay crush on Steve Rogers.”

To Tony’s credit, once he’d come to a conclusion, he wasn’t the type to sit back and wallow in it. Despite leaving him only an hour later, he grabbed his phone, dialing Rhodey’s number.

“Hey Tones.” Rhodey answered on the third ring, sounding lazy and also like he was in the middle of eating something. “Miss me already?”

“Always, honeybear,” Tony responded automatically. “But also, uh… So… You may not have been so crazy after all.”

“About your big gay crush on the guidance counsellor?” Rhodey asked, because he knew Tony like nobody else. “Obviously.”

“Shut up,” Tony whined. “You know how much I hate not knowing things.” He grinned at the warm huff of laughter that came down the line at that. “So how would you feel about… Still playing the big gay wingman?”

“I’m listening…”

“Our JROTC volunteer is out for the next few weeks, some kind of family thing, and I thought, you know… You can volunteer? Take his place for a bit? And then, you know, you and I can hang out like all the time while you’re on leave, and as an extra bonus, it might make Steve jealous.”

“I mean, there’s a big difference between that, and picking you up at school in a shiny car,” Rhodey pointed out. “Sounds kinda complicated. I’d probably end up meeting him, even. You sure you don’t just want to… Tell him how you feel?”

Tony scoffed down the line. “I know you like to offer that advice for every situation, but I want you to know that the only reason that worked for you and Carol is because she thought your dumb drunk ass needed protecting. You triggered her alpha instinct, that’s all.”

“If you say so,” Rhodey told him, but Tony could already tell he was going to say yes. “Fine. But I want you to know, it’s a stupid idea, and I’m only agreeing so I have a chance to bug you while you’re trying to work.”

Tony beamed. “And that’s why you’re my favourite.”

Somewhere along the way, Steve’s (not-so) subtle ogling of Tony had turned into a full-on crush, and that had grown until Steve was pretty sure he was half in love with the man. He was doing his best to be cool about it, but he’d never met anyone quite like Tony Stark before. He found him constantly drifting into his thoughts, despite his best efforts otherwise, couldn’t seem to stop daydreaming about them being more than friends, even when he tried to tell himself that Tony was probably straight.

Or at least, he had thought that Tony was straight, right up until Friday afternoon.

Steve knew it was none of his business. He had his own life out of work, and so did Tony, and that was fine. It didn’t stop him from driving himself crazy wondering who the hell the gorgeous man who picked Tony up from school on Friday had been, and what their relationship was. The sheer joy that had been in Tony’s voice when he’d called out to him had left Steve’s heart somewhere around his knees, made worse by the so obviously affectionate and familiar nickname. He hadn’t missed the enormous cheek kiss that Tony had given him either. And sure, a kiss on the cheek didn’t necessarily scream romantic relationship, and they could just as easily be friends. But there was an ugly part of Steve that kept rearing up, insisting that he would consider himself and Tony to be friends, and he had never gotten a kiss cheek.

By Monday morning, Steve was practically itching to see Tony. Bucky, he knew, was totally sick of him after Steve had spent the entire weekend oscillating between moping and distraction, and refusing to tell him why. But the Home Ec room was right beside Tony’s classroom, so instead of going to his own office, Steve followed Bucky upstairs and then stood outside the doorway as Bucky made sure the cooking stations were prepped for the day, talking at him from the hallway. And the second he saw Tony making his way toward his classroom, looking sleepy and still a little out of it, he turned away entirely, not noticing that he was abandoning Bucky mid-sentence.

“Hey Tony!”

It went downhill from there. Tony made a strangled yelping noise, which Steve would have found adorable if not for the way everything he was holding scattered. His bag fell from his shoulder, flap opening and sending a cascade of pens and pencils and erasers flying across the floor. The cell phone he’d been texting on hit the ground with a thud that made Steve wince, and a tumbler went rolling off down the hall, leaving behind a dribbled trail of coffee leaking from the lid.

“Oh shit,” Steve said, staring horrified at the mess for a minute before he moved to help, grabbing the tumbler as it started to roll past him and getting coffee all over his hand in the process. He ignored it, moving to help gather Tony’s other things. “Shit, I’m so sorry.”

“No, it’s okay,” Tony reassured him, already bent over and picking things up. “I was just distracted. You startled me, is all.”

“Still,” Steve insisted, and was about to explain further but he and Tony both reached for a pen at the same time, heads cracking together. “Oh god,” Steve groaned as Tony clasped a hand to his forehead with a pained noise, cursing creatively under his breath. “I am so sorry. I don’t know what’s wrong with me today.” They both straightened up, and he offered Tony a rueful smile. “I was just gonna ask how your weekend was.”

“Oh!” The pain on Tony’s face melted away entirely as he smiled soft and sweet and pleased in a way that Steve didn’t think he’d quite seen before. He tried to keep his own smile normal, but all of a sudden he couldn’t remember what a smile was supposed to feel like, or what he even normally did with his face or arms or hands. Tony didn’t seem to notice. “It was really, really great. I got to spend the entire weekend with my Rhodeybear. It was just what I needed. He’s like my other half, and I missed him like crazy. Hey!” His entire face lit up. “You should meet him sometime.”

“Right.” Steve nodded as normally as he could. “Yeah, maybe. That would be… Great. I’m glad you had a nice time, Tony,” he added, at least managing to be genuine with that. “I gotta get to work, but I’ll catch you later?” He started to head for his office, and then realized he was still holding the travel mug. “Oh right, here.”

He handed it over, taking a moment to suck away a stray drop of coffee that was sliding down the side of his index finger. Then Tony made a worrying wheezing noise and Steve stopped, staring at him. “Are you alright?”

Tony nodded just a couple more times than Steve would have classified as normal. “Yup,” he said, suddenly mumbling and not quite meeting Steve’s eyes. “Just gotta…” He trailed off and darted into his classroom without any further explanation.

“Okayyyy?” Steve said.

Tony was acting weird, there was no doubt about it. Steve had assumed that after crashing into each other, they might meet for lunch as usual, but otherwise go about their day. Instead, Tony had popped into his office no less than four times that morning, every time on official business, but with fiddly little things that could have been passed along by a student messenger, or an email. But he’d also spotted Tony outside his office several other times, sometimes lingering outside his door absorbed in something on his phone, sometimes just walking down the hall just a little too casually to be entirely normal. Steve couldn’t think of another reason for him to be in this particular hallway, but Tony would look up from his phone like he hadn’t realized this was even where he was, and a couple of times Steve had glanced up just in time to see Tony’s eyes dart away like he’d been staring at him right before. The few times they’d made full eye contact and Steve had smiled at him, Tony’s return smile had been what Steve might have called shy, if it had been coming from anyone besides Tony.

His first thought was that Tony had figured out about the crush (not an obsession, whatever Bucky said) Steve had on him, and was freaked out, and that’s what was making him act so weird. But when they met up for lunch everything seemed normal between them, and Tony certainly didn’t act like someone who was freaked out. And Steve knew Tony well enough by now that he was pretty sure if his feelings weren’t returned, Tony wouldn’t hesitate to let him know -- gently, and he’d probably be real sweet about it, but he wouldn’t let Steve drive himself crazy wondering, wouldn’t give him a chance to make a fool of himself over it.

And then he thought it might have had something to do with his company over the weekend, this Rhodey guy that Steve was absolutely not jealous of, that he was the one that had Tony all twisted up in knots. Tony had sounded smitten with him, but then again, Tony was dramatic like that. It didn’t have to mean there was anything there. And that wouldn’t have explained why he was acting so weird around Steve, who didn’t even know the guy.

Which led Steve to his next thought, the one that felt a little too fantastical to be true, even if the more he thought about it, the more it seemed to fit. Because the little smiles, the almost blushes that Tony would have… What if Steve’s feelings weren’t as one-sided as he had thought? Maybe Tony had a thing for him too, and that’s why he was acting all flustered and strange? Steve knew he was probably not the most unbiased opinion, that wanting it to be true was maybe skewing his perspective a little, making him see things a certain way. But if Tony didn’t suddenly hate him -- and he was positive that wasn’t the case -- was it so crazy to think that the little glances and smiles were a sign of something more?

He felt bolstered by the idea, unable to let it go once it was in his head. He’d never been one for letting things slide, and almost immediately he made up his mind to Talk To Tony, to maybe ask if he wanted to grab coffee after work, or a drink, and then he could tell him how he felt, see if he felt the same.

His morning flew by, distracted by daydreams of what would come next. Steve had always been a visual thinker, and he could picture all too clearly the slow smile that would spread across Tony’s cheeks when he realized his feelings weren't unrequited, the way he’d duck his head and glance up through his eyelashes (a move that always drove Steve crazy). How drinks could lead to dinner, which could lead to walking him home and -- since it was Steve’s daydream, dammit -- having Tony inviting him inside. What it would be like to finally get to kiss him, to feel his skin under his fingers with purpose, instead of just a glancing brush as they shared food or walked along beside each other?

He was still daydreaming about it when he walked into the gym right before lunchtime, intending to ask Clint another question about soccer, and stopped dead.

He had been very, very wrong.

Tony was there, for some reason, but even more confusing was the fact that this Rhodey guy was with him. Not that the why of it really mattered, Steve supposed. Tony was practically hanging off the other man’s back, crooning into his ear. As Steve watched, he pressed a big sloppy kiss to Rhodey’s cheek. “Come on, platypus,” he wheedled, delight evident in his voice. Rhodey was shaking his head and pretending to be annoyed but there was a fond, pleased smile on his face and his hand came up to hold on to Tony’s arm around his chest.

Steve may have been accused of being hopelessly optimistic, but he wasn’t naive. Whatever had had Tony acting so weird before, it obviously wasn’t a crush on Steve.

Suddenly very much needing to be anywhere else, Steve turned to try and sneak back out of the gym and promptly tripped over a stray basketball. He couldn’t help cursing as he rolled his ankle, and then winced as the sound rang out through the mostly empty space.

“Steve!” Tony looked startled at his sudden appearance, doing a weird little fidgety dance before he forced himself to still and gave him a bright smile. “Come here! You didn’t get to meet him last week, come meet my Rhodeybear!”

Steve started to mumble out some excuse about paperwork or meetings, but almost instantly Tony was across the room, grabbing him by the arm and forcibly pulling him over to Rhodey, who was very obviously trying not to laugh.

“Rhodey, this is Steve, our new guidance counselor. Steve, this is Colonel James “Rhodey” Rhodes. I talked him into volunteering with the ROTC kids while he’s on leave for the next month.”

Steve managed a smile as Rhodey reached out, shaking his hand with a firm grip. “Hey man. Good to finally meet you. Tones talks about you all the time.”

He glanced at Tony over Steve’s shoulder, and something on Tony’s face made him laugh. His eyes were sharp and perceptive and Steve felt a flare of panic because oh shit, he knew. Somehow this man had figured out that Steve had a crush on his boyfriend. And the worst part was that he didn’t seem angry. There was no threat in his handshake, his smile open and friendly.

“Uh, good to meet you too,” he managed, doing his best to smile back at him and not look like he was having a complete panic attack.

There was something so effortlessly cool about Rhodey. He was, frankly, gorgeous, with his teasing smile and ridiculously well-fitting leather jacket to boot, but he seemed genuinely nice too. He could have been a total ass, throwing it in Steve’s face that he was with Tony, but there was nothing of that in his body language. Steve couldn’t help liking him immediately, and he usually had good instincts for these things. But he also couldn’t help being intimidated and more than a little jealous -- although, for a moment he wasn’t entirely sure of which one. It was definitely Rhodey; his ridiculous crush was on Tony, so of course Rhodey was the one he was jealous of. It was maybe also a little bit Tony because fuck, Rhodey was cool.

Steve was barely aware of the conversation that followed, feeling his heart sink lower every time he caught a glimpse of the besotted smile on Tony’s face. They made small talk for a few minutes, and at least he was pretty sure that he hadn’t said anything too strange, even if he sort of felt like his own face was melting. There were vague plans made for the three of them to get together for drinks or something in the next few weeks (Steve had exactly zero intention of following through on that particular idea) and then he was finally able to make his escape. Feeling like an absolute idiot, he slipped his way down the hall and back to his own office, where he shut the door firmly behind him and slunk down in his desk chair, letting his head fall against the desk with a slight bang, whining into the empty space.

After that, Steve backed off a little, not wanting to seem like he was encroaching on their relationship. He was crazy about Tony, but he wanted him to be happy, and the two of them seemed right together. And clearly Rhodey had a good effect on Tony, because after a few more days whatever seemed to be going on with him stopped too. The manic behaviour evened out as he went back to how they’d been before, if maybe slightly more awkward than they’d once been. They still met for lunch regularly, still got along stupidly well, goofing around and joking and making each other laugh. If their lunches were slightly less often than they’d once been, well, Steve supposed that made sense when Tony’s boyfriend was right there at the school with him. He should be glad he still got lunch with Tony at all.

A few more weeks, and even that slight awkwardness had faded. They were warm and familiar around each other again, their new normal somehow less and more than it had been before. Steve still had a thing for Tony, but now it felt settled into him, like it was just a part of who he was. He didn’t want to admit it, but he thought he might have settled right into being completely in love with Tony. But he could be normal around him, because that was just part of their friendship, loving Tony just a part of who he was now. He felt right being around Tony, even if there was sometimes a bittersweet ache, and he wouldn’t trade that feeling for anything.

But every once in awhile, he’d catch Tony giving him a soft, sad smile that he was pretty sure he wasn’t supposed to see, a look on his face that Steve might have described as just a little disappointed, and he couldn’t help wondering. Maybe if Tony had been single, and maybe if Steve had been just a little less scared, they might have been able to have something more between them.

Tony huffed out a sigh, having no idea what was going on in the movie he was watching with Rhodey. “Honeybear,” he said. “I think it’s time to admit defeat.”

“Tony Stark? Giving up?” Rhodey rolled his head along the back of the couch, giving Tony a slightly tipsy grin. “Who are you and what have you done with my best friend?”

“Hilarious,” Tony told him dryly, grinning despite himself. “I’m serious. I don’t think Steve is into me. I thought he was jealous at first but…” He shrugged helplessly. “And we’re friends. Like, really good friends. He’s probably the person I trust most after you. I shouldn’t try to mess with that, right?”

“I don’t think it’s messing with it, exactly,” Rhodey told him. “Starting a romantic relationship with him isn’t necessarily better or worse than being friends. It’s just... Different.” He obviously understood Tony’s point though. “You really don’t think there’s anything there?”

Tony just shrugged again, a crooked, self-deprecating smile on his lips, and Rhodey rubbed his hand over his shoulder.

“I’m sorry man,” he told him, hauling Tony against him for a hug.

“It’s okay,” Tony mumbled into Rhodey’s neck, though his arms squeezed around his waist, holding on tight for a long minute. “Really. I love having him as a friend too, and I’ll get over the whole crush thing eventually. I’ll be okay. I always am.”

Rhodey hummed, sounding like he didn’t quite believe him. “Still. Ice cream and bourbon in the meantime?”

Tony managed a real smile then, though he didn’t let go of Rhodey right away. “Definitely.”

Steve sat alone in the restaurant, fighting a smile at the sympathetic looks he kept getting from the wait staff. He was meeting his friend Sharon for dinner after she’d been overseas for the last six months on a work contract. But Sharon was notoriously bad at personal appointments, so it was hit or miss whether she’d actually turn up or if she would cancel at the last minute again. Steve wasn’t really phased, used to it by now.

He was occupying himself with games on his phone when he heard a familiar voice. He frowned at the screen, trying to place it before he looked up and made awkward eye contact with someone he’d rather avoid, and then realized it was Rhodey. Immediately he wondered if Tony was with him, and his heart beat a little faster at the thought, even though he’d just seen him a few hours ago. Looking around for them, he smiled when he spotted Rhodey’s familiar form first. And then his heart stopped beating completely for a moment.

Rhodey wasn’t with Tony.

There was a woman with him, tall and muscular with short blonde hair. She was just as gorgeous as Rhodey, the two of them an admittedly stunning pair. She was laughing too, not quite as loud, and there was a softness in her eyes as she smiled at him. Then Rhodey’s hand came up, sliding across the table to tangle his fingers with hers, the movement familiar and intimate. He leaned forward, murmuring something soft that Steve couldn’t catch, and then she was pulling back with a wide smile.

“Check please?” she hollered with absolutely no decorum, making Rhodey burst out laughing again.

Steve ducked behind his menu, watching the two of them gather up their things. He didn’t particularly want to confront Rhodey here and now, just in case he was wrong, but fortunately (or not) they only seemed to have eyes for each other. Rhodey helped her with her jacket, making the woman snort and try to elbow him, and he kept his hand very low on her back, right on the edge of being inappropriate, as they walked to the door. Steve turned away as they walked right past the table, but he looked up in time to see them pause in the foyer, mostly out of sight, before the women fisted her hands in Rhodey’s shirt and pulled him for a slow, lingering, hungry kiss. Rhodey looked downright dazed when she’d pulled back, until she said something else to make him laugh and the two of them slipped out the front door.

Steve stared at the space where they’d been for a long time after they’d gone.

“Shit.”

Sharon did end up cancelling on him, and with Bucky away on a bonding trip with some old army buddies, Steve was left alone to stew around the apartment all weekend. Normally he’d probably have gone to Tony for advice, but that obviously wasn’t an option here and Steve didn’t know what to do.

He knew he should tell Tony; he’d want to know if it were him. But then there was the question of if he’d want Steve to be the one to tell him -- or, for that matter, if Steve wanted to be the one to tell him, which he definitely didn’t. If Tony had figured out about Steve’s crush on him, would he even believe him? He honestly didn’t know what he would do if Tony thought he was making it up to get between him and his boyfriend. He’d like to think Tony knew him better than that, but people could get weird about their significant others.

By Monday morning, Steve still had no idea what he was going to do. He had barely slept all weekend and was tired and miserable, found himself taking the long way round to his office to avoid the chance of running into Tony in the staff room.

“Wow, Rogers. You look terrible.”

Lost in thought, Steve nearly jumped at the sound of Nat’s voice. He looked up to see her sitting in her classroom, grading papers and watching him with an amused look on her face.

“Yeah,” he rubbed at the back of his neck absently. “I just didn’t sleep well.”

Some of the amusement slid off her face and she arched an eyebrow at him. “You okay?”

Steve shrugged. ”Just… Life,” he offered vaguely. Then he blinked at her, eyes going wide. “You can help me though! I… I need you to talk to Tony for me. It’s kind of a big thing. Please, Nat? I don’t know what else to do. I don’t… I’m worried he’ll hate me if I tell him, or won’t believe me, or both. But it won’t seem so… personal coming from you. Blunt honesty is your whole thing, right? Plus he’s more likely to believe you when he’s already half terrified of you anyway.”

Nat was back to looking amused, trying to follow Steve’s rambling. “And why is Tony half terrified of me?”

Steve winced. “Uh… There’s a rumor going around that you’re secretly a Russian sleeper agent?”

“The Cold War ended in 1991,” she told him without missing a beat, voice eerily atonal. “Russia and America are allies now.”

There was a moment of absolute silence before she cracked up and Steve glared at her.

“That. That is exactly why people are scared of you.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she told him airily, before relenting with a sigh. “Okay, so what is it that you need me to tell Tony?”

“I… Rhodey’s cheating on him,” he blurted out all in a rush, before he could chicken out. “I saw him at dinner on Friday with this gorgeous woman, and they were very clearly together, kissing and everything, and I just… I don’t know how to tell him.

Nat stared at him, blinked twice, and then burst out laughing. Steve frowned at her, taken aback, but as Natasha kept on laughing, to the point that there were actual tears coming from her eyes, Steve got more and more cranky. Folding his arms across his chest, his frown turned into a full on glare as he waited for her to get control of herself.

“Are you done?” he asked when she finally stopped laughing what felt like five minutes later. “Cause I’d really like to know what’s so funny about all of this.”

But Natasha just shook her head, still grinning. “Let me know when you figure it out, Steve.”

By the end of the day, Steve had successfully managed to avoid Tony, and he was exhausted. He knew he couldn’t keep this up forever, and he didn’t particularly want to. He’d missed Tony today. Even on the days when they didn’t get to spend time together, there was always a smile and wave when they passed each other in the hall. This just felt weird.

Going the long way again, he made his way to Bucky’s classroom, hovering in the doorway as he watched Bucky put away the last of the materials they’d been using.

“Hey Buck?” he said after a minute.

Bucky looked up, frowning at the look on Steve’s face. “What the hell’s the matter with you?”

Steve ignored that. “Remember, when we were kids, and I grabbed you before you fell off the fire escape showing off for Jenny Calloway? And you said you owed me your first born? I’m cashing in. I need you to do something for me, no questions. And if you laugh at me, I’m gonna punch you so hard your grandkids’ teeth’ll hurt.”

“Well that seems unnecessary,” Bucky drawled, leaning back against one of the work stations. “You know I’d do it if you just said please. Seriously, Stevie, you look like you’re about to pass out. What’s up?”

“Rhodey is cheating on Tony. I saw him with someone, and… They were definitely together. Can you just like… Let it slip? I’m afraid if I tell him he’ll think I’m lying, because --,”

“You’re desperately in love with him?” he asked, lips quirking up.

“Buck!” Steve looked around like Tony was suddenly going to pop out of the corner of the classroom and call him out on it. “Come on, this is serious. Don’t fucking laugh at me!”

Bucky held his hands up in surrender, and was quiet for a minute, chewing on the inside of his cheek like he was still fighting back a smile. “Right, okay,” he said, pushing off the desk and striding into the hallway. Steve’s eyes went wide.

“No, shit, wait,” he hissed. “I didn’t mean right now!” He started to follow Bucky down the hall, then stopped after a few feet because Bucky had already reached Tony’s classroom, and he didn't think he wanted to be here for this. But while Steve was debating if he could make it to the stairs before Bucky said something, Bucky knocked sharply on the side of the doorframe.

“Hey! Stevie thinks you’re dating Rhodes,” he announced, before wandering off down the hall. Steve stared after him because what the fuck, that wasn’t what he’d told him to say, and where was he even going?

Before he had a chance to process, there was a crash from Tony’s classroom and then faintly, the sound of his voice. “Did he just…?” He sounded strangled, and then he was skidding into the hallway, hair standing up about five inches from his head and eyes wild.

“Um, hi,” he said. Steve could practically see his chest heaving from here.

“Hi,” Steve said back a little stupidly.

“I’m not dating Rhodey,” Tony burst out, staring at Steve with wide eyes like he couldn’t look away. “Never have been. Well, we had an almost thing in university, but -- that’s not the point. Rhodey and I aren’t together.” He gaze shifted, looking at Steve imploringly. His tongue flicked out over his lips, and Steve swallowed hard.

“I just…” He took a couple tentative steps toward Tony. “He showed up, and you were all over him, and you had about five million nicknames for him and so… I figured…”

“Nope,” Tony said quickly. “We’re just… Like that. Rhodey is very firmly in love with somebody else. We, uh… I was helping him shop for engagement rings last week.” He took a deep breath and closed the remaining distance between them, eyes somewhere around Steve’s collarbone. “Listen, Rogers. I know Carol looks like a lesbian, but so does Clint with the wrong glasses and a slim-cut pant, so please reconsider your personal biases and trust me. It's her and Rhodey. And it's.... it's you and me. Right?"

Steve could feel the ridiculous smile splitting his cheeks. “Yeah?” he asked, a little breathless.

“I mean…” Tony looked up at him through ridiculously long eyelashes. “I’d like it to be?”

There were a million and one things that Steve could say in response to that, but he couldn’t think of a single one. Instead, he curled his hand around the back of Tony’s neck, dipping his head to kiss him softly. Tony made a soft, whimpery noise, hands coming up to clutch at the front of Steve’s shirt. He couldn’t resist deepening the kiss, letting his tongue tease against the seam of Tony’s lips for a minute before he pulled back again, just a little.

“I thought… You were acting so weird. I thought you’d figured out I had a crush on you and, you know. Didn’t know how to turn me down.”

Tony made a pained noise, and then started laughing, pressing his face into Steve’s chest. His entire body was shaking with it, and Steve couldn’t help grinning as he wrapped his hands around Tony’s back.

“I was acting weird because I had a thing for you. I figured you couldn’t possibly be interested because otherwise, why wouldn’t you have made a move? I was laying it on way too strong. I’ve never been the best at processing stuff like that. I get a little… manic.”

Steve wanted to kick his own ass, but it was hard to be upset when he finally, finally had his arms full of Tony. “Really?” he teased instead. “I hadn’t noticed.”

Tony bit his pec in retaliation — it was right there, how was he supposed to resist? — sending a full-body shudder through Steve. There wasn’t much for him to do after that but pull Tony up into another kiss, and then another, until they were making out lazily right there in the hallway.

They might have kept going forever, if they hadn’t been interrupted by a very pointed throat clearing.

“Okay, seriously guys?” Bucky protested. “I’ve been killing time with Nat for the past half hour. Can’t you do that in one of your own classrooms? Or better yet, a goddamn bedroom? Preferably not in our shared apartment,” he added with a glare at Steve.

Steve could feel his cheeks heating, but he didn’t really feel embarrassed, especially not with the smirk Tony was leveling at him. Steve shivered again, and his smirk grew wider.

“Yeah, yeah,” Tony said, tossing a look at Bucky over his shoulder. “We’re going. Don’t get your ponytail in a knot.” Then he caught Steve’s hand. “Can I uh… can I buy you dinner? I know a great Italian place. Not too fancy, cozy… intimate.”

Steve’s face hurt from smiling so hard. “Sounds like a date,” he said, getting a goofy little delighted giggle out of Tony.

“You know,” Tony said as they headed for the parking lot, fingers entwined. “You don’t have to be jealous of Rhodey’s nicknames. I can give you a nickname.”

Steve snorted. “I’ve heard some of Rhodey’s nicknames. I think I’m okay.”

Tony stuck his tongue out at him, softening it by standing on tiptoe to give him another quick kiss. “Oh, what about Cap? You know, like Captain America? In the old comic books? You kind of look like him, all big and blond and buff and like you could single-handedly take down a Nazi base and rescue the damsel in distress. The damsel in distress being me, obviously.”

Steve just laughed, shaking his head and happier than he’d ever been. “Tony, that is the dumbest thing I've ever heard.”

@tonystarkbingo

#tonystarkbingo2020 #tsb2020 #stony #steve rogers #tony stark #teacher au #mutual pining #get together #james rhodes #bucky barnes #natasha romanoff #background carol/rhodey #fic #my fic

43 notes · View notes

naferty · 6 years ago

Note

oh shit, i just read the mini continuation of your Mine, Mine, and Mine Au about Shuri and Riri, and at the very end you mentioned T'Challa's parents. What do THEY think about the whole ordeal? Did they know Tony before hand? Were they fond of him, if so then did they just give T'Challa the son-I-am-dissapointed-look and sigh???

T’Challa’s parents don’t approve. Not at all. They’ve never met Tony beforehand, but they know of him because of T’Challa joining the Avengers and needing to learn as much about the members of the team. Not meeting in person, they can only go by what T’Challa says and what their resources say.

They know he’s an omega defying expectations. They know he’s revolutionizing technology in the outside world. They know he is a good teammate. They know he made the very suit he fights with. They know with him flying ahead, T’Challa is safer than he’d be alone. They know he is a good friend to their son.

What they don’t know is the character behind the smoke. His personality. His views. His reactions. What the media expresses doesn’t fall in his favor, but what T’Challa says paints him in a different light. Clearly, there are two sides to him and unless they share the same roof for a time they’ll never get the full story of Tony Stark. And sadly, the image from the media outweighs the image from their son.

They trust T’Challa to tell them the truth when it involves his safety. Tony Stark will always be there to catch him if it’s ever required. They’re more hesitant to completely believe the image of a good man their son describes. Every character has a dark side, Stark is no exception, and many of the articles of Stark include very compromising photos along with the slander.

So when T’Challa reveals the news of their granddaughter out of wedlock, bore by none other than Tony Stark, they are not exactly thrilled. In fact, they both had to calmly talk each other out of flying directly to the tower where their son temporarily resided with his team. They don’t have an idea of what they’d do, but hearing the news but not seeing this daughter themselves makes it seem as if T’Challa is playing a game with them.

But T’Challa does show them pictures and gives them a look of disapproval when they not-so-subtly ask for a paternity test. “Why would he lie about a matter this important? He has nothing to gain, as he hasn’t asked nor demanded anything in return except to not attempt to take her away from him.”

T’Challa’s reasoning is sound, but still difficult to accept. They only begin warming up to the reality of having a granddaughter that is half outsider thanks to Shuri. When she’s old enough to join her brother she takes a trip to the tower to meet her niece and returns with videos and stories of their outside relative. She lets them know she absolutely loves Riri and both Stark and T’Challa did a good job. “Especially Stark, for a colonizer.”

Out of both parents, it is Ramonda who is more accepting. She doesn’t approve out of wedlock, but she does watch those videos and store the pictures T’Challa sends with a smile. Riri may not share the same blood as her, but she still views her as her own.

T’Chaka is a little stubborn. He��s not outright malicious, but he is distant. He doesn’t extend a hand, but he does listen when offered. Riri is his granddaughter, and he does have love for her, but the circumstances of her birth and her parentage keeps him from fully accepting her.

Riri notices this distance, not hard to, as does Tony when years go by and there’s no word or requests to meet Riri personally or invite her to Wakanda from her grandparents. Guilt is something he feels when he pieces together how he plays a huge part in Riri’s isolation from her family on T’Challa’s side. Thankfully, Riri is there to let him know she honestly doesn’t care because her family on his side is already enough to handle. She doesn’t need family from an isolated country added to her list when she has Harley and Peter as brothers and the Avengers as aunts and uncles.

#ask post #mal gets an ask #text post #nafety writes #mine mine and mine au #triplets peter harley and riri #a/b/o dynamics #t'stuckony #ironpanther

135 notes · View notes

aurumacadicus · 7 years ago

Note

In regency does Maria ever get married?

For the longest time, no. Tony begins to fret. Alphas are allowed to go without marrying for longer without raising any eyebrows because there’s so many more of them than royal omegas, but she has reached that age and people are giving her side-eyes.

“Is it that you want to marry an alpha?” Tony asks finally, because he’s wondered–

“Ew, Mama, no,” Maria scoffs. “I just haven’t found the right person yet.” Tony goes back to his good old-fashioned fretting. Even if she only got engaged, it would take a load off his mind.

But a few more years pass, and Tony is getting worried. “Don’t you care?” he asks his husbands, and they do care, they just… don’t care as much as Tony? This is another one of those duty things so they’ll never care as much as Tony but they still worry about their daughter. So they go talk to her.

“Ugh, fine,” she sighs, rolling her eyes. “I’ll pick someone.”

“I think your mother is just worried because he’s afraid he won’t live to see you marry otherwise,” Steve points out bluntly, and Maria winces, because she really doesn’t care for the idea of marriage at all. She likes being a flirt. She likes seeing the omegas she flirts with blush. But she supposes she can understand why Tony would be worried. So she pens off a letter and waits for a response.

“Oh, what’s this?” Tony asks, holding up a letter from the Odinsons. He cracks the seal and pulls the letter out to read it. “Thor doesn’t usually write me letters, it’s usually Loki–” He stops. His lips thin into a flat line.

Maria bolts from the table.

“ABSOLUTELY NOT, I FORBID IT, I WILL NOT ALLOW THIS!” Tony is heard shrieking. He will not be quieted. Steve and Bucky try to shush him but Tony’s almost foaming at the mouth with anger, throwing food and drink and then furniture angrily. Eventually they just wait in the wings with the servants for him to calm down.

“Loki is fifty-seven years old,” Tony hisses once he’s drug Maria to see her fathers by her ear.

“He’s–he’s an unwed beta,” Maria says through gritted teeth. “Mama, let get of my ear!”

Tony lets go but only because Steve tugs him away from her, making him squawk in affront. “Maria, you don’t have to marry Loki to get back at us,” Bucky tells her seriously. “If you truly don’t want to get married, that’s fine. You didn’t need to do all of this.”

“But I want to marry Loki,” Maria says.

Tony lets out a noise more like a rabid animal than actual human speech and Steve drags him away to cool down.

“Alright,” Steve says gently. “Alright. Now let’s just hear Maria out.” Tony opens his mouth, but Steve puts a hand on his and gives him a look as he repeats, “Let’s. Just hear her out.” So Tony bites his tongue and mutters to himself, but obediently quiets down when Steve gives his hand a squeeze.

“So, like you said, Loki is fifty-seven,” Maria starts, and Bucky nods even as he wraps his arm around Tony’s shoulders and covers the omega’s mouth with his hand. “And I may be less than half his age, but… we get along. He’s clever and witty and nice. We may not be able to have children, but we’ll be able to be companions.” She’s quiet for a moment before she softly adds, “And maybe people will stop talking behind his back if he has a mate.”

Tony starts talking immediately but it’s muffled by Bucky’s hand.

Steve is quiet for several minutes, appearing thoughtful, before he looks at Maria and very seriously says, “If this is what you really want, I won’t oppose it. I can’t say I approve, but Harley and Riri have children, and so does Peter. I can’t say I enjoy the thought of you being widowed so young, either, but as long as you’re aware of the consequences, I’ll allow it.” Tony snarls under Bucky’s hand. “Your mother will talk to you later,” Steve adds, and then tugs Tony up out of his seat and drags him out.

“I WILL NOT HAVE MY CHILD WIDOWED LIKE THIS,” Tony screams before he’s tugged out of the room.

“You could have chosen an age-appropriate mate for your marriage of convenience,” Bucky comments. “But I won’t put up a fuss about it either.”

Maria nods sharply. She knows her mother isn’t happy about this. She hadn’t really expected him to be, though.

“You’re twenty-six,” Tony hisses, pacing up and down the room. “Loki is almost sixty. I’m sixty-six!” Maria rolls her eyes and sighs and opens her mouth to argue but then Tony stops, hands gripped into fists, and he whispers, “I won’t be able to be here for you when you’re widowed, Maria.”

Maria’s heart breaks a little. Even now her mother wants to be there for her to make things okay when they go wrong. “Mama,” Maria says gently, taking his fist and smoothing it out to hold. “You raised three fine children. If Loki dies before me, and he probably will… I have two brothers who will take care of me.”

Tony’s breath hitches, eyes hot with tears he doesn’t let fall. “I just don’t want you to be alone.”

“I won’t be,” Maria promises him. “Peter or Harley would send for me. I know they would. And if not them, then one of my many nieces and nephews would. Mama–I know you don’t understand, because you were alone so long,” she tells him gently. “But because of you and Papa and Dada, I will never be alone.”

Tony sobs and pulls her into a hug, pressing kisses into her hair and whispering apologies that she doesn’t accept, because she thinks he doesn’t need to give them.

(“She’ll be taken care of,” Thor promises Tony. “I don’t quite understand their marriage, but… Loki was pleased.”

Tony looks at Loki, old and still unmarried, and he remembers when Loki found out he’d been a foundling, how upset he’d been and how everyone had talked about him. Loki always flirted and smirked and talked about how he didn’t need a mate, but… he must have been lonely. Maybe Loki and Maria don’t love each other. But they’ll have companionship.)

((A month before the wedding, Tony and Bucky wake up. Steve doesn’t.))

#aurumacadicus answers #anon #regency au #angst #welcome to the suffer club i guess #anonymous

226 notes · View notes

hairstyle1453-blog · 7 years ago

Text

60 Bob Haircuts For Black Women

New Post has been published on http://girlsbesthairstyle.com/60-bob-haircuts-for-black-women/

60 Bob Haircuts For Black Women

Long hair can be such a pain sometimes. You’ve got to use tons of products to wash and style it. And if you are a beautiful black lady who is blessed with hair that is naturally thick and curly, long hair might just become too tiresome for you. So what can you do when you get tired of your long tresses? Cut it all off, of course! Bob cuts are all the rage right now and for a good reason. Not only do they look chic and fabulous, but are also super functional, easy to maintain, and take a ridiculously reduced amount of time and product to style. Need I convince you more?

Read on to find out what our top picks are for bob haircuts for black women. Different lengths, textures, colors, and braided looks – we have covered a myriad of styles to offer you a range of options. Enjoy!

60 Best Bob Haircuts For Black Women

A-line Bob With Chocolate Brown Highlights

Cobalt Blue Blunt Bob

Rock Chic Bob

A-line Bob With Straight Bangs

Boy Cut With Olive Green Bangs

Rounded Edges Bob

Cool Toned Ombre Bob

Simple Long Bob

Faux Bob

Sleek Bowl Cut

Box Braids Bob

Badass Bangs Bob

Wavy Bob With Straight Bangs

Long Bob And Halfway Bangs

Umbrella Bob

Perfectly Edged Bob

Two-Toned Pixie Bob

Swept Away Curls Bob With Fringe

Center-Parted Bowl Cut

Dented Curls Short Bob

Naturally Curly Bob

Purple And Pink Flicked Out Bob

The Swoop Bangs Cut

Curly Swoop Bob

Tousled Bob With Eyebrow Grazing Bangs

Crimson Round Bob

Sunset Pixie Bob

Super Blunt Edged Long Bob

Burgundy Bob With Dense Bangs

Curled Up Bob

Dark Roots Curly Bob

Bronze Curly Bob

Feathered Highlights Layered Bob

Ultra Contrast Bob Cut

Casually Wavy Uneven Bob

3D Crochet Braids Bob

Blonde Ombre Lob

Indigo Blue Asymmetrical Bob

Super Swooped Bob

Fuchsia Curly Bob

Platinum Pixie Bob

Golden Brown And Maroon Short Bob

Caramel Toned Long Bob

Goldilocks Bob

Kinky Curly Bob

Center Parted Long Bob

Chic Short Bob

Long Bob With Wispy Bangs

Curly Swooped Pixie Bob

Sapphire Blue Bob

Afro Bob

Highlighted Kinky Curly Bob

Pixie Bob With Dramatic Bangs

Twisted Braids Bob

Fiery Orange Feathered Bob

Short Blonde Bob

Layered Pixie Bob

Flaming Curls Bob

Green Mohawk Bob

Beaded Long Bob

1. A-line Bob With Chocolate Brown Highlights

Image: Instagram

Perhaps the most famous of bobs at the moment, the A-line bob could be the perfect look for you if you have a round face. Not only will the long at the sides/short at the back structure of this look create ample volume, the golden brown highlights will also add loads of dimension to your overall look.

Back To TOC

2. Cobalt Blue Blunt Bob

Image: Instagram

Ignore the haters who say that bright colored hair does not go well with dark skin! This cobalt blue hair is enough to prove them all along. When done up in big waves, this short, blunt bob with straight cut ends is bound to make many heads turn.

Back To TOC

3. Rock Chic Bob

Editorial Credit: Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com

Zendaya absolutely slays in any of the myriad of hair looks she sports. This shaggy bob is no exception. The shoulder grazing bob topped with roughened up bangs gives off some serious rock chic vibes. I would not mess with anyone sporting this hair.

Back To TOC

4. A-line Bob With Straight Bangs

Image: Instagram

If you are someone who can’t be bothered with frills and fancies, this look is made for you. The short bob at the back sharply descends into longer ends at the sides to create a drastic A-line look. The straight cut bangs only add to the sleekness of this edgy look. Needless to say, it’s a hair look fit for a badass.

Back To TOC

5. Pixie Bob With Olive Green Bangs

Image: Instagram

Want to try out a funky color but don’t fancy coloring all of your hair? I have the perfect solution for you! Getting your hair cut in a pixie bob will not only make it super manageable, but also give you the chance to color your bangs in some cool shades. How about olive green like the beautiful lady pictured above, huh?

Back To TOC

6. Rounded Edges Bob

Editorial Credit: DFree / Shutterstock.com

Taraji hits the nail on the head with this gorgeous bob cut hair look. Let’s face it, homegirl doesn’t need to put much effort into her style to look absolutely flawless. This is probably why she manages to look amazing in this simple bob that is flicked towards her face at the ends to frame it along with those no-nonsense side swept bangs.

Back To TOC

7. Cool Toned Ombre Bob

Editorial Credit: Ovidiu Hrubaru / Shutterstock.com

OK, the more I look at this picture of Jourdan Dunn, the more mesmerized I am by the color of her hair. I mean, it looks almost…metallic. The extremely simplistic bob has been elevated to a whole new level by the cool-toned blonde ombre and the sleek, straight styling.

Back To TOC

8. Simple Long Bob

Editorial Credit: Jaguar PS / Shutterstock.com

Ciara can do no wrong when it comes to her hair! And no one does a long bob better than Ciara. Styled in a simple straight manner, her center-parted lob looks sleek and frames her already chiseled jawline. I would be very intimidated by anyone whose hair is as perfect as that!

Back To TOC

9. Faux Bob

Editorial Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com

As if Zoe Saldana hadn’t confused us enough by making us fall for her in her blue avatar Neytiri and her green-skinned look as Gamora, she is now back to bend our minds with her faux bob look! Basically, if you are too chicken to cut off your hair but still crave that short hair look, follow Saldana’s example and style it in texturized curls that are tied and pinned up at the back to create the illusion of a bob.

Back To TOC

10. Sleek Bowl Cut

Editorial Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com

OK, please don’t be alarmed by the words ‘bowl cut.’ I know it sounds ridiculous to even think that getting a bowl cut is a viable option. BUT JUST LOOK AT NAOMI CAMPBELL! She straightened her bowl cut hair, put some flowers in it, and completely rocked the look. And you can too!

Back To TOC

11. Box Braids Bob

Image: Instagram

Are you in love or are you in love with this box braided look? Gorgeous to look at and easy to maintain, this center parted bob has been done up in box braids and accessorized with silver beads. God, I could keep looking at this flawless hair all day.

Back To TOC

12. Badass Bangs Bob

Editorial Credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

Sessilee Lopez is a supermodel for a reason. Because she can sport haircuts that are comprised of just bangs and still make it work. Like, seriously. This hairstyle is basically just bangs! While her hair at the back and one side have been shorn short, the hair on top of her head has been left long to be styled as a pseudo-bob/dramatic side swept bangs.

Back To TOC

13. Wavy Bob With Straight Bangs

Editorial Credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com

I have zero clue how Rihanna transforms her hair literally every few days. And every new look she comes up with is spectacular. She actually went pretty tame with this wavy bob look that she sported at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards. The mid-length bob has been done up in subtle waves and given a wet look. The bangs have also been kept simple and straight.

Back To TOC

14. Long Bob And Halfway Bangs

Editorial Credit: s_bukley / Shutterstock.com

Rosario Dawson up in here absolutely killing it with this unconventional twist on the long bob look. Dawson is throwing caution to the wind by sporting this rough wavy long bob complemented by the quirky bangs that end halfway down her forehead. She’s certainly got our stamp of approval.

Back To TOC

15. Umbrella Bob

Editorial Credit: Everett Collection / Shutterstock.com

Fans will never forget Rihanna’s 2007 haircut featured in her music video of ‘Umbrella.’ Salons were overrun by fans who wanted to sport the same sharp-ended asymmetrical bob as hers. The Umbrella bob is the epitome of sleek with its poker straight styling and side part that created an air of sexiness and mystery around Rihanna.

Back To TOC

16. Perfectly Edged Bob

Editorial Credit: Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com

Perfectly edged bobs are always the best black women bob haircuts. You know how in 90s cartoons the characters just had two-dimensional blobs of color on top of their heads that was supposed to be their hair? This bob cut sported by Zendaya with perfectly trimmed edges is kinda like that, in the best way possible. A little quirky with its poker straight hair and bangs, this hair look may require weekly trims to maintain its structure but the end result is totally worth the effort.

Back To TOC

17. Two-Toned Pixie Bob

Editorial Credit: s_bukley / Shutterstock.com

Damnnn, Rihanna… back at it again with the gorgeous hairstyles. No one does a short hair look better than our RiRi. For this pixie bob look, she went for an undercut above one ear, short hair at the back, and super long side swept bangs in the front. She has upped the color game in this look by going for unblended golden highlights on her jet black hair.

Back To TOC

18. Swept Away Curls Bob With Fringe

Editorial Credit: DFree / Shutterstock.com

Olivia Pope – ahem, I mean Kerry Washington looks absolutely divine in this mid-length bob. To achieve this look, she has simply curled her hair away from her face and straightened her fringe. The effect thus created is soft, elegant, and classy. Sport this haircut to look like your – and everyone’s – favorite Scandal character.

Back To TOC

19. Center-Parted Bowl Cut

Editorial Credit: Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com

If you thought there was no way that you could pull off a bowl cut, think again. Take inspiration from Tika Sumpter who has gone for a simple, no-nonsense bowl cut. She has styled her hair in a sleek middle part and kept her bangs out of the way because she probably needs to get shit done and doesn’t have time for all that styling nonsense.

Back To TOC

20. Dented Curls Short Bob

Image: Instagram

Sick of the same old cutesy curly look? Try out this interesting take on the traditional curls. This short bob look involves straightening and sleeking down the top half of your hair and creating some dented curls with the bottom half. A few drops of smoothening serum to add some shine to your hair, and you’re done!

Back To TOC

21. Naturally Curly Bob

Image: Instagram

Embrace your naturally kinky curly hair by going for this look. All you need to do is get your hair cut in a shoulder length bob and leave you natural curls as they are. To have more fun with this look, you could ombre your curls and part your hair on one side. And that’s it! You’re done!

Back To TOC

22. Purple And Pink Flicked Out Bob

Image: Instagram

Are you still harboring your childhood dream of becoming a bubblegum princess? Well, with this bright pink and purple hair color, you can get damn close to looking like one! The short bob has been cut into some shallow layers at the end and flicked outwards while the ends were being straightened to create a spiky pixie-ish look. The long side swept bangs round off the whole look with panache.

Back To TOC

23. The Swoop Bangs Cut

Image: Instagram

Holy hell, how adorable do those swoop bangs look?! Homegirl is absolutely killing it with this bangsy bob, and you can too! All you need to do is get a short pixie bob with long bangs, curl all your hair, and let your bangs fall in a swoop down one side of your forehead. Done!

Back To TOC

24. Curly Swoop Bob

Image: Instagram

I think I’m in love with this hair. Like, actually, truly in love. HOW CAN ANY HAIR BE THIS GORGEOUS? And believe it or not, those are her natural curls. With just a simple short bob, her hair slightly parted on one side, and her beautiful curls swooping down the front, she manages to create a stunning look.

Back To TOC

25. Tousled Bob With Eyebrow Grazing Bangs

Image: Instagram

Every variation of the bob cut and bangs look has been done. So, why not try out something new? Take this look, for example. The super short bob has been curled, and then tousled up, to create a soft and romantic look. A twist has been added by cutting some short, straight cut bangs that end slightly above her eyebrows.

Back To TOC

26. Crimson Round Bob

Image: Instagram

Everyone seems to opt for more fiery shades when coloring their hair red. Why not try something a little more on the toned down side? This crimson hue done on a short round bob pairs really well with darker skin tones and looks absolutely stunning. The long side swept bangs gradually and beautifully blend into the bob itself.

Back To TOC

27. Sunset Pixie Bob

Image: Instagram

Look, there is a reason why the internet is inundated with pictures of sunsets. It’s because they are absolutely stunning and restore your faith in God. So, if you can get that same sunset effect on your hair, then why not give it a try? This adorable pixie bob has been cut evenly on all sides and contrasted with an undercut on one. The beautifully blended shades of yellow and orange create a dazzling sunset effect that is just elevated by the straightened side swept bangs.

Back To TOC

28. Super Blunt Edged Long Bob

Image: Instagram

So many of us shy away from getting blunt ended haircuts because they look “weird.” Or, at least, I do. But now that I have seen it done this way, I say, go for it. The super blunt long bob is slightly A-line in structure and styled in a poker straight manner, which makes it look edgy, yet professional.

Back To TOC

29. Burgundy Bob With Dense Bangs

Image: Instagram

Not gonna lie, I’m a sucker for burgundy hair. And this A-line structured bob does full justice to it. This short in the back, long on the sides cut has been has been elevated to a whole new level by coloring all the hair on top in that beautiful deep red shade and leaving the hair under it natural black. The dense straight cut bangs that fall smack-dab on the eyebrows is super chic.

Back To TOC

30. Curled Up Bob

Image: Instagram

Here’s another fun idea to change up your bob look. If your bob is of medium length, you could play around with a curling iron to create tight curls to transform it into a shorter bob, as pictured above. Add a slight A-line structure to it and part it to the side to add some funk to your look.

Back To TOC

31. Dark Roots Curly Bob

Image: Instagram

I’m sure that your Instagram feed these days is filled with pictures of women showing off their ombre hair. So here’s a look that deviates from this mainstream style and creates a niche for itself. The dark roots in this curly short bob change into a golden blonde at the bottom without much of a gradual transition, which is exactly what makes this hair look so fresh and daring.

Back To TOC

32. Bronze Curly Bob

Image: Instagram

This haircut and style looks simply surreal. With its perfectly structured curls that flow down like molten bronze, it looks like something out of a dream. Or a vintage Hollywood movie poster. The long bob has been curled on its lower half to make it look like a mid-length bob and swept to the side to create a pin-up effect.

Back To TOC

33. Feathered Highlights Layered Bob

Image: Instagram

If you are someone who has fine hair, I recommend that you go for this look. This long bob has been cut into layers, each of which has been highlighted with a light brown color to create some movement and dimension in your hair. Part your hair on one side and style it in a feathered manner to highlight your highlights!

Back To TOC

34. Ultra Contrast Bob Cut

Image: Instagram

Some of us (read: me) are too hesitant to dye our hair even in one color. Then, there are those who just go for it in the most baller way possible. This gorgeous lady has left her hair at the top and bottom in her natural color and gone for a bleached blonde shade in the middle section of her hair. She has then straightened her bob, making her brown hair at the top drape down on her blonde locks like a curtain.

Back To TOC

35. Casually Wavy Uneven Bob

Image: Instagram

There are asymmetrical bobs and then there are downright uneven cuts. This haircut falls in the latter category, but in the best way possible. This uneven bob has been styled in some loose waves and with minimal product to keep the overall look casual and fresh.

Back To TOC

36. 3D Crochet Braids Bob

Image: Instagram

Anyone can do a simple A-line bob. But, do your A-line bob up in 3D crochet braids and you have something really special at hand. This side parted look is nothing if not edgy and badass. Add a few bronze beads and put on your best clothes to take the world by storm.

Back To TOC

37. Blonde Ombre Lob

Editorial Credit: s_bukley / Shutterstock.com

Ciara strikes again with her signature long bob look. But, this time she has switched up the color by going for a cool toned blonde ombre and dark roots. Though she has maintained her center parting, this time she has styled her lob in some subtle relaxed waves that soften her overall look.

Back To TOC

38. Indigo Blue Asymmetrical Bob

Image: Instagram

Sport this look if you dare. This look truly is a study in contrasts with its sharp, long cut on one side and short, blunt one on the other. The indigo blue hue seriously ups the cool factor of this look. Let’s be real, anyone sporting this cut and color would look baller as hell.

Back To TOC

39. Super Swooped Bob

Image: Instagram

If your style is quite out there and you lean towards more dramatic looks, try out this bob cut for size. This curly bob hairstyle, the focal point of which are the big bangs swooping down one side, is sure to add an element of mystery to your overall look. The subtle highlights added to the bangs round off the look perfectly.

Back To TOC

40. Fuchsia Curly Bob

Image: Instagram

This model is working her bright mid-length bob like it’s nobody’s business. The messy curls and swooping side bangs are fun and flirty, to say the least. The bright pop of color added by the fuchsia shade makes this style ultra feminine and totally badass.

Back To TOC

41. Platinum Pixie Bob

Image: Instagram

Can’t choose between getting a pixie cut or a bob cut? Well, here’s a style that gives you the best of both worlds! In terms of length, the pixie bob style saddles the line between these two styles. In this particular look, the model’s hair has been styled in Marcel waves that lay flat on her head. The platinum blonde coloring given at the top creates a mesmerizing effect when paired with the super structured curls.

Back To TOC

42. Golden Brown And Maroon Short Bob

Image: Instagram

God, I love it when I see a unique hair color combo. This super short and curly bob has been dyed in a fabulous golden brown color and subtly highlighted with a gorgeous maroon shade. The bob itself is super voluminous at the back and finished off with some swooped bangs in the front. This is one of the best short bob hairstyles for black women.

Back To TOC

43. Caramel Toned Long Bob

Image: Instagram

I’m absolutely in love with this caramel toned hair look. It’s not quite ombre as it transitions pretty abruptly from dark roots to caramel ends. Nevertheless, the result is pretty striking. The long bob has been cut into blunt ends and the bangs have been swept to the side to finish off the look.

Back To TOC

44. Goldilocks Bob

Image: Instagram

It’s time for all your childhood dreams of looking like a fairytale character coming true! This curly and short bob haircut for black women is as classy as it is. But colored in a golden blonde shade, the whole look exudes refined elegance. Style this bob with gold and dewy makeup to look like an absolute goddess.

Back To TOC

45. Kinky Curly Bob

Image: Instagram

Kinky curly hair is probably the most beautiful hair texture in the world. And to unleash it in its most gorgeous and voluminous form, all you need to do is get it cut into a long bob down till your shoulders. A little bit of coconut oil applied at the roots and some tender loving care, and your kinky curly bob will look naturally beautiful.

Back To TOC

46. Center Parted Long Bob

Image: Instagram

If you are always reaching for your curling wand and are a huge fan of hair products, you can put both those things to use with this bob cut look. This long bob has been styled in super structured curls at the bottom and sleekly parted down the middle at the top to show off the model’s jet black tresses in the best way possible.

Back To TOC

47. Chic Short Bob

Image: Instagram

With its soft tousled curls that give off an air of romance, this bob cut looks like it belongs on the cinema screen. The big open curls end right at the chin and accentuate your jawline. Don’t forget to part your hair on one side to add a touch of glamor to your look.

Back To TOC

48. Long Bob With Wispy Bangs

Image: Instagram

Heading off to college? We’ve got you covered! This simple straight long bob is low maintenance and highly functional for the multi-tasking woman that you are. The straight cut wispy bangs add a splash of youthfulness to this simple cut.

Back To TOC

49. Curly Swooped Pixie Bob

Image: Instagram

Yooo…this hair is so damn cute! A new take on the pixie bob look, this cut plays really well with naturally kinky curly hair. The sides have been cut right till the roots and all the hair at the top has been left long to swoop down to form some seriously cute bangs at the front.

Back To TOC

50. Sapphire Blue Bob

Image: Instagram

Here’s another unique color that you don’t see every day. The chilled out waves on the short bob work well to accentuate its sapphire blue tone. The subdued shade of blue is not ‘in your face’, which make it work appropriate, yet stylish.

Back To TOC

51. Afro Bob

Image: Instagram

You don’t always need to go in for extensions or heated hair tools to sport a bob. The afro bob proves just that. This trendy look that has been done on natural hair is absolutely gorgeous and low maintenance. The volume added all around your head by this bob makes this look feminine and fun.

Back To TOC

52. Highlighted Kinky Curly Bob

Image: Instagram

Just because you are leaving your hair in its au naturel kinky curly state does not mean that you can’t treat yourself to a little bit of color. You could take inspiration from this look and add some brown tones on the hair at the top of your head to create a mesmerizing effect when hit by sunlight. The bob itself can be kept short to create an afro look.

Back To TOC

53. Pixie Bob With Dramatic Bangs

Editorial Credit: Derrick Salters / Shutterstock.com

*Hums to herself* Say my name, say my name… With that killer pixie cut, we definitely will say Michelle Williams’ name! The pixie, that is short all around except in the front and on the top, works best for someone with a long face or a prominent forehead. The long bangs have been straightened, slightly feathered, and swept to one side to create a dramatic and edgy look.

Back To TOC

54. Twisted Braids Bob

Image: Instagram

Let’s twist it up, girls! There’s so much going on in this bob look that I don’t even know where to begin. Let’s start off with the impeccable twisted braids that have been swept over to one side. The sides have been shorn off to reduce the volume and focus the attention on the braids. Lastly, the front half of her hair has been dyed in a honey brown color to create a contrast against the naturally dark hair at the back. Phew!

Back To TOC

55. Fiery Orange Feathered Bob

Image: Instagram

Full disclosure? I love autumn. And I would love nothing more than to surround myself with the orange and brown shades of fallen leaves. With this gorgeous orange hair color, you could do just that! The roots and the hair at the back have been left brown to subdue the vibrant orange and the bob has been styled in a feathered manner to add some dimension and movement to the hair.

Back To TOC

56. Short Blonde Bob

Editorial Credit: Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com

Let’s just accept that Ciara is at the top of the bob haircut game. This time, she has gone for a super short bob and a completely blonde look. The center parting and the rounded edges of her straight hair create an air of dignity and sophistication around her. She is, truly, a class apart.

Back To TOC

57. Layered Pixie Bob

Editorial Credit: Joe Seer / Shutterstock.com

Tyra Banks is absolutely killing it with this super edgy layered pixie look. With the help of some light hold hair gel, she has styled her pixie into spikes that lay flat across her forehead to create a cutting edge look and exude a badass vibe. Iconic.

Back To TOC

58. Flaming Curls Bob

Image: Instagram

This! Girl! Is on fiiire! With those flaming copper curls shooting out in all directions, this model really does look like a fire goddess. The mid-length bob has been styled into tight curls to reduce its length and create that ultra dynamic movement. It’s edgy, it’s cool, and it’s calling out to you to get it done yourself.

Back To TOC

59. Green Mohawk Bob

Image: Instagram

I know, I know. This bright green look is pretty out there for the most daring of us. But rest assured that you will grab and hold the attention of anyone you meet. With undercuts on either side and the hair left in the middle cut into a short bob cut, the curls created in this hair create a funky mohawk that is sure to up your style quotient by like a bazillion points.

Back To TOC

60. Beaded Long Bob

Image: Instagram

In a world where black women (and women of color, in general) are standing up to the prevailing beauty standards that they have been forced to conform to, Solange has released her song ‘Don’t Touch My Hair’ to showcase the beauty of natural African hair. In its iconic music video, she sports a heavily beaded long bob that she absolutely slays and carries off with aplomb. I’m sure you’re already making a hair appointment at your salon to achieve this absolute perfection of a look.

Back To TOC

Phew! So that’s our rundown of bob haircuts for black women. And that’s a pretty exhaustive list! Comment below to let us know which hair look had you reaching for your phone to make an appointment with your hairdresser!