#shush exams have been kicking my ass

[kayatoastkkat]

no thoughts just bubble tea

(changed users btw! this is formerly kkat-q, but i will be sticking to my current one from now on)

version without blinding orange lighting below!

[periprose]

Playstation Spidey is sooo blorbo- I love himmm. May I request something where Pete and Reader have been too preoccupied with studying and taking exams all week that when their date arrives on Saturday, they don't do anything but makeout instead cause they miss each other so much?🥲 (I just wish I had a Peter Parker to kiss😔)

I love him too and this idea is just 🤌🤌. I hope it's okay I made this a friends to lovers instead? :)

Your phone buzzes with a new message from Peter.

Peter: hey we still good for Saturday? the study date at the library?

Peter: sorry for not picking up earlier. Phys 403 is kicking my ass 🥹

You giggle to yourself. Peter had been so excited to see you this week- he was terribly busy with internships and FEAST and every single exam that was assigned this week.

You had half the workload he did, and you struggled to finish things, so you had no idea how he did it. It was quite irritating, not being able to catch up with Peter as often as you'd like, but you were hanging on for Saturday.

Even now- he strangely missed your calls and would usually pick up ASAP- and May's told you he's not at FEAST, so it's really confusing to you where he'd be. But you're not concerned, because you have exams to study for.

You: Yea we're still good pete

You: don't stress about it. worry about your exam

Peter: 🫡 will do ma'am

You laugh, picturing Peter saluting to himself.

/

The timer for your Shakespeare exam just rings as you hand it in to your professor, who gives you a firm, steely nod. You know how strict he is- he doesn't always allow for students to hand in things after the time's up, and even as you leave the classroom, you hear students pleading with him to let them hand in their exams.

You shrug to yourself, and turn the corner of one of the many hallways of Empire State University- bumping straight into Peter.

"Oh-!" You topple over, and although at your trajectory in the air you should've fallen over Peter, he somehow has enough strength to keep you upright in the air, holding you gently by the waist, and before you can think too much about his surprisingly strong capabilities, he's set you down again already.

"All good?" Peter asks, and you nod bashfully.

"Yeah. Just finished my Shakespeare exam. Not sure if I did all that well." You tell him, and Peter raises his eyebrows.

"With Strict Dr. Powell, huh?" Peter gives a wary glance past your shoulder, and then leans in extra close, seemingly not noticing how you fail to maintain eye contact. "Just between you and me, I'm pretty sure he's not actually tenured."

"What?" You stare up at him in surprise. "How else would he be qualified to teach a fourth year English course?"

"Well, let's just say I did a little sleuthing after getting a C- on my last essay. I know, I know what you're going to say-" Peter shushes you as you laugh, taunting him about an unusually low grade. "It was on Asimov, you know? Father of Science Fiction?"

"I think that was H.G. Wells, Pete."

"Right, whatever." But Peter's features bristle with that familiar fondness for you, and you smile softly at him as he continues. "I knew even if my essay wasn't perfect, a C- was really lowballing what it should've been. So I searched some of the school records, and he's actually named Powalski. ESU's letting him stay tenured even though he's only been a professor for five years. My guess is that they owe him some kind of favour."

"And that's why our poor student body has to worry about failing English classes this year, when they should be easy. Because of one crazy professor." You surmise, and Peter nods. "Still, I can't believe you went through the school records! How did you even access them?"

"Uhhhh..." Peter shrugs as he starts backing away, a slightly flustered look on his face. "Parker luck?"

"Peter, I thought that was supposed to mean bad luck." You retort, laughing over his antics.

"Yeah, I never said I wasn't in hot water for doing that." Peter jokes, and he flashes a peace sign at you. "I gotta head to my Physics exam. Talk to you later?"

Before you can respond, Peter suddenly squeezes your shoulder in a quick move, and he takes a moment, staring at your face, and your mouth, before dashing off. "I'm sure you did great on your exam, regardless!"

"Thanks." You're left with a sheepish smile that you shake off your face when Peter's far in the distance, unaware that he's got the same expression on his face.

/

Peter's kind of struggling a little bit with physics.

Sure, he's a total brainiac, and he's sure to ace it even with his current mood- he's just terribly distracted.

You smelt really good today. Like warm, vanilla-cinnamon goodness. Peter's heightened senses tell him you've got a new perfume.

But he's more focusing on your lips for some reason. Ugh, no. Peter knows why he focuses so much on your lips- you just happen to smile in the cutest, sweetest way.

And just now- you had laughed in the funniest way, your lips curling into a pout that Peter was sure was seared into his mind for good.

Oh, no. I'm a total goner. He gets back to his exam, ignoring this urge to kiss you.

/

There's a knock at your apartment door just as you're finishing tidying up. Your living room tends to be pretty ugly, and the last thing you want is for Peter to think you're a slob.

Peter calls your name through the door. "I'm not going to think you're anymore messy than I am. Stop cleaning! We gotta leave soon if we want to make it for our allotted study room time, and I just need to use the bathroom."

You shake your head, give yourself one last glance in the mirror, and then open the door.

"Finally. God, dude, you would think your apartment is a pigsty or something. I'm only going to be in here for five minutes." Peter jokes. "You would hate to see mine."

"Is that why you've never invited me there?"

"Uh, yeah. Otherwise you could crash whenever you wanted to there." Peter suddenly turns red. "I mean... you know, you're always tired after class and your apartment is further away from ESU than mine is."

"It's fine, Peter. No need for rambling." You reach forward, wanting to take the books out of his hands- you notice a slight scar on his palm. "Hey, what's that?"

"Ah, just an accident at Octavius' place. No big deal, it'll be gone before I know it." Peter randomly opens a door. "This the bathroom? No, it's a closet. Darn these misleading doors..."

"Down the hall, to the right, Peter."

He nods, and you suddenly feel a wave of giddy energy as he's gone. Yes, you've crushed on Peter for a while- you just don't think it's going to go anywhere since you're both so busy.

You're reapplying your lip balm when Peter wanders back to you a couple minutes later.

"Ah, should we go?" You say, slightly muffled as you continue reapplying. It's a delicious honeydew flavour- you can't help but eat your lip balm off your lips from time to time.

"Yeah..." Peter struggles to say something, anything, and you catch his eyes drifting from yours, to your lips.

"Is something wrong?" You look up at him uncertainly. "There wasn't enough toilet paper, was there?"

"Shoot. Might've used the last bit, sorry." Peter jokes, but he turns quiet, and he grows a little pink.

"Well, if that's all, let's get going." You put your lip balm back in your pocket, and move to get your coat out of the closet, but Peter grabs your arm with that too-quick motion he always seems to possess.

Peter wordlessly cradles your face- there's something echoing through his expression right now, affection, the kind, softness you've always known him to possess, but something else, too. Yearning.

You can't help but smile up slightly confused at him, not sure of his intentions, and while you're not stupid, you're not going to assume anything.

Peter doesn't hesitate and simply leans in and kisses you, a soft kiss that turns a lot more firm as you're pulled inwards by his hands, and you eagerly kiss him back, and you feel him grinning widely when he knows that you've wanted this as much as he had.

It's easy, it's always fun when it's with you, and he figures you both need stress relief anyways. Rather than studying chemistry in the library.

You reach upwards, and run your fingers through his brown, soft hair, and Peter groans ever so slightly against your mouth, which pleases you.

Suddenly he lets go, deeply red and looking a little woozy, but he still holds you close. "Sorry, I- I got a little carried away there."

"Don't be sorry. I wanted to do that too." You admit, a little shyly. "Are you okay with not studying?"

"Really? That's what's on your mind?" Peter looks genuinely a little aghast, even if he is joking. "I must've not kissed you hard enough."

Peter brings you to your couch, where you kiss him again, taking the lead in a way that makes his stomach flip-flop, not dissimilar to the way he feels when he free-falls off a building. You clamber onto his lap, trying to be gentle- and he pulls you down fully on him, wanting to feel every inch, every millimeter, even, against his body. There's an excited thump in his body for every squeeze he makes against you, and he feels his restraint leaving him when you suddenly sweep your tongue into his mouth.

Even when you leave room for air, Peter is insistent, reaching forward with more little kisses all over your cheek, and you reach back again for him, pressing your lips against his, feeling like there's no need to ruin this time with talking.

He really likes that. These are precious moments, few to be found considering how busy you both are, and Peter intends to make the most of it.

[harrywavycurly]

maybe husband!eddie comforting nervous reader before her exams at collage during the first semester? i have exams coming up tomorrow and it’s really stressing me out 😭🥲

Hiiii lovey!! I’m sending you alllllll the good vibes I have you’re gonna do great on your exams!! I hope you enjoy this conversation with Husband Eddie comforting you before an exam!💖

-find all things Husband Eddie here✨

“You’re gonna do great baby.” “You are just saying that because you’re my husband and I’d kick your ass if you said anything else.” “I mean…yeah you’d kick my ass but I’m not just saying that…you’ve studied and you know your shit so you’re going to do awesome.” “You really think so?…I’m really kinda freaking out honeybuns.” “Hey hey none of that…come on and cuddle with me…I lit those candles you like and everything.” “Not too close to the bed right? I can’t deal with the fire alarm going off tonight.” “It was one time sweetheart you’ve gotta learn to let shit go.” “Don’t be rude to me Edward James I’m on the verge of a breakdown.” “Oh right please forgive me…now come here and I’ll rub your back for you.” “You really think I’ll pass this exam?” “Yes I really think you’ll pass…you’ve been busting your ass studying and you’re smart…you’ve just got to relax a little bit and it’ll all be okay.” “Oh then let me head on over to Way-” “why do you say things like that while all cuddled up with me? That’s just rude baby…besides you know Wayne stresses you out…now just shush and let me work my magic.” “Did you just shush-” “yes I did shush you but with nothing but love now please…stop talking and just close your eyes…take a few deep breaths and relax…how’s that feel?” “Oh am I allowed to talk now?” “Baby…” “it feels good.” “Good…how are you feeling about your exam tomorrow?” “I feel…better.” “Are you gonna pass?” “Yes…I’m going to pass and…it’ll be fine.” “Exactly…oh and guess what?” “What?” “I love you..my super smart and cute wife.” “I love you too…my super annoying but good at giving massages husband.”

[axailslink]

You don't look happy how can I fix that?

Riri Williams x FEM reader

Summary: Your girlfriend won't let you shake ass at a party so you drop her and have fun with Riri Williams instead who ends up becoming far more than just her name to you as the night goes on.

You love yourself a good party so of course what were you doing on a Friday night instead of studying for the exam that you know you have on Monday? You're at a party trying to live your best life but your girlfriend isn't too into that she keeps trying to grab you by your waist trying to keep you from the dance circle she honestly is pissing you off. "Why can't I dance? I'm just trying to have a good time and you are really killing the vibe right now" you say you arms crossing your chest she groans "because I don't need no other chick or dude looking at you or tryna get behind you..." Oh you could slap her right now "I'm going to dance if someone was going to look at me they would have done it so suck it up" she grabs your wrist and you're quick to push her into the wall "you must have forgot who I am if you don't get your mother fucking hands off of me before I shoot you" she lets go because she's aware that you aren't joking matter of fact your gun was never too far.

You walk to the floor dress rising around your thighs that's when you see Riri who's been watching the whole thing you knew of her but you didn't know her. She's cute though she's sipping on her drink before she approaches you "you good?" You nod "of course I am just uhm wanted to get the fuck away from her before I showed her where I was from" she laughs and glances you up and down it was subtle and quick but you still noticed. "I thought that was your girl..." You nod "I'm looking for something new she's now off the menu" she nods before grabbing your hand gently. "So you just dropping em like that?" You shrug "no I liked her but I can't deal with the insecurities I'mma dance imma wear what I want to and ain't nobody gone stop that" you realize you've probably talked her head off so you come to a pause and drink your drink. "You said you want to dance yet you're still here" you nod groaning to yourself "she ruined my mood to be honest I just want to go home."

"Don't let her fuck up your night just cause she insecure c'mon dance with me" you look at her confused "I'm so serious" she says seeing your reaction "I'm not insecure I can handle it shake some ass be happy fuck her!" You shush her but she only laughs and yells louder "fuck you!" You grab her hand and drag her to the floor so her voice is drowned out by the sounds of music and the hyping of others you can really only hear each other clearly. "get wild I'm sure you ain't wear this dress just to look this pretty" you smile when she calls you pretty and nod "you right you sure right."

Girl the way you're movin', got me in a trance

DJ turn me up, ladies, this yo' jam (come on)

I'ma sip Moscato and you 'gon lose them pants

Then I'ma throw this money while you do it with no hands (leggo)

Girl, drop it to the floor

The music and the constant smiling of Riri is too much for you to handle at this moment but it is a moment of a lifetime and you are going to live it just like the moment it truly is. She grabs your hand and you turn around immediately throwing it all as if your girlfriend was behind you watching you. You love to make a bitch jealous but to make a pussy bitch jealous that just had some extra kick to it. Riri holds her dress with one hand and places her other hand on your waist guiding you onto her crotch.

love the way yo' booty go

All I wanna do is sit back and watch you move

And I'll proceed to throw this cash (Flocka, Waka Flocka, Waka Flocka)

"Aye aye get it damn damn!" Soon most of the attention is on you and her she was known for getting wild at these types of parties you on the other hand not so much you enjoy the newfound attention and you enjoy the jealousy in your ex-lovers eyes as she watches you both.

The music continues to change throughout the night and each song you and Riri are cutting it up you eventually kick your heels off so she's holding them in the air and matching your movements at the same time.

Slow down, grab the wall

Wiggle like you tryna make yo ass fall off

Hella thick I wanna smash 'em all, now

Speed up, gas pedal, now

Speed up, gas pedal

By the time Gas Pedal comes on you've forgotten all about who you came with and you were more worried about who you're going home with. Maybe Riri was just being friendly but the way she was looking you up and down between songs had you in a chokehold. Your body was on hers the whole night and you didn't mind you were sweaty and tired but you were having fun and that's what matters. It didn't matter if you acted like a fool or sweat out your hair all that mattered was how much fun you were having and with her you were having a lot.

When you two finally decide to call it a night you're leaning on her shoulder outside as she is still holding your shoes "I had fun" she smiles at you and nods "I saw same here uhm..." she smiles at you and then shakes her head "you don't even like girls do you? You're too pretty to really like girls" You don't know what the hell that meant but you answer anyways "I like whatever likes me" she nods "okay so if I was to kiss you you wouldn't scream or anything would you?" You laugh and shake your head "no not at all but only if you give me a ride home too" she nods and licks her lips "okay I can give you that ride" you grab her hand and pull her to you "then I can give you that kiss."

She hums and lets her arms wrap around your waist pulling you close as she closes the gap between you two. You wish you could say the kiss is polite and sweet but it is a whole violation you feel like you should have waited until you were in the car or something because anyone within eye range was getting a show. Riri wasn't shy in anything you knew this she was confident in her walk, her skill and now you know the same thing goes for when she likes someone.

You pull away and stare at her smiling like a fool in the corner of your eye notice a guy staring at you both he pats his friends shoulder and whispers very terribly might you add "oh she is getting some tonight" you and Riri laugh at the obviously drunk guys "you are so not getting any just because he said all that" she gasps "you know what I don't fuck on the first date anyways" you laugh and smile at her causing her to smile back. "you mentioned while we were dancing your feet hurt are you good enough to walk?" You shake your head "not at all never dancing in heels that long again" she turns around "get on my back" you smile "I will knock your tiny ass over" "no you won't and call me tiny again you'll be limping to the car by yourself" you laugh as you hike your dress up over your thighs and you get on her back she holds your legs in place and walks you to the car.

You can't even lie she makes you feel like a modern day Cinderella doing everything your girlfriend wouldn't do...you keep thinking girlfriend but she's in the past. She's doing everything your ex-girlfriend wouldn't do. You liked that.

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

When she pulls up to your off campus apartment you smile at her before shaking your head "I lied earlier" she raises her perfect damn eyebrows as if to question what you were speaking of "you might get some tonight" she looks at you and smiles widely "oh so you feeling generous?" You laugh and shake your head "no I just think you deserve it don't you?" She turns off the car engine "then please lead the way" you get out of the car and run over to her side opening the door for her she smiles and looks at your messy state "you're so fucking pretty" you're stopped in your little excited tracks by the comment "you really think so?" You had heard this compliment thousands of times especially from your ex but from her lips it meant nothing because she only said it to make you feel good however Riri means it.

"Oh please tell me you do know how beautiful you are? Because if not we have to work on that" you shake your head "oh no I know I'm gorgeous but it's been a while since someone said it like that you're tryna get me to do some things for real huh?" She laughs and gets out the car closing and locking the door. Now she's turned her full attention to you "no I'm just telling the truth when I saw you tonight my first thought wasn't 'damn I want to see what she's like in bed' my first thought was 'she don't look happy how can I fix that?' All of this happening right now I wasn't expecting it but I'm not mad at the way this night is ending. If you were to just walk in there by yourself and I were to go home I wouldn't care because I'd know I made you happy even if just for tonight."

You roll your eyes and turn around for a moment "oh lord forgive me for the things I'm about to do to her...c'mon" you say grabbing her hand and turning on your heel she laughs and follows behind you all giggly.

A/n: Every ship has a song and you and Riri's song is Girl by The Internet and KayTranada (give it a listen you'll see why.) Not going to lie I'm kind of in love with this fic but scared it's not going to get the attention it deserves because it's a Riri Williams x reader and people like to act like she ain't just as fine as Shuri.

@rxcently

@photosbyameil

@inmyheadimobsessed

[imagine-knb]

hi! How are you? I hope you are having a great day/ night! i was wondering if you could write about Coach Harasawa, who started getting feelings for a girl (18 above) who ever so happened to be the older sister of a new student that recently joined the team. for eg: she came to pick up her brother a little yearly one day and met the coach and team. Maybe after a few days of seeing her randomly he asks her to get a few drinks??? I understand if you dont want to. Dont forget to drink water <3

Oooh, we don't get requests for the coaches very often! This should be fun! Trigger warning for age gaps, since that might not be everyone's cup of tea. Admin Neon

The shrill sound of a whistle cut through the air as the end of practice was called. Standing on the sidelines, clipboard in hand, Harasawa silently went over the notes Momoi had collected during that day. Plans over what the team could accomplish in the next few weeks were already running through his head, agendas that he would be pouring over for the next few hours to come.

It was all interrupted by the voice of one of his first years — a newer player to the second string team — calling out toward the open double doors to the gymnasium.

"Onee-san! You're here early!"

Harasawa felt his heart lurch, gripping at his throat. Never one to want to look uncomposed, he lifted the clipboard he was holding just a bit higher, hiding the bottom half of his face. It did little to cover the grimace he had.

His eyes watched as you walked into the gymnasium, a hand lifted with a single finger held to your lips in a shushing motion. He always appreciated that you never wanted to interrupt practice, always arriving quietly and standing on the sidelines when you were early. You hardly spoke and it was the air of mystery that surrounded you that originally had him interested.

But when you did speak.

"Go finish up your cleaning duties and we'll drive home together," he heard you say to your younger brother, tone calm and even.

The sound of your voice had Harasawa swallowing thickly, grimace deepening. It had been a while since just the mere sound of a woman's voice could have him so allured. As it was now, he found his heartrate increasing, pounding peskily in his ears and making it hard for him to hear you well.

That is, until you got closer.

"Harasawa-san, it's good to see you again."

The smile you gave him as you approached had him wanting to hide further behind his clipboard. Instead, he tempered the grimace that was sported on his face and exchanged it for a calm smile, placing the clipboard to his side.

"You as well, ____-san. How have you been?"

He resisted the urge to give you a compliment, trying his best to keep his gaze trained on your face instead of running along the expanse of skin your dress failed to cover. He was an adult, for Pete's sake, and a teacher at that; he would rather be caught dead than seem lecherous. But you definitely made it hard for his eyes not to wander, tucking a stray strand of hair behind your ear and exposing more of your neck.

"Oh, same as usual," you responded and he tuned back into the conversation just in time to hear you add. "My college classes have been really kicking my ass. I think I've really got to buckle down and study these next few weeks."

Harasawa fought the urge to grimace again. You'd just reminded him on why he'd yet to pursue anything with you, why guilt gnawed at him every time he thought of you, why he felt so wrong for harboring feelings.

He didn't feel right having a crush on someone over twenty years his junior.

"I suppose that means we'll be seeing less of you until exam season is done then." He tried to swallow back the bitter feeling accumulating in the back of his throat, attempting to convince himself that this was a good thing, when it reality he felt disappointed. "That's a shame."

"Actually..." There was a slight smile on your face, sly and knowing, like you held some kind of secret. It piqued his interest momentarily. "My brother told me you're a chemistry teacher here at Touou and, well, chemistry happens to be one of the classes I'm struggling in."

Harasawa fought the hitched sound in the back of his throat, but the twinkle in your eye told him that you'd heard.

With a wider grin, you continued. "I was hoping maybe someone with your knowledge might find it in him to set aside time to help me study." Turning fully toward him, you quirked a single brow upward. "Maybe over some drinks?"

Harasawa exhaled a breath he hadn't known he'd been holding. "I would love to."

[queen-ofsunflowers]

My favorite moments I've written for Shujin Assassins so far:

Kayano: How do you say ‘unkillable’ in Japanese? (Ren pauses and thinks about it.)

Ren: Korosenai. (The entire class whips around at the sound of Ren speaking.) Korosenai… Koro… sen...nai… Koro...sen...sei? ...Korosensei? Huh? 

Nagisa: Korosensei? (Ren pauses. Oh crap, he said all that out loud.)

Korosensei: A pleasure to finally hear more of that voice of yours, Amamiya. Five whole words!

---

Korosensei: Shoot and stab all you want, class! Even with this handicap, I am too fast for you! (Ren looks up and takes the gun from Nagisa.)

Nagisa: Hey, what—

Korosensei: Only in your dreams do you have any hope of getting the deed done— (Ren fires, not aiming for Korosensei but the rope tied to the tree. The rope breaks and Korosensei, stunned, falls. They watch as the rest of the class takes the initiative to attack him, forcing a panicked Korosensei to roll around on the ground.)

Ann: Wow. I didn’t know a BB could break a rope like that!

Ren: It was starting to break anyway.

---

Ren: You’d really help me?

Ryuji: ‘course. We’re friends, aren’t we? (Ren blinks. But they’ve only known each other for like… a week and half. He still smiles all the same.) Ain’t that right, Ren-Ren? (A shiver goes up Ren’s spine at the sound of that nickname. Of all things to call him…) So call me Ryuji, got it?

Ren: Thanks. I think I’ll stick with Sakamoto.

Ryuji: Oh man, that's cold.

---

Kataoka: Does anyone else think it's weird that she’s all over Korosensei?

Ryuji: I dunno. Maybe she’s into tentacles. (Someone swiftly kicks his seat.) OW! Hey! What was that for?!

---

Ann: But we bought those for ourselves! *groan* I was so looking forward to that for later…!

Shiho: I’m starting to think that he just used this lab to feed his junk food habit until payday.

Ren: Why does an octopus need to get paid a teacher’s salary…?

Shiho: Huh. Eleven words now.

Ren: What?

---

(And the door opens before Ren can run away.) Oh.  

Ren: Uh… H-Hello. Sir.

Principal: (more warmly that Ren expected) I look forward to your midterm results. Let your mother know that I said hello, would you? (Ren swallows and nods. When he leaves, that warmth disappears and is replaced by ice cold.)

---

Ann grabs Ren’s wrist to pull him back to her.)

Ren: Huh? What’s up?

Ann: Did you really mean all that? (Ren raises a brow.) What you said to those guys back there. About us. Did you really mean it?

Ren: ...Every word. Why?

Ann: ...Like I told Kayano, I always thought I was an outcast because of my looks or the fact that I didn’t grow up here. So hearing all that… Thank you. I really appreciated it.

Ren: No problem. It’s like Ryuji told me. We outcasts have to stick together, don’t we?

Ann: *giggle* Right! ...um, hey. If you want to, you can call me Ann, alright?

Ren: Okay.

Ann: Okay! And… thanks again. ...Ren-Ren. (Ren bristles, turning bright red. Ann laughs out loud, patting his back.) I’m just messing with you!

Ren: Please don’t do that… (Nearly killed him…) Can you maybe… not call me that?

Ann: Okay, okay! (She’s still laughing.) I promise!

---

Nagisa: What did you even do to them?

Ren: I have no idea. I got this really bad headache… and I think I heard a voice in my head? There was this thing… I’m not sure what it was.

Nagisa: Whatever it is, I could help with it. We’ll figure out what it is.

Ren: You don’t have to.

Nagisa: I’m already figuring out Korosensei’s weaknesses. Who knows? Maybe whatever that was 

Ren: You’re not… freaked out?

Nagisa: Amamiya, our teacher is a giant yellow octopus. Whatever happened to you is the least strange thing that I’ve seen this year. We can figure out what it is. And hopefully it’ll help us with our assassination.

Ren: *nods* Right! Let’s do this! (He holds out his hand. Nagisa stares at it for a moment before shaking it.)

---

Ryuji: Wow, she’s seriously cute.

Ren: She doesn’t really look like an assassin.

Shiho: Neither do we. But still… I’m curious about what this new girl’s all about. Amamiya turned out to be quite the joker.

Ren: Joker?

Shiho: A wild card! I mean, you didn’t hesitate to jump out a window or off of a cliff.

---

Ann: Uh, no offense but I don’t think your usual tactics will fool Mr. Karasuma. He knows your M.O.

Irina: Don’t you think I don’t know that!? (She sighs.) It’s like a paid escort trying to put the moves on her old man. (Ren shivers at the image.) If I don’t get this done, I’ll have to leave.

Ann: What?!

Irina: C’mere, I wanna try something. (She drags Ann off.)

---

Kayano: Here’s the thing, if they really are related… I mean, don’t you think that Korosensei would’ve known about it?

Fuwa: Hmm… not necessarily.

Ren: Right. They could’ve been separated at some point.

Kayano: Um, that still doesn’t explain why Itona’s human.

Fuwa: Easy. He’s a mutation.

Kayano: You’ve totally glossed over the core issue here!

Ann: Uh, no offense, but the whole separation thing is really kinda cliche.

Fuwa: Hey, no one asked for your criticism.

Ann: If you didn’t notice already, we’re sorta dealing with real life!

---

Sugino pitches and Shindo swings again. The ball hits the bat, and Ren leaps back just in time, flipping backwards and actually sticking the landing.)

Karma: (jumping up to catch the ball.) Oh, now you’re just showing off. Heads up, Nagisa! (He tosses the ball to their catcher, who tags the home plate.

Ren: Maybe.

---

(The whole time Ren had been taunting Takaoka and keeping everyone’s eyes on him, Nagisa had come around to sneak up behind him. The cat and the snake both strike, Ren flipping over Takaoka’s shoulders as Nagisa brings him down to the ground, knife at his neck and a hand covering his eyes.)

Nagisa: Looks like we win.

Ren: Nagisa, you’re using the back of the knife.

Nagisa: Huh?

---

 (She jumps onto his back.)

Terasaka: What the hell?!

Shiho: What the heck did you mean when you called me a rabbit?! If I’m a rabbit, does that mean you don’t think I can kick your ass?! Because I can! (Her weight eventually toppled them both over and they landed in the water. Ann laughs as she goes to help them up. Ren moves over to get his glasses from Karma.)

---

Ren: And finally, the grand overachiever himself holding the top spot: student council president Gakushu Asano. He got the top spot in the National Mock Exams, and tends to get perfect scores in just about every subject. He’s the principal’s only son, so I think that might have something to do with it. if we could somehow catch him off guard, surprise him somehow, it could get him to mess up and make a mistake. He’s always been like that as far as I can remember. For example, despite being adept at martial arts, he didn’t remember how to catch himself when he fell after I… might’ve shoved him.

Shiho: You know a lot about Asano. It’s kind of creepy. (Ren only hums in reply. It’s not that creepy when you think about it.)

---

(Ren’s eyes widened. He… He actually did it?)

Ryuji: Way to stick it to that know-it-all, man! (Ren softly smiles.)

Ren: I guess.

Ryuji: You guess? The guy’s ranked nationally! Even Nakamura only beat him by the skin of her teeth!

Nakamura: What was that, Sakamoto?

Ryuji: Uh, nothing! Just sayin’! Ren challenging the King of the Hill is definitely awesome!

---

Ann: Yup! (as she and Shiho take the drinks from the waiter passing them out. Ann takes a sip from hers) C’mon, guys! Drink up! These things are like… super good. So sweet!

Ren: (holding up the water bottle he thought to bring with him) I’m fine.

Ryuji: Don’t mind if I do! (He takes Ann’s, which is still at least a three-fours of the way full. He drinks right from the glass)

Ann: Hey! Get your own!

Ryuji: Too late! My backwash is in it! It’s mine now. I LICKED the glass! (He does so to drive his point home. Ann huffs as Shiho chuckles, downing the rest of her glass.)

---

Karma: Oh, sorry ‘bout that. Let’s see if there’s a way to help you out there. (He gestures over to another classmate, who brings him a sea slug. Karma plops it on the sphere.) This do anything?

Ren: (as Korosensei screams) Karma, knock it off.

Karma: Why should I? Not like he can do anything about it. (Ren pulls himself out of the water and the sea slug off of Korosensei.) Now, I wonder if we could find a creepy old beach hum anywhere. I want to shove Korosensei down his pants. (Ren groans. What the hell…? In hindsight, taking this form probably wasn’t the best idea. Especially around Karma. That is why Ren snatches up Koro Sensei and runs over to Mr. Karasuma.) Hey!

---

Ren: ‘Eliminate the impossible and whatever remains is the truth’. 

Fuwa: Hey, yeah! I didn’t know you read Shonen Jump, too!

Ren: I uh... 

Karma: He doesn't. I saw him reading a little something else on the way over. Sherlock Holmes, wasn’t it?

Ren: Maybe… ...okay, no. ...It was Arsène Lupin. ...I finished the Sherlock Holmes books a while ago. A friend recommended Arsène Lupin to me and I haven’t been able to put it down.

Ryuji: Nerd.

Ren: You were reading over my shoulder.

---

Ann: Hey, are you okay?

Ren: Yeah… just a little bit of a headache. I’ll be fine.

Ann: How long have you had it? (Ren looks down at the ground.) Ren, how long have you had it?

Ren: ...Since the mastermind called, saying he poisoned everyone. It’s just a small one, Ann. I’ll be fine.

Ann: Liar. You know what happens when you get those headaches, though. Don’t act like none of us noticed. I saw your phantom try to come out when that guy had Karma. Ren, I know it’s hard, but you need to keep calm.

---

Ren: Ryuji, you’re-- (Ryuji puts a hand over Ren’s mouth, shushing him.)

Ryuji: I’m fine. It’s just a fever. Ann and I split the drink, so if she’s fine, then I’m fine, too. (Ren takes Ryuji’s hand off of his mouth.)

Ren: Ann barely drank any of it at all. You drank most of it. The virus is deadly, Ryuji. 

Ryuji: I don’t care! It’s like everyone said earlier. I’m the fastest in the class. I can’t just sit and wait for help while this creep gets away with it. I don’t care if I’m sick, I’m not gonna let everyone down!

Ren: Ryuji--

Ryuji: Please. Don’t tell anyone. Especially Ann… I think she already blames herself for what happened to Shiho, I don’t want her to blame herself for not stopping me earlier, too. (Ren bites his lip but nods either way. Once Ryuji decides to do something, it’s hard to stop him. But still… He really hopes that they can get that antidote.)

---

Ren thrashes against whoever’s holding him and loudly screams, dropping to his knees and letting it all go. He doubles over, catching himself on forearms as wind whips around him.)

“Nagisa, back away from him! NOW.” (There’s a blue light streaming around him, travelling up his body as the voice in his head now echoes in his ears.)

“I am thou, thou art I. Thou who would accept blasphemy for the sake of thine own justice, call upon my name and release thy rage!” (Ren shakily pushes himself up, his knees feeling like they’re about to give way as he stands. The light shifts and morphs into a figure behind him.) “Show the strength of thy will to ascertain all on thine own, though thou shall be chained down to Hell itself!”

(A single name appears in Ren’s mind.)

Ren: ARSÈNE!

[ormenkarmenirl]

finally got off my ass and did some writing!! blurb that takes place before the Karmen tribe was even a thought in anyone's mind- ormen and nomen meet for the first time and kimen's there a little bit too

Metal clashed metal, weapons meeting shields. The sun scorned battlefield lay barren under their feet, parched earth allowed only to sip on the sweet red wine that flowed freely from future scars. These ruined lands had been the final destination of many a soldier, and like clockwork, they prepared to take another young life as he lay bloodied and bruised against a cold, hard rock. His medic tended his side feverishly, determined to save what had already slipped between his fingers.

"Kim, chill out, I'm fine!! It's just a little cut- you seriously don't have to worry." The Chigyobi huffed, swatting at his younger sibling. The fidgety Kanokko squeaked and stumbled back. "But Nom-- it's bleeding!! What if it gets infected?? At least let me bandage you up…!!" They pleaded, ears pinned flat backwards, pulling their best puppydog eye. Nom snickered a little, slightly amused with the insistence of the aspiring nurse. "...Yeah, okay, fine." He offered out his injured arm to the deer, who immediately set to work dressing the minor wound, muttering excited little 'thank you's all the while. 

"You know I'm gonna get a billion more of these every time I spar, right? Your fur's gonna be grey as slate by tomorrow if you worry over every little one like that." He pointedly flipped his tail, playfully ruffling Kim's fur between their antler stumps. "Well-- m-maybe I wouldn't hafta worry about you if you weren't so-- dumb, and, and-"

"Oh, shush. I aced the entry exam for training, didn't I??" He interrupted, lifting the deer up under their arms mid-bandaging and shaking them around. Kim squawked in alarm, squirming and kicking and unable to bite back amused giggles as his older brother teased and shook him about like a ragdoll. "P-PUT ME DOWN- I DIDN'T GET TO FINIIISH-"

It would have to remain that way for the time being- the soldiers overseeing training suddenly gave the signal that break was over. The Chigyobi sat his brother down on the ground and collected his wooden axe and shield. "Gotta get back on the field- cheer for me, alright??" He chimed to Kim, flashing a smile before hustling back to the group of young Pons being partnered off at random. 

"I-If you say so-!!" Kim's voice was small, and barely travelled the increasing distance between them and their brother. They fiddled anxiously with their ear, their mind immediately overtaken once again with worried thoughts. As capable as their brother was, they also weren't exactly wrong when they insulted his intelligence earlier- overconfident was perhaps a kinder term. He was just too sure of himself- he never worried about anything! The fish could dance at the edge of a cliff without the thought of slipping and falling so much as crossing his mind until he was halfway to the bottom. Even Kim knew they could be irrational at times, but they'd rather be irrational than… under-rational. They just hated to see their brother hurt. Maybe that's why he downplayed his injuries so often- trying to give them less to worry about! They groaned out loud, yanking on their ears. GAH, WHY DOES THEIR BRAIN HAVE TO GIVE THEM SO MANY PROBLEMS ALL THE TIME???

---

Nom was well appreciated among soldiers and classmates alike for his amicable nature- it was jokingly said that he should've been a Kibapon instead of a Tatepon, since his friendly aura alone could make the most disagreeable kiba in the stable docile. It was the hope of his overseers that the same rang true for rebellious students- hence why Nom found himself paired off with a particularly unpopular Fumya. The undersized trainee shot him a glare packed with enough venom to put a Manboth on it's knees, gripping his axe concerningly tight.

Nom chuckled nervously- he'd heard rumors here and there about Ormen- just about everyone had by now- but he never read into gossip too much, especially the unfairly negative type. Even the kind of rumors that suggested he once jammed a spear right into someone's eye for asking him about the weather down there, or that he'd made insulting remarks about the Almighty on several occasions and still hadn't repented for a single one. That was all just hearsay, and what did it matter if it was true or not? Maybe he was having a bad day when he poked someone in the eye, or maybe his criticisms of their God had some merit, and everyone was just too stuck up to care.

That being said, he had barely noticed he already had his shield up to his face as the training overseers went over instruction. You know, just in case.

"So, uh… how about this weather, huh?" Nom tried, hoping to start off with something polite, and immediately wanting to kick himself. Oh my god, why was that the first thing to fly out of his mouth. His shield moved just a smidgen closer to cover his eye. "Uh… did you do those piercings yourself?? They go great with your eye color, haha-"

"....Shut up. I just wanna get this over with." Ormen hissed in response, bringing his axe to the ready. "Noted! I totally get those Monday blues!! We'll be done in a jiffy, haha!!!" It was Wednesday, and Nom was suddenly beginning to wonder if Kim was justified in worrying for him. Sure, the cat was far smaller than him, and he was top of the class when it came to strength, but didn't that just make him a bigger, slower target? 

The soldiers gave the signal to begin, and once again the sound of clanking and thumping weapons filled the air. Ormen clearly didn't need to be told twice, charging forward and swinging his axe hard. Luckily, it embedded itself harmlessly in Nom's shield. The Chigyobi was impressed with the knockback he experienced, struggling to steady himself. However, he noted the motion of the swing was rather sloppy- and, since the axe was now stuck, his adversary was just as good as unarmed. 

He spun on his heel, using his large tail to his advantage and slamming it into Ormen's side. His axe was dislodged, as were his feet from the soil they were dug into, and he was sent rolling on his side with a yowl. "Careful with your swing- you wanna drive with your left hand!" The Chigyobi called to his partner, hoping the friendly criticism might resolve any bad blood building up between them. 

He hadn't accounted for how fast someone could recover from a fall when they were angry- his pupil constricted fearfully as he saw Ormen already back on his feet and charging again. This time, his shock made him slow to ready his shield- he had to block with the hilt of his weapon instead, and another swing knocked it straight out of his hand. He ducked to retrieve it, muttering a frantic curse under his breath and cringing as he felt the blade of a wooden axe just barely brush the scales on the back of his head. 

"You're dead." Ormen spoke dryly, and Nom nearly forgot that was customary when you'd bested your partner in training- every scenario they practiced was meant to mimic a real combat scenario as closely as possible. Losing meant dying on the field- apprentices were strongly reminded this by their overseers, but between classmates it was almost a sort of joke. It was… sort of hard to take it as a joke when he said it like that.

"I-I guess I am. Hah…" Nom panted, carefully rolling over and ever so lightly pushing the sharpened tip of Ormen's axe away from his very vulnerable and very large eye, prompting the Fumya to grudgingly lower it. "...Nice, uh- nice job out there. You're pretty quick on your feet… resourceful, too. Y'really just have to get your swing down- and timing."

"...Why are you still talking to me?" Ormen asked. Though he sounded angry- Nom noticed just about everything he said sort of came out angry, and wondered if it was just his voice- there was a tinge of genuine confusion in his voice that wasn't typically present in sarcastic remarks. "Like, we're done this session. Don't you wanna go chatter with your friends or whatever?"

Nom just sort of shrugged, pushing to his feet and abandoning his weapon and shield in the dirt. "We finished early, so I got time to kill. Plus, I can talk to those guys whenever I want- but, y'know, this is the first time we got partnered up, so I figured I'd get t'know someone new today! I'm Nom! Aaand you arree…?"

The tiny runt stared at the hand offered to him like it was made of snakes, and it's owner wasn't the slightest bit phased about it. "Uh- Ormen. You- haven't already heard of me-?" Very warily, he dropped his axe to accept the shake, his previous fury cooled down to outright befuddlement. 

Yeah, he absolutely knew who this guy was- but he certainly didn't wanna give him any more reason to mark him down as another enemy. And he did feel a twinge of pity for the Fumya- he certainly didn't have any friends to go back and chat with after this session. His name alone kept people away from him- for some reason, the tribe was convinced he was little more than a bad omen, that the very act of keeping him alive spelled their future downfall, and so it was foolish to welcome something so grave into their ranks with open arms. Though he wasn't physically branded, that name might as well have rendered him so.

"Nnnope! Never have, ahah!! Glad I did, though- seriously, I wasn't kidding about your piercings. Think you could do me like that?" The fish inquired, presenting a nervous smile. "You… don't have ears." The fellow Rarepon replied, deadpan, his hands silently moving to one of the heavy gold bands piercing his large ears to fidget with it. It sort of reminded the Chigyobi of Kim. "Well duh- I think I'd look pretty silly with ears- but y'could pierce my fin! It's basically the same thing!" 

"Wouldn't that mess up your swimming, though? You guys are, like… built to be streamline. Something weighted would just put drag on you… and you'd get eaten by a crocodile 'cause you couldn't swim away fast enough." Was that supposed to be a joke? Nom hoped it was- though the mental image made him shudder a bit, he laughed alongside the tiny snicker Ormen gave. At least he was trying! 

"Alright, fine, maybe just a bracelet! Those aren't so permanent- I could just slip it off when I get in th' water. Ooh- maybe we could get matching ones!! And engrave em with something cute- wait, aren't those just wedding bands?"

"Yeah, I guess sSO--" The Fumya nearly choked on air, tail bushing out behind him as he fought desperately for his life over how off-guard he'd been caught by such a casual statement. Nom just chuckled again- he was glad someone appreciated his humor! Though as he watched Ormen literally asphyxiate, he didn't realize it was that funny. Maybe he just didn't hear too many jokes… maybe that was why he was so goddang grumpy.

The soldiers called time- the last session of the day was over, and it was time to start returning to the barracks for a closing evaluation. "Whoops, sounds like that's it! Hey- maybe I can catch ya later for lunch? My lil' sibling's gonna be with me- but y'know, maybe you two have something in common! I wouldn't mind the extra company, really- up to you."

Ormen glanced up at Nom, speechless (and not just from nearly choking to death)- before he could wrack his brain for some kind of response, the Tatepon was already walking away. "Hope I see ya there!" He called over his shoulder. The runt was left alone, like he usually was- though something about this time was different. He'd never had an interaction so positive with a fellow trainee, or anyone in the tribe, really- aside from Hero and Meden. This was certainly a first, and it left him with several feelings he had no idea how to deal with. But among them was a faint, pure joy- that, he realized, required very little to manage. All he had to do… was savor it. 

With an extra pep in his step, holding his head high, he made off to join everyone else at the barracks, ears perked and tail happily swishing behind him all the merry way.

---

"Nom, he was gonna kill you- I-I saw the way he had that axe over your head!! He was gonna kill you, and- probably bury your stuff in the woods, where nobody would ever find it-!!" Kim fretted as they struggled to keep up with their brother's stride. "Kim, you worry too much. He probably just got too into it, y'know? And even if he killed me, everyone woulda saw- I know for a fact you of all Pons wouldn't just… not tell an overseer or somethin'! Would've been kinda stupid on everyone's part, y'know?"

Kim had to force themselves to stop and realize their brother was right, as much as they hated it. Still… maybe he was just too cautious, but he didn't like what he saw during that session. That Fumya was too rough- too eager to start, and downright scary once he got going. Sure, he was all buddy buddy after the fact, but isn't any great serial killer if they don't want to look suspicious? Maybe it wasn't him who worried too much- maybe Nom was too trusting of scary little signs from the Almighty of horrible death and destruction. 

"Nngjgh- f-fine, if you say so- but I don't like it too much. I-It just… doesn't sit with me. In my gut. A-And I trust my gut- I called that storm a few days ago, didn't I?? 'Cause my gut told me so!!" The Kanokko insisted. Their brother just laughed, ruffling their ears. "Maybe you ate some bad meat, and your gut's just mad about it. C'mon, Kim- can't you have a little faith in me? I'm your brother- we're supposed to believe in eachother, y'know?"

Finally, the little deer gave with a sigh. "...Okay, I guess I trust you… sorry for doubting you, Nom… I didn't mean it like that, I just--" "You don't have to be sorry! You just have to relax and stop letting paranoia and all that junk get to ya. Y'know- you'll be happier that way! And maybe you'll start growing a little better, you're practically the side of a Babatto." 

"...Yeah… if you say so." Kim fought back another apology and forced a smile for his brother, who scooped him up and swung him around to help get his mind off things. "Hey-!! Put me doowwn- don't think I forgot about your arm!!!" Kim laughed. "Oh yeah? How're ya gonna reach it when I've got you all the way up there??" Nom teased. The two carried on together, eventually forgetting their worries on their way to the barracks. 

Tomorrow was a new day, and hopefully one that brought good tidings with it. 

[kae-karo]

so i just finished watching the absolutely incredible mha musical (x) and if ur wondering what to expect (aside from frankly amazing voice acting, excellent cosplays AND acting, fantastic musical adaptations, and a better and more comprehensible plot than bnha):

inko dabs

shiggy calls all might's cell phone

(all might’s ringtone is never gonna give you up)

inko pulls the ‘would you like to stay for dinner/would you like to stay forever’ line while flirting with all might

baku trying to shush the audience for cheering for todo

aizawa’s intro being him telling the kids to shut up bc “this is a classroom...people sleep in here”

baku on the ground screaming instead of doing the dance routine

aizawa and inko fight for narrator rights

a lidl advertisement with all might, a cement? commercial? with cementos, a deodorant commercial with hagakure and mineta, a water commercial featuring all mights ass

baku telling todo that only he is allowed to threaten deku

inko (whilst narrating) patting shouto on the head

kiri and kami arguing over biology homework only for baku to be like ‘we deadass don’t have bio class in this school’

iida walking up, opening a locker, closing it immediately and giving deku a thumbs up before walking away

all might getting ‘stuck’ in the locker, deku shoving him back in and him stepping out around the locker prop

shiggy threatening all might with a letter made of cut-out magazine/newspaper letters

mineta asking deku if he’s gay

uraraka calling deku out on only owning one pair of shoes

after baku wins the tournament he carries a tiny trophy around with him everywhere like EVERYWHERE

aizawa tries to kick deku out of ua to protect him (what should’ve happened in the first place tbh)

todo calls deku out for hiding from the class in order to “cower in shame for his biggest failure” of getting kicked out of ua

todo and deku shake hands and the entire audience reacts as if they started making out

todo then proceeds to have the most hilarious gay panic after a duet with deku and SPRINTS off stage

BAKU HAS BET ON IT STRIPPING SCENE, JUMPS OFF THE FUCKING STAGE AND RUNS THROUGH THE AUDIENCE I’M-

bo----both????

frankly a more realistic and effective plot than anything in bnha, with actually better messaging sfdlsdfjkldsjkl

deku throws a donut at shiggy to stop him from killing all might

the outcome of deku’s detroit smash is just shiggy staring at deku like this for a solid three seconds

some really impressive acting by shiggy’s actor like oh my god give this person a live action role honestly

baku beats up shiggy specifically to tell him that he is the only one allowed to bully deku

shiggy dropping a ‘i would’ve gotten away with it too if it weren’t for you meddling kids’

aizawa high fives deku

SHIGGY?? REDEMPTION???? ARC????? by going. fishing. with aizawa and mic. we love some implied erasermic in this household

bakudeku fist bump receiving the same audience screams as tododeku handshake

jaws theme for dark shadow (somehow unattached to tokoyami sdfljdsfk) sneaking up on shiggy to spook him

this,,,,,,,is nezu,,,,,,,

deku deadass thinking the love note uraraka left him was not for him

BAKU ACCIDENTALLY GRABBING SAID LOVE NOTE FROM URARAKA AND THINKING IT’S FOR HIM OH MY GOD

todo calling deku breathtaking oh my god jlfsdjklsdfkljsdf all i can think abt is how the intro card for the show says that ‘any changes made to the plot were for the purposes of adapting it to a stage environment’ i see u creators i fuckin see u AND I RESPECT U

kiri does the worm. everyone throws money on him. baku does this.

todo has sunglasses.

uraraka crawls on the floor to grab all the money.

and of course the music is basically all hsm-based, which means we get:

baku and deku performing a version of ‘what i’ve been looking for’

uraraka and iida performing bop to the top during the ua entrance exam

all of 1a doing status quo (and bashing their own quirks)

todo having his breakdown during the sports festival fight with deku to a version of scream from hsm3

uraraka performing when there was me and you about deku (complete with backup dancers)

todo and deku singing the what i’ve been looking for reprise sfdlkklfdsjlksdlj some tododeku shippers produced this show for fuckin sure lmaoooo like they deadass put lyrics ‘my heart is trembling when you’re next to me’ sfdkldsfjkljkl

AFTER WHICH BAKU DOES A RENDITION OF BET ON IT ABOUT DEKU OH MY GOD

all might and deku doing a version of start of something new i’m-

OBVIOUSLY the entire class 1a doing we’re all in this together complete with og dance moves ofc

anyway if u want to watch something like bnha but at least ten times better, watch this i cannot stress that enough

[tails89]

Sleepsong

I can’t sleep.

His phone immediately begins to vibrate in his hand. Stiles swipes across to answer the call.

“Hey.”

“Hey, you want to talk about it?”

Stiles rolls onto his back, one arm slung over his eyes. Exhaustion weighs heavy on his body, but every time he’s about to drift off his racing heart drags him back to the surface. He can’t even pinpoint the cause of his anxiety, there’s no particular event that stands out. He’s actually had a really great week. Exams are over and he’s been home from school for four days hanging with his friends. His dad was even able to get a whole chunk of time off work.

Still, there is a cold heavy weight in the pit of his stomach and Stiles just can’t seem to turn his brain off long enough to fall asleep. It was desperation that had him picking up his phone at three thirty in the morning. He honestly hadn’t expected a response.

“You still there?”

“Sorry,” Stiles mumbles into the microphone. “Hey.”

There’s a soft chuckle from the other end of the line. “You said that already. You okay?”

“Yeah,” Stiles lets a long sigh escape. “No. I don’t know. I’m just- really, really tired.”

“You want to talk about it?”

“There’s not really anything to talk about. It’s stupid.” Stiles switches the call to speaker and lets the phone drop onto his pillow.

“It’s not stupid Stiles.”

“Yeah, it is. I don’t even know why I fucking feel like this.” The glare from his phone screen casts long shadows across the ceiling. Like fingers reaching out from the darkness, ready to grab him and pull him down.

“Did something happen?”

“No, nothing happened. But for the last four days it’s like… I’m constantly on edge and any moment shit is going to hit the fan.” Stiles can hear rustling through the speaker, like the person on the other side has put the phone down. Guilt crashes over him. “I’m sorry man, I shouldn’t have woken you. I’ll let you get back to sleep.”

“Wait.” More rustling and a muffled curse. “Sorry.”

“Why are you apologising?” Stiles asks. “I’m the one who woke you. I’m just gonna- g’night Derek.” He slaps his hand on his phone screen, ending the call. This was so fucking stupid. He’d been fine all semester and as soon as he comes home, he feels like he’s drowning and can’t catch a breath.

Stiles shifts onto his side, trying to get comfortable and lets his eyes shut. He takes a long deep breath in and tries to let it out slow, begging his mind to go blank, but instead it runs through the short conversation he’d just had. He should have just said he was fine. He should have just said nothing rather than dragging another person into his misery.

A cramping hip forces Stiles’ onto his back. He lies there for an eternity before realising his eyes are open again and he’s been staring sightlessly at the ceiling.

He kicks off his sheets, finally giving up on sleep. His laptop is sitting open on his desk. Stiles figures he can watch movies or something until it’s time to get up.

He swings his legs over the edge of the bed and is halfway to his desk when his window creaks open.

“Jesus, Derek!” Stiles stumbles back, tripping on a shirt he’d left lying on the floor. Its only Derek’s hand braced on his shoulder that keeps him from going completely ass over tea kettle. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“You hung up on me.”

“What?”

“We hadn’t finished talking.”

“Derek,” Stiles pulls away from the werewolf. “It’s four in the morning.” He goes and sits back on his bed. He’s too tired for this.

Stiles feels the bed dip beside him, but he doesn’t look, choosing to stare at his hands instead, counting fingers.

“You haven’t been acting like yourself.” Derek’s voice is soft in the darkness. “Ever since you got home. You’ve been trying to hide it, but I know you.” Their shoulders bump together. “You can talk to me.”

“I told you. It’s stupid.” Stiles shrugs away, twisting so he can crawl back onto the bed and stretch out, back against the headboard.

“It’s not stupid.”

“It is!”

“Stiles.” Derek’s face is hidden in the shadows, but Stiles can hear the exasperation in his tone. “Can I take a wild guess?”

Stiles shrugs again, knowing the werewolf’s night vision will catch the movement.

“You’ve been at college for six months.”

“Amazing guess work Sourwolf.”

“Shh.”

“Did you seriously just shush me?”

“Let me finish.” Derek shoves at Stiles leg until the boy shuffles aside. Derek sits beside him on the bed, long legs stretched out. He’s not wearing shoes, just old sweatpants and a stretched shirt. Stiles doesn’t remember him taking his shoes off. Had he really run here in bare feet?

He can feel Derek’s attention on him. “Sorry, you were saying?”

“I was saying, you’ve been at college for six months. Before you left we spent four years dealing with rogue werewolves, kanimas, hunters-“

“Nogitsune.” Stiles shudders at the memory.

“-nogitsune, the dread doctors-”

“What’s your point?”

“My point,” Derek says, “is that since you were sixteen you’ve been dealing with these life-threatening situations every other week. It was constant and we never knew what was going to show up next. And just days after we healed the nemeton you went off to college.”

It had been an absolute shit show, those final few weeks. Stiles had almost missed the beginning of semester, laid up with bad concussion.

“You didn’t come home for Christmas,” Derek continues. “This is the first time you’ve been back in Beacon Hills and you’ve gone back on the defensive, because that’s what you’re used to but there’s nothing to defend the town from anymore. It’s peaceful.”

“Ever since I came back, I feel like I’m constantly looking over my shoulder.” Stiles plucks at a loose thread in his sheets. “Was it the same for you?”

Derek doesn’t answer immediately. Stiles’ eyes have adjusted enough to the dark that he can make out Derek’s silhouette beside him, staring back at him.

“I’d been running for so long. First with Laura, and then with you and the pack. I didn’t know how to stop. After you left, I’d run the boarders of the territory every night making sure there were no new threats. For weeks.”

“But you got through it.”

“I got through it. And you will too.”

Stiles’ isn’t sure how to respond, so he uses his patented Stilinski avoidance technique – he changes the subject. “You know what’s amazing is how you learned how to speak in more than one-word sentences. I’m proud of you big guy.”

Derek accepts the topic change with a shrug of his shoulders.

“Maybe you’re rubbing off on me.”

Stiles opens his mouth-

“Don’t say it.“

“I was just going to-“

“I know what you were ‘just going to’.”

“You’re no fun.”

Derek makes as if to stand. “Perhaps you’re right, maybe I should head home?”

Stiles snatches at his shirt. “No, I take it back, you should stay.” He doesn’t let go when Derek settles back beside him. He lets his fingers toy with the edge of the shirt, his head rests against Derek feeling rising and falling of his breathing. It’s calming, soothing and Stiles can quickly feel his eyelids drooping.

“Thank you.”

Stiles doesn’t catch Derek’s response besides the gentle rumble in his chest.

He sleeps.

[ellipsesarefun]

no. 15 “[Mama/Papa] got you.” For NejiTen please :)

A/N: Been awhile since I’ve written anything for this fandom... NejiTen has been the very first ship I’ve ever sailed... and will continue to sail. I’ll probably redo and edit some parts when I come back to this but for now, here ya go <3 

Prompt request 15 finished. 14 and 1 are my WIP. You can request for any of the pairings listed in this post.

It's a bright and sunny Saturday morning at the Team Gai training grounds.

Tenten's finished restocking supplies for her weapon's shop and Neji has no missions lined up since his recent month-long Mist Village mission so they decided to walk around the village to catch up on lost time. They happened upon their former training grounds, finding Hinata and their daughter watching Rock Lee doing his usual training. Gai sensei and Kakashi are also audiences to the scene, though are simultaneously exchanging menial gossip.

"It's a full house here." Neji mutters to himself, earning a laugh from his wife. 

"You like them, anyway." She says, raising her eyebrows at him, "Besides, they were eagerly expecting your arrival." And as if to prove her point, their friends pause their chatter to greet the two. Lee still continues his push ups but raises a hand to wave at them. 

Hikari wobbles towards them, her smile drawing dimples on her fair plump cheeks. Her hair is tidied in a braid similar to Hinata's but some of the little ones stick out from the spring breeze the passes by from time to time. Her little arms crush around the plush kunai toy Neji bought for her 2nd birthday. The sight squeezes Tenten's heart that tugs at a memory of a little girl, alone and no one to call home to. 

Hikari stumbles, distorting the replaying memory at the forefront of her mind. Her husband rushes forward and swoops their daughter into his arms before Hikari utters a cry. 

"There, there, my little moon," He shushes his child's fears with the lull of his deep voice and warm embrace, "Papa's got you." A gentle smile forms on her lips at the scene of Neji holding Hikari, the moonlit eyes of father and daughter gleaming against the morning sunlight. It paints a sacred space in her mind, something that the little girl in her memories have longed for years.

"Oi!!!" Lee cries out, still at his 125th push up, "Are you guys gonna stand there or train?" 

"Lee-kun! Please pace yourself!" A worry line creases on Hinata's eyebrows. She turns to walk to the said man sweating it out in the spring heat.

"You've only just got back from the hospital a few days ago!" She adds, stopping in front of him with hands on her hips, "You can't just exert yourself immediately.."

"With the training he's had throughout the years, that's his normal speed.." Neji interjected with a roll of his eyes.

"And he's trained by me!" Gai-sensei shouts from behind them. Hinata looks at Tenten, eyes pleading, but the weapon's master merely shrugs. It's true, anyways. This is how most of their days were spent before they went off to the more dangerous and Jonin-level missions. Training for the Chuunin exams and testing out twenty different kinds of weapons were two of the major things that they were looking forward to. Aside from all the Sasuke business of course.

Hikari's smile and laughter grabs his attention again. The Hyuuga meets his forehead with hers as he whispers a lullaby from his childhood. Sometimes Tenten recalls his teenage grumpy and wonders how they ever got here.

He catches her stare with a question on his face.

"So, you wanna have a few matches with me?" Neji asks with a gesture at the empty area of the training grounds, "One on one?" His lips curve into a smirk.

The Weapons's Master summons her staff from her scroll and smirks back, saying, "Sure! Don't hold back. Got a few tricks up my sleeve."

The Hyuuga raises an eyebrow at her staff and then at her, unimpressed, "With just that?"

"Babe, please." Tenten readies her bo staff, "This little thing is just warm up." The quest for unique weaponry is a never-ending one. She has batch of new ones she found to try on her husband.

Neji narrows his eyes at her and assumes into his Hyuuga stance. If there's one thing she knows he learned, it's to never underestimate her.

"Go Mama and Papa!" The cheer from their daughter brings a smile on Tenten's face. They charge towards each other, Tenten spinning her staff expertly as they do. The weapon collides against his arm and they both fall into rhythm. It was a dance they've fallen into over and over again. It wasn't exactly the same dance but the evolution of it as a result from the obstacles they've triumphed in their lives.

Their adventures never ended, merely starting through another chapter. She didn't think she could ever find her niche as a ninja but now she travels around the world mastering the art of weaponry on missions. She never had a family of her own, but they found her, anyways.

Somehow the things in her life, and the people around her, will only continue to keep growing and expanding and for once she is at peace.. because even when there will be more challenges in her way, she knows that there is a growing family behind her to come home to.

The Weapons Master twirls and aims the blunt end of the staff at his head. The Hyuuga slips and knocks the staff of her hands. The staff flies above him and explodes from the bomb Tenten planted earlier. The smoke clouds over the two of them but Tenten is already moving towards him with swords in each hand. She jumps with a flip and falls with her leg outstretched for a kick.

Tenten smirks. It's a bright and sunny Saturday to beat her husband's ass to the ground.

[cozywritings]

Stitches: ch3 Painkiller

It’s been 5 days since the fashion dinner. 5 days since you first kissed Shawn. And 5 days since you’ve seen him. It’s not like he was avoiding you, though, he’d sent you a text that next morning telling you that he had to go help some friends, who lived off campus, with moving in to their apartment.

It was completely understandable, but you wanted more of his intoxicating kisses, and more of Shawn in general. Something about him made you feel giddy, but extremely comfortable like you’d known him forever, but there was still excitment. Maybe it was the way he looked when you first meet him and he had that warm smile and soft hoodie, or the way he looked so peaceful when he was sleeping on top of you that night. Maybe it was the way he accepted the dinner invite and made you feel like the only girl in the room. You had to stop yourself there before you got too distracted, you needed to focus on pre-reading. That was, until your phone went off.

McDreamy: Hey, there’s a pizza night in the student center tonight since classes start tomorrow. Be my date?

You sent a quick “Of course”, going back to pre-reading on your Intro to Business chapters. You knew that class was going to kick your ass, you qeren’t good with numbers, but it was a requirement for you degree, so there wasn’t really a choice when it came to the class.

Luckily, Kyle has been letting you use his notes, so you’ve got a good idea of what Dr. Ledger was expecting. “It’s a lot of power points and outside reading. And he talks really fast, so you might wanna record the lectures.” Kyle warned you when he dropped off the notebook. “But as long as you do well on the exams you’ll be fine.” You remembered his words, reminding yourself that you could do this.

About three hours later, you had successfully copied the first 4 chapters of notes and done your reading. That’s when there was a knock on your door.

You opened it to see Mike, one of the other pre-med students you met that first night. “Hey.” He greeted, rubbing his arm nervously. “I was wondering if you’d seen Shawn lately. I was going to ask if he could help me with getting ready for my biology class, but I can’t seem to find him. You two seemed really close so I figured you’d know where to find him.” Mike was a first year, and he was extremely nervous about his intro classes.

“He’s been helping some friends off campus move into their apartment the past few days, but I can text him and see if he can help you. I’m sure he’d be more than happy to help.” You saw him relax, glad to know that he would be getting help.

To: McDreamy: Mike is here looking for you, he’s hoping you’d help him prepare for Bio. He seems pretty nervous.

McDreamy: Tell him that I’ll be back in an hour, but I’ve got a date tonight 😏 so I can’t help him for a long time.

You looked back up to see Mike shuffling his feet outside your door “He said if you could wait about an hour he can help for a while. But we have a date tonight.” Your cheeks heating up at the last part.

“Oh. I didn’t know you two were together.” He smiled at you, he was a good kid. You’d only talked to him briefly at the movie night, but he was really nervous about his classes. His parents are both sergeons, so he wants to make them proud.

“It’s not an official thing. We just went on one date, he was my date to the fashion department dinner a few days ago.” You smiled, playing with your fingers.

“But you like him a lot. I can tell. You two would make a hot couple.” His last statement threw you off and him too. “I- I just mean you’re both really attractive people and…. I’m gonna stop talking now. I’ll come back in about an hour to meet with Shawn then, bye.” He gave an awkward wave and then he was gone.

At around 5:00, Shawn was knocking on your door. “Can I come in?” He asked, through the door. You shouted a “yeah.” And listened as he entered. You were sitting at your desk, finalizing your notes for sociology. “Everything go good with Mike?”

“Yeah, he’s a good kid. Just first year jitters. You ready to go honey?” Your eyes shot up at the pet name, but you didn’t say anything. It sounded too nice to make him take it back.

As you stood up, you brushed out your jeans, that were covered in eraser shavings. “I like the shirt.” He said, pointing to the Elvis Presley shirt that your dad gave you as a going away gift. It was a little too big, but when you tucked it in or knotted it to the side, it was super cute.

“Oh, thanks. I live in an Elvis household.” You laughed, pulling your hair back into a low ponytail. Shawn held out this hand for you and you took it, grabbing your keys and making your way to the student center.

Arriving at the pizza party, to realised how much people really liked to interact here. There were so many students in the student building that the stairs were filled. It was a party school, efter all, you just weren’t ready for something this big on campus.

“Shawn!” Someone yelled, walking up and giving him a hug. “Hey man, thanks again for all the help this week. We couldn’t have done it without you.” You assumed that was Brian, or the roommate.

He just smiled, “It was no problem, besides. You did feed me for the week.” The two boys laughed until the one turned to look at you

“And you must be the reason he left us so early. I’m Brian, by the way.” He said, holding out his hand and confirming your suspitions. He seemed nice, as you shook his hand and took the beaded necklace he handed to you.

“Brian. This is my new hallway neighbor and…” he leaned into his ear and whispered something you couldn’t hear.

You watched Brian laugh and looked over at you with a wink. “I’m sorry, what was that?” You asked, confused and a little cocky.

“Oh nothing.” Shawn reassured you with a hand on your lower back, pressing a kiss to your temple.

“He called you his future girlfriend!” Brown yelled, earning a slap to the back of his head. “Aw come on Shawn. Don’t be a wuss.” you laughed, catching another set of beads that was tossed off the top of the staircase.

The rest of the evening was fun. You met a ton of people, played in a bean bag toss and won against an engineering student named Jordan, and had more fun than you’d ever thought. Back home, you usuallu stayed home and didn’t really get out much. Howerver, tonight Shawn was right there with you, cheering you on, introducing you to his friends, and apparently making sure that no one tried to steal you from him.

“Shawn,sweetie I’m really tired and I have a 9:00 am class in the morning. I think I’m gonna head back to the dorm.” You told him, noticing it was nearing midnight.

He nodded, tossing an empty water bottle into the recycling can. “Do you want me to walk with you? It’s dark out and you’re way too cute to be walking alone.” You blushed and felt someone come up behind you, and you turned to see Emily and Mike.

“Actually, we were headed back too. She can walk with us.” She said, placing a hand on your arm. She smiled at you, offering you a solo cup that had some gummy bears in it from the snack table.

You looked up to Shawn, who now seemed a lot more comfortable that you wouldn’t be alone. “Okay honey. I had fun.” He said, staring at your lips, begging for a kiss. So you nodded, leaning up on your tiptoes for a quick kiss. “Keep her safe.” He laughed at the other two dorm mates, who both had shocked looks on their faces. They obviously we’re prepared for that.

“You didn’t tell me you two were a thing!!” Emily yelled when you were far enough from the building that no one would hear her outburst. You laughed, shushing her.

“Yes I did! After the dinner. Either way, it’s very new. At the dinner we ended up kissing and he was so good looking and nice and sweet” You stated, filling in Mike on what you’d already told Emily a few days prior “ And he’s so not what I’m used to and-” you let out a sigh at the thought of Shawn.

That’s when both of them looked at you “Well, what are you used to?” Mike asked, his voice extremely cautious. You looked down at your feet, not sure how to phrase the next story that you were going to tell. Mentally you kicked yourslef for saying something, you didn’t want to bring this up, thiswas your chance to start over.

“My last ex. Actually all of them, even though there’s only been three. They were all pretty shitty, with sexual stuff. I’ll tell you guys more later, I’m not really comfortable talking about it. Anyways, it just really messed me up, and I’ve even been in therapy for it. Mainly it’s my most recent ex that caused it.” They looked at you, Emily almost tearing up. “I don’t want to get into details but I-“

Mike placed a hand on your shoulder. “You don’t have to. But from what I can tell about Shawn. He wouldn’t do that to you.” You looked up, about to thank him, when your heart dropped. Across from the courtyard from you, was the devil himself. He was leaned against the technology building, laughing at something someone had said, a cigarette to his lips. “Mike. Em. Keep walking. Just, please let’s go. I want to get back to the dorm.” The shake in your voice prompted them to walk faster, Emily holding your hand tightly while Mike looked around for what could’ve set you off.

When you got to your door, you started crying. “Oh my god. I’m so sorry. I wasn’t my place to ask. I’m sure that was a lot for you to bring up” Mike babbled, rubbing your back while Emily got your door open and helped you inside and onto your bed.

Through choked sobs and your attempted breathing exercises, you got out a “not your fault.” The room was spinning at you tried to regain control of your breathing and heart rate. “Mike. She’s having a panic attack. I want you to go get some water and call Shawn, okay?” Emily barked, grabbing your hand and looking at you. “Hey there, listen to me. You’re okay. Have you had these before?” You nodded. “Do you have any pills for them?” You shook your head. “Not anymore.” you gasped, wishing you’d refilled your perscription before you left home.

Mike barreled through the door with a water bottle. “Shawn’s on his way. Is she okay? What can I do? This is all my fault.” You reached out, grabbing Mike’s hand and shaking your head. “She said it’s not your fault Mikey. She’s had them before, but she’s out of her meds. This isn’t your fault.” He seemed to relax after that.

He looked at you apologetically, you could see he felt bad, but you still weren’t able to speak to tell him this wasn’t your fault. “I’m gonna go see if Shawn is here.” He said, looking down at his phone.

After he’d left, Emily turned to you. “Without causing an after shock. Can you tell me what happened?” You took a very shaky deep breath, your body finally calming down enough to speak.

“It wasn’t Mikey’s fault. I looked over and my ex was actually there. The one I was talking about earlier? I didn’t know he was attending this school too. It was just a shock, like a sucker punch to the gut.” She nodded, pressing a kiss to your hand before walking out to let you decompress on silence.

Just as you were about to close your eyes, your body drained of all energy, the door opened again and you noticed a head of curls walking towards you. “Hey. Are you okay? I knew I should’ve walked you back.” His hands were resting on either side of your body like a shield while you laid on your bed. He looked at you before placing a hand on your cheek and rubbing gently with his thumb.

“I’m okay now. I- I saw my ex and it wasn’t pretty. I’ll tell you about it later. For when we are a little more established” Your eyes drooping in exhaustion.

“Mike and Em already told me what they knew. I promise I’ll keep you safe baby. Nothing is going to happen to you okay? Not as long as I’m around. Can I get you something? Do you need more water or I could start a shower for you.” You shook your head, placing your hand on his cheek.

He instantly stopped talking and looked at you, waiting for you to tell him what you needed. “Look at you, all protective and shit. It’s cute.” You smiled and he kissed the side of your palm. “But no I don’t need anything. Just want to get some sleep and start fresh tomorrow.”

He smiled, tilting his head slightly to kiss the entirety of your palm again. “Remember that I’m just across the hall, okay? Do you want me to stay a few more minutes to check on you? I want to make sure you’ve calmed down enough to fully rest.” You really just wanted to sleep, but the look on his face was begging you to let him stay. Maybe it was the doctor in him, or maybe he was just this passionate.

“I’d really like that. You can turn on the tv if you’d like. I have a fire stick, pick whatever you want. I just want to decompress.” He laughed softly, turning it on and clicking on some cooking show.

“How about you put on something more comfy and I go talk to the nurses outside. They are really worried and Want to make sure you’re okay before they go to bed” You let out a breathy laugh, getting up and walking towards your dresser.

“Tell them thank you, for me.” He nodded, walking over to place a kiss to your head.

Whispering softly he said, “Put on a sports bra, I’ve got a gift for you.” He smiled before walking out to talk to Mike and Emily who were no doubt a mess in the hallway.

Now dressed in your Calvin Klein sports bra and shorts, you were comfy in bed. Shawn walked in with a navy blue shirt in his hand and gave it to you. “I noticed you like to bury your face in my nack, and I know that calming scents help the body stay at ease. So I thought you’d like this.” You smiled, slipping the shirt over your head and snuggling into the sheets.

Shawn was now laying next to you, keeping a hand on yours to help keep you calm. It gave you a sense of safety, knowing that he was so gentle. “Thank you for making sure I was okay. I know you were having fun at the party.” He just kissed your head.

“It was time to come home, it was late. And don’t thank me, it’s my job. As a caretaker and hopefully a boyfriend.” You looked up at him, a tired smile on your face.

“Definitely as both.” You stated, nuzzling into his chest. Feeling safe for the first time in a long time.

He hummed happily, “Want me to stay tonight?” Too tired to answer you nodded, clinging to his body like he was a life support. “Then you’ve gotta let me get changed sweetheart.” You reluctantly pulled away, allowing him to get up and go to his own dorm room to change. But you couldn’t help the look he gave you before he shut the door. You could’ve swore you saw pure love him his eyes, and you’d only known him a week.

He returned five minutes later in some plaid pants and a wife beater. But the thing you couldn’t get past, was the fact that his pants were tucked into his socks. “Shawn?” He looked at you, nestling into bed with you, his head resting on your shoulder. “What the fuck is going on with your pants.”

[sylvesterlestermanchester]

Love is the Fulfilling of the Law

Summary: Dan’s happy in his relationship with Phil. If only everything else could start to fall into place, that’d be great.

Word Count: 5,700

Genre: Humor, fluff, angst. Isn’t that life?

Warnings: Swearing, mentions of homophobia, allusions to conversion therapy.

A/N: This won’t make much sense unless you read the first fic in the Fearfully and Wonderfully verse, Fearfully and Wonderfully! (I was really creative with that title huh.) Also, ty for all the love on the past two fics! I don’t have much free time to write these, so I appreciate a few people actually saw it lol.

Dear God. 

Hey, God, it’s me.

Our father, who art in heaven...

Wait, am I supposed to pray to God? Or Jesus?

Dan let out a quiet groan, burying his face in his hands. It was way too early in the morning to be thinking, let alone trying to connect with a higher power. 

Why couldn’t Dan pray like Phil did?

Yeah, Dan could’ve asked his boyfriend for help with this. His boyfriend, literally the most religious person Dan had ever met. His boyfriend, who had plans for seminary. His boyfriend, who...his boyfriend…

A sleepy grin spread across his face as he pushed all other thoughts out of his mind and snuggled up closer in his boyfriend’s arms, their bodies squeezed together on the tiny twin mattress that barely fit just one of their lanky bodies. In the month that they had been dating since coming back from the retreat, Dan still wasn't tired of calling Phil his boyfriend-when nobody was around, of course.

“Boyfriend…” Dan sang quietly as he moved to play with Phil’s shaggy hair, biting back a laugh as he received a quiet snore in response. “Oi, boyfriend.”

“Shush your hush.” He hears back after a moment, voice low and tired, but still fond. “Shush your hush?”

“Mmm.” “Wow, quite eloquent. Shush your hush. I’ll write it down for later, so you can-”

“Shush!” Phil suddenly rolled on top of Dan, pressing a sloppy, wet kiss to his cheek.

“Wha-Phil, guh-ross!”

“It’s what you get.” Phil laughed, nuzzling his nose into Dan’s hair.

The sleepy cuddles only last a bit longer before they force themselves out of bed, getting ready for class. It’s only when Dan tugs on a new shirt and catches a glimpse of Phil kneeling beside the bed and looking up at the ceiling that he remembers why he woke up early to pray-or at least try to. 

Phil looks...peaceful. Transcended, almost, from their cozy but cluttered dorm room. Part of Dan winces for his knees, but part of Dan is jealous. This is something so deep, so meaningful to him, and it’s something Dan feels this need to share with him. 

How could he be with Phil if he can’t even share the most important thing in his life with him? He’s pulled out of his thoughts this time by Phil’s soft giggle. “Are you watching me?” He asks softly, pushing himself to his feet and moving over to wrap his arms around Dan’s waist. 

“W-What? No. Just zoned out. I need coffee.” He whined, running a hand through Phil’s hair and pushing it back lightly.

“You were creeping on me, creeper.” Phil giggled and tickled Dan’s side lightly, watching as he squirmed.

Before Dan can argue back, Phil leans closer and presses a lazy kiss to his lips. One month in, his knees still weaken as he feels his boyfriend’s soft lips on his. 

“C’mon, we should get going.” “We could just kiss the day away.” Dan murmurs. “We could. But I could also buy you coffee and we can try to focus on these midterms you guys keep warning me about.” Dan grumbled and pressed a quick peck to his lips before pulling away reluctantly. He was dreading the mid-semester exams that were coming up just a couple weeks from now, and he knew Phil wouldn’t be prepared at all, considering he hadn’t even known they were a thing until last week. 

Once they gather their things and share a final kiss (okay, three) they both pull away, Phil smoothing his shirt down and Dan fixing his hair before they step out into the hall.

Phil trails behind-close, but not too close. Far enough away that they look like just roommates. Close enough that it keeps Dan from reaching back and tugging him into his arms, just wanting to envelop himself in Phil.

It’s when they’re walking that Dan sees the glint of the silver cross necklace bouncing against Phil’s chest, and his eyes trail from that up to the clouds in the sky, finally getting as close to a prayer as he figures he’s going to get.

Hey, God. Speak to me, yeah? If for nobody else, for Phil. 

-

“Okay, I’ve done the math-we can do this! With a week left before everyone’s first exam, we just need to keep up the studying, and-and maybe sleep, like, three hours less a night each.” Phil rambled, hands shaking from the abundance of caffeine rushing through his veins. He looks up from his calculator before looking at Louise and Dan across the booth, a nervous smile on his face as he tries desperately to cheer up his sullen friends. “Y’know, three hours isn’t even that much, especially if we work really hard and study non-stop. These tests should be easy then, right?” PJ chuckled dryly, rubbing his temples slowly. “You sound insane. You really never had to take tests in your little homeschool world up North?” He asked, pawing through the mountain of books in front of them. The fun “study session” that Phil had suggested had devolved into madness once the sugary coffee drinks had gone through their system, and Phil was desperately trying to scrape it back together.. “Well, not really. Once a year, we did this one just to prove we were actually learning. And then I took that weird G-C-E test or whatever, but I didn’t even take that seriously, because I barely knew what it was. But I must’ve done okay, because I ended up here, right?”

Louise stared at him before groaning. “Only you could half-ass the GCSEs and manage to score high enough to get a fucking huge scholarship.” Louise rolled her eyes playfully as she reached out and ruffled his hair. “The rest of us are doomed. Hey, Speaking of the North, why didn’t Chris show up, again?”

Phil giggled a bit as PJ shrugged, slurping his Frappuccino. “Just said he couldn’t make it, that’s all.” “He’s been ‘busy’ a lot lately.” Louise rolled her eyes gently. “He’s gonna bomb if he just stops studying.”

“What is he even doing?” PJ raised his eyebrows. “Seriously, I’m getting concerned-”

 “Less gossip, more studying, c’mon!” Phil interrupted suddenly, shaking his head quickly.

Louise and PJ rolled their eyes but reluctantly grabbed their pens, but Dan is too focused on Phil’s slightly trembling hands thumbing through his textbook. His nearly-neurotic obsession with studying wasn’t anything new-Phil had been studying a lot lately, breaking both the coffee and all-nighter limit they had set earlier that semester. 

Dan...well, he wasn’t exactly doing the same.

Pre-law was boring as fuck. Dan could feel his soul dying every time he went to a seminar. He couldn’t stand anyone else in his major. His eyes glossed over if he read case studies for more than 15 minutes, and if it came between studying and, well, literally anything else, he would gladly take anything else. 

Especially when that anything else was kissing Phil. 

Kissing Phil sounded really good right now. If their friends hadn’t been around, he’s sure he would’ve dragged Phil out of here by now and to one of the dozens of hidden corners of their campus for a good secret-kissing session. In fact, he’s tempted to make up some excuse and pull Phil away now when Louise nudges him. 

“Earth to Dan? Dan, aren’t you slipping in this class? C’mon, stop zoning out and get to work.” “You’re slipping?” Phil frowns, head jerking up. “Oh, Dan, why didn’t you say anything? You know I would’ve helped you study.” Dan groans under his breath. “Okay, okay. I’ll do it. I can’t help that it’s just so incredibly dull and stupid and-” PJ rolled his eyes. “We get it, you hate it. Less bitching, more studying, all of us.” Dan ducks his head down and begrudgingly starts to read along with the rest of them. He doesn’t miss the way Phil’s eyes glance over at him, offering him a sympathetic smile. If he had to, he would. If only just so he could trudge through it and get to the other side already. 

After a moment of debating, he glances up at the ceiling. God, if you’re there-let me get through this?

-

“Remand.” “I want to re-mand you that you’re my boyfriend, not my tutor.” Dan flashed Phil a grin, wiggling his eyebrows.

His grin wavered a bit as Phil shook his head, biting his bottom lip and giving him a stern look.

“Remand.” He repeated firmly, and Dan sighed.

“Um...the case in the court below it was incorrect?”

Phil shook his head. “Close, it’s actually-” He gets cut off by a dramatic groan from Dan, only muffled as Dan buried his face in their mattress. “Dan, I know you had your English exam today, but this law test is in two days. You need to-”

“Give me another one.” He snaps, and Phil sighs.

“Preemption.”

“That’s not a word.” “Dan, yes it is.” Phil says, voice softening as he reaches out and rubs Dan’s back. “Head up. What does it mean?” “Wait....is it when two courts, can-can...they can hear the same case at the same time?” Dan asks hopefully, looking at Phil, who’s grimacing.

“Not-Not exactly.” Before Dan can start up again, he quickly jumps in. “Let’s try an easy one-Plaintiff.” “Who even cares?” Dan snapped, kicking his feet childishly. He’s being annoying, he knows. He knows it’s late, and Phil has his own studying to do, and that he’s just trying to help. But Phil’s been on him since their study session last week when Louise let it slip that Dan wasn’t doing well in this class.

“I care, Dan.” Phil sighed, looking down and speaking quietly. “I-I just want you to do well. I’m praying for you and everything, but you gotta put some work in as well.” That shuts Dan up. 

“You’re praying for me?” He asked quietly. “I mean, I pray about you all the time.” Phil lays back down and gently pulls Dan with him. “But yeah, I’m praying for you. You just-you don’t seem happy with what you’re studying, and I just want you to be happy and successful. So I’m praying you find that.”

Dan pauses, not sure how to react. He doesn’t have a chance to when Phil gently adds “Even if...even if that means not doing law.” At that, Dan turns to look at Phil. “Don’t say that.”

“Seriously, Dan, if you want to study something else-” “Phil, drop it. I mean it.” “Fine, fine.” Phil pulls away, rolling off the bed and padding over to his desk. “You take a break, I’ll study on my own.” Dan curls up slightly into himself, his stomach turning. Phil sounded...defeated, almost. Maybe it was the lack of sleep, or maybe Phil was more stressed than he was letting on. And Dan was only adding to it, oh God, what a fuck-up he was- “Pray with me?” Dan blurts out suddenly. 

Phil freezes mid-highlight before turning to Dan, eyebrows furrowed.

“You just...you look so calm when you do. It’s worth a shot, right?” Dan says, but it’s a weak lie. He doesn’t just want the calm Phil has. He wants that relationship with a God, that spiritual awareness. He wants to feel close to Phil in the way that seems to keep them apart, moreso even than the physical distance that they keep when out in public.

After a moment Phil’s expression softens and he gives Dan the kind smile that always makes him melt. Before Dan knows it he’s back on their bed, pulling Dan close. “Why don’t we do the Daily Examen?” “More exams?” Dan raised an eyebrow, smiling as Phil giggled.

“Examen. It’s a guided prayer. It helps me when I’m all over the place and can’t think as clearly.” 

Dan nods a bit, taking Phil’s hands and watching as his eyes fall shut. “Dear God...we’re now entering a space where you’re with us.” Dan watches as Phil takes a deep breath before realizing he should probably close his eyes, too.

Phil starts them by listing their gratitudes (coffee, a kind professor who let Dan finish the last bit of his essay despite being over the time limit, a sunny day), focusing on emotions (Dan’s a bit surprised with how empathetically Phil agrees with Dan’s overwhelment), picking one area to pray (peace), and then their hopes for the next day (just to get through it). 

As he leads Dan, Phil gets that serene smile on his face, and Dan opens one eye slightly to watch him. He wants what Phil has, really. But he can’t shake the feeling that, well, they’re just talking to someone who isn’t there. 

When Phil opens his eyes, he gives Dan a slightly hopeful look. “Better?”

“I feel...calmer,” Dan says, and it’s true. He feels a bit better, but he’s not sure that it’s as much because of the prayer or because of Phil’s soft, guiding voice. 

“Good. Now, let’s forget about vocab, yeah? We can study more tomorrow. Let’s get some rest.” He presses a gentle kiss to Dan’s forehead, and suddenly Dan feels the guilt build up further. He wants to feel this sense of closeness, and he’s pretty sure by the relaxed grin on Phil’s face he wants it as well.

“Night, love.” Dan whispers, watching as Phil snuggled up close before drifting off. With a sigh, Dan looks up at the ceiling.

Okay, God, I had Phil with me this time. He thinks, furrowing his eyebrows a bit. And you still can’t talk to me? Give me a break here, yeah?

-

Dan and Lou stand in the cold a couple days later when they're outside the church for study group, waiting for Phil.

PJ had to cram right before an art exam, which seemed like an oxymoron to Dan, but he couldn’t be envious of how cool that sounded. They both had tests-Phil a math exam that he was surprisingly confident about, and Dan’s law exam, which, well…

“How’d it go?” Phil asked cheerfully as he jogs up to them both, and despite the heavy feeling in Dan’s chest as he flashes back to the test-he had barely finished in time, and he knew that a lot of guessing was involved.

“It’s law. But, um, you know. Decent.” Dan lies with a small shrug. Louise quirks her eyebrow subtle, a trait that Phil doesn’t seem to pick up on as Dan asks about his exam and smiling as Phil lights up.

“Good! I know I nailed the extra credit. I’m exhausted, but-” “Chris? Hey, I thought you said you weren’t going to come!” Louise says as Chris walks over. It’s only then that Dan realizes he hasn’t seen him for more than a passing wave in the halls for about two weeks now. 

All their study sessions, and group de-stresses, and snack runs, Chris hadn’t been there. But here he is, Bible in hand and with a weird grin on his face.

“You know me!” He says, sounding just a bit too cheerful. “Unpredictable Chris. Let’s get inside, yeah?”

Phil watches as he makes his way through the chapel. “Oh-yeah, that sounds good. How is everything, by the way? It seems you’ve gone MIA-”

Chris waves him off. “I’m here now, Phil, c’mon. I need some snacks.”

They head down the stairs and make their way to sit in their regular seats, Phil and Dan exchanging quick glances. After a few minutes, they begin-brief introductions, a few announcements, and finally the starting prayer.

Before Caroline can direct them to a verse to study for the day, Chris butts in. “Can I ask a question?” 

Both Phil and Caroline smile widely and nod, and Chris flips open his Bible.

“I was reading some 1 Samuel, about David and Jonathan.” He starts, gripping the book tightly in his hands. He taps a bit of a highlighted text, raising his eyebrows. “And they talk about how “David loved Jonathan more than women,'', and how, and I quote, ‘the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David’. I mean...they were gay, weren’t they?”

The group seems a little taken aback by Chris’ bluntness, and Dan doesn’t need to look over to sense Phil shifting uncomfortably in his seat.

Caroline jumps in quickly. “I-I mean, people have interpreted it that way, yes. But they could have just had a deep, brotherly bond-”

Chris’ snort cuts her off. “I dunno, it seems pretty gay to me. I mean, they literally start smooching it up.”

“I think that they were gay, actually.” A girl across the room says with a shrug. “I mean, there had to be gay people back then. And Chris is right. They seem to act pretty romantically.” “You really think so?” A guy furrows his eyebrows. “I never read it like that. Judas kisses Jesus, but they weren’t gay.” “Yeah, well, I guess that’s not exactly the point. Here’s my question. How can you guys read and live by this book, but even though you claim that God is all-loving, some of you guys hate gay people?” The group falls silent, but that seems to only spur Chris on further. 

“Seriously. You guys talk so much about loving God, and God loving us, and loving brothers and sisters, but what if somebody in here was a guy, who happened to love guys? Like…” Dan holds his breath, eyes wide as he stares at Chris. 

“Like me?” He continues. Dan blinks a few times, looking equally as stunned as everyone else as his eyes dart around the room.

“Well-we want to be tolerant of everyone in here, so let’s start off with that.” Caroline jumps in again, but Chris shakes his head and barks out a laugh that doesn’t sound funny at all.

“I don’t want to be fucking tolerated, I want to be respected, and loved, and cared about-not just in spite of my sexuality, but because of my identity.” 

Chris stands to his feet, gritting his teeth as he slams the Bible shut and starts pacing around the circle. “It really, really fucking hurts when people don’t respect that. It hurts when I have to hear from my friends-” With that he whirls around, walking over to Phil suddenly. 

“Chris…” Phil whispers, sinking down in his seat somewhat as he looks up at him.

Chris stops in front of him, crossing his arms over his chest and glaring down at him. “When my friends talk so much about loving one another, but I’m not sure that they would love me if I was authentic with him.”

Phil sucks in a deep breath, slowly standing up. “Chris.” He says, voice shaking. “Chris, I promise I had no idea.” 

“Yeah, well, forgive me for being nervous.” Chris snaps. “I mean, you-Phil!”

Chris lets out a small yelp as Phil suddenly tackles him in a tight, desperate hug. The entire group is watching their every movement. Dan feels like his heart is going to explode. Finally, Phil pulls away, still holding both of Chris’s hands in his.

“Chris, if I haven’t shown you that I love you dearly as one of my greatest friends, I have f-failed you. As a friend. As a man. And as a follower of Christ.”

“You haven’t failed-” Chris laughed shakily, trying to hide the fact that his eyes were welling up, but then he looks shocked as a small sob erupts from Phil.

“I love you s-so dearly, Chris.” He says, quickly trying to control himself. “ ‘If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?’ “

“Chris, I-I know what love is because of the undying love of you as my brother. Through that I know God, and I know that God loves you so, so much. E-Even if you don’t believe, nobody ever-and I mean ever-should use him against you or your sexuality.” 

Chris is full-on sobbing now, and Phil pulls him to his chest, rubbing his back.

“If you’re gay, or bi, or-or whatever, I love you, and I love you b-because of it. I never want anyone to f-feel hated for that.” Phil pulled away after a moment before turning to the group. “And-And if you call yourself a servant of Christ, and you want to perpetrate this hate, or intolerance, I-I’d ask you to question why seeing someone-someone like Chris love another person with a pure heart makes you s-so uncomfortable.” Phil hugs him again as Chris’s shoulders shake and he balls up Phil’s shirt in his hands, mumbling “Thank you, thank you, thank you...”

After what seems like an hour, Caroline speaks quietly. “I think you both brought up some great points. Why don’t we wrap up early today, and-and we can try to pick this up next time, okay?” The group stays silent as Caroline leads them in their closing prayer, Chris’s quiet sobs the only noise besides her soft voice. People stand, a few shuffling over to give Chris hugs and murmur in his ear. “I think I’m gonna go for a walk with him. Y’know, help calm him down.” Phil murmured to Dan when he got a moment away. “Clearly a tough time, yeah?” “Yeah, yeah, of course.” Dan nods quickly, still a bit shell-shocked from the sudden outpouring of emotion. “Are you gonna-” He glanced between the two of them, and Phil bit his lip.

“I don’t think this is the best time to tell him about, um...that. It’s about him right now, me.” He said, glancing back at Chris nervously. “I just want to give him time to decompress. But we’ll grab dinner later, yeah?” 

Before Dan can answer Phil is back over with Chris, a supportive hand on his shoulder as he leads him out. The next thing he knows, he’s alone in the small room, and he takes a few deep breaths before looking up at the ceiling.

Why do you have to make this so hard, God?

-

It’s just about eight-thirty when Dan’s phone buzzes.

We had a long talk-tho i guess u guessed! Lol! 0_o U want 2 meet @ snake path? -Phil! 

Dan couldn’t help but grin in spite of the heaviness he had been feeling for the past several hours, practically jumping off the bed. 

Omw in five. 

Snake Path was Phil’s name for this little curvy path near the edge of campus, totally obscured by trees. The two had shared plenty of kisses and mini dates there, hiding out from the world when it all got to be too much. Some time with Phil sounded perfect-time where he didn’t have to think about God, or Chris, or coming out, or God forbid the fucking bombed law exam.

Dan can practically feel the sadness dissipating as he makes his way down, pulling his jacket tighter with a happy hum under his breath. Once he sees Phil, he picks up speed, laughing a bit as Phil gives him a small wave.

“Why didn’t you ask me to bring you a jacket?” Dan whined, wrapping his arms around Phil tightly. “You must be freezing!” “Well, good thing I’ve got you to warm me up.” Phil grinned and sat down, pulling Dan into a kiss as soon as he was sat down as well.

Dan giggled and started to speak, but Phil was kissing him again, hands moving to gently hold his hips.

“I missed you.” He murmured against his lips. “I know it’s stupid, but we haven’t had enough time to ourselves lately.”

“I missed you, too.” Dan sighs, wiggling slightly under Phil’s hold as he pulled him into another kiss. 

Phil kisses back, and for the first time all day, Dan feels good.

Dan’s totally lost in the feeling, letting out a happy sigh. Before he knows it, he’s climbing into Phil’s lap, hands cupping his cheeks. 

He doesn’t even realize that he’s sliding his tongue into his mouth until Phil makes a surprised noise, quickly freezing as he feels guilt swarm inside him.

“Phil…” He starts to push him away, but Phil giggles a bit, looking a bit stunned, before he slowly tries to pull him back. “Nobody’s out here…” He assures Dan, shrugging a little bit. “If-If you want to keep going-” 

“Phil, I-what are we doing? What am I doing?” Dan quickly moves off of Phil’s lap, hugging his knees to his chest.

Phil blinks a few times. “...Kissing your boyfriend?” He asks, tilting his head to one side. He’s giving Dan a clueless look, like he really doesn’t get what’s going on. That only makes Dan’s stomach hurt worse.

“You know I want to do a bit more than kissing, don’t lie.” Dan’s snapping now, but he can’t help it. All the frustration is bubbling up, and the way Phil’s face turns red and he looks away sheepishly. “And I think you do, too.”

“Is that such a problem?” He said quietly. “That I want to...do more, with you?”

“Yes, Phil!” Dan groans. “Are you-Are you kidding me right now?”

Phil takes a deep breath. “I’m sorry-you just came on kind of strong. I-I guess I must’ve gotten the wrong idea.” “Yeah, well, you sure did.” Dan grits his teeth, running a frustrated hand through his hair. “I’ve had the worst fucking day of all time, and now look what’s happening.” Phil looks completely beside himself, curling up a bit further into himself, but before he can speak Dan’s going off. All these things he’s been holding inside him for so long, they just seem to be exploding out.

“Everything sucks, yeah? I get that for you, it might be different. You know what you want to do with your life, and you love it. It’s your calling or whatever. And you’re naturally some freaky genius who gets to do everything right the first try.” “Dan, c’mon-”

“No! It’s true! You’re Mr. Saintly, you can do whatever you want! My parents think I’m some delinquent, and I have to become a shitty lawyer to convince them I’m not!” “Hey, hey-” “You don’t get the pressure I’m under!” Dan snaps finally, slamming his hand against the grass. “I don’t know pressure?” Phil says, voice quiet. Dan opens his mouth to speak, but freezes as he catches the glare Phil shoots him. “You’re telling me I don’t know pressure? The model Catholc ex-homosexual?” Dan nearly shivers as the way Phil’s voice raises in anger-it’s not even that he looks that mad, but it’s so foreign that it terrifies him.

“I mean, really, Dan! I’ve never taken exams like this, I’m exhausted, I’m worried about you, I learn my-my friend thinks that I’m just as bad as the people who tried to ‘cure’ me, and now my boyfriend is getting mad that we just want to kiss after a long day and telling me I don’t know pressure?”

Dan gulps audibly, wrapping his arms around himself. “I didn’t mean to get mad.” He says finally. “Then why were you?” Phil sounds exasperated. “I don’t understand how you can kiss me like that and then just freak out and expect me not to get worried!”

Dan sniffles a bit, looking down. ”Well...we were getting kind of intense. And we’re Catholic, so I thought-”

He falls silent as Phil’s anger fades away and is replaced with confusion.

“Wait, hold on.” He shakes his head. “We’re Catholics?”

Dan freezes before looking over at him with a guilty look, feeling his insides physically ache at all of the hurt inside him. “Well...I-I’m trying to be one, anyways.” He explains shakily,

Phil gently rubs his hand with his thumb, letting Dan continue.

“I-I’m always trying, you know that? Even if I seem like I’m being a little bitch about flashcards, or-or slacking off, or just being weird and watching you pray. I’m trying! I’m trying to believe in God, I’m trying to not flunk out, I’m trying t-to not kiss you in front of everyone, I-I’m trying so hard, and it’s just-it’s not enough…” “Baby…” Phil reaches out and pulls Dan into his lap again, this time only to hold Dan as tight as possible. 

“Why isn’t it enough?” He hiccupped out as he started crying, breath coming faster. “E-Everyone else g-gets to do everything s-so easily, s’not fair!”

Phil didn’t say anything, just humming sympathetically and rubbing slow circles onto his back. After a bit, Dan finds himself slowly starting to calm down, and when his crying has been reduced to sniffles and a shaky sigh, Phil pulls away. 

“Do you want to start brainstorming solutions?” He suggested gently. Dan shrugged, rubbing his eyes. “Okay, let’s start with an easy one.” He says, voice somehow managing to be matter-of-fact and still loving. Dan feels himself shrink slightly, pressing his cheek to Phil’s shoulder. “You think you’re going to fail?” Dan laughed weakly, nearly about to start crying again. “It’s not really a question at the moment. I totally bombed that test today.”

“Do you care?” Phil said, quickly clarifying. “Do you care if that hurts your chances of having a career as a lawyer?” Dan pauses, taking a deep breath. “I don’t...I want to be in college. I don’t wanna flunk. But, fuck, if I become a lawyer I think I’m gonna be sad, and miserable, and having a miserable mid-life crisis, fuck-” Phil tugs him closer. “Hon, you don’t have to do law. You can do something else.” “You don’t get it, my parents-” “Dan.” Phil nudged Dan’s side. “Remember, I’m supposed to be an ex-homosexual and a future man of God. My parents expect me to be holy. Literally. I know it's tough. But it’s your life, right?” Dan nodded, rubbing his eyes. “I just...I don’t wanna be aimless.” “Then don’t be. Use the rest of this year to explore what you’re into, and then we can regroup and come up with a plan.”

Dan bit his lip. At first, the thought terrified him, but really after this semester there was only a semester left. Maybe Dan could take that theater class he had heard about...and the idea of not having to do another law seminar didn’t sound too bad…

“Mmm...I suppose I could.” He mumbled, rubbing Phil’s chest absentmindedly. Phil smiled and kissed his nose. “Now. About the religion stuff.” He started, sighing as Dan groaned in embarrassment before continuing on. “Are you really wanting to be Catholic? Like...really?”

“I want to be Catholic with you.” Dan said softly. “I want to share that-that idea of God with you. Because what if, when you-you go to seminary-which I know is a million years away, but still-what if you realize you need to be with another Catholic?”

Dan’s voice broke at the end and Phil cooed, rocking him back and forth gently in his arms. “Daniel, I-I...I don’t even know if I want to be Catholic anymore.” He admitted. As Dan shot his head up, 

“I want to follow God, and be a leader for Him. And I love some of the ways that the Catholic church does. But the idea of trying to be a religious leader for a religion that can’t support me and my relationship...” He took Dan’s hand and laced their fingers together. “Maybe I could check out some more, um, progressive Christian denominations.” 

Dan took in a deep breath, cupping Phil’s cheek with his free hand. “Wow. Just...wow. You see us lasting that long? Even if...I’m sorry, but even if I don’t think I could ever believe in God?” He asks, a bit doubtful. “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law...” Phil began, nuzzling his cheek. “Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” At the blank look on Dan’s face Phil laughed. “It means love is the most important thing, out of all the rules and commandments of Christianity. I think you’re a wonderful person who acts with love as much as possible, and I think that’s why I love you, and honors God-whether you call it that or not.”

Dan blushed. “You really think so?”

“Of course. And we can share deeper, spiritual things together, if you want to get close in that way. We can try meditation sometime. Or-Or more midnight talks, you know I love those.” “And what about...getting close, y’know, in that way?” This time it was Phil’s turn to blush, looking down. “I’m not exactly saving myself for marriage anymore.” “Can’t you become a virgin again?” Dan asked, and Phil turned infinitely redder.

“I-yeah? But do I really want to do that? I mean, I did what I did. And I don’t want to be a virgin until I can sign some piece of paper. I-I don’t want to wait that long at all, actually.”

“Oh?” Dan gulps thickly.

“I want to share it with you, because I love you, so much. I’ve never done it with someone I’ve, um, loved before.” He whispered softly. “Only quick, desperate stuff when I was...y’know.”

Dan cooed and cupped his cheeks, kissing him slowly. “I want to share it with you, too, love. We can figure it out later, yeah?” Phil grinned and nodded before leaning into the kiss, Dan giggling a bit. It might sound stupid, but he just felt so good. So light. Like he could just sit here in Phil’s arms forever, and nothing bad could happen. Like-

“Are you two tonguing right now?!” Louise shrieked, and Dan yelped as suddenly Phil was scrambling away, both their faces bright red as they turn to look up and see Louise, Chris, and PJ looking down at them with amused looks. “You totally were!” “Noooo…” Phil whined, burying his face in his hands as Chris snorted out a laugh. 

“Wow, Phil, kinda bummed you didn’t show me this kind of brotherly love.”

 Dan and Phil exchanged small glances, a slow smile spreading across each of their faces. “The soul of Daniel was knit to the soul of Philip.” Dan teased.

“Oh-shush your hush!”

[the-amazing-spider-bi]

Prompt: Write a scene about the Hargreeves as children, please! (Vanya is my favorite, please include her too)

hi anon!! thank you so much for prompting me anon that is so so so nice!!!!i almost had no idea what to write until i remembered that the Hargreeves canonically went to school since Allison got into the soccer team and like… iconic. where’s the breakfast club au. anyway i’m not sure this is was you wanted but here it is anyway (or on ao3 if you like that better)

As Vanya and Five talked about extensively, her sitting under his bedsheets with crossed legs and a flashlight, they couldn’t understand why Dad insisted on making them attend middle school. 

He insisted even though he didn’t approve on any of their friendships with the other kids - not Five and Vanya’s, of course, who had no friends because Five didn’t like people and Vanya was as painfully shy as she was terrible at small talk, but the others who were better than them at talking to people. He insisted even though Pogo, Grace and he could certainly teach them better than any of the people employed there. He insisted even though all the parents kept protesting due to that time a supervillain tried to murder them in their Algebra class and ruined everyone’s grade on their finals. (Five thought they were just bad at Maths. Vanya stuck through the worst of it and got a passing grade. God, he got a B+, and he was fighting the supervillain for, like, half the exam.)

Dad, of course, didn’t care much for soccer parents’ opinions, or activities for that matter - he had never been to any school event in his life, which the other parents disapproved of in hushed tones in between glasses of mimosa. In his own words, their kids were no more unsafe from supervillains than from lone gunmen and it wasn’t like the government was doing anything about the later, so why should he? The world was dangerous, and you could die any day, they should just get on with their lives, pay for some self-defense classes for their brats, some Maths tutoring while they were at it, and stop bothering him.

And that was how they got stuck in assembly, which was the single most useless thing on Earth, in Five’s opinion. (Vanya had started listing useless things to pass the time as they ignored the speech in front of them: man’s tailbone, mosquitoes leaving bites when they sucked your blood, ties, itchy sweaters, sporks. Five only corrected her accurateness for some of those.)

So it was here, in the middle of the hall, as everyone else in school sat there on uncomfortable folding chairs that made Five’s back hurt like an old man’s and pretended to pay attention, Klaus gasped dramatically and pointed at Vanya. 

That in itself was not an unusual occurrence: Klaus, after all, did everything in a dramatic way, and was known to be rude to his siblings, and so Five decided to do what he did best and ignore him. 

Klaus, on the other hand, would not let himself be ignored.“Five!” he called out.

“That’s my number, yes,” Five answered, refusing to turn around, and Vanya hid her smirk by ducking her head.

“Five,” Klaus insisted, and he grasped his hand. Five stole it away quickly, because his siblings and him were twelve now, and they didn’t do silly things like holding hands, like babies. 

Klaus pouted and tugged at his sleeve and repeated: “Fiiive.”

“This could go all afternoon, you know,” Vanya pointed out, still pretending she was not smiling. She was right, of course. Vanya often was, and this was why she was his favorite. 

In that case, she was especially more so than usual, since they were hiding in the back of the room pretending to listen to some weird lady with homemade puppets who had been invited to the assembly for mysterious purposes. Allison was on another corner of the room openly laughing with some of the other girls, but no one was going to bother her for not listening, because she was class president and popular and also could make people do whatever she wanted anyway. Luther was sitting behind her and falling asleep on Diego’s shoulder, about five minutes away from being violently shoved away - Five was watching them with riveted eyes waiting for the inevitable disaster, and Vanya pretended to think he was being terrible but also watched as if she was at the movies.

Klaus, on the other hand, was sitting with Ben right behind them, and not content with being quiet until the lady stopped talking about bullying and the dangers of cliques.

“She is right, you know,” Klaus pointed out, useless. “I am nothing if not persistent. In fact, one could say this is my real power right here.”

“Being a pain in the ass?” Five supplied, enjoying a little the way Vanya squirmed uncomfortably at the swear word. She was such a goody-two-shoes.

“Yes. That’s how I beat the Magician, you know - I just kept talking and talking and talking and talking and-”

“He threw you out?”“No, actually, he tried to kill me and set off his own trap, but you know,” Klaus shrugged. “Anyway, as I was, in fact, saying,” he inhaled before bellowing: “Fiiiii-”

Vanya clamped a hand over his mouth fast, shushing him in panic. The teacher shot them a dark look. Five did his best to look innocent (unconvincingly), and she froze like a deer in headlights, sheepish as she almost always looked. Klaus didn’t even care, and instead licked Vanya’s hand, prompting a disgusted eww and her taking it off and pouting as she wiped it on her blazer. She didn’t punch him, because she was Vanya and she didn’t shove her siblings nearly as much as they shoved each other, so Five took it upon himself and kicked his chair. The teacher decided to move on. A wise woman. 

“Stop being a jerk, Klaus,” Ben said absently, turning the next page on his book. He had taken it out about five minutes into the speech and had not been reprimanded by any teacher, because he was everyone’s favorite, and rightfully so, but still - unfair.“

Thank you so much for the help, Number Four,” Five said.

“You’re welcome.”

“I was being sarcastic.”

“I know.”

“What did you want to tell us, Klaus?” Vanya said in a whisper that was very much like a plea.

Klaus pouted. “He’s not even listening to me.”

“When am I ever?” Five said before he added when Vanya narrowed her eyes at him: “What is up with you then, Klaus?”

“Loads of things,” Klaus said most unhelpfully. “I have a very fascinating life and I’m full of insights.”

“No he doesn’t,” Ben interrupted.

“What do you know about it, tentacle boy?” Klaus snapped, but Ben only smirked. “Anyway, I was thinking-”

“Dangerous pastime,” Five said. Vanya chuckled quietly.

“-because, you know, I was sitting right behind you, and I was trying not to pay attention to creepy puppet lady because I met her eye and I swear to god she winked at me-”

“In your dreams, maybe,” Ben quipped. 

“-which is scandalous since I’m saving myself for our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, thank you very much. Who are they even letting into our schools these days? God, everything is falling apart. Anyway, as I was saying… What was I saying?”

Vanya rolled her eyes so deeply Grace would warn her about getting stuck like this, and Five tried not to laugh at the face she made.

“Yes! Five. Right,” Klaus began again. “I was looking at your backs, and, lo and behold! You finally grew taller than her. Hurray! Can I get some applause for our little brother over here? I feel like we should applaud.”

Five turned to Vanya so fast he might have gotten whiplash and - for once, Klaus wasn’t lying. He was taller than her, for the first time since forever. Not that Five cared about petty business like that, except for how he did and he couldn’t shake the elation as his sister glanced up and down at him and grimaced in displeasure. (She used to be taller than all of them before they turned ten and Luther, Diego, Allison and Klaus started outgrowing her. Five and Ben still trailed behind. It was becoming embarrassing.)

Even then he just shrugged lazily and said: “Yeah, and?”“Come on, you can’t pretend you’re not happy about it.”

“Unlike you, Klaus, I don’t care about your nonsense, because I’m not a baby.”

“We’re literally all the same age,” Vanya pointed out. 

“I was obviously talking about a metaphorical baby.”

“Well, you’re a metaphorical jerk,” Klaus said, trying very hard not to sound whiny even though he totally was.

“Oh, that’s very clever-”

“Guys,” Vanya complained. “If you don’t stop talking so loud the teachers are going to yell at us-”

“So what? What are they gonna do? We saved this city, like, three times,” Klaus said, propping both his arms behind his chair lazily and starting to rock it. 

“I didn’t,” Vanya said, voice very small and entirely too bitter for a twelve-year-old.

“I’m so sorry, but that sounds like a you problem,” Klaus said, shrugging. 

At that, Vanya looked down and bit her lip and sat very still on her chair. Ben elbowed their brother in the ribs with a disapproving frown, which was probably meant, as Five would reason later, to prompt him to apologize to Vanya for hurting her feelings so callously, but only made him yelp very loudly in the middle of the hall and fall from his rocking chair in a tumble of lanky limbs. 

Somewhere on the other side of the room a very similar yelp and a very similar tumble of limbs echoed just as much as Luther was violently pushed off Diego’s shoulder and woken up from his nap.

The silence that followed this was very, very heavy on Five’s back, the only sound Vanya popping open her pill bottle - then looking up at Five with a gasp and a guilty look. Maybe it was because of the other kids craning their necks to see Klaus and Luther lying on their back in improbable positions. Maybe it was the puppet lady pausing her show for them. Maybe it was the calm before the teacher fell down on them with a hand too tight on their biceps and a snarl. 

Anyway, even as their teachers berated them with threats of detentions they wouldn’t dare give out, Five couldn’t help feeling giddy. He was, after all, finally taller than Vanya.

Of course, years and years later, he would learn that Vanya would be forever stuck at her twelve-year-old height and that every one of them would grow up to tower over her. Still. It was nice at the time. 

[haechanin]

Thief

 a/n: hii so its my first( and probably the last) time writing something in english or in general so i have no idea how this will turn out anyways so im sorry for this in advance

summary: in which y/n keeps losing her highlighters and someone unexpected finds them

word count: 2.5k

genre: fluff (at a cringy level)

warnings: umm idk low self-esteem? and its kinda rushed im so sorry for that

I rummaged through my pencil case for the umpteenth time, still not being able to find my pen.

“You’ve got to be kidding me…For god’s sake this the fourth time this week and it isn’t even Friday. I’m going to be broke because of this.”

After my sudden outburst, Heejin lifted her head up from the book she was reading and looked at me. When she saw the pencil case in my hand, she realized what my problem was and started laughing, almost wheezing. 

"I'm serious Heejin. My parents are angry at me for spending too much money this month. I don't understand how I seem to lose every pen I've bought. I mean there has to be some logical explanation for this."

She continued laughing, wiping an imaginary tear from her eye and said, “There’s nothing to explain Y/N. It’s just your irresponsibility showing.”

I glared at her and huffed, “This isn’t funny okay!? By the way, I'm not irresponsible; I'm a perfect student." 

She gave me look saying she didn’t agree with me but didn’t make a comment. The bell rang, signaling that the class was about to begin so we got off the table and headed to our classes. 

Right when I got into the classroom, I was greeted with the sight of Na Jaemin. I began to feel the blood rushing into my cheeks and tried to hide my face by looking down. It has been months since the school started yet I still can't get used to being in the same class as him. One time, I was distributing exam papers, and I began stuttering because he thanked me.

 I could feel that I was standing for too long, so I immediately looked around for a seat and just to my luck it was right in front of Jeno and Jaemin. I started cursing to myself under my breath and began to walk towards them. They abruptly stopped their conversation and looked at me when I got closer, just like it has been for the last two months. Whenever I walk or sit next to them, they stop what they're doing and go silent. Heejin told me that it could be because of him having a crush on me, but I shut her down by saying that there were many popular and beautiful girls out there, so why would it be me out of all the people?

Feeling awkward and flustered, I sat down and wished for the class to begin and save me from this situation.

The class went on with me trying to keep my eyes open every 5 minutes and finally ended. I quickly gathered my stuff and exited the room, hurrying to my locker. I opened the locker and began to fill my bag with the books I needed to study from, for tonight. Just as I was about to close the locker, I saw a piece of paper and grabbed it, thinking that it was important. After that, I made my way over to the buses and went home.

Once I got home, after having dinner, I started studying. Half an hour into studying, I got bored and looked around. Suddenly I remembered the paper and began to search my bag, thinking that it had the homework on it. I took the folded paper and opened it.

Bet you’re wondering about your pens. But don’t worry; you don’t have to buy new ones anymore. Tomorrow after lunch, check your locker cutie.

- Your secret admirer

I scowled, thinking that this was a joke from Heejin, and threw the paper into the bin.

“Why am I friends with you?” I thought to myself.

Next morning as soon as I saw Heejin, I told her about the note. I showed her the note, and she said she didn't know what the note was about and that she didn't write it.

“Are you serious? Who else knows about ‘my little issue’ other than you? It has to be you.”

“Well sorry to disappoint but it wasn’t me, so I don't know who wrote it.”

“Someone is pranking me for a reason I don’t even know why. I mean I don’t even talk to anyone other than you.”

“Hun, why are making assumptions? Maybe they like you, but they’re scared of rejection." 

I frowned, “Oh come on, I doubt anyone knows who I am. Nothing is interesting about me.”

 “Oh don’t be ridiculous; everyone would like you. Have you seen yourself? With those chubby cheeks,” she pinched my cheeks and said, “ even the world’s most cruel man would melt because of you.”

 I began blushing, and my frown turned upside. "Okay but kidding aside, who could've written that note?"

“Maybe you can wait during lunch to see the person?”

I nodded thoughtfully and went to my locker.

The day went on pretty fast, and lunchtime came. Just as I was about to leave the class, curious to see the mystery person, my teacher stopped me.

“Miss Y/L/N, where are you going? Did you forget that you are supposed to take the quiz you missed last week?”

 My eyes widened, and I froze.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

“Oh right. I’m sorry Mrs. Kim, I forgot that for a moment.” She laughed at me, and I could only smile painfully.

Well, there goes my plan.

“Well, what happened? Did you see who it was?”

“Ugh, no. My stupid ass forgot that I had to take a quiz today.”

Heejin started laughing at me and said, “Don’t worry. I mean it’s not that important anyway. It’s just a paper. Now let’s go, we have to get our books. or else we’ll be late to class.”

I nodded sadly and we went to our lockers. When I opened the locker, I saw a pink highlighter and a note.

You’re so cute when you’re confused you know. Trying to find who I am ha~ I'm sorry, but I can't reveal who I am yet. For now, you have to settle with the highlighters. Expect to see more of these. Have a good day cutie.

-Your secret admirer

I felt myself blushing and quickly looked around to see if anyone was around but saw no one. I grabbed the highlighter and smiled. Heejin saw this and began to make fun of me.

I hit her on the head and said, “Oh shush, we’re going to be late so come on.”

A few days have passed and every day I got a new note and a highlighter. I was beginning to develop feelings towards my admirer, so I started to forget about my crush on Jaemin and became more comfortable around him. I no longer stuttered while talking to him. (Like thanking and congratulating. It’s not like we’re close; we don’t talk a lot.)

Next week on Tuesday, I received a different note.

I've returned every pen I've taken from you, so this is my last note to you cutie. Check your desk.

- Your secret admirer    

Feeling hopeful, I hurriedly closed my locker and went to the classroom. But to my luck, no one was in there Feeling a little sad I walked over to my desk and saw a bag. But my sadness immediately faded away when I opened the bag. Inside the box, there was a box filled with cookies. Smiling, I took the box and saw a post-it on it.

Here are some cookies for you my love.You’re getting curious than ever, aren't you? Well, you're getting closer to finding out who I am. Meet me at the gym tomorrow at 1 pm. Have a good day and enjoy eating the cookies beautiful!

-Your secret admirer

I smiled widely and began eating the cookies.

Who are you?

Tomorrow came, and I couldn't be more anxious. I spent the all of the morning worrying.

What if this is a joke? What if they don’t really like me? Should I not go? But what if it’s true?

I couldn’t stop thinking so I didn’t pay attention to any of the classes. Having enough of me dozing off, Heejin kicked me from my back.

“Ouch!” I whisper-yelled.

“What was that for?”

“Stop thinking about irrelevant things and concentrate on what the teachers are saying. You’re going to end up wanting my notes and I’m not going to help you. Don’t cry to me when you fail exams!”

I looked at her with angry eyes but turned to the board since she was right.

Finally,I thought when the lesson ended. I got up from my seat and looked at Heejin.

“You can do this y/n, there’s no point in worrying because everything will be fine. Trust me.”

“But what i- ”

“No buts! I’m going to go to the cafeteria, and you're going to go to the gym. That's it. I'll be in the laboratory, waiting for you after lunch.”

I looked at her wearily, but she only winked at me and left. I quickly went to the bathroom to make myself look presentable and headed to the gym.

Here we go.

 When I got to the gym, I immediately searched around for my admirer. However, I couldn't see anyone.

Maybe they’re late, so I should sit and wait.

I went to the bleachers and sat there. But I still couldn’t relax because of the little voice in my head. I began to feel like crying after 10 minutes and got up to leave. Clearly, no one was coming.

What did you even expect you loser? Did you really think this was real?

Just as I was leaving, I heard a voice, shouting my name.

“Y/N!”

I turned around and saw Jaemin. I was shocked as to why he was panting and talking to me.

“Yes? Are you okay? You look like you’ve been running miles.” I said with a little chuckle.

He crouched, trying to catch his breath and tried to say something but couldn’t do it because of his heavy breathing.

"Okay, maybe you should sit and wait for a moment. Come with me.”

I grabbed his arm lead him into the bleachers. After a few seconds, he finally managed to calm down.

“So what’s the matter? And why are you looking for me?”

“I’m so sorry y/n, I was going to come straight here, but the professor didn't let us leave."

I looked at him confused and tried to understand what he was getting at.

“Umm, okay but what does that have to do with me?”

He looked at me funnily and said,

“I thought I told you to meet me here. I thought you read it.”

I sat there looking at him confused and then it hit me.

Na Jaemin, the person I was crushing on since the start of high school, was my admirer.

“Y/n? Did you hear me?”

I was staring at him blankly and trying to convince myself that this was not real. Suddenly I felt someone shaking me and I turned back to reality. Jaemin was staring at me, worry written all over his face. After looking at his face a bit more, I finally opened my mouth.

“You...Note…It was you?” It came out more like a question.

“I’m sorry,” He looked down and,

“, if you were waiting for it to be a different person. I understand if you don't feel the same and I'm sorry for stealing your highlighters."

At the sound of my highlighters, I suddenly turned back to life.

“Wha- How did you even steal them? How did you get the idea anyway?”

"It was Chenle’s idea.”

My ear perked up at the mention of the mischievous junior.

Why am I not surprised?

“But clearly, didn't work. I'm sorry for wasting your time. I'll just go."

He suddenly got up, and I panicked. I got up and took his arm, turning him around.

“Wait you little shit, where do you think you’re going after stealing my precious highlighters?”

“I’m leaving since you don’t return my feelings.” With that, he continued walking.

"Who said I don't like you?" I said a bit loudly. He stopped in his tracks and stayed there like he was glued. Without turning to me, he asked,

“Are you…by chance saying that you like me?”

“Are you kidding me? I have been crushing on you for years. I’m not going to just let you slip through my fingers while I have the chance.”

He turned to me shocked, and suddenly his face broke into a broad smile. He started running towards me and lifted me.

"WOAH!" He twirled us around, and I began to feel dizzy from the whole turning.

“JAEMIN PLEASE STOP I’M HUNGRY AND CLOSE TO THROWING UP!”

He stopped turning and put me onto the ground.

"Sorry, I'm just delighted"

"Yeah, I can see that." I said while trying to collect myself and looked at him. He was staring at me with that big smile of his, and suddenly I felt something on my lips.

He was kissing me. Jaemin was kissing me. And I was standing frozen.

He pulled away and looked at me then grabbed my cheeks and squeezed them tightly.

"You're so cute I can't believe you're mine!”

I stood there my mouth agape, still trying to comprehend the situation.

“Let’s go I’ll buy you something to eat since we’ve been here for 15 minutes now.”

He grabbed my hand and took me to the cafeteria. We sat next to a window and ate silently. However, I was aware that he was staring at me every 10 seconds which made it harder to swallow the food.

“You know, I’m still kind of pissed that you stole my pens.”

“Are you serious? We started dating and that’s all you can think about?”

“Who said we were dating?”

He stopped eating and looked at me crushed.

“What do you me- ”

“I’m kidding Jaemin you can relax but still, do you know how much those coasted me? I had to buy new ones every week.”

"I'm sorry, but it got us together in the end huh?"

“Yeah but you still have to make up for them.”

He suddenly took his wallet out. But I stopped him.

“By taking me out to a proper date.”

He smiled at me and leaned across the table and then cupped my face between his hands. He looked into my eyes deeply and leaned in for a short yet sweet kiss. Just as the kiss began, I heard the voice of my best friend.

“OH MY GOD Y/N WHAT THE HECK?”

I stared at her startled and then looked at Jaemin apologetically.

“Meet me at the end of the school in front of my locker okay?”

He nodded and hugged me and then left.

I looked after him smiling lightly but jumped when a hand hit my arm. I turned to Heejin in surprise.

“You got some explaining to do honey.”

a/n: yOOO this was shit im so sorry

[stansbooty]

don’t waste my time // reddie

requested by anonymous: stenbrough or reddie where person A is a vet and person B brings in their pet for increasingly ridiculous reasons in order to flirt with person A if that’s fine by you

summary: in which richie owns a dog and eddie is a veterinarian, and richie just wants to keep seeing eddie

words: 3873

ao3 link

“Hello!” Richie greeted the receptionist enthusiastically. “I’m here for my dog’s checkup at 11.”

“What’s the name?” She smiled.

“Richie Tozier,” Then he added quickly. “My dog’s name is Leia. I don’t know if you meant her name or mine.”

Leia barked enthusiastically at the sound of her name in her owner’s mouth and Richie bent down to stroke her head.

“Just fill out this form and a technician will call you back when the vet’s ready.” The receptionist handed Richie a clipboard with a few papers on it.

Richie found a seat in the nearly empty waiting room, only a couple other people and their pets being there. One was a young girl and a cat, the other was a couple with a small little dog. Leia’s tail wagged happily as she looked at the other animals and Richie smiled at her before filling out the forms.

His dog, a fairly energetic Golden Retriever, was hopping around the smaller dog playfully when Richie’s name was called. A tall, friendly looking man was standing at the door, holding it open.

“My name’s Mike, we’re just gonna get her measured real quick, if you could follow me.” He waved them in.

Richie leaned against the wall as Mike weighed and measured Leia, his dog occasionally looking back at him to make sure he was still there.

“You guys can go into room C,” Mike said when he was done writing on his own clipboard. “The vet will be in with you shortly.”

“Thanks.” Richie grabbed the leash from where Mike’s outstretched hand held it and led Leia into the room. She looked around the new location happily, smelling everything she could, while Richie took the nearest seat, making sure she didn’t get into anything she shouldn’t. She eventually finished checking out the new room and hoped on the chair next to Richie, laying her head on his lap.

The door opened and Leia’s tail wagged at the new person.

“Hey guys, I’m Dr. Kaspbrak. I’m assuming this is our patient.” The vet knelt down next to Leia.

Richie was sure his jaw fell open as he looked at the vet, wavy hair and a bright smile, body wrapped up in his white coat. Richie’s thoughts were just “fucking cute” as he tried to find the words to respond to him.

“What if I said I was the patient?” His brain kicked into overdrive and the words fell out before Richie could stop himself.

The vet’s eyes twinkled, a small smirk on his lips. “You’re a 60-pound golden retriever?”

“Maybe.”

Dr. Kaspbrak laughed. “Why don’t you help get Leia up on the table?”

Richie stood up from his chair, now realizing the height different between him and the vet. He wasn’t short, exactly, but Richie was over 6 feet tall, so even average sized people seem short to him. Richie wrapped his arms around his dog’s middle, picking her up the same way he had done so many times before.

“You got her?” Dr. Kaspbrak asked.

“Of course, I do.” Richie smiled and put her down on the table.

He chuckled. “Alright, well I’d appreciate it if you would pet her throughout this. Sometimes dogs can get a little panicky and they like to know that their owner is here.”

Richie nodded, stepping closer to the table and running his hand along the back of his dog. Dr. Kaspbrak smiled appreciatively and took his stethoscope of his neck, placing the tips in his ears, the end in his hand. He listened around Leia’s body and Richie could see the pink of his tongue sticking out slightly in concentration.

“Everything sounds good, Mr. Tozier.” Dr. Kaspbrak removed the stethoscope, putting it back around his neck, and began feeling around for irregularities around her body.

“Please, Dr. Kaspbrak, call me Richie.” He responded slowly.

The vet didn’t respond, continuing his examination, but Richie could see a faint flush on his cheeks. Leia licked the vet playfully, causing him to giggle and rub her head affectionately. Richie was pretty sure he had never heard a giggle that adorable come out of anyone’s mouth in his life.

“Are all the vets as cute as you?” Richie asked when the exam was over and the vet turned around, pulling his gloves off and looking at his computer. Richie took a second to look at his ass, which was unfortunately covered by his medical coat.

Dr. Kaspbrak turned his head around slowly, giving Richie a pointed look before glancing at his computer for a second longer.

“She’s in perfect health, Mr. Tozier.” He explained. “Good weight, nothing abnormal. And she’s up to date on all her necessary shots.”

“Necessary?”

“Yeah, there’s some that are optional but if you don’t want to pay for them, it won’t affect Leia’s health to not get them.”

“If I pay for them, will I get to look at you longer?” Richie ran a hand through his own hair.

The vet smirked. “No, I have another patient. My technician, Mike, would be giving her the shots. But if you’re into tall, dark, and handsome, you can stick around to look at him.” He picked up a couple papers and handed them over. “Just give this to the receptionist before you leave. Bye, Leia.” He waved to the dog and stepped out the door.

Richie stood still, shocked that he just walked out so quickly. “C’mon, Leia.” He grumbled and picked his dog up, putting her on the floor and putting her leash back on her.

-

A week later, Richie found himself back in the veterinarian clinic. “Richie Tozier here for some shots for my dog, Leia.”

“Appointment time?” The receptionist asked.

“2 with Dr. Kaspbrak.” He responded, and she ushered him to take a seat.

Richie had heard before that dogs are often nervous and scared to go to the vet, but Leia, for the second time in a week, seemed right at home in the office, playing with the other animals and exploring the small waiting room.

“Richie Tozier.” His name was called and he looked up to see the same technician as last week.

“Mike!” He spoke loudly and happily, pulling slightly on Leia’s leash to get her to follow.

“Mr. Tozier. Back so soon? Is she alright?” Mike asked, looking down at his dog.

“Oh, she’s fine. Just getting some shots.” Richie responded.

“Well then, follow me.” Mike smiled like he knew something that Richie didn’t and led them to their room.

“Dr. Kaspbrak will be with you soon.” He closed the door behind them.

“I’m so sorry, girl.” Richie rubbed Leia’s face in between his hands. “The shots are gonna hurt but now you’re gonna be extra healthy, alright?

She wagged her tail happily, blissfully unaware of the words that Richie was saying.

“Shots, Mr. Tozier?” Dr. Kaspbrak walked through the door, tray in hand.

Richie grinned and looked up at him. “I want my dog to be healthy.”

“And you couldn’t get the shots done last week?” He smirked as he put the tray down and helped get Leia up on the table.

“No offense to Mike, but I only trust my dog with people who look like they were sculpted by angels.”

Dr. Kaspbrak fake gagged. “That was awful! Like, really bad.”

Richie winced. “Not one of my best, I admit.”

The vet put on a pair of gloves, inspecting the shots on his tray. “You know this is going to be a bit painful for her?”

“It’s for her health.” Richie said innocently.

He squinted suspiciously. “Please hold her down. There’s only two, and it’ll be super quick.”

The vet brushed aside some of Leia’s hair and pressed the needle to her skin. “One, two, three…” He pressed in and Leia whimpered sadly, Richie immediately feeling incredibly bad that he dragged her into his plan to see the cute veterinarian.

“Good girl.” He whispered.

“We’ve just got one more, Leia.” The vet smiled, discarding the first needle and picking up the other. “It’s a whole five minute visit and that’s it.” He looked up at Richie quickly before giving her the other shot. She whimpered louder this time and Richie shushed her softy.

“Shh, it’s okay, girl, we’re all done.” He put his head down on her, hugging her softly.

Dr. Kaspbrak discarded the last needle and took his gloves off. “She’s all done. Sorry you had to come out so far for such a quick visit, it’s not like you could’ve done this at any other time.”

“I don’t live far, and I certainly don’t need that sass, Dr. Kaspbrak.” Richie laughed and the vet sighed.

“Eddie.” He crossed his arms.

“Hm?” Richie hummed.

“My name’s Eddie.”

A huge grin stretched across Richie’s face. “Eddie. Cute.”

The vet, Eddie, bit his lip hard, trying to get himself to not smile.

“Take care of Leia, Mr. Tozier.” He turned to grab the door handle.

“I told you to call me Richie.”

“Bye, Richie.”

-

“She’s been vomiting.”

“Has she now?” Eddie questioned, looking at the dog in front of him, whose tail was wagging quickly and didn’t seem sick.

“Okay, it was a couple times.” Richie conceded.

This time he hadn’t even waited a week, it had been approximately 3 days since his last visit to the vet when he called the clinic and made another appointment with the vet. And that time had been the fifth time since his original first visit for Leia’s checkup.

Eddie raised his eyebrows, maintaining eye contact with Richie, who felt his body heating up.

“Alright, once. She ate some grass and had an upset stomach.”

Leia barked happily, like she knew what she did.

“Mr. Tozier -”

“Richie.”

“Richie,” Eddie sighed. “Do you really think something is wrong with her? I can run some tests and take some x-rays to make sure everything’s fine, but it’s expensive. So, think about it before you tell me she’s throwing up.” He crossed his arms, lips pursed. “Now, she’s been vomiting?”

Richie looked down sadly. “No.”

“Now you’re wasting both of our times. I have a job to do, and so do you, I’m assuming. And Leia doesn’t need this back and forth. And you don’t need to be paying for these useless visits.” Eddie seemed a bit irritated and Richie fiddled with his fingers nervously.

“Sorry, Dr. Kaspbrak. I’ll leave you to it.” He grabbed Leia’s leash, she hadn’t even gotten up on the table before Eddie had called his bluff.

This time, Richie left the room before Eddie.

-

Richie pouted for approximately a week before his best friends, Beverly and Ben, dragged him out of his house. He knew that he hadn’t been himself, even his students at school had asked him if he was okay.

“It’s a cute vet, not your soulmate!” Bev practically screamed, the loudness of the bar around them making it hard to hear, and, also, Bev was just a loud person.

“You were paying to see a cute boy?” Ben questioned again, for what seemed to be the tenth time that night.

Richie shrugged “It’s not that ridiculous when you think about it. What about prostitutes?”

“Did you just compare your vet to a prostitute?” Bev nearly choked on her drink as she spoke.

“Yes.” Richie groaned and let his head fall on the table, his hands coming up to his hair. “I’m just mad.”

“Mad?”

“At myself!” He brought his head back up. “I’m ridiculous. I made up reasons to see a vet!”

Bev and Ben just laughed, fully aware that Richie was ridiculous, and always was, but it was always amusing to see him finally becoming self-aware of the idiotic things he sometimes did.

“Ah, there’s my favorite dramatic ass teacher.” Richie heard a voice from behind him and he whipped around to see Bill Denbrough, another teacher at his school.

“Bill!” Richie exclaimed. “I’m a drama teacher, what do you expect?”

“You’re more dramatic than the Shakespeare I make my students read.” Bill laughed.

“They’re plays, aren’t they? Right up my alley.” He smiled. Bev cleared her throat behind him and he gasped softly. “Oh, Bill, these are my best friends Beverly Marsh and Ben Hanscom.”

“Nice to meet you.” Bill smiled at them. “Now what’s this I hear about a vet? Is this why you’ve been grouchy this week?”

Ben let out a laugh.

“I wasn’t grouchy. I was just…pouting.” Richie said defensively.

“I’m guessing it was an awfully cute vet.”

“No veterinarian will ever be cuter than Dr. Eddie Kaspbrak.” Richie downed the rest of his drink, practically slamming the empty glass on the table.

By contrast, Bill choked on his drink. “E-Eddie Kaspbr-brak?” He managed to get out.

Richie raised an eyebrow. “Yeah?”

“Oh, god. Wait one minute, you have to meet my boyfriend. He went to go get a drink, I’ll be right back.” Bill practically ran into the crowd.

Richie looked at his friends with wide eyes. “Guys! What if Eddie is his boyfriend?”

Bev shook her head. “I don’t think so.”

“He choked on his drink and ran after to get him!” Richie slapped his forehead with his palm. “I’m a homewrecker.”

Beverly looked behind him and smiled. “I don’t know what Eddie looks like but if that’s him he’s fucking gorgeous.”

Richie head whipped around to see a gorgeous man, who was absolutely not Eddie, but who was absolutely Mike, the veterinarian technician. “I don’t know if this is better or worse.”

“Mr. Tozier, how are you?” Mike asked, as friendly and happy as always.

“Please, please, please, call me Richie. I’m not in the office.”

“Sorry. How are you, Richie?”

“Richie is pouting, that’s what.” Bill piped in and Mike glanced at his boyfriend with a questioning look. Bill just nodded, sending Mike into a fit of giggles.

“Am I missing something?” Richie questioned, looking between the two men who were laughing their hearts out.

Mike grinned, tears in his eyes. “You’re pouting over Eddie, aren’t you?”

“You betrayed me, Bill!” Richie yelled, and Bev cackled.

“You know Eddie?” Ben asked.

“Uh, yeah. I’m Mike Hanlon. I’m a veterinarian technician at the clinic.”

Richie grimaced. “Don’t tell him, okay? I know I’m just some creepy treating him like a prostitute.”

Mike and Bill raised their eyebrows questioningly, but Richie waved it away.

“Anyways, sorry, but I need to tell him.” Mike responded.

“W-what, wait, no, Mike, I’m begging you.” Richie hopped off his chair, grabbing Mike by the shoulders.

“Let him explain, Richie.” Bill said, removing his friend from his boyfriend.

“Eddie’s been pouting, too.”

Richie shook his head. “Why would he be doing that?”

“Uh, maybe because all he talked about for a while was the cute guy with the cute dog, and since he snapped at you, all he’s talked about is how the cute guy with the cute dog will never come back.”

Richie bit his lip happily. “He thinks I’m cute?”

“‘Devastatingly and awkwardly attractive’ were his exact words, but yes.”

“Hey, you can work with that.” Bev spoke up.

“I told him to get your number from our records, but he said it ‘wasn’t right’” Mike put air quotes around the last two words.

“Oh, Mike!” Bill exclaimed randomly.

Mike jumped slightly. “What?”

“The dinner party!” He claps his hands together happily.

“This is why I love you.” Mike smiled and leaned over to give Bill a quick kiss on the cheek.

Richie made a ‘go on’ gesture with his hands, looking at the two of them expectantly.

“Tomorrow, Mike and I are having Eddie and another friend of ours, Stan, over for dinner. You three should totally come.” Bill explained.

“Oh, um, I don’t know.” Richie ran his hands through his hair nervously.

Bev smacked his shoulder. “Richie Tozier. Free food, new friends, and a cute vet!”

“She makes a compelling point.” Mike smiled.

“Whether or not Richie will be there, me and Ben will be there. We love meeting new people.” Beverly said, gripping Richie’s arm painfully.

“But Richie will be there.” Ben added.

Mike raised a finger at Richie. “He better. Because I’m getting tired of Eddie looking at the schedule every morning with a sad, pathetic, puppy dog look on his face. And I work with dogs, I know exactly what that looks like.”

-

Richie rubbed his hands on his jeans nervously, desperately trying to get his palms to stop sweating. He, Beverly and Ben were in the hallway, Richie having just stopped them from knocking on the door. “Not yet.” He had said.

“Why?” Ben asked, a concerned look on his face.

“What if he’s in there?” Richie responded.

“So, what?” Bev said.

“What do you mean, so what?”

“Richie, he’s a boy. Who you’ve talked to a total of a handful of times. Sure, he’s cute, but honestly if it doesn’t work out, it’s not the end of the world.”

“You’re right.” He muttered and Bev smiled triumphantly, knocking on the door.

The door swung open and Bill smiled brightly from inside the apartment. “You came! Come in, Stan’s here but Eddie isn’t yet!”

Richie let out a huge sigh of relief to which Bill just shook his head. They walked in and introduced themselves to Stan, who knew Bill and Mike through Eddie, who he knew through their childhood together. He was so sharp tongued, smart, and oh-so-easy to talk to that Richie almost forgot they were expecting someone else when a knock sounded through the apartment.

Eddie walked through the door, not adorned in his medical coat or in scrubs, his stethoscope no longer around his neck. Jeans and a long-sleeved shirt replacing them and if Richie lost his breath for half a second, no one but him knew.

“Richie?” Eddie smiled, completely ignoring Mike, who had opened the door for him.

“Hey Dr. Kaspbrak.” Richie breathed out softly. “Gotta say, I miss the scrubs.”

“I don’t.” Eddie let out a quiet chuckle.

Richie eyes racked up and down the other man’s body, taking in everything in front of him and noticing the soft flush on his cheeks, his body heating up with nervousness and attraction.

“I say we eat before they fuck right here in the living room.” Stan quipped, and everyone laughed, Richie and Eddie still looking at each other, trying to stop themselves from smiling so brightly.

Eddie and Richie sat across from each other at the dinner table, their feet slotted between each other’s, but not moving, just touching. They looked at each other and spoke with such an intensity, it frightened Richie a bit. Sure, he thought Eddie was cute the moment he saw him, but this, seeing him outside of his work, was a whole new feeling.

Richie could hear everyone talking around him, getting to know each other and enjoying the food, but he wasn’t sure Eddie and himself had looked away from each other from the moment he walked in. They spoke to their friends every so often, normally just having a separate conversation with themselves.

Soon, the night came to a close and Eddie was the first to leave.

“I should go, I have an early surgery in the morning.” He said, standing up.

“I’ll walk you out.” Richie spoke loudly, causing everyone to chuckle.

Eddie smiled “Thank you, Bill and Mike, for the dinner. Ben and Beverly, it was nice meeting you. I’ll see you all again soon.” He waved, and Richie scrambled after him out the door.

The two stood in the hallway, the intensity that was previously there between them was laced with a slight awkwardness now that it was just the two of them.

“I’m sorry.” Richie spoke first.

Eddie’s head whipped up from where he was staring at the floor. “For what?”

“I wasted your time before.”

“Hey, I got paid.” Eddie let out a fit of giggles. “If anything, I should apologize to you. I snapped.”

“You had every right.” Richie leaned against the hallway wall. “What was I thinking? Bringing my dog in for expensive tests just to see you.”

“So, it was just to see me.” Eddie stood in front of him.

“I thought I was pretty obvious.”

“It’s always good to make sure.”

They paused for a moment. “Mike told me you were talking about me.”

“That boy, I’m gonna kill him.” Eddie took a step towards where the door was down the hall, but Richie grabbed his arm, pulling him back right in front of him, closer this time. He ran his hand down Eddie’s arm, resting it on top of his hand.

“My students asked me if I was okay, because I was pouting.” Richie offered.

“Students?”

“I’m a high school drama teacher.”

Eddie smiled. “It fits.”

“I’ve been told.”

“Pouting?” Eddie brought back up.

Richie leaned his head back, still looking ever so slightly down at Eddie, so his whole body was pressed up against the wall. “Pouting. Goddammit, Eddie, you were so damn cute, and I thought I would have to get a new vet and I talked to you like six times and all I could think about was you. Like, fuck, I wouldn’t be surprised if I found out you were some siren that put a curse on me.”

“Don’t be dramatic.”

“It’s in my blood.”

Eddie’s tongued peaked out to lick his lips and it reminded Richie of the first time he walked into that office.

“I want to kiss you, Eds.” Richie spoke quietly.

Ignoring Richie’s proclamation, Eddie looked up at him in disgust. “Eds? Where did that come from? Don’t -”

“Do you want to kiss me, Eddie?”

Richie heard Eddie let out a harsh breath and he nodded, stood up on his toes, and pressed his lips against Richie’s.

Richie wasn’t a hopeless romantic. He didn’t like clichés and he felt like romance movies were extraordinarily unrealistic. And the whole “feeling fireworks when you kiss”? Bullshit.

But, damn, did Eddie Kaspbrak make him feel like he was on fire. Like every synapse in his body was firing at once and his whole life had led up to this moment. Sure, there were no fireworks, but he and Eddie fit perfectly. Richie’s arms wrapped around Eddie’s waist, his body squished between the wall and Eddie’s. Their lips pressed deliciously together and Eddie’s hands resting on his neck.

“So, does this mean I don’t have to get a new vet or does this mean I do. Because on one hand you don’t hate me but on the other hand, can’t have the doc dating a patient’s owner.” Richie rambled when they stopped briefly.

“Shut it.” Eddie shook his head and giggled, kissing Richie again, this time with more vigor.

They stopped only when their friends finally left the apartment and step out into the hallway, joking about how Eddie had an early surgery he had to rest up for when they saw the two of them. They exchanged numbers and parted ways. And Richie had the biggest smile on his face the whole way home. He texted Eddie good morning the next day, and the next day, and the next day. And he knows he wants to tell Eddie good morning every day for as long as he can.

[amethysttide]

As I see you like your rare pairs how about, kagekuroo or oikagekuroo. I dreamt of them one night and now I’m thirstying bout em

v  Hgnnnnnn…damn you, anon. Damn you…

KageKuroo

No one saw this one coming.

Actually, no one even knew about it, until on a training camp where the current first years are third years now Some of the already graduated senpais came to help.

And here comes Mr. Roaster Head strolling in like he owns the place, goes up to the new captain of Karasuno and grabs his ass.

There were gasps of horror in the entire place, the only different reactions were Tsukishima’s, who knew about this very well, somehow, don’t ask he doesn’t reveal his sources Put a password on your phone Kags, Tobio who just scowls, before planting a kiss on the gropper’s lips and Kuroo with his shit-eating grin.

Then there comes the explaining. Apparently after the battle at the garbage dump, Tobio asked Tetsurou to help him improve his blocking, The ever-this-nice person agrees immediately. Ends up, Tobio barely needs help, cuz “The hell kid, you’re better all-rounder than nearly all players i’ve meet!” 

But that doesn’t mean the ‘training sessions’ stop, oh no, they just turn into study dates at first. Kuroo volunteered to help the crow, as he is in Class 5, college preparation class. The win-win for both is Tsukishima’s gaping fish face after seeing Kageyama getting higher scores than him on a few subjects.

BUT IT DOESN’T STOP THERE, it’s just plain dates from than on, during vacation. Kags thinks going to the park alone for hours, having a picnic, sharing food and water bottles, talking for personal matters ‘till the sun goes down, going to a pizzeria and to the cinema together, staying in each other houses on weekends and sharing a bed is something friends do. Kuroo was about to commit homicide.

In the end it took Kenma, Akaashi, Bokuto, Yaku and Kai -Or the so called “Done with Kuroo’s shit group”- to tell him to get himself together and tell the damn man, he likes him in a romantic way. After hours, days of said dude freaking out how to do it, what to say, when, will he accept and the “Done with Kuroo’s shit group” being the ones about to commit homicide, they finally came up with a game plan.

Now, Tetsurou wasn’t sure if he should be happy, cry or yell when that damn, beautiful boy, who nearly drove him to getting a stroke with how nervous he was, just shrugged and said “Oh, i like you in that way too, Kuroo-san. Took you a while, please take care of me.”

“Wait, all this times that were dates? We weren’t just hanging out?” Anguished noises

It would be kinda hard to maintain a long distance-relationship for other people, but Kuroo decided to go to Niigata University, in Niigata-shi, which is 167 km (104 miles) away from Miyagi. They see each other every weekend, and Kuroo makes sure he texts at least 27 times every single day.

Now, you may think the first thing two people, volleyball players, one obsessed with the sport, would do is practice? Nah. The moment they are in the same room alone, the make out begins. It ain’t sweet it’s hardcore, i tell ya, it’s fuckin’ sexy.

After that they become the laziest people on the planet. Watching some of Kuroo’s favourite documentaries on the couch, cuddling, with some sweet dessert Kags made on the coffee table.

People either think they have no shame in public, or don’t show any PDA, but…it’s neither? Tetsurou can get pretty shy in times, while Kags doesn’t care much, either way. So, if they are with close friends they can go as far as sitting in each other’s lap, but just for walking outside, simple hand holding and little, quick kisses.

Whenever either of them is stresesed over something, be it school work, an upcoming match, an argument with a friend, or family, they both do the same thing. Staying home, gentle touches, nearly silent voices as they talk over the matter, using comforting words. Once Tetsurou had over-worked himself so much, he yelled at Tobio for no reason before storming out of the door his face as red as a tomato. Tobio knows better than to follow him, sure he gets worried once it starts raining, but thankfully his lover returns just in time, a broken apology on his lips, tears ready to stream down, the moment he is in the younger’s embrace they stream freely.

If either gets sick is a bit of a differnet story. Kuroo acts like he can die from the smallest things, while Kags might as well just go with his day as if nothing’s wrong. Tobio handles it calmly when learning his boyfriend is sick, coming over making warm soup and making sure he’s as comfortable as possible. While Kuroo caught the first train the moment he learned, during exam week and came like a mad man. Tobio damn near kicked his ass back to Niigata-shi.

In short they go from the hottest thing in the room, to the most cheesy one in the span of 00.2, no one can stand spending more than 30 minutes with both of them together. Tsukishima suffers more than all. 

OiKageKuroo this might be just an excuse for Oikage shut up

Honestly, had Oikawa have taken the stick out of his ass he would’ve already been with Tobio, but. He’s hopeless, what can i say.

Oiks was, oh so lucky, to end up in the same University as Tetsurou! He didn’t even know the dude, so imagine his surprise when he was waiting in the line for Starbucks and heard an offended gasp behind him. There stands a person who looks like he just got out of bed, talking to himself; “No way, that’s the one- damned senpai who doesn’t deserve all that admiration from Tobio-” “My adorable kouhai, Tobio-chan?!” “...” “...”

Needless to say while dear blueberry was helping an underclassmen his phone didn’t stop ringing, once he finally picked up he wished he hasn’t, rest in peace to his ear “Tobio! It’s one thing to barely contact me, but you could’ve told me you’re- dating- this rooster!” “...Oh, Tetsurou-san is there? Please don’t speak of my boyfriend like that, Oikawa-san” “Disgraceful Tobio, disgraceful.”

Oikawa tried to avoid Kuroo as much as possible, but it wasn’t all that easy. They had a lot of classes together, he almost can’t believe they haven’t seen each other before. The teacher paired them up for projects several times, thanks to that those two managed to hold a conversastion together. It was mostly about Tobio, volleyball, Tobio, schoolwork, latest trends, Tobio, movies, did i say Tobio?

“Huh, that guy is not bad after all. Feel like we understand each other for some reason.” “Maybe, cuz you’re both head over heels for his boyfriend and also, you’re both kinda trash? Poor Kageyama, with that taste...” “Why are you like that, Iwa-chan?”

After getting himself together and slightly pushing his pride aside, Oikawa asked Kuroo to accompany him on his visit home, to get in touch with Tobio again. For some reason Kuroo didn’t argue at all.

Kageyama was pretty surprised to see not only his boyfriend, but his favourite senpai, and the person he once and still held feelings for on his doorstep. He expected it to be much more awkward, but they’ve both grown, so once Kuroo left his things and kissed his lover before heading out, Oikawa and Kags feel into an easy talk about various topics.

One of them was Tobio’s realtionship with Tetsurou, by the end of the story about that Tooru looking down at the cup of coffee Tobio made for him, with more milk just how he likes it and despite the sad look in his eyes he smiled. “You’re happy, right Tobio?” “Huh? Yeah, very much so.” “I see. Good. That’s good.”

After that the two trash kings friendship become really strong. They spend most of their time on campus together, little by little, Tooru began to understand what Tobio sees in the man in front of him.

Out of nowhere on Friday, Kuroo entered Oikawa’s room with a serious face which can make anyone back off. Certainly, Oikawa wasn’t expecting to hear what came next. “You love him don’t you?” “Huh?! You mean...I, he...it’s in the pa-” “I can understand why. He’s amazing, i can’t help, but feel i don’t deserve him sometimes. Bet you’ve felt the same, that’s why you haven’t made a move...But listen. I hate to admit it, but he surely holds more than platonic feelings towards you. I’m not saying he doesn’t love me, i know he does, just...i’m not the only one.”

A silence was hanging in the air for minutes, until Oikawa broke it with a raspy voice; “I really don’t deserve him... Tetsu-chan, i was horrible...he never hated me for it, but i ca’t stop thinking about how cold i was towards him at times. Yet...i also feel in love, so selfish.” “That’s all in the past, isn’t it? C’mon come with me and tell him all of this.” “But-” “No. i want him to be happy nothing else. I’m sure you feel the same. Besides...seeing you happy as well brings me even more joy.”

It was winter holiday when they got around to do it. Tooru waited ‘till Christmas, seemed like the best moment. All three of them were watching everyone else who were invited to celebrate in the snow. Taking a deep breath Tooru took Tobio’s right hand, while Tetsurou took the left. Royal blue eyes looked at both of them in confusion. 

“Tobio...listen. Straight to the point. I love you. Not just from this year, since god knows how long, but i was so stupid and never told you. But then...Tetsurou came, he made me realize how much i will be missing. Heh, who would’ve thought i would fall for this garbage too.” “Look who’s talking.” “Shush. I’m sorry for all the times i’ve made you sad. Let me repay you for them. I love you. I want to be by your side, by both of your sides.” 

Kuroo rested his head on the youngest head, the boy was shaking not from the cold, but the amount of emotions going through him. Before anyone realized there were three warm smiles, plus tears on the trio’s faces as they fall in a hug together.

Nothing changed much after that. Everyone were simply amazed at Tobio’s patience. The night cuddles turned into a sandwich with Tobio in between. The make out sessions somehow went even higher. How can this be so sexy everyone asked themselves. The teasing went to the seven sky as well, Oikawa and Kuroo were simply trolls, but Tobio barely had to try to shut them down.

Oikawa’s knee ended up giving out during practice in University, the moment Kuroo heard the pained noise coming from him he didn’t even think twice before taking Tooru in his arms, who hold onto his shirt for dear life and rushed to the hospital. The moment they took him in, Kuroo called Kageyama, who even tho tried not to show how panicked he was when explaing to Tsukishima he needs to handle things, his vice-captain saw straight threw him. He calmed Tobio down as much as he can before telling him to go and that Akiteru will drive him there.

With how crazy the older Tsukishima was going they reached the hospital in Niigata-shi five times faster then with a train. Tobio entered out of breath still in gym shorts and white T-shirt, he was greeted with Tetsurou who looks just as bad, they cold only hold onto each other before the doctor let them in. Tooru tried to smile, but everyone in the room knew it will be completly fake. He won’t be able to play anymore. The other two kept strong faced as they let the patient cry in their arms. 

People, his family, Tooru himself expected him to took much longer to recover emotionally after that, but with the two boys by his side it didn’t take long. By endless encouragement by both of them, he finally tried his hand at writing and hell, he was darn amazing in it! Seems like when you write with your loved ones in mind it comes as easy as breathing.

Their relationship continued for the better, it wasn’t the best. Each of them had a lot of flaws, but loved each other with them. They weren’t a perfect couple, but that didn’t matter, as long as they stayed by each other’s side.

Tobio got into the school. Good luck to all those classmates.