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[kinomiakai]

New fic for snsmonth23 up! Hope you like it :)

Fear. Falling into the trap had been his own fault. He had to deal with that now. As soon as he made it to Naruto, he'd deal with it. Written for snsmonth23 day 18 - prompt: I'll take care of you. Sasuke's POV, SNS, canonverse.

[thesunisatangerine]

playing for keeps – chapter two

alexia putellas x barçakeeper!childhoodfriend!reader

warnings: coarse language, brief mentions of grief

(a/n in the tags) [chapters: one, two, three]

word count: 10.2k

[1]

A shiver ran down your spine in spite of the sun’s anger that bored down on you. 

You wiped your free hand on your jersey but sweat clung to your hand like glue, yet your fingers remained cold, even the ones on the hand your mother was holding. It didn’t help that your gut had coiled into a knot that you couldn’t loosen; you’d breathed deeply, you’d counted backwards from ten… and still, it remained there.

What was it about this that scared you so much? 

The fear sprung in you the moment you stepped foot out of your home, growing the more you got closer, and now that you and your mother were walking across the parking lot to the building, it threatened to claw its way up your throat. And that was something you really didn’t want to happen. 

You gripped your mother’s hand tighter. She gazed down at you with a soft look, giving your hand a slight, reassuring squeeze, and that was enough to ease that feeling a little bit. 

The door creaked long and loud when your mother pushed it open, reminding you of that old, unused shed by the garden at home that made the same sound when you entered it, and it reverberated against the walls. No one was inside except for an empty desk in front of a wall with chipped, white paint. Just beside that, there was a corridor lined with a few doors, some of which were opened. And at the end of it there was an opening that led to the sunlit grasses of the outside.

At the sound, the head of a woman popped out from one of the open doors. The woman came out, a water bottle in hand which she set on the desk, and she greeted you and your mother with a friendly smile. Even still, you took a step back and hid behind your mother.

“Hello! I’m sorry for making you wait! How can I help you?”

“No need to apologize, we just came in.” Your mother laughed as she waved a hand in the air. “My daughter is actually here for her first day of training with the club.”

“Oh, is she?” The woman gasped and clapped her hands together in delight. She beamed down at you and stooped low to offer her hand out, and then she cooed, “Hello, love, I’m Teresa.”

Heat rose to your cheeks as you took her hand and shook it, telling her your name in a whisper. Teresa smiled at you again before she straightened her back. 

“I’m so glad you got here just then. We don’t usually get people around this time so we tend to lock the front door, and I was about to head out back to bring the girls some water.” She explained to your mother and then she gazed back down at you again. “Are you excited to meet the girls?”

At your silence, your mother answered for you, “She is, it was all she could talk about. She’s just a bit shy.”

“Oh, don’t you worry about that, love. The girls are just as lovely. Will you be joining us?”

“Are parents allowed to stay?” When Teresa nodded with a hum, your mother continued, “I see. Perhaps another time. I have somewhere to be.”

“We could schedule for another time.” Teresa nodded in understanding before she regarded you again, “Now, shall we meet everyone?”

Fear rose in you again and your eyes darted to your mother’s. There, you found an encouraging light that grounded you and without really intending to, you agreed with Teresa. Shortly after, your mother left but not before she told you, “Now, my little firecracker, you behave yourself. And remember, have fun and show them what you’re made of.” 

Something akin to fire lit up in your chest at your mother’s words, and its warmth spread all the way to your fingers and toes. It was a soothing calm similar to the one you’d get from a cup of warm milk and honey in winter. And when she pressed a goodbye kiss on your forehead, a sense of safety blanketed over you even long after she’d left. 

Teresa took your hand after she locked the front door, and occupied the other with holding the rack of water bottles, and she led you down the corridor. As you passed through, it became clear just how tiny the facility actually was but it held everything that you needed; Teresa had pointed and named the areas with a jut of her chin: the toilets were here, the nurse bay just beside it, and the lunch room was just across. 

“It isn’t much but it’s home for the club.” Teresa smiled but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. And her eyes were clouded with an emotion that made you feel a sudden urge to hug her. The emotion passed quickly and in the next moment, you found yourself surrounded by heat as you stepped down a threshold that led you outside. 

Squinting and putting your free hand over your eyes, the sight of the field came into focus. It was surrounded by a metal, wire fence, and its entrance opened up at the end of this path you were on to the middle of the nearest sideline. Through the fence, girls of seemingly different ages ran about in one half of the field, shouting and laughing as they passed balls to each other. And you found your nerves returning but it was soon replaced by giddy anticipation. 

You and Teresa were close enough now that your presence drew the attention of the girls. Upon catching the sight of you, they stopped and stared. And even from a good distance away, the weight of their eyes pressed on you and heat rose to your cheeks again.

A shout and a clap made the girls whip their heads–as well as your own–towards the direction of the sound. It came from a woman who said something to the girls you were too far to hear, but by the end of it, the girls resumed their training as if they never stopped. 

From the lack of attention, you sighed out a breath. 

Then the woman began her way to the sideline just as you and Teresa arrived there. Teresa set the water bottle rack down by her feet while your eyes wandered over from the walking woman to the other girls. For the most part, they all looked the same age and height, but a few towered over the rest with their great build and height, and that did nothing to quell your brewing fear. There was only one girl that was smaller than everyone else, younger too, whose height looked to be similar to yours. 

The girl was last in the line she queued for and as she stood there waiting for the ball, she had her head turned over her shoulders to look at you. She had short hair held back by a headband, and her shirt ballooned at the waistband of her shorts, which fell all the way down to her knees. Instead of fear, an urge to greet her rose in you, but as you raised your hand to wave at her, she whipped her head back to the front just in time to receive the next ball that was passed to her. 

“Ah! Our new addition to the family is finally here!”

The exclamation had you turning yours to the front, and you found the woman there with both hands planted on her hips. She towered over you–like most adults did but she was taller than most–and the angle made the fine lines around the corners of her eyes and lips look deeper from the harsh sunlight. Her blue eyes were light, inviting and warm, and they held a calming force that reminded you of your mother’s. When she stuck out her hand, you noted the way her skin clung to the surface of her flesh, almost translucent in the sun, but you found yourself unafraid to shake it immediately.

“Welcome to Sabadell Girls’ Football. My name is Catalina but you may call me Madam Cata. Remind me again, how old are you, little one?”

“I just turned eight.” You said, and you nearly forgot to add, “Madam.”

Madam Cata’s smile brightened and, to your surprise, she let out a small laugh. At her amusement, you found yourself smiling, too.

“Very young, indeed. Well then, I’ll take you from Teresa to meet the rest of the girls.”

Your heart jumped at the thought and you turned to Teresa. She must've seen a hint of your apprehension because she gave you a soft, encouraging smile and said, “You’ll be just fine. You’ll see.”

Somehow, you believed her. So you nodded and thanked her, and with another smile and a wave of her hand, she left you with Madam Cata who began to lead you away with a gentle hand against your back.

After you’d crossed the small distance from the sideline to the middle of the field, Madam Cata called out to the girls. They gathered and now that they were closer, your shoulders curled inwards under the weight of their stares, and you kept your eyes down at the red laces of your boots, which your cheeks and ears probably resembled now as they heated from the attention. 

You felt the weight of Madam Cata’s hand on your shoulder. 

She was smiling at you and then she said softly, “Don’t be afraid, little one. These are your friends and sisters. Go on. Tell them your name.”

Finally, you looked at the girls. And as if drawn by a force, your attention immediately locked on that girl, and for reasons you couldn’t quite explain, a sense of calm washed over you. 

The girl stared at you like the others did, but it was different. It wasn’t a look you found to be negative, more curious and attentive. Her head was tilted slightly to the side as if the change in angle would help her figure you out. She wasn’t quite smiling or frowning; she impressed you with a leveled attitude, an expression you typically saw on people who were significantly older than you, and you were surprised to see such a face worn by someone as young as the both of you. 

Her eyes traced an invisible path along your face all the way down to your boots. She was sizing you up, you knew this. You’d played enough games at recess and after school to know how kids scrutinized each other for weaknesses, but you felt it wasn’t the same with this girl. Her gaze was more appraising than critical, as if she was imagining how you would affect the team. You could almost see her calculations playing like a movie above her head and you barely stopped yourself from giggling at the image. 

She must’ve seen your amusement because she straightened her head in attention, and her brows knitted to a slight frown. The change should’ve given you grief but it only made you all the more interested to get to know her for reasons you couldn’t quite understand. There was just something about this girl… something that you wanted to discover. And so, right there and then, you decided that you were going to befriend her. 

Feeling a bit better, you finally introduced yourself with a wave to the others before you locked your gaze on the girl again.

The girl’s frown deepened. 

Your smile widened. 

“Now, girls, introduce yourselves.” Said Madam Cata. 

And so they did. 

A couple of the older girls gave you a smirk that reminded you of the older cousins you’d see at family gatherings, or the boys at school who thought you were easy picking whenever you played with them. The rest looked friendly and introduced themselves with a pleasant smile and a wave.

It was the girl’s turn now.

“Hi. I’m Alexia and I play as a midfielder.”

Alexia. Somehow, the name suited her just right, like she was born to be one. The fact that she was the only one who stated their position wasn’t lost to you. It was an assertion–a claim–and this again should’ve intimidated you but it only made you smile. 

Now that introductions were done, the girls dispersed as per Madam Cata’s instructions. 

“Alexia. Come here, my child.” Madam Cata called out which stopped Alexia from running away with the rest. She froze midstep, her eyes darting to you then back to Madam Cata, before she reluctantly turned and shuffled until she was beside the woman. 

“Seeing as the both of you are the closest in age, Alexia, I’d like you to make her feel welcomed.” Madam Cata began, placing a hand on Alexia’s shoulder, and then she continued, “You two are the youngest in the club and I have high hopes that you two will become friends.” 

Madam Cata smiled at you, then to Alexia. “What do you say, Alexia?”

Alexia said nothing and only stared at you. You stood your ground and stared back, waiting for Alexia’s move. In this moment, doubt crept in and your resolve wavered. Were you mistaken? Did she really not like you? She hasn’t even given you the chance, yet… You thought in disappointment. 

And then Alexia, instead of replying to Madam Cata, stuck out her open hand to you. “Let’s go?”

You couldn’t help it. You grinned.

Giving Madam Cata one last look, you took Alexia’s hand. It was sweaty and warm, and her grip was gentle. And then she was pulling you forward, easing you both in a run. And as you took off hand-in-hand across the yellowing grass of the field, Alexia turned her head to you and a tentative smile crinkled the corner of her lips, and you found the rest of your worries melting away.

You squeezed her hand, smiling.

And, this was the best part:

She squeezed your hand back. 

[2]

By the end of the day, Alexia’d introduced you to everyone, and all the other girls had warmed up to you, including the ones who’d intimidated you at first. Alexia may be young, but you saw how the other girls respected her. Despite this, Alexia remained sincere and kind, and this fact made your admiration for her grow

Training-wise, Madam Cata separated you from the rest at first, testing your stamina and evaluating your technical skills before she eventually let you join in on the 7-a-side matches that ended today’s training. You were slightly disappointed that you didn’t end up on the same team as Alexia, but it was fun defending against her. To your surprise, it didn’t even bother you that your team lost. Maybe it was because you got to witness Alexia shoot the winning goal, but of course you kept that information to yourself. It was late afternoon when you finished, and all the other girls had been taken home by their parents, except for you two.

“Are you sure you don’t want to wait inside, girls?” Miss Teresa called out from the front door. 

Alexia shook her head to answer for the both of you. 

“We’re fine here, thank you.”

“Alright. Just stay in sight, okay?” 

The both of you called out in agreement and finally satisfied, Miss Teresa returned back to her desk. There were two large trees that flanked the path towards the front door, and under their shade were benches built to wrap around their bases. Under one of those trees, you and Alexia waited for your parents to pick you up. 

You kicked your feet in the air as they hung from the bench, relishing the way the cool breeze soothed the heat around the new bruise you got on your shin. 

“The bruise is getting bigger.” Alexia muttered. She’d taken off her headband and you noticed how short her hair actually was; only the front had enough length to fall over her face, parting in the middle to reveal her eyes. Apples were high in her cheeks and the remaining sunlight that filtered through the leaves played on her skin, and made her hazel eyes look lighter, almost green. She twisted her fingers as her lips curled into a regretful pout. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to kick you.”

“Hey, come on, it was a game. It’s fine.” When the pout didn’t leave her face, you knocked your knee against hers and added, “It looks kinda cool, don’t you think?”

At that, an amused smile replaced Alexia’s pout. “Only you would think a bruise looks cool.”

“I’m different like that.” 

“Sure, you are.”

“I am. Why else are you talking to me?”

Alexia rolled her eyes and then she laughed. 

“What time are you getting picked up?” 

You looked at your watch.

 “My mom should be here any minute now. What about yours?” 

“Soon as well,” Alexia answered after she peeked at your watch. And then, she asked, “Do you live nearby?”

“No, I live in Mollet.” 

Alexia squeaked and at the sound, you looked at her and found her eyes were delightfully wide with surprise. “You do? I do, too!”

“Really?” You gasped, mirroring her in your excitement. Elation filled you at the prospect of Alexia living so close. Imagine the sleepovers, the after school football games! “Where do you live? What school do you go to?”

But when Alexia answered you and you recognised that the places she named were on the other side of town, you pouted in disappointment. When Alexia asked you what your face was about, you told her where you lived and your school, and then Alexia started pouting, too.

“I wish we lived closer. We could play football after school!” 

“Yeah! And you could stay over! Or maybe I could?” Alexia whined. “Why do you have to live on the other side of town?” 

“If I could drive a car, I would come over all the time!” You imitated holding a steering wheel, and you blew air through your lips, imitating an engine. 

Alexia slapped your arm, laughing. “Are you speeding? That’s illegal! If you drive like that, I’ll never get in the same car as you!” 

“Fine,” you sighed dramatically. “I won’t speed just for you.” 

“That’s comforting.” Alexia quipped dryly. “No, but I’m serious. I’ll ask my parents if I could stay the night some time. You should do the same!”

“I will. My parents will probably say yes as long as your parents are alright with it.” 

The sound of gravel being disturbed drew both of your attention. A car and a truck parked in the space in front of you, and you recognised the car to be your mom’s. 

“My mom’s here. Is your–”

“Papá!”

Alexia jumped out of her seat and ran towards the other car, a truck, whose door opened to reveal a man, Alexia’s father. He was tall, like really tall, towering over the truck next to him. He had long, loose gray pants on that stretched all the way up to his chest; the upper part reminded you of a bib, and the white shirt beneath was covered with what you supposed to be car oil—your own father had come into the house with the strange scent and feel of it enough times for you to know the look of it from a distance. There was some of it on his cheeks as well, but Alexia didn’t seem to be bothered by it, for she immediately jumped into his arms, and he, with a cheerful laugh, lifted his daughter up with a small grunt.

You smiled at the sight. 

Seeing as Alexia’d gone to her father, you went ahead and did the same, jumping off the bench to meet your mother as she got out of her own car. 

“How was your day, my little firecracker?” Your mother asked after she’d greeted you with a kiss on your cheek, running her hands over your forehead and temple to wipe away the remaining sweat there.

“It was really good, Mamá! I made a friend! She’s over there. Look!” 

In your excitement, you tugged on your mother’s hand and pointed her over to where Alexia and her father were, only to find Alexia doing the same with her father.

Your mother laughed. “I see you’re very much alike, the two of you.”

And then, your mother waved at Alexia’s father, who waved back, before she began to walk over where they were, and you trailed behind her. She was probably going to talk to Alexia’s father, and you were excited to spend just a little more time with Alexia.

Alexia shoved her bag inside the truck before she ran to you. When she stopped right beside you and looped her arm around yours, you told her, “Your father’s so tall.” 

“He is, isn’t he?” Alexia beamed at you, pride in her voice as she looked at her father. “Is your father tall?”

“Yes, but not as tall as your dad.” And then a thought struck you as you looked back at Alexia. There was Alexia’s father, and here was Alexia. “You know, you look like your father.”

“Yeah, I know. People say it all the time.”

“And you don’t get sick of it?”

She looked at you with a confused frown. “No, why would I be?” 

“I don’t know.” You shrugged. “I’m not really sure why I asked that.” 

Alexia just smiled at you and asked, lowering her voice with mischief.  “What do you think they’re talking about?” 

She’d begun to shuffle forward, taking you along with her because of your linked arms, and now you could hear their conversation.

“–you and your family come over for dinner. I’d prepared so much tonight in celebration of my daughter’s entry to the club. I don’t think we could handle all the food at all.” Your mother laughed, and then she added, “We could also discuss the arrangements then.”

You turned to Alexia with wide eyes and met her gaze, which brimmed with excitement. Turning back to Alexia’s father, you willed him to say yes.

Alexia’s father scratched the back of his head, his other hand on his hip. “We’d love to come over. That is, if you don’t mind having a five-year-old over, of course.”

“No, we don’t mind at all! Please, do come over.”

“Okay, then I’ll tell my wife. What time should we head over?” 

“Nine should be fine.”

Alexia’s father nodded, and that was that.

You couldn’t hold your excitement any longer. You spun to face Alexia, grabbed her hands and both of you squealed. Laughter came from the direction of your parents, but you paid them no mind because all you could think about was that Alexia was coming over for dinner. 

“All right. That’s quite enough girls. Say goodbye now.” Alexia’s father said with a light voice. “You’ll see each other again later.”

Alexia nodded, and then soon she was hugging you. “Bye, I’ll see you later.”

“Bye, Alexia.” You said, lifting your chin off her shoulder before you let her go and took your place at your mother’s side.

“Alright, Jaume, it was nice meeting you.”

Jaume, so that was Alexia’s father’s name. Jaume waved his goodbye to the both of you with a smile on his face, and then he and Alexia drove away.

On the way home, up until Alexia and her family got to your home, you were practically buzzing with excitement. You ran up to your room to bathe, changed, ran back down, and even then the clock’s hand was still not pointing to nine. 

“Honey, you peeking out through the window won’t make them get here any faster.”

A sigh escaped your lips, and pushing yourself off the window sill with a huff, you whined. “When are they getting here?”

Your mother laughed at that. “It’s only ten past eight, my love. Go to your father and help him. Maybe time will pass quicker that way, no?” 

Dragging your feet with another sigh, you made your way to the kitchen. Your father had his back turned to you when you entered through the archway as he busied himself on the kitchen counter. He stuck his hand into the bag of flour in front of him, and he spread it all over the counter, which caused a plume of white to rise in the air.

“Can I help?” You asked, shuffling closer so that you were beside him. There was flour everywhere on his side of the counter, while two empty baking trays were lined up in front of you. “What are you making, Papá?”

“This, my love, is pan de payés.” He lifted the tea towel in front of him to reveal four domes of raw dough, their surfaces taut with tension. He looked at them, and with a proud nod, he said, “Go wash your hands and help me with them.”

You did, and as you dried your hands, you asked, “Why are you making them? Don’t we have enough food for tonight?” 

“Why, they’re for our friends, of course. You wouldn’t want Alexia to leave here empty-handed, would you now, my love?”

Heat rose to your cheeks as you shook your head.

Your father smiled down at you with warmth. “Of course you wouldn’t. Now here, I’ll prepare this first one; you watch, and I’ll let you do the rest. How does that sound?” 

You nodded, and you watched. He carefully placed a dome of dough in the centre of the floured space, then took another pinch of flour and sprinkled it over the dough, before lightly running his hands over the surface to spread the flour evenly. He took out his bread lame and ran the blade over the surface of the dough, creating four gashes that intersected to form a diamond, and then he placed the dome on one side of a baking tray. 

You did as he did, albeit slower, and with the patient guidance of your father. After your father put the trays in the oven, the heat of it filled the space with warmth and light. As the two of you looked on at your work, your father began, “Remember this, my love. Food is an extension of our feelings and identities. It fills us, it sustains us, and it connects us. It makes us remember. When you eat your mother’s cooking, what do you feel? What do you think about?”

You didn’t even need to think; you answered immediately. “Warm. And I think about home, Mamá, and you.”

Your father smiled. “Good. Now, what do you think Alexia would think about if, say, she ate a piece of this bread for breakfast tomorrow?”

“Us?”

He hummed, and then a small laugh escaped his lips. He bent down slightly so he could tap your nose with his finger. “It’s going to be you, my love. How nice it is to be thought of, especially by a new friend, hmm?” 

You giggled, but a familiar warmth surged through you at the thought.

A knock resonated through the house, and you gasped, looking at your father in excitement.

“Ah, our friends are here. Go on, now.” Your father tilted his head in the direction of the front door, a half-smile on his lips. You gave him a hug, and you sprinted towards the door, only slowing down when a “No running, please!” resounded from the kitchen. 

“Oh, she’s so cute!” You heard your mother’s coo, and when you turned the corner, you saw her fussing over a little girl balanced on her father’s hip, while Alexia’s mother laughed warmly at your mother’s attention, and finally, you spotted Alexia looking up at her sister being pampered with a smile curling her lips.

You walked over to them.

“Ah! My daughter’s finally here.” Your mother placed a gentle hand behind your back. 

“Hello.” You greeted Alexia shyly, eyes fleeting from Alexia’s parents to her sister, then to Alexia herself, who was smiling at you. You stepped up to them to shake their hands, introducing yourself to them, and they did the same to you. You learned that Alexia’s mother was named Eli, and her little sister was named Alba. You offered your hand to Alexia as well, with a playful smile. Alexia caught on, and she giggled before throwing her arms around you.

“Isn’t she a dear? Oh, they seem so close already!” You heard Eli say it with a clap of her hands.

“Believe me, Alexia was all she could talk about the whole night!” 

Your cheeks heated when Alexia laughed against your ear at what your mother said, but in the end, you decided you didn’t quite mind. 

“Hello, welcome to our home.” Your father finally stepped out of the kitchen. He walked up to Jaume, shook his hand, and stooped down to press his right cheek against Eli’s. He cooed at Alba the same way your mother did, and he gave Alexia a wave. “You all must be hungry; please come join us in the dining area.” 

Once the lot of you moved to the kitchen, the evening progressed quite quickly, as it usually did when you were having a good time. Your parents got to know each other after they initially took turns talking about you and Alexia. They laughed and got lost in their conversations, while you and Alexia busied yourselves with Alba, helping her with her food, and who, after finally warming up to you, revealed herself to be a bundle of energy. 

At one point, the conversation moved to the living room, and this was when you and Alexia snuck out to the backyard. Alba’d fallen asleep not long after dinner, and she was safely pressed against Eli when the both of you took off. You’d lead Alexia to your favourite spot; it was a swing that hung from a branch of a sturdy tree, and this was how you found yourself pushing Alexia gently as she sat on it, her hands around the ropes of the swing.

“Why do you play football?” Alexia asked, breaking the silence. 

“How do you mean?”

“Like, are you only playing it for fun? Or, are you serious about it?”

You hummed as you pushed her. “I’m not sure yet. But, sometimes, when I’m in school, I find myself daydreaming about it.”

“That’s the same with me. It’s all I can think about. I dream about it, too.” 

“You’re serious about it.” It wasn’t even a question; you could hear it clearly in her voice. But she turned her head, and the look she gave you all but confirmed it. 

“I am,” she breathed out. “I really am.” 

You gave her another push. “Where do you want to end up?”

“Barça.” Her answer came quickly, like she’d thought it all through. And then she added, “One day, I’ll play for them.”

The conviction in her voice was enough to electrify you with a surge of inspiration, and as you pushed her on the swing, you had no difficulty believing that it would come true. Like Alexia said, it was only a matter of time.

One day.

You smiled, even though you knew she couldn’t see it. 

“I can see it, Alexia. And I know you’ll look great in scarlet and blue.”

[3]

“Yes, Mamá, I got it. Actually, can you text me the list?” 

“Ah, daughter of mine, have you taken so many balls to the head that you can’t even remember two things?” At your mother’s irritated response, a laugh bubbled from your throat.

“Actually, yes, Mamá. Probably a thousand by now. And I was joking, come on.” You waved back at a woman who thanked you as she crossed the pedestrian lane, and then you continued driving. As you turned the corner, you asked, “Why do you need so many drinks anyway? Are you having a party? You know I can’t drink during the season, right?”

“My girl, you have too many questions. Just make sure you come home in time, okay?”

“Yes, Mamá.”

“Okay, I’ll leave you alone. Have fun at training and give Alexia a kiss for me.”

The sentence made you tense, and you had to will your hands to loosen their grip on the steering wheel. You loved your mother, but there was no way in hell you would do that, even for her. 

You swallowed, hoping your apprehension wouldn’t show through your voice. “Okay. I’m going to go now. I love you. Tell Papá I love him, too. And Nona.” 

“I will. They’re very excited to see you. And I love you, too, my little firecracker.” 

Just as you hung up the phone, you turned the corner and found the parking lot of the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. You parked your car and took out your gym bag. The sun was high enough to blind you, so you put a hand over your eyes, and you saw the tall building that sported Barça’s logo. And as if you were greeting an old friend, you whispered, “It’s good to see you again.”

“Hello!” 

A cheerful voice addressed you from behind. You turned back, and you saw a woman of slight build, shorter than you, with short brown hair that curled just behind her ear. Some locks fell on her temple and covered her left eye, and the sun made her hair look golden. She was wearing loose, off-grey high-rise pants and a black long-sleeved turtleneck that accentuated the curve of her body.

She was beautiful.

And she was also Tori Favaro, the top-scoring forward for Roma last season and the fourth candidate for last year’s Ballon d'Or. Also, the other half of Barcelona’s new transfers this season.

Of course, you knew about her.

“Hey, Tori,” you said with a smile. 

She was now in front of you, and she grinned, which revealed the dimple in her left cheek. “I didn’t think you’d remember me!”

“How could I forget? The only other time I met you, you gave me a hard time!”

“You’re telling me! We couldn’t get past you at all! The fact that the only goal we got that day was from our own goal is still a bit embarrassing.” She laughed, followed by a sigh–wistful. The two of you walked towards the entrance of the Gamper. “I can’t believe that was more than ten years ago.”

At her wistfulness, you couldn’t help but recall the memory as well: FIFA U17’s World Cup, when Spain and Brazil clashed during the knockout stages. Tori was relentless in her attack, and you barely saved the balls that managed to get past your defenders. Even then, you—and everyone who had eyes—saw her potential, and now look how far she’d come; she was very well on track to getting a Ballon d'Or, and she was never more in her prime than now. 

“Is there any chance of you representing your country again now that you’re back in Barça?” 

“I’m not sure. I’ll just make my decision when they call me up the next time.” You shrugged, hefting your gym bag over your shoulder. The sudden urge to change the topic rose in you, so you asked quickly, “How are you finding Barcelona so far?”

Thankfully, Tori took the bait, and you happily listened to what she had to say about your city as the both of you walked through the lit, pristine corridors of Gamper, which, as you noted in passing, were strangely barren, as you reacted every now and again to whatever Tori said, even recommending her places worth going to. 

As Tori pushed the door to the locker room, a frown crossed her face, and she looked behind her. “Where is everyone?”

“I don’t–”

“Welcome to Barça!” Came the unified greeting and the cheers that suddenly erupted. 

A sign that read the same thing with the letters in alternating scarlet and blue, accented by some yellow hearts, was held between Marta and Alexia while the others stood in a semi-circle, clapping and hooting. A cake was on the centre table, and just behind it were piles of folded fabric, which you recognised to be yours and Tori’s set of training kits. Beside you, Tori wore the same expression on your face: mouth agape, eyes wide in pleasant surprise.

The semi-circle dispersed, and the next thing you knew, you were being hugged, patted on the back, and chatter filled the room.

“Look who’s back! Barça’s prodigal daughter finally returned home!” Mapi shouted, arms thrown up in the air, before she grabbed you by your shoulder to pull you into her.

“Don’t act like you missed me, asshole.” You laughed and punched her arm when she pulled away.

Mapi cradled her arm like you’d just injured her, looking at you with a look of exaggerated pain. She gasped, “Violence, already? Is that how you treat a teammate? I won’t stand for this. Alexia! Captain!” 

At that, you sidestepped around Mapi, but not after sticking your tongue out at her, as you navigated through your other teammates who welcomed you. You managed to get to the edge of the crowd, just at the end of the locker room, and that was when you saw Alexia with Tori. You were close enough to hear snippets of their conversation.

“–expect me to go easy on you.” Alexia said with a laugh, hands on her hips.

“Of course. Just because you’re my–”

An arm wrapped around your shoulder and a presence pressed up to your side. 

“So, did you get me Christen’s signature?” Patri’s voice filtered through your ear. 

You hissed through your teeth, your voice gravely low. “You know, I did ask her. She just doesn’t want to give it to you, dude.” 

Patri looked at you incredulously. “Wait. What do you mean?” 

“I’m not sure.” You shrugged, placing your gym bag on the nearby bench. “Did you say something to her the last time you saw each other?”

“Dude, the last time I saw her was what?” Patri frowned and blew air through her lips. “During the SheBelieves Cup? What–”

Grinning, you pulled something out of your bag and revealed it to her. Delight filled you upon seeing Patri’s eyes widen in recognition, her gaze fleeting between your face and down to the jersey. 

“Oh, you cheeky bastard!” She took the jersey from you, held it up in front of her to appreciate the signature down in the middle, and she embraced you with a force that made you grunt out a laugh. “Thank you!” 

A voice broke the two of you apart.

“Easy there, Patri. Don’t break any of her bones, please. She hasn’t even begun playing yet.” 

It was Alexia. 

Your heart lurched.

Patri looked at you, then at Alexia, and she put her hands up in surrender. Patri gave you one last knowing look—something that you tried hard not to think about too much—before she gave a two-finger salute to her captain, and off she went, leaving you alone with Alexia. 

“Hey,” Alexia greeted you and stepped into your space, arms wrapping around your shoulders. You tensed for a moment before you remembered to relax, snaking your own arms around her chest. “Now, I’m a bit jealous. Where’s my present?”

“I think I happened to spy it on your wrist, or am I just going blind?” You hummed. When you pulled away, you took her left hand and lifted it up. “Oh, look! There it is!”

Alexia threw her head back in laughter. 

The sight, like always, made you feel warm.

“So, I suppose you like it?” You couldn’t help it; shyness bled into your tone, and you only hoped that Alexia didn’t hear it.

“I love it. Thank you. It suits me, doesn’t it?” 

And though the silver band of the watch glinted around her wrist as it caught the light when she lifted her wrist to the level of your eye, you appreciated the way the golden flecks in her eyes shone despite the blue tint from the fluorescent lighting. 

“I’m glad you like it.” You said barely above a whisper, and you berated yourself at the softness that lingered there, but the way Alexia’s eyes became unfocused and lidded, as if she’d thought of a memory, made the slipup almost worth it.

Almost.

“Alright, good morning, everyone!” Jona’s voice pierced through the chatter, and everyone stilled, apt with attention, before sitting down on the bench. Alexia, Irene, and Marta remained standing but kept mostly to the sides. He, and two other assistant coaches, stepped into the room with their clipboards and folders in hand.

You shared a look with Tori. She snuck you a thumbs up, and you pressed your lips together, fighting a grin. 

“First of all, welcome to our new transfers.” A round of applause went around. Jona faced Tori, and he continued, “Tori, thank you for joining us. I hope you’ve settled yourself in the city, and we really look forward to playing with you.”

“I’ll do my very best to help our club. Visca Barça!” At the latter, hoots and claps erupted.

Jona laughed, but when he motioned for everyone to calm back down, the locker room grew silent again.

“And of course, this woman needs no introduction. Barça’s very own Wall has returned.”

Heat rose to your cheeks as cheers erupted once again. And it didn’t help that Alexia was looking at you with something akin to pride while clapping her hands, a soft smile on her lips.

“It’s great to be back, Jona. And like Tori, I’ll do my best to keep our club moving forward.” You caught Alexia’s eyes. “It is home, after all.” 

“It is home, indeed. Well, put your training kits on and meet us down at the fields. The rest of you, please head on over to Pitch 9.” 

Jona and the other coaches filed out. Alexia followed along with the rest, but not before giving you another look. You stared long after she’d gone, not knowing Patri remained in the changing room and saw the whole until you found her with a look of disapproval clear on her face.

She sighed, shook her head as she got up, and left.

Tori was there, too, and her eyes flicked between the door and you, then to the door again, and you could almost see the questions forming in her mind. You quickly took your training kits and entered one of the changing cubicles to spare yourself from any more confrontations. 

[4]

Training went relatively well. For the most part, anyway.

You were with the team for the warm-ups before you were separated—along with the other goalkeepers—for technical training, and then Jona called all of you back for some 5-side matches. 

At one point, your team went against Tori and Alexia’s team. They’d linked up, the two of them, keeping their touches to two at most. They were close now, and Jana was just barely holding Alexia at bay. You spotted Tori’s signal from the corner of your eye, but you needed Alexia to commit to a pass. You kept your weight on your toes. With a body feint to the left, tapping the ball to the right with her outer foot, and a quick cutback to the left, Jana was defeated, and Alexia kicked the ball.

Now!

You sprinted forward to the left, where you knew Tori was, and you leaped. The ball stuck to your gloves mid-air.

“Holy shit!” It came from a surprised Tori. 

You would’ve laughed, but you spotted an unmarked Caro who was making a run for it. You wound your shoulder back right after you landed on your feet and released the ball before Tori and Alexia could even think to get back. 

It sailed right on over to Caro, and she brought it down with her chest. Ingrid was on Caro all at once, but Esmee surged forward to follow a diagonal path from behind Caro, asking for the ball, and it only took one moment’s hesitation from Ingrid for Caro to make just enough space for her to shoot.

The ball went past the nearest post, and you pumped your hand in the air. When Caro saw you with her arm around Esmee, she gave you a thumbs up, and you returned the gesture with a clap.

It was nearing midday when all of you’d cooled down and headed to the gym. On the way inside, Tori ran up to you. 

“You nearly took off my head there.” She said, just slightly out of breath as she patted your back.

“I was going to tell you, ‘Heads up!’, but that would’ve ruined the surprise now, right?”

“Remind me not to play opposite you again.” She joked. “I forgot how aggressive you play. And I think you’ve only gotten worse!”

“It comes with the title.” You said, winking at her.

“Does it now?” She said it dryly, squinting at you. And then the both of you parted ways for your respective workouts.

It was going relatively well, but at one point, your attention moved to Alexia without meaning to. Alexia stood watch over Tori, who was lying down on the bench and lifting, attentive, and they conversed with a familiarity that transcended more than that of acquaintances. And you knew, then, that they’d probably hung out outside of sporting functions.

For some reason, the sight made you ache. 

Then a sigh came from somewhere beside you. You turned and found Patri there with her levelled expression, but her eyes were knowing with the way they looked at you. She tilted her head and patted your back before making her way to the exit. You hesitated for a moment, but, as if it had its own volition, your body stood up and followed her out to the sunlit pitch. 

Patri was further away now; she hadn’t stopped walking, and you had to jog to catch up with her. It took a moment, but you finally matched her stride, and without even looking at you, Patri began, “How are you?”

You stuck your hands into the pockets of your shorts. “Fine.”

Patri hummed, obviously unconvinced. She took a breath and let it out loudly through her teeth. Your shoulders locked at the sound, and you prepared yourself for the weight of whatever she was about to say. 

“I saw you looking at her,” Patri said, straight to the heart of the matter, and your body coiled tighter with tension. “You went through all that trouble. Yet, you’re back here again and still not over her. In fact, I think you’re—” Patri sent you a look, though this one fleeted so quickly that you weren’t able to decipher it. She blinked, returning her gaze forward. “Never mind.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“Of course, it fucking does!” Patri exclaimed. “You were doing better! And then you ghosted me for months. The last time we talked, everything was going well with—"

“Don’t.” The word came out firm—a warning. “Patri, please, I don’t want to talk about it.”

Patri’s voice softened. “So... something did happen.”

“Patri. Drop it.”

Patri stopped walking just several metres away from the gym tent; you’d finished a lap around the pitch. She frowned at you, and you were ready to fight back if she insisted on talking about it, but she shook her head, and the frown melted away, and in its place was a look of pity.

“Okay. I hope you know what you’re doing. Just ready yourself.”

A pause and a hesitant look flashed through her face. But Patri was a good friend because she was direct, almost callous in the way she called everything as it was, and it was something you’d always liked and admired about her. Now it was no different because she said, “I think you know yourself already, but I just thought I’d let you know. Alexia has a girlfriend.” 

Despite yourself, your heart dropped. And you ached.

Oh.

Patri must’ve seen something on your face because that pitying look deepened with a hint of sympathy. She patted your back gently before she headed back in. You breathed deep, and it came out shaky, but you steeled yourself as you parted the entrance to the gym. 

Alexia’s laughter filled the air, drawing your attention immediately. And there she was in the same spot, holding onto Tori’s shoulder for support, bent over in her amusement, while Tori looked at her with a dimpled smile. 

You turned away.

[5]

A grunt escaped your lips as you got out of the car, your muscles bearing a pleasant soreness. You turned your headlights off and parked in front of your parents’ house. It was later than you’d expected, but the additional technical session and the meeting with Jona caused you to be one of the last ones out of the Gamper. 

With the cake and drinks you promised your mother to get in hand, you knocked on the door and waited. There was a lone light that filtered from the living room, which you found a bit odd, but tiredness won out, and you decided to pay it no mind. Maybe your parents were just relaxing on the couch. 

No one answered. 

Frowning, you placed the drinks on the porch step, and you balanced the cake on one hand as you opened the door with your key. 

You let yourself in, and the hallway was dark.

“Mamá? Papá? Where–”

The lights in the hallway and the kitchen flashed on in quick succession, nearly blinding you.

“Surprise!” The resonant cheer came, and the cake box jumped in your hand, nearly slipping. 

You found your mother’s face first, and you laughed, “Oh my god!” 

“Welcome home, my love!” Your mother embraced you, and you barely had enough time to angle the cake away and put the box of drinks down so she could do it properly. You leaned down, and she placed a kiss on your cheek, and then the other. 

“Hello, Mamá.” You muttered, closing your eyes, soaking in her presence and the peace that came with it. Oh, how you missed her. Another pair of arms wrapped around you; it was your father’s, and suddenly heat rose to your eyes at the warmth that seemed to blanket over you, both inside and out. 

“Let me grab that for you, my love.” Your father said, taking the cake box from your hand, but not before kissing your temple as a greeting. 

When you pulled away, you saw it wasn’t just your parents there. There were Eli, Alba, and Alexia, with little Nona in her arms. Nona’s white coat was a stark contrast to the dark shirt that Alexia wore. There was a tender smile on her lips, her eyes almost wistful as she caught your gaze. And could you really blame your heart if it ached beneath the weight of her gaze?

“Oh, sweetie, have you grown taller?” Eli asked as she stepped into you, hugging and kissing your cheeks like your mother did. 

“I’m not sure about that, Eli.” You giggled into her ear. “How are you?”

“Growing grey hair, love. You went away, and I had no one else to keep Alexia in line. Alba doesn’t help; in fact, she encourages her sister’s wiles, and Alexia does the same. Partners in crime, these two!” 

Alba’s laughter resonated in your ear when you hugged her next, and you chuckled at the exasperation in Eli’s voice. Alba retorted, “Má, how else could we keep you on your toes?” 

“I’d very much not want to be kept on my toes. Thank you very much.” 

“Eli, I’m sure Alexia couldn’t be that bad. She’s always been a good girl.” At that, you caught Alexia’s gaze with a smirk. Her eyes twinkled with recognition, probably remembering what the both of you got up to behind your parents’ backs. She shook her head slightly, mouthing, ‘You’re an asshole.’

You gave her another smirk before you added lightly, "Alba, on the other hand...”

You didn’t even finish the sentence before you got a well-deserved punch to the arm from Alba herself—a punch you knew would surely form a bruise. Cradling your sore arm, you yelped, looking at Alexia for help.

“Alba, please don’t injure our new goalkeeper. We need her.” Alexia said calmly, and you looked at Alba triumphantly. Alba opened her mouth to protest, it seemed, but Alexia cut her off. “There’s no need for that. I’ll just ask Jona to make her do some extra laps during warm-ups in our next training session.”

“Yeah, that’s right—hey!” Realising what she said, you scoffed while Alba threw her head back, laughing. Alexia’s lips were curled up in a satisfied smirk, looking much like someone who’d gotten the last word. 

“Ha! That’s what you get—” 

Eli cut Alba off. “That’s enough, you three. I swear, when you’re together, you act like you’re all still ten!” 

“It’s a bit endearing, though, isn’t it, Eli?” Your mother laughed, putting a placating hand on Eli’s shoulder. “But Eli is right. We should take this all to the dining table, no? The food is about to grow cold.”

[6]

In the two years you lived in the States, you spent most evenings alone, and the food you’d cooked from the recipes you took with you never tasted like home. It’d been so long, you nearly forgot how filling food should be—both in mind, body, and spirit. But now, in the presence of your family, with their love laid out in front of you—your mother’s arrós negre, Eli’s fricandó, and your father’s pan de payés—with their laughter and their warmth, you were finally filled again. 

You ate mostly in silence, soaking in the scene and the ruckus with a smile, and the detail of that one empty chair wasn’t lost to you either. The reminder drew your attention to Alexia. She’d tied her hair in a low ponytail and left two locks of her hair to frame either side of her face, which made her look all the more beautiful. In this light, Alexia’s image seemed to split in such a way that you could almost feel a presence in that empty seat beside her, looking on at this scene as you were.

Grief gripped at your heart, but love was quick to soothe the pain with its gentle caress. 

The minutes flew by, and many times you caught Alexia sneaking peeks at her phone, sometimes even texting while she wore a tender expression. If anyone saw it, no one called her out for it—well, maybe except for Eli, who, upon spotting her daughter on her phone, gave her a reprimanding smack against her arm, followed by a hissed scolding. Alexia looked so much like a child just then, with her wide eyes, that you nearly spat out your drink. She caught you staring, and she squinted her eyes. To that, you blinked innocently at her, curling your lips slightly to let her know you saw the whole thing. 

“So, are you in a relationship, dear?” Eli’s unexpected question made the water go into the wrong hole, and you spluttered. Alba patted your back while Alexia eyed you with concern and curiosity. Eli asked, “Are you okay, love?”

You gave her a thumbs up.

“Alright. Where was I? Right. Being in America for two years, surely you must’ve met someone.”

After composing yourself finally, you answered, “No, I’m not, Eli. I’d been so busy that I had no time for it, really.”

“What? A pretty girl like you all alone? I don’t quite believe that!” Eli exclaimed. “Come to think of it, I’ve never seen you with anyone.”

“Apart from that poor boy... What was his name?” Your father added. He snapped his fingers. “Ah! Guille! Nice boy, he was. Where is he now anyway?”

“We were never together, Papá.” For some reason, you felt the need to clarify that. “And he’s in London, finishing his PhD at York.” 

“Wow, that’s amazing. And I never knew you kept in touch.” Your mother’s brows shot up in surprise, and you thought you heard a hint of awe in her tone. Teasingly, she said, “Are you sure you’re not seeing him?”

You sighed internally, and you fought the urge to roll your eyes. You smiled and said, “Yeah, sometimes. I haven’t seen him in a while, though, but the last time we talked, he and his girlfriend were looking for a new apartment.” 

“Oh, he has a girlfriend, does he? That’s unfortunate.” 

“Not for me. I’m glad he’s happy.” You shrugged before you sipped your water.

“Are you waiting for someone, maybe?” Alba teased, wagging her brows.

You tensed, and you'd paused too long, it seemed, because Alba gasped. 

“Oh, she is! Who is it?” 

“Alba,” came Alexia's warning tone.

“Oh, yeah, sorry. I’m just excited.” Then Alba sighed dreamily, “I just think it’s kind of romantic.

You could feel the weight of Alexia’s eyes on you, but you dared not look up. You kept eating.

No. It wasn’t romantic. 

It was painful.

[7]

After you helped clean up despite your mother’s insistence not to, and after an hour of sitting in the living room conversing, the exhaustion of the day finally caught up with you. You needed to be alone, so you took little Nona from your lap and into your arms and snuck out into the garden. The light that streamed out from the living room was adequate enough for you to spot your old swing. You went to it, and, after inspecting and deeming it fit to take your weight, you sat on it and began a gentle rhythm, running your hand over Nona’s head, who purred at the attention.

The sound of grass being disturbed pricked at your ears, and you knew it was Alexia even before she spoke.

“I thought I’d find you here.”

You turned your head to the side where Alexia’d rested her back against the tree trunk, half of her face bathed in the incandescent glow of the living room light. You hummed in answer.

“Are you okay?” 

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” 

“You’re on your swing.” Alexia spoke as if that fact held the answer to your question. “You used to come here and sulk.” 

You scoffed. “I didn’t sulk.”

“You did. You’re doing it right now!” Alexia teased.

“Now I am because you’re bothering me!” 

“Fine, I’ll leave then.” 

You knew Alexia was joking, but when she made an exaggerated move to leave, you spoke softly, “No, stay. Please.” 

Alexia froze, and after a moment, she leaned back on the tree again. 

“I’m sorry about Alba if she did cross a line.”

“She didn’t; don’t worry. Thank you, though.”

“Are you sure? You seemed uncomfortable.”

“I was uncomfortable because I happen to not like talking about my love life.” You said, a bit defensively. “Wouldn't you feel uncomfortable too if I started grilling you about who you’re with right now?” 

Alexia remained silent. You huffed, “Exactly.”

A silence settled in the air. 

You gripped the rope of the swing, and the texture felt off. You inspected it; the rope was new.

“Yeah, uh, I had them replaced.” Alexia admitted, and when you faced her, she was rubbing the back of her neck sheepishly. “I kind of broke it when I was here last.” 

Another pause. “I hope you don’t mind. Sometimes, I like to come here to think. Plus, I get to visit your parents and Nona, so, yeah.” 

“No, of course I don’t mind. This is your home as much as it is mine. We’re family.”

Alexia opened her mouth while a hurt look flashed behind her eyes. She seemed to change her mind because she closed her mouth and bit her lip before she eventually said in a hoarse voice, “Yeah, of course.” 

Alexia was standing right there, but you’d never felt farther from her than now. There was a rift between you, but it was only you who could see it—you could feel it widening and deepening. Maybe Alexia could feel it, too, but you were sure it wasn’t like the way you did. 

It didn’t cut her the way it wounded you. 

Nona meowed softly in your lap as she stood, nosing at your chin and dragging her head on your jaw. You cooed as you scooped her up, pressing a kiss into the warmth of her fur, and you giggled when she licked your cheek and began purring. Alexia kneeled in front of you, running a finger under Nona’s chin, who purred even louder from the added attention. 

“She really missed you, you know.” Alexia whispered, and as she did, she gazed up at you. The warm light made her eyes shine and her cheeks glow with an earnestness that you longed to caress, that invited you to trace the outline of her brow and to feel the soft skin just beneath her eye. 

She was so beautiful. 

She’d always been.

You could never tell her that, and it hurt.

“I missed her, too.” You breathed softly, “So much.”

And still looking into her eyes, you murmured even softer, “You have no idea.” 

[fallenneziah]

Not sure if you're requesting for Poolverine but if you are...

"What's the wingspan on those blow job handles??"

Oh hell am I ever, babygirl.

CW: Blowjobs, old men bickering, there is the Wolverine Cowl, admittedly softer Wade and Logan, pls tell me how I did, and send me stuff to write for ya so I can get better with these dudes.

2K words.

Cowl on, Hood off.

“Put the cowl on.”

It was the first thing Wade said before Logan could fully make it to his knees. The older man sank, his heels pressed into the floor and ankles supporting his butt.

“I’m not wearing the hood.”

Wade would have whined, but kept his composure this time around, long enough to bicker while his suit was uncomfortably tight.

“Come on, put it on.”

Logan’s brows pinched together, his lips pursing, “Just pull my hair like a man, Wade.”

Wade crossed his arms over his chest, staring down at Logan before mumbling, “Vanessa would have done it…”

Silence befell them for a few seconds before Logan growled and rolled his shoulders, cracking his neck.

“I hate you so much…” He reached over for the bedside table and grabbed the cowl. He slid it over his head, hearing the excited gasp from Wade.

Logan rolled his tongue inside his mouth, a poisonous tang of possessiveness there.

“Oh fuck yes, we’re in business now, babygirl.” He reached for his belt, Logan having to slap his hands away. “Stay.”

Wade stopped, pouting his lip, his breath caught in his throat as Logan proceeded to unclip his belt and toss it aside. His hands were rough but they got the job done, tugging the suit down, forcing Wade to shimmy a little.

“God, this sweaty body condom is going to be the death of me-“ Wade’s breath left his lungs when Logan’s claws extended, and wordlessly tore down the sides of the suit.

The fabric peeled away from Wade’s body, his underwear going with it, leaving his welted, scarred body in full view.

Logan huffed in amusement. “This is it??” He smirked,

“Wah- No, this is not it.” He huffed and turned his head away. “You better shut your mouth before I shove-“

Logan’s smirk didn’t fade as his massive hand wrapped around the base of Wade’s cock, making another breathless, excited gasp fall from the Merc’s lips.

“Shove what where Wade?” He leaned in, warm air wafting over Wade’s cock, and he gave it an experimental lick. His hand squeezed the base and gently stroked back up, his rough callouses and harsh palms were like little pricks to Wade’s otherwise numb exterior.

Wade’s eyes were glued to the scene, rough knuckles clasped around his decent shaft, the lack of hair making the glide smooth and silky. The small sounds of Logan’s hand on the taut skin of his cock drove Wade just a little bit madder each time.

“Oh, Honey Badger…” Wade leaned his head back, the excitement getting him off more than Logan was at this point. But neither man was complaining – for once.

Logan’s hand stroked the length of Wade’s cock, twisting occasionally. He leaned up on his heels and collected some spit in his mouth, dripping it down onto Wade’s shaft, working it in with his hand.

“Wade. You made me wear this damn thing, so take goddamn advantage.” Logan growled. It was an exasperated need for Wade to grab him by the horns and wrangle him.

“Right- right- impatient little peanut.“ Wade’s hands reached down to grasp the ears of the cowl, gripping them tightly and tugging Logan’s head forward, lips kissing Wade’s cockhead. Logan let out a low growl when he was tugged.

A bead of pre-cum rolled down the slit of his tip, Logan’s tongue flicking out to drink it up and swirl around the tip.

Logan groaned softly and pushed his cock to the side, kissing up the shaft. His warm air brushed over the hardening, twitching length, curving up and drooling more.

“God, Wade.” Logan’s hand was slick with spit and pre-cum, watching how fast it leaked down the length of Wade’s excited cock. Logan’s fingers were coated with it, thumb rubbing It into the tip and kissing along the salty, pre-cum covered length.

His nostrils flared against Wade’s body, smelling the sweat that began, it was faint, the musky smell of worn suit prevailing. His free hand came up, nudging Wade back and opening his legs a bit more, squeezing the man’s balls.

Wade’s breathing became ragged as Logan’s mouth moved over his cock, and his hands shook slightly while gripping the cowl. He thrust his hips forward, but Logan’s strong arms held him in place, a possessive grin on his face.

“You better not bite,” Wade warned, his voice shaking with lust and trepidation.

Logan chuckled low in his throat, his eyes never leaving Wade’s hardened length. “If you think I’m going to let that precious little cock go to waste,” he said, his voice husky with desire.

“You’ve got another thing coming, bub.”

Wade swallowed hard, his body trembling as Logan’s mouth enveloped his cock, sucking and licking with an expertise that left Wade breathless. His hands clutched the cowl tighter, his knuckles turning white as he fought to maintain control.

Logan was starting to pant, his breath warm on the other’s cock. His own was aching, leaking. The fabric of his suit was tight and constricting, the pressure building as he worked the other.

The heat radiating off Wade’s skin made breathing feel harder, desperate to get Logan’s mouth fully around his cock. His hands tightened on the cowl, giving Logan another tug.

Wade’s moans grew more intense as Logan teased him, his chest rising and falling rapidly with each breath. His fingers tightened around the cowl’s ears, grasping them with an almost desperate need.

Wade was the only person Logan was willing to choke himself on, his hands moving down to the Merc’s hips. He squeezed the skin in a bruising grip and kissed the tip before sinking over it. His rough lips took Wade’s length in one inch at a time, taking his time to flick and suck on it, saliva building in his throat.

Wade tugged on the cowl, the mask holding up and shaping Logan’s face, the angle of his nose showing the drool pooling from Logan’s mouth and down into his messy stubble.

It wasn't so much a romantic thing as it was the visceral need to have the man’s body anywhere near his. Logan didn’t care if he was on the bottom or the top, he needed to smell Wade’s sweat, to taste his tears, to feel him squirm.

His tongue pressed up under the other’s cock, tracing along the shaft as he slowly, finally sank to the hilt. He took his time, his hand releasing Wade’s hip and returning to squeeze his balls.

Wade’s grip never lessened on the cowl, holding Logan’s head in place.

Logan’s hands slipped down Wade’s thighs and behind his knees, grabbing the backs and yanking the Merc down.

“Fuck!” Wade gasped and grabbed the back of Logan’s head, the sudden movement causing the head of his cock to push past the tight warmth of Logan’s throat, feeling his throat constrict and convulse around his dick.

Logan pulled Wade’s thighs up and let them rest on his shoulders. His head pulled back slowly, sucking the entire length from his mouth, and licked along the bottom of the shaft.

“Shut up, bub…” He panted softly, spitting the drool and pre-cum in his mouth into Wade’s twitching cock.

Wade’s mouth fell open, his hands reached down again to quickly grab hold of the cowl’s ear fins. He moaned, bucking his hips up into Logan’s mouth, saliva leaking from Logan’s mouth down over Wade’s balls.

The cowl was hot, sweaty, and damp against Logan’s face. He was sure his hair was stuck to his forehead, but that didn’t stop him from wrapping his arms around the Merc’s thighs and pulling him in closer.

His face pressed flush to Wade’s baby-smooth groin and his throat tensed and pulsed around Wade’s cock, causing him to choke and drip saliva down his chin and neck.

Wade’s legs spread wide, his head rolling back and his eyes squeezed shut.

“F-fuck, Honey Badger- Logan.”

Logan couldn’t help but attempt to chuckle (which came out more as a wet gag) at Wade’s pleading, the sound vibrating on his tongue as he licked along the length of the Merc's cock. The strain in the other’s voice, the way his body trembled with need, only fueled Logan’s desire to bring him to the edge.

He wrapped his lips tightly around Wade’s cock, pulling him in deeper, his tongue dancing along the sensitive underside.

Wade’s toes curled, his breath hitched in his throat as Logan’s mouth enveloped him, the sensation overwhelming him. He thrust his hips forward, pushing deeper down Logan’s throat. The world seemed to spin as a wave of pleasure crashed over him, his vision dimming at the edges.

Logan’s nose was buried in the soft skin of Wade’s groin, his tongue pushing and rolling over the underside of the other’s dick, feeling the way it throbbed and pulsed.

Logan drew back, gasping for air, Wade’s cock still between his teeth. The taste of salty sweat mixed with the bitter tang of precum filled his senses as his free hand rubbed at his throbbing erection through the tight confines of his costume.

As Logan stared into Wade’s blissful eyes, his desire seemed to match the other’s. The need to taste, to touch, to possess drove him forward.

Wade whimpered softly as Logan took his cock into his mouth again, this time swallowing the head deep into his throat, his throat muscles flexing in rhythm with the pumping of his tongue.

Wade arched his back, his hands grabbing at the cowl’s ear fins again, tugging at them in time with the thrusts of his hips as Logan continued to suckle at him.

Fuck, Logan was going to tear him apart for this later…

His blunt fingers dragged over the head of the cowl, scraping at the fabric and tugging the corners, arching up his hips and squeezing the cowls ears.

Logan’s eyes locked with Wade’s, holding onto each other through the haze of bliss and desire. The cowl was now a twisted mess of fabric and sweat, sticking to their faces as they struggled for air.

Wade’s breaths grew ragged, his grip on the cowl tightening until his knuckles turned white, but there was no denying the lusty expression etched across his features.

As the room spiraled into a whirlwind of passions and flavors, Logan’s throat convulsed around the Merc’s cock, his lips wrapped around the base, sucking and swallowing with a feral hunger.

Wade’s hips bucked, his body trembling as Logan’s warm, slick tongue danced around the veins on the shaft and swirled around the sensitive head, eliciting a choked-off moan from the Merc.

“Hnnn- god, I’m gonna cum-“

“Mmff- Nh- nhh-“ Logan’s nails dug into Wade’s thighs, his body jerking as the Merc came, thighs flexing.

The white-hot rush of pleasure drowned out everything else, leaving only pure, raw ecstasy. Wade’s eyes rolled back, his hands releasing the cowl’s ear fins for a moment as he gripped Logan’s shoulders instead, desperately seeking contact with the man.

Logan felt the jolt of Wade’s release, the hot spurts coating his throat and filling his mouth. He swallowed convulsively, the salty taste of the other man’s climax flooding his senses. It was a mix of relief and exhilaration, the culmination of the sensual build-up and the raw power between them.

Wade’s breathing gradually slowed, his fingers releasing Logan’s shoulders and his eyes slowly opening. He stroked the tips of the cowl, smiling like a lovesick idiot, having gotten to hang on like he was riding a bull. His gaze met Logan’s, filled with both relief and vulnerability as he tried to catch his breath.

“Fuck,” Wade panted softly.

Logan slowly pulled back, shuddering a little, the pungent smell of sweat and cum becoming a more powerful presence than before. His brows stayed pinched together, canines aching with a lustful hunger. "Now who’s the slut?”

I apologize if this was lacking in any way, it's my first smut piece for them so I'm dipping into uncertain waters again haha.

[m3tr0n0m333]

DTIYS ENTRY FOR @head---ache !!!

[sampilled]

I think the reason I hate the “dean raised Sam” idea in fandom is because that is just fundamentally not how I view their relationship and ALSO because of how one sided it makes it

Like you know who looks out for dean? Sam. You know who cares whether dean is being safe or throwing himself head first into danger? Sam. You know who worries about dean’s cholesterol and whether he eats his vegetables? SAM

And if you think this is a new development then you just don’t understand teenaged sam like I do. Sam ‘I will burn this whole building to the ground just to make a point’ Winchester. Sam ‘I hate my dad’ Winchester. Sam ‘No sir there are more important things’ Winchester.

Sam was the type of kid to make a whole PowerPoint about the dangers of smoking if he ever saw dean even look at one!!!

And who does dean go to when he has a crisis? Sam!!! That’s literally the main premise of the show. Dean goes to sam when john abandons him

Whose name does dean yell out when he’s trapped in hell in the season 3 finale? Sam’s!!!

Sam is his safe space. The number one person he can trust. The person who always tries to get him to open up about his feelings (even if he’s not the *most* equipped to handle those conversations. He always tries)

I just hate when people try to make it seem like Sam is a burden to dean or just an accessory to dean’s trauma cus at the end of the day that codependency goes *both* ways

[zorosdimples]

cw: brief descriptions of violence. siren ajax childe tartaglia !

it’s late afternoon as you wander around the beach of a secluded cove. the crystalline waters are calm, the foamy lap of the waves and the warbling birds the only sounds to disturb the balmy air. a seashell peeks out of the wet sand—coral spots dot the ivory helix.

as you bend down to pick up the shell, you hear it: soft laughter, bubbly and warm, though it rings directly in your ear. you look up—out toward the waves—and see a figure resting on a rock. perhaps naively, you draw closer to the stranger with the enticing voice.

you first notice the shimmering tail, a piercing lapis that rivals the splendor of the cloudless sky. its fin drags across the water in a teasing manner, as though playing a game with something beneath the surface.

the creature’s torso seems too fair for the blistering sun, but its skin is as smooth as the tide-flattened sand, smattered with freckles like broken shells. its hair is a shock of auburn that curls in every direction yet looks as beautiful as the seaweed that sways on the ocean floor.

although the creature is smiling, cheeks dimpled and azure eyes gleaming with mirth, its teeth are akin to knives. you recall the folktales you heard as a child—sirens that are as terrifying as they are gorgeous, sweet voices luring a sailor to his death. a siren’s teeth are meant to rend flesh from meat and meat from bone, to crush bone into dust.

the siren’s smile grows wider as the blood drains from your face.

[rainbowr0ses]

first I would love to start off by saying that H o l y s h i t this has been a wild ride. Thank you so cast and everyone that has helped with the creation of Fable SMP. there’s been so much time, work, and love dedicated to this and I want to give a huge shout out to everyone that made Fable possible, including the cast, community, and every resource pack/art/music creator and VA that contributed to making Fable SMP possible and what it is now.

my journey through this has been- complicated to say the least. This starts back in September of 2021, a little over a month before the *original* Halloween episode of Season one. I remember very vividly that I had gotten into Fable through a TikTok Sherbert had made about streaming while looking at DSMP cosplays. At the time, I was losing interest with the main streamers at the time, which was not uncommon, and wanted to give someone else a shot. So I joined their stream. I find it funny still that at the time they’d been streaming Fable, back when non-lore streams were very common because the plot had barely started yet. At some point they mentioned that there was going to be lore on Fable, on Halloween. And For some reason that I can’t remember now, I decided that since I enjoyed Sherbert’s streams (I hadn’t discovered that any of the others streamed yet), I was going to watch the lore. And from there it has snowballed from a hyperfixation, to a comfort, to something figuratively and literally ingrained in my mind.

Fable has been with me through one of the best and worst times in my life, and through all the arcs and story’s that have been told through Fable for the past three years, this ending is the most bittersweet, yet truly deserved ending of Fable. I’m sad that it is coming to an end, but I know that it is not the end for the streamers themself, and I will see them again, somewhere else. I’m going to miss… everything. Though I suppose as a mainly Icarus POV watcher I will see more of them with Sherbaverse things, it’s still sad to think that this will be the last time we every truly get to interact with any of those in Fable.

I wish I could’ve interacted and shared with this community more the last three years, but I didn’t even have a tumble account till- what I’m just realizing was the 2-year mark of me watching Fable Everyone here is so cool, and funny, and nice and while I’m not much of a creator myself, I can’t see what’s made now that Fable SMP has ended.

[delta-piscium]

part 2 | this is part two to this from Steve's perspective leading up to and including part one | cw unresolved angst [unfinished/for now not being worked on]

31 days until moving day.

Steve burst through the door to Family Video, swinging it open with way too much force. 

Robin jumps and opens her mouth, probably to tell him off for scaring her but he speaks before she gets the chance. 

“Eddie asked me to move to Chicago with him,” he blurts out, “Robin, he asked me to go with him.” 

Her eyes widen, “what did you say?” 

“That I’d go, of course,” he huffs. Like it’s even a question? like not going was ever an option?

Robin jumps over the counter squealing and hugs him so tight breathing becomes a little bit hard. 

“I’m moving away with Eddie,” he whispers into her hair, awed as he hugs her back. She somehow squeezes him even tighter and they stay like that for a minute until they have to actually do their jobs. 

An hour passes and Robin keeps shooting him contemplative looks.

“What?” He finally snaps after getting tired of waiting for her to say what she wants to say herself. 

She jumps again like she didn’t realize how obvious she was being, which honestly, she probably didn’t.

“Nothing, nothing.” 

“Robin,” he whines.

“Okay, just,” she scrunches her face up a bit and Steve knows that face, she’s trying to figure out how to say something to him she thinks he’ll react badly to. 

He narrows his eyes at her, bracing himself, “yes?” 

“I think you and Eddie are great together, and like I love you both and I am excited for you guys. You know that right?”

Steve nods, doesn’t say anything though, wants her to get to the point.

“I’m just also, maybe, a little bit worried.”

Steve’s eyebrows draw together, “what do you mean?” 

Robin is looking around nervously. Something heavy starts to form in Steve’s stomach. 

“You haven’t been together for very long and this is a big step. I just don’t wanna see either of you get hurt you know? I guess I’m just wondering if you’ve talked it all through? Because both of you have a tendency to jump into things without thought.”

They haven’t talked it through, not really. Eddie asked Steve to move, he said yes and that was pretty much it. It didn’t feel like they needed to talk it through though? Did they? Usually, they just dealt with things as they became relevant, that had worked for them so far. 

Robin must see something on his face because she quickly talks again, backtracking and interrupting his thoughts. 

“Not that I don’t think it will be great, you know I just worry about things a lot. This is my anxiety talking. You know what, ignore everything I just said. You two know what you’re doing.” 

He doesn’t want her to know she’s already put doubts in his head so even though he’s starting to freak out a little he smiles and shakes his head. 

“It’s fine Rob, I’m sure we will talk more with time.” 

22 days until moving day.

Steve meant it when he said he and Eddie would talk. Meant to ask about the logistics, meant to make sure they were on the same page, he really did. But every time the move comes up Eddie just seems so sure about it already. Steve doesn’t want to make him think he’s having second thoughts. Thinks maybe it’s better to not say anything, to wait and let it come up naturally. 

He thinks maybe they’ll talk about it tonight. The kids had joked about them all evening, about how fast they were moving.

Mike had made some snarky comment about them moving to a city where they knew no one and how awkward it would be if they crashed and burned and they’d have to share a bedroom. 

Eddie had laughed, said it was good they weren’t gonna crash and burn then. But, he’d also added that his band was also going so actually he would know people. 

It was just jokes, Steve knew that. That didn’t make it any less true though. Steve wouldn’t have anyone except Eddie, sure he liked the guys in his band but they weren’t his friends. Steve would have Eddie and Eddie would have his band. It suddenly seemed like a big deal.

He expects Eddie to also feel it, to get worried and bring it up but he doesn’t. If he is worried he isn’t saying anything, just like Steve isn’t.

8 days until moving day.

There’s a knock on Steve's door and when he opens Gareth is standing there. Steve is a lot confused about it but lets him in. 

“Uh,” he starts a little unsure, “do you want anything to drink or?” He offers, mostly because he doesn’t know what else to say or do. 

Gareth shakes his head, looking about as uncomfortable as Steve feels. Shuffling around where he’s standing and fiddling with the sleeve of his shirt. “No, I’m gonna leave again soon. I just came here to say something.” 

Steve gestures for him to speak, “I’m listening.” 

Gareth doesn’t immediately say anything, he shuffles some more and looks around the room before his eyes land on Steve again, a determined look in them. 

“Look, I like you. I know Eddie loves you.”

Steve can’t help but smile a little at that, even though he’s starting to suspect he’s in for a shovel talk. 

“And like, I probably wouldn’t do this if it weren’t for the fact that you haven’t dated for very long at all and are about to move in together in a city four hours away.”Gareth pauses and waits to speak again until Steve nods, showing he’s listening. 

“Eddie does things without thinking. He doesn’t think about the consequences, not anything, just does. I love that about him, it’s the reason our band has gotten anywhere at all, but it also means that he gets hurt a lot, disappointed a lot. He can handle it with most things, he won’t be able to handle it with you.”

“What are you saying?” Steve asks even though he’s pretty sure he already knows. 

Gareth looks pained but continues, “I’m saying that if you aren’t one hundred percent sure about moving with him, if you have any doubts at all, you can’t go.”

Steve can’t suppress his flinch. He expected Gareth to say he needed to be sure, that if he wasn’t he needed to tell Eddie. He wasn’t expecting him to say he shouldn’t, no, couldn’t go. 

Gareth catches it and narrows his eyes, “I mean it Steve, it will break him more if you go, let him think it’s gonna work and then leave, then if you don’t go at all.” He steps closer to Steve, getting into his space. “So, if you’re not absolutely sure,” he pauses, steps even closer, “Do. Not. Go.” He punctuates every word and then he turns on his heel and leaves.

6 days until moving day.

Steve needs to talk with Eddie about it now, can’t ignore it anymore. He isn’t gonna just not go like Gareth told him to do. No, he’ll talk to Eddie and it will be fine. 

They’re in his bed together, laying next to each other. Skin touching skin and a comfortable silence between them. Now is as good a time as any. 

“Hey, Eddie?” 

“Mhh?” He hums, shifting slightly next to him. 

“What happens if something goes wrong when we move?” 

Eddie snorts, “what? Like if we get a flat wheel? I know how to change a wheel, sweetheart.” 

Steve smiles despite his nerves, tries to not imagine what Eddie would look like changing a wheel. 

“Good to know, but no, not quite what I meant.” 

Next to him, Eddie props himself up on his elbow so he can properly look at Steve. 

“What did you mean?” He reaches out and tucks a strand of hair behind Steve’s ear as he speaks. Steve has to focus harder than he’d like to admit to not get lost in it. Even the smallest touches have an effect on him when it’s Eddie. 

“What if something happens with us?” His voice is small and he can’t look at Eddie, afraid of what his reaction might be. “Remember that thing Mike said about us not really knowing anyone there? Just, what would happen?” 

“Baby,” Eddie gently grabs Steve’s chin with his thumb and forefinger, tilting his face towards him. Steve easily follows but closes his eyes. 

“Baby, please look at me,” Eddie’s voice is even softer than before, and Steve has always been weak when it comes to Eddie asking him to do things so he slowly blinks his eyes open.

“There you are,” he smiles, face open and tendrils of hair falling around it. He looks angelic and Steve almost forgets what they are talking about, too overwhelmed by the man next to him. 

Eddie keeps them on track though. 

“Like I told Mike, nothing will happen. We will be fine. But,” he continued before Steve can protest, “if something does, we both have jobs already, we’ve done this right. We will be able to save eventually. Quicker because we’re two people, paying rent and all that stuff on two salaries. If something happens we will have that security.” 

Steve relaxes then and Eddie must see it because he grins and continues, “now if you didn’t have a job then I’d be worried. I’m not cut out for all the responsibility of being the breadwinner, princess.”

Steve groans and shoves Eddie away. Mostly to hide the blush he can feel creeping up his face just from Eddie calling him princess. Judging by the way Eddie cackles he doesn’t have to see Steve blush to know the effect it has on him. 

He reaches out and pulls Steve in against his chest. “Worst case scenario we have to move back. Wayne will probably pretend to be unhappy about it but he’ll let me take over his trailer again. And, I know you have complicated feelings about this house, that your parents are the worst, but you’ll be able to come back if you need to.” 

“Okay,” Steve says, his worries mostly calmed. 

1 day until moving day. 

Steve and Eddie are spending the night apart. Eddie wanting to spend his last night with Wayne and both of them needing to do some last minute packing. 

Just as he finishes closing one of the last boxes the phone rings, he’s a bit confused about who would call him right now. His friends all having seen him earlier in the day to say goodbye. Maybe Eddie needs to double-check what time they decided to leave. 

He picks up but it’s not Eddie, or even one of the kids, who speaks.

“Steven,” his mother's shrill voice crackles on the other end of the line. 

“Hi mom,” he tries to hide his sigh as he speaks, doesn’t have the energy to get into anything with her right now, doesn’t want her to ruin his excitement. 

“I thought you were moving to Chicago alone?” 

His freezes, when he told his parents he was gonna move he didn’t say he was going alone but he also didn’t mention Eddie. He knew they wouldn’t like it, knew it would be easier to let them assume he was going by himself. 

“But I just got off a call with Mrs. Hagan and she told me that Tommy had said you were moving there with- with that cult boy? The one who’s wanted for murder?” 

Steve closes his eyes and this time he doesn’t bother hiding his sigh. Fucking Tommy, he’s always had a big mouth but Steve suspects that this hadn’t been him blabbering without thinking. No, Steve thinks Tommy knew exactly what he was doing telling his mom this piece of information. 

“His name is Eddie, and he was cleared of all charges. The ‘cult’ was literally just a school club.”

“So it’s true? You’re moving with him?” Her voice is sharp and even just hearing it over the phone makes him flinch.

“Yeah, we’re friends and it’s cheaper that way. We got a better apartment because we’re two people with a job each.” It’s such a simplification of the truth it’s almost a lie but Steve doesn’t think this is the time to come out to her. He hopes the ‘better apartment’ comment will calm her, it’s the sort of thing she cares about after all. Not for his safety and comfort though but for how it will reflect on her.

He’s not sure she actually hears him though because she hisses a vicious, “If you move with him you will not be welcome back Steven, this will be the last time we speak.” Before she hangs up on him. 

Steve carefully places the phone back in its cradle, then he’s left standing alone in the living room, both too shocked to move and not really shocked at all. 

He’s not close to his parents. Has slowly been understanding just how much they’ve neglected him. He’s been relieved about moving away, about being in another city where he won’t have to see them when they waltz back into town. But to never speak to them again? That’s a whole different thing. He still hoped that they’d be able to fix their relationship. That him not being dependent on them anymore would allow him to stand up for himself. That everything would get better. Now instead, the thing he thought would allow their relationship to get better is gonna destroy it forever. 

He debates calling Eddie, wants to tell him what his mom just said, wants to hear his voice, wants to let him make it better. He decides against it, he doesn’t wanna ruin Eddie’s last night with Wayne and he’ll see him tomorrow anyway. He can tell him in the car. 

He doesn’t call Robin either, she’ll insist on coming over and he knows she’s on a date with Nancy right now. He doesn’t wanna ruin that either, even though both of them will tell him he’s not, he knows he will be. He goes to bed instead, sleep seems like the best option right now, at least he won’t have to think if he’s asleep.

Moving day.

He ended up not really sleeping at all. Tossing and turning for hours and after finally falling asleep sometime in the early morning he wakes up just hours later from a nightmare. He doesn’t remember what it was about but can feel the lingering panic. He gives up on getting any more sleep, doesn’t wanna risk more nightmares when he’s alone.

He picks at his breakfast, still thrown off from the conversation with his mom the night before and not feeling like eating, so he gives up on that too. He spends the rest of the morning wandering around, touching the walls and the furniture in the house he grew up in. The house he’s been left alone in since he was nine. The house he both hates and loves. The house he will never be allowed to return to after today. 

Then the phone rings again, it’s probably his mom calling to ask if he’s decided to stay he thinks. It’s not, it turns out.

“Hi I’m Patricia, I’m looking for Steve Harrington?” A chipper voice says.

“This is him.”

“Okay well, good. I’m calling about a barista job you’re supposed to start with us next week.” 

“Yeah?” Steve chews on his cheek. 

“I’m so sorry but due to our rent being raised we’re having to do cutbacks. Since you haven’t signed your contract with us yet, it’s the first one to go.” 

“You’re firing me?” Steve asks, it’s not entirely right since he hasn’t started yet but it’s all he can think to say. 

“Essentially,” Patricia responds, “I’m sorry for the short notice.” 

“Okay,” he says, his voice void of emotion, “thank you for calling.” 

He hangs up without waiting for a response, he doesn’t have the energy to be polite. 

He barely has time to let the information sink in before his doorbell rings. Eddie on the other side of the door with a wide grin on his face. 

“Did you oversleep?” He jokes. 

Steve’s confused for a second but then he realizes he’s still in his pajamas, that he’s spent the whole morning wandering around like a ghost in his house not getting any of the things he needed to do done. 

He hasn’t packed the bag of all his essentials. He hasn’t gotten dressed. He hasn’t even brushed his teeth. What he has done is get fired from a job he never even started.

He sees Eddie’s teasing smile, the combination of it and his sudden joblessness tugs at something in his brain, brings back the conversation they had last week.

“Now, if you didn’t have a job then I’d be worried. I’m not cut out for all the responsibility of being the breadwinner princess.”

He doesn’t have a job. He’ll have to live off Eddie and what little savings he has left. Become a responsibility Eddie doesn’t want, a burden probably.

“Worst case scenario we move back”, “you’ll be able to come back if you need to.”

If he leaves now he won’t be able to come back. 

Gareths words play back in his mind too.

“if you have any doubts at all, you can’t go.”, “it will break him more if you go, let him think it’s gonna work and then leave, then if you don’t go at all.”

“I’m not going,” Steve hears himself say as he steps back from the hand Eddie reaches out to him. 

“You’re not-“ Eddie looks so confused. “Like today? Do you need extra time? We can postpone by a couple of days but-“

He’s not getting it. Steve interrupts him, needs to make him understand because he can’t listen to him try to come up with solutions. 

“No, Eddie. I’m not going it all.” 

The words feel wrong in his mouth but he forces them out anyways. 

“What do you mean?” Eddie asks and it fucking ruins him. He feels his carefully blank expression break, despair showing through. 

“I can’t leave Hawkins, the kids,” he has to look away from Eddie as he says this. Knows it’s the only thing Eddie won’t question, knows Eddie thinks he doesn’t mean as much to Steve as the kids do. “They need me.”

“When did you decide you weren’t going?” Eddie asks and Steve didn’t know it was possible but he breaks even more from that, from Eddie not fighting him. 

I didn’t, he thinks, I don’t know why I’m saying this now. If you ask me to stop and just go with you I will. 

“A couple of days ago,” he lies. 

It’s silent then, just their breathing and the distant sound of cars down the street being heard. Eventually, Eddie breaks it.

“Steve?”

His voice cracks in the middle. Steve can hear the plea for him to take it all back and he nearly does, has to swallow the words creeping up his throat before they get out. 

“I’m sorry,” he says instead. He turns around, closing the door behind him. Destroying their future and breaking the last bit of his heart in the process.

He doesn’t get more than two steps into the house before his legs give out beneath him. He stays there, sitting on the floor for what feels like forever. 

After some time he hears a car drive away and he knows Eddie has left. He feels silent tears start streaming down his face that soon turns into sobs. Making him curl in on himself and gasp for air. 

He doesn’t know how long he stays there, crying until he can’t anymore and then just sitting there. But after a while, he’s interrupted by a loud ringing. For the third time in less than twenty-four hours he picks up the god-forsaken phone. 

“Hello?” He rasps, his voice dull and raw from crying.

“Steven. You made the right decision and stayed I take it?” His mother asks.

“Yes.” He says and hangs up on her. 

[lootsofathousandsworld]

Ladies and gents...I present...

✨✨ THE BOYS✨✨

good night * pass out on my bed*

[hoyotunes]

Hey just to let you know tot has a theme song called 未定的注定 it’s not in any album or anything, just a single

ahh thank you for letting me know!! adding it to the masterlist and I'll upload it right after encounter!

[lethalphighting]

Funny door man any opinions on the crews

Zuka: Assuming you mean me... We don't interact all that much with the other crews. Zuka: Hyperlaser and Medkit, they have a good head on their shoulders. But Subspace... He's.. Interesting.

[polarized-here]

Drew one of my favorite scenes from my Fic on Cowboy!Sheriff au, (it’s a cum joke, that’s why)

[lalasknives]

So far, this season seems to be focusing A LOT on Bose and not the same way season 2 did with chapa. I think her focus was related to her development as a character, starting at the end of power problem’s two where she has that really touching conversation with miles, and ending in unmasked where we can see her incredibly stressed, something we rarely see. I would say her character is over as far as writing (I think we should have got more of her rebelling to her mother rules and going to prison but that phase seems over and they won’t talk about it again). This season, however, the focus on Bose seems to be building up a sub plot. Starting towards the very end of unmasked, where both he and his mother about the relationship with his dad. “Unstable, like my parents marriage” and “maybe just erase the memories of my first husband” are both puns that were put in the script because the writers must had a vague idea of where the show was gonna go, had it been renewed for a third season, and it did. Then we have Celia being the first among the mums to be kidnapped and the one that number 20 refused to acknowledge her when she talked until episode 2. Then her being the one that was able to escape and Bose having to not only protect her from Ray, but also reassure her that he was going to be fine, strengthening their relationship. Then buddy having no dad. Although subtle, this detail could be crucial in the story and here’s why. I think it’s pretty much confirmed that Ray is a father figure to Bose, even if it wasn’t explicitly said, and now he has to share him. I think that realisation was the reason the dad jokes started. He’s coping with his feelings with humor. I don’t think he necessarily dislikes buddy, he just resents him and maybe is a little jealous of him. Let’s not forget that he was there when Ray announced that he would like to become Buddy’s new father. “Why did he get him in the end? Wasn’t he our enemy like a week ago?”. I think this is also the reason they had NO INTERACTIONS so far and why he was the most disappointed in Ray in ep 6 after finding out he lied to them.

Then he gets kidnapped? Why him? Wouldn’t Mika be better to help them build a weapon? Did he just help them with nothing in return? What could the cell possibly offer him that he wants? After the weapon is built, why are they still holding him hostage?

Then he’s supposed to save his friends? His birthday?

Also I fully believe that Drex’s “change of heart” Tommy was talking about is somehow connected to Bose and not to Buddy as we are being led to believe. I think now that Ray is busy with Buddy, Drex will take that spot for Bose and it will most likely cause damage.

[sunshine-in-a-bottle]

Next chapter of Philza and Dream. They are remarkably similar brands of insanity.

[linawritesocs]

the seth ships guide!

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omg i'm really doing it!! wow!

okay so! if you don't know, i have like. four main ships with seth. bc i'm a multishipper. and bc i'm indecisive.

i used to ship him with some of my ocs at first, like hayden for example, however, now i prefer to see him with canon characters instead (though i still think seth x hayden is cute).

so, i ship him with riddle, neige, rollo and silver. some of these might seem random, but trust me, they make sense to me.

i see them as both separate ships and also like.. just seth's harem. or maybe they even have a potential as a polycule.

in this post i'll share a lot of facts and lore about these ships, why i like them, how does their relationship work, stuff like that! warning: this post is just. pure brainrot.

seth x riddle.

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how they first met:

they first met during the prologue, when seth (+ minnie and grim) arrived to nrc. riddle already knew that seth is going to cause.. a lot of trouble when he saw him, like he could just tell that from the way seth looked and acted. at first he just tried to avoid him, but when he heard seth say "woah, who's that tiny red guy over there?", he lost his patience. he already knew that this boy will just be floyd 2.0.. or so he thought. seth meanwhile just found riddle cute and a little bit weird, but wanted to learn more about him.

how did their relationship go after that:

.. yeah, they did not get along at all at first. not a day passed without riddle lecturing seth and seth annoying him. funnily enough, seth didn't even try to make seth angry, like he was just.. naturally that loud and energetic and riddle couldn't understand why. riddle also found seth not knowing how most things work really strange, like, sure, of course this guy doesn't know how magic works, but he should know that there are four seasons, right? riddle genuinely thought that seth is trying to make him mad on purpose, but seth just managed to run away from his sister, so he really didn't know much about the world.

eventually, even seth himself got tired of riddle's behavior, so at first he supported ace and tried to help other heartslabyul students convince riddle that he should stop being so strict, but he kinda gave up in the end. when riddle overblotted, others tried to ask seth for help, since again, he tried to stop riddle before, so of course he would do it this time too- anyway, seth said no. he just really couldn't see the reason why he should try and help him again. cater made a joke that if seth agrees to help, maybe riddle will fall in love with him because seth would basically save his life that way and after that seth sat there for a minute and then ran outside to see overblot!riddle. and when he saw him, his first reaction was ".. wow, he looks even more pretty like this". and then ace slapped him.

seth is not the "savior" or "unpaid therapist" kind of guy though. he's mean. and rude. and insensitive. so when he found out about riddle's mother, the whole situation sounded very familiar to him because of his sister, but he still continued to make fun of riddle's "mommy issues" throughout the whole fight, mostly to distract him, though that actually made him angrier how surprising and riddle almost killed seth in the middle of a fight because of that. but seth found the whole thing entertaining, which convinced ace that this guy is crazy.. and convinced deuce that this guy is so cool.

after the overblot, riddle found out that seth was there to help too and that riddle could've killed him, he felt guilty and tried to apologize, though it's hard and he still didn't really like seth. he asked what he could do to make it up for him, seth gave it some thought and went ".. i dunno, go on a date with me or something?". after he saw riddle's reaction, he laughed and said that just a small tea party with two of them would be fine.

when did riddle first fall in love with seth:

it was a really slow process, but eventually riddle started falling in love with seth because of the way seth sees the world. he's so curious about everything, he always wants to learn more. even riddle himself couldn't help but get excited when he saw seth running around and his eyes sparkling. he really didn't want to accept the fact that he has feelings for him though, so.. yeah, he needed some time for that it's chapter 7 and he still hasn't confessed

when did seth first fall in love with riddle:

he thought that riddle was pretty when he first met him, but he started to truly fall in love with him as they spent more and more time together. at first it was just "wow riddle-chan is really cool and smart", but it slowly started to turn into ".. w-why does my heart beat faster around him. stop i'm not falling for a nerd". he would actually try to play it cool and make it seem like riddle is the one who's more shy about it even though on the inside seth is also panicking.

who would confess first:

i want it to be riddle, but also. he would not be strong enough for that. so it would be seth. i can imagine the confession being really dramatic, because this is what both of them wanted to say and hear all this time, but i can't deny that i can also imagine seth screaming that during an argument, leaving riddle shocked and running away.

what would their first kiss be like:

it would probably take like. at least three official dates for them to finally kiss, even though seth would try so hard to make it happen earlier. i think their first kiss would happen while they're taking a walk in the heartslabyul rose garden, it's a nice evening and the sun is setting, they're laughing because of something seth said, there's no one else around and then suddenly, seth finally kisses riddle on the lips. the kiss is soft and sweet and even tastes like strawberries because of the tart they had earlier. riddle needs a moment to process all this and his face becomes completely red. they kiss again.

what are their dates like:

riddle prefers places that are more private and quiet and he doesn't want others to see him with seth, though pretty much all heartslabyul students already know about their relationship (thanks to cater). seth would rather like something more fun and even a bit crowded, but when he's with riddle, it's like.. he calms down a little. even seth finds it surprising, it's like riddle is not boring at all and he genuinely finds him interesting, so eventually he stops caring where they go on their next date. they definitely would have a lot of tea party dates, i can totally imagine seth trying to feed riddle tarts and riddle blushing and trying to stop him. also imagine them taking care of hedgehogs together!

random facts:

i just think it's cute that their ghost marriage outfits would have this "red and blue" theme :]

riddle would lose his mind after seeing seth in his halloween outfit. he would try to make seth wear something that isn't as revealing, but seth would just ignore him and go "ohhhh so you like it?". congratulations, riddle rosehearts. you have found yourself in a Situation. if you say yes, your bf will tease you nonstop and you will turn into a blushing mess. if you say no, he will make a sad face and your heart will hurt so much, you'll want to kiss his silly face so bad, but you won't because you're a tsundere and he will be sad for the rest of the day. good luck.

seth would get his own heartslabyul uniform as another gift from riddle for saving him from overblotting. riddle said that seth doesn't have to actually wear it, he just wants him to keep it, but after that seth started wearing this uniform every time he visits the heartslabyul dorm.

seth also asked riddle to do his "heartslabyul makeup" so that he could actually look like a heartslabyul student and at first riddle refused, but the thought of seth and him sharing a dorm made his face feel warmer and.. yeah, he agreed. seth got a little red heart on his cheek <3

seth has never been on a beach before. he didn't even know that sea was a real thing before. ladies, gentlemen and everyone in-between, here you can see riddle trying to stop seth from walking into the sea because this guy cannot swim. it's not something that you can learn to do when your older sister isolates you from the world for many, many years.

seth actually loves to annoy riddle on purpose mostly to distract him from his dorm leader work and also because he wants more attention from him. when seth finally says what he wants, riddle just sighs and goes "you could've told me earlier".

seth x neige.

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how they first met:

so, nrc and rsa rivalry, huh? what does seth think of it? uh.. none of your business~ i feel like by the time chapter 5 starts, he would be very tired of nrc and he would actually want to leave, so.. maybe he actually kinda would want to betray nrc students. they didn't do anything good for him anyway, so why should he try to help them? why should he root for them? why should he care? all of this is so boring and exhausting.. he still tries to have at least some fun with this whole thing, so he jokes that he will try to make their main rival fall in love with him to distract him from winning. he saw photos and videos of neige, he thought he was cute, but seth is also just so overconfident, he actually thought he could try to make a celebrity like him get a crush on him. and then seth met neige in person. and um.. what are you doing, neige, seth is the one who was supposed to compliment you and make you forget about everything, why are you the one doing this now. neige actually thought that seth is really pretty and he asked him if those purple highlights of his are natural and if his eyes really are both pink and green. he liked his style too and he even made a joke about seth looking like a more outgoing version of vil. huh?.. is it just him, or is seth blushing?.. oh, okay, seth has to go now.

how did their relationship go after that:

seth would try so hard to stay calm whenever he sees neige. he tries to act like it's not a big deal, but neige's kind words make him feel so warm and he's not sure if he likes this feeling. it's just so.. weird. he's too used to nrc students not being honest about their feelings, bottling them up, being mean to seth or just not liking him, so neige's sincerity is so.. new to him. he has to learn more about this guy. and no, he doesn't care about how many stans he has.

neige would think it's a bit strange that seth has to stay at nrc and deal with nrc students, even though seth himself isn't sure if he likes nrc. seth also doesn't have that aura of a nrc student.. at least that's what neige thinks because to him seth is like a perfect prince and doesn't have villain vibes at all <3 neige would ask him if he has ever thought of transferring and, um.. seth would just ask him a question as well. "is it, like, okay for me to do that?"

oh, nrc lost to rsa again? omg how sad.. it's not like seth cares that much actually. he thought their song was mid anyway. ivy will kill him if he says it out loud he just knows it he would try to gather some courage to ask neige out even though he knows just how many fans he has, but when neige asks him "hm? did you want to say something? :)" seth starts shaking and stuttering and tells neige to forget about it. that's so pathetic of him..

neige wouldn't just "forget about it" though and he would try to get along with seth and get to know him better, so now seth has a permission to come and visit rsa students whenever he likes. they don't really see him as a nrc student anyway just like seth doesn't see himself as one. neige tells him that if seth feels tired from everything that's going on, he can always think of rsa as his home and the blond boy almost starts crying and when neige tries to calm him down, seth goes "STOP YOU'RE ALREADY TOO NICE"

when did neige fall in love with seth:

he thought seth was interesting right when he first met him, but he started to fall deeper and deeper in love with him as he got to know him. he thought that everything that seth does is just so magical, even if seth doesn't actually have any magical abilities. his art, the outfits he makes, the way he laughs, everything about him is just so warm and he really feels like a sun to him. even if seth is not actually perfect and there are times when there are dark clouds above his head, the least neige can do is to just be there for him when that happens. when seth feels like it's raining inside his head, at least neige can offer him an umbrella.

when did seth fall in love with neige:

i was about to type that it was love at first sight, but it wasn't, since seth fell in love with him only when he actually met the boy and not when he watched videos or movies with him, saw photos of him, etc. seth is not used to people being genuinely kind to him and saying good things about him and he really was afraid of neige turning out to be a liar, but neige reassured him that he really does mean what he says and he really thinks that seth is precious and deserves to be loved and cared for. great, those words of his have just made seth get an even bigger crush on him.

who would confess first:

it would be neige because he really wants seth to know that again, he deserves to be loved and if no one is going to give him that love, then he will. he would make sure nobody sees them or hears them (even though that'd be hard to do considering neige's reputation) and not because he's scared of disappointing his fans, but because he wants to protect seth from them, since he knows that they can be a bit.. um, overwhelming. seth would end up crying in the end and neige would hold him and tell him that it's okay and he can cry as much as he wants.

what would their first kiss be like:

again, it would happen in a more quiet place and again, seth would be the one to kiss neige. as you have probably already guessed, he likes to take initiative. however, in this case seth wouldn't do it to tease him or anything, he really would try to show neige just how much he loves him and how grateful he is to him for everything. that kiss would feel a little sudden to neige, but he would still be happy and say that he was actually kind of waiting for this moment.

what are their dates like:

neige really would need a good disguise if he wants to go somewhere with seth and seth is glad to help, since he has a lot of colored contacts, different outfits and other things. some fans are still able to recognize him though and that's when they have no choice but to run away and hide somewhere and wait until those fans leave. when they finally do, the boys laugh and continue their date. their dates are always very romantic and memorable and they have this really soft and calm vibe (not counting running away and hiding from fans). also sometimes their dates can just be both of them complimenting each other and saying just how much they love each other.. and also neige unintentionally almost makes seth faint because of how cute he is.

random facts:

neige was surprised when he found out that seth's acting skills are actually really good and asked if he has any experience with theater and stuff like that. seth laughed and said that he doesn't know anything about that, he's just a member of the film studies club and that's it. neige decided not to overthink it and just thought that seth not having any experience and still being so good at it means he's just that talented.

seth really likes to rest his head on neige's lap and let him play with his hair. at first he just did it in a playful way, but eventually started to find it very comforting and sometimes, if he does so, it means that he's not feeling so good and needs neige to cheer him up.

seth has definitely tried to paint neige once and neige noticed that seth is feeling a bit anxious about it, so he assured him that he would be okay with anything seth makes, because it still would be something that seth made for him and that's what makes it so special. seth started to feel even more anxious after he heard those words, but he managed to calm down.

i don't think we know neige's official height?.. so i just imagine him and seth being almost around the same height, maybe neige is a little shorter than him.

they're that couple that makes everyone jealous because they are SO CUTE and SO PRETTY and SO AFFECTIONATE with each other.

seth x rollo.

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how they first met:

let me gently guide you to this post to make my job easier and not make myself type the same thing again hdjskslsls.

how did their relationship go after that:

both of them start texting and calling each other and cole is SHOCKED because he has never seen rollo use his phone so often (cole also definitely does the "why are you smiling, is that your crush texting you" thing. almost loses his vp position). seth actually tried to ask rollo out on a date after the ball, but.. he was just so happy to be there with him that he kinda forgot about it. and when he already teleported to nrc, he was like ".. i did ask him out, right. i did confess to him, right." so because of that, it's like.. yes, they're in a long-distance relationship. they don't know if it's platonic or romantic or both.

BOTH OF THEM MISS EACH OTHER SO MUCH IT'S EMBARRASSING. they can't really talk to each other during daytime because of both of them being busy (the prefect and the student council president.. power couple fr) but when it's nighttime. oh boy. seth is giggling, kicking his feet, screaming, not letting anyone in the ramshackle dorm sleep. it's hard for rollo to hide his smile too. they prefer to text (their chats just look like. rollo typing entire essays and seth going "SJSDJAKDSJAJKSJ YOU ARE SO RIGHTTTT". the best thing about it is that both of them are 100% fine with it AND love each other for it. like seth loves to hear rollo's thoughts and thinks he's so cool and smart and rollo finds seth getting excited so easily really cute), but if they can call, they do it when nobody else can hear them or interfere and they find hearing each other's voices very calming.

seth visits rollo as often as he can and rollo always gets so excited whenever seth visits, even though he tries so hard not to show it. he even plans the whole thing out, like, what he wants to show him, what seth might enjoy doing, he makes a whole list of activities for the day and he even gets a little nervous if they can't do one of those things for some reason, but seth just laughs and says he's glad to just spend time with rollo. seth finds many, many things and people in this world boring, but rollo is sure not one of them.

usually it's seth visiting rollo and not the other way around, because if nbc students actually like seth a lot, nrc students.. don't really like rollo for understandable reasons. but seth still insists on rollo coming there at least once and when rollo finally does, he just stays at ramshackle and seth kinda makes him hide there, just because he doesn't want nrc students to say anything bad about his.. friend? crush? boyfriend? he has no idea. and if nrc students do notice rollo and say something mean.. ehehe, well, just a reminder that seth is NOT your average nice and soft game protag <3

when did rollo fall in love with seth:

it was pretty much love at first sight, even though he doesn't want to admit it. he was already interested in him when he first heard about him because of him being magicless and having to deal with.. well, nrc students and when rollo first saw some photos of him, he couldn't help but think that this boy is really pretty, though he quickly tried to ignore the thought and focus on the "i have to steal everyone's magic" part. and when he finally met seth in person.. yeah, he turned out to be even more beautiful than he thought. rollo definitely was surprised when he found out about seth's personality, but as he got to know him better, he realized that seth is much smarter than he looks and that no matter what he says, seth really is kind, he just.. has a unique way of thinking, that's all. when seth and rollo finally got a moment to talk to each other without anyone else interrupting them, seth told him about all the overblots and it basically went like this:

seth: yeah so that sucked but at least i'm still alive, haha. oh, and i also insulted all of them while fighting them, like seriously, you should have seen their outfits. if you're going to have a scary evil transformation, at least do it with style, okay?? and also wtf are those backstories? idc if your older brother is more loved or popular or something, try harder to make people like you then?? haha anyway what do you think-

rollo: o-oh, i'm so sorry to hear that you had to go through that.

also rollo: *thinking* "i want to kiss this man right here and right now and i want to spend the rest of my life with him."

when did seth fall in love with rollo:

also pretty much love at first sight. even seth found it surprising himself, because rollo isn't usually a kind of person he would fall for (he's lying. he definitely has a type and rollo fits the description perfectly), but something about him just made his heart beat a little faster. rollo saying that he just wants seth to relax and have fun and that he knows living in twisted wonderland and being a nrc student must be hard for him as a magicless person definitely made seth like him even more. honestly, as rollo was talking about nbc, the city of flowers and other stuff, seth was just too busy thinking "i have to squish him. it's not a want, it's a need".

it was just a fun little crush at first though and seth started to really fall in love with him as he started to realize that rollo is okay with his personality and that he doesn't hate and that he even loves it. seth is a confident person with a high self-esteem, but he still was sure that rollo would find him annoying.. and rollo didn't. he even enjoyed listening to him and he could clearly see how passionate seth was about so many things and seth being so skilled and talented even without magic only made him an even more interesting person to rollo. so yeah, when seth apologized to rollo for rambling about colors of one painting they saw and rollo said that he actually liked it and that he would love to hear more.. seth had to excuse himself and go and scream somewhere.

who would confess first:

yeah, it's hard for seth to confess his feelings, even though he's such an extrovert. rollo would be the one to finally confess after one of their many "dates but not really dates bc we're not officially dating yet but we would like to" and he would be very nervous and would blush a lot, but he would still try to be honest with seth and admit that he likes him and he likes him A LOT. seth would just stand there, shocked, because he really did not expect rollo to like him back, even though he often joked that "OHHHH HE WANTS ME SO BAD" when reading his texts out loud to minnie or jay. like.. is it okay for him to be himself when he's with rollo? he's not.. too much for him? could it be that he's actually just enough for him?

what would their first kiss be like:

they would most likely kiss right after that, because seth would be too emotional and he would want to express all of those emotions somehow. he wanted to do this for so long, rollo has no idea though rollo wanted to do this too since he saw seth for the very first time. he wouldn't even understand what he's doing at first because of him just being so happy, but when he finally processes it, he realizes that he's already in the middle of the kiss and he just thinks "well, too late to turn back now" and keeps going. rollo would be very surprised at first because of how sudden it was, but eventually he would give in and kiss seth back. they're completely alone, so it's okay for them to do this, right?..

what are their dates like:

SO WHOLESOME. SO FUN. literally them just walking around (though with seth it's more like him jumping and running and going "yippee!!") and doing cute couple things that are so shoujo manga-core, it's even a little embarrassing. like if someone tried to spy on them, they would have a heart attack just because their interactions are so cute, it's impossible to handle them. like what do you mean rollo is actually okay with smiling around seth and he expresses his emotions more freely and easily and he feels like he doesn't have to hold himself back. what do you mean seth finally can talk about whatever he wants and he doesn't get interrupted or made fun of and nobody goes "silence magicless person" at him. they're so cute wtf.

random facts:

AGAIN, we don't have rollo's official height (PLEASEEEEEEE IF HE GETS HIS OWN CARD HE WILL GET HIS OWN PROFILE RIGHT. I'M LITERALLY ON MY KNEES PLSSSSSSSS), but from his game sprite and the way it looks compared to other characters, it's easy to say that he's QUITE TALL, so i imagine him and seth most likely having a 20 cm height difference or possibly even more. i usually don't get to show their height difference accurately bc of things like canvas size or the way they stand to each other or bc i simply forget about it, but trust me. in my mind seth looks TINY compared to rollo which means rollo is just kind of towering over him all the time and it's SO CUTE.

rollo saw seth without his colored contacts once and seth actually got scared for a second because he thought that rollo will think his eyes are scary, but rollo actually found his eyes beautiful and said that he can still see seth's personality through them.. and seth's eyes became a little brighter after he heard that. he became more comfortable with not wearing his contacts around rollo after that.

rollo actually had suspicions that seth's vision isn't exactly that good (which made seth being so good at analyzing artworks and making outfits so quickly even more impressive) and asked him about it and seth kinda went "haha.. well.. WELL". rollo sighed and asked if he has to wear glasses and seth said that he does have to wear them, but he's just. a little embarrassed of them. their conversation literally went like this:

rollo: ?? but why would you not wear glasses if you need them?

seth: *crying* BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO LOOK LIKE A NERD OKAY. MY JOB IS TO BE A MIX OF GOTH AND PREP. I CAN'T LOOK LIKE A NERD

yes, rollo knows about seth's MANY piercings and tattoos. he knows. he needed some time to get used to seth's style, he can't lie about that, but. fine, fine, yes, he thinks it's attractive and he's actually into that, just don't tell anyone. DON'T. (literally all student council members know that and when cole found out that seth and rollo are now dating and looked at seth he went "its bc of the tattoos am i right- NO SIR PLEASE I WON'T SAY ANYTHING LIKE THAT EVER AGAIN")

rollo actually was a bit jealous of seth's relationship with malleus and thought that seth likes malleus more because of how often malleus visits the ramshackle dorm, but then seth told him that he's actually not a fan of malleus's company and malleus just appears without any invitation get it and first of all, rollo felt very relieved after that, but then he processed what seth has just said and went ".. so what you are trying to say is. that he just visits you at 2 am without any reason and you don't even want to see him?". seth laughed and said "yeah he's kinda like my sleep paralysis demon" and just continued doing whatever he was doing while rollo sat there like ". i will kill malleus draconia the moment i see him again :)"

I JUST. T-THE FLOWER SYMBOLISM. LIKE. THE CRIMSON FLOWERS. AND THE FLOWER FROM RAPUNZEL. THEY HAVE THE SAME THEME AND IT'S FLOWERS I AM INSANE ABOUT THIS

seth x silver.

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how they first met:

they first met at the entrance ceremony and seth noticed silver and went "oooh he's really pretty" and tried to flirt with him after the ceremony, but silver didn't get it and he also was too busy at the time. seth just sighed and went "well. maybe another time BUT I WON'T LET YOU GO SO EASILY". they've met properly some time after that, when seth was trying to get to know all nrc students better and seth prepared a whole introduction and tried so hard to impress him.. except silver just woke up from a nap, so his head was empty and he didn't understand a thing and asked him to repeat it. seth was okay with that and even kinda went "omg.. this guy is so eepy.. that's cute :)"

how did their relationship go after that:

it actually didn't take them that long to become friends. seth saw silver train once and he tried really hard to hide his 😳😳 reaction and awkwardly complimented him and silver just went "ah! :o thank you" seth was like "HE IS SO INNOCENT IT HURTS.." and silver was okay with seth being there while he trains or bringing him some water or waking him up when he accidentally falls asleep again. silver genuinely thanked him once and said that he feels like he can always rely on seth. seth's heart exploded in the best way possible after he heard that.

i imagine them already being kinda close even before chapter 2 or at least knowing each other well, so that it'd make sense for seth to be a little worried about diasomnia students, especially silver and. uh. leona's attempted murder. i think they wouldn't really get a lot of interactions in main story, but they would talk a lot in the events or outside of both main and event stories. chapter 7 silver x seth angst scares me so much

they would become surprisingly good friends even though their personalities are so different.. OR exactly because their personalities are so different. silver finds seth so interesting that it's hard for him to fall asleep and even if he does, seth just covers him with a blanket that he made for him and wishes him sweet dreams. and seth feels more calm around silver and he feels like he can finally take a break from how chaotic nrc students can be when silver is around. after all, silver doesn't really have a nrc student vibe, haha. (+ a possibility of both of them being based on princesses)

however, their relationship would always have this "are we really just friends or.. are we something more than that" vibe. it's really hard for seth to stop staring at silver because of how much he looks like a prince and silver just feels so warm around seth and he doesn't want to miss a single moment with him. other students would also go "hey. hey so are you two.. you know" and lilia would go :O!! when he notices the way silver looks at seth. okay, silver, time for your dad to be your wingman.

when did silver fall in love with seth:

it did take him some time, but as they grew closer, it just kind of.. happened naturally. like, seth just made silver feel so 🥰🥰🥰, silver thought he simply likes him as a friend at first, but lilia laughed and said that the way he talks about seth sounds like something much more than just "oh he's a good friend :)". like seth is always so!! fun!! and he always has something to say!! and he's so cheerful!! he's like the sun itself!! but he also can stand up for himself and he can fight and he can call people out and it's so. HSJSJSKSKSKSK!!! like, silver wants to spend more and more time with him. it always feels so lonely without him and it hurts because silver really wants to focus on his knight duties but all his thoughts are about that silly blond boy and he even keeps seeing him in his dreams and it's kind of annoying.. but he also doesn't want it to stop.

when did seth fall in love with silver:

he found silver really cute when he first met him, but he really started to fall in love with him when he noticed just how safe and comfortable he feels around silver. like he doesn't have to worry about anything, like this world isn't as dangerous as his sister had told him. silver always being ready to protect him also made his heart skip a beat and fall for him even more. he couldn't help but admire just how hardworking this boy is and how much he wants to become a knight so that he can repay malleus and lilia.. he is certainly not boring. he is more interesting than seth originally thought, actually.

who would confess first:

WELL. WELL. let me just say this.

if it's silver, it would most likely be very soft and even casual. like it would just be these two taking a nap together and silver waking up and quietly saying that he loves seth, not even understanding what he's saying, and seth hearing all that perfectly and opening his eyes and going "REALLY?? :D". silver would need a moment to understand what he just said and he would try to come up with an excuse, but eventually he would just sigh and admit that he really does like him.. probably even loves him. seth would just smile and say that he's been waiting for this moment.

if it's seth. well. MAY I GET A DRAMATIC CONFESSION SCENE IN THE MIDDLE OF CH 7 BECAUSE IF NO ONE IS GOING TO TELL SILVER THAT HE DESERVES TO BE LOVED THEN SETH WILL.

what would their first kiss be like:

it would most likely happen a few days after the confession (silver version). as they were just chilling together after training and silver started to doze off, seth decided to jokingly kiss him on the cheek to not let him fall asleep and it actually worked and they just stared at each other for a minute like O_O. and when that minute passed, they just kind of.. went for the lips this time. they forgot about everything and everyone around them and they've realized that they both really wanted to do this, no, they needed to do this. but when they've finally paused to take a breath, they suddenly remembered that uh. uh. they weren't really alone and sebek found them. before they could explain, the boy ran away. he was traumatized and said that he's going to tell malleus about this and silver panicked meanwhile seth went "do it. tell him i chose silver over him" and silver was like "YOU'RE MAKING IT EVEN WORSE.."

what are their dates like:

their dates are so soft. they are either the most romantic dates ever, with them taking a walk in the woods, dancing together as the birds sing, looking at the night sky and trying to find as many constellations as they can, or they are the most chill dates ever that most people wouldn't even count as dates, like it's just them sleeping somewhere, whether it's a couch or under a tree, cuddling and holding each other so tight. what matters is that both of them feel nice and safe and they're happy to be alive at this moment.

random facts:

lilia is so supportive of them, but at the same time he was a little bit protective of silver at first, since he knew that seth isn't always the nicest person to be around, but when he saw just how comfortable they both feel with each other and how patient seth is with silver, he immediately became their biggest shipper. though he really went from "if you do ANYTHING to my son, i will not hesitate to kill you and no one will ever find your corpse" to "you will marry my son right. if you don't, i will not hesitate to kill you and no one will ever-"

silver is that guy who is literally so chill about seth's appearance. like he couldn't care less. and i mean it in a good way. he wears colored contacts and dyes his hair? cool. he has a lot of piercings and tattoos? he looks so pretty with them. his halloween outfit? while riddle is shaking and blushing, silver just walks up to him and says that he looks good in it. and seth knows that it's coming from silver and that he really means it and he starts giggling and going "ehehe thank you <3".

they have the smallest height difference out of all seth ships, with silver being 176 cm tall and seth being 175 cm.

i just find it interesting that if we take ch 7 spoilers, silver was originally blond, meanwhile seth's natural hair color is actually black, but he dyed his hair blond. it's like. sun bf turned moon bf and the darkness bf turned sun bf. do you get it.

BOTH OF THEM ARE MOST LIKELY BASED ON PRINCESSES AND NOT THE VILLAINS AND IT'S DRIVING ME INSANEEEEE

[set-phasers-to-whump]

cold and comfort

prompt: borrowed clothing

whumpee: sakari nurmi

fandom: karppi/deadwind

hi this one is perhaps not that great but if you want me throwing sakke into the freezing water for the millionth time then you're in luck ;)

A cold and bitter wind blows across the dock of the marina. It’s strong enough, and the dock is small enough, that all three of them collectively freeze up so that they don’t end up blown into the water. 

The wind abates after a few seconds, and they continue walking. They’re heading to a specific boat, moored at the very end of the dock. From here it looks small and worn-down, but it may hold a cache of weapons implicated in the murder of a local businessman. 

They are nearly to the boat when suddenly a man walks off of it and onto the dock. He stops in his tracks when he sees them, looks around frantically, and then sprints at them, full speed. 

“Stop!” Karppi shouts, but he’s too close and it’s too late for any of them to do anything. The man rushes right through them, and his hand pushes directly into Sakari’s chest. 

He falls backwards, reaching out for a handhold that isn’t there. 

He hits the water and a shock reverberates through his body. The cold is intense and as he sinks into the water his brain conjures up the helicopter and then the fishing shed. Panic grips him for a second, but he forces it down. 

He swims quickly and ably to the surface, gasping in cold air that burns his lungs. He starts to shiver immediately, and it becomes quite difficult to swim the single meter back to the dock. 

He hauls himself out of the water with considerable effort, then lies on the ground, his whole body shaking so hard it hurts. After a few seconds he looks up and sees both of his teammates standing above him. 

“Fuck,” says JP. “What should we do?”

Karppi drops to a squat next to him, and Sakari pushes himself up a bit. She touches his face with very warm hands, and he tries to keep his mind in the present. They are not in the middle of the water, waiting desperately for rescue. He is on dry land and he will be fine.

“Take off your jacket and shirt,” she tells him. “JP, give him your jacket.”

Both of them do as she says. It takes Sakari a while to pull his soaking clothes off, and he shivers somehow harder when the cold air hits his bare skin. 

And then JP gives him his jacket and it’s very warm. He pulls his arms through the sleeves and folds them tightly across his chest. 

“There are spare clothes at the station,” Karppi says. “Towels, too, I think.”

Sakari sort of nods, and then JP is pulling him to his feet. 

For a second he almost falls back to the ground. The cold has taken all of the energy out of him. But he manages to stay on his feet, admittedly while clinging quite hard to JP’s arm. 

“Ow,” says the man in question. “You don’t have to claw me.”

Sakari lets go of him and makes do with walking quite slowly and deliberately. It takes them a long time to reach the car, and it is not until they’re driving, heat on as high as it will go, that he remembers the man who had pushed him in. 

“We lost him?” he asks, teeth chattering so hard he can barely get the words out. 

“Yeah,” Karppi replies from beside him. “JP ran after him but he wasn’t fast enough.”

“Hey!” JP protests from the back seat. Sakari nearly laughs. 

By the time they reach the station his lower half has gone mostly numb. His torso, despite JP’s jacket, has not fared much better, and his hair is still steadily dripping water down his neck. 

Inside, he sits on a hard plastic chair while Karppi goes to find the towels and clothes she’d promised. JP sits down at his desk to begin the unpleasant task of writing a report of what had happened. 

The towel Karppi brings him is small and rough. The clothes, though, feel soft and worn and comfortable. He takes them with a quiet thanks and makes his way to the bathroom. 

He dries his hair first, scrubbing at it with shaking hands until his head begins to hurt. He takes off JP’s now-damp jacket, then sinks to the ground and removes his shoes. Water drips out of them when he pulls them off of his feet. 

It’s very difficult to get his pants off. They stick to his skin and he nearly falls over several times as he tries to balance on shaky, weak legs. He manages eventually, though, and then he’s rewarded with being able to put on the new, dry clothes. 

They don’t fit him very well. There’s a pair of sweatpants with a stripe down the side and the waist is too big but the legs are too short. The t-shirt is also a bit short for him, and the sweater is fine except that the neck has been stretched out. There are socks, which don’t match, but no shoes. 

He knows everyone will get a good laugh out of him being dressed the way he is, which he can hardly blame them for. He doesn’t really care, anyway. The clothes are warm and dry and soft, and he is not shivering quite so much, which is all that matters to him at the moment.

He goes back to his place in the office and doesn’t miss Karppi’s soft laugh, JP’s amused grin, or the ‘stealthy’ picture that Peltola takes. He sits down without acknowledging them and wraps his hands around the steaming mug of coffee that is waiting for him on his desk. 

thanks for reading!! can't believe there's only one more day what!