#so no I'm sorry but i won't be answering asks about donations | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

imagine--if · 1 year

Note

"What am I to you" Bruce Wayne/Battinson x reader?!?

A/N: I kinda just went with the flow on this haha, there's a smidge of riddler x reader too but hi battinson peoples!! It's been a while 😁🖤 enjoyyy, sorry if I didn't follow the trope as much as you wanted bahaha

Wordcount: 798

"I'm sending you to Wayne Manor. You'll be safe there."

You blink up at the mystery man clad in all black in shock, rubbing at the mild red tape marks around your wrists. Wayne Manor? Was he joking?

"Wayne Manor?" you repeat incredulously. "You can't just go to Wayne Manor. Bruce Wayne lives in Wayne Manor."

The Batman doesn't look up at you as he gently pulls a hand away from your wrist, cleaning the agitated skin area with a softness that should be alien to the vigilante, who stalks troublemakers and maniacs each night, warding them off the streets by any extreme means that doesn't involve guns.

"He'll understand."

You gape at him in a daze, the night's events a blur, making your head hurt just thinking about it. Of course, whatever drug that dampened the towel The Riddler shoved in your face before you were whisked off to a cold, crumby hotel room can't be helping either, and you swear you can still feel the effects making you feel weak and shaky even after The Batman stormed into the scene, cutting it short with an untamed rage you'd never seen in those dark eyes before.

Before all this, you'd never properly met The Batman, least of all been saved by him. It was only now that The Riddler was targeting the corrupt, trying to prove himself to Batman, and save you, his so-called angel, a beacon in this dark, cesspool city, from the corruption and the dangers lurking around every corner. But, if anything, The Riddler seemed like a danger to you, constantly sending you love poems and riddles on old-fashioned, cheesy valentines cards and promising his followers and viewers of his streams and trials that another reason to carry out his acts of terror was for you.

"So- so pure, and innocent, and angelic... and they're being corrupted! The influence of this rich, disgusting vermin of the city is attacking the biggest influence and symbol of hope in this forsaken place! I'm going to do something... something spectacular. All you have to do is watch and wait for a little while longer..."

If you'd have known that donating to charities for orphans and helping out true detectives like James Gordon with crimes instead of being bought off by Falcone would gain this kind of attention, you might have thought twice. But here you are. Being obsessed over by a murderous genius, and protected by a vigilante mystery man.

"Do you know him?" you ask Batman in wonder, as he frees your wrist, treated carefully and delicately. "Mr Wayne? I don't know if he'd be happy with me staying there. I mean, he doesn't talk to many people and... well, no one really knows much about him."

"He can make an exception," Batman answers you. "This is serious. I don't want you going back home or anywhere by yourself until Riddler's behind bars. You're a part of his plan, too."

You sigh, putting your hoodie back on and pulling the sleeves over your hands, fingertips poking out of the material. "I know. But I'm not your responsibility. You have enough to do already."

"It's my responsibility to keep you safe," The Batman argues. "I'm sure you're a very capable person, but this is dangerous. People have died. You know that."

"I don't think he'll kill me," you say after a beat of thought passes.

"He won't," The Batman says. "He won't go near you again. I'll make sure of it."

"Well..." you struggle to find the words, confused, as Batman goes over to his car, like something out of a sci-fi movie. "Thank you. But why do you care so much?"

The Batman freezes, glancing over his shoulder at you with an unreadable expression.

"No, I mean," you continue quickly, "apart from the fact that you're a vigilante and a protector and all. Like, what am I to you?"

You cringe inwardly at yourself after hearing the words come out of your mouth, and at the masked man's bemused expression. What the hell was he supposed to say to that? He was only protecting you because there's a terrorist on the loose, right? What exactly are you expecting?

What you don't expect is for The Batman to take a heavy step towards you, offering you a gloved hand to help you into the vehicle. His hand lingers in yours when you're sat down and he hesitates, an odd look of - what, insecurity? Flustered, just a little? - written in his features as he looks you dead in the eye, the intensity making your breath catch in your throat.

"Probably more than you think," he replies after a few moments of silence, and then his hand slips out of yours as the engine roars to life.

⭒❃.✮:▹𝓉𝒶𝑔𝓁𝒾𝓈𝓉 ◃:✮.❃⭒ (message me know if you want to be removed/added. ghost blogs/dead accs have been removed.)

@misadventures0fdes @junebugp @simestandswithtaylorswift-blog @carley-carley-carley @lostbunn @dragovegogrimborn @i-wished-upon-a-star-one-night @edwardspumpkinpie @murderbimbo00 @sweetums0kitty @beel-mcburger @cml-san @jervis-tetch-my-beloved @bimboanime @phoenixgurl030 @dangerouslittlefairy @yoyoanaria @yaeyuuki @vinxlsketches @beenz-beenz @ghoulsgraveyard @birds-have-teeth @repostingmyfavs @r3ptiliaaa @for3v3rda1sy @glitterycheesecakegladiator @moonwritesblog @lilyevans1 @httpsunflowersleep @hxney-lemcn @callsigncrash @bokksieu @skateb0red @philiasoul@felicityofbakerstreet @deadlights-darling @ireadandream @tinyryder @kpopgirlbtssvt @truecobblepot @jessicainhell

832 notes · View notes

matan4il · 4 months

Note

I don’t know if you or anyone can really answer this accurately, but are GoFundMes for people living in Gaza trustworthy at all? or even trustworthy on a case by case basis? a musician I like (Maisie Peters) shared several today, with “help (these families) move out of Rafah,” and it gave me pause because I wholly believe in helping people who need it, but how can we possibly know if that contribution will go to the worthwhile places and families who need it? so much aid is being stolen by Hamas and UNRWA even still, and I have no idea how well researched any of those individual fundraisers are. I’m sure people mean well but it seems like there must be a more reliable option?

Hi Nonnie!

You're so right to be doubtful. Every humanitarian crisis brings with it a bunch of scams, but when we talk about a situation where there can be terrorists getting the aid, I think being cautious with people asking for money is extra justified. I'm glad you already know about the theft of humanitarian aid in Gaza, and are being careful.

First, I will say that the ones setting money to get people out of Gaza completely are very suspect to me. Especially now. Egypt has not only been extremely reluctant to take in refugees from Gaza, even on a temporary basis (for historic reason I won't get into, and which have little to do with "preventing ethnic cleansing"), they've doubled down on closing their border with Gaza to the point of not even allowing humanitarian aid in through their border anymore. Even before this recent development, they were only allowing in medical cases. We do know some people, related to Hamas, got out of Gaza, likely by pretending to be a medical case. This would suggest that maybe, up until the recent Egyptian crackdown, there was a way to bribe some Egyptian personnel to look the other way, and pretend regular people were medical cases, but it would take substantial amounts of money, and would be limited in how many could actually get through that way. In essence, you had no way of knowing who legitimately would take your money and use it to get out of Gaza, and who would just take your money, and do with it God only knows what. At best, just keep it to themselves, at worst use it for terrorist purposes. There is NO WAY for people outside the region to be able to check how the money will be used, or if any of the claims made by a campaign runner are legit, so anyone telling you, "This is safe, it's been vetted!" is either fooling you, or is being fooled themselves.

Inside Gaza, people don't actually need money to get out of Rafah. They can just... move out. Israel has already set up an improvised shelter city within walking distance from Rafah, it also already allows evacuation to other safe parts of south Gaza, and we know that hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have already moved out of Rafah and away from the zones designated for military action. And this costs nothing. Especially with humanitarian aid being poured non-stop into Gaza, including temporary shelters. Are those great? No. But if the goal is to get out of Rafah, it's possible to do that without paying a dime.

Bottom line, I'm not saying every fundraising campaign is untrustworthy, I'm saying that there is no way to know which one is and which one isn't, and that I personally wouldn't donate to any, because I wouldn't want my money to go to terrorist activities no matter what, and when I know that people do have alternatives and can get by, even if they don't get my donations, I'd rather be safe than sorry, meaning having to live with the possibility that my money directly got someone murdered.

I hope this helps! Take care! xoxox

(for all of my updates and ask replies regarding Israel, click here)

99 notes · View notes

teaboot · 6 months

Note

Since I've seen many posts about people missing how common asks used to be, I have been trying to send to more asks to engage more. I really don't want to bother anyone though so I'd love to know if you enjoy receiving asks and if so what kind of asks. Detailed? Vague? Work? Fandom? Movies? Books? Childhood? Gardening? Thoughts? OTPs? OCs? I'm sure there are way more categories, I'm not limiting you to these listed options. Perhaps if it's an easier question what types of asks do you not like?

pPAAASGGFYGGJIK THANK YOU?

Detailed asks good yes

Vague asks??? Do not understand but open to the concept

Fandom: My first Fandom was X-Men, then Lord of the Rings, then Homestuck, Transformers, Fullmetal Alchemist, Teen Wolf, Avengers (first movie, when it came out), Batman, Overwatch briefly, Mass Effect, Gravity Falls, Trigun, and now my sister's getting me into Call of Duty! Feel free to ask about any!!

Movies: Yes movies are a great topic I have SO MANY

Oh lord I haven't consistently been up to date on books in FOREVER but yes books are good, you can ask book questions, I'm reading a lot of old classics and recently finished Pride & Prejudice, am now on The One That Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest

Childhood- oh my god bud you have no idea

Gardening- My house is full of plastic plants on account of how good I am at killing things

Thoughts- Always

OTPs YO YES

OCs? YO YEAH GO FOR IT I NEVER TALK ABOUT THEM aaaaah I need to start writing again- I've been working on an urban fantasy for like. God like 7-8 years now

If I don't like an ask I'll just ignore or delete it but not much is off the table. I will not answer where exactly I live, who I am, if I'm a specific person you met, etc. for safety reasons.

I've worked in sex education so I can answer questions on that topic but if you get too personal or abrasive I will not respond.

I'm regularly flooded with donation requests and it's often too hard to figure out which are real and which are scams using stolen legit posts so as a general rule I do not spread those, I'm sorry.

And if you pop in to sexually harass me or use abusive language towards myself or others then I'm just gonna block you and delete the message.

If you want to warn me that a post I shared came from a bad source I do appreciate that, but if I do my research and can't find a legitimate reason to block someone then I probably won't.

I consider Legitimate Reasons to block someone on recommendation to be abusive language and behaviour, threats, bigotry, propagation of misinformation, production of AI content, and encouragement of dangerous behaviors that pose genuine harm to self or others. I'm not gonna block a random cause they enjoy Steven Universe and you think it's annoying. We all like stuff.

Womp-womp.

Thanks for asking!!! I probably shoulda talked about some of this myself, lol

EDIT: Terfs and radfems are block on sight, it's not your fault you're dumb but I am not capable of educating all of you

136 notes · View notes

genderqueerdykes · 8 months

Note

hello, I'm a younger transmasculine person and I was curious about a few things (for reference I live in the us in a fairly left state)

- how do you get started on testosterone?

I've never gotten a clear answer on this, some people said it took a two year queue, others could start immediately. idk when I want to start, but i dont want to be confused on what to do when I get the ball rolling

- are there alternatives to shots, and do they work better or worse?

I dont think I could do the shots myself unless there's no other options, something about them just makes my bones hurt

- how often do you have to apply T, and what happens if you forget to take it?

I'm pretty forgetful and I'll probably not take T on the scheduled date at least once, I hope that won't screw with anything because I don't really know if you've got to be consistent with it

- do you have any tips for clothing/voice training?

I think I pass at least a little okay but my voice is one of the things I'm most self conscious about. I also find myself spending 10-20 minutes every morning pulling my shirt against my chest to see if my binders working, and just end up wearing the same sweater I have for the past few weeks

sorry if that's alot, even if you're a stranger you're the first person I've been able to ask about these things. thank you so much

these are all great questions, i'm so glad you're taking the time to ask! this is extremely thorough and well thought out!

How do you get started on testosterone?

That's a great question, i feel like a lot of people have barriers to this one. if you are in a state where you have access to Planned Parenthood, this is usually a good place to start. check to see if you have a transgender resource center in your area. if not, go to whatever local lgbtq organization you can find, even one in a college. it is also possible to search gender affirming care [area], but clinicians aren't always available via Google

Here is a list of informed consent clinics that provide gender affirming care services, you may want to look here.

The process looks different for literally everyone, that's why no one can give you a clear answer, i'm so sorry! it's such a chaotic process for all of us. some trans men will literally get their prescription for testosterone within a month, others it does take years. do some research and see if therapy is required before hormones will be prescribed in your area. if not, you will likely have a much faster and easier time getting your hormones. if you don't need therapy, generally you'll just need to sign some consent forms and waivers stating that you are aware of what you are going to do to your body.

Are there alternatives to shots, and do they work better or worse?

all forms of testosterone are equally effective, it just depends on the dosage and the person. currently in the united states, you can get topical testosterone in the form of an alcohol based gel! it is applied topically to the upper forearms or abdomen, generally daily. it works just as well as the injectable testosterone, so long as you respond well to it! there is also the option of having your clinician do shots for you if you don't respond well to gel, as well.

nebido also may be available for FtM HRT in your area!

How often do you have to apply T, and what happens if you forget to take it?

Daily for topical gel, anywhere between twice a week, once a week, to once every two weeks for shots, depending on the person, how well they tolerate the medication, their transition goal, and the dosage.

Do you have any tips for clothing/voice training?

In terms of vocal training, AmaRoseLessons, Zoey Alexandria, and Trans Vocal Training are YouTube channels that can help with vocal training exercises, and i can also recommend the r/transvoice subreddit as well if you need help figuring out how to practice and ways to integrate what you learn into how you speak naturally!

For clothing, really anything goes, it depends on what you're going for and how you want to look. Remember that your personal style still gets to be included in the mix! Generally speaking, bulkier shapes that obscure the shoulders, hips and chest help a lot, layering of clothes, and wearing clothes with "boxier" cuts. Heavier shoes like boots may help, you may also find you like dress shoes. it really depends on your personal look, but generally speaking, i say go into the "men's" section and go nuts. Whatever they wear, you can wear too, and it gets the point across.

Hope that helps! Thanks for laying out your ask in such a concise way, that's much appreciated! If you need any more help feel free to ask!

80 notes · View notes

ally-writes-many-things · 3 months

Text

A Marriage in Convenience Part 2 (R. Danaan)

Part 1

Summary: You and Ruhn are forced to marry each other

Words: 1.2k

Requested: Yes by @elle4404

Tags: @fides25 @mirandasidefics

Warnings or A/N: I added the reader helping out the orphanage just to add on what type of person the reader is.

It's been a stressful week from picking out table covers, to flowers, to cakes to picking out the food. You were going out of your mind and you still haven't figured out that. You and Ruhn had different taste in everything. It wasn't that you weren't willing to compromise with him, it was just that both of you couldn't find anything to compromise on and if you had to hear Tristan crude innuendos, you were going to shoot yourself. Declan had been the only one that hasn't been annoying.

Carrying bags filled with toys and essentials, you and Felix stood in the reception area of the Fae orphanage. "Hello, I'm Jules, the director," greeted a Fae woman in a pantsuit, slightly taller than you.

"Hi, I'm (Name)," you replied. "I wanted to donate some toys and essentials for you all. I heard you were in need.”

Jules enthusiastically agreed. "Yes, we would love to accept the donation. Just leave them with the secretary and we will make sure they are distributed to the kids."

"Miss (Name), where should we put all of it?" one of the workers asked.

"All of it?" Jules questioned.

"Oh! This isn't all of it. There is a truckload coming," the worker replied.

"A tru-truckload?" Jules stammered.

"Yes, ma'am. The Princess here wants to make sure all the kids have everything they need," Felix explained.

“You're the princess who is set to marry Prince Ruhn,” the worker exclaimed.

You nodded. “Yes, but please just call me (Name). I'm just here to ensure that the kids get what they need and want. So, where should we set up?”

The worker suggested, “Oh, definitely the auditorium. It's the biggest room in the orphanage and you can bring the gifts in through the back doors so the kids won't see, if you want to surprise them.”

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

After everything was set up at the orphanage, you instructed the workers to inform the kids about the source of the gifts however they saw fit. You didn't care about receiving credit; you only cared about ensuring the children had what they needed and were happy.

Felix pulled up in front of Ruhn's mother's villa and parked the car. Despite their marriage being purely for show, he was eager for you to meet his mother.

Felix opened the car door for you, and you took a deep breath before stepping out and walking towards the door. After knocking, it took a few moments for Ruhn to answer, looking annoyed as he said, "You were supposed to be here half an hour ago.”

"I was actually doing something productive," you retorted.

"What? Fucking another male you met at White Raven?" Ruhn shot back

You chuckled, "I haven't been intimate with anyone from the club."

"Then who have you been with? I can see the marks on your neck," He pressed.

"I'm sorry, but that's none of your concern. The person I choose to have between my legs is off-limits to you. Our marriage is purely for political reasons and the benefits it brings to our kingdoms. That's all,"

Ruhn sighed and moved aside to let you enter the house, with Felix trailing behind.

"Go straight down the hallway," Ruhn's voice sounded from behind Felix as you heard the door close.

Walking down the corridor, you noticed photographs hanging on the walls. Ones of Ruhn, others with Ruhn and his mother, and some of Ruhn with a young girl. The resemblance between the little girl and Ruhn made you assume she was his sister. His mother was undeniably stunning. It was no surprise the Autumn King had taken notice of her.

You proceeded down the hallway until it led to a spacious room adorned with a couch, a recliner, a coffee table, a TV, fireplace, and various knick-knacks, giving the place a cozy atmosphere.

A smile formed on your face as you compared this welcoming living room to the cold mansion you once called home. No matter how much you tried to make it feel like one, it never exuded the warmth and comfort that this house did. It dawned on me that your mansion was simply a building, not a true home.

"Oh! Hi!" a woman greeted me from behind. "You must be (Name). I'm Lorin."

I turned to face her and was struck by her beauty. There was a certain softness in her features that set her apart from other faes. Her blue eyes reminded me of Ruhn's, and her silky black hair only added to her allure. If Ruhn and I were to have children, I hoped they would inherit more of Lorin's traits than Runn’s father's.

I extended my hand towards her and replied, "Yes, that's me. I apologize, but you are truly stunning.”

"Oh my Gods. I was thinking the same,"

"Thank you,"

"Is that the man accompanying you your bodyguard?"

I glanced at Felix and touched his shoulder. "Yes, this is Felix,"

Lorin shifted his gaze to Ruhn, who entered the room. "Your father made a great choice,"

Ruhn simply nodded and settled onto the couch.

"Aren't you going to offer her a drink or snack?” His mom questioned.

“Do you want anything?” Ruhn inquired.

As you were about to decline, the enticing aroma of chicken, sausage, garlic, and other delicious ingredients filled the air, causing your stomach to growl. "The smell of whatever you're cooking is absolutely mouthwatering," you admitted.

She revealed that it was chicken and sausage gumbo with smoked paprika, garlic powder, mustard powder, and cayenne. She then asked if you had any allergies.

You declined any allergies. "Nope," you shook your head.

She then offered you some of the delicious meal. "Yes, please," you enthusiastically accepted.

Lorin smiled warmly and motioned for you and Felix to follow her into the kitchen. Catching a glance at Felix, she asked, "Do you want some too?"

Felix hesitated, "No, ma'am. I don't want to-"

Lorin interrupted firmly, "Nonsense. You are protecting my future daughter-in-law. That means I am going to make sure you are going to eat and don't leave my home hungry."

With a grateful nod, Felix replied, "Yes, ma'am.”

I smiled with Felix, and he returned the gesture. It was heartwarming to see someone treating Felix as more than just my bodyguard, and I couldn't help but feel grateful.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

As I danced to the music at the White Raven, Felix stood watch from a distance, ensuring our safety. Suddenly, I felt hands on my body and turned to see that it was Ruhn. "You really think I can't smell Felix on you?" His words were hushed by the loud music, shielding our conversation from others.

I knew that pushing him off would attract unwanted attention and potentially lead to more trouble.

You took his hands and placed them on your midsection, dancing with him. "You really think I can't smell all the females on you?"

Ruhn remained silent in response.

"Do you even know who they are? Can you name at least one? I know Felix's name, at least."

Ruhn angrily pushed past me and left. I shrugged it off and chuckled, then proceeded to pull Felix onto the dance floor at the club.

Fuck what others think.

#ruhn danaan x you #ruhn danaan fic #prince ruhn #ruhn danaan x reader #ruhn danaan #house of sky and breath #house of flame and shadow #house of earth and blood #acotar #sjm

33 notes · View notes

siriusleee · 1 year

Text

Like Blood on Iron | Part 6

Historical Executioner AU Summary: The executioner has always been an enigma to you - drawing you in. His sword drawing a line in the dirt as he made his way to the village center, and leaving back to his cottage on the outskirts of town. However, your curiosity can't stop the future your family has planned for you.

A/N: I am actually sorry to the anon who asked me weeks ago if this Jonathan is Jonathan Price and I said no. I lied. I couldn't show my hand to fast.

If you liked this chapter or story please consider donating to my ko-fi. I am super broke and writing is like my second job.

You can also request a custom, just for you fic there. I will not be adding any additional tags to my tag list. Please turn on notifications for my blog or follow on Ko-Fi. find the other chapters here on my masterlist

You don't bring up running away with Simon again. You think about it, each night sitting in his cabin, the nights you spend beside him, fingers memorizing the hills and valleys of his body. It eats at you - the complete knowledge that if you were to leave alone, you would leave him behind. You're not sure what would be worse: a life without him or a life with him always on the fringes.

You almost bring it up again, just once. Lily had cooked too many sticky buns, something you'd found out Simon was completely susceptible to. There was a sneaking suspicion that she was doing it on purpose - you knew that she was smart enough to put it together: the cloak you'd returned, and all the nights you spent away. Watching him suck the syrup from his fingers, the question tumbled out of you - one you'd been thinking of for weeks.

"You can get married can't you? The last executioner was."

Simon froze, finger still poised in his mouth. His gaze kept you pinned to your seat as he thought about his answer.

"We cannot marry once we've been sentenced. However, if we were married previously, we stay married."

You had wanted to push the question further.

Would you marry me?

But you didn't ask it, instead keeping it close to yourself.

There was no good answer, and you knew whatever it was he said would break you anyway. So you keep the fantasies to yourself: of the two of you running away, of Simon being the one to wait for you at the end of the aisle. Even if it meant Mother and Father never speaking to you again, you would give it up for him. But you know what he would say, so you keep it to yourself.

You know you need to tell him when Jonathan is coming home, so you do. Curled up into the small of Simon's back, you whisper the words, mouth nearly pressed against his spine. It's a subtle shift, the way Simon tenses at the words, but you feel it nonetheless.

"He'll be back in the port tomorrow."

Simon swallows heavy in the silence.

"I hope he arrives in one piece."

He doesn't roll over to face you while the two of you speak, and you don't want him to. You couldn't take the look on his face, you know it.

"I'm sure he will. He's not new to sailing."

"I suppose you'll be staying home tomorrow night - to spend some time with him."

His voice clenches at your heart; absentmindedly you trace patterns on his back, fingers stuttering on the scars that litter him. Your favorite - one that's shaped vaguely like Orion, you trace, feeling the way Simon shutters at the feeling. It takes nearly a full minute for you to speak around the knot in your throat.

"I will have to stay late at home, yes. But I can come here after."

Simon shakes his head, the bed shaking beneath the two of you with the movement.

"He is your fiance; you should spend some time with him."

You can't think of anything you want to do less, but you know he's right, and you know he won't let you do otherwise. So you slip your hands around him, pulling him so that your chest is pressed tightly against his back, and let his breathing lull you to sleep.

He wakes you up earlier than usual to go home the next day.

When you step through the front door of your home, it's still dark outside. The faint sounds of the house sleeping greet you along with the smell of a long extinguished fire. Upstairs it's chilly, your feet freezing almost immediately against the wooden floor. Your first stop is to peek in at Maggie and Lily, each curled up against each other.

Your second is to clean up, to prepare for the day.

By the time everyone is awake, you've done your best to get some sort of breakfast ready. Or at least prepared enough that Maggie and Lily can take over.

"You look horrible," Maggie says, pulling the toast from the fire. Her eyes are dark moons against her skin, her hair still tangled.

"Thank you Maggie, I really appreciate it." Your sarcasm falls flat - she must notice, must know why because she doesn't have a retort for the first time.

"Are you excited?" She asks, pulling an apron around her waist to keep her skirt clean. You pretend to pick the dirt that isn't there from beneath your fingers so that you don't have to meet her pinpoint gaze.

You decide, after fiddling with your thumb for long enough, that there is no reason to lie to her.

"Not in the least bit."

Lily keeps her eyes downcast at the dough she forms roughly - dough for dinner tonight. You know the serving girl will be here later to help with it. Nothing can be spared for Jonathan's arrival. Jonathan who you will march towards in a month. Jonathan who had to know about Uncle Henry, and who couldn't do anything from halfway across the world.

"It could be worse you know, he-"

"Shut up Maggie."

Your words cut through the kitchen; around you the ambient temperature drops. Lily's hands still in her task, but she still doesn't look up at the two of you. Maggie turns to face you with a stiffness that could only be inherited from Mother.

"What did you say to me?" There's fire burning in her eyes, but today you don't care.

"I said shut up," your voice quavers, "you get to marry the man you want. You got a choice in your own life. You want to be a wife and mother. I want differently. I want to travel the world with the man I love, and I can't. So please, just fucking drop it Maggie."

Your eyes plead with her - don't rub in today. Just leave it be.

You don't know if it's the look you give her, or if she finally developed the ability to feel sympathy, but she drops it.

When breakfast is ready, you skip it. Your feet pull you heavily up the stairs and to your bed. Even with the sleep you got the night before, warmed by Simon and held tightly to his side, you crawl into bed, flinching at the cold that attacks you.

You force yourself to sleep.

For the first time in a long time, you have a bad dream.

It is Simon waiting for you at the altar, usually worn out black attire swapped for something new and clean. The flower lined path between the two of you is long, and it seems as if no matter how many steps you take, you can't get any closer. Eventually you start to grow frustrated.

A movement on your right startles you, and you realize your arm is linked with your Father's. He should be walking you towards Simon, but instead he's steadfast. He doesn't look at you; his sight is death upon Simon. When you try to pull your arm away from him, he keeps you glued to your side.

At the altar, Simon's face starts to warp and shift into something more dangerous. He grows almost skeletal, skin paling.

Behind him, the glint of a sword.

You recognize the hit, the cross so delicately affixed on the end. It's his own sword, the one assigned to him when he became the executioner. You try to shout for him, but your Father keeps his iron grip on you - you're too far away for Simon to hear your yell.

When the iron meets blood you wake up.

Your mouth is coated in copper and iron; you've bitten your tongue in your sleep. Between the slots in the shutter, you can tell the sun has shifted drastically. The smell of a roast drifts up to you; at the end of the bed a heavy gown, light blue and new to you, is laid across the foot of the bed. It's an obvious message from Mother on what to wear for the night.

Your legs are lead; trying to stand makes you dizzy and the blood in your mouth makes you want to vomit. The wavy mirror across the room winks at you, projecting back the ragged version of yourself. You frown at it, fingers rubbing your eyes to try to get the haggard look off of your face. But it's futile.

The dress is like water between your fingers; you can only imagine how much it must have cost Mother and Father - how much wasted money trying to impress someone who already agreed to marry you.

The dress is light against your skin - laces pulled tight in the front to keep the neckline from slipping down to low.

You hate blue.

Your favorite color had been red - the red that only showed on the horizon when the sun was setting late in the summer. The red of the berries you and Lily could find in the early fall. But once, you'd arrived at Simon's when he wasn't expecting you; when he answered the door he had a dirty tunic you'd never seen before: forest green and loose around him.

The sight of him in something other than black had changed your entire perspective on the idea of colors.

You know that your face still looks terrible when you arrive downstairs, but everyone has the good graces not to say anything. Instead, they skirt around you - a ghost they’re tired of seeing. Father walks past, boots so freshly shined that you’re sure if you bend down and look, you could see your reflection in them. His waistcoat is looser than you remember it being; you can’t remember the last time he ate a complete dinner.

Maggie’s at the door with Edward; his hand lingers at the small of her back. The sight of them makes you want to hurl - it’s not fair. It’s not -

“Hello.”

Soft air tickles the shell of your ear, causing you to jump and stumble into the wall. A warm, rough hand wraps around your elbow, pulling you away from crashing.

The corner of Jonathan’s eyes crinkle up at you, the corner of his mouth turning up as he looks down at you. The smell of the sea waves off of him: coarse salt and sunshine, blue waves rolling beneath the smooth deck.

“I didn’t mean to scare you,” he says, straightening you back up. He must feel how your muscles tense beneath his hand because he drops you, your skin tight where he touched you.

“I just wasn’t expecting you,” it’s the truth, and you don’t need to force yourself to sound pleasant because of it.

“I arrived early, but your little sister said you were sick and asleep,” he holds his hands behind his back as he speaks, spine ramrod straight and the stance reminds you so much of Simon that your stomach aches.

“I was sick earlier, but I feel fine now.”

“You don’t look fine.”

His golden brown mustache twitches when you shoot him a look of venom before you can stop yourself.

"Don't you think that's a rather rude statement to say to a lady you've barely spoken to."

"It would be rude," Jonathan starts, cutting off to nod and Maggie and Edward as they skirt past the two of you to duck into the dining room, "if I lied to you."

"Is that so? I suppose that's some sort of moral code you live by."

Your tone is piercing, but Jonathan doesn't seem to mind. You don't break your stare away from his eyes, surrounded by weatherbeaten wrinkles. The product of months spent burning in the intense sea sun. He steps half a step closer to you, mouth opened to retort, but is cut off by Father.

"Everyone come!"

The sound of chairs scraping on the floor fills the house, but you don't move. Jonathan stays in place beside you, arms crossed over his chest as he stares into the dining room. The silence stretches out across the two of you until Father yells at the two of you again. Jonathan gestures for you to go first, he follows so close behind you that you can feel him just at the hem of your dress.

You can tell by the furtive looks that everyone sends you throughout dinner that they're waiting on you to explode and run away again. Everyone but Jonathan, who chats happily with Edward and teases Lily, her small smile shining in the otherwise oppressive room. But the time crawls, and by the time Maggie and Edward stand to excuse themselves from the barren plates in front of them, you're exhausted.

You want to excuse yourself back to bed, and you think you might when Father leans back in his own chair, hands clasped tightly in his lap, and speaks to Jonathan.

"Jonathan I believe my daughter could use some fresh air; her complexion is terrible. Do you mind accompanying her?"

"No Father," you try to deflect, pushing yourself away from the table, "I'm sure Jonathan wants to get home. He must be exhausted."

Across the table, Jonathan studies you with a look you can't fathom. You try to beg him with your eyes to say no to decline the offer, but he doesn't.

"Nonsense," Father says, hand digging into his pocket for his tobacco, "you have a wedding in three weeks and the two of you barely know each other. Go."

His words leave a ringing in your ears; you find yourself moving like a wind up doll, following Jonathan to the door. You flinch away from him when he tries to settle your cloak across your shoulders, but he pulls away, and you take the strings from him.

The darkness is oppressive outside; fog rolls in heavy and pregnant from the sea. The last few villagers skirt around, attempting to avoid the rain that threatens to fall from above. Jonathan sets a leisurely pace, steering the two of you away from the town center. The silence stretches between the two of you, the only sound is the two of your feet against the hard packed dirt.

He steers you towards the pier, his ship bobbing in the distance. The lanterns scurry around the deck, but you can't make out the faces of the men carrying them.

"Where is it you want to sail first?" Jonathan's voice cuts through the wind rolling off of the waves. He keeps a distance between the two of you.

"What?"

"Where do you want to sail first? You are in charge of our path?"

You can't help the mirthless laugh that escapes you, hands clenched so tightly together beneath your cloak that you're losing sensation in your fingertips.

"I am in charge of no path Jonathan. Let's not make a pretense of this entire thing."

He shuffles his feet, boots carving the soft loam beneath the two of you.

"Is that how you feel?"

"It's not how I feel, Jonathan. It's the truth. We can labor under whatever pretense we want, but it's the truth."

You watch his hand come towards you from the corner of your eye, but it barely skirts the curve of your shoulder.

"Is there - is there someone else?"

You can feel his warmth through all the layers of your clothing; it's dangerous you know, to tell him the truth. To betray the secret happiness you and Simon have, but you're so tired of pretending to be someone else. Of pretending that there is nothing between you and Simon. So for once, you let the truth fall from you.

"Yes. There is."

You expect his hand to turn heavy, to dig into the sensitive skin of your shoulder and dash you across the ground. But if anything his hold growls more gently as he steps towards you, chest nearly touching your arm.

"Why don't you refuse - tell your Father you won't marry me. And marry him instead?"

"You're naive," you shrug his hand off, "if you think I have a choice. My Father settled on you, and that is what I have to do. I have no rights except the right to my home, which has to be provided to me by a man."

"And so you are stuck."

His mouth turns down as he speaks, fingers dipping into the neckline of his shirt. He pulls out a flash of a medal, and you recognize it from the one that dangles above you from Simon's neck.

"Let me guess," you cut him off, "you're going to tell me how much you relate to me. How the King and his military took all the choices you had once."

"How did you know?" He asks, letting the cross fall to dangle on his chest.

"You aren't the first person to ever tell me that."

"Was he wrong?"

You think of Simon telling you the same thing, think of the way he's been regulated to his position because of a mistake supposedly made on the battlefield. Of the way the both of you are trapped here under someone else's bootheel.

"He was right, in a way."

You pull yourself away from the image of the ocean, Jonathan following you faithfully. Your feet find the hidden path you and Simon used to walk when he was still Ghost to you.

"I don't suppose," you ask, rounding the farthest house and turning back towards home, "that you are so kind and noble that knowing I belong to someone else, you will tell my Father that you don't wish to marry me anymore."

Jonathan chuckles, watching you out of the corner of his eye.

"You don't think that you could grow to love me?"

You measure your words out with the beat of your steps.

"Perhaps in another life, Jonathan."

He doesn't answer your question. The last of the shutters close around the two of you as he walks you home, cloaks swishing over the dirt and cobblestones. Fat, heavy rain drops start to fall, you pull the hood of your cloak up to protect your hair. When the rain starts to fall harder, Jonathan follows suit.

At your front gate, you go to push past him and leave him at the latch, but Jonathan reaches out to stop you. His eyes shine at you from the darkness of his hood as he holds you still, one arm on each elbow.

"For what it's all worth: I am sorry."

You think, as he leans down, that he's going to kiss you, and the thought makes your stomach drop. But instead he presses a single, chaste kiss to your cheek before pulling away. Your skin tingles from where his beard touched your sensitive skin.

The rain starts to fall in a heavy sheet as he brushes past you, back towards where his ship is docked. You're stuck, fingernails digging into the wood of the front gate, and you think you might throw up from the feeling of the world rushing beneath your feet.

It's not until you lift your head, trying to unstick your feet from where you're frozen to the ground, that you catch sight of the looming figure down the street.

tag list: @silverianni, @milfs4lifee, @koi-feish, @shirabeastly, @pookie90, @ghostlythot, @hearts4sky, @crystallizedtime, @the-worlds-tempest, @myconglomerateromance, @elena-ph, @chaoticgoblindev, @pipocfamily, @canadianmilkbag, @caspertheassholeghost, @2512121morningstar, @glitterypirateduck, @elli0t3r, @clairdelunelove, @captainprice4life, @generaldestinychild, @crowsjourney, @c0pernicus, @wistfullyhypomanic, @arbesa-mind, @ray-rook, @daisyfrubies, @september-22-1996

#simon riley #simon ghost riley #simon riley x reader #my fics #ghost cod #simon riley smut #simon riley x you #simon ghost riley x reader #simon ghost x you #simon ghost x reader #ghost cod x reader #cod fanfic #cod x reader #ghost call of duty #call of duty fanfic #call of duty mwii #like blood on iron

144 notes · View notes

spaceisout · 2 years

Text

𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 // 𝙠𝙚𝙞𝙜𝙤 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙖𝙢𝙞

Pairing: keigo takami x f!reader

Words: 2.589

Summary: being married young was never in either of your plans, more or less being married to a hero and a quirkless human. still, it made an interesting switch to your lives, one you might not regret.

Warning(s): angst, fluff, slight cursing

A/n: this is a mini series that i have in mind, i hope you like it and any feedback is appreciated thank you!

Links: donate to the author, masterlist (coming soon), series list (coming soon),

Taglist: @alligator-person

◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤ ◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤

1 ◁ II ▷ 3

Keigo woke up in a bed tangled in sheets, a yawn escaped from his mouth as he was slowly waking up. His eyes focused on the ceiling, blinking the tiredness off from them.

Turning his head he looked at the clock on his nightstand that read, 7:01 AM.

"Crap..." he muttered sitting up from his messy bed, "Endeavor is going to get there soon..." He groaned fully stretching his wings, feeling too lazy and tired to head to the agency.

After minutes of fighting his external tiredness, he finally woke up and got himself ready for work.

"That's strange...."

Walking over to the door, he opened it but there was no noise coming from any room of your penthouse. Peeking his head out he looked both ways for any sign of you, but there was none.

"(name)?" he called out to you, no answer.

Quietly he stepped towards your room and gently opened the door, "(name) are you awake?" Keigo whispered.

Your room was actually tighty compared to his own, your bed was made and still no sign of you. It was weird seeing you had told him you were given some days off because you two got married, so why weren't you anywhere?

A slight feeling of panic wanted to rise inside of him. "Keep calm, hawks if something had happened you would have been contacted already."

And behold he was right, there was a note on the coffee table with your handwriting.

"Sorry for not waiting for you I had to take off this morning." He read out loud, "The school contacted me that a teacher called in sick and asked me to cover for them. I hope you get to enjoy your morning before you leave for your agency. See you later at home, (name)."

Faintly smiling he placed the note back down, "I'm glad I just hope next time you let me know, gees."

His phone then vibrated, accepting the call he spoke.

"Hey, you should have told me before you left-"

"I'm already at your agency and you're nowhere to be seen? Where are you? I thought you'd be here by now, Hawks."

"Endeavor!" he mentally cursed, forgetting he was expecting him today. "I'm already on my way, a uh villain took some time to catch. But I am a few minutes away."

Endeavor sighed, "Whatever, just get here already."

With that the call ended and Keigo quickly put on the rest of his hero costume and flew out the window feeling a little less worried about his wife.

―

"Mrs. (last name)!" you felt a pair of tiny arms wrap themselves around your legs. "I thought you were on vacation."

Smiling you crouched down to their height, "One of our teachers didn't feel too good today and I came to help cover their class."

"So you won't be back tomorrow?" they pouted.

"I'm not sure, Suzuki." you answered, "I did get some days off thanks to our principle."

"B-but aren't you.. happy here with us instead?"

You nodded, softly smiling. "I'm always happy to see you guys."

"Then stay, Mrs. (last name)!" Sato exclaimed running up from behind Suzuki.

"Sato!" you retorted, "I'm so happy to see you back again, how are you feeling?"

She gave you a thumbs up, smiling widely. "I told you I would get better quickly!"

"That you did."

"Where's your husband?" she asked standing next to Suzuki. "Is he coming by to meet us?"

"W-well... right now he is quite busy."

"He shouldn't be too busy to meet us!" Sato crossed her arms in front of her chest, frowning. "He does know about us, right?!"

"Of course!" you exclaimed, ruffling both their heads lovingly. "He knows you guys are very important to me."

The sound of the bell got their attention.

"We should get going then, we'll see you at lunch Mrs. (last name)!" She yelled hugging your neck tightly while Suzuki gave you a side hug. You wrapped both your arms around them, hugging them back. "I'll make sure to tell the others."

"Yeah... they will be happy to see you." Suzuki added.

You kissed the top of their heads and let them go, "Off you go kiddos. I don't want you two to be late."

"Bye, Mrs. (last name)!" they yelled waving at you, you waved back and watched as they made their way towards your classroom.

"(name)!"

"Oof." your body moved back as you felt a weight on top of you.

"You should be on your honeymoon!"

"He's actually busy so we're at home for the mean time, Mio."

"Are you serious?" she pulled away, shocked. "He should have taken you to at least somewhere away from Kyushu!"

"I told him it was okay." you assured her, "We can always go somewhere else."

"Nope!" she retorted shaking her head, "I need to have a talk with this mysterious husband of yours, I mean come on? It's your honeymoon!"

"Trust me he understands and is aware of it."

"Doesn't seem like it." she furrowed her eyebrows, "Are you sure he is not holding you against your will? Do you really love him? Does he love you? Is he nice to you?!"

You raised your hands, "Mio calm down. I wouldn't have gotten married if my parents did not trust him. You know how aware they are about who gets close to me."

"True." She bit her lip, then sighed. "Okay, I trust you then."

"Thank you."

"Can I see like... at least a picture of him?"

"Nope."

Mio groaned in frustration, as much as she respected your private life husband's she still wanted to know. You did feel bad that you couldn't let her know, but it was for his and your own safety.

―

"You are aware of what is going on I assume?" Endeavor spoke.

"Yeah, as far as I can tell there hasn't been any recent movement." Keigo rested his elbows on the desk, resting his chin on his open palm. "Which is a big worry on our part."

"The police has been trying to track down any leads from the past to see if they had a plan made without us noticing."

"Even if they did, they most likely have a plan ahead from what we might think." Keigo explained, "They're a group of unpredictable villains... it won't be long enough until they show up again."

"Are you still thinking about what happened?"

"Yeah..." He leaned back looking down at his desk.

"If it hadn't been for you we couldn't have known what the league had been planning." Endeavor leaned forward looking at him. "You didn't know how it would turn out in the end. We all did our best."

"I don't want there to be a repeat of last time, not again." He sternly spoke. "They don't care about losing anything. Their minds are already made up but for the rest of us... it's nothing like that. Everyone is barely going back to normality, some are still suffering."

"No one else deserves to wallow in pain again."

"How are you adjusting to your new house?" Keigo asked.

The flame hero looked away, not knowing how to answer his friends question. It had been something in his mind for a long time but with society split into two, he hasn't been able to truly sit down and feel everything.

"I don't know yet." He honestly answered. "I'm glad to see that my family is whole again, in a new place where no bad memories are attached to it."

"But?"

Endeavor stayed quiet for a moment, hoping to looked deep inside and see the answer he's been looking for.

"It's now really settling in that I can't go back and erase the hurt I've caused. The stuff I did to them... they shouldn't have gone through with it. And now..." he continued, "I'm living in a house too big for only myself."

"I understand how you felt― feel I mean." Keigo corrected himself, "It's a lonely world... but you have s chance to make things right and you have been. Not everyone thinks twice to fix things, yet you already did."

"I suppose it's going to take some time."

"You have time, go slowly." He said, "Don't rush something that needs a couple of steps in between for it to fully become complete."

"You're younger than me and yet here you are giving me life advice." Endeavor looked at him. "It's strange."

"What?" Keigo chuckled, "Come on what's so strange about me giving you advice? I can be a good person to go to, you just sometimes happen to think otherwise."

The corner of his lips slightly lifted upwards, "Yeah."

A knock at his door interrupted the conversation.

"Come in!" Keigo called out.

His assistant then walked in, "Hello, Endeavor sir. Hawks there is someone waiting for you in the meeting room."

"Thank you, I'll be there in a minute!"

She excused herself, leaving them both alone again.

"By the way I heard that you were in Miyagi? A couple of heroes kept asking me if I was there with you."

"I was vising some old friends." Keigo answered standing up from his chair.

"In Miyagi?"

"Yeah I've gone there a couple of times during my vacation and I liked it." He teasingly smiled at him, "Don't worry you're still my favorite Endeavor."

"As if I care..." he muttered.

"Come on Endeavor you know I still love you." Keigo went around his desk to hug him but Endeavor stretched his arm out stopping him from doing so.

He pouted, "You're so mean!"

―

After school was when things got a bit busier than you had thought. All the teachers had made a plan to meet up and discuss the upcoming sports festival for the students. It would be a small event held for all grades, their parents would be invited of course to come and cheer them on.

"I think an obstacle course could be fun!" Mio exclaimed looking at everyone. "We can set up a few tunnels and curves that they would have to go around."

"That's an excellent idea." The principle smiled, "We can even set up a stand on the side with snacks and drinks for all of them to enjoy."

"Are parents going to participate?" A teacher asked.

"For the time being I think it would be best if they watch and interact with them during their breaks since it will be a big event for everyone."

"Understood."

"Does anyone else want to pitch in an idea or have any questions?" The principle asked looking around the room.

You knew that it would be impossible to get any heroes to show up and cheer them on. From what you heard your kiddos loved Hawks along with Best Jeanist, Endeavor, and Midnight.

But if you asked him personally there was going to be a chance that he would say no.

Still, your students have been wanting to meet them for awhile now and it could inspire them.

Raising your hand you took the risk, "I understand this event is already big as it is but... well is there a possibility that we can ask a hero to come as a guest? Our kids would appreciate it... even after all that's happened. I know they're looking for an inspiration and let them know that things will be okay."

Everyone murmured around them, some agreeing to the idea that it would be beneficial to get more sponsored events and earn money for the school.

"Things have been a bit difficult for all of us," she said. "I can see why you want to get them involved to cheer them up. Still given the circumstance, some heroes want to stay put for the mean time so they don't cause any attention from the villains."

"That's true..." you agreed, "Sorry for asking I should have thought twice about it."

"Don't worry I know you meant well."

"Talking about pro heroes," another colleague of yours spoke leaning forward to look at you. "How was your wedding?! We've been dying to know."

Your cheeks turned red. "A―Akane, it went well I don't really know what else to say."

"Don't even try I've been asking the same thing since she came back." Mio added.

"Ladies, I'm sure she has a reason to not want to talk about it." The principle said.

"She's right, it's something private. (Name) will talk when she wants to." Your friend said as he looked at you. "Her husband will show and present himself to all of us, when he's ready of course."

"Thank you, Hizashi." You softly smiled his way, he gave you a smile in return.

"I think she's right, though." he said looking at everyone, "Maybe we can get a hero to come by and show up at the event. Even during these hard times our students need some cheering up as well."

"Yeah but who?" Mio questioned leaning against you.

"What about Best Jeanist?" Hizashi asked.

"My students love him." You smiled remembering how they liked drawing him each time during their free time.

"I know." His eyes lit up, "I saw all those drawings you have of him on the wall. He seems to be like the most popular hero."

"Yeah." You chuckled, "All of them are fascinated with him after he came back. They asked me if I ever met Best Jeanist but I told them no."

Your phone started to ring, you looked down at the caller ID and saw it was Keigo.

"Sorry, excuse me." You sheepishly smiled getting up from your seat and walking out of the staff room.

"Hey is everything alright?" Keigo asked as he stopped at the top of a building.

"Y―yeah! Why do you ask?"

"I got home and saw the lights were still turned off. I thought you'd be there by now since school ends at two."

"A meeting came up all of a sudden after school, I was only aware of it until I was almost out the door." You explained, "I didn't think it'd run this late."

"Do you want me to come get you? I shouldn't be too far away from your school―"

"No, it's okay." you said, "Plus I wouldn't want to put you in a risky spot in case if someone saw you close by the school.

"I can still meet you halfway at least."

"Keigo, it's okay." You reassured him. "I've gone home alone plenty of times before. I'm sure if I take a taxi nothing bad is going to happen."

"But (name)."

"I'm going to be just fine, stop worrying too much."

A warm feeling rose inside of you knowing he was concerned about your safety. All this time you thought it'd be the type of traditional marriage where you two wouldn't talk unless it was necessary but he was proving you wrong, and you were really liking it.

"(name)!" Hizashi called out to you, "The principle said we'd continue tomorrow with the meeting, it's already getting late."

You nodded at his direction, "Okay, thank you for letting me know."

"I can walk you home if you'd like." He suggested.

Before you could answer him, your husband quickly grabbed your attention with his question.

"Who's that?" Keigo questioned feeling a tad bit of jealousy.

"He's a friend." you answered and gave a sign to Hizashi to give you a minute. "I've known him for a while now."

"And you're going to accept his offer?"

"He lives in a few blocks away from us―"

"You're not answering my question... are you going to walk home with him?"

You bit your lip as you couldn't help but ask. "Does it... does it bother you?..."

Keigo's lips parted getting ready to reject that ridiculous idea when he realized that it did in fact bother him.

"No, it's fine." He faintly smiled, "If you trust him then there's no reason for me to worry about it."

"Are you sure―"

"Yeah I'll see you back at home okay?"

"Wait I thought... you were at home already." you asked.

"I was but I left something at the office." he explained, "I shouldn't take too long, I'll meet you there."

"Oh, alright. Be careful then okay?"

"Yeah.. you too."

It gave you a mixed feeling with the way he hung up on you. There was no way he had even felt any emotion of jealousy, you two got married on a deal after all. Why would it bother him if you went home with a friend? Or was it because you shot his offer down and heard when Hizashi asked you?

"(name)?"

"Huh?" you turned around to see him standing in front of you. "Hey... sorry I spaced out. Did you say something?"

"Is everything alright?" He asked handing you your bag.

"Y―yeah I was on the phone with my husband." you responded. "He was asking me if I was okay since I usually go home early after work."

"He was worried that's understandable." Hizashi said walking towards the exit beside him. "If I had a wonderful wife like you hell I'd be worried."

Chuckling your face flushed, "I'm sure your future wife will be even better than me."

Looking down at you he added, "I don't know it's hard nowadays to even find the perfect someone."

"Who knows maybe when you least expect it you will end up finding her."

A small smile formed on his lips, "Maybe I already did."

Hizashi has always admired you for how passionate you are for helping your students. You enjoyed your work and there was nothing you wouldn't do for them. Although you could find another job somewhere else with better pay you stayed. And he's seen his fair share of people leaving, except you.

Friends, was the word he used to describe the relationship between you two. Although there are times where he wished there was a smidge of hope that it would change. Now that you're married he realized you two might be better off how you are now, still there was hope inside of him.

"How's your husband if you don't mind me asking?" He asked as you walked passed a stand of your (favorite food) food.

"He's... kind." You answered earning a chuckle from him. "What?" You asked looking up at him.

"You― I was surprised by your choice of word is all. I thought maybe you would say amazing or―or handsome."

"R―right well he ―he is!" you exclaimed feeling nervous as you tried to sound convincing. "He's the best of the best! Also a good person and if he wasn't people wouldn't like him."

"But that's what they think right?" Hizashi questioned not fully believing you. "I want to know what you, think of him."

"What I think of... him?" you asked looking straight ahead of you already forgetting the food stand that had caught your attention.

"I mean you decided to marry him, only four months into your relationship." He pointed out, "Knowing you if you did not trust or had feelings for him you would not have said yes to his proposal."

It was actually more complicated than that. This marriage was a deal, to help out your parents during their hard time. In exchange you had offered yourself while their situation was being handled by Keigo in secret.

You didn't think he'd accept it and say no but to your surprise he did agree. At first you were weary about him, whether you could fully trust him. Slowly but surely you two began to talk and you started to ease yourself when being next to him. Yet there was stuff you did not know about him like he did not know about you.

"I'm still learning stuff about him, that you are right about." You crossed your arms in front of your chest, feeling the night getting colder. "I got married knowing some stuff about him, heck I sometimes get worried that it might not work."

"And you are still willing to try and make things work huh?"

"Yeah..." you continued smiling small. "I decided to do this because I wanted to. I want to know what it's like to share your life with someone else other than your family or people you personally know."

"You're something else you know." Hizashi said smiling up towards the sky.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean," he looked down at you with the warmest smile. "He's lucky to have you and I hope however this marriage goes it doesn't change you."

"I wouldn't ever think about changing."

After parting ways from your long time friend you made your way towards your home. The building shined bright in all the lights that were used by strangers to finish or start their day. People passed by the building along with cars on the side of the street.

Taking your key out you unlocked the door and greeted the receptionist at the front desk with a quick hello and picked up any mail that was left for you during the day.

When the elevator stopped at your floor, you put in the key once again to unlock it. As you stepped inside you noticed the lights were turned on in the kitchen while the rest was surrounded by darkness.

"Keigo?..." you called out approaching the kitchen. "Are you home?"

When you got to the living room you placed your bag and key along with the mail down on the table and chair. Slowly you walked over to the kitchen but there was no one there.

You sigh turning around to walk out and turn off the light when you saw a plate of food covered in a transparent plastic wrap on the table. Walking over to it you saw a small note next to it.

I realized you weren't going to come home soon so I made some food! I hope you like it, see you later at home, (name).

"Keigo..." you mumbled unwrapping the plate of food.

Your vision started to become blurry, you wiped away the tears that were starting to form. It wasn't the plate of food that was getting you so worked up, your parents did it so many times for you in the past. It was the fact that he decided to be thoughtful about your well being and making sure you ate something.

As emotional as you were, being thoughtful was one of the things that you appreciated so much from someone. Keigo could have just stayed quiet about eating but instead he made sure to leave some food for you too. He may still be a stranger in some ways but he had a good heart that was obvious.

The clock currently read 10:37 PM. Keigo could feel his muscles getting sore from the fight between three villains that made themselves know near his agency. They weren't too tough to handle but one of them had a strength quirk.

His feet were basically dragging him at this point to get to bed and sleep, but he knew he had to at least shower. As he entered his home his mind went to you, wondering if you were already asleep.

Walking towards the living room to get to his room, he saw you curled up on the edge of the brown couch asleep. His hand reached out to wake you up but stopped himself from doing so. He's never seen someone sleep so peacefully in his life before.

Yet there you were, sleeping away without a worry. Even then his eyes couldn't stop looking at you. The light coming in through the large window made its way to your figure, making you shine brighter than you already did.

He could have said no the moment you made the offer but he took it instead. If anyone else knew about his reason they would have described him as being selfish. For someone who has been through hell, he thought it would make his life a little less stressful by having someone around, someone to come home to.

Would you think about him the same way if you ever found out?

"Keigo?..." you mumbled half asleep. "You're back..."

"Hey, sorry I came home so late." he softly spoke crouching down in front of you as you sat up. "Did you fall asleep waiting for me?"

"Mhm," you rubbed your eyes trying to wake yourself up. "I―I wanted to wait for you... tell you the food was delicious."

"Really?" he breathed out in relief. "Now I can sleep soundly knowing you enjoyed it."

You chuckled quietly, "I'm glad to ease your worries."

Without thinking he tucked a loose strand of hair behind your ear, "We should get you to bed, it's already late."

"Yeah... y―you need to rest as well."

Keigo stood back up straight, extending his hand out to you. Accepting his hand you got up from the couch, holding onto his hand tightly.

He couldn't help but look down at you as you both walked towards your individual rooms. There was just something adorable about you when you were sleepy.

Your body suddenly leaned in towards him making him blush. You closed your eyes, smiling as you felt his body heat radiating through his coat onto you.

"Keigo?..."

"Hm?"

"Welcome, home."

His gaze softened, feeling his muscles relax and forgetting about his flustered face. Those two simple words made him feel like he was safe, despite all the chaos that occurred.

He smiled with closed eyes, "I'm home."

270 notes · View notes

nitewrighter · 1 year

Note

i don't wanna be annoying but can you please write more lifeweaver? i freaking love your fanteractions for him

Torbjörn: I hope you're proud of yourself. Reinhardt won't shut up about robot horses, now!

LifeWeaver: *innocently* Oh! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to put you into that position! I'll tell Reinhardt you can't build the horse.

Torbjörn: It's no matter of 'can't!' I can build a horse! I can build the most powerful steel stallion you've ever seen!

LifeWeaver: *mildly* Oh but I wouldn't want you to go through the trouble...

Torbjörn: What trouble?! It wouldn't be a challenge at all! I could build it in my sleep! I'll show you!

LifeWeaver: Oh, wonderful!

Torbjörn: Just you---! Wait--! You!!! Rrrrgh!

----

Cassidy: You know how much Vishkar's offerin' for you?

LifeWeaver: Well there isn't a solid answer to that, because Vishkar doesn't deal solely in money. Looking to take me in?

Cassidy: Nah, nah, too uptight a bunch for my tastes. I'm just wondering if your bounty's higher than mine.

LifeWeaver: Hm! Competitive, aren't we?

----

LifeWeaver: It's wonderful that you donate a percentage of your music sales to reforestation, Lúcio.

Lúcio: I'm sensing a 'but...'

LifeWeaver: Oh no buts. It's very admirable. It's just... old growth forests have that vital duff that supports biodiversity, makes them more drought-resistant, and more CO2 efficient than just replanting trees. So if a percentage went to stopping deforestation to begin with...

Lúcio: I'll... look into it. We don't have to tie ourselves to trees, do we?

LifeWeaver: I won't ask that of you... yet.

----

LifeWeaver: *pouty* I can't believe you left me on read for 3 hours.

Baptiste: I keep telling you! There was a firefight! And I was running for my life!

LifeWeaver: So you send the explosion and running emojis! Have you never dated an enemy of a terrorist-backed corporation before?

Baptiste: Have you never dated the enemy of a corporate-backed terrorist organization before?!

LifeWeaver: *gasp* Oh, it's our first fight! Isn't it exciting?

Baptiste: *sigh* You certainly have an interesting perspective on things...

----

LifeWeaver: Ah, the protector of Cairo, herself! If you ever need a lift for a good vantage point, just let me know.

Ana: *chuckle* Such a gentleman.

LifeWeaver: Well, we outlaws ought to look out for each other, right?

#lifeweaver #cole cassidy #ana amari #lucio correia dos santos #torbjorn lindholm #overwatch #fanteractions #jean baptiste augustin #bapweaver #me a libra looking at lifeweaver: he's libra-coded

194 notes · View notes

grollow · 6 months

Text

PINNED POST

“No matter how many years are left to us, there will never be enough time to fill the void that has been borne inside each of us when we were made so brutally aware of how very little we mattered to the world.” -- Emilie Autumn

Hi, I'm Asher.

Or Rhysa, which is my writing alias; I used to go by Ashyr, too, and that's also okay!

And this is a multi-fandom blog where I sometimes share my own original content (usually writing). I am autistic, possess next to no ability to mask and don't intend to learn for anyone on the internet (sorry), queer, nonbinary (they/them or it/its only, please) and opinionated. I'm also an adult.

This blog is primarily SFW, but there may be some suggestive posts. If you are a minor, please consider that before following me (I won't take offense, promise). There won't be anything blatant, but I do reblog kink-positive things.

Primary Fandoms

Elden Ring

Final Fantasy XIV (there will be spoilers for all current patch content)

Ender Lilies

Hollow Knight

I sometimes share horror-adjacent things; you will find gore and scary imagery here.

I admin a creative-focused Hollow Knight discord server, found here. 18+ only, please.

Spare Me And You The Trouble

I am not here to get into shipping arguments with you or anyone else. If you REALLY want my opinions, you can send me asks off-anonymous and I'll answer you candidly in private. I am not interested in discourse of this nature (I am too old and tired please).

Also, if you are thinking about sending me some ask complaining that I ship Grollow, save us both the trouble and don't. I'm probably going to not answer.

But if you want to know why, I wrote a long answer here.

Writing Tags

My main tag for writing is #ashe writes. You can find my more popular fics under #w&g, #red sky, #do not go gently, #ld, and #butterfly effect.

I have an original project called The Starfire, which is the first work in a series called #burning roses. You can see inspiration tags for that periodically. It's a space-fantasy adventure-romance and I'm very proud of it! I'd be happy to answer questions if you're curious to learn more.

Other stuff is probably randomly tagged because I am very bad at remembering the tagging system. Sorry.

Find Me Elsewhere?

I’m on Ao3 as Rhysa, Shyra, and Shyr (18+). I sometimes use Twitter as ashyronfire.

My writing blog is @ashyronfire if you are only here for that. ❤

Other Stuff

Deepest apologies to the people who follow me hoping for regular FromSoft stuff but are just subjected to the constant bug train; it will continue to happen.

pfp by @silverybeast (THANK YOUUUUU)

banner by @amywolfhardt

Wanna help a starving writer? (PS: I’m not starving.)

I have a ko-fi if you’re feeling generous and would like to donate or you can donate to my cashapp $ashyronfire if you like. I also take commissions for writing. More info here. (Currently Closed)

❤

#pin #about me #i tweaked this in a few places #sorry for the spam heh

20 notes · View notes

scarletwinterxx · 1 year

Text

take a chance with me - mark lee imagine

hi🥺😊 it's been a while since i wrote something this long, I wanted to take my time and do my best. I hope you like it.🤍

if you have a request or scenario you want me to do, just send me a message I'll see what I can do😊💌

For my other works you can check them out here, and for my other story series’ you can check them out here.

and if you want, u can buy me coffee(totally optional but any donation is very much appreciated!) thank you🥺💛

song inspo: take a chance with me by niki

(gif not mine, credits to rightful owner)

"You got the Bruno Mars tickets?"

Mark looks up to see you looking a bit disheveled, still panting from running he assumes.

She still looks cute. Says his internal monologue but he quickly shuts that down, putting this tough shell back on in front of you instead.

"Yeah why?" he asks nonchalantly

You hold 1 finger up, signalling for him to wait while you catch your breath.

"Who are you going with?"

"Dery, supposedly but he got tickets too so now I'm not sure" he answers, his attention back on his laptop screen. There are so many things he should be doing right now to the point that he feels like the 24 hours of his day isn't enough and yet he can't seem to shoo you away.

He'll spare you a minute, an hour, or how long you ask him but you don't know that. And he won't say that out loud now that the two of you have broken up. His clock stops when he's with you.

Mark wants to scold himself for always giving into you, but he can't help it. It's you.

"Take me" you say straightforward, no sense of hesitation.

This made Mark look up at you again, raising a brow as he asks you "Now why would I do that?"

"Because we're friends?" throwing a question back at him

"God don't say that, it's weird" he mumbles, acting as if he was shaking of chills as you say the word friends

"You're the one who said we should be friends, this is me being a friend"

"This is you trying to piggyback on me to watch Bruno Mars"

"See, you still know me so well. Now why did we even break up?" you joke, but it wasn't well received on the other end so you cleared your throat "Right sorry, sore topic" you mumble

"I'll think about it" Mark tells you before his gaze returns on his screen

You smile down at him even though he's not looking at you. "In your book, that's a yes. Call me, bye" you tell him before walking away.

After that encounter with you, Mark of course couldn't keep his mouth shut and told his friend about it. He can already hear Hendery scolding him for being a 'simp'.

"Tell me you didn't say yes that fast" Hendery asks his bestfriend but he already knows the answer

"Mark, dude I thought we're working on the whole 'I'm moving on for real this time' era of yours"

"I am, I am over it. She's just going with me because I have extra tickets, which by the way was supposed to be yours. I paid a good amount for those" he scowls at the other boy

"And you didn't even think twice about giving it away to her, we could've sold that or something. Just say you're still whipped and go. What's the point of me lecturing you everytime about your failed love live if you're never gonna listen"

"I can't fail my love life if I don't have a love life" the Leo man justifies

"Okay you got a point there, so here's my proposal. We should find you a new girl so you can finally finally stop being such a simp"

Mark swears he trusts Hendery with his life, but also a big part of him doubts his Libra bestfriend even when he's staying still and doing nothing.

"I'm not a simp" Mark grumbles like a child. He can hear Hendery snicker from beside him,

"Sorry what was that? I can't hear bullshit. Get back to me when you finally mean it"

He really hoped Hendery was kidding when he said he'll find him someone, he had so many reason why this isn't a good time to date but he can't stop him once he sets his mind on something. Especially if it meant it'll give Mark a headache, which in that case is Hendery's forte.

But if there's someone topping that list, the number one person to make Mark's temporal pulse go thumping hard. It would be you. And you know exactly know to get on his last nerve whether he likes it or not.

"I can't believe you got floor tickets, and Dery passed this up?" you say from beside him as you look around the venue. It's the day of the concert and just like you said, you showed up in front of his doorstep 10 hours earlier with the most excited look on your face.

"He's somewhere over there, said he prefers it so yea" he answers, looking at his watch to check the time. His nonchalance making you look over at your ex-boyfriend slash friend.

"Why are you grumpy? Does it really bother you I'm here? I can pay for the tickets" you tell him.

Mark looks over at you, noting your serious expression. He didn't want to ruin tonight for you, for the both of you so he shakes his head.

"No, I'm fine. Don't worry about it. I invited you"

"I invited myself, I'll send you the payment after the show" you tell him then look away.

Great, now you're in a bad mood and he has to figure out how to fix it. He lets out a sigh, looking away from you. The ticket is not really the issue tonight, neither you being here tonight. It's his mind being at war again, asking him questions he have long buried in the depths of his consciousness.

It's like you press the reset button in him every time. He hates it but he can't walk away from you either. So as a result, he sometimes acts too harsh towards you.

Mark thinks of something to break the tension,

"Hey, remember when I said I wanted to watch Bruno Mars with you" Mark tells you, slightly leaning towards you to whisper by your ear

You do remember. Back when you were still dating he did say he wanted to go attend concerts with you, when he learned yours and his favorite artist was the same he got so excited and put it on his bucket list to watch Bruno Mars with you.

"Huh?" you mumbled, pretending like you were having a hard time recalling that memory but really it's still fresh like it happened just yesterday

"My bucket list, said I wanted to watch Bruno with you. Guess I can check it off from that now" he smiles

"Does it still count even when we're not dating anymore?" you can't help but ask, you expected him to react violently like he always does when you bring it up but instead he just smiles at you again

"It counts as long as it's with you" he answers then he looks away. Not catching the way your gaze stayed on him for a few more moments, in those moments you wondered what if that wasn't the case.

What if you never broke up. What if he was still yours.

A lot of what ifs you'll never know the answer to.

Instead of linger on that, you just look away from him. Ignoring the dull ache in your heart.

That night turned out for the better, probably a night you'll never forget. You had so much fun, singing and jumping along your favorite songs. There were times when you looked beside you to see Mark doing the same. Seeing the biggest smile on his face as he holds his phone up to capture the moment.

Instead of saying anything, you just watch him with a smile. Missing seeing him this happy and carefree.

After the show, Mark offered to drive you home. You were too tired to say no so you just sat on his passenger seat as he drives down the familiar street. He didn't need to check his GPS to know, he know these roads like it's the way to his own home.

In a way it used to be like that, you used to be his home.

He didn't say much when he dropped you off, watching you enter your building and only driving away when he's sure you safe inside.

"Mark, my friend"

"No" Mark cuts off Hendery before he could even say anything but of course his bestfriend didn't take any offence nor thought about listening to him, he continued when Mark didn't say anything else

"As I was saying, remember when I said I'll find you someone. Well I kinda did, a bunch of us is going hiking this weekend and this girl Arin is coming. Heard she's had a thing for you for a while now"

"How can she have a thing for me when she doesn't know me?" he mumbles, already getting grumpy with the idea of going out

"I can't explain the way of the universe to you my friend, she just does. Don't make me say you're one handsome man because I won't" Hendery says

"You just did though"

"So you're coming right?" Hendery asks with a devilosh smile like he's already plotting something

"Do I have a choice?"

"Hey don't look at me like that, it was your choice coming here" Haechan tells you as you let him drag you trough the woods at 5am in the morning

"You told me we were going to get coffee at this place with killer view. I'm about to be the killer here and you're in my view" you tell him, sending glares his way but this doesn't deter your friend.

"We are getting coffee, after we go hiking. Hey! No hitting!"

As the two of you bicker some more you don't notice the other people joining you for today's hike arrive.

From across the lot, Mark spots you and Haechan. Just as he looks over, he sees Haechan bend down to whisper something to you and you hitting him lightly making the guy laugh.

It’s been a while since he last saw you, after the concert you really didn't reach out that much. Not that he expected you to, the last text you sent him was a short thank you for taking you to the concert.

You weren't avoiding him, it's been a while since you went out with a big group of friends since you and Mark did share a lot of mutual friends. You didn't want to make it awkward for everyone, so instead you mostly declined the invites when you know he might come too.

And Mark, well he’s been keeping his distance from you too. It's always you who talks to him first, always letting you make the first step.

He knew you were close to Haechan. If he’s being honest there were enough times he felt jealous even. He pushes that thought away as fast as it came. He didn't know you were coming this weekend, a detail Hendery failed to mention.

"Hey don't freak out, but your ex is here" Haechan tells you

Whipping your head around then back at him, waiting for him to say it was a joke

"No he isn't"

"Yep, he's over there. Wait don't look"

Too late you're already looking. And there he was indeed. Luckily Mark was too busy unloading stuff from the car to notice you looking over at him

“If only your gaze could make him notice you, he’d probably be here already having an actual conversation with you” Haechan whispers to you

“You know not every thought that pops into your head should be said outloud, you can just shut it” you answer, taking your gaze off from the guy from across the lot.

“It wouldn’t be too bad to admit you miss him, when it’s this obvious”

“Again, thoughts to your self. I don’t need you whispering in my ear like a little devil” this time it earned him a hit on the shoulder. From across the lot, Mark’s eyes glaze towards the direction where you were standing with your friend.

“He’s looking over here, by the way” Haechan tells you when his eyes met with Mark’s, the other guy quickly averting his gaze somewhere else.

“Shut up”

"He was, and I'm pretty sure he had the look of murder on his face when he saw me leaning a little to close to you"

"I have the look of murder whenever I look at you, now can I get a drink in peace without you breathing down my neck" you grumbled, rethinking all the choices you made which led you here. You should've been anywhere but here.

Anywhere except where Mark is. You thought.

"He's coming, act cool. Hey guys!"

You glare at Haechan one last time before looking to see Hendery, Mark, Yoo Jimin, Arin and Yeonjun.

"You guys got here early?" Hendery asks

"No, we just got here too. Ready to go?"

Everyone said yes then you were off.

You try to focus on not tripping and not think about Mark, which you kind of succeeded. The group made small talk among each other, of course with Haechan and Hendery there aren't any dead air.

When you got to the trickier part of the hike, the trail was steep and kinda hard to climb up. Some of the boys offered to go up first to assist while the others stay behind to make sure no one get's left behind.

Hendery and Haechan took the lead while Mark and Yeonjun stayed behind. You were standing behind Jimin and infront of Yeonjun, taking careful steps.

"Haechan Lee, when we get to the top I'm going to push you off" you tell your friend who was laughing from somewhere infront

"I thought this was easy, not gonna lie I'm gonna pass out soon" Jimin says

"Same" you mumble, resting your hand on your knee to catch your breath

"Hey you okay? Need help with your bag?" Yeonjun asks you, Mark who is standing at the very back listens to the conversation.

"No, it's okay" you politely decline

"You sure?" nodding at him, "Jimin, do you need help with yours?" Yeonjun asks the girl to which she answers with a loud yes and quickly passing her bag to him.

You let Yeonjun walk infront of you, leaving you and Mark at the very back of the line. Mark takes a water bottle from his bag, opens it before passing it over to you. You didn't even think twice about grabbing it, not really paying attention to who's beside you. Kind of forgetting if for a moment before you stood straight again to meet Mark's eyes looking at you.

"Uh thanks" you say holding up the bottle of water

"No problem, need help with your bag?" he asks, he did hear you already say no to Yeonjun but he can't help bu ask

"It's fine, you're already carrying yours" you tell him, shooting him a quick smile before resuming your walk. But before you can take another step, you felt him grab your wrist to pull you back.

"Wha-" then he was pulling one strap of your backpack then the other before putting it on him. Now he's carrying his backpack and yours.

"Mark, come on I can carry that" you try to get it back but he blocks your hands with his arm. Gently pushing you infront of him.

"I'll give it back when you don't look like you're about to pass out, now go. We're falling behind" he tells you, and when he gets this serious you have no choice but to follow him.

For the rest of the hike, you and Mark walk in silence. Passing the water bottle back to him every once and a while, not even noticing you're practically sharing it with him. And when there was a branch too big on your way, you felt his hands on your waist. Guiding you from behind.

"Careful" he mumbles

Too stunned to say anything, you make your way over. Haechan was there waiting for you. He helps you up with this sly smirk on his face, you send a glare to him. Already reading his mind and what's he's about to ask you later.

"And we're here! Look at that view" Hendery announces.

For a moment, all seven of you just admire the view.

"Okay, tell me I did good" Haechan bumps your shoulder, you roll your eyes

"Fine, this was worth all of that" you mumble while the guy beside you throw his fist in the air like he just won a very important arguement.

All of you find spots to sit and get comfortable while eating the snacks you brought and drink the coffee brought by Arin apparently.

"I'm working at the cafe near campus so I kinda picked up a few tricks here and there, taste it. Hope it tastes okay" she tells the group.

Passing the thermos around, you take a cup and wait for your turn. Haechan pours some on your cup for you, and even got you your favorite pastry which honestly might be the highlight of your week.

Meanwhile, Mark was not so subtly watching from the side as you smile at the other guy. Even saw you bump your head on Haechan's shoulder affectionately, probably since you can't give him high five with your hands fill. It's something he knows you do when you get all happy and excited. The coffee tasted okay but something else left a bitter taste in his mouth.

"We should go here again, it's nice to just be out of the city" Yeonjun says

"True, I was dying back there but I'd do it again for this" Jimin says with a smile, all of you looking out the view. Watching as the sun slowly ascend up the sky.

The seven of you spent a few more hours there, just talking and sharing stories then it was time to go. The hike back was much easier and faster since you kinda know where to go.

Saying goodbye to the group when you got back to the parking lot. You help Haechan put your bags in the trunk.

"Hey uhm I was wondering if you want to grab coffee sometime" you're not sure who was speaking so you look behind you only to see Arin standing beside Mark.

For a moment, Mark meets your eyes but you quickly looked away and made your way inside Haechan's car. You'd rather not hear the rest of that conversation, saving your self from the misery.

Haechan looks over at you with confusion, then behind him to see what you saw. And when he saw Mark looking where you were, he understood. He closed the trunk making Arin and Mark look at him, "We'll go now, see you around guys" he shoots them a smile and a wave before jogging over the driver's side.

"You good?" he asks you when he got in the car

"I think so"

"I'm not gonna make fun of you if you say no" he tells you which kind of did make you laugh.

"Just tired, and you still owe me coffee"

"Fine, I'll get you some. Only because you're sulking right now"

You wanted to say he was wrong and that you weren't sulking but that would be not true.

Not sure either why you suddenly feel so down. You and Mark have broken up for over a year and in no place to feel jealous if he decides to date again. And at the end of the day it was yo who broke up him.

Deciding to treat yourself, you walked around the neighborhood to buy some snacks and your favorite ice cream.

Mark just drove Arin home after going out to grab dinner together, they had a good talk. He's not as naïve as Hendery thinks, he can definitely see why he said Arin might like him. But Mark of course being the gentleman that he is, let her down in the most gentle way he could.

"It's just, I'm not really looking for a relationship right now" he tells her

"I understand that, I can wait" she smiles at him, a look of determination on her face. "I've been meaning to say hi to you and introduce myself to you for a while now. And now that I have met you, I really can't promise I that I can stop liking you"

He chuckles at that, "Thanks, I guess. It's for you to decide, all I'm saying is that I might not reciprocate your feelings for me. Sorry"

"What are you sorry for? We still have time, you can atleast give that to me right" Arin asks

In his mind he already said no. He just smiles though.

After he got home, he still couldn't sleep because for some reason he can't keep you off his mind.

Thinking what if it was you in his place, did you ever have someone ask you out. Is there someone else now. Was it Haechan? Yeonjun?

Too lost in his thoughts, he spots a convenient store nearby and decided to buy an ice cream. Just when he step out of the store, he spots someone sitting outside by the benches.

He'd recognize that jacket anywhere because he was the one who bought it. You've always had a love for all things cozy and fluffy. The teddy bear like jacket was a gift from him last Christmas, he can still remember the smile you had on when he gave it to you.

"What are you doing out here?" he asks you, catching you by surprise. He then takes the seat across from you

"Had a bad day, thought the ice cream would make me feel better. You, why are you here?" you ask back, not expecting to meet him here of all places

"Had a lot to think about, thought the ice cream would help" he answers, "Want to talk about it?" Mark asks before he could even think about it. Normally he would stop himself from prying into your business, respecting the boundaries the two of you have now.

Shaking your head in reply, he understood you won't say anything after that

"I can't tell you because it won't be fair" you mumbled

"Why won't it be fair?"

"Because you're my ex" you tell him, it flew right out of your mouth before you stop and think about it. Looking up at Mark to see him looking at you already,

"Don't worry about it, don't worry about me I'll be fine" you mumble with a small smile. Trying to make it better somehow.

"Why do you do that?" he asks

"What?"

"Run. You always run away from me when I get even a step too close. Even when we were together, you always to that. You always had this wall around you that even I couldn't go around, did you not trust me?" for such an intense gaze, he asked that question so calmly. Like his eyes were saying one thing and his lips were saying another.

"I don't trust myself. Every time something good happens to me, I always ruin it. Every time I think I'm the happiest, I get this overwhelming fear that something will take it away from me. I'm messed up, I know that and you're the last person I want to dump all that mess on" you answer.

For the first time since the break up you finally talk about it. Flashbacks of that night replaying in your head. Remembering how he asked you why multiple times and not being able to give him the answer

"Do you think it could've worked if only I held on to you tighter or would you have hated if I did?" he asks

"Probably, but we won't know. I'd rather keep our memories in a good way than regret it"

"Do you hate me?

He waits.

One second.

Two seconds.

His clock stops once again because of you.

Then he hears you speak,

"Never"

You smile at him warmly, just like you used to. "I know it's hard to understand and accept what I did. I didn't want to drag you down with me, I have bad days and even worse days. Back then it felt like you were the only good thing in my life, I was scared that one day I wasn't going to have that"

"So you walked away before anything bad happens?" he continues for you, "I get that, when things get to much the first thing you can think of is to run. It's natural to have a fight or flight response"

"Don't get to academic with me" you mumble, making the guy across from you chuckle before turning serious again

"No really, boyfriend or not you can still talk to me. If it gets too much, you don't have to run all the time. I'll stay right here, I won't go anywhere so when you need someone you can come to me. Run to me, instead than run away from me"

Mark has always had a way with words, this time instead of running away again you listen to him. Sharing a smile.

"I'll walk you home"

"What time is your last class?" Mark asks you over the phone, after that talk you had the two of you have been hanging out more. Taking his promise of being your friend seriously. Now, there isn't a day when you don't talk to each other.

"My last class is over, I'm here at the library. Why?"

"Do you have an umbrella?"

"Why would I need-" just then a loud thunder resonates outside, feeling the rumble of it from inside the library. You then remember the umbrella you left in your room this morning thinking you weren't going to need it.

"I'm outside" he says then hangs up. Quickly you fix your things and made your way outside the library and sure enough Mark's there waiting for you.

It's only a matter of time before the butterflies in your stomach takes over, and this warm feeling in your chest burst out but for now you choose to ignore it. Choosing not to risk this second chance with him.

"What are you doing here?" you ask him even though you've been waiting to see him the whole day.

"What do you think, I'm walking you home" he tells you like it's the most obvious thing in the world.

"You have one umbrella, we're not gonna fit there"

"We'll make due, now come on. I'll make us rament later" he says as he pulls your bag from your grasp and sling it on his shoulder. He then takes his hand that wasn't holding the umbrella to hold yours, tugging you right beside him as the two of you make your way outside.

The two of you underestimated the rain and the size of his umbrella because by the time you arrive at your apartment, only the top of your heads weren't wet by the rain.

Quickly opening the door to get inside, you kick your shoes off and turn the lights on

"I think I have some clothes for you, wait here I'll get you towels" you tell him

But before you could walk away from him, you feel his grasp on your wrist holding you back.

"Do you need something?" you ask him

"I- I just feel like if I don't take this chance right now then I would end up regretting it again, just like when I let you go the first time"

"Mark"

"No, you were right, I won't blame you for our past. I can't be angry at you for choosing yourself. We both needed that to grow and learn and discover ourselves. This right now feels like our second chance, I'm not about to risk it and hope for another one to come by. For once, I'm going to take this chance with you. That is if you'll have me"

Maybe he doesn't know just how much he drives you crazy, just how much you'd risk to have another chance with him. It dawned on you just now how it didn't matter what's at stake if you try again with him because what matters the most is him.

Then suddenly you leap right in his arms, not expecting this Mark stumbles a few steps back. But he catches you, holding you close to him like he was afraid you might float away from him.

"I'd take that as a yes"

You lean back enough to meet his eyes, "See, you still know me best. Why don't we get back together" you tease him.

"I asked first" he pouts at you.

Your adorable Mark pouts at you. How can you ever say no to him if he's this cute and adorable. He knows exactly how to use it against you.

"What if it gets too much, if I get too much?" you ask

"You're never too much to me, nothing I can't handle. I love you, all of you. I'll stay here and tell you everyday until you get tired of me"

You giggle at his words, burying your head on his shoulder. You feel him kiss the top of your head before putting you down on your feet.

It's always scary taking chances, but to you and Mark it's scarier to let it pass again. This time you know you don't need to bet anything because you're sure he's there to stay with you.

131 notes · View notes