#sorry i am feeling. very odd and strange right now so sorry if my posting is a bit more erratic than usual!! :]

[somelazyassartist]

I'm 9 sales away from hitting 300 sales in my Etsy shop and only 33 followers away from 2000 here, should I like. Do something to celebrate that lol?? Not sure what I could do except for maybe like a small dtiys but I think it could be fun since I'm reaching both a shop and follower milestone right around the same time :] no current plans yet just spitballing and I've never done something like that before but it just sounds like fun y'know!!!

[ur-boyfiend]

hot cocoa kisses

changbin x m!reader

hihi merry crimmis !! wasn't gonna do a fic but then decided eh whattahell why not. much like the halloween fic i'm writing this absolutely last minute so uhhhh sorry in advance if there are any errors ^^; (this is being posted so late i'm so sorry) feedback + pointing out errors are both greatly appreciated :] wc; 4.8k (christ-)

christmas has always been an odd time of year for you. between strange and strained family relationships and your own mental health issues, family gatherings felt like walking over a minefield.

you groan and roll over, shoving your face into your pillows. you don't want to see any of your relatives this year, but you sure as hell don't want to deal with their attitudes if you skip either.

there's shuffling on the other side of the room and you lift your head just in time to see your roommate flick on the light by his bed.

"you good man?"

there's genuine concern in his voice, and you laugh quietly, "right now? mostly. after i see my family? absolutely not."

he frowns, sitting up properly, and you sit up as well, facing him across the room.

"wanna come with me then? my family's been on my ass about bringing someone over, and they're....." he grimaces slightly, "sometimes a lot, but they mean well."

"so how fake boyfriend am i expected to be?" you grin, always up for teasing him.

he rolls his eyes slightly, "or you could be my roommate?"

"well that's no fun."

the comment gets you a pillow to the face, sending you into a fit of giggles.

"yeah yeah, you're a comedic genius, do you wanna come with or not?"

after taking a moment to catch your breath, you nod, "sounds fun."

"i don't know about fun, but sure, whatever you say."

you hum quietly, "should i get gifts for people?"

changbin shrugs, "i usually just bring some kind of sweets for people to share, my family doesn't do individual gifts very much. since not all of us would be able to afford things for everyone."

"oh, that makes sense. we could make hot chocolate bombs though."

"make what nows?"

you laugh, "hot chocolate bombs, they're chocolate shells filled with hot cocoa powder and things like peppermint bits or mini marshmallows, so when you drop it in warm milk the shell melts and boom! hot chocolate."

"those sound good, we can get the stuff to make 'em later, when it's a reasonable hour to be awake."

you yawn, nodding, and flop back down onto your bed. changbin laughs and flicks off the light again, also lying back down and closing his eyes.

winter sun cuts through the window, the curtains making a futile attempt to filter out the harsh glare. you grumble and pull your blankets over your head, only for changbin to pull them back off of you a moment later.

you glare up at him and he grins, "c'mon, you still wanna make hot chocolate bombs?"

sitting up, you flip him off and rub your eyes, not particularly keen on being conscious at the moment, but also knowing you probably won't be able to fall asleep again.

"yeah yeah, only if we can get coffee on the way back from the store though."

"whatever you want, sweetheart."

you flip him off again and he laughs loudly, too loudly for your half-asleep liking.

"okay get out so i can get dressed."

"aw, don't wanna change in front of your boyfriend?"

you're confused for a second, but remember the conversation you'd had earlier, "......i regret everything i've ever said."

"well that's a bit rude."

"oh my god leave-" you grab a pillow and smack him with it, making him laugh.

"okay okay! i'm leaving!"

you grumble a bit as you get out of bed and stretch, feeling your brain fill with static for a moment as your body gets used to being active again.

shuffling to your dresser you grab a pair of jeans and hoodie, getting dressed quickly before putting on socks and shoving your phone, keys, and wallet into your pockets.

going out to the main area of the apartment, you hear movement in the kitchen and stick your head around the corner to see changbin going through the cupboards, a container of hot cocoa powder already sitting on the counter.

"ready?"

changbin turns to look at you and nods, shutting the cupboard he'd been rummaging in and grabbing a hoodie from where he'd dropped it over the arm of the couch the last time he'd come back home. you tug on a pair of worn combat boots, changbin putting on his own, slightly less beat up, pair.

walking towards the elevators, you chat about what his family is like and what yours is like as well, telling stories about other christmases and your favorite things about the holiday season.

it doesn't take long to reach the grocery store a few blocks from your apartment building, storefronts are decorated with lights and ornaments, but the streets are all but empty. it's the day before christmas eve, and most people have already left to visit their loved ones.

the store speakers are playing tinny christmas carols, and you sing along as you go through the aisles, changbin occasionally teasing you for it. you know it's all in good fun, and anytime he makes fun of you, you sing a bit louder.

you're arguing as you go through the checkout line, neither one of you willing to let the other pay. changbin says he should because it's for his family, you counter that it was your idea, so you should pay.

the cashier smiles as you reach the register, "you two are a cute couple."

changbin's ears go red, and you can feel yourself turning almost the same color as the cashier's santa hat. the cashier seems to notice her misstep, but doesn't correct herself. you're not sure if you love or hate her for that.

"we're not a couple," you finally respond, scratching the back of your neck.

"oh, that's a shame." she continues calmly ringing up your items, but you catch the glint in her eye. it takes genuine effort to stop yourself from laughing and she smiles, winking as you hand her your card, changbin too distracted to notice until you've already paid.

when you return to your apartment, you start getting the things you need out of the shopping bags.

"hey, can you fill a pot with water? i'm gonna use it for a double-boiler."

changbin looks lost as to what you're on about, but nonetheless he fills a small pot with water and sets it on the stovetop. grabbing a bag of chocolate chips, you walk over to the stove and grab a metal bowl from one of the cupboards, carefully setting it so that it's suspended within the larger pot.

"while i melt chocolate can you start measuring things? the molds are probably big enough for a tablespoon or two of cocoa powder, doesn't have to be particularly exact, just as long as it doesn't spill over the edges."

changbin nods, "how many are we making?"

".....that's a great question. we probably have enough for at least a dozen? we can probably just make them until we run out of ingredients, it's not like they'll go bad."

"should we do half with the mini marshmallows and then the other marshmallow ones with the cocoa mix that has them in it? because they might not go bad, but the marshmallows will get stale eventually."

"good point, we can bring the ones with fresh marshmallows and keep the ones with the marshmallows mix?"

"works for me."

you hear the water starting to bubble, and you pour the bag of chocolate chips into the bowl, carefully stirring them as they begin to melt. grabbing the half mold on the counter next to you, you spray a thin layer of cooking oil onto it, using a paper towel to even out the coating.

glancing back to the stove, you quickly stir the chocolate again, sighing in relief when none of it looks burnt. pouring in the rest of the chocolate chips, you continue stirring it to make sure it's evenly heated.

as you're worrying over the chocolate, you hear the bluetooth speaker in the kitchen turn on, a playlist you made with changbin at 2am filling the space. you start dancing slightly as you work, changbin humming along to the music.

"okay, chocolate's melted, now for the hard part-" you turn down the heat on the stove, continuing to stir the chocolate as it cools and thickens slightly.

"can you grab a baking pan and put it on the island? i gotta pour the chocolate and i don't need the landlord after my ass."

changbin laughs, the sounds of metal clanking mixing into the noise of the room as he places a metal pan onto the countertop, laughing and joking as he follows your instructions on how to fill the molds and empty the excess, it takes a couple tries but the molds are eventually covered properly and you put them in the freezer in order to set the chocolate quickly.

grabbing one of the bottles of coffee you'd compromised on at the grocery store, you pop off the lid and take a long drink, sighing happily.

"ah, caffeine my beloved."

changbin sits on the counter across from the one you're leaning against, swinging his legs slightly.

"you said we're leaving tomorrow, and then coming back the 26th?"

"yeah, so we'll be spending two nights."

"are we gonna end up with the only one bed?"

"like we haven't slept in the same bed before, mr. i'm sad so you're obligated to cuddle me."

"hey," you point at him, "that was once."

he laughs, "it was not!"

you stick your tongue out at him, but don't actually argue because he's right, and you don't feel like losing an argument this early in the day. instead, you go to the freezer to see if the chocolate is set.

"ok, molds are good, i gotta get them out, can you grab the hot cocoa?"

"roger."

putting the two trays of molds on the island, you carefully flex the plastic in order to loosen the shells so they won't break when you try to take them out. soon there are about two dozen bowl-shaped chocolate shells scattered across the counter in front of you.

changbin thunks the container of cocoa mix onto the counter, "okay master chef, what now?"

trying to show changbin how to put the hot chocolate bombs together is a bit hectic, but it's fun, and by the time you're done you're both covered in hot cocoa mix and out of breath from laughing.

the rest of the day is spent packing and getting ready for your trip, it took a lot longer than it probably should've because you kept annoying each other and getting sidetracked. eventually you're done, and collapse on the couch to watch movies.

you stir as the sun is starting to rise, unsure of what woke you up. a second later there's an ache in your back and you wince.

well, i guess that's why i woke up.

deciding to grab a painkiller, you go to stand up when you realize someone's arms are wrapped around your waist. looking up, you see changbin still asleep, hair messy and cheeks puffed out slightly.

on an impulse you reach up and tap his nose, causing it to scrunch up. a moment later, his eyelids flutter. you're too busy staring to worry about being caught staring, but you still blush when he smiles sleepily at you.

"mornin'," his voice is raspy and still muffled by sleep, which is not good for your sanity.

"mmh, good morning," you smile back, "mind letting go of me?"

he just pulls you closer, burying his face in your hair.

"very much so."

his response makes you laugh, "i don't know what i was expecting."

managing to free an arm, you grab your phone off the coffee table and check the time.

10:43, we should probably get up.

"c'mon, it's almost eleven. if we don't get up soon we won't make it on time."

changbin grumbles but his grip on you loosens and you're finally able to stand up. stretching, you hear your spine pop a concerning amount and you groan, making a beeline for the painkillers in the kitchen.

opening your messages app you go to the thread with your best friend, sending may your next ibuprofen take effect quickly and noticeably, before going into your room to grab a change of clothes.

setting the clothes on the counter in the bathroom, you turn on the shower, giving the water a moment to warm up. as you wait you flick through your playlists, choosing one at random and putting it on shuffle.

you shower quickly, singing along to the music playing on your phone. much as you'd like to stay under the warm water, you know you need to get your shit together if you want to be able to leave by noon.

stepping out of the shower, you quickly dry off and put on the clean clothes, deciding to just let your hair air dry. returning to your room you chuck your old clothes into the laundry basket next to your dresser and put your phone on the charger while you wait to leave.

in the meantime, you grab the messenger bag hanging off the frame of your bed and start filling it with the things you hadn't packed the night before, mostly just your laptop and things for your classes.

changbin comes in a moment later, also shoving a few things into his backpack.

"hey, y/n," you glance over to see him holding up the switch that'd been charging in the living room, and give him a thumbs-up. he nods and adds it to the things in his bag.

"i think we're good?" you puff out your cheeks, trying to remember if you need anything else.

changbin zips the bag sitting next to him, "we should get going soon."

"we packed the hot chocolate bombs already, right?"

"they were one of the first things that got packed, don't worry."

you roll you eyes slightly, "yeah because telling someone not to worry always works."

"c'mon, let's go before you worry yourself to death," changbin takes your hand, pulling you to your feet.

"i'd be impressed if i managed to worry myself all the way to death, that seems more like something chan would do."

"and it'd be entirely jisung's fault."

you snort and grab your suitcase, well aware of the headaches jisung gave chan.

"at least it wouldn't be us, which should count as a miracle."

while you and changbin tried not to stress chan out, you both had rather unfortunate luck and he'd had to manage at least three er visits for each of you.

stepping into the hallway, you check that the door is locked three times before changbin grabs your arm and drags you towards the elevator bank. the elevator cars creak and rattle, and you think that if a fourth er visit comes up it'll be from the aging elevators. you're amazed that they're still running at all.

your apartment building is close enough to the train station that you figure getting a taxi wouldn't be worth it, so the two of you walk, talking mostly about family things.

"i'm not sure if my family's gonna give me a ton of shit for skipping, or if they're gonna be glad i didn't show."

changbin laughs, "well my family's definitely gonna be excited to meet you, not sure if that'll make up for things but, y'know." he punctuates his statement with a shrug, and you laugh.

one slightly chaotic journey through the train station later, you're both in your seats. before long, you're starting to doze off, soothed by the gentle movement of the train.

you wake up again as the train stops, the lack of movement and general chaos of reaching the station dragging you out of your rest. there's a crick in your neck, and you can feel something on the side of your head. stretching slightly, you realize that your head is on changbin's shoulder, and his head is now leaning on yours.

carefully you shove changbin away from you, shaking him slightly. he stretches, and you barely avoid getting smacked.

"wake up before we end up going to the next station," you stand, dragging changbin to his feet. you sling your bag over your shoulder and grab your suitcase, changbin following suit.

getting off the train is easier said than done, the rush of holiday traffic that made navigating the station so chaotic makes navigating the train even harder, but you make it off soon enough.

once you're off the train and out of the station, changbin hails a taxi and you pile in, changbin giving the address to your driver. it's not a long drive, and you're both still waking up, so it's relatively quiet.

however, any calm or quiet is broken the second you step through the door of the house. changbin wasn't lying when he said his family was a lot, but their excitement makes you feel warm in a way your family never did.

after a solid ten seconds of nearly suffocating changbin in a hug, his mom looks up and sees you standing near the door, and somehow smiles even wider than she had been.

a heartbeat later and now you're the one being suffocated, and you can feel tears pricking the corners of your eyes. you still manage to hug her back, and she steps away a moment later, giving you a once-over.

"so, you're changbin's boyfriend?"

"mom," changbin's tone confirms that he expected this line of questioning, and you almost laugh, "he's my roommate."

from further down the hall you hear a soft, "oh my god they were roommates?" and look up to see a younger teen sticking their head around a corner. changbin notices them as well, but you grab his arm before he can do anything.

"no murder," you glare at him halfheartedly and he grumbles.

"i wasn't gonna kill them."

"no aggravated assault either."

he rolls his eyes and his mom laughs, gesturing for you to follow her. you elbow changbin and he seems to snap back to reality, following you as you follow his mom. she shows the two of you to a guest room, turning to make sure you're both behind her.

"i can grab a mattress and some bedding from the hall closet in a minute, feel free to settle in in the meantime."

you smile and thank her, and she gives you both a kiss on the cheek before leaving.

collapsing facedown onto the bed you feel yourself deflate, the mattress next to you sinking a moment later as changbin sits down as well.

"so, thoughts so far?"

you turn your head, rolling all the way onto your back a moment later, "i might end up crying before we leave just fyi."

"that bad?" changbin asks, but you can tell he doesn't think that's the reason.

"no it's just, family acting like family is so foreign to me. not to mention treating me like family even when i'm not."

you get a gentle smack on the side of your head, changbin grinning slightly, "hey, as long as we're friends you're family as far as anyone here is concerned. honestly my mom would probably replace me with you if we ever had a falling out."

you shove yourself into a sitting position, shaking your head slightly, "don't even joke about that."

"what, my mom replacing me?"

"no, about us having a falling out. you don't need to speak that into existence, thank you very much."

he laughs, "aw, you think i'm special?"

"ugh forget i said anything," you roll your eyes, "you're the worst, get outta here."

instead, changbin wraps his arms around your torso, dragging you both down onto the bed. "it's way too late to get rid of me, sorry pal."

you wiggle around in an attempt to lie down more comfortably. "yeah yeah, now let me move, i can already feel my arm starting to cramp."

he loosens his hold and you can finally roll over so you're facing eachother, poking the tip of his nose when you do. he scrunches it up and you laugh, "you look like a bunny."

"you're probably the only person who's ever thought to call me that," he grins.

"it's not like you have many other close friends mr. antisocial."

"we have the same friends!"

"okay listen here-"

"i'm listening."

you pause, not actually having had something to say. changbin seems to notice and he laughs, and you roll your eyes in an attempt to ignore your blush.

it seems like he's about to say something, but he's interrupted by a yawn, making you yawn as well.

"we've both been sleeping almost all day, how are we still tired."

you shrug and curl further into changbin, feeling the blankets drop over you a moment later.

waking up you can hear people talking quietly, and try to figure out what's being said. changbin is still next to you, but he's sitting up now and there's a soft light filtering into the room from the hall.

"you sure seem cozy for someone who was all indignant about just being roommates," you recognize the voice of changbin's mom and smile slightly.

"look i don't wanna push things," changbin sounds tired, but emotionally instead of physically, "i'd rather have him in my life as a friend than not at all."

"have you considered that he might feel the same? and even if he doesn't, i really don't think he'd cut you off over it. you should have more faith in him kiddo."

you suddenly feel like you've done something wrong, a strange sense of guilt flooding over you. trying to ignore the feeling, you stir slightly, acting like you're just now waking up. both voices cut off, and you hear changbin's mom sigh slightly.

"tell him dinner is ready when he wakes up, okay?"

a moment later you hear the door to your room close again, and you rub your eyes.

"mm, what time is it?"

changbin glances at his phone, "it's almost nine, mom says dinner's ready. i think everyone else is either asleep or at least in bed so it'll probably just be us two."

you push yourself up onto an elbow, still abnormally tired, "how romantic."

you feel changbin flick your forehead and you snort, sitting up all the way.

"let's go eat then, could we make hot chocolate after?"

"sure, c'mon," changbin takes your hand and pulls you to your feet again. guess this is becoming a habit, you think, glancing at your joined hands.

stepping into the hall you realize changbin was right about it just being the two of you, the house is almost dead silent. there's still food on the stove, and you smile.

changbin makes a plate for you and one for himself, putting them on the kitchen island. you sit on one of the stools at the island, still not fully awake.

"drink?"

you smile, "just water please."

a moment later changbin sets a glass of water in front of you, putting one by to his own plate as well before sitting on the stool to your side. you talk quietly as you eat, trying not to disturb anyone else in the house.

when you're both done eating changbin takes your dishes and puts them in the sink, "okay, hot cocoa?"

"mhm! can you warm up the milk without it getting a skin or should i be in charge of that?"

"i usually use water for hot cocoa so i think that answers your question."

you snort, "okay, can you grab a saucepan and milk please?"

"yup," changbin gives a thumbs-up and you laugh slightly, grabbing one of the wooden spoons from the utensils near the stove.

after heating the milk for a few minutes you glance up again, "can you grab a couple mugs? and did either of us ever get the hot cocoa bombs out."

"i got 'em out, they should be on top of the fridge, one sec," changbin sets two mugs on the counter, the box of hot chocolate bombs following soon after.

you carefully pour the milk into the mugs, placing the pan in the sink when you're done. grabbing a hot chocolate bomb you hold it up, changbin grabbing one as well.

"cheers!" you tap the hot chocolate bombs together and laugh before you both drop them into the milk. the result is almost immediate, the chocolate shell melting quickly, the hot cocoa bomb rolling around like a bathbomb would.

after watching the hot chocolate bomb melt for a moment you notice changbin in your peripheral, holding a spoon in your direction. you take it and smile at him, stirring the contents of the mug in front of you, the milk going from an off-white to a rich chocolate brown.

when you're satisfied with the level of mixing, you hold up your mug.

"cheers again," changbin says as he clinks the mugs together and you smile, taking a drink.

"man i fucking love hot chocolate, it's literally the best winter drink."

changbin laughs, "y'know what, i gotta agree with you on that one."

a day and a half spent in the whirlwind of changbin's family and their holiday cheer doesn't let you forget about the conversation you'd overheard, and you decide to ask about it when you're back in your apartment.

but saying you'll do something and doing something are two different things, and the night you get back, you spend an agonizingly long few minutes at 2am wondering if you should just ignore it.

groaning into your pillow, you feel a distinct sense of deja vu as changbin flicks on his light.

"you alright?"

you groan again, becoming more and more conflicted.

"...hot cocoa?"

that gets you to prop yourself up and look in changbin's direction, tilting your head slightly.

he shrugs, "you seem upset and i figured if you didn't wanna talk you might want hot cocoa."

"i love you."

your mouth moves before your brain, catching you both off guard, and you can feel your face start to burn. there's not much light in the room, but you can see changbin blushing too. you want to backtrack, but you realize it's not untrue, and decide it'd do more harm than good.

instead, you stand up and cross the room, sitting next to him and putting your head on his shoulder. the movement snaps him out of the frozen state he'd been in, and you feel him wrap his arm around your waist, pulling you closer.

the silence is in a strange limbo between comfortable and awkward, and you don't know if you want to break it because you're not sure what he'll say.

eventually, you decide to bite the bullet, "you don't have to say it, we can just make hot cocoa."

you feel changbin rest his head on yours, and you smile slightly. you wouldn't mind getting used to this, you think.

"if i say it can we still make hot chocolate? or is this an either or situation," he huffs a laugh at the end of his question, and you gently elbow him.

"we can make hot chocolate either way, you dork."

"well i was gonna say it but now i'm reconsidering."

you gasp dramatically and he laughs, pulling you closer again.

"i'm kidding, i'm kidding. don't worry, i love you too."

"you're an ass, you know that?"

changbin hums, pretending to think, "yeah, that might've been mentioned to me before."

"i rescind the hot cocoa offer, i'm going back to bed, goodnight," you try to stand, but changbin wraps his other arm around you as well, pulling you back down.

"nooo, stayyy."

you lean into him, laughing. you feel him bury his face in your hair and laugh harder.

"c'mon, you made me want hot cocoa," you try to stand again, but this time changbin lets you, following you into the kitchen.

you're both quiet while you make the drinks, but this time the silence is firmly within the realm of comfortable, broken only by humming or the sound of metal clinking.

when you both have your hot cocoa in hand, you return to your room, sitting next to each other on changbin's bed once again. you're about halfway done with your hot cocoa when you feel your eyelids starting to get heavy again, and you finish the drink rather quickly, putting your mug on the small table next to the bed. changbin finishes his hot cocoa not long after you, putting his mug on the table as well.

"hey," you look at him and he turns, tilting his head to the side. you smile and lean over, giving him a soft peck. you're both still for a moment before he leans over, reconnecting your lips.

you move your hands up, threading your fingers through his hair. his hands land on your waist, and you can feel him smile.

the kiss tastes like hot chocolate and marshmallows, you think it's the sweetest thing you'll ever taste.

[emotelizardrambling]

Idea started after reading this post

I love their take, but I thought it would be even more interesting if SugarBoo was close friends with one boy and actually had a bit of a grudge or a more frenemies relationship with the other.

So here is what I came up with so far:

I have a vastly over complicated backstory for my BitterSweet OC, but I am trying to stick to what is relevant. Fair warning, though, It is still pretty long.

SB's mom ran away with them, from their wealthy (but emotionally abusive) father, when they were about 4 or 5. The two ended up in the town where BitterSweet takes place.

SB immediately hit it off with Seth. The two became best friends and were practically joined at the hip for the next 9(ish) years. There was only one major thing they ever seemed to disagree on. Alphonse.

At first, the trio got along alright even if SB was sometimes pretty overwhelmed by Alphonse's energy. As Seth grew closer to Al, however, SB started to realize they were jealous. They tried to just distance themself from the two a little, but Al decided he liked SB right away and would not leave SB alone.

When they started trying to ignore him, he did what way too many little boys do when their first crush doesn't pay attention to them. He started teasing them.

[Note: I can't really see Alphonse becoming a real bully to SB. I could see him teasing them about little things just to get them riled up, though, and I can imagine that, occasionally, a young Al might go a little too far and actually hurt SB's feelings. At which point Seth would tell him off, and Al would do something cute to apologize, and the two would go back to their strange little rivalry.]

By middle school you had Seth with a huge crush on Al but confused as to why he and SB can't seem to get along, SB with a huge crush on Seth but knowing he has a crush on Al who is kindof an ass to them, and Al who had a huge crush on SB but is stuck squarely in the frenemy zone.

Before that mess can be sorted out, though, SB's father found them and their mother and allowed (forced) them to come back to him.

Al and Seth had no idea what happened for months until SB managed send them a letter (through Al's parents) explaining how sorry she was that she never got to sag goodbye and that she hadn't wanted to leave. Not wanting her father to find out about Seth (or Alphonse) or for their friends to see how "Sarah Beth" had to look and behave under their father's thumb, that was the only contact the friends had for a very long time.

After becoming an adult, SB managed to convince (blackmail) their father to leave them alone and made their own way in the world. (With a very solid safety net of hush money.)

They moved to the city, and eventually moved in with a long-term romantic partner, before finally running into Seth again.

Turns out they had been living in the same city for months, but now Seth was just tying up loose ends before he moved back to their hometown to be with Alphonse.

[Note: In this universe, Derek got hit by a truck before ever meeting Seth's mom, and Seth and Al never actually joined the gang. Instead, both worked odd jobs and worked for a long time at a nightclub. Because Seth didn't need to freak out (as much) when Al had to move back to their hometown, the two are still together.]

SB was pretty devastated to hear Al's parents had passed away. SB had always liked the couple, and they always kept Al from poking fun at SB when they were around.

SB and Seth got coffee, caught up, and exchanged contact info. They started regularly texting and chatting online, gradually reforming their long missed friendship.

This would go on for months until Al picked up the shop's landline just before he closed for the night, only to hear SB crying on the other end.

That's where I need to end this post. Sorry about the (sort of) cliffhanger. I actually already wrote a chapter or so of what happens after this, but it needs editing, and all this would kind of be needed for context anyway, so I decided to put it out into the Tumblrverse.

[ap41cu5]

Released Tension

Joseph Oda x F! Reader Rating: NSFW smut Genre: Fluff + Smut Word Count: 5351 Short synopsis: The reader and Joseph have been close friends since her recruit as a detective for the KCPD. As a result of how easily Joseph was taking it on Kidman, the new rookie, the reader grew jealous, suspecting that Joseph developed feelings for her. Luckily, they had both been called into a case that took place in a neighboring city. This resulted in the both of them having to share a hotel room together. But low and behold, there's only one bed. A/N: sorry if there's any mistakes in this bc i am too lazy to proof read all 5k+ words of my fics before posting them so i usually just edit them after but pls lmk if theres any errors or anything that sticks out to you and ill fix it :3

1:32 AM, the clock read as the car sped through the pouring rain. You and Joseph had just been ordered to go on a trip to a neighboring city near Krimson to investigate a bank robbery. Normally, these cases don’t take up too much time out of the day. But after so much time had passed of gathering evidence and performing however many arrests, you were both finally done. 

It was nice to be out of the city for once, though. It was just you and Joseph on the case tonight as well. Sebastian was out getting married to Myra, and thankfully the Lieutenant didn’t allow Kidman to accompany the both of you since she was still a rookie. Kidman had been getting on your nerves recently. At first it was just her entitled, lone-wolf attitude, but now it was how easily Joseph was taking it on her. Both you and Sebastian agreed that Kidman was odd, and Joseph seemed to be the only one to disagree. Going as far as to say that the both of you were just being sensitive.

“Whew, what a case. Took far longer than I had expected,” you stretched in your seat, your back cracking.

“I’m just glad it’s over,” Joseph replied, adjusting his glasses as he drove.

The sound of the rain splattering against the windows of the car as he cruised through the highway was strangely therapeutic. On top of the light music emitting from the speakers, you could feel your eyelids begin to get heavy. But you had to fight the urge to give into sleep. You could just barely see the hotel in the distance. The warm lighting shone through the windows, creating a very inviting atmosphere. It seemed to glow in the distance– standing out against the night blue sky.

“Feels nice to travel again, at least somewhat. I know we’re only here for the case, but it’s nice to be somewhere else other than Krimson city for once. What do you think, Jojo?” you yawned, the side of your forehead resting against the wall of the car.

You could see him glance at you for a moment before quickly returning his gaze to the road ahead. He bit the inside of his cheek for a moment as he periodically turned on the windshield wipers.

When you first started calling him the nickname ‘Jojo’, he wasn’t sure how to feel at first. He normally hated nicknames, and his first instinct normally would’ve been to correct you, but he couldn’t deny that he felt a nagging sense of warmth and fuzziness every time you’d call him the silly nickname. In a sense, it was a pinnacle for how close the two of you had become upon your recruit. 

“It’s a nice change of scenery, I agree,” Joseph replied as he adjusted his rear view mirror. “I’ll bet Sebastian is having the time of his life right now, seeing as he and Myra just got married.”

You blew a raspberry. “I’ll bet. He would’ve had to get dragged along with us to a whole different city had his wedding not been scheduled for earlier this week. Him and Myra make a good team,” you commented.

“Sebastian deserves that time off. He’s an amazing detective,” Joseph mentioned.

He seemed to contemplate something for a moment.

“Just out of curiosity,” Joseph paused for a moment. “What do you think of the new recruit, Kidman?” You huffed. You had a feeling you knew where this conversation was going.

“I just– I just don’t like her,” you curtly responded.

You could feel your heartbeat pick up at the mention of Kidman. You could just barely hear the frustrated sigh that Joseph let out through the jarring noise of the car engine.

“(First Name), please just be honest with me. You and I both know that’s not true,” Joseph retorted.

He was right. While you weren’t lying that you weren’t exactly fond of her attitude, that wasn't the whole reason you found such distaste towards her.

“I am being honest! Even Sebastian thinks there’s something off about her.” You pouted, “why are you so concerned with what I think of her, anyway?”

“It’s a bit strange, is all. You’ve been acting differently ever since her arrival. You’re my friend and I care about you. You know that,” Joseph replied.

Things like that were the reason that you fell for him. He was just so kind and compassionate, not to mention easy on the eyes.

“You’re not telling me something. I know you’re not,” added Joseph as he switched lanes.

You weren’t sure if you loved or hated that he could always see right through you.

“Can we just– can we just not talk about this right now?” You requested, tears pricking at the corners of your eyes.

You hated the thought of Joseph having feelings for someone else, let alone Kidman. She was beautiful. Is that all it took for Joseph to fall for her instead of you? Was there something you did, or even the way that you acted, that made him only consider you as a friend? 

Joseph didn’t respond, only sighed as he continued driving. The next few minutes were filled with awkward silence as you tried to keep yourself from crying. The fact that he brought her up showed that he cared about her, right? But why? What did she have that you didn’t? Thoughts like these stirred in your mind for what felt like ages until the lights of the hotel finally came into your peripherals.

“C’mon. We’re here. Careful about the rain. There should be an umbrella in my glove compartment,” Joseph mentioned as he reached over.

Opening his glove compartment, moving around various tools and other miscellaneous objects, he handed you his black portable umbrella.

“You should take it. You drove us all the way here, it’s alright, really,” you insisted, trying to hand the umbrella back to him.

“It’s fine, (First Name). Let’s just head inside,” replied Joseph as he exited the car.

You felt a bit bad. You could tell he was uncomfortable but he was still being considerate of you, even allowing you to take his umbrella even though he drove for over an hour to get the both of you to the hotel.

As you exited his car, grabbing your backpack full of clothes and other necessities, you rushed over to Joseph to get the both of you underneath the umbrella.

“Thanks,” Joseph quietly muttered as you both hurried up the steps to enter the building.

The lavish exterior immediately caught your eye. The decorative plants that coated the exterior of the building created a lush atmosphere. The rain somehow amplified its already extraordinary elegance. 

As the automatic doors opened as you approached, sending a refreshing gust of wind through your hair, the scented air freshener immediately captivated your senses. You could just barely hear the low melodic tones of one of Chopin’s famous pieces amidst the background. The warm lighting on top of the peaceful ambience of the front desk was utterly breathtaking. There were two spiral staircases on either side of the receptionist’s desk, lined with exorbitant looking carpet. 

How expensive was this hotel? You thought to yourself. You could hardly believe that the KCPD was covering your expenses for such a sumptuous stay.

“Woah..” you sighed, taking in the new environment.

“A room for two please, double bed. Should be under the names (First & Last Name), and Joseph Oda,” Joseph said, in his usual respectful tone.

“Alright, you both made it just in time! Our front desk closes in just a few minutes. But you both should be good to go! Here are your room keys,” the receptionist replied, handing Joseph two keycards.

Joseph handed one to you before already making his way up the stairs. You could feel the tension radiating off of him from the moment you asked him to drop the topic regarding Kidman.

The moment you both reached the hotel room, the tension only grew thicker. You racked your brain, trying to think of some sort of conversation starter, when you noticed Joseph was strangely still. He just stood there, frozen at the end of the short hallway when you both entered.

“..Joseph?” You asked, as you carefully approached him from behind.

He was blushing all the way up to his ears. Confused, you averted your gaze to where he was looking. 

One bed?

You felt your lips part as your cheeks grew hot.

What is this, some sick joke? Joseph doesn’t even like me in that way! And now we have to share a bed?

“I– I can hurry back downstairs! There might be a few minutes left! Maybe they haven’t closed yet–” you suggested before Joseph quickly interrupted you.

“It’s fine. They’re probably already closed. I’ll just take the floor,” Joseph replied, completely avoiding your gaze.

His ears were still pink as he began to set his stuff down to prepare his station on the floor.

“No– no, I couldn’t possibly let you do that. It’s alright, Joseph. Let’s just share the bed. I trust you, I know you’re not some weirdo creep,” you reassured him as you leaned onto the wall beside you.

His back is still towards you, “you’re sure that’s alright?” He asked, his voice slightly cracking mid-sentence.

It was strangely cute how embarrassed he was to be sharing a bed with you. You had no idea he was such a prude, but he did it in such a cute way.

“I am. I’m going to change real quick, alright Jojo?” You told him as you entered the bathroom. You could see him stiffly nod as he picked his things back up off the floor. 

The moment you entered the bathroom, he let out a heavy sigh as he felt his shoulders finally relax. He sat down on his side of the bed, rubbing his face as he tried to get his blush to die down.

“Jesus, what is wrong with you, Joseph?” He quietly muttered to himself as he stared down at his shoes for a moment, rubbing the back of his neck.

After a couple minutes passed, you exited the bathroom in a baggy tee-shirt, which loosely hung down one of your shoulders, and pajama shorts. You had just washed off your makeup, completely bare face with sleepy eyes and messy hair. It took everything in Joseph to pry his eyes away and to not stare at the undoubtedly attractive sight. You looked so.. you. In your rawest form. And that in itself was beautiful.

He could already feel his face begin to heat back up as you threw yourself face down on the other side of the bed. 

“I should– I should go change as well,” Joseph hurriedly excused himself.

Was he.. nervous? Why? He knows I’m not going to make this weird. We’ve been friends for years now. Sure, I kind of, well, I really like him, but I’d never do anything to make him uncomfortable. 

After about 10 minutes, Joseph emerged from the bathroom in a plain white tee shirt and plaid pajama pants. You didn’t take him as the type to enjoy pajama pants, but we learn new things every day. They suited him, though. His arms were more toned than you thought they would be underneath his KCPD uniform. You took a moment to admire his form and how broad his shoulders were. But you valued your dignity and his comfort, so you made sure to only glance at him for a moment. Staring likely would’ve made him even more uncomfortable than he already was.

“I’m going to shut the lights off now, if that’s alright?” Joseph asked, his hand hovering over the light switch.

“Yeah, it’s pretty late,” you agreed, turning onto your back.

Shortly after he shut the lights off, you could hear the sheets rustling beside you as he climbed into bed. The street lights and neighboring buildings barely illuminated through the hotel window, just barely making anything visible.

You turned onto your side to face him. He appeared to be laying on his back, his glasses still on as he stared up at the ceiling.

“Jojo, your glasses,” you reminded him as you carefully removed his glasses from his face.

He didn’t try to stop you, only watched as you gently folded up his glasses and set them on the nightstand.

“Thanks,” he replied, internally begging that you couldn’t see the blush on his face through the darkness of the room.

You both laid in silence for the next few minutes. It seemed neither of you could fall asleep. You could feel him tense again. It was like you could read his thoughts, was he thinking about the whole situation with Kidman again? Although the tension wasn’t nearly as thick as before, it was probably best to get that conversation sorted out now rather than later.

“Hey, so.. about the whole thing with Kidman,” you began, unsure of what to say next.

Pausing for a moment, “what makes how I feel about her such a concern?” You softly asked, genuinely curious.

“Well, like I said earlier: you’ve just been acting differently since she arrived. You just seem more.. distant than usual. I suppose I just don’t understand why you’ve hated Kidman so much since we began working with her. I want to know what’s bothering you, (First Name). I’ve known you for years. That’s what friends do,” Joseph replied, getting up to turn the lights back on.

You sighed, “I’m sorry. I never meant to make you worry. It’s just– ugh,” you stopped yourself.

“What is it?” Joseph pressed as he laid back down into bed.

Your lips pursed.

“Can I just– we’ve been friends for a really long time. And we tell each other everything, right? Would it be alright if I just– if I just asked you something really quickly? Promise you won’t be mad?” You asked, biting the inside of your cheek.

“Where are you going with this?” He asked, turning to face you.

You broke eye contact, your heart beating out of your chest.

“Do you– do you have feelings for her, or something? Is that what brought this on?” You asked as you tightly gripped the milky white blanket in your hand.

He didn’t even respond for a few seconds. A long, painful few seconds.

“I–I’m sorry that I even– I’m sorry I asked. That was a really personal– and a dumb question, I’m sorry–”

“No, no, don’t be. Why would you– did you really think I had feelings for Kidman?” He asked, part of him unsure if he actually heard you correctly.

“Well, yeah, sorry. You don’t have to answer that–” “(First Name), just stop for a second. To answer your question, I do not, and never have, had feelings towards Kidman. The only reason I thought you and Sebastian were being a bit sensitive was because I’ve seen a couple rookies in the past who had the same attitude as her. Where they think they can do everything without any proper training. That’s all,” Joseph quickly explained, his gaze meeting yours again.

You immediately felt a bit stupid. All those nights you spent thinking, and even crying, under the impression that Joseph had feelings for Kidman was all for nothing, thankfully. A weight immediately felt lifted off of your shoulders.

“Is that what this is all about?” Joseph inquired, seemingly connecting all the dots together. “The way that I treat Kidman?”

Oh God. He figured it out. You thought to yourself as you groaned, covering your beet red expression with your hands. 

“(First Name), you can’t be serious,” Joseph said, a dumbfounded tone in his voice.

“Why?” He inquired, confusion obvious in his tone.

You could feel tears pricking at the corners of your eyes with anxiety. Your heart was beating out of your chest and your breathing grew heavier.

“I–I don’t.. I don’t–” you stammered as you quickly sat up and took a deep breath, trying to calm down.

Joseph quickly placed his hand on your shoulder. “Hey, it’s alright. There’s no pressure. Just take your time,” he comforted you.

His hand was warm, and the sound of his voice was always soothing.

“I– I can’t believe I have to spell this out, given how smart you are. Even Sebastian figured it out but– ugh,” you rambled for a moment. “Promise you won’t hate me after this. Or want to stop talking to me– or–” 

Joseph hushed you, his hand moving upwards to the base of your neck, and his thumb tracing your jawline.

“I could never hate you (First Name). You know that,” he leaned in closer to you.

Your faces were just inches apart, and you could just barely smell what was left of his cologne.

“Joseph.. I..” you gulped, “I’ve had these.. feelings for you. For a really long time. Shortly after we became friends. And I know that you don’t feel the same way, but I guess my anger was misdirected. So I took it out on Kidman, and you, and I started acting really out of line–” You confessed, your voice wobbly and your breath speeding up again.

“(First Name), look at me,” Joseph gently tilted your chin up to face him. “You are the only woman I have had eyes for. Ever since we met. This whole time, I really thought that you only saw me as a good friend. But, telling when people like me has never been a strong suit of mine.” He chuckled, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck.

 “R-really?” You asked, your heart fluttering.

“I.. yeah,” he admitted, looking away.

You couldn’t help but laugh a bit, “Jojo. I thought it was obvious. I mean, not on purpose I mean. But Sebastian figured it out right off the bat.” “...was I seriously the only one who couldn’t see it?” 

You nodded, a smile gracing your features.

“Oh, God. I mean, that’s.. that’s–!” He was quickly cut off by the feeling of your lips pressing against his.

He stood still as a statue for a moment, still processing what had just happened, before he finally melted into the kiss. One of his hands snaked around your waist while the other cupped your cheek. He pulled you in closer as both of your arms wrapped around his shoulders.

You leaned towards him, pushing him back down onto the bed and placing yourself on top of him. You didn’t take him as the submissive type, but he didn’t seem opposed to you straddling him.

“(First Name)- I– I uh.. are you sure that this is– that this is okay?” He asked, his face suddenly turning a bright shade of red.

You could feel his hands slightly tremble against your skin, almost as if he was afraid to touch you. Like you’d break if he even laid the slightest amount of pressure against you.

You leaned down, your noses just barely touching as your hair draped down, just barely grazing the sides of Joseph’s neck.

“I’ve been sure about this for a while now, Joseph,” you whispered into his ear, the feeling of your breath against his neck sending a chill down his spine.

He unconsciously gripped the bedsheets next to him as you cupped his face in one of your hands. Your eyes scanned his face as you slowly tilted your head and pressed your lips against his. You could feel him shakily exhale into the kiss as you licked his bottom lip, asking for an entrance.

He hesitantly opened his mouth as you slowly intertwined your tongue with his. All the time you spent fantasizing about this moment apparently came in handy, and it all seemed to come naturally to you. His nervousness was adorable, and he didn’t know how to kiss back at first. He started to get the hang of it after just a few seconds, earning a soft moan from you.

You could hear him sharply inhale at the sinful noise that had just escaped your lips.

“Just like that, Jojo,” you encouraged him, pulling away for just a second before quickly leaning back down to kiss him.

Your words of praise earned a stifled groan from him as he unconsciously bucked his hips upwards into you. 

“S–sorry, fuck–” Joseph swore as he held your face in his hands as you lined yourself up with him, gently grinding on him as you planted a kiss on his jawline.

“Don’t be,” you softly hushed him as you kissed down his neck.

He stifled a whimper through his teeth as you felt him tightly grip the back of your oversized tee shirt. You could feel him try to stop himself from bucking his hips into you again, so you gladly fulfilled his repressed desires. Lightly pressing yourself down onto his already aching erection, his stomach tightened. The pressure of you grinding on him along with the electric sensation from the kisses you so carefully granted his neck made his head spin. 

You could feel how big he was as you gently pressed yourself against him. The sensation was wonderful, and you could feel a heat shoot throughout your entire body. You couldn’t help the small moans that escaped your lips as you softly exhaled into his mouth.

His hands gripped the sides of your waist as he tried his hardest to be gentle. His breath grew heavy as he slowly began to buck his hips into you, giving into his carnal desires. You let him for a few seconds, until you decided he was enjoying himself a bit too much too fast. So you stopped, completely. You sat up, and raised up your hips so he couldn’t grind on you anymore. You stopped giving him neck kisses as you took a moment to gaze back down at him. His hair was much messier than before, his cheeks burned a bright red, and his lips were swollen from biting them. 

“W-why.. why did you stop?” He whined, letting one of his hands travel south to indulge himself in the pleasure that had just been stolen from him.

You held his wrist in place, softly pinning it against his chest. 

“I will indulge you at my own discretion. You’ll be good for me, won’t you?” You cooed, your face millimeters away from his.

He nodded profusely. “Anything– anything for you, (First Name).” He stammered as he looked back up at you with slightly parted lips.

That response hit you straight in the heat of your core, making your underwear even more soaked than it already was, if that was even possible. It took everything in you not to just start grinding on him again, but you wanted to draw this out and make it as fun as possible. Seeing him like this was truly a sight to behold. Joseph was always so serious and uptight, and seeing him so vulnerable was like no other.

Letting out a shaky breath, your hand slid down from his chest down to his lower stomach, just above his crotch. You bit the inside of your cheek at the large bulge protruding from his pajama pants. Its plaid pattern only exaggerated his length and size. You licked your lips, allowing your hands to shakily make their way to his drawstrings. One hand undid the knot while the other cupped his clothed erection. You dragged your fingers lightly across the surface of his cock, earning a slight whimper from the man beneath you.

You gently pulled down his pajama pants, revealing his dark navy boxers. His erection strained the fabric, his cock dripping with precum. It throbbed under your hands, every touch making his stomach tighten in pleasure. 

“God, fuck– (First Name), I need you. I’ve– I’ve.. I’ve needed you for so long,” Joseph whined, clutching the bedsheets and trying to hold himself back. 

He couldn’t take it anymore, he had to touch you. Both of his hands clutched your hips, as he looked up at you. His eyes pleadingly asking for you to take off your shorts so he could finally feel you.

“Alright, only since you’ve been so good,” you lightly chuckled, pulling your shorts down your thighs.

He marveled at the sight of you in your underwear, your fluids already soaking through your underwear and almost dripping down the side of your leg. His eyes were glued to you, so you took your time slowly pulling your underwear down your thighs. He could feel himself get even harder at the sight of your dripping arousal, his cock twitching.

“You’re.. you’re even more beautiful than I imagined,” Joseph shifted in his position on the bed, unbelievably aroused. 

You couldn’t take it anymore. He always had such a way with words, at least to you. 

You didn’t even give him a chance to think as you harshly leaned downwards, encapsulating his lips in another passionate kiss. Your back arched as you tried to line up his cock with your entrance, wanting more than anything to finally feel him. 

His hands found their way under your shirt as he quickly pulled it off of you and over your head. He gulped as his eyes traveled your body. He seemed unsure of what to do with his hands, his awkward nature getting the better of him. Gently grabbing his wrist, you placed his hand on one of your breasts, applying the slightest bit of pressure as his palm sunk into the soft mass. 

“Oh, God..” Joseph barely whispered, “you’re so beautiful.”

You gently pulled the bottom of his shirt upwards, looking up at him to ask him to lift his arms up to remove his shirt. He immediately obliged, pulling his shirt off over his shoulders and tossing it onto the floor. 

You pressed your heat against his bare erection, coating the surface of his cock with your oozing slick. His eyes rolled back at the warm electric sensation of your wetness pressing against him. He groaned in response, his hands traveling to grab your hips and push you down onto him with significantly more pressure.

You let out a few noises that sent shivers down his spine. His fingers lightly dug into the soft flesh around your hips as he tried to stifle a few whimpers. 

“Fuck,” you swore under your breath as you reached downwards, trying to line him up with your entrance.

Your slick covered the topside of his cock. You could feel it throb within your grasp as you felt the tip just gently run over your clit.

“I–I don’t have any condoms..” Joseph grumbled through his teeth as he clutched the bedsheets in one of his hands.

“Then you’d better hold it in. If you can handle that,” you muttered as you ever so slightly pushed yourself around him.

He bit his lip as he tried not to make too much noise.

“I don’t.. I don’t know if I can–” 

“Then you’ll be a dear and get me some morning after pills, won’t you?” You requested as you gently rested your forehead against his.

“Oh– oh I’ll do anything for you, (First Name),” Joseph whimpered as he cupped one of your cheeks in his hand, gently pulling your face closer to his for a kiss.

You winced as you tried to push yourself onto him further. His cock stretched your inner walls, and it was dreadfully painful. 

“F-fuck, Joseph..” you whined as tears pricked at the corners of your eyes.

“Start off slow, my love,” Joseph gently cooed as his hand found its way to your crotch.

His middle and ring fingers explored near your entrance. Coating his fingers in your slick as he gently inserted them inside of you, eliciting a moan from you at the feeling. You always loved his hands– how veiny they were along with how long and nimble his fingers were. 

“I– I’ve never done this before.. so I hope that I’m doing this right..” Joseph muttered as his thumb felt around your labia. 

His fingers were warm as he swirled them inside of you. He made waves with his fingers, shooting a pang of pleasure through your core. You couldn’t help but moan as your back arched. You had to grit your teeth to stop from moaning too loud, not wanting the neighboring rooms to hear you.

“My God, you sound so beautiful,” Joseph groaned as one of his other arms tightened around your waist, pushing your torso against him as he continued to pump his fingers in and out of you.

He slowly began to feel your walls begin to tighten before he quickly pulled his fingers out of you as they dripped with your slick. 

You bit the inside of your cheek once he pulled out. You were so close to finishing and he knew that.

“Ugh– fuck, Joseph–” you swore as you raised your body up again, encapsulating Joseph in another kiss.

Joseph held onto your hips, helping you line yourself up with him as you finally sunk your body down, his cock sliding into you with relative ease. It still hurt, but far less than before. The feeling of your warm cunt encapsulating his twitching erection made his eyes roll back as he thrust his hips upward into you. His hands gently squeezed your hips as he helped you move up and down on his cock. 

“Y-you take me so perfectly, (First Name),” Joseph barely sputtered out.

The sensation, the look in Joseph’s eyes, the feeling of his hands on your bare skin, it was better than you could have ever imagined. Not even in your wildest dreams.

You couldn’t find the words to respond. The feeling of him stretching out your inner walls as you moved up and down on him at such a steady pace jumbled up all of your thoughts into complete nonsense. You moaned with every movement, savoring each and every bit of him. The sound was beyond sinful as you stared into each other’s eyes, admiring each other’s features. 

Every thrust in and out of you filled your entire body with pleasure, the sensation was so grand you couldn’t contain the moans that escaped from your lips. Joseph gently pushed your head downwards, muffling your soft pleas with a kiss.

Seconds passed, the pleasure building up as a knot in your core. It slowly continued to build until it felt like you were about to burst. You were so close until you felt him sharply exhale against your lips. He quickly motioned for you to get off. 

“F-fuck.. I’m– I’m gonna.. I’m gonna cum, (First Name),” Joseph panted as he quickly lifted your hips upwards.

He groaned as he used his hand to continue stroking himself as he came onto his stomach. The white fluid spilling onto himself as he prayed he pulled out in time. 

You both finished at the same time, panting as you looked into each other’s eyes.

Rolling over, you let your weight fall onto the bed next to Joseph. You watched him lay there for a moment before he quickly grabbed a few tissues to start cleaning himself up.

You felt your eyelids grow heavy, closing your eyes and slowly getting sleepier.

He turned, giving you a kiss on the cheek as you felt him clean you up.

“Thank you, Jojo,” you thanked him, your voice laced with drowsiness. 

“Of course,” he replied, pulling the sheets over you.

He grabbed a fresh pair of shorts and a baggy shirt from your backpack as he walked back over to you. He practically dressed you all by himself, while you would raise or lower your arms whenever he would tell you to. 

He gave you one last kiss on the cheek before he quickly dressed himself and hopped into bed with you. 

“I love you, (First Name). I’ve loved you for so long,” Joseph whispered into your ear.

“I love you, Joseph,” you whispered back, cuddling up to him.

With your head in his chest and his arms around your waist, you don’t know if you’ve ever fallen asleep quicker. 

[dontcallpanic]

Hi there sweetheart! 🩵 as i said on my post, im turning this around

what are some of the things that never fail to make you smile?

and I'll also ask: what are some of the things/people that scream 'love' from miles away for you?

@gege-wondering-around I am so, so sorry this has taken so long – as usual. Life is chaos but I really appreciate the ask! You’re so kind and so lovely and your answer was perfect I hope I can do this justice! Diolch yn fawr iawn and here we go

Family. – One member in particular keeps wandering around singing Life is a Highway very badly and offkey and I just love it! It’s so cosy and fun and I just love it when things are calm enough that people can relax and be themselves. My cat (called Busy) also makes me smile. She’s a floozy cat and loves attention.

Writing – I’m working on something for my absolute best friend which has a bit of a story behind it. It’s a Sterek Au that came about because I went back home. I grew up in among those strange rural small towns where everything is a bit weird and a little left of reality. I was in the local supermarket and for some reason in the back rooms they had this section absolutely chock full of plaid shirts so I snapped a pic and sent it to my friend for fun as a Stiles reference. And from that we just kind of ran with this strange Sterek, small town au where all sorts of strange, odd, supernatural things happened. So, of course I had to write it for her. But I write REALLY slowly. It’s not going to be finished any time soon but it’s 18000 words so far! Anyway, it’s purely for fun and full of joy and bittersweet things and it makes me smile SO much. Have a snippet! He can see it now. He’s going to become a cautionary tale. Parents everywhere will tell their children all about the dangers of running off to find themselves and all because he got lost in the woods and eaten by a bear. My what big teeth you have and all that. Wait – that’s little red riding hood. Maybe he’ll be eaten by wolves, not bears… That would be exactly his luck. Especially when there are famously no wolves in California. What was the moral of that story again? Something about not trusting strangers? Never leave the path? Something else about… not… going… for a walk in the woods… alone? Fuck. Stiles runs an anxious hand down the front of his favourite red hoodie. Double fuck. There was no way he was little red riding hood. The universe wouldn’t be that cruel, right? The colour of his jacket should have no bearing on the likelihood of him being eaten by a wild animal. Absolutely not. None, whatsoever. Nope. Incidentally, has anyone done any research on whether bears are attracted to certain colours more than others?

Adventures – I love exploring and just seeing new places, near or far. It doesn’t really matter where but show me a quiet road surrounded by tall trees and I am just giddy with happiness. I love driving too so that helps!

Music – this is one of the things that I live for. I love how much music can give you, from inspiration, to pure feeling, vibes, joy, drama, beautiful poetry. It’s everything and it’s got everything! Here’s a link to my favourites playlist (that I'm still adding to!) but it’s full of all sorts of everything . Listen at your own risk!

Kindness - I’ll shout out to people on Tumblr too. I love seeing people be themselves and owning their weird, whatever it is! That always makes me smile – especially when something good happens for someone I follow. I loved what you said about kindness too. The words I try to live by are be curious and have compassion. Everyone’s going through something and the world can always use a bit more kindness!

Things that scream love from miles away (loved this question!)

Friends – I have two best friends who are the complete opposite of each other and I love them so much. They keep me going and whatever’s going on, they can always make me smile.

I’m moving away from them both which is breaking my heart a bit but something they both do which, to me, screams love from a distance is they’ll just send me things.

One friend sends memes and funny videos

The other shares her day and sends me pictures of what she’s doing.

I love this so much because its just I saw this and thought of you! It’s quick, it’s sweet, its thoughtful and it just means so much to me that they are going about their day and they take the time to think oh, I thought you’d like this! Now my phone is full of their lives and it makes me so happy.

I try to reciprocate  as much as possible but everyone always says my love language is bread. I’ll often bake bread for my friends to pass on when I see them although I realise that might be harder these days. Posting bread doesn’t seem like the best idea…

I’ll also do a small shout out to my husband here, as we’re talking about things that scream love. We met about 14 years ago when I was 18. I saw him across the room in a crowded bar on my first day of Uni and it was love at first sight. Still can’t explain it to this day. He was just my person.

Thanks so much for the ask! It’s really sweet and I had a lot of fun thinking about this one! It’s always worth spreading a little love and happiness and I hope your day is full of pure joy! You deserve it!

[superbattrash]

Bruclark Week Day 7: Free Space

Alternative title: The Unspoken Thing

WE DID IIIIIIIIT AND ON TIME TOO. Dear God, remind me to plan stuff like this better next time, alright? Anyway, here’s that merbruce thing I was going to write. It’s loosely based on a piece of art by @katsuyacrimson​ - I’ve been graciously allowed to post the picture with my fic. The art is at the end :)

Bruce’s tail is amazing. It’s an odd mixture of purple and iridescent; so large that the fins could probably cover a small child if Bruce wanted to. Not that he has that kind of control yet obviously, seeing as he’s been a mermaid for less than five minutes at this point. Still, Clark can’t help but stare as Bruce moves the huge tail around experimentally; like he’s trying to get a feel for it despite it being a part of himself. The blues in his tail become visible when he moves it, and they complement his eyes so beautifully. Some are warm, some colder. Some almost violet while others are bright blue, so light they can almost rival Bruce’s eyes in beauty. Almost.

Clark watches as Bruce holds up a hand – his fingertips replaced with sharp little claw-like tips, purple and scale-y just like his tail. So far that’s the only parts of him that have changed but judging from the way his jaw is tightening by the second, it’s more than enough.

He does look rather strange with half the batsuit on and the only exposed parts of him – except his face – being brightly colored. Purple does suit the darkness of the batsuit though, Clark thinks. Not that that’s what he should be focusing on right now, and he is most certainly not going to tell Bruce that that’s what he’s thinking about. He quickly lands on the ground next to Bruce and crouches down. It’s odd, having to sit down to look Bruce in the eyes.

“I’m sorry, I am so sorry,” Clark exclaims for what feels like the hundredths time in the last thirty minutes. He really should have been faster, should have protected Bruce somehow. He’s supposed to be the strong, invulnerable one.

“You’re just as susceptible to magic as the rest of us,” Bruce mutters like that’s an excuse. It sort of is but not a very good one.

“Yes, but-” Clark feels incredibly guilty despite Bruce having thrown himself in front of the beam of his own volition. It doesn’t make him feel any better that Bruce would sacrifice himself for Clark, believe it or not. There’s a reason Superman is on the team. He can handle himself and take a hit.

“Kal, just-” Bruce takes a deep breath and nearly pokes a lens out of his cowl when he tries to pinch the bridge of his nose with his mer-claws. He drops both arms in his lap. Or, where his lap is supposed to be. Is it still called a lap if it’s on a tail? “Shut up.”

“I didn’t see her in time,” Clark explains. He tries to go on but Bruce speaks over him.

“I know, would you just-” Bruce sighs exasperatedly. He’s clearly trying very hard to be patient with Clark, which is nice of him. Too bad it doesn’t make Clark feel any better. “Just go home, alright?”

“I can’t leave you like this,” Clark argues. There is no way he’s leaving Bruce stranded in Metropolis stuck in mermaid form. He wouldn’t leave him even if he still had his own two feet.

“I’ll be fine,” Bruce insists even as he wiggles around to get his tail situated in a way that lets him sit up straight.

Once again, Clark will never voice any of his thoughts out loud. At least not the quieter ones, hiding behind his worry and guilt. It’s just so weird seeing Bruce uncoordinated like this. He’s swaying back and forth like he can’t quite keep his balance.

“How will you even get home?” Clark asks, trying his best not to stare too long at Bruce’s beautiful tail. He’s not doing a very good job of it.

“I’ll figure it out,” Bruce says with an odd shrug. He nearly tilts with the movement. Sitting on a tail is apparently much different than how Bruce usually sits. Which isn’t much when he’s out as Batman.

“Can you even survive outside of water?” Clark bursts out. He knows it’s a stupid question and that he should probably just let Bruce be, but it isn’t in his nature to leave his friends behind. Especially when that friend is Bruce. Clark has never actually had much contact with mermaids but he’s the best Bruce has got right now. Arthur isn’t with them on this mission, which in hindsight is a big mistake, but Hal has already contacted him.  

“Kal,” Bruce says. His voice jolts Clark out of his muddled thoughts.

“What?”

“I’m a mermaid, not an actual fish,” he reminds him. There’s a hint of amusement in Bruce’s voice which is a good sign. He doesn’t usually take the time to laugh at Clark on missions unless he feels safe enough to do so. He shifts on the ground and is back to his usual stern self in less than five seconds though.

“I know,” Clark says. “But-”

“I am talking to you like I’ve always done, Kal,” Bruce says and this time there’s a tinge of annoyance to his voice. “I am still me, just with more-” He looks down at the shimmering purple tail occupying the space where his legs are supposed to be. “Tail,” he ends awkwardly.

“I know.” Clark bites his cheek as he thinks. He doesn’t want to cause Bruce anymore trouble, but he still feels like he needs to help in some way. “What can I do?”

“Just find the witch,” Bruce says.

“I will,” Clark promises with all the conviction he can manage. He’ll look through the entire galaxy if need be. Although he’s pretty sure Diana must’ve caught up to her by now. There’s no way that witch could’ve outrun Wonder Woman.

“I know,” Bruce says and his lips twitch like he wants to smile reassuringly at Clark. It might just be his imagination though.

“Call me if you need me, okay?” Clark says one last time before he stands. He’s not planning on going home until he knows what happened to the witch.

Bruce grunts, which is the closest to a confirmation he’ll give Clark.

--

Four days. It takes four days for someone to reach out to Clark. It’s obviously not Bruce himself who calls, he’s way too stubborn. It wouldn’t be so bad if only he’d had something else to keep his mind occupied but the rest of the League has it covered. Clark caught up with Diana fast enough, but it turned out that the witch did outrun her, which had to be a first for the princess. Not to worry though, Diana has a plan to catch her and sent Clark home. He was of course happy that she knew what to do, but a little disappointed that there’s nothing he can actively do to help her out.

Which is why he’s thrilled to get the call four days later, even if he’s a little concerned that he hasn’t heard anything in from Bruce in four whole days. It’s not like they text every day or anything (well, Clark texts Bruce silly images and updates of his day, which Bruce responds to about half the time), but he’s used to seeing Bruce often. What with his situation he hasn’t even been able to go out as himself, much less as Batman.

Alfred is too dignified to call Clark’s name (the image of Alfred calling “Master Kent” from the balcony makes Clark smile though), despite knowing that Clark would hear him and instead does the rational thing and calls his phone. How Alfred got his number Clark doesn’t know, but he suspects one of the kids might have given it to him. He doesn’t mind, he’s just happy someone called him. He’s been worried sick.

“Master Kent,” Alfred greets him when he arrives at the manor.

“Alfred,” Clark says warmly. It’s always nice being invited into Bruce’s home although he wishes the circumstances were different. He likes it way better when it’s just him, Alfred and Bruce having dinner. Or in reality it’s just Alfred making them dinner and then leaving them to converse amongst themselves. Clark likes spending time with Bruce either way. He’s missed him a lot these past few days. “Good to see you, how are you?”

“I’ve seen better days,” Alfred says honestly but vaguely enough that it feels rude to ask more questions. “And you, sir?”

“I’m alright. Worried about Bruce though. Is he here?” Clark asks despite being able to tell exactly where Bruce is from his heartbeat alone. It’s not like he chooses to listen for it, it’s more habit than anything.

“Very much so,” Alfred nods towards the stairs that lead up to Bruce’s bedroom. “He’s upstairs, sulking.”

“How did you get him up the stairs?” Clark can’t help but ask. He’s not sure who ended up taking Bruce home, but there’s no way he’s crawled up those stairs even if he is ridiculously strong.

“I bribed Master Jason after Master Bruce was knocked unconscious,” Alfred says conversationally. Like it’s a thing that happens often. Clark knows better than to comment on it.

“With what?” Nothing seems to be able to convince Jason to do anything, although if anyone can make Jason do something, it would be Alfred.

“Knocking Master Bruce unconscious,” Alfred says simply.

“Oh.” Yeah, that’ll do it. Clark feels bad for Bruce though. “Is he alright?”

“I wouldn’t call you if all he needed was company, Master Kent. I know you’re a busy man.”

“Oh no, I don’t mind,” Clark is quick to reassure. “I was just wondering what I can do to help.”

“You can make sure he’s still alive in there,” Alfred says and it’s the first time he’s sounded irritated through the whole conversation. Irritated, but also worried.

“What do you mean?” Clark asks.

“He looks like a neanderthal, Master Kent, and he hasn’t come out of his room in several days. He’s not eating, and I doubt he’s able to shower by himself.” Alfred follows him up the stairs.

“Oh, that’s, uh.” Clark doesn’t really know what to say to that. He’s quite sure Bruce wouldn’t want a helping hand taking a shower – much less Clark’s helping hand. There’s this… unspoken thing between them. They’re not supposed to act on it. At least that’s what he’s gathered from Bruce’s grunts and side-glances.

“I cannot carry him myself or I would’ve forced him out already,” Alfred explains. “Never mind the fact that Master Bruce won’t let anyone into his room.”

“Ah, got it.” This Clark can do. This he’s basically made for.

They stop outside Bruce’s bedroom but judging from his heartbeat he hasn’t heard them approaching. He doesn’t sound agitated per se, but there is definitely something off about him.

“He’s locked you out?” Clark asks after he’s jostled the handle.

“Yes.”

“There’s no extra key?” It doesn’t sound like Alfred to give up so easily. Clark knows for a fact that all of Bruce’s children (and Alfred) know how to pick a lock. His own apartment has been the victim of their skills more than once.

“I’m afraid he’s taken them with him. All seven.”

“And?” Clark asks because he knows there’s more to it than that.

“He’s jammed the door from the inside,” Alfred sighs.  

“Ah,” Clark says before looking through the wood to see the chair Bruce has shoved underneath the handle. “Are you very fond of this door?”

“Have at it,” Alfred says with an elegant swoosh of his hand. “But do mind the handle, please. It’s original.”

It’s not exactly hard to break a door when you’ve got Clark’s strength, but the manor does have a very sturdy interior. Clark makes sure to merely knock it off its hinges gently. Or, as gently as one can anyway. He’s pretty sure he’s ruined the chair that was in the way though. Alfred doesn’t seem to mind.

“Best of luck,” he says before leaving Clark to it.

Clark looks around the room. Nothing seems out of place, except for the broken chair and the door in his hands. He rests it gently against the wall; still covering most of the doorway.

“Bruce,” he calls. He knows better than to simply appear by Bruce’s side if he’s barricaded himself in his bedroom. Something must be really wrong.

“What do you want?” Bruce’s speech is slurred and coming from the bathroom. It’s no surprise to him that Clark is here which Clark isn’t sure is a good or bad thing.

“Alfred is worried about you,” he calls out as he approaches the bathroom door. He really hopes he doesn’t have to break this one down. “I am too. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Go away,” Bruce says. There’s movement on the other side of the door; sounds of water moving around. Maybe Bruce has finally decided to try for a shower?

“Bruce, come on,” Clark tries. He doesn’t look through the door in case Bruce really is in the shower but he’s very tempted. Just to make sure Bruce is alright, of course. “Alfred says you’re not eating.”

“I said I’m fine,” comes Bruce’s gruff answer.

“I’ll believe that when I see it,” Clark says as he makes the decision to ignore Bruce’s personal space. It’s not like it’s the first time anyway. “I’m coming in.”

“Clark, wait, no-”

Clark opens the bathroom door (and is silently glad it wasn’t locked) and steps inside. It smells odd in the room, not unpleasant, but not how it usually smells. Not how Bruce usually smells. Clark looks to the shower but that’s not where Bruce is. He’s in the tub.

And he looks horrible.

No, not horrible, Bruce always looks stunning, but he looks exhausted and like he hasn’t slept in days. Alfred is right; the – from what Clark can tell – four days old stubble on his face is slowly turning into a full-blown beard and it somehow makes him look older than he is when combined with the dark circles under his eyes. There’s water in the tub but barely enough to cover his tail as it lays curled around him. It looks like it’s grown – or spread at the very least. More of Bruce’s waist is covered in scales and he’s even started turning purple near his temples and ears.

“Oh, Bruce,” Clark says, despite knowing how much Bruce hates being pitied. “What happened?”

“It keeps getting worse,” Bruce mutters. He’s keeping his hands under the water, but Clark suspects the scales on his fingers have spread as well.

“And the eating?”

“I can’t hold anything with these damn claws,” he says and finally holds up his hands. It’s not nearly as bad as Clark had anticipated but he can see how it would be tough to hold onto a fork or even a spoon with the slippery scales covering his fingers.

“Why not just ask Alfred to-”

“To what? Feed me?” Bruce interrupts bitterly. “He’s done enough already; I can’t ask him to do that. I can’t ask anyone to do that.”

“Okay, alright, I get it,” Clark says gently but firmly. There’s no reason to push the issue right now. “I’m here now though, so what do you need? What can I do?”

Bruce is quiet for a while and then sighs heavily. Even he’s not stubborn enough to refuse help after what looks like four days in his own tub. His ribs are poking out more than usual and he looks pale where he’s still got human skin.

“I need fresh water, but I can’t turn the knob,” Bruce mutters. “My skin- scales- the tail gets irritated if I’m not in water.”

“Alright, let’s start there,” Clark says.

It takes a little maneuvering, but they manage to move Bruce’s tail from the drain enough that they can let the water out. Bruce can lift the appendix himself now, but it takes a lot of effort, and he looks like he’s about ready to fall over so Clark carefully lifts most of it for him. As soon as the water is out Clark plugs the drain again and opens the faucet.

“Hot or cold?” he asks as he holds a hand under the spray.

“Hot,” Bruce says quietly. He’s huddled together and it makes Clark’s heart ache. Bruce is usually so confident, but he’s been stuck in his bathroom, clearly embarrassed to be seen. How has he even managed to sleep if he’s been in the tub all these days?

Clark fills the tub as much as he dares, making sure it doesn’t splash over the edges even if Bruce moves around.

“Alright,” Clark says as he dries his hands on his pants. “Next up is food. Anything particular you’re in the mood for?”

“Something soft,” Bruce says. He’s scrunching up his nose like the thought of food is making him ill. “My teeth hurt.”

“Your teeth?” Clark stops in the doorway to look at Bruce. He can’t help but x-ray him quickly but there doesn’t seem to be something wrong with his teeth at all. Bruce has excellent teeth. When he looks up again, Bruce is glaring at him. “Right, sorry, something soft, coming right up.”

Alfred is thrilled that Clark not only got Bruce to talk to him but also managed to find a way to make him eat. Something soft is easier said than done but Alfred knows Bruce better than anybody and he’s the fastest cook Clark has ever seen. He’s made a tomato soup by the time they’re finished talking about how Bruce is doing. He hands Clark a small piece of bread as well, because “He can’t survive off liquids, that silly boy.”

It's clear as day that Alfred is worried, but he seems calmer now that Bruce has agreed to eat something. Now the question is how Clark is going to have Bruce actually eat the soup? He takes the tray Alfred has made ready and goes back to the bathroom, where Bruce is resting his chin on the edge of the tub. He looks like he’s about five minutes away from falling asleep, but he bolts upright when Clark enters the room.

“Tomato soup,” he says as he eyes the bowl.

“With bread,” Clark says with a smile as he holds up the small roll. Bruce stares at it like he could eat it straight out of Clark’s hand. Hmm. “Alright, I know you’re going to say no-”

“So don’t say whatever it is you want to say.”

“Shush,” Clark huffs. “I know you’re going to say no, but this is how we’re going to do this, okay? I’ll hold the spoon all you have to do is eat. Are your teeth so bad you can’t swallow?”

“I swallow just fine,” Bruce says and there’s a hint of a smirk on his face that has Clark feel a little faint. It’s that unspoken thing again.

“Alright, okay,” he says and clears his throat. “I’m not going to make you say ahh unless you want me to do the airplane thing.”

“Shut up,” Bruce huffs but obediently opens his mouth when Clark holds the spoon out towards him. He wraps his lips around the spoon and moans.

Clark nearly drops the spoon at the sound. He plays it off as well as he can, but of course Bruce notices. He always notices everything. It’s not like he can blame Bruce for enjoying the first proper meal he’s had in days.

Clark thought it might be odd or awkward to feed Bruce, but they’ve known each other for years and years. They’ve been stuck on alien planets together, fought aliens and super villains. They’ve even had to bandage each other’s wounds, for God’s sake. It’s not like Bruce is eating the soup off of Clark’s naked body.

He really does drop the spoon when that thought runs through his mind.

Bruce sends him a quizzical look but doesn’t comment on it. It’s not like they can’t rinse the spoons off; they’ve got plenty of water nearby. It’s when it comes to the bread that Clark really starts to struggle.

It’s not the whole dipping the bread in what’s left of the soup, it’s the fact that there’s nothing between Clark’s hand and Bruce’s mouth now. He has to breathe through his mouth and pretend like he doesn’t feel his fingers tingle where Bruce’s lips grace them as he bites at the bread. He’s being awfully nice about this whole thing, but Clark suspects he’s just trying to make it as easy on Clark as he can.

There’s no way to explain the flutter in Clark’s stomach those few times Bruce’s tongue accidentally touches his skin. God, he really needs to get it together. When the last piece of bread is gone, he feels both relieved and disappointed. He’s not going to look closer at those feelings right now. First, he has to take care of Bruce.

“Okay,” Clark says, trying very hard to ignore how breathless he sounds. “Next is the beard.”

“What?”

“Alfred isn’t a fan.”

“I’m not surprised,” Bruce shrugs. “It makes me look like my father when was too busy to take proper care of himself.”

“Good to know it’s in your blood,” Clark comments as he puts the bowl and spoon back on the tray. “Now, how do you want to do this?”

“By myself but that’s not really an option,” Bruce grumbles.

“No, it is not,” Clark agrees. “So stop sulking and lean your head back so I can reach your neck.”

It’s not been on Clark’s yearly bingo card that he gets to shave Bruce’s face but he’s not complaining. Or at least he isn’t until he actually has to do it. Even if he hovers in the air, he can’t get the right angle without making Bruce sit in a painful or at the very least awkward position. He can’t very well ask Bruce to leave the tub either even if that would make this easier.

“I can’t really-” he tries. “This isn’t going to work if I can’t- um.”

“Spit it out, Clark,” Bruce says, and Clark does his very best not to look at how his Adam’s apple moves when he speaks. His neck looks so long like this, exposed and vulnerable.

“Can I sit in the tub with you?” Clark asks before he can think too much about it.

“Excuse me?”

“It’s just that I think it’ll be a lot easier seeing as you’re more comfortable in water and there isn’t really room for your tail anywhere else and I can’t really- I can’t reach you properly any other way.” He really hopes he sounds more confident than he feels.

“Hm,” Bruce grunts, which... isn’t a rejection. And then Bruce scoots forward in the tub, making room for Clark to sit behind him.

Clark gapes but only for less than a second. Then he strips off his shirt and pants. At Bruce’s raised eyebrow Clark merely smiles. He’s not going to get naked, but he also doesn’t want to leave in soaking clothes. He steps over the edge of the tub and shuffles around until he can sit comfortably behind Bruce. It’s a good thing his tub is so ginormous.

It’s intimate. Odd but not unpleasant. Clark never thought he’d be able to do this, to be this close to Bruce. There’s obviously a reasonable excuse for it now but he still wouldn’t have thought Bruce would allow him to do this; to help like this.

Clark doesn’t actually shave much, himself. He has his heat vision, and he knows how to use it. There’s been a few times where he’s had to use a razor though and he’s happy for the practice now that he has to hold a blade so close to Bruce’s neck.

Bruce, on his part, doesn’t seem to mind at all. His heartrate is steady, his body calm. There’s no physical sign that he’s reacting to their close proximity which leaves Clark both relieved and a little disappointed. It’s the theme of his feelings today, it seems.

“Is this alright?” he asks, because despite being able to read Bruce’s physical response, he still wants to make sure Bruce is comfortable. Or as comfortable as he can be with Clark pressed up against him.

“Yea,” Bruce says softly. “Yes, it’s- it’s fine.”

There’s slight skip to his heartbeat and Clark frowns slightly. He’s not a lie detector; there are many reasons why people’s hearts skip a beat. Embarrassment, excitement, even rage. There’s no one clear answer to explain it, and yet… Bruce’s heart never skips a beat. It races in the heat of a fight; it slows when he (seldomly) rests, but it doesn’t skip.

There’s no way to comment on it without a) overstepping the boundaries Bruce has set about personal space (the mental kind, the physical can’t really be respected right now) or b) sounding like a creep, so Clark settles back and ignores it. Mostly ignores it.

He lathers up Bruce’s face gently – which he probably could’ve done himself, but there’s no way Clark will let him try if it ends up with those mer-claws piercing his skin. Bruce may have many scars, but he doesn’t need to add facial ones to the collection. He’s got enough everywhere else. Clark bites his lip as he carefully makes sure Bruce’s neck and chin are covered before he moves onto his cheeks. The hairs catch on his skin, but Bruce doesn’t seem to mind the slight pull at his face.

Clark’s hand is steady as he slides the razor over Bruce’s skin. He barely presses down; doesn’t have to with such an expensive razor. He rinses it in the water and mentally makes a note to change it again when they’re done. He wonders if the pool Bruce uses to swim laps would be more comfortable for him. Bruce might need to stay in water for several more days; there has to be a better way to do this; the tub may work for shaving but for sleeping? He’ll have to have someone looking over him constantly.

There’s another skip in Bruce’s heartbeat and then: “I never thought I’d willingly let you this close with a blade.”

“Neither did I if I’m honest,” Clark says. He waits a beat or two, carefully gliding the razor over Bruce’s skin. “I’m glad you did though.”

Bruce turns his head as Clark rinses the razor. His eyes catch Clark’s.

“So am I,” he says quietly. He’s staring at Clark like he’s trying to see through him. His nostrils flare and there’s a faint purple shine in his eyes. Clark wonders if it’s always been there and he’s just never noticed or if this is part of the mer-curse. “I’ll give you a scalp massage as a thank you,” Clark offers just to keep the mood light.

Bruce chuckles and they settle in comfortable silence as Clark works.

He finishes shaving Bruce’s face and neck, careful not to cut him. He rinses the razor once more and then puts it on the edge of the tub. He’s just about to reach for Bruce’s face again with the warm washcloth when Bruce flinches.

Bruce lets out a soft sound and starts shivering. Not even a second later he groans quietly and Clark stops moving all together.

“What? What’s happening? Did I hurt you?” Clark asks worriedly.

“No, I- I don’t know what’s happening,” Bruce mutters but he’s staring down at his tail.

“Happening?” Clark echoes and moves around so he can see what Bruce is talking about. “What- oh.” Clark’s face feels like it’s on fire as he looks at… he’s not even sure what it is he’s looking at, but underneath Bruce’s navel, in the scales of his tail, a small opening has appeared. It seems to be throbbing in time with Bruce’s pulse and it looks wet and warm and-

“Jesus-”

“That, uh,” Clark stutters. “It looks like-”

“I know what it looks like,” Bruce bites and twists away as much as he can when they’re pressed against each other. “Stop staring at it!”

“I’m sorry.” Clark turns his head upwards to stare at the ceiling. “Does it hurt?”

“No, it doesn’t hurt,” Bruce hisses. He’s doing some of his breathing exercises, but they don’t seem to be working. After a minute or two Bruce huffs in frustration. “I need you to leave.”

“What?” Clark asks and forgets to keep his head turned. “Why?”

“I just-” Bruce’s nostrils flare again, and he seems to flinch back from Clark as his skin flushes all the way down to his chest. “I need you to not be near me for a while.”

“But Bruce-”

“I’m not-” Bruce interrupts. He closes his eyes and breathes very slowly through his mouth. “I’m not asking you leave the house, okay? Just this room, just for a little while.”

“Oh.” Clark flushes a little at how relieved he feels. “Okay.”

It’s awkward, stepping out of the tub and going back out to Bruce’s bedroom, but mostly because Clark doesn’t know what he did wrong or what’s happening with Bruce.

Bruce keeps his word and calls out for Clark softly fifteen minutes later. He seems to have calmed down and the opening or whatever it was - not that Clark is looking for it! - is gone as well. Clark isn’t an expert in mermaid anatomy and he’s not going to ask Bruce about it after the reaction he had, but he has an inkling. It’s not something he’ll ever bring up unless Bruce does, but… he can keep that thought for himself. That feeling.

Despite their rather awkward and abrupt shower session Bruce is more than willing to let Clark stay at the manor. Clark is pretty sure it’s because he’s horrified to let his children see him like this and now that he’s already let Clark in, it’s easier to accept his help. Either way Clark is happy to stay and help out. Especially as the days pass and they still haven’t heard anything cure-related from Diana.

It seems the curse is worse than they originally thought. The more time goes by the more mermaid Bruce becomes. His teeth are soon too long for him to speak around them properly (it seems that’s why they were hurting); Clark wipes blood off his chin every time he tries because he keeps piercing through his own lip. The scales spread from his fingertips up his hands, all the way to his elbows.

The third day Clark is with him, Bruce stops trying to talk. Clark assumes it’s the teeth but when Bruce opens his mouth to answer a question Alfred asks by pure instinct, he hears why Bruce has stopped talking. Because he can’t. All that gets past his lips are small chirps and low humming. Bruce looks horrified and Alfred looks scared. This can’t be good.

By the fifth day Clark is done waiting. He’ll find Diana and figure out what’s going on. Bruce has to have help. Now. He spends more time under water in the tub than he does above and it’s worrying both to Clark and Bruce’s family. Even Jason has stopped by the manor to poke his head in and stare at Bruce. No rude comment or anything, which says something about how worried he is.

Clark finds Diana fairly easy; she’s at the Watchtower with J’onn and Wally. He’s been too wound up to search properly for her, even with knowing her strong heartbeat, so he has no doubt that he’s wasted time looking for her. He should’ve simply sent her a message, but he’s been too preoccupied keeping track of Bruce’s heartbeat since he left the manor. Clark doesn’t mean to sound accusing but he can see on their faces that he must have spoken rather roughly when greeting them. He swallows and tries again.

“My apologies,” he says. “I just- have we found the witch yet?”

“Yes,” J’onn says. He must sense Clark’s urgency.

“She was half Atlantean,” Diana supplies. “I needed Arthur’s assistance in catching her.”

“And?” Clark presses. “What did you find out?”

“We already sent Batsy the cure, Big Blue,” Wally says helpfully. “Arthur should’ve been by Bruce’s house like an hour ago.”

An hour ago. Clark would slam his head against a wall if he wasn’t sure he would break it before knocking his own brain into a working spot. He thanks them quickly before making the trip back to the manor. Has he really wasted so much time that he missed Arthur’s visit or was he simply too panicked to notice him arriving? He can’t be sure, and he doesn’t have the patience to figure it out. He needs to get back to Bruce.

Clark finds the entirety of the bat family in Bruce’s bedroom. They’re all talking amongst themselves; it’s happy chatter so Clark is hopeful. He enters just as Bruce walks out of the bathroom. Walks. On his two legs.

“Well, that’s better,” Bruce says as he pulls the shirt over his head. His eyes instantly fall on Clark. “How do I look?”

“Incredible,” is the first thing in Clark’s brain and he somehow forgets to catch it before it exits his mouth.

“Huh,” Bruce says with a slight nod of his head. “Does that mean you’re willing to share another bath with me even without my tail?”

“Oh, yuck,” someone says – sounds like Jason, but he’s not supposed to be here, is he?

It may just as well have been Tim or even Dick; Clark can’t focus on anything but Bruce and the words he’s almost certain Bruce just said. It can’t be right though, can it? Did Bruce just invite him into another bath? Being mer must have scrambled his brain. He looks fine though. More than fine, he looks…

“And that is our cue to leave, young sirs,” Alfred says and shoos the others out the door. Were they really all here? Clark feels rude for not greeting them properly.

“I seem to recall you owing me a scalp massage,” Bruce says when the last bat-boy is out of the room.

“Hey, it wasn’t my fault we didn’t get to finish that,” Clark points out. His chest feels light as he looks Bruce over. He really does look his best when he’s clean-shaven and on his own two feet. Although Clark might miss getting to take care of him.

“I promise I won’t pop a mermaid-boner on you this time,” Bruce says with a cocky shrug. He’s trying to cover up the slight blush on his cheeks with a confident attitude and Clark has missed this. Missed him being up and flirty.

“Too bad,” Clark grins because now that Bruce has mentioned it, it’s free territory. It’s not part of the unspoken thing. “It suited you.”

“I thought I told you not to look,” Bruce says as he steps closer.

“I thought I told you to ask for help,” Clark counters.

“I’m asking now.” He’s so close that Clark only has to flex his hand and he’ll be able to touch him. Bruce is well aware of this; it’s clear in his bright eyes. The purple is gone but his eyes are just as beautiful without it.

“Are you?” Clark asks.

“Please,” Bruce breathes so close to his lips. He looks from Clark’s mouth to his eyes, searching for something or saying something, Clark isn’t sure. The signal is clear as day though, he doesn’t have to say it: the unspoken thing now has words. “Help me out of these clothes.”

“You got it.”

[soaps-mohawk]

ok so for some reason i can’t post anything under your crcb fic in ao3 so here i am lol.

FIRST OF ALL IM SO HAPPY I FOUND IT IM SO SHOCKED ABOUT HOW WELL YOU WRITE???

the dynamics between everyone is so well balanced and is so so healthy. i’ve grown so attached to everyone and i didnt even know i could love them more than i already do haha

i also would like to be the president of the dr keller’s stan club please I LOVE HER SO MUCH everything about her is so soothing and i find myself giggling everytime she is mentionned and has an appearance

i fell sick yesterday and i literally binge read it on my bed and i couldn’t be happier. i usually spend all my time on tumblr reading fics but i never ever came across your account before and im kinda mad about it and at tumblr lol

anyway sorry for the ramble i can’t put words into how much i loved reading this and i know i will comeback to your account to read again everything. your writing style is so comforting :(

i wish you the best!! 💗💗

Really??? How strange. I don't have my fic set to registered users only and I have guest comments on 🤔 I haven't blocked anyone recently either...how odd.

Anyway

Aaahhhh thank you so much?!?!?! I'm so...I don't even have words right now 😭 I so wish I was better at taking compliments.

I fear you might have to fight for that position, I know so many people are in love with Dr. Keller (which makes me very happy and also same)

Oh no!! I'm sorry you were sick, I hope you're feeling better now!!! If not then I'm sending soup and a warm blanket.

Thank you so much, though. I'm so happy you've been enjoying the fic, and that you continue to do so

[illegalmushrooms]

shrooooms, the kids miss uu where art thou 😭

... hey!

(incoming yap session, beware)

This is a little awkward. I haven't touched my Tumblr in like, apparently three years. There's some questions in my inbox, but they're so old it feels a bit strange to answer them now, right? 😭

Anyway. It's nice to see you! Whoever you may be! (Are the kids OK?)

Last week, for god knows what reason, I re-donned my mushroom hat (humor me for a moment and imagine a Mario Toad-style monstrosity) and published a new (old) chapter of Don't Leave! (y'all remember that? Does anyone reading this right now remember or know who I am??).

Laying off the parentheses now--I explained in the chapter a bit of the future of the story and what was happening with me. Oh my gosh, is that a conveniently-placed link to the chapter down below?

As I mentioned somewhere in that conveniently-placed link, I'm mostly fine, and there's nothing else I have written for Don't Leave! so far.

Well...

Okay, so that's a complete and utter lie. I do have something written. But I'm afraid it's not very useful.

I actually wrote... a complete, very dramatic ending to the story. It's an interesting ending, to say the least, but of course, the story is nowhere near that point. I'd have to write another thirty-forty-who knows more chapters or something to even reach this supposed ending, and by then I might not even like the idea I have there.

I guess that's not relevant. I suppose the point I'm trying to make is that I never, ever, forgot about Don't Leave! I've thought about it a lot, even when I haven't been writing a single word. I've been reading every comment and message I received across the different platforms, and you know, smiling stupidly at my phone every time. I've totally missed the world of fanfiction! I've missed Bella, the ridiculous character I conjured up within the depths of pandemic-era isolation! I've missed sitting down at my laptop and tap-tapping away and sinking into this wonderful world Togashi made!

So here's what I'm going to say about the story. (This post just gets longer and longer, doesn't it? Sorry!)

As of right now, there is no next chapter.

I can't say when there might be a next chapter.

I can say that maybe, life-permitting, I'll post something in the fall, if I can squeeze in some time to rewatch HxH. I've just... forgotten a lot of the go story's intricacies that an author has to keep in mind to write a comprehensible fic.

That's what I have to say about Don't Leave! .

(and, to anyone who might be thinking of those other fics I wrote, which I highly doubt anyone is... I actually have a few chapters of them simmering in my docs somewhere. But I'm a bit embarrassed about it, so let's consider them dead for the moment, alright?)

Now that I've cleared that up, and some of my conscience along with it, I suppose I'll drop in a tiny life update for any curious souls. I've never disclosed much about myself and I'd like to consider myself awful cool and mysterious, but can I speed run certain vague life events from my past three years?

I... survived a car crash, travelled to new countries and places, moved, wrote a ton (fanfic and general fiction, all of it kind of ass), survived a fire, worked and toiled to the capitalist machine, had a couple mental breakdowns, conquered the mental health, lost it again, conquered again...

...and so on...

What's next for me?

I am hesitant of publishing anything else at the moment. I have a lot of fics I'd written just sitting in my files; everything from miscellaneous anime stuff to Harry Potter to this one reallllly odd story about isekai-ing into Minecraft, of all things. (I actually kind of like that one. Don't know if there's an audience for that kind of thing, though). My writing has absolutely improved since those admittedly rough early chapters of DL (I am ASTOUNDED it ever gained the little audience that it did) but there's still an anxiety I have about sharing my work. Silly, yes, but that's that.

For right now, I have the new DL chapter, I have this long-ass update post, and I have my genuine appreciation.

Much love to anyone who might still care. <3

Until next time?

Illegal Mushrooms

[siriuslysatorusimping]

Hi hello, so nice to talk to you, Kiko!

This is going to definitely sound weird, but do you have any advice for an ongoing Ao3 writer? Pretty sure I'm not the only one here writing Gojo/OC stories or fluffy one-shots since they're so addicting lol.

But it's strange to be so obsessed with writing with so many ideas and time and energy to write, and then it feels like you're in a bit of a slump when that rush of creativity sort of slows.

You mentioned before that you had most of the story for AL mapped out and written, did it help you to plan ahead more before posting? Or was it more of a, "I didn't worry about it too much because it was fun to write and we're all Gojo simpls" kind of a deal?

Anyhow, would love to know if you'd be alright talking about it. Have a good day~

Hiiiii! It's nice to talk to you, too! 😊

Gojo fluff is addictive and I honestly have been rereading Physical Paradox installments today because I need fluff and motivation 😂

Hmmmm, advice for AO3 writers? Honestly, I feel like I'm a bit under qualified for that because I'd been an anon reader for over ten years until July when I finally created an account so I could post Another Level 😂😂

BUT, I do have a few thoughts. I'll try to keep these as simple as my over-explaining ass can 🫠 (Kiko did not keep it simple. I ranted and this post is hella long, I am so sorry.)

If you haven't already, you can read Another Level on AO3 💕

On writing in general: Write for you.

1) I know I've said this before, but it's true. Write as if no one else will ever see what you're writing to begin with. That's how I started with Another Level. I never intended for anyone else to see it when I first started. On the flip side of this though, don't be afraid of bouncing ideas off others.

It's likely vain of me, but I genuinely enjoy reading my own writing. I try very hard to make sure that what I'm posting is something I enjoy reading. But it makes it so much easier to write if you enjoy reading it, because you're just as excited to read it and see what happens as someone who isn't in your head.

2) I think that something really important for when that creativity slows in one area, don't force yourself to keep going if you don't have to. Hobbies are supposed to be fun, not an obligation or a stressor.

Once the joy fades from a hobby, it's no longer a hobby.

Think of it this way: since May of this year, I've written around 300k words for different fanfics. If we look at that from the perspective of a single-spaced, 12pt font perspective, that is 300 pages. I've written the equivalent of a gosh dang Dissertation. But here's the difference between Another Level and a Dissertation: writing and researching for Another Level was fun. It was something I wanted to do.

(We'll ignore the fact that I didn't have to teach classes and grade papers simultaneously as well. I do and don't miss grad school And honestly, I miss teaching. But academia can kiss my ass.)

3) Write what you want to write, not what others expect you to write. This isn't your job. You aren't being paid for a word count or hours put in, you're doing this for you and for fun. When you let other's expectations drive you instead of your own desire, that happiness is fleeting and it's easy to burnout fast.

4) Follow your inspiration fairies, even if only briefly. You don't have to write out an entire universe, and you don't have to keep what you write. But sometimes you have to get rid of the brainworms to make room for other ideas. I've realized that a few of my Goinko 'au' ideas are literally better just as little headcannons or blurbs and nothing more. And that's okay, because now I got them out of my system.

5) If you want to write and finish a series, only post for that series. I'm learning this the hard way right now with Gokduō and Physical Paradox. It is really hard to focus on one or the other because I feel an odd pressure to get the next parts done for both, which is completely the opposite of what it should be.

The pressure drains my creativity, and I've found myself struggling because I'm too worried about what people will think of it instead of what I want it to be. In all honesty, I had a moment today where I almost decided I don't want to finish Gokudō because I'm not sure where to take it, but I realized I just need some time away from trying to force myself.

6) If you're unhappy with it, don't be afraid to scrap it. Use it as a starting point if you want, but don't get too attached to it if you don't like where it's going. Take a step back and ask if/how it's getting you where you want to go with that work, and if it doesn't help you get there, then it can go.

What was my approach with Another Level? (includes JJK Manga spoilers)

I'll elaborate a bit more on how I had things mapped out before I started posting first. Essentially, when the Gojo/Sukuna fight started in the manga, I just knew Gojo was going to die. In my mind, there was no way Akutami would let him live, and I was in a really bad place mentally and wasn't sure how I'd be able to handle it. And then I was like "wait, that's literally why we have fanfic, I can keep him alive as long as I want."

So, I started Another Level with the intention to keep it to myself and use it as my own comfort fic to prepare myself for Gojo's death. Some behind the scenes info: a version of the dream Rinko had in Split Bluff was the very first thing I wrote for Another Level. Except it originally wasn't a dream, it was going to be their reunion. However, they weren't as close, they were solidly friends with benefits who barely knew each other. Then, I wrote a part where Rinko first meets Yuuji at the Goodwill Event and she was Maki's legal guardian and still a teacher at Kyoto Tech, then I went further back and wrote her asking Gojo to get Maki enrolled at Tokyo Tech, and then I went further back and wrote Make a God Bleed.

As you already know because you've read Another Level, none of those stayed the same because then, as I kept writing, Rinko took on a life of her own. She became so much more than just a random OC that I threw together without thinking. And I have to say that I'm so glad she did because I'm not sure I would have been able to deal with 236 without Rinko. Some people have said Rinko helped them, but she's helped me so much as well. I mean it when I say she's cemented herself as my favorite original character that I've ever written because she has so much depth and heart that I accidentally poured into her. Not to mention that she's helped me meet some really amazing people along the way.

I'm in a bit of a rut now because I was on a marathon of writing for about five or six months. I started writing Another Level in May, and while I wrote the first draft for All That I Am Is Yours probably in June or July, I pretty much completely rewrote it once we actually got there. Between May and now, I've written upwards of 300k words of JJK fanfic, not including the installments or drafts I scrapped completely 🙃

Posting schedule with Another Level:

As someone who is severely ADHD, my hyperfocus was strong with Another Level. I was obsessed. And I was even more obsessed when I realized people were enjoying reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

In all honesty, part of what kept me on a strict uploading schedule with Another Level was a desire for the validation and praise in the comments. While I had a lot written, I uploaded so quickly because I wanted to get that lil rush from seeing the comments.

Kiko is about to do a lil bit of oversharing for ya: I'd just left a job where I'd spent the last six months there with my formerly wonderful boss decided to blame me for every little thing that went wrong, and then she couldn't understand why my performance actually started to drop. I hadn't heard a damn word of positive feedback for anything I did in so long that the comments on Another Level helped pull me out of a very depressive state.

But, it quickly became unhealthy because I started to rely on them to the point where it was all I cared about. All I cared about was seeing comments on the newest Another Level installment, and when there wasn't feedback, I got all in my head about what I'd done wrong and wanted to post the next installment as quickly as possible because maybe that one would do better.

Now, this is not me saying that wanting comments is a bad thing. Feedback is very important, and it's hard to know if people are enjoying something when there's not anything to go on. But it does become a problem if it's the only reason you're writing. I've been very fortunate in that I haven't gotten comments or messages demanding updates because I've seen that others do receive those sometimes. I like to think it's because you guys are just awesome and wonderful people.

I've gotten a bit better about being obsessed with comments because I have this nice lil corner of wonderful people and I feel like I've made a few genuine friends here. (Hi Rai, if you're reading this, I hope you're doing well.)

I know that what I just described for my Another Level posting schedule contradicts what I said in the beginning, but I will say that while my posting schedule was heavily driven by that need for praise, my writing schedule was not. I was writing so much because I was enjoying myself. I was having more fun writing than I had in years. I still am, but I do have to keep reminding myself some of the points I made above otherwise I find myself falling into a rut.

THIS WAS PROBABLY WAY MORE THAN YOU BARGAINED FOR AND I AM SO SORRY 🫠

BUT I HOPE IT MADE SENSE AND THAT IT WASN'T JUST COMPLETELY FUCKING USELESS 😭😭🙃

[silent-dragon]

Happy Birthday Esca!

The day is here! Here is the full art of Bloom Birthday Esca.

Bouquet Meaning

Pink carnations - His Affection towards others

Snowdrops - His Hopes for the future

Yellow Butterfly Milkweed - Sign of him ready to let go or moving on from something/someone

Catnip - His Love for Cats

Forest Moss - His attachment to Nature

Wish him well today with asks if want he will reply to them to give thanks.

🌙🦌🧡

____________

Birthday Interview Below

Note: This Esca is post his dorm's story so some things in art and interview reflect this. His name is one such thing as before Damián was his first name. I made sure to not be too spoilery of the story since in progress of posting it.

Birthday Interview

January 12,2023

Birthday Man: Esca Damián Delgado

Interviewer: Sigurd Romeo-Henry Farscrew

Location: Serendipia Dorm - Night's Meow Entrance Room

🌙

Esca: Such an eventful start of the night. Usually I'm the one doing the party set-up so it feels odd.

Esca: I have a strange feeling about this interview thing..I am not great at being questioned if I don't know who is asking them.

Sigurd: Evening Sir Delgado!! I have arrived as foretold.

Esca: Oh? Hello Sir..uh…oh..I am terribly sorry I am bad at remembering names sometimes.

Sigurd: Ah quite alright tis is I Sigurd Romeo-Henry Farscrew!

Esca: That's quite the name..but evening Sir Farscrew are you here as the question asker?

Sigurd: Very so! I was given paper of words to ask thy heart.

Esca: I am..very nervous now..also if possible can try to speak plainly? Sorry I just remember your friend telling me to ask you if hard to understand you.

Sigurd: Yes yes apologies I will do so I got too excited so my words return to tongue.

🌙

Sigurd: I start asking the questions listed here to say. To start,"Is there a job you wish to pursue?".

Esca: A job? Hmmm..ah a nature photographer.

Sigurd: Oh? Can elaborate on why?

Esca: I've always been a nature lover since I raised myself mostly in a forest yet I haven't seen all the kinds of nature possible so a job that lets me see it all and share with others would be perfect.

Sigurd: That does sound like you have your mind set on it. That requires you to travel a lot I feel like?

Esca: Yes,which I've never done much of due to fears but after what happened to me here I am ready to do something different that tests me.

Sigurd: Would the journey be by yourself?

Esca: No, I would be taking my brother with me. He has the same desire to see more of the world but is often too sick too so I will care for him as we both travel and take pictures of what we see. Sable also would come along as he loves travel as well. There's another who I hope to see during the adventure too…

Sigurd: Another? Oh..hmmm do I sense..romance?!

Esca: I….no uh I just meant a friend I will miss once years are over. I've made a lot of friends so often I will miss them…

Sigurd: Sir I won't pry but the pause in your voice says I perhaps am right..

Esca: ……

🌙

Sigurd: Uh..next question! "Your most precious thing you can't live without?"

Esca: ..cats…

Sigurd: Cats?

Esca: Yes..

Sigurd: ..Nothing more to say?

Esca: No..

Sigurd: Alright..I will write that down as cats in all capital letters to fill space. Sorry I do understand you're not the type for interviews.

Esca: Yeah makes me feel I am put on the spot for doing something wrong.

🌙

Sigurd: Very true they are troublesome most times so last question! "Something you wish you knew beforehand?".

Esca: Who I was before the truth hurt some people I cared for.

Sigurd: I see! Is this about the incident that happened here last month? I believe only your dorm students know about it, us outside only heard rumors.

Esca: Yes it is and I am sorry I can't say exactly what happened as I was told not to by staff for safety reasons but know it has changed me a lot as you can physically see.

Sigurd: I do but didn't ask as unsure if rude to ask about it.

Esca: It is fine I've gotten used to it mostly but makes things a bit hard to do. My mind also is more informed on things I dearly wish I had known before but all I can do is move forward.

Sigurd: May I ask if will get it fixed or keep it as is?

Esca: I know I can with magic but since it's a reminder of an important moment in my life I am going to leave it as is for now. In future I may do something about it if it interrupts me.

Sigurd: What an enlightening statement I may need to follow those words myself. The interview is now over! I'm sure you're ready for the merriment?

🌙

Esca: Thank you Sigurd for being a pleasant person to speak to. I am looking forward to what everyone has prepared for the party. They didn't let me help out at all so it will be a surprise.

Sigurd: May I accompany you to this? I'm used to invitations..

Esca: Of course! As I said I had no control over this party so I'm unsure who was invited from outside the dorm but I invite you as the birthday man himself..though Sable might be a bit ruffled I am doing this.

Sigurd: The sweet songbird! I've missed his beautiful voice and soft feel of feathers..Oh I am so excited.

Esca: Haha..yeah he will be mad but no matter let's go before I am late to my own birthday party!

________

Groovy art to be posted later!

used utapri ranmaru fantasy circus sr art as pose ref

used assets from bloom birthday Lilia & Jack for some outfit details

[homemade-ghosts]

Did you get my ask few months ago? I was asking that I was surpised that when Ricky and Nini got back together, Nini never questioned about his friendship with Gina? We saw all of evidences of Nini being jealous of them hanging out and she was very much aware that there was obv something going on between them, especially at Thanksgiving party with whole "we thing" and she knew that there was more to it but when they got back together, she never questioned him about her? Never asked him about his feelings for Gina or what his friendship with her meant to him? After all she was his girlfriend, she would have more reasons to ask but that never happened. That's what surprised me. I wonder what you think of that?

I did! & I’m so sorry I never responded to it, I guess now is my chance lol — Here’s your original ask, for reference:

I was thinking back and it just hit me that s1 was when Ricky and Gina got closer and Nina witnessed that and was obviously jealous of them. She mentioned about them being "we" during Thanksgiving and saw them bonding and was really jealous of them and she wasn't an idiot to see that there was obviously something going on between Ricky and Gina. What bugged me the most about this is when Ricky and Nina got back together, why Nina didn't bring Gina up to him especially about his feelings for her? She knew they were pretty close but she never brought it up at all? In s2 when she was going to YAC and they were doing long distance, still she said nothing about them as she knew Ricky and Gina would be in same school. I am not saying that she would think Ricky would cheat which is not the case but to know that he would have someone to turn to and bond with, if that makes sense. She was jealous of them for whole season one for a good reason then when they got back together, it's almost like she forgot about his "friendship" with Gina or whatever. I find it very strange because she saw how happy Ricky was when Gina was around and his smile lights up the moment she was in the room and laughed with her and shared all of those cute moments with her. So why do you think that it wasn't brought up in their conversation about Gina? It's almost like she wasn't insecure and was confident in their relationship as if Gina meant nothing to him which wasn't even true at all. So odd.

Nini effectively forgetting that Ricky & Gina had any sort of relationship was something that was brought up as a definite inconsistency by a lot of people while s2 was airing. From my perspective, it wasn’t so much an indicator of Nini’s confidence in their relationship as it was something done purposefully by the writers to avoid giving the audience the impression that Gina was “coming in between” Ricky & Nini.

If Nini had referenced Gina & Ricky’s past (to Ricky or anyone else) while they were dating, viewers would’ve been much more likely to blame Gina, in some part, for their eventual breakup. It’s why they have Gina say, in one of her confessionals, that she would “never step on what [Ricky] has with Nini.” & it’s why, even though Rini’s relationship has been rocky & unhealthy from the very beginning, we don’t see things really start to spiral out of control (& head towards definitive “breakup” territory) until Ricky & Gina are no longer on speaking terms (post-ep 5). Tim & Co. wanted to make it very clear that Rini’s breakup had absolutely nothing to do with Gina (or anyone else) and absolutely everything to do with the fact that Ricky & Nini weren’t right for each other, that they hadn’t been for a long time and that holding on so tight to their past together was holding them both back from a better — happier — future. 

 They even made a point of having Gina help Ricky with his relationship at times. She’s the one who gives him the idea to sing his Valentine’s Day song for Nini over the phone after they hadn’t been able to catch each other in person all day. She’s the one who tells him not to send that very intense (to say the least) text about how Ricky wishes he was Nini’s dream — a text that would’ve made Nini very uncomfortable & pressured her into feeling like she had to come back to SLC (she, of course, wanted to come back home of her own accord, but Ricky didn’t know that at the time). & she’s the one who, rightfully, tries to remind him that he should talk to Nini about what she wants before he makes the decision to ask Miss Jenn, behind Nini’s back, about getting her a part in the show. Gina gave Ricky advice regarding Nini, despite how uncomfortable it made her, because all she ever wanted was to see him happy — even if it meant she wasn’t. & Ricky returned that favor in s3.

Unfortunately, despite the writers’ best efforts, some Rinis/PWs (one is synonymous with the other) still decided to completely misunderstand/twist the show’s narrative, just so they could place the blame on Gina, to avoid admitting that Ricky & Nini brought out the worst in each other. Just like how they repeatedly blamed Ricky for “trying to break up” PW — even though 1. The exact opposite was true: Ricky put more effort into keeping Gina & EJ together than EJ himself did during PW’s entire relationship — & 2. Gina gave a whole speech about why she & EJ don’t/won’t work, explicitly telling EJ it was not about Ricky.

[googly-eyed-android]

Sorry for disappearing off of the face of the earth for several months, we've kind of had a lot of stuff happening, and I'm not just talking about the stuff occurring in the wider Jewish world. I'm gonna talk about the stuff specific to us since you can learn about the Jewish stuff in other places

So, our long-term project to get me out of front has technically succeeded, but not in the way we were planning. I am technically not fronting right now, despite also fronting right now. Basically, the brain has pulled some shenanigans (oh, speaking of the brain, in the course of this we learned that the brain is its own entity within the system (well, technically two entities, since the conscious and subconscious brain are separated from each other). It's not sentient, it's not a person, but it is an entity, and it's concerned with the wellbeing and functioning of this brain and body and its inhabitants, and turns out it's been just as desperate for me to be out of front as I've been. When we ended up in this odd state of affairs with me fronting but not fronting we were wondering if we should stay like this or go back to how we were before, because we weren't sure if it was better or worse for us to be like this, and the brain very insistently said "stay where you are, it's better like this" and we were like "huh, who said that?"). But the reason we wanted me out of front is because my fatigue kept getting worse and worse and worse to the point that we just couldn't do anything anymore and somehow it was still getting worse and in our current state my fatigue is actually getting better (slowly, but it'll add up) so despite this being very far from what we had in mind we are sticking with it. Maybe at some point in the future, when my energy levels are farther away from "critical", we can try to do an actual switch instead of whatever this nonsense is (I'm being very uncharitable to our current situation because it is very strange, but since it's actually an improvement it feels a bit unfair)

Anyway, so we've mostly just been trying to manage with first the holidays and then all the awful stuff while still keeping me in a state of improvement, which was pretty touch and go sometimes (and the holidays always make me lose a ton of energy so that was really just damage control), which is why we've been off tumblr for longer than we usually leave tumblr for. And we're not really getting back on Tumblr now (why did our keyboard capitalize tumblr that time but not the other times 🤔), I don't know if we're going to be posting much, we'll see. But anyway, this improvement is really the first concrete improvement in our situation in literal years, so it's actually a pretty big deal. We've been stuck with this slow deterioration for nearly a decade at this point, and now it's on the upswing. So I expect that in a few years from now our life will look very different than how it's been looking so far. We might even have finally moved out of this goddamn house that I've been wanting to move out of since I was a teeny tiny child (literally, I found an old notebook of mine recently from when I was eight years old (to anyone who knows about the significant change in status quo that occurred when I was eight, which is none of you since no one reads this blog closely enough to remember what I'm talking about, but I'll say it anyway, this was definitely from before that change) where I wrote briefly about the fact that I'd been wanting to escape the body's family for a while). Here's hoping that the world doesn't go too much to shit by then

Anyway, here's some random good news: we've been experiencing some pretty bad allergic reactions recently (this isn't the good news lol) to a panallergen that's pretty much impossible to avoid, but we just managed to get our hands on some antihistamines! Now we can eat food and get a mild to moderate allergic reaction instead of a moderate to severe one! Yay! Okay, maybe this news doesn't sound as good as it feels. It's just nice to be able to eat again, instead of having to weigh our hunger against the allergic reaction, which we've been having to do for several weeks. Hopefully the reactions improve soon, we're not actually sure why they've been so bad recently, sometimes they just worsen for a while and then get better again

[bush-viper-cutie]

New Student, New Friend

Pairing: Young Snape x french!reader

Word Count: 2,751

Request: #1 “Hi! Can I request a young!Snape x french!reader where the reader's transferred from beauxbatons and isn't fluent in english/has a thick accent? Love your work!!”

#2 “Hi hi! Love your work! Can I request Young Snape x French reader? Sorry if I dont speak well, english is not my first language <3”

Warnings: none

A/N: Hello everyone again! :D I combined both requests because they are pretty similar so enjoy!

Posted: 9/10/21

Masterlist

---

~*~*~ = time skip

(Y/n) = first name

(L/n) = last name

~*~*~

~*~*~ = POV change

---

~*~*~*~*~ *~

There was a strange static in the air this morning, one Severus couldn't quite place. He brushed his long hair back behind his ear and listened in to the hushed whispers of passing classmates.

"...Beauxbaton, can you believe it?"

"Nice to not know someone for a change - "

Beauxbaton? Severus gathered they were talking about a new teacher perhaps? Although it wasn't that odd to get new professors in the middle of the school year. Just last year the Dark Arts professor was promptly replaced when he went mad after a spell backfired on him; In fact, every year there was a new one.

It was strange that the new teacher should be a transfer from another school such as Beauxbaton... Maybe they were fired and no one else wanted them, must be down on their luck. And if that is the case, how very fitting for Hogwarts, home of inadequacy.

Severus, still deep in his bitter thoughts, almost tripped over the shoe that had extended out in front of him. He caught himself and whirled around angrily. "Watch it!" he growled, straightening.

James Potter smirked. "Oh, Snivellus. Didn't see you there.” His Gryffindor friends snickered behind him, bolstering his ego. "I'd get along to class if I were you. Wouldn't want to be late on your first day back."

Severus grit his teeth and did everything he could to not growl his displeasure of being in so close proximity to the pinnacle of mediocrity that was Potter. It had been a week after winter holidays had ended but after another nearly fatal encounter with Black, he’d been forced to stay in the Hospital Wing un-zippering his mouth and a couple of fingers before being allowed back.

The memory of the experience made his knees weak, making keeping his riled demeanor that much harder. He was lucky he'd had the foresight to cover his nose before Black unleashed his hex. It wasn’t a quick run from the lake to the nurse, and he certainly wouldn't have made it with his nostrils zippered together as well.

"Mind your own business, Potter." Severus spat out his name like rotten apples, furrowing his brows in an attempt to seem more threatening however he could not help but notice the hallways getting emptier by the second. He knew better than to get caught alone with Potter.

He laughed and turned to catch up with his friends. Severus watched him go, only relaxing his shoulders after Potter had rounded the corner and disappeared out of sight. The hall was empty.

He turned and continued down the corridor when his hearing perked at the scuff of loud footsteps. He whirled around, hand plunging into his robes, but it was too late.

"Levipeds!"

Severus' head snapped back as his feet whipped out from under him. He hung limp in the air, watching his wand roll away on the stone floor. His hair nearly touched the dirty ground.

James laughed. "Welcome back, Snivellus!"

He closed his eyes as his boiling blood rushed to his head. He was hanging upside down in the air, alone in the empty corridor. He couldn't scream for help, he'd just get yelled at for disturbing lessons, and he couldn't reach his wand - as long as his limbs might be, his wand might as well have rolled down into the dungeons. He'd have to hang there until classes were over or one of the portraits decided to help him out for once.

"Eh... Excuse moi?" A quiet voice wrapped in a thick French accent broke the silence.

His eyes flew open and stared straight into the face of a beautiful but completely unfamiliar student. She bent down low to meet his eyes. She must be the mystery person from Beauxbaton, the new student as it turned out.

This was worse, so much worse than being caught by anyone else in the school - except for a very select few. Severus looked around in search of anything that might make this all less embarrassing.

"You need help, no?" Her voice was more confident this time, laced with a hint of friendly amusement.

"Uhh..." He met her eyes and hoped this new student would excuse his red face to be due to all his blood rushing down.

She straightened and pointed behind him. "This is your wand? I'll give to you?" His wand was in his hand with one quick flick of her own.

His eyebrows automatically shot up at her use of nonverbal spells. "Thanks," he tried swallowing but ended up coughing. He covered his mouth and performed the counter-hex, dropping to the floor with a grunt.

She rushed forward, looping her arm through his and helping him up to his feet. She laughed and dusted the dirt off his back while he stood paralyzed.

"Better, no?" she smiled, facing him a foot from his stiff figure. "I'm new seventh-year transfer... And you?"

For a moment his mouth opened but no words flew out, and then all at once words poured out as fast as if under a curse. "I'm - oh - yes you're from Beauxbaton, right? Yeah - er - yes, seventh-year as well."

Her hands flew up and she waved them in front of herself with a laugh. "Slow please!" she laughed again. "One more time?"

Severus gave an awkward laugh that matched hers and nodded. "I'm also a seventh-year."

"Oh!" she held out a paper and pointed down to the class he was late for. "I am so lost! You help me now? Oui?"

She smiled up at him and his heart nearly leaped out of his mouth. He nodded quickly, "Yes - er - oui, I'll help you... Actually, that's my class too..."

"Oh!" Her smile widened, "I need partner for the class! You have one?"

For once Severus thanked his unlucky past self. His time in the hospital wing all week meant everyone would be already partnered up. "No, I don't..." his face flushed red again and he cleared his throat, looking away. "We could be partners?"

"Bon! Lead the way, partner," she motioned for him to lead, keeping a very close pace next to him as they walked. "I am lucky to find you, did not know anyone yet. You are only third person met!"

He gave her a small smile as they walked together, but he knew it wouldn't take long for her to find out his status at the school. Being a new student, he was sure she’d make all the friends she could ever want by the end of the day. Then she'd reconsider her luck after everyone tells her all about her lab partner, 'Snivellus'.

~*~*~

They made it to class late. The professor looked up and frowned, ready to tell them off when Severus' new ‘friend’ spoke up.

"Excuse us, Professor, I am new and got lost."

The professor sighed and waved his hand, giving her a pass. "And I see you're back Mr. Snape. Get to your seats, you'll both be working together - get moving."

The two back seats were empty and Severus was glad to be away from the front for once. His new partner set down her things, and as she bent to pick up her books Severus caught a glimpse of Sirius Black glaring at him from the front, a seat behind where Severus had been sitting the last term. Black had anticipated his return and was obviously annoyed with the change in seating.

"What may I call you, Mr. Snape?" The new student whispered, giving him her full attention despite the lesson continuing.

"S-Severus." He looked around to make sure no one was paying attention to him. He'd die of embarrassment if they started teasing him in front of her for daring to open his mouth. "And you?"

She smiled. "Severus Snape? That's a beautiful name." She looked back up to make sure their conversation was still private and turned back. She reached up and gripped his tie, pulling him towards her. She leaned and held a hand to his ear, moving her lips inches from his ear. "(Y/n) (L/n)."

Severus’ heart beat faster than it ever had before. The immense drumming in his ears almost made it impossible to hear her whispers. When she released him, he turned to look at her, feeling his face heat up either from proximity or from her warm breath flowing over his face. "(Y/n)... Good to know." He swallowed and realized he had not moved since she had pulled him towards her. He would have felt like an idiot if she wasn’t looking at him so playfully.

"You gonna kiss her, Snivellus?"

Severus pulled back quickly and clenched his jaw at Black.

The professor smacked Sirius' head with a roll of parchment. "Mr. Black, disturb my class again and I'll assign you an essay for every night this week." Severus smirked. "And you, Mr. Snape," the Professor smacked the board, creating a puff of chalk, "- will hand me your notes tomorrow before class - legible notes, might I add."

Severus nodded as the class snickered and turned away from (Y/n). The rest of the lesson went by agonizingly slow. Severus counted the seconds until he could run away to the library, away from taunting eyes. He hated himself for turning so red, but he hated Black even more for making him the fool.

~*~*~

~*~*~

You could tell the boy, 'Mr. Black', had embarrassed Severus greatly. He was hunched over his parchment, focused completely on the professor's words, and never once looking back up at you.

You read the words on the board but soon your eyes ventured down to look at the tall lanky boy currently trying to visibly shrink in his seat. The moment shared between you both still played on your mind. He had beautiful long lashes and deep dark eyes to match. It had been fun to see him so flustered over you, but the guilt of what you'd caused sat heavily on your chest. That boy had noted Severus had been in the perfect position to kiss her, which... did she kind of wish he had?... Just to see - for just a curious taste.

You didn't know what specifically was so alluring about Severus, but you could imagine yourself wrapped in his arms, pulling on his long hair, biting his lips, and hearing that deep voice of his purring for more. Something about him - or maybe everything about him - made you wonder how gentle those hands of his could be.

The bells rang in the distance, marking the end of the lesson. You packed your things and sat waiting for Severus to do the same. He was slow at first and then after a quick flick of his eyes up to you hurried along.

You stood at the same time and motioned for the door, scrambling to translate your thoughts into English. "Lunch now? We can sit together?"

People filed out of the class, which Severus watched closely before turning back to her and answering. "Look, this isn't the only time… I'm not someone to hang out with unless you like hexes and spells to be thrown in your direction."

You could see the hurt in his eyes, the way his brows furrowed, and his down-turned eyes filled with tears that wouldn't fall. Before you could bring yourself to respond, he sighed shakily, giving you pause.

"It's not your fault... I'll show you down and then I suggest you forget about being friends." He pulled open the door and held it open for you without meeting your eyes.

What could you say to him? You stepped out into the corridor, contemplating how to phrase what you were thinking when laughter pulled your focus.

"I see you've met our Snivellus." The stupid boy, Black, came forward talking to you but keeping his attention on Severus. He had long curly hair nearly as long as Severus' and was taller, with proud shoulders held in a loose demeanor that still made him seem important in some way. His eyes shifted to you, "Hope he didn't drip any snot on you while he tried for a kiss."

You scoffed, “You do not understand what you saw. Please leave us alone.”

“Love, maybe you’re not understanding me. For your own safety I insist YOU leave this sniffling slime alone.” Black took a step closer.

Severus pulled out his wand but held it low, at the ready in an instant. "I’m done with your games. Unlike you, you nitwitted tower troll, I have places to be." He finally glanced your way, "Excuse me," and made to leave.

Black blocked his way, laughing at the now pointed wand in Severus’ hand. "Go ahead, I’ll be glad if you finally get expelled for using wands in the corridors. Mine's not even on me."

You eyed the smirk on his face and the tiny shift of his hand towards his trousers pocket. Was that a lie then? Whatever the case, you had enough of this game too. "My friend, Severus, is showing me to lunch. We are going now." You stepped between Severus and Black, giving the taller boy an annoyed look.

"I’m telling you, be careful," Black chuckled. "He might try to kiss you again if you’re too nice."

You paused and stepped back, looking up at Severus, whose eyes were fixed on Black, staring daggers into him. You bit your lip and chuckled the same way Black had, finding a different kind of amusement than him in this situation. "I hope he will."

Severus' head snapped to you, his cheeks slowly going a light shade of pink all over.

Black made a disgusted sound and a show of his fake nausea. “Darling, I don’t think I understood you correctly. Check your dictionary and if that’s not the problem maybe your eyes.”

This boy was really getting on your nerves now. If you’d been back at Beauxbaton you’d’ve already hexed him into a soggy pile of starter yeast, baked him into the perfect Pain au Levain, and chucked him out the tallest tower window. “Move it,” you made sure your French accent coated the word heavily.

Severus’ hand wrapped around your arm, pulling you back. He kept his wand and eyes trained on Black but spoke to you. “Go down to lunch. I’ll stay here to have the chat Black so desperately wants to have with me.” He looked up again, “Let her leave.”

Black smiled, “That’s fine. Been meaning to ask how your winter holiday was after I last saw you.”

You turned to Severus, ready to protest when the door to the classroom opened, cutting Black off. You all stood very still and awkward, hoping to hide the atmospheric hostility that had been created.

The Professor locked the door with a flick of his wand and looked at everyone with concern. "Off to lunch, no need wandering the corridors. Now." He ushered everyone down the stairs, walking close behind in equal silence.

You reached the floor second to last, after Black and then Severus, and pulled on Severus' arm the second your Professor had turned towards the staff room. You kept your hand on him to make sure he didn’t decide to leave before you could talk to him. Before Black could step towards you to continue the ‘conversation’, other Gryffindor students pulled him towards a small crowd gathering across the floor. Whatever it was seemed to be of higher interest and he left with only single backwards glance.

You both watched him go dissolve into the rowdy group and suddenly the air around you shifted. Severus turned instantly, searching your eyes with an intensity you could almost feel. You blushed and slid your hand down his sleeve and lingered on his bare hand. Neither of you said a word but the electricity connecting your eyes and the comfortable silence that enveloped you both spoke volumes. "We could eat together, no?"

His eyes settled on your hand still on his until you let go. "Oui," he whispered with a smile pulling at his lips. “Lunch then.”

As you both walked on, he slowly crept closer with every step, making your shoulders brush against his arm. His pinky tickled the skin on your wrist, making you cough to hide a giggle as you entered the Great Hall. Your eyes flickered up at his and you smiled, seeing a gentle blush and an even gentler smile on his face.

~*~*~*~*~ *~

Masterlist

—-

General taglist:

@setsuna-meiou31

@severuslovebot

@bionic-otp

—–

[eloquent-vowel]

I have had a few bucky x read fic ideas bouncing around in my head and i cant write! So here is one,

Sam find a person who stairs and doesnt talk a whole lot because they uses ✨telepathy ✨. So Sam think they would be a good fit for Bucky, but he doesn’t know they have that power he just thinks they are mute. Then there is a thing where the reader is telling Buck how it works and they if they have something to connect them together like an object *reader motions to dog tags* they can have an unbreakable mind link. Then they fall in love or something. This is dumb, thank you for coming to my TedTalk

Hey! Thank you so much for this request, it wasn't dumb at all. I really enjoyed writing this. I may have gotten a bit carried away, this may sit close to 4000 words but we vibe. I hope this is what you had in mind! Please enjoy! <3

Click here for my masterlist of other fics and check in my bio for requests if anyone wishes to ask!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bucky had been enjoying a moments peace, he loved working with Sam but sometimes all he wanted was to put his feet up, put on some vinyl and enjoy a good cup of coffee all while reading a brilliant book. He had been trying to get into Game of Thrones lately, on Sam’s insistence, and he had been enjoying it. With the crackles of Glenn Miller from the turntable he missed the clunky footsteps coming up the stairs.

The sight that greeted Sam needed to be photographed. Bucky was lounging back on his ‘old man armchair’ feet up, hair in a towel, in a bathrobe, coffee in hand and facemask on, this was definitely one for the family album.

At the sound of the phone shutter Bucky practically launched himself out of the chair.

“Oh, you are never gonna live this one down old boy, it’s going to haunt you.” Sam almost cackled evilly as he began to email the photo to himself- he had learnt the hard way that Bucky was very proficient at breaking phones.

“You better not upload that photo anywhere, Wilson, I have a reputation to uphold.”

“Pfft, reputation, that’s funny.”

Bucky scoffed as he stood up, placing his book carefully on the side table, “Big scary super soldier, people hardly run-in fear from a guy in a bathrobe.”

“I disagree, a man in a bathrobe is definitely something you should run from. AH NOPE!” Sam jumped backwards, on top of a nearby chair, as Bucky lunged for the phone, towel turban falling off in the process. “You are not breaking this phone as well.”

“Fine. But you gotta promise not to post that anywhere.” Bucky huffed.

“I won’t.”

“Good.”

“As long as- “

“Oh no, I’m not doing anything for you.”

“Think of it as payment for the last phone you broke and insurance for this picture.”

There was silence for a moment as the two friends eyed each other up. Sam raised his eyebrows, Bucky’s eyes narrowed. It was an intense staring match between a guy in a bathrobe and a precariously balanced man. A clock ticked.

“Fine.” Bucky conceded. “What do you want?”

“For you to come to a meeting.”

“The families of Veterans ones?”

“Yeah.” Sam slowly started climbing down from the chair. “And before you get your old man pants in a twist, I’m not trying to force you to talk or anything, kinda.”

“Kinda?” Suspicion laced through Bucky’s voice.

“You know sign language, right?”

“Which kind?”

“American? I think?”

“Yeah, I know ASL, might be a bit rusty but I’m sure it still holds up. Why do you ask?”

Sam shifted slightly on his feet, “There’s this person, they come in every week and listen. I tried to talk to them, but they communicate through sign language, and I don’t have anyone there to talk with them.” He cast his eyes to the floor, “I feel bad. They were brave enough to come to the group only to basically be ignored ‘because we didn’t plan well enough.”

Bucky smiled, face mask crinkling around his smile lines, “You could have just asked me to Sam. You didn’t have to blackmail me into this, of course I’ll help. When’s the next meeting?”

“This evening. You gonna be ready or do you need some more ‘me’ time.”

Bucky simply chuckled at Sam’s teasing tone, patted his shoulder making sure to squeeze just a bit too hard before retreating to his room.

“I’ll be there, Wilson, and I will look so much younger than you!”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was frustrating to you, going along to these meetings and not being able to communicate. You could always speak into someone’s mind but all that usually accomplished was a very paranoid person. But just listening to other’s stories really helped the grief from losing someone so close to you. You related to most of the people there and even though they didn’t understand you a lot of the time, you were always made to feel welcome- with friendly pats on the back and the odd tissue thrown your way.

You bustled into the familiar building with a new sense of excitement as Sam had promised to bring a translator for you this week. It was finally time to say your thanks to some of the people there and finally let the group know about your brother, so that it wasn’t only you that remembered him.

You all but ran through the hallways until you caught sight of a familiar smiling man. Sam was facing you, talking animatedly to another man, the strangers back was to you. He was tall, broad shouldered and dressed in a vintage looking leather jacket and rather well fitted trousers. Now the debate was: does the tailoring make the ass, or does the ass make the tailoring. You were halfway through the arguments on either side when Sam shouting your name disrupted the intense debating in your mind. You blushed at being caught, then blushed some more when you caught sight of the stranger’s face. Twinkling blue eyes under a deep-set brow should have made him intimidating, but he was smiling, and his face was dazzling. There was an immediate fluttering in your stomach.

“Hey, I’m Bucky.” Dear lord even his voice was nice, what made you smile even more was the fact that he signed as he spoke. Well, Sam certainly knew how to pick them well. “Sam introduced me; said you wanted an interpreter.”

You nodded as you signed back, “Nice to meet you, thank you for helping out.”

“No problem, Sam has told me a bit about you.”

“Good things I hope.”

“Okay I recognise my own name, you two better not be conspiring against me.” Sam piped up, to be honest you had forgotten about him for a moment.

Bucky laughed, and it sent a little thrill down you, he really was adorable.

“No worries, Wilson, just letting them know all your dirty little secrets.”

“Right, you two get in there, before you make me sleep with one eye open.”

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

You and Bucky caught each other’s eye, his eyes were twinkling with mischief, and you couldn’t help the smile that overtook you. You had a feeling that the two of you would get on just fine.

The meeting passed easily. Bucky translated your signs and you finally felt like you could actually take part in these meetings. Everyone listened intently when you spoke of your brother and when you had thanked the whole group for being so open to you a couple of people shed a tear. By the end of the meeting though you were tired and very accepting of Bucky’s offer to walk you home.

It was a lot of side glances and hidden smiles and you walked side by side. Drawn to each other under the moonlit sky, it was nice to just be in the presence of someone who had such a kind aura. You spent the walk trying to work up the confidence to sign something, anything but nothing came to mind and Bucky seemed quite content to just walk in comfortable silence.

You soon reached your home, you turned to Bucky with a smile on your face and signed,

“Thanks for today, Bucky. You were really helpful.”

“No problem.” He signed back,

You hesitated slightly before signing, “Would you be happy to have a coffee with me, tomorrow?”

Bucky went a little red in the face, and chuckled, “I would love to, I know a nice place, real cosy. I’ll text you the details.”

“You know how to text?”

“Hey! I get enough stick from Sam, don’t need you getting on my case too. I’ll have you know that I am very adaptable.”

“Sure, Sure.” You smiled at his flustered tone. “I’ll wait for your text then, have a good evening.”

“You too.”

The two of you stared slightly awkwardly at each other, neither wanting to be the first to turn around. You shuffled your feet away slowing, smiling awkwardly once more at Bucky before turning. You heard his footsteps start to fade away as you walked towards your home. You were but three steps to the door when a large figure in a hoodie slammed into you, you raised your arms instinctively to block them when you noticed your shoulder was lighter. The bastard had stolen your bag.

You immediately took chase, chasing around the corner you just walked down but they were fast, faster then you at least. As you rounded the corner you caught sight of Bucky walking ahead. The thief wouldn’t stand a change against him. Without a second thought you cast your thoughts towards Bucky,

“Bucky! Thief! My Bag! Behind you!”

You saw Bucky flinch slightly then turn bewildered, his eyes widening when he saw you hurting towards him, chasing the hooded figure. He caught on and launched after the thief as well, with barely any effort he knocked the thief to the ground, grabbed your bag and whipped out his phone to call the cops.

Well, that was hot.

You took your bag back, immediately checking that you brother’s lucky coin was in the zippy pocket, to your relief it was still there. You looked up to see Bucky staring at you with a very puzzled look on his face. You sighed before casting your thoughts to his head once more,

“I’ll explain later.”

Bucky let out a strange, decompressed noise of shock, it made you giggle. The two of you waited in silence until the police came and took the thief away. The police car had barely driven away when he turned to you.

“Did you just, talk in my head? Or did my conscious just suddenly get really loud.”

“I did. Hi. Sorry about that.”

He waved his hands dismissively. “Believe it or not, not the weirdest thing I’ve encountered.”

“Well, that’s reassuring.”

There was an awkward silence.

“So,” You started, resorting back to sign language, it felt less invasive, “Still down for coffee?”

Bucky smiled, “One hundred percent. I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Yeah. Bye Bucky. Thanks for getting my bag back.”

“No problem, see ya.”

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The coffee shop that Bucky invited you to, was tucked away, it was the kind of place that you would stumble over on accident. With a simple door and a big window out the front, that lead soft orange light filter out onto the alley. There was the faint sound of jazz leaking out of the building, you smirked. It was such an old fashioned place, of course this was where Bucky frequented.

The bell tinkled slightly as you entered the café, where you were greeted with the smell of fresh coffee and baked goods. You caught sight of Bucky’s broad shoulders sitting in the corner, and you made your way over to him, smiling at the barista as you passed.

As if sensing you, Bucky turned to smile and wave. He was dressed in casual clothes like last time, but this time his hair was loose around his shoulders. You smiled back before settling into the seat opposite him.

His hands moved hesitantly as he signed, “What would you like? I can recommend their hot chocolate, its very warming/”

“Hot chocolate it is.”

You could tell he wanted to ask you a million questions but to his credit he walked slowly to get the drinks, he even took his time carefully carrying the tray of drinks back to your table. He placed a delicious looking hot chocolate in front of you. You watched as he took a sip.

5, 4, 3, 2, 1-

“So,” Here we go, “What is it you can do, you can speak in peoples’ heads, can you,” He lowered his voice and leaned in, “Can you read people’s minds?”

You giggled slightly, his eyes were basically sparkling, he was definitely nerding out about this.

You set the hot chocolate down before casting your thoughts to his head, “I can speak in peoples heads relatively easily, it’s how I talk most of the time to people I know. I guess you could call it Telepathy.”

Bucky’s eyes were as wide as saucers, “So you can’t read thoughts, only… speak them?”

“I like to call it casting, makes me feel like a sorcerer. I can read thoughts, but it takes a lot of energy. I used to be able to talk with my brother from across the house. That usually requires some kind of connection.”

“Oh, so like a blood or family connection? Do you have to know the person very well?”

“That certainly helps but it’s not always necessary. If I have a personal object that belongs to that person, something I can hold and connect to them it isn’t hard to make a two-way connection. Especially if that person is willing to open their mind.”

Bucky seemed to be caught in thought for a second. “So, if I were to give you something of mine, we could both talk in our… heads?”

“Well yes, but Bucky we have only just met. Letting me into your head is a lot. I try not to pry but sometimes I’ve found that thoughts just burst through. Let’s get to know each other a before that happens.”

Bucky smiled at you before speaking and signing, “You’re right. Let’s get to know one another. I find you fascinating.”

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

It happened on the fifth date. Bucky was just walking you home after a lovely dinner at a small Italian that he claimed he went to back in the 40s. Just outside your door, under the glow of a lamppost he turned to you and took a deep breath before speaking.

“I know this may be a lot, but I wanted to give you these.” He reached around his neck and pulled off something silver. You gasped slightly as he held out his dog tags, immaculately preserved after all these years.

“Are you sure, Bucky? This is a lot.”

“I know and if you aren’t comfortable with it then just let me know but I want to give them to you.”

“You know what this means Bucky?”

“Yeah, I know, I just figured that you’re already in my head all the time anyways, just can’t seem to get you out of it.”

“You cheeseball.” You smirked at him before taking the dog tags and placing them around your neck. You gripped the cold metal for a moment, concentrating on the man in front of you. Taking everything, you knew about him and stretching out a connection, like a hand reaching out to clasp another.

“Testing, Testing, Testing, one two, one two, can my Telepathic partner hear me?”

You laughed, “Yes I can Bucky, you big dork.”

Bucky whooped out loud before sweeping you up in a big hug. The two of you laughing under the lamp light. His joy was infectious, and you couldn’t fight the smile off your face.

“Oh, we are going to have so much fun messing with Sam.”

“You’re evil.”

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Of course, the two of you made a pact not to tell Sam until he worked it out, which wouldn’t be anytime soon according to Bucky. It led to some very memorable moments and Sam refusing to play any form of card or board game with either of you because you always managed to win, somehow. Not to mention all the times you had spoken in eery unison around him.

“I swear, its like you two can read each other’s minds sometimes.” Sam threw his hands up in frustration at another lost game of charades.

You smirked at Bucky across the room, “Should you tell him, or shall I?”

“I think he’s been through enough, I got it.”

Bucky cleared his throat, “We can.”

Sam whipped around to face Bucky, a look of sheer disbelief on his face, “Seriously Bucky-boy, if you think I believe that after all-

“Hello Sam.” You cast your thoughts to him, in the creepiest old lady voice you could muster.

Sam yelped, before turning accusingly at you, “You better be joking around with me right now, I am not dealing with any kind of ghosts in this house.”

“Sorry! Surprise I’m telepathic!”

“You’re serious.”

You nodded.

Sam put his head in his hands and sighed, “Not the weirdest thing ever. Wait, does this mean you have been cheating this entire time.”

You both looked guiltily at one another.

“You owe me. That poker night, void.”

You both laughed, “We’ll have a fair rematch this time Sam.”

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

It had been close to a year since you had made it official with Bucky and you were now much more comfortable around one another. He no longer just dropped you off at the lamppost but cam inside with you. You had spent many lovely mornings together sharing glances over steaming cups of coffee. Fighting each other for who got to spread their legs out on the couch, there wasn’t really a loser though as it usually ended up in sofa cuddles for both of you, while watching a film.

Life was pretty great, you thought, as you smiled down at the sleeping Bucky beside you. Finally reaching over to turn off the lamp and put your book down, you were finally reading the hobbit at Bucky’s insistence. As you clicked off the light beside you and settled down you noticed the faster than usual breathing coming from beside you.

“Bucky?”

You reached out, thinking he was awake but instead as you opened up your connection you caught flashes of night terrors. You were falling indefinitely, snow all around you, and in the distance, there were cries of pain, people pleading for their lives, there was gunfire and explosions. You gasped and took off the dog tags. You only gave yourself a moment to breathe before trying to shake Bucky awake. When it became clear that he wasn’t stirring you steadied yourself and settled your hands on his temples. You didn’t care you tired this would make you, you just wanted Bucky to stop suffering. You focused, offering out that hand of connection again, this time picturing it in the shape of a fist and, although it wasn’t subtle, you tried to shake Bucky’s brain awake. You forced your way into his dreams, punching through the dark fog that clouded his thoughts and almost screamed at him.

“Bucky! Bucky wake up! You’re dreaming my dear!”

Bucky woke up with a start. Tears flowing down his face, he stared at you blue eyes shining. No one spoke as he pulled you into his arms. You just breathed together for a moment, counting the breaths and the spaces in between. When he finally pulled back, you saw his eyes flicker with concern before lifting a hand to gently wipe under your nose, it came back red with blood.

“You, okay?”

You smiled sadly, reaching out to put the dog tags back on.

“I should be asking you that.”

“But you’re bleeding.”

“Occupational hazard.” You tried to subtly get rid of any of the extra blood. “That was pretty intense. Wanna talk?”

Bucky looked down to the sheets and shook his head. You smiled at him, tilting his head to yours.

“That’s fine, want me to go? Or would you like to cuddle for a bit?”

Bucky didn’t talk again, just pulled you gently down to the bed once more. Snuggling himself under your chin, resting his head on your chest. You felt his arms draw tightly against your waist. You pressed your lips into his hair.

“May I help you go to sleep? Keep the bad thoughts at bay for at least one night.”

You felt Bucky nod and let out a little sleepy hum of agreement. You closed your eyes, focused on your connection setting up a golden wall against the dark fog at the corners of his mind and settled into a deep sleep.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

You woke to the smell of fresh coffee and the clinking of cups.

“Morning.” You opened your eyes at Bucky’s voice and took the offered cup greedily. Your mind still felt hazy from the energy you used last night.

You felt the bed dip beside you as Bucky sat and sipped at his cup as well, hair a bit of a mess from bed. He had evidently only just woken up as well.

He took a breath, “I had some pretty interesting dreams, sweetheart.”

You stiffened, “Good ones I hope.”

“Don’t worry, they were good. If a little strange.”

“Strange?”

“I was watching myself most of the time.”

You snorted into the coffee, “Sounds creepy”

There was a slight chuckle, “Nah, I was watching myself build a home, a family- “

“Oh God Bucky.” You snapped your eyes to his, you knew what had happened. “I am so sorry my dreams must have stuck in your head.”

“Those were your dreams?”

“Yeah, its only happened once before but when the connection between two people is very strong, it can happen- I call it bleeding. Perhaps we should- “

“If the next words out of your mouth are take a break, I will spill your coffee.” You clutched your cup closer to your chest, “Truthfully, those were some of the beset dreams I have every had. I really loved them.”

You looked back up at him, hesitantly “You did?”

“And I love you.”

“Huh

There was silence as you stared at him in shock. His face as nothing but adoration as the sunlight filtered over his face.

“I love you, sweetheart.”

“I love you too.”

Coffee cups were cast aside as you both collided. Giggling and joking, radiating happiness as the two of you shared the sweetest kiss. Your feelings merging together, amplifying one another until they shone brighter than the sun.

[kassandras-one-braincell]

Kassandra x Fem!Reader - The Most Peculiar Wingman

Can be found on AO3 here.

Summary: You recently moved into a new flat and you’re hearing some rather unusual sounds from your next-door neighbour’s abode. You’re worried the mysterious woman next door is involved in something dangerous. Kassandra is worried that you’re the landlord about to bust her for her lease violation.

(Sorry if you don’t like coffee and/or you speak fluent Greek.)

Word count: 2568

.

Damn, you’ve lucked out with your new flat. The area is pleasant, the décor is tasteful – the windowsills could use a bit more greenery, but you’ll get to that – and the letting agent wasn’t a dick. Zero hassle with bills, minimal scuffs on the walls…it’s bizarre how simple your moving process has been.

But nothing can be perfect, can it?

Over the few days you’ve lived in your new home, you noticed some rather disconcerting sounds coming from the apartment next door. Nothing that disrupts your sleep, thankfully, although your post-unpacking nap was interrupted by a very loud thud against the thin wall connecting the two flats. Thumps, crashes and very disgruntled cursing in a language you can’t quite place tend to crop up in quick succession once or twice a day. Today, though, the odd sounds seem to be omnipresent.

The strange symphony is starting to get alarming; you’re beginning to ponder if the seemingly perpetually angry woman next door is involved in violence…or, forbid, organised crime? That would certainly explain the forceful thuds and grumbling. God, what if she manages to rope you into her shenanigans? What if she is armed?

After a loud bang and an exasperated “oh, fuck you” reverberates into your apartment, you decide to investigate.

Anxiously, you pop on some slippers and step into the hall, locking the door behind you (‘I’m not about to get robbed less than a week after moving,’ you think to yourself, ‘Oh, shit, I need to get insurance…’). Stomach churning with speculation, you make the arduous four-metre trek to your neighbour’s door. Biting your lip, you rap your knuckles against the wood.

A chorus of panicked shuffling echoes through the door, causing your throat to tighten. Footsteps sprint from one side of the room to the other, the sound of shattering ceramic shrill against the heavy thudding. “Shit, shit, shit, shit,” the woman hisses, muffled by the walls, followed by some shushing and the rattling of something metal. Who is this woman, what the fuck is she hiding, why am I doing this—

Suddenly, the door swings open, revealing…oh, wow.

Your neighbour is an amazon.

Flawless bronze skin, chocolate hair strewn into an unruly braid, tall and shredded with lean muscle. Her eyes are a gorgeous tawny brown, the split second of alarm disappearing from her gaze, replaced by a sparkle that makes your heart hammer against your chest. Very kissable lips upturn into a charming smile, bringing your attention to a small scar above her upper lip quirking adorably. A deeper scar sits on her nose, and the pang of anxiety returns, but your eyes need only flicker back to hers and it melts away.

“You’re not the landlord,” she says with a rich accent and curious lilt. Your cheeks feel warm.

“Uhm, hi.” You fiddle with your thumbs, mouth suddenly dry. “Sorry, I moved in a few days ago next door. I just heard some loud noises and was wondering if everything was alright?”

Lips curving furthermore, she braces her arms on the doorframe above and, fuck, are they nice arms. Sun-kissed, bulging against her white t-shirt, three gnarly rings cutting into her right bicep that just scream to be touched. Is this her distraction tactic?

“Oh, sorry about that. I hope I wasn’t too much of a disturbance?”

When you finally pry your eyes from her arms, a tiny smirk registers on her handsome face. Bashful, you stammer, “No, it’s fine. But, uh, what caused it, if I may ask?”

The woman cranes her neck to scan the hall. “Can you keep a secret?”

Mob boss? Arms dealer? Axe murderer?

Clearly, your nervous speculations are apparent, because her eyes widen slightly. “Don’t worry, lovely, it’s nothing dangerous. I just have a pet bird.”

Breathing a shaky sigh of relief, you run a hand through your hair. Just a bird. Just a bird. Her face relaxes back into a casual smile. A fresh wave of warmth caresses your cheeks at the name she gave you.

Chuckling, you joke, “Must be one big bird.”

“He’s…an eagle.”

You blink back your shock. “How on earth did you manage to get a pet eagle?”

She laughs, the melody warm and addictive. “Poor fucker followed me all the way from Kefalonia. I didn’t have it in me to say goodbye, even if it violates the lease.” Her tone is affectionate, despite her less-than-endearing name for the bird. Pushing back from the door frame – hands flexing wonderfully while she does so – she gestures for you to step in. “Come and meet him, if you’d like.”

Everything about this woman is so inviting, you can’t help but gravitate into her apartment.

“I don’t think I caught your name?” you ask shyly.

“Kassandra,” she replies, flipping the ‘r’ in her buttery accent. “And what can I call you?”

Anything you fucking want. “(Y/N) is fine,” you manage, debating whether her flat is hot or your face is akin to a beetroot.

“That’s a lovely name. Suits you perfectly,” she winks. She saunters over to a shelf with a blanket hastily thrown over it. You can’t help but observe her firm-looking behind through her jeans. Kassandra tugs away the blanket, revealing a large eagle sitting grumpily in a cage. It remains put when she unlocks the cage, standing almost defiantly.

“Don’t be like that, Ikaros,” she chastises. The eagle – Ikaros – begrudgingly flies out of his confines, perching atop the sofa in the middle of the open-plan room. “He’s gentle, I promise.” You’re doubtful, but he isn’t making any sudden moves.

“He just likes winding you up?”

“Loves it,” she grins. “He’s a little bitter I put him on a diet since he was getting a bit fat. That’s why he’s been throwing some tantrums lately.”

You smile as she scratches the top of his head before heading to the kitchen. “Can I get you anything to drink?” Kassandra asks, giving you another heart-melting beam. “I have coffee, orange juice, I might have some tea somewhere—”

“Coffee would be nice, thank you.” She asks your preference and you state it, taking in the layout of her apartment. The place gave off a very homely, Mediterranean vibe, with warm colours and white furnishings. A few hand-painted ceramic vases were dotted about – maybe she did pottery – alongside some family photographs. Atop the dining table was a woven basket brimming with ripe fruits, as well as a laptop with a pile of messy papers next to it.

“Have a seat, get comfy,” she calls over the whirring of an expensive looking coffee machine. Shyly you take the chair by the unoccupied end of the dining table. Feeling nosy, you scan the documents by her laptop, but the handwriting was all in Greek.

A minute later, Kassandra joins you with a steaming mug in her hand. “Your coffee, madame,” she announces with a pantomimic bow, evoking a laugh.

“Merci,” you thank her. “How would I say that in Greek?”

“Efharistó,” she replies. You test the word hesitantly, wincing on the second syllable, making her laugh. “Not bad,” she chuckles.

“I butchered it.”

“Try it a little softer,” she smiles, lowering her voice, giving it a sensual cadence that made your head spin. Oh, she knows she’s attractive.

“Efharistó,” you border on whisper, gay little brain surging with the overwhelming instinct to do whatever she tells you.

“There we go!” The proud quirk of her lips is all you need to see.

Feeling your cheeks flush, you bring the coffee mug to your lips, hoping the steam from the beverage will help mask your fluster. You blow on the liquid and take a sip, immediately regretting the decision as you scorch your tastebuds, repressing the urge to hiss in favour of looking cool for the hot Grecian.

“Do you, um,” you start, ignoring the numbness of your tongue, “work from home?” You wave your hand at the paperwork by her seat.

“As often as my job lets me.”

“What do you do?”

“I’m a museum curator,” Kassandra beams, evidently proud of her job. “A glorified history nerd who couldn’t be fucked with the extra academia, basically.” You snort against the mug, nearly spluttering coffee over her. Smooth.

“What time in history?” Her eyes sparkle at the question, passion shining through her irises.

“Mostly the classics, ancient Greece and Rome and all that. But I did my thesis on the evolution of weaponry.” You prop your chin up on your hand as she talks, eyes lazily focused on her lips. If not for the conviction in her tone, you would have zoned out and chased some daydream about kissing those lips. Kassandra reclines back in her chair. “Enough about me, though. Tell me about yourself.”

“You sounded really passionate, though. I don’t mind if you keep talking about your job.” God, you sound like a dizzy schoolgirl who’s hot for teacher. You scald yourself with another sip of coffee in reprimanding.

Kassandra’s eyes twinkle. “I don’t usually invite beautiful women into my home to ramble about cool swords.” You blush and set down your coffee.

The two of you talk for quite some time, getting to know each other, peppering in the occasional flirtatious remark. In her company, you somehow simultaneously feel comfortable and skittish. She’s so relaxed and easy-going, but her physique and seductive demeanour fills your stomach with butterflies.

An irritated squawk cut your conversation short.

Kassandra shoots Ikaros a look before turning back to you. “Sorry about him.”

You shake your head. “It’s fine, really. Damn… What was I saying again?” you ask sheepishly.

Squawk.

“Nevermind, I was probably babbling anyway,” you dismiss, sipping on your now cold beverage.

Kassandra chuckles softly. “Don’t be silly, you have the voice of an angel. You could read me the dictionary and I’d still be interested.” She probably said this to every woman she took a liking to, but you can’t bring yourself to care, far too flustered and feeling, for once, special.

Squawk.

Her eye practically twitches in anger as Ikaros flies over to the windowsill, makes unwavering eye-contact with his owner, and shits on the wood.

Kassandra looks like she wants to be euthanised.

“My god,” she mutters as you burst out laughing. She awkwardly rubs the back of her neck and grimaces, mouth parted as if trying to form some kind of apology for her eagle’s behaviour.

“I’m guessing you’re used to being the only one doing the flustering?” you tease, trying to lighten the mood.

Her disgraced expression shifted back to a playful one. “If I say yes, do I sound like a whore?”

Grinning, you shake your head. “A little cocky, perhaps.”

“I’ll take cocky.” She winks and gets up. “Your coffee is probably cold, can I get you a fresh one?”

“Oh, no, thank you. I’m fine.”

“The finest,” she smirks.

“Real smooth,” you roll your eyes, smiling regardless.

Ikaros caws from the windowsill, as if mocking Kassandra’s advances. Once again, her effortless charm dissolves into a look of frustration. She grabs kitchen towels and a bottle of disinfectant from by the sink and walks over to the window, nudging the eagle so he’d move out of the way. “Maláka,” she groans, cleaning up the mess from the surface. “Μη μου το χαλάς αυτό,” she mutters to Ikaros, earning a confused look. Kassandra sighs. “Usually I wait until after the first date before introducing a beautiful lady to this little shit. That way people don’t immediately think I’m just a weird bird lesbian.”

Testing the waters, you remark, “I happen to quite fancy women with an affinity for animals.” You bite your lip and add, “And, well, you’re…very attractive.”

Smugly, Kassandra finishes disinfecting the windowsill and walks to the kitchen with a little more vigour, your compliment proving to be an ego boost.

Once again deprived of attention, Ikaros decides to flap over and join you at the table. Instinctively, you flinch as the large bird flies in your direction, but all he does is stare at you, trying to analyse the stranger in his home.

“Does – does he bite?” you ask, hesitantly standing up.

Kassandra discards the kitchen towel in the bin, washing her hands. “No, he’s very kind to everyone who isn’t me.” She flashes you a wicked grin. “I only bite when asked.”

Stammering, you choke on air, struggling to find a response. Ikaros gives her a disappointed look.

“Shit, too forward?”

You shake your head. “Not at all,” you blush. “I’ve just…never met anyone quite like you before.” Ikaros seemingly gives you a judgemental leer, and you swiftly find yourself adding, “I-in a good way, that is!”

“Oh?” Her brow is upturned, her interest piqued.

“It’s…exciting.” The eagle shuffles towards you and nuzzles your hand, apparently deciding you’re worthy of his affections. The dark feathers atop his head are surprisingly soft to touch. Smiling, you give his head a few pats, inhibitions to the wind when cute little coos vibrate from his throat. “I’m rambling, aren’t I?”

“I think it’s adorable,” Kassandra says softly.

You look up. “Really?”

“Really.” She joins the two of you and plucks a damson from the fruit bowl, feeding it to Ikaros while you pet him. “You’re the loveliest person to have ever set foot in this building, that’s for sure.”

Ikaros cocks his head in agreement. His beady eyes meet yours, damson juice dribbling from his beak. Do it, he’s silently telling you.

Screw it, let’s shoot our shot.

You clear your throat, mustering up some courage. “Are you free next weekend?”

Kassandra beams amorously. “I was about to ask you the same thing,” she grins. “How does dinner sound?”

Fuck yes. “Really good,” you blurt out excitedly.

“There’s this great Persian restaurant a couple streets over. I’ll book us a table?”

You gasp, having seen the building on the drive when you were moving in. “The place with the garden and the pretty lights, right?”

“That’s the one.”

“Sounds amazing.” Red in the face and heart pounding, your eyes dart about the apartment, fearing that you’ll combust if you look at Kassandra any longer. They settle on Ikaros, who gently butts his head against your hand, almost like a fist-bump. “Well, uh, I have a home insurance company to ring up, so I should probably get going,” you stutter.

“I won’t keep you, then,” Kassandra says, a tinge of disappointment in her tone. Ikaros squawks sadly.

“Thank you for the coffee.”

“It was my pleasure. Thank you for staying,” she winks. The eagle coos in agreement. You give him one last pat before walking to the front door.

“Oh, before you leave, there is something you should know…” Kassandra calls, moving over to you. She delicately takes your hand, frying your brain, and leans down to your ear. You feel faint. Lowly, she whispers, “…Our Hermes guy likes to drop-kick our parcels.”

Snorting, you look up at her in disbelief. I mean, what was I expecting? A kiss? Get a grip, woman. Kassandra laughs at your expression. “Use the amazon locker down the road instead.”

“You’re amazing,” you murmur, grinning. “I’ll probably see you before next weekend, but bye, I guess?”

“Chaire,” she bids softly, opening the door for you.

When the door closes behind you, you let out a ragged breath, excitement coursing through your veins.

You are so glad you moved here.

.

( The Greek clause is meant to say "Don't blow this for me" but I used 5 different translators and all 5 came back with slightly different things and I sort of ip-dip-doo'd it and chose one at random...sorry. )

[arcadejohn127-9]

Hello,, may i request headcanons of the brothers who got a love letter from mc but it turned out to be a prank from some lesser demons,,thank you :))

This was meant to be posted on yesterday for April fools but ended up getting caught up with things irl and didn't get to finish it in time - aaaaaaaand I fell asleep before midnight and now it's 3 am, fell asleep mid way through writing, well done me 😭😂

Rip the lesser demons for always having the balls to cause mischief but always end up getting hurt, when will they learn - what happens at the end is up to you

The lesser demon snickered towards his friend, shushing their friend as they slipped the pink letter into the higher demons locker. Another demon was with them, more timid than the other two.

"what if we get in trouble?! They'll find out it wasn't actually the human and we'll end up dog food-!"

"we planned this whole thing, it'll be fun - we just gotta stay at a distance!"

It was long before footsteps grew closer, the timid demon squeaking in fear. The other lesser demons took it as a sign to start running, grabbing each other and bolted away from the scene of the crime.

The owner of the locker arrived, just noticing the lesser demons run off in the distance. He opened his locker and almost stumbled back when a letter fluttered out. The demon grew curious he noticed there was a heart seal on the back. He opened it to read it to himself.

To my dearest friend,

I think it's about time I come clean about my feelings, I've been holding these in for a very long time and I refuse to keep them a secret anymore!

I'm in love with you! I can't explain it but you've won my heart, everytime you smile at me I just can't help but feel my heart skip. Is it wrong to feel this way? I'm only a human and you are a demon...we're so different and I don't know how long we'll be able to have this time we have together. All I know is that I want to be with you for as long as I can!

Will you accept my feelings? I'm not sure if I can face just yet so meet me at the end of day! I'll be waiting for you at the back of the school - I really hope you come. Even if it's decline my feelings....I just want to be able to face you and how you make me feel.

Love, (Y/N)

Lucifer:

Oh his ego is SO stroked

He could just imagine the human blushing as they wrote and nervously putting it in his locker

He did see you later that day and decided to tease you a little but while you were flustered, you also seemed confused

That was his first suspicion

When the time finally came he was patient but you weren't early

His second suspicious

You both knew each other very well, he liked things being in a timely Matter and you tried your best to not be late

He stiffened when he heard a snicker from a few trees away, he looked over there to see three demons all hiding

"I know you're hiding, it's best you come out now."

One by one they all showed themselves, growing nervous

"Come here, don't be shy, I'm sure there's a perfectly good reason for this, after all you seemed to be desperate to have me out here."

"you- you knew it wasn't the human?!"

his pride wouldn't let him tell the truth, he refused to show his disappointment

"of course, you clearly don't understand the human as much as you think you do - now, who's the leader? I think we should have a nice talk."

Mammon:

YOU GAVE HIM A LOVE LETTER??!!!

He's internally screaming, his face was bright red

Watch this boy struggle against his locker as he tries to hide his excitement

Though, when his high died down he did find it strange you were being shy

You could have your shy moments but to confess through a letter was odd

He wasn't the brightest guy around but he can sense when he's getting scammed - even if he ignores that instinct when it comes to money

He's always around you so it wasn't strange for him to see you after class and he was surprised how... relaxed you were

Something was up but in the end, he went to the back of the school

When he texted you, asking you where you were and you said going home - that was the final straw

HE WAS TRICKED!

"Oi! Are you out there?! I know you tricked me!"

The lesser demons started to panic, not thinking mammon would catch on

But when mammon started marching around looking for them they decided it was best to reveal themselves

"There ya are, now let's get to talking - what made you three wanna do something like this? You think it's funny to pretend to be the human?"

The leader snickered, agreeing that it was funny to pretend but their friends understood right now - their doom was coming

Mammon cracked his knuckles, stalking closest to them

"I like a good joke, let me show you my favourite one."

Levithan:

Love Letter in his locker??? Heart seal!!!??HE WAS THE LOVE INTEREST??!!

He's torn between dying inside and excitement, he's absolutely losing it

He had to fan himself with the letter due to how hot his face was getting

He wasn't sure how he was going to face you! Let alone you having to face him

But- there was no way you were interested in him! You wouldn't do this

He didn't believe it, it HAD to be a prank

When levi saw you for the rest of the day it only strengthen his suspicions

He did go to the back of the school and when he saw you were no where to he seen

He was absolutely embarassed and ashamed by even hoping it was real

"YOU CAN COME OUT NOW! just- just stop hiding, it isn't funny."

the demons came out, disappointed with the lack of dramatics

"so you three did it, you really think it's funny to do something like this?! To mess with someone's feelings and pretend to be the human is just - IT'S PATHETIC-!"

The demons started to feel uncomfortable, the higher demon had tears in his eyes and obviously worked up

Even the one who wanted to see this kind of reaction was uncomfortable

His demon form started to shift outwards and raised his hand, the ground beneath them rumbling

"it seems you just think I'm some sort of pushover! But I'm not!"

Satan:

Hm, how interesting

It isn't too odd that you're using a letter to confess, you know he appreciate writing

But you were more verbal or atleast text - this was new

But to say he wasn't absolutely ecstatic was an understatement, he was beyond the moon

When he saw you later he tried to not bring up the letter as his brothers were around

Though, he was thrown off when you got confused when he teased about seeing you after school

He decided he'll investigate things, going up to demons who have lockers near his and ask if he saw the human put anything in it

After awhile of searching he finally found out it was three demons who did it - he didn't want to spoil their fun and so he still went

He leaned against the nearest tree, waiting for the demons to arrive

"Ah you're here, I'm so glad you finally came."

the demons were surprised when he moved towards them, they left their hiding spot with nervous smiles

"You write well, you got their energy almost perfectly into the letter - I'm impressed."

They didn't expect that....not one bit

"you're not....mad???"

Satan chuckled, flexing his clenched fists

His smile grew more strained and dangerous as he leaned over them

"oh no, no I'm not mad - im LIVID."

Asmodeus:

He was surprised to get a love letter, he gets piles worth everyday

He didn't expect it to be from YOU though

You were so open with him and you two were already overly affectionate to each other he was sure you were already low-key dating

So to get confirmation his feelings were returned - he was overjoyed!

As soon as he saw you he's hugging you, telling you how he loved your letter and that he'll still meet you after school if you need to

You were utterly confused and unsure what he was talking about

When you told him you didn't give him that letter he felt his heart break

You didn't love him?? That wasn't your letter??

To think someone would play a prank on him like that! It was rude!

When it was time, he went to the back of the school and pretended as if he didn't sense the other demons

That was until he grew impatient

"are you shy, dear? It's okay - I know it wasn't the human~"

The lesser demons came out, confused

One of them blushed just being near him

"I'm sorry for my friend! They wanted to play the prank but- but I love you asmo!"

He gave them a pity smile

"aww~ of course you love me! But you really hurt my feelings making me believe the human did, I almost cried!"

The demons immediately all felt bad

The idea of their gorgeous asmo crying made them guilty

"I know exactly what will make me feel better, making sure you three can never write again~! Can't have you keep tricking me, can I?"

Beezlebub:

A Love letter from you?! He's a happy boy

But now that he actually thinks about it - it's odd you're not being upfront

You two usually sit alone together when you wanna get something off your chest, holding hands and you don't even have to face each other

Why the sudden change? Perhaps you just wanted to be like one of Levi's anime characters

Regardless, he was happy and wanted you to be happy

Hes was going to make you happy!

Beel was quick to find you and act like he didn't find your letter, you said you'll face him after school and he respected that

Whilst you couldn't exactly avoid each other before then, he did try to give you space

As soon as school ended he Went to the back, waiting for you to arrive

Each second went by and he grew more hungry

He smelt something close by and found three demons hiding, it was odd but he didn't want to be hungry whilst you confessed - he wanted to give you his full focus

"ah-! How did you know we were here?!"

"I smelt the sandwich in your bag, I want it."

It didn't take much convincing to hand it over

He's a scary demon afterall

"it's best you leave, my friend is coming."

One of the demons started laughing, questioning if he actually believed it was you who gave him the letter

Beel got confused before it all clicked together, he frowned, glaring at the demons

He wasn't happy

"I'm still hungry, three demons will do just fine."

Belphegor:

Happy cow man, demon tail go SWISH

On the inside hes like an excited dog, outside he's just standing there

Meanwhile he wants to be like his twin, respectful that you want to do later

He isn't that patient and wants to make it official with you NOW

so as soon as he sees you, he's draping himself on you and telling you how impatient he is

You're confused on why and he shows you the love letter

You tell him that it isn't from you and that's not even your hand writing - it's a good mimic but not yours

He is SHOCKED then he's mad

He still goes to the back of the school but it's to fight whoever pranked him

He wasn't going to wait around

"Get out now or I'll search this entire space for you - it won't be pretty if I find out."

It didn't take the demons twice to show themselves

Belphegor was feared amongst others due to his brutality when push comes to shove

Just because he's always sleeping doesn't mean he isn't scary

"Good~ so which one of you wrote the letter? If you wanted to confess you should of just done it."

The demons looked at each other, unsure on what to do

But after a few moments the youngest brother got impatient, moving towards them with a clenched hand

The leader of the lesser demons finally admitted to doing the prank

"see? It wasn't so hard, let's have a long chat about this~"