#sorry to everyone else who has to deal with *gestures to everything over here*

[sparkleofpizza]

The Alchemy

Lando Norris x fem!reader

The beginning.

THE 2019 SEASON

Melbourne, Australia, 2019

I was nervous, I knew you shouldn't be, but I was.

The sun was shining bright down at the Melbourne Circuit, you could hear the delighted conversations from fans just outside of the motorhome. Everyone was excited for the upcoming season of Formula 1, with new drivers and grid line up changes. And I was one of the new faces at the paddock, although not a driver.

I’ve been no stranger to this whole life at the paddock and following Formula 1. I grew up with it as I’d follow my father around since the moment i learned how to walk.

Jenson Button, former Formula 1 driver and world champion. I carried my last name with pride, I love my dad more than anything in the world, but the moment I showed genuine interest in the motorsport world people started to talk.

So now, I can't help but wonder, what is everyone going to say the minute you walk into the paddock as not a guest, but as a McLaren intern.

Sure, I will be the first to admit that having the Button last name did help I get this internship, but I conclude the training to be here on your effort, with my intelligence, my studies and everything I prepared myself for.

I knew working at the PR department didn't come easy in the motorsport world, I not only had to deal with PR, reporters, FIA, and the drivers, but you had to understand the dynamic of the sport, of the car, and everything else in case I needed to step up to give a statement on behalf of a driver or the team.

I spent countless days, in 2018, going over the FIA regulations, learning about the cars, all while taking classes in UNI and juggling the McLaren PR training.

Someone called out my name in a soothing manner. I lifted your head, meeting Sophie's smile. Behind her there were two men, one standing tall and proud and the other a bit more awkwardly. I knew very well who they were as I will be working close to them.

"Hi, Sophie." I smile at her "Would you like to join me for coffee?"

She nods, taking a sit across from me and gesturing the two men to do the same.

"I wanted to introduce you three properly since you'll be working close together." She says "These are our 2019 drivers, Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris. This is Y/n, she is our new PR intern."

I smile at both of them.

“It’s nice to finally meet you both.”

Carlos smiles “Likewise, I hope we get along well, the three newbies of McLaren.”

I laugh at his little joke and Lando follows suit with his own laughter that is a bit too contagious.

He seems a bit shy, maybe it’s because it’s his first season in Formula 1 and he feels like he has a lot to prove. In a sense I relate to him. We’re both here to show we’re good and deserve to be here.

And without even speaking for more than 5 minutes with him, I can already feel that we’re going to be friends soon enough.

Xangai, China, 2019

I have my back turned to the door of McLaren hospitality as I fumble with the coffee machine. It’s very early in the morning on Friday, a few hours away from the start of free practice. I am feeling exhausted from the long flight from England to China and the different time zones.

“It seems like the coffee machine is winning the fight.” A voice cut through the silence of the hospitality.

I turn around to find Lando standing beside me with a smile on his face, showing his dimples and amusement.

“I can’t get it to make coffee, I think it’s broken.” I complain with a huff

“Did you turn it on?” He asks me amused

“What?”

“Did you turn on the machine?”

“Of course I…” He reaches his arm across from me, pushing a button and the coffee machine beeps before finally brewing my coffee. I feel my cheeks go warm in embarrassment “Sorry, I’m uh still half asleep.”

He giggles, that infectious laugh of his that I always find myself smiling and giggling along whenever I hear it. If there is one thing I have already learned from Lando, it's that it’s nearly impossible to be serious around him. He carries this natural good natured aura, and he’s funny and likes to make jokes and see the good side of things. And whenever I’m around him I find myself a giggling mess.

We grab our cups of coffee and take a seat at one of the comfortable arm chairs at the corner of the room.

“You look tired.” Lando points out, sipping his coffee.

“I’m jet lagged, and I had a paper to turn in for uni so I stayed up until late and I only got a few hours of sleep on the plane because I had to review the questions for yesterday’s press conference.” I tell him, basically chugging down my coffee “Do you think I’d get fired if I drank Red Bull?”

He shakes his head.

“You should get some sleep during FP1.” He tells me

I sigh “Yeah, but it’s not really worth the drive back to the hotel, I will probably only manage a twenty minute nap before I have to come back here.”

“You can nap in my driver's room.” He offers, a friendly smile on his face

“Oh, no, I can’t accept it.” I shake my head “Thank you, thought.”

Lando smiles, leaning over the armrest of his seat to get closer to me.

“I insist. You need sleep to be on top of your game. Come on.” He stands up offering his hand. I eye it for a moment before accepting it. He pulls me up to my feet.

He guides me through the corridors of the hospitality until we reach his driver’s room. He opens the door and I’m a bit surprised at how neat it looks. I half expected it to be a mess of clothes.

“Here, you can sleep on the couch, it isn’t much but it’s better than nothing.”

“Thank you.” I smile, sitting on the couch and taking off my shoes.

I get into a comfortable position, curling up on the couch and instantly closing my eyes. I feel something soft covering me and I open my eyes a bit confused.

“I don’t have a blanket.” Lando says, his cheeks turning red. “So I uh… covered you with my jacket.”

I feel my chest grow warm at his sweet gesture. I smile at him.

“Thank you, Lando.”

He smiles back at me, and at that moment, I think is when I started to have a crush on him.

Barcelona, Spain, 2019

I should have expected Spain to be a bit insane considering the fact that I work with a Spanish driver. The minute I stepped out of the car with Carlos following behind me, the fans started to scream and throw themselves at us.

I’m not unfamiliar with the whole passionate fans wanting pictures and autographs, but since I used be a toddler or a child, they at least head the decency to not push and pull at my dad because I was clinging to him.

But now I am an adult, and they don’t care about those things anymore and I had never been mobbed by fans before without having my dad or my uncles by my side.

The fans screamed at Carlos who was doing his best to attend each and every single one of them. And things only got worse when Lando arrived and they suddenly wanted pictures of the best new funny duo of the grid.

They pulled at me, shoving pictures on my face to get them to sign since I worked with them, and they yelled questions about what it was like to work with the both young drivers.

I tried to step away, get away from them fans, but I was stuck in between the mass of people and to make matters worse they managed to separate me from Carlos and Lando who were looking at me concerned over the chaos.

“What the fuck?! What the fuck is going on?” A harsh loud voice cut through the yell of fans “Stop pulling at her! Get your hands off of her!”

Suddenly a tall blonde man dressed in red was pushing the fans away from me, shielding me with his body as he yelled.

I cling to the back of Sebastian's Ferrari shirt, telling like a little girl again, but completely relieved that he was there with me with his familiar force of comfort he always knew how to bring me.

He wrapped his arm around my shoulder, gluing me to his side and I knew if I wasn’t 20 years old anymore he would have picked me up and carried me like a toddler out of this mess. He glared at everyone who tried to get in our way and stirred me inside the paddock.

“Prinzessi.” Sebastian called me the same nickname from when he first met me as a newborn “Are you okay? Did they hurt you?”

I shake my head “No, I’m… I’m fine.” I say, but my voice is shaky and he can tell that I’m holding back tears.

He places his hands on my shoulders, peering down at me with intense concerned eyes as he scans my body to look for any injury.

“What the hell is wrong with you both?” Sebastian yells the minute Lando and Carlos finally catch up to us “They were eating her alive!”

They look sheepish and terrified of being scolded by the German who looks lived with anger.

“She’s your PR assistant, but you’re supposed to keep your fans in check to keep her safe!” Sebastian continues with the harsh tone “She could have gotten hurt! They were touching her and shoving her! That was so reckless from the both of you!”

They nod, stiffly.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Vettel.” Lando says, eyes wide “I promise this will never happen again. I’ll- I’ll make sure she is safe at all times from now own. I- I swear!”

Sebastian doesn’t correct him on the Mr. Vettel name calling, he nods still with a glare.

“Come on, prinzessin.” He says in a much more soft tone, his arm resting against my shoulder in a protective parental manner “Let’s get you to Ferrari, uh? I will get you one of those chocolate pastries you love so much.”

With one final glare Sebastian takes me away from them. The McLaren drivers share a confused look as they watch me walk away.

Monte Carlo, Monaco, 2019

The Monaco Grand Prix is always a big event. Lots of celebrities and former drivers gather in the city to watch the historical race, and that’s how I find myself sitting at the McLaren hospitality chatting away with uncle Nico while my dad gets us drinks.

“Are you sure you don’t want to watch the race from Mercedes, uncle Nico?” I ask him, making my best innocent look that always got me away with things when I was younger and probably until this day when it comes to the drivers who watch me grow up.

“No, of course not.” Nico Rosberg shakes his head, a found and almost proud smile on his face “This is the first race I am watching this season in person and you’re officially a Formula 1 employee, I’m staying all weekend here with you at McLaren.”

I want to argue with him that I’m not technically a F1 employee as I’m just an intern, but he gives me a pointed look and I only nod.

“So, what is this that I hear about you and a rookie driver?”

I widen my eyes as I look at him.

“What? What are you talking about?”

Nico laughs at me “Seb has told me that you’ve become inseparable from the rookie McLaren driver, Norris.”

I huff, I should have known uncle Sebastian would open his mouth and gossip about me to his retired friends.

As if being summoned, Lando walked into the McLaren hospitality, wearing his cap backwards and smiling big as always. Carlos is beside him as usual and they both make their way over once they spot me.

“Hola, pequenita.” Carlos greets me, ruffling my hair affectionately before spotting Nico sitting across for me and getting a bit embarrassed.

Lando stands beside me ready to make a joke when he notices Carlos’ expression and widening his eyes when he sees Nico as well.

“Hello, Nico.” Carlos greets him

“Carlos, always good to see you.” He smiles before turning to Lando “And you must be one of the 2019 rookies, Lando?”

Lando nods quickly “Yeah, yeah. That’s me, nice to meet you Mr. Rosberg.”

Nico’s smile widens as Lando addresses him as Mr. Rosberg, feeling pleased with himself. I shot him a warning glare.

“Please, join us.” He says, motioning for the boys to the empty seats.

Lando sits beside me as Carlos sits across from me, leaving one empty space at the head of the table.

Nico makes light conversation, asking mostly questions about Formula 1, but I could see the glint in his eyes every time he asked Lando something, who seemed incredibly shy at receiving attention from a World Champion.

“I’m sorry it took me so long to get the drinks, I ran into some old friends.” My dad says walking to the table with a glass of my favorite refreshing drink to have in Monaco “There you go, sweetheart.”

I smile, accepting the drink “Thank you, dad.”

Lando and Carlos both choke on their saliva at the same time when they hear me call Jensen Button my dad.

“Ah, just the men I wanted to meet!” He exclaims “Carlos, Lando, you both have been doing such good jobs here at McLaren. My daughter talks a lot about you.”

I watch as they become flustered over the news. My dad smiles, taking a sit at the head of the table.

“I heard you both let her get swamped by a mob of fans?” He asks with a smile, but I can see the hard look in his eyes.

“Dad!” I scold him “Uncle Seb already gave them a hard time!”

My father chuckles, soon being followed by Nico. Carlos and Lando’s eyes are wide and they look terrified.

“I know, I know.” My dad lifts his hands in surrender “I’m just messing with them. But I still have eyes and ears on the paddock so…”

“Dad!” I scold him once more.

He laughs again and finally switch subjects, talking about the new grid line up of this year and asking questions to Lando and Carlos who seem to become a bit more comfortable at the presence of Jenson Button and Nico Rosberg.

Hockenheim, Germany, 2019

Lando was in a bad mood, I could tell it from far away. He was moving frantically around the garage and he had a scowl on his face.

The past five races have been of ups and downs from him, he had two DNF, one race out of top ten because he got p11 and two races where he scored points. But he was pissed off still from his p11 on his home race in England.

It also didn’t help that the reporter he got placed with decided to improvise some questions that wasn’t pre approved and it made Lando uncomfortable with the way he was pressing on the matter of him doing a bad job at his home race.

And then, to make matters worse, he DNFed again today.

“Lando.” I say his name in a soft tone

He whips his head quickly towards me, a deep frown on his face.

“It wasn’t your fault.” I say, I place a hand on his forearm, squeezing it in reassurance “It’s raining terribly today, everyone is spinning.”

He huffs annoyed.

“I should be good at racing in the rain.” He complains.

“How many times have you raced in this circuit?” I ask him, calmly.

“Well- this was the first time, but…”

I cut him off “And how many times have you raced in the rain in a Formula 1 car?”

Lando blinks at me as he answers “This was also the first time.”

I nod, my thumb rubbing sof circles on his forearm.

“And how do you expect to be good at something you’re doing for the first time?”

He looks away from me, and I can tell he is staring to consider my words.

“Valtteri has been doing this for a long time and he also crashed.” I tell him.

That get him to look at me again, his frown turning into something a bit more hopeful.

“Bottas didn’t finish the race?”

I shake my head “No, he didn’t. Even the experienced ones are having a hard time out there. This is only your first race in the rain, Lando.”

He sighs, and slowly he nods his head. He shifts his arm, making my hand slide down and towards his. His hand is much bigger than mine and it’s warm despite the cold weather from the rain. He squeezes my hand.

“Thank you. I just-…”

I smile at him, squeezing his hand back.

“It’s okay. I get it.”

And for the first time since he DNFed, I saw Lando’s dimples as he smiled at me.

Marina Bay, Singapore, 2019

Singapore has always been a hard circuit. The warmth and humidity did no good for the drivers to be racing for long periods of time. Still, it’s one of my favorite circuits because I find it beautiful to watch the race at night.

I’m watching from the McLaren garage, this time considering the hot weather conditions, they allowed the PR team to wear lighter clothes, so I’m in a simple dress, standing close to the AC and sipping water every few minutes.

I wince when I watch Carlos spin and crash into the barrier. The garage grows quiet for a minute.

“He’s ok!” His race engineer announces and we all finally breath normally again

A few moments later Carlos enters the garage with an annoyed look on his face. He places his helmet on one of the shelves and go to speak to his team.

I keep my eyes trained on the screen to watch Lando’s progress while I look for the schedule of reporters who want a world with Carlos after his DNF.

I accept the request of two journalists and move over to where Carlos is.

“Hey… you ready for some interviews?” I ask, eyeing him

He clenched his jaw before nodding and following me out of the garage and onto the media pan.

I give out instructions to him on the way there and step back when he positions himself to give the interviews. I watch intensely, jotting out necessary information on my iPad and ready to intervene at any given moment, but despite the bad situation, the interviews go smoothly and soon enough we’re back at the garage.

Carlos excuses himself to go shower and change clothes, clearly not in the mood for conversation.

In a blur of moments I watch as uncle Seb wins the Singapore Grand Prix, a proud smile on my face. Lando finishes in p7 which is great since he’s on the pointing zone.

“Congratulations, Lando. You did a really good job today!” I tell him

His smile grows bigger “Thank you, thank you!”

Even though he’s happy, I can notice the tiredness ok his face. He’s completely drenched in swest and I can see the slightly tremor of his hands, probably about to begin an hypoglycemic episode without even realizing.

“Hey, why don’t you take a sit?” I say, gently grabbing both his arms and walking him to a chair. I move quickly as I push my water bottle into his hands and search for a snack “Here.”

Lando looks at me a bit confused, but obliged.

“Oh.. wow.” He chuckles “How did you even know how to do this? I didn’t even realize I was feeling weak.”

I smile, my hand twitches at my side as I feel the want to run my fingers over his curls.

“I’ve been on the watching side of this sport since I learned how to walk. I learned a thing or two.”

He nods, still munching on the chocolate protein bar I gave him.

“Yeah… I uh sometimes forget you’re the Jenson Button’s daughter.”

“I’m glad you do.”

Lando tilts his head to the side, confused, but doesn’t say anything and I’m grateful for that.

Austin, United States, 2019

The season is coming to an end, thankfully. All the traveling, working and university studying at the same time has been taking a toll on me. It is too much, and I could see it every time I woke up and looked at myself in the mirror. The circles staring back at me.

My body was sore, my throat scratchy and my head hurt. I knew the flu was making it’s way to dominate my body.

Still, I put on makeup to cover up my sickness face and went to the paddock for media day.

“Buenos dias!” Carlos greeted me once I entered the van and sat across from him and beside Lando who was bouncing with energy on the seat

“Good morning.” I say, cringing a little at the way my voice sounded

Lando frowned, pushing his face close to mine to examine me.

“What’s wrong?” He asked in a low voice, his brows furrowing

“Nothing’s wrong.”

Still, he kept analyzing me. From the corner of my eyes I could see Carlos lips turn upwards in a smile he hid behind his phone as he scrolled through it.

Lando said my name slowly, softly.

“You look sick.”

I pout slightly as I say “Geez, thank you for saying I look terrible.”

He huffs, clearly not finding my attempt to brush it off as funny as I did. He lifted his hand up before placing it on my forehead.

“You’re hot.”

“Oh, so now I’m…”

“Stop trying to deflect it.” Lando cuts me off before I can make another joke. “You’re sick. Why didn’t you say anything? You should be in bed resting.”

I shake my head, getting away from his hand.

“I’m not sick. I’m great. I’m just jet lagged and a bit tired, nothing some coffee won’t fix.”

Lando frowns and it takes me by surprise to see the irritated look on his face directed at me. Sure, I’ve seen him mad before when the race doesn’t go the way expected or when the media gets too much, but never aimed at me.

“I’ve seen you jet lagged and tired before and this is not it.”

I say his name in a sigh and he says my name in a warning. We stared at each other for what feels like forever, before Carlos giggles at us and says we arrived at the paddock.

The minute I get out of the van I start to quickly walk inside the paddock, scanning my pass, knowing the guys will stop to talk to the fans and I will be free of Lando’s questioning. I start to make my way to the McLaren hospitality when I feel a large hand land on my shoulder.

I flinch in surprise, whipping my head around and finding Lando beside me, still frowning.

“Lando.” I try to sound stern as I say his name, but it gets mixed up with a cough I try to hold in.

That only makes his frown deepen. He starts to drag me somewhere.

“You’re going to the medic center now.” He says, stern.

I complain and try to stand still, but he is taller, bigger and much stronger than me so he basically drags me.

I can see some people turning around to look at us, but I keep telling him to let go.

“Hey, hey, hey.” Sebastian shows up in front of us, hands on his waist and I know that behind his sunglasses he is glaring at Lando. “What is going on here?”

“She’s sick and she’s being stubborn about it.” Lando says, still holding onto my shoulder “So I’m taking her to the medic center.”

Sebastian frowns, placing his sunglasses on top of his head as he takes a step closer to me.

“I’m not sick.” I say “Lando is being dramatic. Tell him to leave me alone.”

“She is sick! She even has a fever!”

Sebastian looks between the two of us, but he knows me long enough to know I am lying. He places a hand on my forehead.

“Norris ir right, you do have a fever, prinzessin.”

“No I don’t.” I say stubbornly.

He arches an eyebrow, as if challenging me.

“Do you want me to carry you to the medic center like you’re still a tiny baby?” He asks and I shake my head quickly, knowing very well he isn’t bluffing “Then let Norris take you and follow everything the medics say.”

“But Sebby!” I whine.

“Prinzessin.” He gives me an unimpressed look “Go to the medic center with Norris, now. And I’m not asking, I am telling you to go.”

I huff with a pout, knowing I won’t win this argument so I let Lando take me to the medic center while Sebastian watches from the distant as the McLaren rookie fusses over me.

Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, 2019

The paddock was busier than ever, so many people with so many big smiles and shouts of happiness.

It’s the last race of the season and it leaves a bittersweet feeling on my chest. On one hand I am extremely happy that the season is finally over and I will be able to go back to a somewhat normal routine, going to college everyday, normal sleep schedules, as normal as an university student sleep schedule can go, and staying at home for a bit.

But at the same time, I am upset about being away from Formula 1 for the time being. I got used to seeing Lando and Carlos everyday, they are already a big important part of my life. I like the thrill of being in a different place every other week, of learning new things and watching the races.

I’m sitting at the VIP lounge section at the rooftop, overlooking the paddock bustling with activities. I’m sipping an Italian soda while I soak in the last moments of the 2019 season.

I don’t say anything as Lando slips quietly on the seat beside me. He has dark sunglasses perched on the top of his nose and he’s wearing a black McLaren shirt. His thigh brushes my slightly to gather my attention.

I shift in my seat to look at him and he already has that dimple smile on his face.

“It’s been a long year, huh?” He says quietly

I nod, smiling softly at him.

“It has been… feels like it was yesterday that I meet you and Carlos on my first day at the paddock.”

He hums, reaching out for my glass of Italian soda and taking a sip without even asking for it. I don’t mind, it’s normal between us by now.

“How was your first year as a Formula 1 employee?” He asks

“Better than I expected to be honest.” I tell him, playing with the hem of my dress “I didn’t get bad words from people for being Jenson Button’s daughter.”

Lando nods, understanding what I’m hinting at.

“You’ve been doing a good job, I think you’ve proved yourself here.”

“No, I haven’t yet.” I tell him. “But what about you? How was your first year as a Formula 1 driver?”

His smile widens “It was insane. Sometimes still feels like I’m dreaming. I know the results I’ve been getting aren’t ideal yet, but being here… it’s great.” I can tell he’s happy by the way his eyes lit up “I got so luck to have a good teammate.”

I nod, he sure indeed found a friend in Carlos.

“And even luckier to have the most beautiful and incredible PR intern.”

My cheeks grow hot the minute my brain register and processes his words. I lift my eyes to look at him, his cheeks are also tinted pink and he was a sweet smile on his face.

We stare at each other for a moment, only gazing in each others eyes. I reach for his hand and he squeezes mine in his big one.

“Will you be here with me next year?” Lando asks in a soft tone.

“Yes.” I breath out “I’ll be here with you next year.”

[lumiconic]

“ if you’d say you love me ”

✧ some way or another, every member of the global pop sensation 6REEZE has fallen head over heels for you.

✧ kunikuzushi, venti, kazuha, heizou, aether, xiao ; fluff, slight hurt comfort ; idol au ; not proofread

  the first to be sucked into your irresistible gaze is kunikuzushi, known as the main dancer kuni to 6REEZE’s devoted fanbase, STORM’S EYE. it’s almost funny, considering how kuni is known for being the sharpest and most angry member of the group, who dismissively flicks his hand at fans pleading for his autograph. somehow, it was always you who was able to see past his thorny exterior to the blazing passion underneath.

  as the group’s manager, you know almost everything about each of the boys, from their favorite colors to their most coveted dreams. only kuni refused at first to open up to you, calling it a waste of time because he had more important things to do than team-building. there were some tiny hints of disappointment on your face whenever he opted out of the group hangouts early, but you never forced him into anything, no matter how eager everyone else was.

  yet, there was some tiny part of him, buried far beneath, that almost wanted you to make him. to be given an excuse to learn more about you, and to be known as well as you knew the other boys. he never acted on it, and so it’s by complete chance the first time you show having knowledge of him beyond what he’s voluntarily shared.

  he was in the rehearsal room, packing up his bag and wiping the sweat off his brow after another long day of practice. while his singing and rapping skills were mediocre – for an idol, of course, which made them still far above average – he had been scouted solely for his skill at dancing and thus had to train much more in that area than any other. while it was his passion, he still found himself exhausted beyond belief at the end of the day.

  you opened the door without looking up, talking on the phone to someone about future marketing plans (i’m sorry, but if you want heizou to model that line then you need to take aether too because he doesn’t have enough deals yet). kuni cleared his throat.

  your head shot up and your eyes landed on him. “kuni!” you said, sounding surprised and ending the call with a tap of your finger. “oh, do you want this? here – ” you dug in your tote for a moment, then tossed a bottle to him. startled, he threw out his hands and almost fumbled the catch. 

  “ragnvindr energy?” he read the label out loud. the neon pink coloring on the plastic wrap almost hurt his tired eyes, but he was still able to discern the title. “what is this?” 

  “isn’t that your favorite brand?” you asked, sounding surprised.

  “yeah, but – how would you know that?” he said, the usual bite in his voice gone, replaced by confusion as he stared at the bottle. you tilted your head. “well, you bring it practically every day and keep it in your bag, so,” you shrugged, “i just noticed. that one’s my favorite, so i thought i’d have you try it too. which flavor do you like best?”

  there was some strange pulse of feeling through his chest at those words. that casual recognition, the easy way you stated that you had noticed something about him. that you were paying attention. He couldn’t explain why it felt so important. so heady and exhilarating in a way that almost rivaled the feeling of dancing.

  “green tea,” he said, without thinking. “the more bitter it is, the better.”

  you laughed, and he sucked in a breath. the sound was like – the first rays of light peeking over the horizon in the morning; like rain drumming on leaves in the midst of a storm. like music. so easily, he could be lost in that rhythm the way he gets swept into a song even in just the first few beats of an addictive melody.

  “green tea, huh. you aren’t supposed to have that much caffeine, but i saw how hard xiao was pushing you today.” you lifted your shoulders in a what can you do gesture, then pressed your index finger to your lips. “maybe try to drink more water in the future, but for now you definitely deserve this. let’s keep it our secret, okay?”

  “o-okay,” kuni stumbled over the word, surprise still freezing his wide-eyed expression in place, hating the choked breath lingering in his throat as you smiled back at him. a blush rose to his face at the sight, coloring the apples of his cheeks bright red. “thanks.” 

  “of course! once this next m/v comes out, you’ll have more room to breathe,” you said reassuringly. “just hold out til then.” he nodded, not trusting himself to speak without his voice cracking embarrassingly. what is this? [name] of all people, causing this reaction? get yourself together! they’re just your damn manager, not your – 

  he silenced his inner thought before it could finish that humiliating sentence.

  “well, see you later,” you said, waving goodbye and leaving the room as you tugged your phone out of your bag, already returning to your itinerary of plans to make. there was silence for a long moment, his eyes still focused sightlessly towards the door. kuni looked at the bottle in his hand, turning it over multiple times before unscrewing the cap, lifting it up, and dumping the whole thing over his head.

  he stood there for a moment, the smell of artificial sunsettia flavoring soaking through his hair and cool, sticky juice dripping down his cheeks, soaking into his long sleeved exercise shirt, and pooling at his feet, an speechlessly angry and dumbfounded expression on his face. the heat in his cheeks refused to dissipate. then he took a deep breath in, hoisted his bag over his shoulders, and headed for the showers.

  the second person to be enchanted by you is venti, the main singer, with a pleasant, boyish voice that can go unexpectedly deep and serious. considered immature and childish, he’s also the most rebellious of the group, in a way; the one who would disappear for hours at exactly the wrong times, fetching expensive gifts for the other members and interrupting meetings with the company heads to interject his own opinions on music and production.

  this was yet another day that he was spending doing the opposite of what he was meant to; visiting a local café, one of his personal favorites because of their cutely decorated cakes and lattes, wearing thick black sunglasses and a face mask.

  currently, he was hurrying away from the café, holding a bag with a small box of petit fours and a caramel-apple flavored special edition coffee, trying to lay out his plans for the rest of the day. i just need to get out of here, then i’ll get right back to the company and start practicing again. it’ll only be about ten minutes to go straight home, it shouldn’t take that long…

  “oh my god! is that venti?! like, from 6REEZE?!” 

  … damn it.

  “can i please get a photo? i love 6REEZE, i know all your songs! i have, like, every single photocard released since you debuted!” the nervous babble of the girl who spotted him was admittedly somewhat flattering. “h-hey, sure, a photo’s fine!” venti said, a dazzling smile leaping to his face as he bent slightly to make a peace sign at the camera. the girl clutched her phone in both hands as she took the photo, like it was a priceless item of some kind. 

  “oh, me too, please! you’re my favorite!” begged her friend, bouncing excitedly; her hysterical voice reached a new pitch as venti did finger hearts in her photo. “hey, what’s going on over there?” “what, is he some kind of celebrity?” voices began to bubble through the crowd at the noise, and soon enough, there was an entire group of people shoving up against him, asking for pictures and autographs and asking questions that he could barely hear. 

  panic was starting to burn in his chest, flustered words of hey, excuse me, i’ve really got to go spilling from his lips, with no end in sight to the mayhem. then, he spotted a familiar figure; you, hand shielding your eyes from the sun, peering out over the crosswalk for, presumably, him. your gaze lit on the commotion, and then on him. your jaw dropped slightly in surprise at the uproar being caused simply by his presence. 

  he made eye contact with you through the crowd, panic sparking in his eyes, an unmistakable help me forming on his lips. there was annoyance on your face, and for a second he thought you were going to leave, but instead you opened your mouth as wide as it would go and shouted, “HEY! IS THAT CHILDE FROM DCKZ?” pointing – somewhat unkindly – at a random passerby, a tall boy with bright ginger hair.

  screams rose from the crowd, the unique sound of teenagers seeing their favorite, most handsome celebrity crush, and in the following roar of sound as the poor boy was swarmed without warning, venti was able to slip away, flicking his sunglasses back down onto his face. 

  you met him in the center of the crosswalk, quickly starting to walk again. you chided him gently, smacking his arm with the back of your hand at his impulse to suddenly disappear, and he apologized, only sort of meaning it.

  “part of me is kinda annoyed that someone like childe would get more attention than me,” venti remarked wryly, hooking his mask with one finger and pulling it back over his face, careful to tuck his two toned braids into the back of his hoodie. “with his one-note singing, he shouldn’t have half the audience i do.”

  “sure, but don’t worry, that won’t last for long,” you said, your eyes sparkling with determination as you strode confidently through the streets; venti’s slightly shorter legs scrambled to keep up with your quick, assertive pace. “you’ll be a superstar someday. i’ve always been sure of it.”

  there was a sudden, strange feeling of a lump in his throat; his green eyes flickered to your back, the 6REEZE tour hoodie that you were wearing and its list of sold out dates written down the smooth, high quality fabric, and strange whispers of memory fluttered into his mind. a thousand days spent practicing, the moments right before rising onto the stage, his heart pounding so hard he could barely think and sick nervousness boiling in his stomach, rendering him almost unable to speak. and you, of course, holding out a water bottle, a sheet of lyrics, a helping hand, as always.

  his breath caught and a frantic whirl of thoughts spilled into his mind. the feeling that there’s something he was always overlooking before, something obvious that he never noticed even though it was right in front of his face, like he was missing something crucial, something so important that now that he had noticed its absence it was like a puzzle piece had been cut out of his still beating heart.

  wind blew past his face, and time seemed to slow down in the next second; you turned, a smile flitting to your lips and the words “hey, go a bit faster!” falling into the air as your hand flashed out, connecting the space between you, and grabbed his wrist. in that moment, there was no other way to describe you than… angelic, with golden sunshine drenching your face, your fingers cool against his skin, and he struggled, suddenly, to take air into his lungs.

  “anyway, what did you leave for?” you asked, abruptly breaking the spell. venti shook his head, disoriented. “w… what? oh – i,” he held up his paper bag sheepishly. “i wanted to get a coffee.”

  “oh? from where?”

  “just this café i like,” he said, almost embarrassed of the answer. “well, can i try something?” you asked. he fumbled in the bag for a moment before taking out a small pastry, a layered cube of strawberry shortcake. you popped it into your mouth and chewed for a moment, and he found himself holding his breath with the hope that you would like it.

  “wow, that’s really good,” you said with surprise. “can i come with you next time?”

  there was no excuse for the shot of adrenaline that rushed through him at the innocent question, and he was so thankful that you weren’t facing him as a giddy smile crossed his face. “sure thing!” he said, brightening, and quickened once more to continue in pace with you.

  the third person to melt into your fascinating mind is kaedehara kazuha, the songwriter of the group and main rapper; a fan favorite for his calm and relaxing exterior that belies a fierier soul underneath. it helped, of course, that he wrote extremely popular and romantic songs. you had a strong friendship with him, as he was the member you had known the longest, practically since he was a trainee and you were both much younger.

  right now, he was laying on the floor of your apartment and listening to a demo track of a new song, already planning the words to the sweet, delicate piano melody, while you sat on the couch scribbling in a spiral bound notebook, eyebrows knit in a concentrated expression. you heaved a sigh, ripping out a sheet of paper and crumpling it into a ball before tossing it on the floor frustratedly. kazuha paused the music. “what’s wrong?”

   “i’m just – trying to figure this out,” you sighed. “the words just won’t come to me.”

  “what are you writing?”

  “… poetry,” you said begrudgingly. when he laughed, hiding the surprised and excited thump his heart made when he heard that word, and then the following shock at those emotions, you threw a pillow at him. “stop it! you write this kind of thing too!” 

  “yes, but i get paid to do it,” he pointed out, refraining to mention that it was also his main pastime outside of his idol duties. “can i see it?” you shook your head instantly, and his lips tugged downwards into a frown. so, [name] writes poetry. what a coincidence. his eyes glittered, fixing his unhappy look on you.

  you closed your notebook and gave him a big smile, slightly pained in a way he could only recognize due to your years of friendship. “really, it’s just a hobby. it’s about time for dinner anyways. shall i start making something?”

  “no, show me,” he requested, tilting his head, dark red eyes locked onto yours. “please?” he wanted to see them so badly, a hint of desperation seeped into his voice. he almost cringed at that sound. but why was he so curious? of course, he inexplicably loved the idea that you had one of the same hobbies as him. composing poetry and songs? it was as if you were made to be together.

  he bit down hard on the inside of his cheek, and tasted salt on his tongue for a second, the pain jolting him back into his right mind. partners, of course, is what he meant. friends. nothing more than that. how could he be having such stupid thoughts about you, his oldest friend? 

  your voice drew him into reality again. “okay, fine, just don’t judge me. it’s… really dumb,” you admitted, closing your eyes and cracking open the spine of the notebook. kazuha ran his fingertips over the paper, ridged with line after line of your cramped handwriting in thick ink. as he took in the contents of the pages, his eyes widened. this is…

  “a love poem?” he said aloud. you squeezed your eyes shut as he started to read the words halfway down the page. “… lost to me like dandelion fluff / i grasp for another handful / another breath, wishing for you cupped in my hands.” he rocked backwards, clapping his hand over his mouth not soon enough to muffle the laughter.

  your cheeks colored and you snatched the notebook back. “ugh, kazuha! get out of here! i didn’t even finish it yet!”

  “no, no! i’m not laughing at you!” he said, though he was a bit. such a tacky way of words, and yet… “it’s just so sentimental, i never would have expected this from you. it’s, sort of sweet.”

  “well, you never know,” you said, placated slightly by his words. “and anyway, i’d never show it to anyone but you. it’s just for fun.”

  you’d never show it to anyone but me? logically, he knew there were a thousand reasons for you to say that, ranging from him being another poet, to him being your close friend. and yet, he latched onto the one he wanted the most. 

  “who’s it for?” he asked, as casually as he could, as calmly and slowly as he could. as if there was no meaning behind that question at all. as if the idea that such a poem could maybe, possibly be for him didn’t make his heart explode into fireworks of joy, without him even knowing why. no, not quite; of course, he knew why. his job was writing love songs, anyway. he had just never thought that of all people, it would be you who caused these feelings he’d sang about a thousand times yet never experienced.

  “i’m not telling,” you said, sticking your tongue out childishly before looking embarrassed. his heart plummeted into his stomach. even though it was an answer to be expected. he couldn’t explain this crushing disappointment at your refusal to speak. “w-well, anyway… why don’t we go get something to eat now?”

  it was unmistakably an escape from a conversation you didn’t want to continue. yet, kazuha wanted to ask you to wait, so he could see another poem of yours. even if it led to heartache, he wanted to know so badly that it almost hurt. the possibility of you writing something like that for him was something he wanted more than anything in that instant. and yet…

  more than that, he wanted you to be comfortable around him. that was truly what he wanted most. so… “okay, sure,” he obliged, and you set down your precious notebook as the two of you stood to leave, him casting one more glance towards it and wondering after its tantalizing contents. 

  as you both stood in the elevator, waiting for its descent to the bottom floor, he turned to you. “hey, what was the name of that poem again?”

  “dandelions,” you said, another embarrassed flush tinting the tips of your ears. “it’s silly, but— ”

  “no, it isn’t. dandelions,” he repeated, the word tingling on his tongue. it felt like he was on the verge of something new, somehow, that familiar warm, sparking feeling he always got right before an idea for a brand new project. “i like it.”

  the next single is soon released, titled wishes in the breeze, a heartfelt ode laced with sugary-sweet declarations of love for an unknown person. you find a copy of the tape– its cover plastered with an image of the boys sitting together with their backs to the camera, kazuha in the middle, one eye showing as he turns his head– outside your apartment door; in the liner notes of the tape are shreds of a poem in red ink.

  the third to fall prey to your beauty is shikanoin heizou, the main visual and most outgoing, charismatic member of 6REEZE. of course, he’s quite talented as the other members, but his true strength is in his magnetic personality that draws in new fans almost every day. he always knows just what to say, a perfect comeback locked and loaded on his tongue and ready to burst no matter what the situation is.

  after wishes in the breeze won ‘best new pop song’ at a prestigious teyvat awards event, you and 6REEZE were invited to a celebration dinner with many other famous artists. heizou was standing with the other members and holding small talk with a punk-pop girl band trio that recently released an album that swept the awards, golden apple. 

  “heya, [name] just came in,” the shortest girl said, tilting her head towards the entrance. “ain’t  that ya manager, heizou?” he smiled instantly, and agreed, “ah, yes!” with a gleeful look on his face. “i wasn’t sure they were going to show up, they don’t usually like big crowds, but i guess this was too important of an opportunity to pass up.”

  he swiveled to greet you, hand already raising in a wave, and as his gaze landed on you, the world seemed to stop turning for a moment, the words falling out of his mouth and disappearing.

  highlighted underneath the dancing lights, there you were; in a forest green tuxedo, the silken material of your sleeves almost glowing as you rubbed the back of your neck nervously. your hair was styled in such a way that you looked like royalty, sweeping over your shoulders, and when you turned your head slightly and the bright color of your eyes was caught in the glimmer from the spotlights above, he could just feel his heart in his throat and the bittersweet taste of longing.

  heizou was unable to speak for a few seconds, almost unable to breathe. it was lucky for him that kazuha caught sight of you and waved you over, because he couldn’t get a single syllable out, let alone a greeting. you crossed the room to the small group.

  “how fancy,” kuni scoffed, sharp nose turned up as he jutted out his chin. “no wonder it took you so long to get here, primping like this.”

  you pulled at your sharp collar. “it’s a little stifling,” you said with just a hint of sweat to betray your flustered interior underneath your calm expression. “i don’t usually get dressed up like this, but… it’s for such a special occasion, and it’s a little fun too – ”

  “it looks amazing, [name]!” venti exclaimed, stars in his eyes as he grabbed your hand and pumped it up and down. “seriously, the best! you didn’t have to go so all out for us, we would have been happy with just a fancy sash or something,” he laughed. you accepted his handshake without a change of expression, as the other boys oohed and aahed dutifully.

  “i mean, come on! this is so fancy, i’m shocked to see [name] all dressed up and looking sharp! i wish we could see you like this more often,” venti continued, turning to look at heizou with a smile. “right?” 

  the question was surely meant innocently, as a query for the other contender for flirtiest member. it was most likely that venti had expected only a oh yes, it’s quite stunning, but not as stunning as [name]’s cute face by itself. but heizou had no smart remark, instead offering only a “yeah, it’s fine,” with a flat, unchanging face, before turning on his heel and practically running for the exit. “hey!” venti said, surprised, as if trying to call him back, but it was no use; the red-head boy was already out of earshot in a matter of seconds.

  “ah… ? heizou?” you said, taken aback as you watched heizou’s rapidly retreating frame. “did i… do something wrong?” a strange sadness seemed to fill your chest, and your hand fell away to rest limply by your side.

  pushing through the double doors, heizou finally managed to escape. he ducked around a corner, hunching over and staring at the floor, his breathing fast with exertion and agitation. “that’s… just not fair,” he mumbled into his hand, palm pressed to his mouth and face burning red. “to suddenly show up in something like that? it’s practically playing dirty… ”

  he sunk to the floor, getting dust on the legs of his suit, but he barely noticed, burying his face in his hands with only thoughts of you rushing through his head. he had no doubt the others were wondering after him, but there was no chance he could go back in his current state, barely able to think straight. 

  “man, [name]… you really are dreamy.” 

  though the mood of the celebration was dampened by heizou’s partial absence and your dejection, you managed to go to bed that night with a smile on your face due to the fun atmosphere and the others making a special effort to cheer you up. the next time you saw heizou, he presented you with a gift box tied in an intricate knot with a silk ribbon. inside, was a less formal version of that outfit, in a popular style that you could wear out on the street.

  “because you said you thought it was fun,” he says, tucking his hands behind his back to conceal their shaking. “i thought you would like something like this. to wear whenever you want. but if it’s too much, or silly, i – ”

  “i love it, heizou,” you say firmly, cutting him off. “thank you.” when you hesitantly pulled him into a hug, his arms came up automatically to wrap around your back, his breathing almost stopping with an nervous thrill that traveled up his spine. he wondered for a second if you could feel his heartbeat and how fast it was pounding inside his chest, before pushing the thought aside and letting himself just feel the warmth of your arms for that short moment.

  the fifth person captivated by your kindness is aether, the youngest member and the least experienced, with no solid lead position. every person in 6REEZE has their fair share of fans, but he had a noticeable lack of support compared to the others; the company that managed the group, SHOGUNATE ENTERTAINMENT, just seemed to have it out for him, barely giving him any solos or spending any time marketing him.

  of course, no one ever voiced their concerns at his treatment aloud, not when he seemed so truly optimistic. nobody wanted to be the person to make that grin disappear. spending all day, every day practicing, waving the others off when they asked him to take a break, every moment was dedicated to the betterment of his idol persona, never letting that golden smile drop from his face.

   it felt like it was a thousand degrees on the set of their next m/v, yet aether was still practicing, the sound of their upcoming release today and tomorrow blaring through his ears. it was the only song he had heard in at least a week, but he couldn’t take a break for even a second if he wanted to remember the whole thing without one mistake.

  when his twenty-third(? he lost count around number fifteen) runthrough of the song finally finished, leaving him kneeling on the floor, he shut off the music. in the silence of the empty room, there was some kind of pounding still echoing in his head, making it hard for him to think straight. as he rose to his feet, his vision blacked out for a moment.

  “aether, you’re still here?” said a sudden voice, laced with surprise. he looked up to find you, apparently having just entered and in the midst of rearranging a couple of set pieces. as your gaze traveled over him, your eyes widened slightly. “are you okay? you look so pale.”

  “yeah, ‘m fine, just – just tired,” he mumbled, swaying on his feet slightly. your worried expression swam before his eyes. “is it hot in here, or… ?” were his last words before he stumbled and fell, the ground rushing up to meet him faster than he could react with his exhausted, nonresponsive limbs, eyes closing and unable to think properly.

  huh… ?

  the world pulsed around him in blinking black dots. somehow, he hadn’t hit the ground yet. it felt wrong that he would still be falling; he forced his eyes open with great struggle, and found that you had caught him. how strange… why couldn’t i move… ?

  you gently lowered yourself to the floor, allowing him to rest his head against your leg. “aether,” you said, your voice pained and worried, “how hard have you been practicing? have you taken any breaks today?”

  “no, i was trying to learn the choreography without – ” the words caught in his dry throat, breath scraping painfully, and you looked even more worried as he coughed. “without pausing at all.”

  a tch sound escaped your lips, expression more concerned than he’d ever seen it before. “you must be so dehydrated.” you bit your lip. “aether, you know you’re just hurting yourself this way. this level of work… it’ll hinder your progress, rather than help it.”

  despite the discouraging nature of your words, it was gratitude for that acknowledgement, and some thick, warm emotion that brought a strange moisture to aether’s eyes. he tried to rub at his eyes, but his hand was shaking too hard. “no, i have to do this.”

  “why?” you demanded.

  he barely knew how to put it into words. “i’m just… the weak link,” he said, tears pricking for a moment before he blinked them away, one hand resting on his temples and shielding his face from your concerned gaze. “i’m not good at anything, so i have to practice and practice to make up for – ”

  “you’re not the weak link, aether,” you said firmly, your voice so kind and earnest that it almost brought tears to his eyes yet again. “you’re like – the glue, you can do everything perfectly well. there’s nothing wrong with not having a specialty. you work so hard, and always go out of your way to support everyone. don’t let me hear you talking like that, okay?”

  “but – ” he tried to protest, then almost melted underneath the force of your angry, anxious eyes. even with the embarrassment of being in this situation, there was some foreign ember of warmth in his chest that burned hotter with every word from you. he couldn’t explain it, but it was like hearing those things from you was rejuvenating somehow; soaking into his body and leaving him feeling looser, calmer in its wake. he didn’t know if it was because it was you specifically, and he was almost afraid to think about it. 

  “no buts!” you snapped. “i refuse to listen to you thinking this way about yourself. you’re incredibly capable and strong, and don’t you dare bottle this up and work yourself to the point of passing out again. i know you can do it, without punishing yourself for no reason. it’ll be okay.”

  “… okay,” he nodded. you pressed your hand against his forehead and winced. “you better not be getting sick. now go home and rest up. i don’t want to see you here again until tomorrow afternoon, got it?”

  you walked him to the exit, making sure he drank almost the entire contents of his water bottle, with orders to go to sleep extra early. yet, even with those directions, he tossed and turned almost all night, still feeling the force of your laser-hot gaze every time he closed his eyes. 

  the day filming started, there was no doubt in him that he could nail the entire choreography. even xiao commented on his movements seeming more sharp than usual, his voice more fluid as well. of course, there was a reason for that, but he would never have voiced it aloud that he wanted just one more second of your eyes on him. just one more word of praise that felt so much more real coming from you than anyone else.

  there was a six-second focus on him for the second chorus, and he poured all of his saved-up energy into that moment. “i want you here, i want you with me in my arms,” he sang, throwing his entire body into the next twirling movement, and pointed straight at the camera with the unfaltering wish that you would see and know he was speaking to you. “you’re my love, the one i’m wishing for, today, tomorrow, forever!”

  the sixth member of 6REEZE to love you is xiao, the center and leader of the group. though STORM’S EYE has no shortage of love for him due to his mesmerizing voice and mature good looks, he is the least social of the boys, known as ‘ice prince’ because he’s so aloof and cool at fan events. there is no one in public knowledge that he chooses to let his guard down around; even in vlogs, he barely socializes and keeps to himself, practicing or listening to music on bulky headphones.

  SHOGUNATE ENTERTAINMENT works mainly out of an enormous compound filled with training rooms and facilities for all of their groups and other productions. the residence reserved for 6REEZE is attached to it. technically, it could be shared by the group, but the only people who really live there are venti and xiao, and venti is almost always out on other business (or so he claims) anyway.

  the roof of the apartment has an amazing view of the entire city and the sky. it’s the perfect place to go when a break and fresh air is needed, meaning xiao can almost always be found there. and now, after an incident in which a very important standalone project where he was meant to collaborate with a girl group has been cancelled due to strong pushback from fans, he’s vanished, and you know exactly where he’s gone.

  watching the door still swinging shut from his sudden exit, president miko clicked her tongue carelessly. “ah, so immature. do you remember when we were young enough to be able to throw tantrums whenever things went awry, ei, dearest?” she tilted her head at the purple haired woman, who sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. “we could secure another collaboration, but apparently not with any girl group. perhaps xing/yun or LUPICAL… ?” she mused. “could someone please go after him?”

  “i can – ” kuni volunteered, already raising from his seat, before you rocketed to your feet, pushing your chair in. “i’m on it! please email me your consensus later!” the other boys watched, taken aback, as you gave a hasty bow and practically sprinted out.

  you found him on the roof, of course, leaning over the balcony with a stony line to his jaw. you approached, and he raised his hand without greeting. “what happened back there?” you asked tentatively.

  “how can they take away an opportunity so selfishly?” he spat. you weren’t sure whether he was talking about the fans or SHOGUNATE ENTERTAINMENT, but nodded anyway. as the leader, he was naturally under the most stress, and when he got into a bad mood there was nothing to do but wait it out. 

  “i don’t know if i can do this anymore,” he said, feeling the smallest crack in his voice and dragging a hand down his face. “we’re always being watched, always having to obey stupid rules that don’t even make sense! this was an important collaboration, i’m not a commodity that will lower in value if i work with a girl! if our fans can’t handle us acting like normal people, they aren’t even our fans, are they?”

  “i know,” you said, trying to soothe him, placing a hand on his arm only for it to be shaken off. he glared out at the city for a moment, eyes focused above the horizon. “it’s just not fair,” you continued. “but xiao, there are alternatives – ”

  “i don’t want alternatives,” he interrupted, “i’m not sure if i even want to be an idol sometimes. all these rules are too much.” he turned and met your eyes. “and you know the worst one of all.”

  “of course i do.” you reached out and tucked a lock of hair behind his ear. “but are you serious about not wanting to be an idol? because, if you ever chose to leave the company, i… can also leave.”

  “you can’t put your career in jeopardy just for this.” he gave a frustrated huff. “this stupid company is just so stifling. i didn’t think being an idol would be like this when i first signed up.”

  “well, that’s why i’m here, right?” you offered. “to make your life easier. my career isn’t as important, so as your manager, i could – ”

  “you’re more than my manager.” his tone was gentler, the earlier roughness somehow melting away, and the words were quiet enough that nobody could possibly hear, meant only for you as he tilted his head, golden eyes finding yours. “you know that.”

  “xiao.” 

  “i won’t let you endanger your own job prospects if i leave.”

  you stared at each other for a moment. the wind stirred your hair around your face, framing it in the most beautiful way. his heart caught in his throat. the painful look of uncertainty mixed with determination that you wore was sure to be mirrored on his own face.

  “i would never stay here, without you,” you said finally, your voice tight. “i’ll go wherever you go.”

  he opened his mouth, unable to form words as a response to this, and you looked at him. there was nothing in your eyes but earnestness, and he thought for the millionth time how heart-stoppingly beautiful you were. he cupped your face with both hands, and there you were in silence for a long second, the cotton candy sunset gleaming down onto you.

  “[name],” was the word that finally escaped his lips, taking in your sweet scent that enveloped you like an angel’s aura. you wrapped your arms around his neck, murmuring xiao in the quietest voice, a secret that wreathed through the air, like smoke curling into a calm breeze. “i love you.”

  you kissed him, then; and when your lips met, he felt his worries melt away, and the overwhelming thought that he couldn’t care less if the whole world knew about your relationship; it was like he could feel everything, like he was frozen and time only started moving again when you were together. eternity could pass in a heartbeat and he would never know, not when he was holding you.

  whether 6REEZE was together or not, whether he stayed an idol, or the trifling problems of his everyday life – nothing like that seemed to matter when he was with you. it felt inconsequential. no matter what the company wanted from him, he could do it; as long as he could continue to kiss you like this, he would do anything in the world. 

© lumiconic ; please reblog and follow if enjoyed

[tonowarii]

The Night Is Still Young

Pairing: Neteyam te Suli Tsyeyk'itan x Fem! Omaticaya! Reader

Requested?: Yes | No

Summary: Feeling left out that everyone had their first kiss already, you turn to your best friend to ask him how it feels like, not knowing his bottled up feelings for you might just explode at your request.

WC: 1.0k

Warning/s: kissing, reader has her first kiss w nete, fluff

Note: when is it my turn /hj

gif is not mine, credits to the owner!

To everyone else, Neteyam was nothing but a smart boy, always quick upon his feet. Ready for anything.

But nothing could prepare him for this as the words slip past your mouth.

He was dumbfounded. His brain froze as he stared at you.

While you felt immediate regret at what you said, hands stretching and gesturing all over as if it would reverse everything that led up to this conversation.

“No- I’m sorry- I didn’t mean to- I-“ You stumble upon your words, face growing hotter by the minute.

“What was it again?” Neteyam asked. You shake your head, not wanting to repeat it anymore.

Neteyam takes both your wrists and holds them down, staring at you. “Tell me.”

“My Eywa- Teyam you know I trust you the most and I don’t want to repeat myself- all I just said was I want to experience being kissed and I just thought it would be a great idea to ask you for it but- forget it!”

Oh no- no he would not forget. In fact, he was sure his heart was doing a thousand flips right about now. He keeps his cool even though he feels like he’s about to burst at any second now.

Who wouldn’t when your childhood best friend, or in Neteyam’s case, childhood best friend-turned crush-for-almost-a-decade had asked you if you’d like to be their first kiss? Even if it was simply just to try it out?

Neteyam smirks, tilting his head at you.

“Maybe you just want to kiss me, is that it (Y/N)?” He notes the way your cheeks darkened shaking your head as you fought against your feelings.

“NO!” You lie.

He rolls his eyes but laughs. “Calm down, (n/n)- I’ll do it.”

Your head lifts up in surprise. “What?”

“I’ll do it, c’mon.” Neteyam said.

“Here? Right now-“

Neteyam shakes his head, holding one of your wrists as he carefully pulls you up to stand. He wasn’t stupid, he doesn’t want to make your first kiss something you’d just brush over, no.

He’d take this opportunity to take you somewhere special- at least... A romantic scenario? Yeah, that was probably it.

Neteyam was dragging you up at Home Tree, until you had finally reached the top.

Your eyes take in the view of the sun starting to set. You hadn’t realize your hand was still holding Neteyam’s until he was tugging on your arm again, making you blush.

Having your first kiss isn’t exactly a priority anyways, but with all of your friends gushing on about theirs made you realize you were practically missing out on all the fun things adults do.

That’s why you went to ask your childhood friend Neteyam. You barely had any experience with boys around your age, even if they did hint their feelings, you’d turn them down anyway.

It was all because of him. Neteyam.

Now asking him for this was a big deal and you even started to hate it, yeah, he kisses you, and then what? Are you just supposed to brush it over? Would this affect your friendship? Or are you just thinking way ahead of things and its possible he might not even feel the same as you do?

Yeah, it sucks.

“Sit.” His voice pulls you back, looking at him. You sit down across him.

Neteyam in front of you, can’t seem to stop the edge of his lip curling up. Great, he’s trying not to make fun of you.

But it was the complete opposite for him.

Neteyam, however, had his fair share of kisses back then so he can safely do what’s right and not. He wants to make it comfortable for you.

“Tell me if you want me to stop.” He said, turning serious. You sigh out in nervousness before nodding.

“Just move with me, okay? I got you.” He smiles, scooting closer. Your faces were inches apart as you stared into his eyes. Your heart was pounding and you felt like he could definitely hear it.

You shiver as Neteyam’s hand placed itself on your cheek before you find yourself leaning towards him.

Closing your eyes and bracing yourself for impact, a soft one at that.

His lips. You did not expect them to be this soft...

Neteyam’s insides crackled like fireworks being sent off as your lips met his. You stayed like that for a few seconds before Neteyam started to move at a better angle.

You were lost but you let him move you, with both his hands on your cheek now as your hands placed themselves on his arms.

The kiss felt heavenly, he felt heavenly that you cursed whoever else’s lips were to end up on his.

Then it started to become more deep, passionate, as if Neteyam was pouring all of his skill into making your first kiss a perfect one.

But just having him as your first kiss was more than perfect.

Your heart pounded still in your chest as you grip on his arms.

And it had to end sooner or later much go Neteyam’s dismay.

Pulling away, you both slowly opened your eyes to see one another. Neteyam’s eyes stared into yours with pupils dilated. You were absentmindedly staring at him the same way.

“That was amazing Neteyam.” You smile and Neteyam wanted nothing more but to kiss you again, already missing the feeling as if he didn’t pour his heart and soul into it.

He was about to utter the three words then and there but his brother just had to be there.

“Hey! Thought I’d find you guys here, oh (Y/N) that reminds me...”

Neteyam watched with a frown as you got up to talk to Lo’ak. The memory of your lips, however, made his cheeks warm, tail swishing behind him in happiness.

Lo’ak, as he was talking to you, could notice his brother’s mood behind you but you didn’t have a clue. He chuckles at his older brother’s glare at him.

After Lo’ak had gone, you shyly return to Neteyam, who smiled widely at you.

You pursed your lips, smiling back at him. That was it, you were done for.

“Aren’t you a little too happy? I think you’re the one that wanted to kiss me.” You teased him to lighten the mood, hoping you juust didn’t wreck your friendship.

“Hmm... I am happy, considering I just kissed the girl I have loved for the longest time now.”

Your mouth went agape as he only smirked at you. It was now or never.

And Neteyam thought it was time.

[certifiedcallahanstan]

The memoir of a horny fangirl (H.C Series)

Pairing: Hazel Callahan x Fem!reader

College AU

Summary:

After a two years of studying abroad in Australia for marine biology you return back to your college for your senior year, everything is how you remember it..

Josie and Isabel moved in together.

P.J is still horny as ever.

but one thing is different..Hazel is a professional baseball player.

Word count: 3.2k

Warnings: Angst!!, Confident Hazel (bc she’s got as fuck), Fuck boy Hazel but not really, Sometimes insufferable reader, eventual smut

This is a slow burn series, there will smut but not in the first chapter

Chapter 1-

You had been in Australia at a marine biology internship for the the past two years of university. You were excited to see at your friends, really you were but after three cancelled flights, two delays and having to sit next to a fifty something year old man who snores could’ve sent the plane down, you were really excited to just lay in your bed and sleep. Your friends however had other plans.

Isabel, Josie, Stella-Rebecca, Brittany, Hazel and P.J had gotten a extra key to your apartment from your parents (which you didn’t even know they had), and had spent five hours furnishing it with balloons, streamers, printed out pictures of sea animals and a big banner that says “welcome home mate”.

To say you were surprised was an understatement, as soon as your hand twisted the door knob and pushed the door open, cheers erupted from your friends and choruses of “welcome back” and “damn how did you get even hotter” filled the room.

As you take in the scene of your friends' enthusiastic welcome, you can't help but feel overwhelmed with warmth and happiness. Despite the exhaustion from your journey, their energy is infectious. Your heart swells with affection for each of them, especially as Isabel, and soon everyone else tackles you in a hug.

well everyone except P.J that is, she just kind of presses her lips together and tilts her head towards you in acknowledgment, never being one for affection.

After everyone has gotten their hugs in you can’t help but notice one face is notably absent, you scan the room for the shaggy haired brunette but she is nowhere to be seen, stirring a mix of emotions within you.

You try to push aside any feelings of disappointment , focusing instead on the joy of being reunited with your friends after such a long time away.

Everyone settles on the couch, Isabel and Josie cuddled together, they’ve been together close to three years which warmed your heart. Stella-Rebecca gushed about how she got asked to do her first ever run way show, and Brittany had officially signed a deal with a celebrity to help promise her jewelry business. And P.J had finally lost her virginity, which came from a slightly tipsy Stella-Rebecca leading to a slightly more annoyed P.J. You chose to leave it alone.

You’re curled up on the couch listening to all of your friends conversing when you hear your apartment door open.

Your heart skips a beat as you turn to see the familiar figure entering the room. The shaggy-haired brunette, the one you've been eagerly awaiting, finally arrives, and a rush of emotions floods over you (it’s just because you haven’t seen her in a while, you swear).

Despite trying to play it cool, you can't hide the smile that spreads across your face as she joins the group. It's as if the puzzle is finally complete with their presence, and you feel a sense of contentment settle over you.

“Sorry i’m late” she huffs out as she sets her backpack on the table by your door “Practice ran late”

"It's alright, we're just glad you're here," you reply, trying to hide the relief in your voice. You gesture for her to join you on the couch.

She graciously accepts the gesture and sits by you and you can’t help but notice how different she looks. When you left two years ago she was still the shy awkward girl you knew from highschool who wouldn’t stop talking about star wars and bomb making.

As you take in her transformation, you're struck by how stunning she looks. Gone is the shy, awkward girl you once knew, replaced by this confident, stylish version of herself. The way she carries herself, the subtle accessories that accentuate her outfit—all of it adds to her allure.

She still had the same mullet rocker hairstyle but her facial features seem to have gotten sharper and her muscle’s definitely more defined (not that you were looking because you definitely weren’t)

Your heart patters as you hear Brittany gasp and look at you “Did Hazel tell you about making the team?!”

Your eyebrows knit in confusion as you turn and look at hazel “no..what team?”

The brunette rubs her ring adorned hand on the back of her neck “it’s really no big deal-“

“No big deal?!” P.J interrupts smacking her hands on the couch “You got signed with the mother fucking NBA!”

Your eyes widen in shock as the news sinks in. The NBA? you swear you could feel your panties dampen. You knew she liked watching baseball and was pretty good at it, but you’ve never gotten to see her play. The thought of her in a baseball uniform makes you unusually horny.

You quickly snap out of your momentary distraction, realizing everyone is waiting for your response. Blushing slightly, you smile, "That's incredible, Hazel! Congratulations!" Your voice carries genuine excitement and admiration.

Her excitement is contagious, and you find yourself beaming along with her. You offer her a congratulatory hug which she happily obliges to.

As everyone converses and gets slightly more tipsy you and hazel sit by each other conversing and you realize how much you’ve missed this.

“I can’t wait to see you in action Miss NBA all star”

Hazel huffs out a chuckle tracing the rim of her cup and you can’t help but notice how prominent the veins are in her hand.

“I actually have a game this weekend. You should come” she smiles and licks her bottom lip in a way that should be illegal. You sensed a hint of flirtatiousness in her voice but you chalked it down to both of you being a little bit more than tipsy.

“Of course Haze” You smile as you squeeze her free hand “you know i wouldn’t miss it for the world”

“OH MY GOD I FUCKING LOVE THIS SONG” Isabel screeches and she pulls a stunned hazel up and starts screaming the words to “HOT TO GO”

As the night winds down and it's just you and Hazel left as she helps you clean up the mess that has consumed your apartment. The intimate setting allows your feelings for her to surface, even if only in the privacy of your thoughts.

You’ve always kind of had a thing for Hazel, the way she was always so kind to everyone even if they didn’t deserve it. How she could make jokes at the perfect time, and the fucking smile of hers.

You’re consumed in your thoughts as “living on a prayer” softly fills your apartment when you hear Hazel say something.

“Sorry” you say looking up from the trash bag you were tying and looking to her “what was that”

“you’re always in you’re own world aren’t you” she chuckles which causes the apples of your cheeks to turn pink “I said it’s good to see you again, it hasn’t been the same without you”

“Yeah, it's good to see you too," you reply, trying to keep your voice steady despite the flutter in your chest. "I've missed our late-night clean-up sessions."

And it’s true, Hazel was always the one to stay after and help you clean up after any kind of event.

An hour later everything is in its place and As Hazel gets ready to leave, you feel a pang of reluctance, not wanting the night to end just yet. "Hey, Hazel," you say, your voice a little softer than before, "thanks for helping out tonight, and for everything, really." You offer her a genuine smile

Hazel returns your smile, her gaze lingering for a moment longer than usual. "Anytime," she replies, her tone equally sincere. "And hey, don't forget about the game this weekend. I'll save you a seat." With a playful wink, she heads towards the door.

You watch her go, feeling a mixture of emotions swirling within you. As the door clicks shut behind her, you're left alone with your thoughts once more, the echoes of the night's events lingering in the air.

————————————

You didn’t see Hazel for the rest of the week, which left you restless and longing for her presence. Each day passed with a sense of anticipation for her baseball game on Saturday.

As the days went by, you couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of your stomach. You missed her more than you cared to admit.

As Saturday rolled around, you sat with them at Josie's house, Isabel was standing in a pile of clothes, determined to find you, quote on quote “the most pussy dripping outfit” and after what seems like an eternity she throws a tank top and short blue denim shorts to you and smiles.

You pick up the articles of clothing and laugh slightly. As you slip into the tank top and shorts, you can't help but feel a surge of confidence wash over you. Sure, the outfit may be on the more revealing side for a baseball game, but you can't deny that you look good in it. With a playful smile, you give Isabel a nod of approval and Josie whistles.

“Hazel isn’t going to be able to focus on the game seeing you” she says “and i mean this in the least offensive most feminist way, your tits look amazing” she huffs out as she gives you the “ok” hand symbol

"Thanks, Josie," you reply with a grin, feeling a warmth spread through you at her words.

With a final adjustment to your outfit, you three head to the stadium and Isabel grabs your hand and drags you to the VIP seating, As you approach the group, you're greeted by Annie, Sylvie, P.J, and Brittany, who are deep in conversation.

“I’m just saying” Sylvie huffs out in between handfuls of popcorn “If god didn’t make weed for people to smoke, what did he make it for“

“Not for you to get high off of and run into a rive butt ass naked!” Annie screeches

"Hey, everyone," you greet the group with a smile. "What's all this about running into rivers naked?" You raise an eyebrow, feigning curiosity as you take a seat among them.

Annie chuckles, shaking her head. "Long story," she replies, shooting a playful glare at Sylvie. "Let's just say Sylvie here had a little too much fun with nature last summer."

Sylvie shrugs, grinning sheepishly. "Hey, it was a dare," she defends herself, reaching for another handful of popcorn.

Soon enough the players start to take their positions on the field, your heart skips a beat when you spot Hazel on the pitcher's mound. The sight of her, with black eye paint under her eyes, which is enough to make you come undone on the spot.

With bated breath, you watch as she lifts her leg up and delivers the first pitch, her focus and determination evident with each movement. As the game progresses, you find yourself cheering louder and more enthusiastically with each play, feeling a sense of pride swell within you with every pitch she throws.

You can feel the anticipation in the air as the score remains neck and neck. Then, in the final moments, Hazel winds up and delivers the winning pitch, sending the ball soaring with precision and determination.

A collective roar erupts from the crowd as the ball connects with the catcher's mitt, signaling victory for Hazel's team. Cheers and applause fill the stadium as fans jump to their feet.

Josie pumps her fist in the air, her infectious energy spreading to the rest of the group.

And for the first time you realize how many girls are wearing Callahan jerseys and you hear a couple screaming “marry me” and “fuck me hazel”, even seeing a few flashing her and you can’t help but feel a pant of jealousy.

Despite knowing that Hazel is just basking in the admiration of her fans, seeing others openly express their attraction to her stirs up feelings of insecurity within you. You hadn’t realized how popular Hazel was until now.

—————————————

Josie declared an obligatory house party after the game, so soon enough her house was filled with drunk college students.

Music thumped through the speakers, laughter echoed in every corner, and the scent of alcohol lingered in the air. You search for Hazel, not being able to have seen her after the game due to the numerous interviewers surrounding her.

You spot her surrounded by girls hanging off of her. You meet her gaze and you can’t help but notice how her eyes travel to your cleavage and the smirk that adorns her face before she turns her attention back to the girls. Isabel comes up to you and bumps your shoulder “fun day huh?”

You tear your eyes away from Hazel and smile “Yeah it was the best, i didn’t realize haze was so popular though, i mean i swear i saw a girl faint when she came out”

Isabel laughs as she grabs another cup from the kitchen counter “Yeah Hazel is like..the gay awakening for every girl across America”

You hum in acknowledgment as you turn your focus back to where Hazel is..or was, and you notice she is walking towards you.

As Hazel makes her way toward you, your heart skips a beat, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. You can't help but notice the way her eyes linger on you for a moment before she joins you, the smirk on her lips not escaping your notice.

She’s dressed in a black tank top and blue washed jeans with a silver chain glistening around her neck and you can’t help but wonder what it would look like with her head between your thighs.

"Hey," she says, pulling out of your frankly embarrassing day dream, her voice warm as she approaches. "Sorry about the crowd back there. It's been a bit hectic with all the interviews and fans."

You smile, trying to hide the flutter in your chest as you meet her gaze. "No worries," you reply, mustering up a casual tone. "Looks like you've got quite the fan club."

She shrugs as she messes with the red cup in her hand, her eyes scanning your outfit, still the same one that you had worn to the baseball game.

"You look great," she says, her voice genuine as she meets your gaze, you chew on your bottom lip as she whispers in your ear, “how did you know my favorite color was red”

a shiver runs down your spine at the proximity of her breath. Her words catch you off guard, and you can feel your cheeks flush with warmth. You spot Josie with her eyebrows raised and a shit eating grin on her face.

"I, uh, didn't know," you admit, feeling a flutter of excitement at her whispered confession. "I just... wore what I had."

Hazel's lips curl into a playful smirk as she leans back, her gaze locking with yours. "Well, it suits you," she says, her voice low and teasing. "Red looks good on you."

Since when did Hazel get so fucking good at flirting? You shift your standing position, pressing your thighs together as arousal sweeps over you.

“Hazel!” a drunk P.J calls out as soon as you were about to respond “Do shots with me”

Hazel hesitates before muttering “duty awaits” and giving you a two finger salute and she makes her way to the drunk blonde

"Sure, duty calls," you reply with a forced smile, trying to push aside the twinge of longing that tugs at your chest. With a final glance in Hazel's direction, you watch as she makes her way over to P.J, the momentary connection between you fading into the background as the party continues to unfold.

You find yourself leaning against the wall in a secluded hallway, not because you don’t like the party but because Sylvie keeps trying to challenge you in a game of “who can eat the most edibles”

Footsteps pat against the floors and you let your gaze look to see who was coming to disturb your peace only to find out it was a smiling Hazel.

“Trying to hide from me already?” she chuckles out as she stands infront of you and you can smell her cologne from here.

“Oh yeah” " you reply with a playful smirk, leaning back against the wall. "But I guess you found me."

Hazel chuckles, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she leans in closer, her cologne enveloping you in its intoxicating scent.

“I feel like i’ve barely had any time to talk to you” your words slightly slurred from the alcohol as you look at her.

a frown takes over her face as she tilts her head "Yeah, it's been pretty hectic," she admits, her voice tinged with regret.

You can’t help but notice how good she looks right now with her hair messy and the slight shine from sweat.

Now you wouldn’t call yourself a particularly bold person, but you’re also three vodka cranberries and four shots deep so logic isn’t really on your side right now.

you press your arms closer to your body making your cleavage your prominent as you push your lips out into a fake pout “maybe you can make it up to me”

Hazels eyebrows furrow as she brushes some hair from your face “What do you need?”

There’s her sweet oblivious Hazel, it’s comforting to know she hadn’t totally changed.

You’re about to respond when you feel acid in your throat. With a panicked gasp, you shove Hazel out of the way and rush to the bathroom, your hand clamped over your mouth as you desperately try to contain the rising bile.

As you reach the toilet, your stomach lurches, and you double over, emptying its contents into the bowl Through the haze of nausea, you vaguely register P.J’s concerned voice, asking if you're okay.

Obviously fucking not.

As the worst of the nausea passes, you lean back against the bathroom wall, feeling drained and shaky. Isabel grabs all of your belongings and drags you up from the floor as she takes you home.

——————————————

As you’re curled up in bed about to drift off to sleep your phone pings and you groan.

You swear to god if it’s Annie sending another fucking puking gif you will take her church shoe and shove it so far up her ass.

As you flip your phone over you see that instead of a lewd gif, it’s a message from Hazel.

“I hope you’re doing okay, i’ll bring over some soup tomorrow :)”

You can’t help the smile that spread across your face as you drift off into a peaceful sleep.

Until you got another ping.

This time it was from an unknown number which was odd because you swore you’ve blocked all the scammers.

In the message is a singular photo. a photo containing a petite red head pressed up against hazel, and as she zooms in she realizes their lips are interlocked.

stupid fucking stupid is the only thing you could think of.

With a heavy sigh, you block the number before sending hazel a message and tossing your phone across the room, burying your face in your pillow falling asleep with a tear streaked face.

“don’t bother. i’m fine.”

[themultifandomgal]

Tommy Shelby- Old Love Pt3

Pt1 Pt4

The following day I decide that I do need to speak to Tommy. So leaving Charlie at my parents house I pluck up the courage and head to the betting shop a place I know and remember all to well. On arrival I find John having a chat with Finn while they smoke

"Hey YN"

"Hi. Is Tommy here?" I ask nervously

"Yeah. In his office"

"Thanks"

"If I hear shouting I'll come and rescue you" John jokes. We always were quite close. I walk into the betting shop and over to Tommys office. Taking in a deep breath I knock on the door

"What?" I hear a grump Thomas shout

"Hey" I quietly say opening the door

"YN" his head snaps up. His eyes meet mine. Those damn eyes that I fell in love with. I quickly look away "what are you doing here?"I sit down in the chair in front of Tommys desk "everyone has told me we need to talk"

"What about you? Do you think we need to talk?" Tommy crosses his arms over his chest

"Yeah I do actually"

"Well" he gestures with his hand for me to continue

"I don't really know where to start"

"How about you start with the reason why you left"

"Is that a serious question Tom?"

"Of course it is" he raises his voice "you left when I needed you. You left with my son YN!"

"What about when I needed you Tom! What about when I was struggling after giving birth!" I stand up shouting

"I was a war!"

"So was I!" I close my eyes trying to stop tears

"What are you on about?" I sit back down in the seat. After a moment of silence I finally look back at Tommy

"Before you came home, I went to an asylum"

"What!" Tommy stand up looking furious

"After I had Charlie, I couldn't cope. Polly called it the baby blues, but it never went away. Our neighbours called the police because Charlie was crying and I wasn't doing anything. I was. I was trying to get him to be quiet but I just started to break down. They took me away, gave Polly custody of Charlie and I went to an asylum. Tommy it was horrible" I can no longer hold my tears back "they would shock me and prod me. Thankfully Polly got me out and I had custody of Charlie again. By the time you came home I blocked it all out. I had no feelings for Charlie for a while, when he cried I would sit there letting Polly or my mum care for him. I got better, but when you came home I had to look after you, it made me sad again"

"Fucking hell YN"

"When I saw you with the barmaid, it practically killed me Tom"

"Why didn't you tell me any of this?"

"How could I. You were dealing with the shit after war. I was failing at being a mother. How do you tell the man you love, the father of your baby that you didn't love said baby. Of course I love him now, but I was struggling"

"I wish you had told me" Tommy sighs sitting back down

"I know. I'm sorry. Mum said something yesterday which made me realise that I've been blaming you for everything that happened but I didn't speak to you, I took your son from you and moved. I'm sorry"

"So what's going to happen now?" I shrug

"I'd like you to be apart of Charlie's life"

"What about where you live? Will you come back home?"

"No. We're divorced Tom. I'm not moving back in with you, but if things go well and we can get on, I'll move in with my parents"

"Ok" Tommy rubs his hands over his face "you know I never stopped loving you"

"What about when you slept with her, or god knows who else"

"I was trying to get over you. Never fell in love again"

"So you still love me?"

"Yeah. Yeah I do"

"I still love you too, but I can't just jump back into a life with you"

"I understand. Polly's having all of us for dinner tomorrow, come, bring Charlie and your parents. Let's just start with being friends again"

"I'll think about it. I best go" I get up from the seat

"Maybe see you tomorrow"

"Maybe" I leave Tommys office

"You left him alive in there?" Arthur asks

"Yeah don't worry. See you around" I wave the boys goodbye and leave the betting shop to go back to my parents house

[jpitha]

Dreams of Hyacinth 28

First / Previous / Next

While Tink docked to the Xenni station, Nick and Eastern got dressed.

"Do we need to wear anything special? I don't know the Xenni very well." Eastern was pulling on clothes and talking with Tink through one of her support frames.

"They breath a mix that's similar to yours and the K'laxi. You should be fine. You might find that it smells odd. They have more sulfur in their home planet's atmosphere than Earth, but the concentrations they have won't hurt you. There's a touch less oxygen and more xenon too, but not enough to worry about, especially for the time we're going to be there. They like it warm too, so short sleeves will be fine."

"Thanks Tink." Eastern looked over at Nick. He was busy pulling his pants back on. "Ready to go meet the Xenni?"

"No, but I guess we're going to do it anyway." Nick sighed as he finished putting his clothes on.

"What's wrong, hon?"

Nick looked up at Eastern, worry on his face. "Eastern, we're two criminals from Hyacinth. Small time crooks who - until two weeks ago - used to con people out of their valuables and effectively shoplift. Now, we're lightyears from home, on the run from an Empress who has a Voice that can make people do what she says, and we're going to talk to another sapient species about touching a magic stone in a warp gate to do... something. We're not even sure what's going on. Why would I be okay?"

Eastern strode over and hugged Nick tightly. "We'll be okay because we're doing it together."

Nick melted into the hug. "I hope so Eastern. I'm way out of my element. I've been trying to hold it together these past few days, but... with all that's going on... and Selkirk..." Tears welled in Nicks eyes and he didn't say anything else.

Eastern held Nick a long time until Tink made a throat clearing noise. Nick started and looked up at Tink's support frame. "Sorry, it's just that we're docked, and I can see that some Xenni are waiting outside the airlock. Do you need a moment?"

Nick broke off the hug. "I'll be okay Tink, it's just... been a lot for me."

Tink's support frame nodded. "I get that. I'll go do some final checks and meet you by the airlock in a few."

Nick washed his face and took a few breaths. He came out of the bathroom looking much better. "I sure hope the wild surprises end soon. I could use a vacation."

Eastern smiled. "I'd like that. Take me to Parvati."

"It's a deal. When this is all done, we'll go spend a month on Parvati. I'll show you all my favorite places."

Nick and Eastern found Chloe, Hat and Tink's support frame waiting for them down at the airlock. "Everyone is here. Let's get this over with." Chloe sighed and reached for the airlock cycle.

Eastern narrowed her eyes. "Wait. Chloe, Nick and I plan on telling them the truth. We want to examine the Gate, and touch the stone inside. Were you planning on..."

Chloe's hand reached back from the airlock cycle button. "Honestly? If it was just us-" she gestured at Hat and Tink "-I wouldn't tell them a thing and just request to see the gate and examine it."

"Bully them you mean." Hat crossed his arms.

Chloe glared at Hat but said nothing. "Since twice now I have told you something that... didn't quite happen the way I expected it I am willing to try and do things your way. We will not hide anything from them. But I don't think we should come clean with everything all at once either."

Hat shrugged. "For once, I agree with Chloe. Telling them everything might be a bit... much. We don't know how much they know about Empress Melody - if anything - and her and Raaden's Voice. Without seeing it, it's kind of tough to accept."

Eastern looked at Nick and he nodded once. "That's fair. It is pretty wild what they can do."

Chloe looked at everyone one more time, and pressed the airlock cycle. The airlock hummed and hissed for a few seconds and the inner door opened. Everyone stepped inside, and the door shut.

After another moment, the outer door opened and Nick's nose was assaulted with the smell of the sea. It's smelled like low tide at a beach back on Parvati. He knew that the Xenni were much more aquatic than humans were, but this was surprising. Did they live on a water world?

As the party stepped out, they were met by three Xenni. They were shorter than humans, but wider. Their bodies had a glossy carapace that shone under the artificial lighting. Nick noticed that at the joints of their limbs, the carapace was segmented almost like armor. They walked on two large legs with two more behind, and they had two arm like appendages that were more or less where human arms where. Their heads were large, with visible mouthparts that looked like they helped put food into their mouths and two eyes on short stalks above their head.

Crab people. Nick realized with a start. They looked like crab people.

One of them, whose carapace was a deep dark bluish red had colorful badges on their chest. It looked like an indicator of rank. "Greetings, and welcome to Xenni Station 73. My name is Coreanth and I will be your guide, assistant, and liaison while here."

Eastern stepped forward. "Thank you Coreanth. My name is Eastern, this is Nick, and Chloe, and Medicine Hat, and the support frame is Tinker Toy, our ship. We are pleased to meet you."

One of the Xenni next to Coreanth raised one of their arms and a device whirred and beeped. They made a noise at Coreanth and moved their arm such so that Coreanth could read the device. "Ah. Two of you are human, and the rest are-" they struggled for words "-not."

Chloe smiled thinly. "That is correct Coreanth. Nick and Eastern are biological humans, the rest of us are not."

To their credit, Coreanth seemed to recover quickly. "Welcome, welcome! Please, accompany me, and we can lead you to the Gate. We have added atmosphere to it, and connected it to our station. You can breathe there easily, there is no need for suits." They turned and gestured for them to follow.

As the group walked down the hall, the two Xenni with Coreanth took up station behind them. They seemed to carry no weapons, but their purpose was clear. They were guards meant to make sure nobody strayed from the group.

Coreanth sounded jovial though. "Tell me, it has been many years since we have met any humans outside of our standard meetings and exchanges of information. What brings you into our empire?"

"We're interested in the Gates. We would like to examine one, and try and learn more about it."

"Are you a part of the expedition that came through about 10 of your years back and explored the Gate system? I was not part of the group that gave access, but I remember reading about the expedition as they passed through Xenni space."

"Not... exactly, no." Eastern was careful "But we are trying to further the knowledge they gathered. They learned some interesting things about the Gates, and we're looking to build upon that knowledge."

"Oh? That is fascinating. We have had the Gates in our empire for as long as we have had an empire. We have examined many of them very thoroughly. Maybe we know the information you seek already."

As Coreanth took a few steps further down the hall, Nick looked around. The hall had rounded walls, and while it was brightly lit, the color was different than he was used to. It was bluer, harsher. He wondered if the Xenni evolved under a brighter, bluer star than humans. It might explain their carapace too, if they were exposed to higher concentrations of ultraviolet light.

Eastern nodded quickly. "We'd like that Coreanth, you probably do know far more about the Gates than we do, we'd like the opportunity to learn from you."

Coreanth's mouthparts clacked. Nick realized it was clearly a body language gesture, but he had no idea what it meant. Nick was kicking himself for not bringing a translator module. It would have told him things he can't pick up about Xenni body language. At least Coreanth speaks Colonic very well.

Coreanth's mouthparts clacked again. "I will tell you a surprising fact about the Gates right now in fact. Did you know that there is a distributed intelligence that lives inside the Gates? They manifest themselves as nanoscale machines on this side of the gates, but exist almost wholly in the liminal space where the main Gate is?"

Eastern, Nick, Chloe, Hat and Tink stop walking. Nick and Eastern look at Coreanth with wide eyes and Chloe looks around the hall worriedly.

"You did not know this, yes? It's very surprising is it not?" Coreanth's mouthparts clack again. Nick wonders if it's a Xenni smile.

"Coreanth... are they called Nanites?"

Coreanth's eye stalks wave back and forth. Another Xenni body language. "They are, Eastern! I am very surprised you knew this. Where did you learn it?"

Eastern takes a step and then stops. She looks back at Nick, her eyes wide. She's almost ready to panic. Nick steps foward. "Coreanth, did the Nanites tell you about... an Empress?"

"Empress Melody? Yes, we know about her. The Human who took up the mantle of the Old Empress and is attempting to rebuild their empire. The Nanites said that she has made a few personality backups. We've spoken to her a few times now."

Eastern's head swivels over to Coreanth. "Coreanth, Melody is dead. She died ten years ago."

Coreanth's mouthparts clack. Nick is sure it's a nod. "Her human body is dead yes, but like I mentioned, she made a few backups to the Nanites. We can speak to her if you'd like. All of the previous Empresses are there too. It can get quite noisy if they all want to speak." Coreanth starts walking again. "Come! We can go visit them now if you'd like. I was going to give you a tour first, but it seems like you would like to meet your Empress. We can do that first, and take a tour after."

Coreanth took them through the long, winding halls of the Xenni station and down deeper. Soon, they reached another heavy door, and the fourth Xenni they've seen this entire time was standing guard. This one was carrying a rifle. It was like nothing Nick had ever seen. It was a similar color to the Xenni's carapace and was rounded and seemed to mold into their arms and hands perfectly. As they approached the guard straightened up, and said something in their whispering, chittering language. Coreanth gestured at them and replied. Satisfied, the guard stepped to the side.

On the other side of the door, the hall was much different. Made of stone, or a stone like material, it was much wider and cooler than on the Xenni station. The light was more yellow as well, closer to the light Nick would expect to see. After a short walk, they came to what looked like the end of the hall.

Coreanth's mouthparts clacked again. Nick had a hunch they were having a great time. "Humans, would you please approach the wall here? I have a feeling that when you approach it will open."

Nick and Eastern approached the wall. When they were about a half meter away, there was a rumbling, and the wall slid down into the floor, revealing a large, airy chamber ahead of them. Nick looked over at Coreanth. "If it opens for us automatically, how did you get in?"

"At first, we forced our way in. After we met the Nanites and talked things over, they added our signature to their memories, and allowed us to operate their machinery."

"But why does it work for us without that?"

Coreanth pointedly did not clack their mouthparts. "Because you are Builders. You already have access." They stepped ahead. "Come, I will show you the Directory Stone."

As they walked further into the Gate, Nick and Eastern looked around. It was almost like a temple, or a mausoleum. It was clearly made for a ceremonial purpose. People never lived here. It appeared to Nick that there were places for people to gather in this main room, and they all faced towards a very large door at the other end of the room.

Before the door, was a dais. A half meter tall, it was a circle nearly in the center of the room. As Nick and Eastern approached, there was a flash of green light, and appearing on the dais, was... a hologram.

Chloe gasped when she saw it. "Nick, Eastern, look. It's a map."

Nick and Eastern stopped and looked at the map. It spun genly in front of them. "Where are we I wonder?" Nick looked at Chloe.

When he spoke, the map spun and whirled until one point was in front of them. symbols flashed in front of the point. Words, most likely. "Chloe, what was the name of the huge station that Melody was on when she became Empress?"

"Reach of the Might of Vzzx, I think."

Nick looked at the map. "Where is Reach of the Might of Vzzx?"

The map spun and the points became very small and the view backed out until Nick could make out the entire galaxy, and then quickly zoomed in to another point. Here more text flashed, and there was a different symbol, yellow that was flashing, almost like an error.

"Look, that's where the Reach is supposed to be, but that symbol is flashing."

Coreanth looked at the map with them. "It says that the station is not where it is supposed to be."

Eastern turned to Coreanth in shock. "You can read it?"

"Yes. Those of us who spend a long time with the Nanites can take on a small measure of their skills. We are not Builders, but with high enough densities of Nanites - and their permission - we can leverage their abilities. It is why I am able to be speaking to you. I don't actually know Colonic, but I can speak it to you thanks to the Nanites. I can also read their text readouts."

"Will that happen to us?"

"I do not know. It is up to the Nanites, I suppose." Coreanth turned and stepped away from the dias. "Come, they're just through here."

[lip-rings-and-quiffs]

Been a While | L.H

Luke + f!reader

Warnings : not much. Luke is initially depressed but it’s not very graphic so it’s not really angst. Fluffy. A bit over 4k words.(i think. I have no idea). Pls excuse my horrible writing lmao (also I’m rusty)

Summary : Whilst trying to get away from his life for a couple hours Luke Hemmings has an encounter with someone who would soon become very important in his life. Aka I’m bad at summaries

+masterlist| reblogs are highly appreciated!

Luke had been feeling down lately. He had been struggling with his mental health, and he didn't know how to deal with it. He had been going through the motions, doing what he needed to do, but he didn't really feel alive. He felt like he was just…existing. Without a purpose. Like his mere presence didn’t matter.

One day, Luke decided to go to a coffee shop to get away from everything for a while. He needed to be alone. Away from everyone. He ordered his usual, a plain black coffee, and sat down at a table in the corner. He was scrolling through his phone when he heard a small voice say, "Excuse me, is this seat taken?"

"No, it's not," he said, gesturing to the chair across from him.

The girl sat down and introduced herself as Y/N Y/L/N. She was kind and friendly, and Luke found himself opening up to her in a way he hadn't with anyone else.

The girl sat down and introduced herself as Y/N Y/L/N. She was kind and friendly, and Luke found himself opening up to her in a way he hadn't with anyone else.

They talked for hours, about everything and anything. Y/N was a ray of sunshine in Luke's grey world. She made him laugh and smile, and for the first time in a long time, he felt happy.

As they were leaving the coffee shop, Y/N said, "Hey, would you like to go out with me sometime? Maybe we could grab dinner or something?"

Luke felt his heart race at the thought of spending more time with her. "Yeah, I'd like that," he said, smiling. They exchanged numbers, and Luke couldn't wait to see her again.

Over the next few weeks, Luke and Y/N went on several dates. They went to restaurants, parks, and museums. They talked about their hopes and dreams, their fears and insecurities. Luke found himself opening up to her more and more, and he felt like she understood him in a way that no one else did.

Y/N was patient with him when he wasn't feeling well, and she always knew how to make him feel better. She brought him small gifts, like his favorite candy or a new book to read. She was always there for him, no matter what.

And Luke was never one to read. Especially not books like these. Sometimes he read science articles on his phone but never books about vampires and werewolves made most likely for teens! But if you were to walk by his house on a Saturday evening you would be met with the sight of the lanky man sitting by the window, book in hand. And boy did he look invested.

One day, when they were out on a walk, Luke said, "Y/N, I need to tell you something. I've been struggling with depression for a while now. It's been really hard, but you've been the one bright spot in my life. You make me feel happy, even when everything else seems bleak."

Y/N took his hand and squeezed it. "Luke, I'm so sorry you've been going through this. But I'm here for you, okay? Whenever you need someone to talk to or just to sit with, I'll be here."

Luke felt a weight lift off his shoulders. He had been holding this secret in for so long, and he was afraid to talk to anybody about it, but it felt good to finally tell someone.

As they continued their walk, Luke felt lighter and happier than he had in a long time. He knew that he still had a lot of work to do to get better, but he also knew that he had Y/N by his side, and that made all the difference.

Over the next few months, Luke started to feel like himself again. He was still struggling with depression, but he had Y/N to help him through it. She was his rock, his light in the darkness.

One day, Luke decided to do something special for Y/N. He knew how much she loved flowers, so he went to a florist and picked out a bouquet of her favorite flowers. He wrote a note that said, "Thank you for being my sunshine” with his signature smiley face on it. Luke had a spare key to Y/N’s apartment.

As he was finishing putting the flowers in a vase, Y/N walked inside, finding the giraffe of a man towering over a table. “Lukey, what are you doing here?”

He smiled, nodding his head towards the flowers. With a confused look she turned to look at her favorite flowers staring back up at her from the table. She couldn’t help the dopey grin that adorned her face as she squealed in joy. “Thank you! They’re my favorite” she said whilst reading his note. “Aww Lu, this is so nice!”

Luke walked towards the table, towering over her. “I have something to say” he looks down at her. She nodded looking up at him.

“I uh well, I umm. I’ve realized that it’s been a while since I’ve been happy. And I’ve healed a lot since that day I met you at that coffee shop. That day, that day was the day my life completely changed. And that’s because of you. You are the reason I’m happy. You’re the reason why I wanted to try again. And these few months have been better, so much better than the last couple of years and I’ve been thinking. I umm, first of all thank you for always being here for me and second of all, Would you like to be my girlfriend and make it official? It’s ok if you say no-” “-Yes!” She exclaimed pulling him down to her face.

“Didn’t even let me finish” he teased, raking his arms around her waist. “You were gonna start to ramble” she fired back, diving into give him a quick kiss on the corner of his lips. “True” he grinned, eyes closed as her thumb ran across his stubble covered jaw.

A/N: Thank you for reading<3 also pls gimme feedback.

Reblogs are highly appreciated!^.^

+masterlist

[pareidolla]

also I know I just sent an ask, and I forgot to slap this in that ask but uh.

you made me ship broken x cage.

like I did appreciate their dynamic earlier, but then you kinda just cemented it and suddenly I'm all over the ship now lolol. they're cute. they are so cute. just two wronged, traumatized people caught in the throes of depression and the futility of existence, yet managing to connect with each other despite it all, or perhaps because of it. I love them. they need therapy. they can hold hands on the way there as he cradles her severed head in his other arm. I don't even know anymore they are just so cute

also I'm gonna send everything I wanna say to you in the same ask so I'm sorry if this comes out a bit long lol. annoying kouhai nev strikes again /lh

the thing about not really self shipping despite the straight up simping. finally, someone gets it. (which is probably a little funny since I might be one of the many reasons behind that disclaimer. oops.)

do I love the thorn? yes. do I call her my wife on a daily basis? also yes. do I wish she was real? of course. would she even so much as spare me a second glance if she was real? probably not. and if she did look at me, it would most likely be because Someone is Being A Weirdo and she's appropriately being a little freaked out.

better for her that I don't exist in her life; she has enough to deal with already. just because I wanna kiss her, doesn't mean I wholeheartedly believe that I should be kissing her. there's a difference. I acknowledge her existence very much but she really doesn't need to acknowledge mine. It's a little embarrassing.

so seeing your post about Broken was actually kind of nice. someone else put it into words for once.

(that ain't gonna stop me from projecting either, though. why do I see the Voice of the Cheated as a small dramatic loud loser gamer boy with scars who swears a lot? because I am a small dramatic loud loser gamer boy with scars who also swears a lot. and he gets to be with thorn. so I live vicariously through it when I, say, make him trace along the edges of her pointed ears and clasp her scarred hands in his own.)

p.s. your art is fucking amazing and there is just something crunchy about your art style that I cannot quite place

p.p.s. I fucking thank this account for existing. everyone else has birdboy designs and it makes me feel like I am doing something wrong in this fandom sometimes. so at least there's another one here too even if you do it objectively better lmao

nevvey dearie hello again!! i apologize, but i'm holding your second ask in inbox jail for the time being. i want to draw something for it, but i'm not sure when i'll get to it (*gestures to the reqs, questions, bingos, ask game pile*)

i'm so glad to have someone else who ships cage/broken!! they're so darling i love them with my whole heart. i mentioned it already but i'd love to write something for them someday - i think their personalities could mesh quite well together and they'd have a sweet, mellow romance. prettiest couple in the construct fr

(actually i'm still debating on who's canonically the prettiest in my canon but shhhhh)

super happy there's someone else in the same boat as me haha. oh but please don't blame yourself for the disclaimer, it wasn't one person who prompted me into making it but several dozen small interactions i've had over the half-year. nobody can read minds, and it's normal to assume that if i express my desire to marry broken all the time then i'll be just as thrilled to hear broken reciprocates those feelings. like no one should feel guilty over it - i'm not mad nor do i hold any negative feelings to anyone lmao

the main reason for the post, arguably, wasn't even on this site; rather, it's because i've seen yume spaces where people can be so devoted to their yume that they block doubles or experience such strong feelings of envy/ discomfort that they feel nauseous. i respect and sympathize with them, but i don't relate to it, and i don't want anyone to think that only i'm allowed to like broken. like no i want you to like my boyfriend. the ao3 well is drying up please someone kiss that sad bird on the mouth!

and aww thank you dearie!! again i'm very flattered you love my artwork especially since you're so skilled yourself ♡♡ means a lot. and doubly-so on having someone else making shoujo anime designs makes me feel more confident in mine haha

AND MINE AREN'T OBJECTIVELY BETTER ❗️❗️❗️I HAVEN'T EVEN SHOWN MOST OF MY UPDATED BOYS YET ❗️❗️❗️ YOURS ARE SO DELIGHTFUL ALREADY ❗️❗️❗️ DO NOT SELL YOURSELF SHORT

[denjivhs]

match-up for @thecurrator

Your match from Blue Lock is . . Nagi Seishiro!

❂ i think you and nagi would make such a cute couple. very "dating me is like peeing your pants. everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth."

❂ how did you meet?

you both happened to be at the dentist on the same day. nagi certainly didn't want to be there but he had an aching tooth and reo would simply not leave him alone about it. ("we have a match next week! you cant let this pain distract you!!" blah blah blah.)

he had been so close to dozing off there when his lanky ass caught sight of one of his favorite artists playing on the phone of the person sitting beside him.

"pathetic."

"sorry?"

"i love his songs."

"oh!-"

nagi rarely ever initiated conversations, or rather, rarely ever put in the effort to do anything, but meeting someone who listened to same sort of music as him irl somehow sparked a hint of enthusiasm in him. he chatted with you quite amicably while you two waited for your turns, mostly about music, then some random talk here and there. you ended up finding out that you live in the same neighborhood.

nagi would not be bothered by your rbf at all (unbothered nonchalant king, you will never catch him being chalant) so breaking the initial ice will not be an issue for him. i imagine you'd develop a friendship by bonding over similar interests and likes, especially in music, anime and movies. also congratulations, you have acquired a new friend— reo mikage! (they come as a package deal, you do not have a way out)

casual hangouts around the neighborhood and in each other's rooms, late night walks to go grab some ice cream while sharing earphones, lazing around in the sun during winters and such activities would be a frequent.

nagi hates earphones, but for you, he never opposed using them, just so that he could listen to music with you.

it would kind of be a slowburn for you guys since it'd take the poor guy forever to figure out that feeling all warm and tingly and zoning out while daydreaming about you was not platonic. hell, if it hadn't been for reo helping him, it would've taken even longer.

❂ nagi would primarily express his affection for you through small gestures. he may seem like a complete airhead but when he wants to, he can be extremely perceptive. way before he had even figured out that he was whipped for you, he had started noticing little details about you. your quirks, your habits, what you like, dislike, what caused that heartstoppingly beautiful, warm smile of yours to bloom— everything.

he never considered himself to be a 'possessive' person or whatever, but the first time he accidentally made you blush? dear god he wanted to just hold you tight and hide you away from everyone else because that unbelievably adorable sight should only be reserved for his eyes.

he's also pretty blunt in general, so he'd tell you whatever he's thinking, including all the out of pocket, shockingly romantic things you'd never expect to hear from someone like him. what can one say though, you've got him good.

❂ miscellaneous: he loves to nap while resting on you. he does it especially when youre crocheting or something. will make up an excuse like "oh let me help you, ill keep the wool disentangled-" pure bs, he is going to fall asleep on your lap in 0.2 seconds.

also, he addresses your plushies in a most proper manner and treats them like your children. also i think has a really imaginative thinking, so he'd definitely join you whenever you'd analyse and break something down with inputs of his own. would be interested in hearing your perspective on the most random things.

❂ songs that would give off your dynamic's vibes: dirty dancer by orion sun, pretty boy by the neighborhood, stop the world i wanna get off with you by arctic monkeys, some by steve lacy.

Your match from JJK is . . . Gojo Satoru!

❂ another white-haired character . . 🤭 i know they're both kinda really different but hear me out!!

❂ how did you meet?

au where you start working part-time at this really cute bakery. you usually helped with serving and some other tasks, but one day your colleague happened to fall sick, so you filled in for her at the counter.

and who would walk in but gojo satoru and his hopeless sweet tooth ass.

ever the flirt, he'd definitely try to rizz you up with his natural charm and smooth comments. would ask you what your personal favorite item from the menu is and buy two of them to give you one no matter how much you'd politely deny. def would say something like "cute cupcake for a cute girl."

since the cafe was on his way back home, you found out that he was a regular.

over time a sense of familiarity was established between you two (it was mostly him being an absolute little shit because.. i mean, it's gojo. cmon.) and although he'd never give you a straight answer, he definitely started trying to come to the cafe when he was likelier to run into you.

he'd sometimes catch you daydreaming and make a point to tease you however he could, whether it be over this or your cute judgemental cat bag.

one day mr-gojo-canonically-lightweight-satoru was on his way back home, still rather tipsy from a little get-together he'd gone to that evening when he decided to stop by the cafe, and it just so happened that you were working late that day. oh, the way his eyes absolutely lit up from under his signature shades was beyond endearing.

he couldnt stop rambling about how cute and sweet you are, especially with that 'resting grumpy cat face' and whatnot. even got a little bold and leaned forward to cup your face in his hands in the middle of his adorable drunken rant. infact, if you'd let him, he'd kiss you all over your face and bite your cheeks because he was convinced you'd be sweeter than his favorite mochi.

in all honesty, he had never expected himself to ever feel this way about someone, but meeting you changed everything, and he was gonna go all in because yolo.

❂ miscellaneous: im Sorry but youve just gotten yourself a lifetime subscription to Loud and Annoying! bro is loud. bro is a yapper. bro is sometimes way too tactless and blunt.

but!! bro will make you feel loved and cherished in his own way.

whenever he fucked up, he usually bought you your favorite snacks as an indirect apology. he definitely struggles with being able to say sorry, so you're going to have to be patient with him. it'll take you some time to figure him out, but hey, you got yourself your very own case study, have fun studying him lol.

❂ once he found out that you have a sweet tooth as well, he took you to all the cutest cafes and bakeries around. also tried to bake with you but literally couldn't stop eating the frosting, the batter, even the sugar???? you probably had to beat him up to get him to stop.

satoru would send you videos of black and orange cats together saying 'us.' would also come up with obnoxious nicknames, you're just gonna have to cope with that.

❂ songs that give off your dynamic's vibes: sweet/i thought you wanted to dance by tyler the creator, right here by chase atlantic, redbone by childish gambino, meet me in the pale moonlight by lana del rey, killshot by magdalena bay

[sith-shenanigans]

npc ask game; The Master (from the Revanite quest on Dromun Kass)?

Hi! Sorry! I originally couldn’t answer this, because Alderaan and the Revanite b-plot were both a disaster and I had to resolve them. (These things are related because when I originally played through, I thought that when I closed Act 1 by confronting Zash, I might lose access to Act 1 quests. So Ahene went running around cleaning up every old quest in the quest log, and so she did the Revanite quest right before the finale of Act 1. And then it… turned out to be extremely important for character growth. Despite happening at the wrong time. Oops.)

So instead of being the Dromund Kaas planet quest, the initial Revanite plot turned into the main sideplot of Act 1. If you don’t want spoilers about specific plot twists in Liminality—which you probably do because you sent me an ask, but everyone else—now is the time to look away.

All looked away? Good, great, fantastic.

So the way the plotline starts is that Aleeleti, the friend who introduces Ahene to the Broken Chain, is of course a Revanite. And then the questgiver shows up to blackmail Ahene into spying on the Revanites, saying that if she doesn’t, he’ll just report that the whole Broken Chain is involved, and that won’t be hard to sell at all. So Ahene has to deal with the fact that a) her least complicated friend is actually putting everyone at risk, and b) now she needs to betray said friend, which she is really not on board with doing.

So this means that the bit on Nar Shaddaa with the vault is a Bonding Activity (because Ahene manages to get herself recruited after Balmorra), and also kind of a Revanite Trial, and she is coming to the conclusion that she honestly does not really care about Revan but these people are somehow the most reasonable Sith in the galaxy despite being a cult dedicated to a long-dead historical figure who didn’t live in the Empire anyway.

A bunch more stuff happens on Alderaan. The mask of Revan is involved. Those two Revanites who both want it? They go to Alderaan. As per the plot, they both try to get Ahene to give it to them. Not as per the plot, she says no. You both want to be the one to decide what to do with it, she says, but that’s not either of your calls. It’s your boss’s call, actually. The only person she will give this mask to is your boss.

She’s still not sure whether to betray them or to confess. She doesn’t want to betray them, but she’s… not really sure they’ll let her live if she confesses.

Cue the arrival of Tari Darkspanner, who kind of knew the whole time, and who decides to give Ahene a chance anyway.

This is a gesture of trust that Ahene really, really wouldn’t have expected. It’s barely in her worldview as A Thing People Might Do at all, much less a thing a Sith might do. Much less a thing a Sith with everything to lose might do—and Ahene keeps thinking that so much of the selfishness, so much of the cruelty, comes from having everything to lose.

We learn something about Ahene, here: the fastest way to earn her loyalty is to give her actual trust.

This isn’t something Ahene knew about Ahene until just then.

She goes back and convinces the blackmailing questgiver that he should just bury the whole thing, because if he tries to go after his master no one will believe him, especially with a piece of evidence that means nothing out of context. So he can’t turn in Aleeleti, either. (Possibly she’s keeping the amulet, so that she can threaten to go to her own master with evidence that would be much harder for her to get than for Darth—Charnus’s?—own apprentice to get, and turn the whole thing into nonsense and politics and the Inquisition all over everything, and of course Charnus will throw his apprentice under the bus.) Very much a “if I go down, you go down with me” kind of situation.

Ahene and Tari probably don’t speak again. Unless they do, briefly, when Tari tells her to go her own path afterwards. But Ahene considers herself a Revanite until it becomes clear that the Revanites don’t.

(Tari would have liked to think otherwise. But someone who was trustworthy as an apprentice is not necessarily trustworthy anymore, now that she has so much power. Or if she is, she is perhaps trustworthy to someone else. Darth Marr does not make political alliances—but it has been rumored, recently, that he has. And Tari knows that if Darth Occlus is anything like the strange, desperate little apprentice she met… Ahene would never betray that trust.)

[npc opinions]

[forthedancingandthethriving]

(Inspiration 1) (Inspiration 2)

As the airship hovers above the new sectors and contained Mushroom Kingdom, SMG4 feels his grip on Lil Coding tighten.

"What.. happened?" Meggy whispers, placing her hands over her mouth.

"We don't know for sure, but these seem to be the effects of Wonder Flowers, but.. supercharged." Kamek answers, resting his wand on the palm of his other hand. "Lord Bowser currently seems to be the head of his own.. Zone, per say."

He points his wand towards a version of the Darklands.

"Mama mia.." Mario groans. "So we have to deal with Bowser.."

"Actually, it seems as though Lord Bowser has retained his lunacy." Kamek informs them. "But whatever has been done to him, it's not good."

"Can't Emulator fix this?" Tari asks. "Or Domain? Forum?"

It's Eggman who speaks next. "Your pink and yellow friend was missing for days before your group even left, and your Admins went to investigate that tower.. but never came back."

The group looks at each other, worried, before a realization hits SMG4. He looks around the airship, almost frantic, before he kneels down to Lil Coding's height. "Lil Coding, where's SMG3 and Lily?"

The group that was first on the airship all fell quiet. Lil Coding's looks down, squeezing his eyes shut before he sobs, gripping onto his dad's overalls. All he could say was that he was sorry and that he wished he had tried harder.

It's Juliano who answers SMG4's silent question. "There was a flood of seawater of a sudden at the Showgrounds. We couldn't find Lily, and no one else was there. I managed to get Root, Toad, and Lil Coding into the Internet Graveyard, but.." The former Avatar takes a small breath. "Just as I went to pull 3 in, he got swept away."

"Wh.. what about Lily?" SMG4 asks, but he has a feeling he already knows.

"She was Ground Zero, I'm afraid." Kamek speaks up, and he points towards another Zone. It's almost entirely aquatic, with only a small beach. From under the water, just barely, lights of changing color can be seen. "That there is her Zone. And before you go asking, we don't know anything beyond that. We have information on other Zones, for some who there trigger was and others not. But for her? All we know is that Zone is hers."

SMG4 slowly exhales, and he feels Mario rest a hand on his shoulder. "Damn it.."

"So what do we do?" Bob asks, steering everyone back on course. "How do we even fix this? Blow down the walls? Blow up the tower?"

Kamek frowns. "From what we know, the only way to get everything back to normal is to get inside the tower and deal with whatever we find." He gestures to the tower. "It seems that the seal on the tower can only be lifted by collecting the Wonder Seed connected to each Zone and presenting all seven to the main door at the base of the tower."

"Sounds.. loose." Marcy narrows her eyes.

"It's the best we have." Eggman retorts. "Unlike you, we have been here to witness everything."

A soft grumble from the Garo comes, and Kamek points to Bowser's Zone. "We'll start with Lord Bowser. Since he's retained himself, it should be easy enough to collect his Wonder Seed."

The group all nod, and the airship changes course towards Bowser's Zone. As it moves, SMG4 looks at the tower, and he frowns deeply.

Emulator being missing, the whole world changing, and then Domain and Forum going missing once they investigated it.

Please be okay, he thinks to himself as he wraps his arms tight around his son.

[countessofravenclaw]

¡Sí! - La Trinidad del Amor: Chapter nine

In life, nothing is sure... but you always count on one thing. True Love, the ones who have it are the luckiest people in the world. Not everyone does... but the people in our story do. They fought through Fire, They fought through an ocean, They fought through the sun and the moon. There are six of them, and they form a trinity, the trinity of true love

Tu sei quello che so dell'amore

“Remind me why we are doing this at your house again?” Matteo asked after the hairstylist swept the last hair from his chin with the blade and he was allowed to move again. No one wanted to rush to the ER on their wedding day with a shaving related accident. 

“Because you don’t have a house,” Gastón answered from the chair next to him. Matteo and his groomsmen were all spread out in Nina and Gastón’s living room, getting ready. “All of us would have not fit into your and Luna’s apartment, and this is closer to the mansion. And your dad’s place is full of every relative imaginable. When are you and Luna getting a house or just a proper apartment somewhere?”

Matteo and Luna had lived for over two years in a one-bedroom studio apartment close to the Buenos Aires central. Gastón was right that it was no place to get ready for a wedding since both Luna and Matteo came and went so often in their busy lives, it was not tidy and there definitely was no room. Gastón was right that at some point, especially now as they were getting married, they should probably get a proper place. 

But that was gonna be a worry for another day, as today, Matteo was going to focus fully on what was to come. Today he was finally gonna marry the girl of his dreams, Luna Valente. 

“Do you have any idea how hectic the housing market is? Oh, actually, you don’t. Your mother is the industry.” Matteo joked as the hairstylist started with his hair. “Everything in due time. Why are we even talking about this?”

“I don’t know, you started it.” Gastón laughed, “I mean, we can talk about something else. Like the responsibilities in the institution of marriage, get you properly spooked. Any advice you’d like to get?” 

“I mean, if I wanna get horror stories about getting married, I would not come to you.” Matteo shot back. It was true. Nina and Gastón had been married for one and a half years, and Matteo had not seen people more in love. Domestic life together suited them extremely well, and them and their dog Newton were a happy little family, almost like they had been married all their lives. Matteo had adopted Newton as his first godson and had wanted to have him walk down the aisle, before being told a firm no from both Gastón and Nina because Newton was a six-month-old puppy and no one would wanna deal with that during the wedding.

“Well, I can’t argue with that. These handcuffs are actually pretty nice,” Gastón said gesturing to his wedding ring. “But what I really wanna say is that I am so relieved that we are finally here. You and Luna made it.”

“Don’t speak too soon, there are still three and a half hours until the ceremony,” Simon suddenly appeared behind them. Matteo tried to look annoyed at his jab, but inside he was laughing with them. It was no secret the wedding planning had not gone the smoothest, with his and Luna’s tendency to disagree on things from the menu to the first dance. But everything had been solved in the end, because in the end, Matteo just wanted Luna to be happy. 

“Everyone really has nothing good to say today?” Matteo joked, while Simon gave Gastón a fist bump and their rings clicked together. 

“Well, sorry, Matteo,” Gastón laughed putting a hand on Matteo’s shoulder. “Have I already mentioned how proud I am of you? And Nina just texted me that Luna has not yet run away, so that is a good sign, and we brought zip ties, so we can tie you to a chair if you try to run away.”

“There is no chance of that happening,” Matteo laughed. “Nothing can stop me from marrying Luna…” Matteo looked down for a moment. “I just wish Mom could be here.”

“I am sure she is watching,” Gastón squeezed Matteo’s shoulder.

Ding! The doorbell suddenly rang and Pedro opened the door to the pizzeria delivery boy. After everyone had gotten their hair done, they got to eating as no one wanted to spill anything on the tuxedos. 

“Were off!” As the guys had finished eating, Flor and her fiance Oliver, Gastón’s former roommate, came to downstairs. They had come to the wedding from France, and Gastón and Nina had offered to them that they could stay at their house. 

“Il mio cuginetto! Sono così orgoglioso di te! Sei cresciuto così in fretta.” Flor said as she came to hug Matteo while he was putting his shirt on. “Zia Lucia è così orgogliosa di te. Lo so e basta.”

“Thanks Flor.” Matteo hugged her back. “And thanks for coming.”

“In what world would I have not come to your wedding?” Flor scoffed. “Plus, it is a really good opportunity for Oliver to meet the family. But now we need to go, so we can make it to that hotel where the transportation leaves.” Luna and Matteo had set up a room block in a couple of the Buenos Aires’ hotels since a lot of the guests were either coming from Italy or Mexico, that's why it was the easiest to arrange transportation for all the guests to the mansion. “We’ll see you at the ceremony. Oliver, we need to leave!” Flor shouted in English to Oliver who had been chatting with Gastón. 

“Well, I think you look pretty ready to get married,” Gastón said after helping Matteo put his grey tuxedo jacket on, and was attaching his butenier. “Okay, everyone bring it in.” 

“To Luna and Matteo!” Matteo and all of his groomsmen —wearing grey tuxedos and light purple bowties— huddled together for a camera that Gastón had set on the auto shutter. 

“Okay, now my dear gentleman, lets get into the cars and get going to the mansion, so we’ll be there before the full moon hits. Plus the maid of honor will murder me if we are late, so lets go.” Gastón announced. 

“Don’t even think about it. I am driving.” Matteo walked over to grab his car keys, but he was stopped by Gastón. “It is your wedding, so you can just sit, look at the view and enjoy the last droplets of your freedom.”

Gastón and Nina lived about thirty minutes away from the Benson mansion where the wedding would be held. Matteo spent the car ride over there recounting his vows in his head. He knew them by heart but he was sure Luna would look stunning and all the words would just magically disappear. 

“Nervous?” Gastón asked as they stopped at the red stoplight. 

“Wouldn’t everybody in my place?” Matteo said. “But there is no turning back. I love her. Te Amo El. La Amo Tantissimo”

“And you two have fought so hard. Jokes aside, you really deserve to be happy.” Gastón continued. “You fell off the fence and everything for her. Yes, that is going to be in my speech, no you can’t stop me.”

Matteo just laughed as the light turned green. Nothing could bring down his mood now as his future was about to begin.

***

“Luna, stay put.” Ambar grabbed Luna’s arm as the hairstylist installed the last bobby pin into the tight bun on the back of her head. The ceremony hairstyle would need to be structured so it could support her ballet length, so about 120 centimeters long veil that was embroidered with silver crystals. The bun would be opened for the reception as Luna changed dresses.

Luna and all of the bridesmaids had had a huge sleepover at the mansion. They had all camped in Ambar’s old room as it was the biggest one, and Luna’s old room was at the former servants’ quarters so it was a bit small. The clock was soon striking 11 am, and all of her bridesmaids were eating lunch downstairs while Luna had been left into the hairstylist's clutches in Ambar’s room.

“How long do I need to sit here?” Luna whined. “Is Matteo already here?”

“Luna there are still almost four hours until the ceremony. They won’t be here in a while.” Nina entered the room carrying a plate of salad and a cup of tea. “I just got off the phone with Gastón. All the guys are at our house and the hairdressers have just arrived. Here,” she handed Luna the plate and put the cup on the table. “Your mom sent these up for you, and she told me to get Ambar down to eat.”

“Okay, you better not argue with the mother of the bride,” Ambar rolled her eyes, “Can you take over the babysitting?” As Ambar was exiting through the door, her phone rang and from the way she answered it, it was clear that the caller was Simon.

“It is unfair that you get to talk with Gastón and Ambar with Simon, but I can’t talk with Matteo,” Luna complained again as she started to dig into the salad. 

“Well they are our husbands,” Nina smiled sympathetically and sat down on the bed. “And you were the one always insistent on the “bride and groom must not see each other before the wedding” rule. So that includes phone calls. Relax, you’ll see Matteo soon enough, now that you are getting married.”

“I AM GETTING MARRIED TODAY!” Luna repeated the statement and jumped up from the chair and almost spilled the rest of the salad on herself and her special bridal pajamas. 

“Luna, what did Ambar say about not moving?” Nina shook her head, “We told them to secure your hair extra well, but that won’t help if your head is full of salad.”

“I am sorry,” Luna sat back down. “I am just so excited!” Luna had barely gotten any sleep last night as she had been so excited about everything, the party, the cake, her dress, and most of all Matteo. 

“Luna will you be able to stay put, or do we need to get the scarves?” Ambar asked as all of Luna’s bridesmaids filed into the room as the make-up artist started on her bridal make-up.

“I don’t think we need to tie her down quite yet.” Nina laughed. 

“Okay, I want everyone in a line,” Jazmin exclaimed as everyone was in the room. She would be taking care of the bridal party while also being in it herself. “We are gonna start with the maid of honor, then the chief bridesmaid, and then the rest of the bridesmaids. Everyone, move!”

Soon enough time just flew and Luna was putting on her jewelry after her make-up was finished. For the ceremony, she had a very simple purple eye-look with some hot-pink lipstick. Her look would be totally revamped for the reception, from the make-up, and jewelry to obviously the dress. 

“Can someone come and help me with this?” Luna turned to the other people in the room from the vanity after having struggled with the clasp of the necklace. She would be wearing silver and amethyst earrings and a necklace. Jazmin was just finishing with Jim and Yam’s makeup and a couple of the girls, like Nina and Ambar already had their purple full-length dresses with a halter necklines on. All of their hair was in an updo that resembled a flower. 

“How much time do we have left?” Luna asked after Nina helped her with the rest of her jewelry. 

“Little over an hour. Gastón just texted me that they are just getting into the cars.”

60 minutes, 3600 seconds until she would get to see Matteo. Luna had no idea how she had calculated that number in her head, but it was correct… she could wait that long. 

“Okay, Luna, time for you to get dressed.” Ambar said as she walked into the walk-in closet in her room and came back holding Luna’s dress. 

The dress had a corset back, so it took good five minutes that the dress was finally on Luna. She had to put her shoes on first since no one was going to find her feet after the dress was on as there was so much skirt. 

“Do I look ready to get married?” Luna gave a couple of twirls in the center of the room.

“Well, lets go over the checklist. Nina?” Ambar said.

“Do you have your earrings?” Nina pulled up a list on her phone. 

“Yes.”

“Necklace?”

“Check!”

“Make-up and hair is done?”

“Looks like it.”

“Shoes?”

“On my feet.”

“I think we are ready.”

“Wait! I don’t have my veil on!” Luna suddenly realized and started looking all over the room for it.

“Luna, Luna, stop moving,” Nina grabbed her arm before Luna was about to run to Ambar’s walk-in closet to look for the veil. “You’ll rip the dress. It is not lost, it is downstairs because we’ll attach it there. The flowers are there as well.”

“Can we come to see the bride?” Luna turned around and saw her parents standing on the doorway. 

“Come on in!” Luna was pretty much jumping on her tiptoes —while wearing heels— until she almost lost her balance. 

“Hija, you look so beautiful,” Monica said after hugging Luna. “Our little girl is all grown up.”

“We should go downstairs,” Ambar walked back into the room. 

“Shall we?” Miquel offered his arm to Luna and they started descending the stairs of the mansion following all of the bridesmaids. As they were walking down the stairs Luna saw that the guys already were in the hall, but she did not see Matteo anywhere.

“Matteo is already at the garden,” Luna heard Gastón say to Nina as he met his wife at the bottom of the staircase. “Everything ready here?”

“Pretty much,” Nina responded to him, “we just need to grab the flowers.”

“Luna, you look magnificent.” As Luna got down from the stairs Simon approached her. “Are you nervous?”

“Not a single bit,” Luna stood tall. In reality, she had been feeling just a tad bit nervous, but nothing Luna Valente could not handle. 

“Keep your head still.” Someone all of a sudden grabbed Luna on the back of her head. She recognized the voice as Jazmin’s and felt something being attached to her hair. She deduced it was probably the veil. “Are we ready?” Ambar came over to Luna handing her a bouquet consisting of purple flowers and white lilies. Luna had wanted to incorporate those specifically for her biological parents. 

“Ready.” Luna affirmed and Ambar appeared to give Nina a couple of hand signals. 

“Okay girls, go get your bouquets!” Nina raised her voice so everyone could hear. 

“And then line up!” Gastón continued from Nina. “I hope everyone knows in what order you are supposed to be standing for the processional.”

In five minutes everyone was lined up with their respective partners in front of Luna and her dad and started filing out of the door. Luna took a deep breath as she stepped out of the door. It was time to become a Mrs.

***

“È così bello rivederti.”

“Grazie mille per essere venuto.”

“Sì, non vedo davvero l'ora.”

Matteo was bombarded by probably every relative he ever had while walking down the aisle. Not that he really minded, it was nice to see lot of them as he had not been able in a while since his dad had dragged him like a suitcase around the world for four years before settling down in Buenos Aires. Matteo, also himself now had a very busy life.

The ceremony was being held in the mansion’s garden and the altar was under the tree where Luna had used to swing as a child. Under the tree, there was a circle arch decked out in purple and green flowers just like the sides of the wooden chairs were. 

He walked under the arch and looked at the small table that was going to serve as the altar. On it was a framed picture of him and Luna that had been part of their engagement shoot Gastón and Nina had done for them. Little further under the arch, there was a Mexican-style altar that had a candle in the middle of it. A picture of his mother, Lucia Balsano was on the altar on the left side of the candle, on the right there was a picture of Luna’s biological parents Lili and Bernie Benson. 

“Matteo, vieni qui!” A voice shook Matteo away from the trance he had been in for a moment. He turned around and saw that his second cousin Federico Paccini was standing behind the arch with Matteo’s friend Francesca Caviglia. Matteo and Francesca had both tried out for Eurovision for Italy in 2023, but neither of them had gotten picked. They had formed a friendship during the competition and Fran had ended up reconnecting Matteo with his second cousin Federico because they just happened to be friends. Fede also was in the same band as Simon’s cousin if Matteo remembered correctly. The world really was small.

“Welcome. Glad you were able to come for this.”

“We would have not missed for the world,” Francesca said after briefly hugging Matteo. Then she linked arm back with a dark-haired man the had been standing next to her. “I never got a chance to introduce you two. This is my husband Diego Hernandez. You met briefly at the reception after the new year's concert.”

“Yeah, I actually remember you quite well,” Matteo said while shaking Diego’s hand. “I have been following some of your work.” He then turned towards Federico and the blonde he was with, “Fede, has family been bombarding you?”

“They have,” Federico laughed, “I keep needing to explain what I do again. You invited the whole family tree I see.”

“Dad forced me to.” Matteo laughed. “Well, I hope you still have fun.” 

“Ludmila knows how to introduce herself so I am all set… outside of like couple great aunts being mad that they did not know that I have gotten married.” Fede laughed and leaned over to Matteo. “I don’t even know their names.”

“Me neither.”

“This garden is really beautiful,” Ludmila, Federico's wife piped up, “but for some reason, I have the strange feeling that I have been to a wedding in here before… oh well. Who knows why.”

“We probably should go find our seats,” Francesca's husband noted. 

“It was nice to see you!” Matteo said as the others were turning to walk away. “Enjoy the show. Plus I wanna thank you already for agreeing to perform. Luna has been asking me for a month about what you will be doing. She does not believe me that I don’t know.”

“All we can say is that me and Fede, the OnBeat resident Italians are bringing some nostalgia. You’ll be amazed.” Francesca flashed Matteo a smile walking away. 

Matteo stood under the arch and looked through the crowd that already was gathering. He saw all of his grandparents sitting on the first row. His Nonna had come from all the way from Pietrapertosa with all of the other relatives from Matteo’s mother’s side who still lived there. 

As he was finishing saying hi to his parents, he saw Monica and Alfredo walking down the aisle towards him. 

“Everything is ready,” Monica said to him and the officiant who had just arrived as well. “Time to start.”

Matteo straightened up his posture at those words… he had not really been that nervous before. It was impossible with Gastón cracking jokes all the time.

But right now, as he was waiting for Luna to appear around the corner any second, he was filled with a mix of nerves and adrenaline. Almost like he was about to step on stage for the first concert on his first tour. 

The music finally started. This has been one of the things they had kind of argued about as Luna had wanted a Disney Channel song after having a one-week-long obsession with the High School Musical franchise. Matteo would have wanted something more classical, but Luna had made a good point: It was her walking down the aisle at the end of the day. 

So a piano arrangement of Start of Something New was played as Matteo saw Delfi and Pedro walking towards the aisle. Next came Jazmin with Nico. 

Then came Jim and Yam, both of their arms linked with Ramiro. Matteo tried his hardest not to laugh as the girls basically were dragging Ramiro between them. 

Matteo was not sure had the time slowed down or if was it on fast forwards since soon Simon and Ambar had come down the aisle and so had Gastón and Nina… but it also felt like an eternity. 

“Good luck,” Gastón nudged him as he took his place behind him on the altar. 

Matteo’s eyes were fixated on the end of the altar waiting for Luna to appear. He had his hand clasped together nervously. On his right hand’s ring finger he was wearing a ring that had used to be his dad’s wedding ring. He had passed it down to Matteo once he had gotten remarried and Matteo had wanted to wear that on his wedding day. He was fiddling with a ring quite nervously now.

At that moment he saw Miquel round the corner to the end of the aisle walking, who must have been the most beautiful thing in the whole world, Luna on his arm. 

Soon enough the Music had stopped and Luna and Miquel were standing in front of him, and Matteo shook Miquel’s hand.

“Chica Delivery, you still manage to find new ways to blow me off,” Matteo said to her as he joined his hands with her after Miquel had sat down on his seat next to Monica. “You were on time and everything.”

“I guess I have to thank you for showing up as well,” Luna briefly laughed. 

“Todos, gracias por venir hoy. Grazie a tutti per essere venuti oggi.” The officiant started speaking. “Today is the day, when Luna and Matteo have decided to join their lives as one…”

The ceremony was performed in Spanish, for Luna’s and most of the guests’ sake, but the officiant often repeated the important lines also in Italian. The officiant was the same that had married Matteo’s father and Sofia over ten years ago. 

“...and to affirm their promise to each other, they have written their own vows to each other.” Matteo felt another nudge from Gastón, and was handed his songwriting notebook. He and Simon were similar in that aspect that they had had the same idea of where to write their vows. 

“Luna Valente.” Mateo started and took a deep breath. “about ten years ago, you came into my life with a crash. It is fair to say that my life has not been the same since then. I can’t lie, so all I can say that if I look back now, there are some things I would have done differently, things I would change, but one thing I would never change is you. Time travel has not yet been invented so we need to accept the past how it is. And it doesn’t matter, since in the end, it led me to you.

“You have brought into my life so much meaning. With you, it does not matter if the sky is grey or it is raining, since you can bring the sun even to the darkest day. You are the sun to my moon, the one who brings color to my world. You can be absolutely insufferable, and we can argue about almost absolutely everything, but I would not wanna do it with anyone else. You are my inspiration.”

“There are so many words I could use to describe who you are. Colorful, sunny, energetic, clumsy and annoying. But no one could ever dislike you. You have a huge heart and love to give to anyone and everyone. I can’t wait to see you flourish even more and grow old together.”

“I will be there whenever you need me. You don’t fall down on skates that much, anymore, but I will still be there to rescue you. Whether it is from a pool or under a car. And I know you’ll be there to catch me as well. I love you. Ti amo sempre e per sempre.”

Matteo took another breath after he finished and looked at Luna again, who was smiling so sunnily as she could. Matteo saw Nina hand Luna a folded piece of paper. Luna unfolded it and it appeared to be written in colored markers. 

“Matteo, Chico Fresa.” Luna started. “Thank you for being here. But in whole honesty, people have been threatening to tie me into a chair the whole day, so I can just guess that you have been threatened too. So we’d be here, whether we like it or not. Anyways…” Luna’s eyes scanned the paper, “Matteo you are the person who saved me from drowning when I was 15 years old. You saved me from being run over by the car when I was 16. You are the person who can make me fly.”

“You have somehow put up with me for almost ten years. You join me in the chaos, or reign me in. I don’t know. I am known to have some crazy dreams, and you have been in so many of them, I would have been a fool if I had not realized that it meant something. I don’t know what I would have done if I had not met you.”

“Our journey has not been easy, there have been twists and turns and probably a couple of u-turns as well. But Hey! Here we are! Today! I would not want anything different. You are a good person. I love how you throw yourself into each project you do, and I love watching you do what you are passionate about. I am your biggest fan, and there will never be any competition. No one dares to even try.”

“I can’t wait to see where we will go from here. I can’t predict the future, but whatever we do, I wanna do it together. Tu sei l'amore della mia vita. Lutteo è più vivo che mai, e ora non morirà mai.”

Matteo smiled as Luna finished the Italian sentence and butchered the pronunciation.

“Can I say I do already?” Luna finished her speech. 

“You can, very soon.” Officiant laughed as Gastón handed him the rings.

“So, Matteo Alejandro Balsano. Do you take Luna Sol Valente as your wife?”

“I do,” Matteo said as he stared directly into Luna’s eyes. He only took his eyes off her to take the ring from the officiant and slid it into Luna’s finger.

“Luna Sol Balsano, do you take Matteo Alejandro Balsano as your husband?”

“I do, I do, I do!” Luna was jumping on her tiptoes. She finally stopped to take the ring from the officiant and put on Matteo’s finger. Matteo was afraid for a second that she would drop it, but the ring ended up safely on his finger. 

“In that case, it is my great pleasure to pronounce you as husband and wife. Puoi baciare la sposa.”

Even when the officiant had said that Matteo could kiss the bride, it was Luna who did the first move, jumping into Matteo's neck —still wearing heels— to kiss him. 

*

“Well, that must be enough pictures for the rest of our lifetime.” Matteo sighed as they wrapped up the photo-taking session on the Mansion’s stairs. They had taken photos all over the garden, in front of the mansion for the family and wedding party pics, and inside the mansion.

“Don’t tell me chico fresa has grown tired of having his photo taken.” Luna, his wife, teased Matteo as they walked down the stairs. Luna really was his wife… it had not yet fully sunk into Matteo. 

“No,” Matteo gave her a cocky smile.

“Well, you look good enough for it,” Luna laughed and pulled on Mateo’s bow tie so it was left all wonky. 

“Hey! I spent a while tying that!”

“Sorry, wife’s privileges.” Luna jumped down the stairs, and out of Matteo’s reach and he ran after her. How did she move so fast on these heels? He managed to grab her hand in the middle of the mansion hall and was just about to pull her into a kiss—

“Make way!” All a sudden, the mansion door burst open, and the groomsmen and bridesmaids burst in, Jazmin leading them. “We’ll have to make this in seven and a half minutes!”

Matteo had no time to react as Luna was grabbed by Nina and Ambar and ushered through a side door. 

Right, there was this thing called costume change in the schedule, before the party and food. 

“You did remember this was going to happen, right?” Gastón asked as he came over to Matteo and threw him a green bow tie and pulled the lavender one off. 

“Of course not…”

“Yeah, sure.” Matteo knew Gastón was not convinced, nor should he really since Matteo was lying. Matteo tied the new bowtie, while Gastón pulled his jacked off and attached green suspenders. 

As Matteo was finished “changing” after swapping the amethyst cufflinks to emerald ones, the girls came out of the side door. Last one of them was Luna, and Matteo did not even know how she could have become even more beautiful. 

Her hair had been opened from the bun and emerald pins had replaced the veil. She was also wearing green glitter heels and other emerald accessories with a much bolder make-up look. The dress she also was wearing was absolutely stunning.

“So can I have my wife back now?” Matteo asked. 

“I think that can be allowed.” Nina laughed as she went to take Gastón’s arm. 

The wedding party started assembling to a line at the hall for the grand reception entrance. This was the one thing Luna and Matteo had agreed on from the start. They wanted a huge grand wedding reception entrance. 

“So ladies a gentleman, it is time to welcome our bridal party!” Jazmin, who would be going out first with Nico had opened the door and they all could hear the DJ starting the song: Life is a Highway by Rascal Flats. They had rehearsed this a thousand times, so everyone knew exactly what they were doing, thankfully.

“Bridesmaid Jazmin Carvajal escorted by groomsman Nicolas Navarro!”

“Bridesmaid Delfina Arias escorted by groomsman Pedro Arias!”

“Bridesmaids Yamila Sances and Jimena Medina, escorted by groomsman Ramiro Ponce!”

“The chief bridesmaid Ambar Alvarez escorted by groomsman Simon Alvarez!”

“The maid of honor Nina Perida and the best man Gastón Perida!”

“And now, let's give a standing ovation to our Bride and Groom.” With those words, Matteo took Luna’s hand and they ran out of the door and to the dance floor that had been set up in the garden. “Mr. Matteo Balsano and Mrs. Luna Valente-Balsano!”

As they got to the dance floor, Matteo twirled Luna around before dipping her in his arms. They danced the rest of the song with the wedding party, and finally finished off with a kiss. 

Then it was time to eat. The menu had been another thing Matteo and Luna had fought over, but in the end, they had been able to compromise, after some very wise advice from Monica, and just serve both Italian and Mexican food. 

“Hello everyone.” As the dinner had progressed to the dessert course, Nina stood up from the wedding party table holding a microphone. “My name is Nina Perida, and I am the maid of honor today. Luna has been my best friend since we have been 16.” 

“First memory I have of Luna and Matteo is from our first day of sophomore year at Blake South College. This will sound really similar to the speech Luna gave at my wedding, but it happened to be that same moment. Honestly, we had no idea how intertwined our destinies really were. So, back on track: on that day, Luna blatantly denied ever liking Matteo. Later she said that she was from the moon and he was from Mars that's why it would never work. Well, Mars also has moons.”

“It is no secret that the road to this day had not been the smoothest. There have been a lot of twists and turns, ups and down, as you can imagine for two strong-willed hotheads. One time Matteo got mad at Luna after she allegedly cooked pasta wrong and another time they managed to fight over did pineapple go on the pizza or not. Matteo as an Italian surely had some views on that.” 

“Luna and Matteo’s love story can be definitely called a story. In stories, happily ever after is not as straightforward as it may seem. There had been bad moments, like in 2017 which we will refrain from getting into any more detail, but there also have been a lot of good moments. Matteo has written more songs for Luna than you can count. He has continuously gone above and beyond for her. He has saved her life. Luna has had dreams about Matteo since she has been 15-years-old. No matter what happened, the universe has always wanted them together. Maybe that is why Luna fell into the pool at Cancun in 2016.”

“Matteo, eight years ago, we did not know each other well, but now you are one of my best friends. You were a brother to me, when I needed one. I know how important you are to my best friend and to my husband, and I have seen firsthand how you go above and beyond for the ones you love. You are also an incredible partner to work with when it comes to writing, and I want to thank you for even giving me one opportunity to write with you. There is no one else who would be more perfect for Luna than you. You understand her chaos in a way almost no one else can”

“Luna, I don’t know what I would have done if you had not shown up at the lockers of Jam & Roller those years ago. You have played such a part of who I am today. You have encouraged me, and saw the person I was trying to hide for years, and gave her a chance. I would not be here without you. I don’t know where I would be, but definitely not here. You are my sister, and I have been honored to have been allowed to be part of your life, and I hope we get to see our children grow up together as best friends.”

“I am a wife of an engineer so you can blame him of this one, but Albert Einstein once said that “gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love”. There is no scientific explanation for why we fall in love. Love is choosing to share your life with another person and a promise to work hard. Luna and Matteo, you have fought through stone to be here.”

“No love story is easy, but we should not measure any love by the hardships we face, but instead by how we overcome them.  Like James A. Baldwin said: “Love is a battle, love is a war; love is a growing up”. When you are in love, you don’t always think straight, but as long as you feel with your heart. Sometimes love can be so strong, that you love each other more than you could ever do anything wrong. And I know you see it in each other. So lets all raise our glasses for our Bride and Groom today. To Luna and Matteo!”

“To Luna and Matteo!” all the guests raised their glasses and Nina sat back down to the table, handing Gastón the microphone. 

Gastón stood up from the table as the service staff was bringing out the second dessert course. 

“Good evening! I hope everyone has been having an amazing evening this far. My name is Gastón Perida, and I am the best man for today which means that my main job, outside of keeping the groom from running away, is to try to follow up that beautiful speech given by the maid of honor. And in case someone was wondering, yes, she is my wife, we don’t just have the same last name just by coincidence. Stranger things have happened, though. So you can just try to figure out by yourselves who got together first… for the record it was us.” Gastón grinned, and turned towards Luna and Matteo.

“Anyways, now to the actual speech. I have known Matteo since the eight grade. I think it is fair to say that we have done a lot of growing up together because otherwise, we would not be here, nor would I have this.” Gastón briefly gestured to his own wedding ring. “So with some common sense, you can figure out that I obviously was there when Matteo and Luna first met. Well, actually that is not true… but who cares. I still have been watching this tennis match of courtship for the past ten years. I can’t tell you how relieved I am that this day has finally come. I can finally breathe easy.”

“It all started when our bride almost ran the groom over on skates at Cancun in 2016. This has been a a heated argument between them ever since, since neither of them will actually admit to it. I am sorry Luna, but for today, I am obligated to be on Matteo’s side. After that first encounter, it has been a journey of shouting matches and romantic skating routines. But here we still are, because no matter what happened to you two, it was always obvious that there has been a burning fire between you two. Almost like a sun and the moon were pulling you towards each other.”

“We can talk about all the times Matteo has literally “fallen” for Luna. I refrain for going into any more detail about that, except that I almost had a heart attack after hearing about the incident. So I direct this to Simon & Co: Next time Matteo almost kills himself while I am in another country, I wanna hear about it directly.”

“Luna, you are amazing. Bursting ball of energy that will never run out, which is against at least all of the laws of Newton. Only Matteo can keep up with you at times. You put 100 to everything you do, and everyone who knows you can appreciate that. It is impossible to be around you and not smile. Matteo is in good hands with you.”

“So, not all of you were there, but let me tell you that Matteo made everyone cry at my wedding, so it is only fair that I should return the favor. Matteo, you said that I was the one who took pity on the poor new Italian kid. That “taking pity” was probably one of the best decisions I have ever made because that made you my brother. I would do it hundred times again. I don’t know what I would do if you had not sat down next to me at school on that day. You are my brother, and I love you, no matter what dumb things we get up to. Even if we don’t have any bonds by blood, what we have is stronger than that.”

“So, Luna and Matteo, if you now turn to look at each other, the person who has the power to kill you is sitting in front of you. I know the two of you will be very happy, so let's just all raise our glasses once again. To Matteo Balsano and Luna Valente-Balsano!”

After the speeches were finished, it was time for Luna and Matteo’s first dance. Luna had gone through bit of a Frozen obsession when they had visited Disneyland and had listened to the soundtrack on repeat. Her excitement had been limitless after Nina had told her that there also was a musical version, and then that soundtrack had been blasted on repeat for at least two months. Now their first dance was to What Do You Know About Love which pretty much described her and Matteo perfectly. The song started playing and they broke out into a perfect choreography, that they had been training for almost a year.

Matteo took the stage after they finished the father-daughter dance, as well as the mother-son dance which Luna had originally thought they’d skip, but Matteo had actually asked Sofia on his own accord to dance with him in honor of his late mother, starting to sing the Italian version of Alla Voy from his first album. Luna of course could not stay put and soon enough she was dancing on the stage with Matteo, and the song ended up being a duet. 

“So, now, me and Luna wanna dedicate this next song and dance to the people we both have, who are no longer with us. We love them, and they will forever be in our hearts.” Matteo said as he and Luna got off the stage, and started dancing to a song called He Lives In You. 

Matteo’s cousin took the stage after the dance, singing one of his earlier singles Rescata mi Corazon. Matteo’s friend Francesca joined him and they sang together a song that was apparently their school anthem. 

The cake was brought after Simon and the Roller Band had finished playing Valiente. The cake was a chocolate-strawberry cake —surprisingly Luna and Matteo had not fought about this one—  covered in white frosting. Luna almost covered Matteo’s whole face in it as they smashed pieces of cake into each other’s faces. 

Then they danced, and danced, and danced until Francesca got up to the stage again and sang the last song of the night, called Ti Creo. She was accompanied by her husband and Federico, and his wife provided the backing vocals. 

As it was almost time to call it the night, there was only one thing left to do. Luna had been adamant about the bouquet toss being the last thing she did. She turned around as all the unmarried girls lined up behind her. The line-up was considerably smaller than in Ambar’s or the weddings that had followed her, but it did not matter. Luna lunged the flowers into the air and soon enough heard victory yells, from two voices.

Luna turned around and saw Jim and Yam holding the bouquet together and jumping up and down for joy. 

“So from the rate of one to ten, how would you rate the marriage this far?” Matteo scooped Luna into his arms after she had thrown the flowers.

“I don’t know,” Luna laughed, “Eleven. Look,” they turned their eyes to the sky where the full moon loomed over them. “Even the moon is celebrating us.”

“And there is no arguing with that.” Matteo laughed and picked Luna up twirling her around.

 Okay, wow... I can't believe I just did that. I wrote a Lutteo wedding, and had fun while doing it!

Okay, lest be real here, I am so thankful for everyone who has read this story. And I have a question: This story is at an end... but comment if you want the honeymoons. I am not making any promises, but tell me if you want them

The Pinterest Board and the Playlist

[theauthorlives]

Yancy had hoped that he'd be left to his own devices when tasked with checking a jammed door, but it was the unfortunate reality that Mack was waiting for him.

(At least Yancy had the element of surprise first. It would be worth the hassle.)

Mack's entire demeanour rubbed the former prisoner the wrong way. It wasn't merely a case of "someone has a higher ranked job and rubs it in the face of everyone". It was as though this higher rank had consumed what (probably) was a normal man and turned him into nothing more than a walking ego complex. Yancy had seen it numerous times over the years, where police officers or prison guards saw their jobs as something that made them more 'valuable'. As a prisoner, that made sense. He was the scum of the earth who was worth less than the dirt on an officer's shoe. But as a free man who was being treated the same as everyone else, including the constant belittling by Mack? That wasn't something he was going to let slip.

Unlike the other crewmates, Yancy wasn't scared. There wasn't a single punishment on the ship harder than a month in solitary. Mack didn't scare him.

(Oh noooo, two seconds late. Whatever will he do??)

"Ah, sorry sir." The title was never one used in respect in this setting. "I was actually trying to check the state of thems pipes over youse's head, but looks like that head is too big to get past." Even so, he did step forward to examine the panel and listen to the problem at hand.

"Heh. And here was me thinking that folks of my profession could be replaced by bots." The folded step-ladder under his right arm was shifted to get a better grip on it as Yancy thought about the problem. It must be a big deal if the High-and-Mighty Solo Run had to defy his own 'I can do everything' stance and ask for help. Whatever was causing the problem, it must not be something that's solved with a computer reset or any other fancy engineer-programming tricks...

Then, his face lit up with an idea. "What if it ain't the panel? What if it's something in the door itself that ain't moving when it's 'sposed to? Y'know, like, maybe it ain't recognising no one 'cause it knows the door's open, so why would youse need to open it again?" Stepping around Mack so he was closer to the door, Yancy then gestured back to the panel with his left hand.

"I'm sure I ain't set up for using this particular panel. Can you shows me what happens when youse presses it?"

@theauthorlives asked: Yes, yes, Mack might be busy being all important and whatnot. However, Yancy just happens to be walking by on his way to check the status of a jammed cabin door, reaches up... And uses his left hand to bap the back of Mack's beret in the hopes of knocking it off. (Have a brat in Space :D )

lithe fingers worked on the board in the hall , hearing the monotone beep it gave back each time the engineer attempted to problem sleuth the reason for it's jam as he awaited help from the mechanics' deck . hazel eyes trained on the board don't see the figure carried by boots , simply giving a sigh of relief that he had help to get this issue resolved . well . . . until he feels a broad calloused palm slapping his signature orange cap from his head , ruffling his hair and immediately whipping around to be eye to eye with yancy . that sigh of relief has now shifted to something of egregious annoyance at the dark-haired man's appearance , a gloved hand coming to fix askew brunet locks and then bending at the hip to retrieve his berette from the ground not even speaking a word to the mechanic .

once he's standing tall once more , hands behind his back , chin tilted upwards , he speaks " good afternoon to you as well , yancy . two seconds late as per usual . . . " mack's tone has a BITE , moving to stand away from the door panel and gesturing to it . " i will excuse the improper greeting to a superior this time , but in the future please REFRAIN from putting your hands on me unless i EXPLICITLY say you can . " mack shifts his vexed gaze back onto the panel , saving this teaching moment for another time when HIS ship wasn't acting up . " i need your assistance at this time , this panel will not recognize anyone's handprint , not even the captain's with the highest access . a navigator opened it , unsure HOW they must have to get it this way , and stated that it would not close . i've attempted resetting the board entirely and it is still malfunctioning . "

his tone is demeaning , a smug smile coming to his face as his brow tilted upwards . " you can fix this for the crew , right , yancy ? "

[buckys-black-dress]

see through

＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚　　˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊

a/n: i dont have much to say other than that it's 1 am and i needed to get this out of my system. chapter 4 of play the game is underway, i promise. also, there will be a pov switch in this fic!

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. = POV change!

wc: 4.1k words

[ neighbor!bucky barnes x fem!reader ]

＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚　　˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊

-

Every Friday night, without fail, you saw the light filter into your apartment.

Notice how you said night?

Yeah, it was almost two in the morning, by the way.

And why was there light coming through the chiffon curtains you had hanging on the rod above your window?

(Great choice on your part, by the way.)

Well, because of your neighbor.

You've seen him a few times, actually. Usually on the street outside your buildings, or just out and about. Never spoke to him, though. He was quiet, kept to himself. Didn't seem very friendly or willing to exchange a greeting if he ever saw you.

But you never took it personally. Maybe he was having a bad day. Every time you saw him.

But that's besides the point. The point right now is that you can see the lights blaring in your room. From the apartment across from yours.

Should it even be possible for light to travel that far? I mean, we don't even live in the same building. You think to yourself as you watch the colors dance in the dark.

You debate getting up and yelling out your window to tell him to shut that shit off or to invest in some blackout curtains. You were tired of sacrificing your sleep every week.

But then you decided against it, because you quite frankly could not be bothered to get up from the warmth of your bed. You'd tough it out for the night, but the next time you saw him, you'd have a few words for him.

-

The next morning, it was almost ten when you woke up. You didn't have your shift at the coffee shop you worked at until three, so you took your time in making your way out of bed.

You noticed the curtains of your neighbor's apartment were still open, but you could see his figure moving across the room. He was clearly on the phone with someone, and he didn't look too happy. You wondered what could have him so angry at such an early time of the morning. He seemed like a person who could use someone to talk to, someone who he could vent to.

But before you let your thoughts get ahead of you, you turn away from the window, heading back into your kitchen to eat breakfast and get ready for the long day ahead of you.

-

"Hi, what can I get started for you today?" You ask as brightly as you can muster at the moment. You were halfway through your shift, another three hours until close.

"Uh, just a large black coffee." The gruff voice says, and it takes you a second until you look up and look closely.

It was him.

"O-okay, that'll be $3.27." You say, and he hands you a five dollar note before grumbling,

"Keep the change."

"Thanks, and your name?"

He gives you a look that's asking, 'what the fuck do you need my name for?'

"For the order." You try and salvage your dignity, because it feels like the stare shrunk you to a speck of dust.

"James."

That's all he all but growls before turning back to find a seat.

As your coworker takes over the cash register, you grab the biggest cup and fill it with his desired coffee.

You try to not think about it too much, but the anxiety you feel rising up inside you and just calling his name to give him his coffee feels absolutely ridiculous.

"Are you just gonna stare at the cup or give it to the customer?" The voice of your coworker, Jenna, rings in your ears and you look up at her, snapping out of the trance you were in.

"Sorry, I'm just a little out of it today, I guess."

"Everything alright?" She asks, and you nod.

"I'm fine, it's just... that's my neighbor." You nod your head towards where James is sat, in the corner by the window as he watches the raindrops run down the expanse of the glass.

"The one who doesn't let you sleep?"

"Yeah, but I don't think he'd take it too kindly if I tell him about that. He seems to have a lot on his own plate anyways," You explain, and she just nods.

"Well, that sucks, but you still need ta' give the guy his coffee." Jenna smiles and walks back to what she was doing before.

You gently slide out from your spot behind the counter and walk to his table.

"Here's your coffee, James. Enjoy, and- uh, let me know if you'd like anything else." You tell him while placing the steaming cup in front of him.

He murmurs a thank you that you barely catch, but you don't quite have the time to sit and wait for more of a reaction.

For the next several hours, James sits right where he was. He doesn't do anything in particular, either. He just watches outside, as the rain continues to pelt down on New York City, and as people come and go from where they were.

Eventually, about an hour left until close, you offer another cup of coffee.

"Do you want a refill? On the house." You ask gently, waiting to see if you'll get brushed off again.

"Uh... are you allowed to do stuff like that?" He asks, and you're a bit taken aback at the sudden concern.

"I don't think you should worry yourself too much, James. Free coffee's free coffee." You smile lightly, and grab the cup before filling it up without his confirmation. You could tell he wanted to say yes but didn't want to seem rude.

"You didn't have to..." He grumbles, and you simply shake your head.

"I know, but you've been here a while, and what kind of employee would I be if I let a customer sit here without any sustenance?" Your lips ply into a tiny smirk, trying to get him to loosen up a bit.

He seems so guarded, defensive. Like any moment, he's ready to run if need be, you inspect to yourself.

"You'd just be a regular employee, Y/N." He says, but the way he says your name makes a shiver run down your spine; and you can't tell if it's a good or bad one.

You unconsciously look down at your name tag, pinned to your black apron that's branded with the café's logo.

"Well, I felt like being nice. I hope you can deal." Your voice comes out short, but he knows you mean no harm.

As you walk back to the counter, you see a small smile playing on his lips, but he doesn't allow it to manifest on his face. You take that as a small victory for your last hour of work.

(bucky's pov).・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

The girl who works at this café is annoying.

But she's got a nice smile. And she's nice to me, Bucky thinks to himself.

He sips on the new coffee you'd just poured for him, without his consent, he thinks bitterly.

But it was a nice gesture.

Why can't you just take a nice gesture?

Because your brain's been scrambled eggs for 70 years. You don't know what to think about anything these days.

He watches you fiddle with the espresso maker, cleaning it with a rag, which you then dip into a bucket.

You look extremely familiar to him, but he can't exactly pin where he's seen you before.

Bucky closes his eyes for a moment, trying to recall where he'd seen you, but for a moment, he comes up with nothing.

Ever since he's been living back in the real world, he hasn't been outside too much.

He goes on the occasional walk, or goes to the tower to see Steve and Sam.

But other than that, he spends a lot of time in his Brooklyn apartment. He watches movies that Steve suggests, or he invites Steve and Sam over to have beer and watch TV with him.

He hates how lonely it gets, though.

Bucky wishes that he had someone.

Someone who could understand.

And don't get him wrong, he loves Sam and Steve. They fill in the gaps in his days, and they make them better.

Sometimes, thinking about having something to do that day is what makes it. He likes having something to do, something to plan for for when his friends come over.

But it feels like a teeny, tiny part of his life is missing. A person shaped-hole in his heart.

But Bucky doesn't spend too long thinking about it, or it'll send him into a spiral about failure and how he needs to 'push himself to get out there more.'

Or that's what his therapist says.

"Hey, we're about to close, and we usually throw the pastries out at the end of the day. Do you wanna take these home, by any chance?" Your voice rings in his ears, snapping him out of the impending slippery slope of his lack of love life.

He hesitates to answer for a second, looking at the brown paper bag pinched between your fingers.

Bucky can tell you were nervous when you spoke to him. He knew he made you uneasy, and it killed him inside.

He hated that. He just wanted to have a normal conversation with someone. But everyone seems to know who he is.

Who he was.

"Uh, what is it?" He croaks, unsure of what to say at your gesture.

"It's a few cookies and a chocolate croissant."

"Sure, I'll take 'em." Bucky simply answers, watching as you hand the bag over with a soft smile and watches you walk back.

You sweep up the floor and put up all the chairs, except for the one Bucky's sitting on. You leave his table alone, and bid farewell to your coworker who was scheduled to close with you.

Bucky doesn't know what drives him to do it, but he gets up after he sees you walk out the door, and follows you home.

Damn, if you like a girl, you usually ask for her number or somethin'. Not follow her home to make sure she's safe, you idiot. Bucky's inner voice speaks and sometimes, he wishes it would just shut up because he knows he has no game nowadays, but this is all he knows to do.

He realizes the way you're walking is familiar, and not at all of the way he was supposed to be going. That made him feel a little better, less like a creep. He's about half a block behind you, and when you turn onto the same street he lives on, he's really confused.

Did you know he was behind you? Are you trying to play a trick on him?

But before Bucky can speak up or say something, you walk right past his building, and into the one right next to it.

All of a sudden, images of you right on the street in front of your buildings flash through his head. He's seen you because you're his neighbor. Bucky's seen you right there, getting ready to start your run through the neighborhood, or probably on your way to work, now that he's seen where you work.

But he feels like there's somewhere else he's seen you; somewhere familiar.

He shakes his head, wondering why he's so caught up in you. He thought you were beautiful, but he feels a pull to you that he's never felt with anyone else before.

Bucky's hands move to unlock his door, sliding the key in and twisting the lock open.

He enters, staring at his dark apartment. It's moments like this, when he spends a long day alone, that he wishes there was someone.

Someone to come home to, to hug, to kiss, to share dinner with.

Some to fall asleep with at night. Someone to keep the terrors of the dark away.

But there was no one.

And then his mind thought back to you. Your hair, your face, your warm hands that touched his while you passed him the brown paper bag of treats.

Bucky wishes he was man enough to ask you out. Not even that, just to talk to you. Have a normal conversation, to get to know you.

But that wasn't in the cards for him anytime soon, he thinks.

For now, he focuses on taking things one at a time. And right now, all he wanted was a nice, warm shower and to get at least three hours of sleep tonight.

He's in his room, forgoing the lights for now, before he looks out his window.

For a moment, he believes his eyes are playing tricks on him.

There's absolutely no way that you are standing right there, right outside his window.

Well, in your own apartment, of course.

And there's absolutely no way in hell that Bucky is watching you undress right now.

As soon as you pull off your top, Bucky turns around before he could get more than a peek of your black lace bra, and he feels a burn in the pit of his stomach.

He can't tell if it's shame, guilt, or arousal.

(y/n's pov).・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

You couldn't stop thinking about James all day.

After yesterday, you wondered why you couldn't shake this feeling about him.

He'd made it quite clear that he's not a people person. Or maybe he just wasn't a you person.

But again, you tried to not take things too personally these days.

Sometimes, you wondered, though, as you looked through your bedroom window to his some nights.

You imagined what it would be like, watching one of those movies with him at night. Making dinner with him. Having coffee in the mornings before work, wondering what he did for a living.

You chastise yourself for your thoughts, thinking that you were crazy for these ideas you were coming up with out of nowhere.

As you pull off your clothes to get ready for bed, you feel the same emptiness fill your heart when your head hits the pillow, and another day has gone by where you're all alone.

-

The next day, your shift was at ten in the morning so you were up early.

You took your time in rolling out of bed. The warmth of your duvet was holding you down, and you couldn't help take a peek out your window.

You see that the room facing yours is finally housing a body in the bed. In all the time you'd been living across him, you've only seen him on the floor.

You feel a warm flutter at that. Whatever reason led him to actually sleep in the bed last night was, you hope you played a role in it.

-

You make your way to the café, and although walking in the rain wasn't ideal, you made it, somehow.

You clock in and head to the register, ready to take the millions of orders that come in through the day.

"Hi- oh! Welcome back. What can I get you?" Your tone of voice made it clear you were surprised, but was trying to not let it show.

"Uhm, just the same as yesterday, and... Can I get a chocolate croissant?" Bucky's gruff voice tells you.

You ring him up, wondering if you should say something about him being your neighbor. Although, he didn't seem too keen on looking you in the eye right now, and you wonder if you did something to make him uncomfortable yet again.

He seems to have this issue quite often.

Little do you know, this time, it isn't because of you or anything you did.

Well, nothing you did on purpose.

Nothing you were aware of at the time.

Anyways, you tell James to go take a seat and that you'd be right out with his order.

"Here you go, James," you place the plate and mug on the table, and this time, when you hear him say something, you turn around with furrowed brows.

"Sorry, I didn't catch what you said." You apologize, waiting for him to repeat himself.

"I- nevermind, it was stupid anyways. You probably have to get back to work." He mumbles while looking back down at his pastry.

"James, whatever it is, you can tell me." You offer with a kind smile. "I can come sit with you during my break, if you don't mind?" A hopeful smile crosses your face.

"Uh, I- yes, yeah, that would be nice." He struggles for a moment, but finally nods his head in confirmation along with his words.

"Alright, James. I get off in an hour for my break." You simply tell him with a soft grin, and you can practically feel his eyes burning into you as you walk away.

The blush creeping up your cheeks also stays there until the remainder of your shift.

-

As you plop in the chair across from James, you inspect him for a moment.

He was attractive, you'll admit.

Okay, he was more than attractive.

"So, James, where are you from?" You ask, your own cup of coffee in front of you on the table.

"Well, I'm Brooklyn born 'nd raised. Never was a time I didn't live here. You?" His lip twitches, looking out the window fondly.

"That's nice. I moved here when I was nine, so I guess I've been here a while. But no matter where I go, there's nowhere like home." You smile.

"There really isn't, huh? This place is irreplaceable." He gives you a crack of another smile, and you find yourself yearning for more from him. Just a tooth, something.

"Well, do you live around here?" You ask, deciding to play coy. You wanted to see what he'd say.

"Uh, yeah, actually. Over on DeKalb and Clinton." He clears his throat, the hint of a smile on his face melting right off.

"Huh, that's so funny. I live on those streets too." You grin, waiting to see his reaction.

"O-Oh really?" James doesn't really know what to say without giving away that he knows where you fucking live.

"Yeah, isn't that funny? Which building?" You're pressing, and you know he knows, but you're having your fun right now.

"T-the uhm... I live in the Washington." He's now making zero eye contact with you, and you're close to breaking.

"What a coincidence! I live in the Oakley!" You're in a fit of giggles when his face drops, you just can't help it anymore.

"James, can I tell you something?" You ask in a coquettish manner.

"Yeah, I suppose you'll tell me even if I say no." He gives a tight smile as a joke.

"I don't wanna sound like a creep, but I knew you lived in the Washington."

"Oh," James releases a breath of relief, "thank God. I knew you lived in the Oakley, but I didn't wanna sound like a stalker either." He says.

You laugh, sliding a hand on top of his resting on the table.

"Y'know, you do this really annoying thing where you leave your movies running on full brightness on your TV, and I can see it through my windows at night." You laugh at the incredulity of the situation.

"Oh... I never even thought of that. I'm sorry, Y/N." He looks genuinely remorseful, and now you feel bad for any bad thought you've had about the man that lives across from you.

"It's alright. No big deal." Your smile does a good job of convincing Bucky that you truly weren't bothered by his actions, but he still felt bad.

"Y'know, maybe I could make it up to you?" He asks, and you feel a blush moving up your chest. "Like, maybe over dinner?" His voice is timid, you can tell by the way he tilts his head down while speaking.

"James," you slide your hand into his this time, your smaller one resting in his large metal one. "I'd love to go out with you sometime."

Before he could react, you stood up from the chair.

"My break's over, but I get off at 3." You lean down and pull a pen from your apron, scribbling your number onto a napkin. "Here."

You walk away before he could say anything, but there's something about him this time that you notice.

He's blushing, too. And he's smiling. A bright, white, blinding smile.

You think of that smile throughout your whole shift, until you see he's still waiting for you when it's time to go.

"So, do you like Chinese or Italian better?" He asks with a crooked smile.

-

bonus scene:

six months later

You and Bucky are laid across your bed, the TV blaring a movie that neither of you are paying attention to. Your head is resting on his shoulder, leg thrown over both of his, and his hand running through your hair.

"You wanna know somethin' doll?" Bucky asks, and you feel his chest rumble under your head.

"Yeah, everything okay?" You ask while leaning up on your elbow to get a good look at him, trying to gauge his mood.

"Everything's okay, just remembered something." He laughs, his hand moving to hold your jaw in it. You shivered at the touch, but smiled fondly at the action.

"When I first saw you at the coffee shop, that first day when you gave the free coffee and pastries... I followed you home."

Your brows furrow and it's clear that you were confused as to why.

"I wanted to make sure you got home safe, and then it turned out that you lived right next to me. So I went up to my apartment and wondered what I'd done right in a past life to have you live right next to me, and then I saw you lived right across from me." His face was tipped upwards, like he was replaying that night in his head.

"You followed me home just to make sure I was safe?" You asked in disbelief that he did something so nice for you, when at the time you thought he hated you.

"Of course, sweetheart. It was dark out and there 're some real jerks out there, y'know." One corner of his mouth lifts up in a soft smirk. "Didn't want anything to happen to ya."

You lean down and press a kiss to the corner of his mouth, appreciating his gesture.

"I really thought you didn't like me back then, so this is a nice little secret you've been hiding from me." You giggle when he pulls you back in for a real kiss.

"Yeah, well, I don't think I could'a hated you if I tried, baby. You're too sweet. And at the time, I was still getting used to being out in the open without being a national security threat." You both laugh lightly, dropping your head down.

A moment passes where you bask in his words, letting them soak in. And then a thought hits you, and you can't help but become more curious. Now you need to know the answer.

"Hey, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, hon." Now Bucky's brows are pulled together, and you reach up and smooth out the wrinkle with your thumb.

"Did you ever... see me doing anything in here? Like, I usually keep the curtains open, and even if they're closed, they're pretty see-through..." You trail off, giving him time to craft his response.

You have a feeling you know the answer, considering how he turns red like a tomato in an instant as words leave your lips.

"I... there was this one time, but I swear, I wasn't trying to peep on you or anything, it was the same day I followed you and I just so happened to look into your window, and you were getting undressed, but I swear, I turned away as soon as I saw what you were doing, baby-" He was rambling, trying to save himself from sounding like a complete creep after all he's just told you.

"Did you like it?" You ask, innocently, but he knew what you were trying to do.

"I-I- You were getting undressed, sweetheart, of course I liked it... are you kidding me?" Bucky's grasping for the words, trying to make you understand.

"Well... we could always recreate it, but maybe in the same apartment this time?" You cock your head to the side, your doe eyes stirring a feeling in his abdomen.

"I think that's an excellent idea, honey." Bucky's hands grasp your waist as you slide on top of his lap. "After all, I am a hands on learner."

-

fin. i hope you enjoyed!

[sonianvmd]

thh characters with a crush on you

warnings: none, maybe some swearing but otherwise nothing major

oH and mentions of murder and death but this is danganronpa so im going to assume u expected as much

a/n: so we kickin this blog off with a bang, writing for LITERALLY THE ENTIRE TRIGGER HAPPY HAVOC CAST LMFAOAOAOAO (excluding hifumi, yasuhiro, and the two despairs doe bc i’ve already made that clear)

also some character’s sections are shorter than others im sorry i just couldnt think of as many bullet points for them *tiktok cry emoji*

edit: I FORGOT CELSESTE FU K SORRY

spoilers under the cut!!

★ 彡 ★ ミ ★ 彡 ★ ミ ★

makoto naegi

when he realizes he likes you, he doesn’t necessarily panic or anything, but he does get nervous

nervous around you, that is

y’all saw how he was with sayaka

if he says anything that might sound intimate then he’ll immediately rephrase it or reassure he didn’t mean anything by it

he really only does have good intentions but his wording just kinda flops sometimes

he appreciates how you listen to him and value what he says

you don't make him feel dumb or inferior compared to a bunch of ultimates with actual talents

he’ll muster up the courage to tell you eventually

let’s hope his luck comes through 😁

byakuya togami

now when THIS man realizes he likes you, he a bitch nigga bout it 😐

he can't believe he fell for a common plebeian such as you

but it was hard not to

the way you preferred to get to the point

the way you were aware of your situation and didn't sugarcoat how you felt about it, although you certainly were nicer with it than him

he's ruthless

anyways

you knew your priorities and spent no time trying to use your resources

he noticed how much you had in common; in you, he saw himself

and we all know how this mf feels about himself 😐

he’ll be quick to defend you in class trials

he won’t realize he’s doing it but he just subconsciously protects you

but just because he doesn't notice it, don't mean the rest of the class brushes past it as well

yeah they on his ass LMFAOO

kyoko kirigiri

kyoko is very good at keeping her composure so she won’t be very obvious

she’ll probably just hang around you more

she’ll also defend you in class trials, calmly

“oh, it couldn’t have been [name]. i remember seeing them in their dorm around the time the murder took place.”

hifumi probably finna say some dumb shit like “aye what was you doin in their dorm doe” but anyways

she finds you respectable

if you have anything to contribute, she’ll let you take the floor

when she tells you, she’s very composed, but also very indirect LMFAO

she’s not too sure on how to express her interest in you but maybe she’ll go about it like “well, [name], now we’ve made it here, would you like to step back into the world with me?” or somethin else along those lines idk

take her hand

pls

toko fukawa

y’all know her whole “master togami” shtick

yeah so 😁😁😁😁

no but fr, toko ofc still has her borderline stalkerish 🧍🏾‍♀️ tendencies

she’ll often find herself staring at you, either in the library or in the morning meetings everyday at breakfast

but she isn’t as straight forward as she is with byakuya

i actually think she’d be mad shy and non confrontational

the whole thing she kept up with him ? yeah, never again

if you approach her first then she’ll be able to get a few words out but for most of the conversation, she’ll just nervously play with her braids

you’ll most likely put two and two together

unless ur a makoto kinnie bc then you’ll have to wait till someone else puts it in place for u but anyways

if you decide to approach her about it, you’ll kinda be backing her into a corner bc she’s just bad at deflecting things lmao

she’ll eventually confess (begrudgingly but hey i mean its better than nothing)

expect much stuttering and a gesture like giving you a small gift

and not to be that writer that uses japanese terms in english writing but toko seems like a tsundere but not really if that makes sense?? so she’d probably shove it in your hands and if you try to say something then she’ll just try to play it off as not a big deal lol

calls u a baka 😍😍

aoi asahina

i know y’all all see how she is with sakura

yeah.

aoi is the kind of person who’d like to spend time with their crush rather than shy away from them

she values you and your friendship very much

bring her donuts

just trust me bring her donuts

she doesn’t really realize she’s into you like that for a while but believe me, she is, the whole time

and yeah i think she’d be nervous to tell you bc that’s just natural but ultimately she’d be cool about it

uh oh looks like we goin for a swim

sakura ogami

similar to kyoko, she’s very calm

despite her big and bad appearance, she really is a sweet girl

she cares for you and your well-being very much

will indeed go on x games mode for you

the way she tells you is very sincere and well spoken

kith her

naow

im sorry this is like the shortest one i couldn’t think of much for her 😔😔

leon kuwata

flirtatious ass mf

and he’s lightskin

so this just cannot go well

y’all know that bit where it’s like the guy yawns and stretches his arms up and then wraps one around your shoulder

yeah that’s literally him LMFAOO

he’s very confident

he was fairly well known with the ladies at his old school so you know he’s rhockin wit it ‼️

but

you feel.. different than usual ??

those girls were just lil flings n dates bc he was nice enough to accept their confessions and it boosted his ego anyway so it was a win win

but you

he was genuinely interested in you since he had saw you the first time

he didn’t just acknowledge your appearance

he learnt about your personality and your hobbies and what you liked and such, and he really cared and wanted to hear you talk about it all

he felt the need to really make an effort to show you how much he respected and had affections for you

he doesn't tell you in a grand way

probably just asks you out to a movie or somethin

he's chillin

mondo owada

you know

for being the biggest, baddest, most respected biker gang leader

or just for being in a biker gang period

mondo’s a huge softie lol

yeah he gets violent but he’s a sweet guy who cares about and is loyal to his friends

so mfs need to be nice to you

or they gettin whooped

when he decides it’s time to tell you how he feels, he thinks over his words and he’s all confident there’s no way you’d reject him but then he sees you in the halls and goes 🧍🏾 LMFAOOO

he’ll push through but it’s like he’ll walk up to you and look away from you because he refuses eye contact and just go

“so y/n, would you wanna.. tch.. come to a drive-in movie with me or somethin’?... dumbass.”

real smooth mondo i think you got em good job

please tease him LMFAOO it’d be so funny

he’d probably yell but you can tell he’s not mad so you just keep going with it

but once you’re done tormenting him, you do agree to the movie, don’t worry 🙏🏾

also mondo would call his s/o doll

that is all

chihiro fujisaki

my fav dude in a dress <3

chihiro would be quite shy, but that’s just how he is tbh so no surprise there

he’s very kind so he’d check up on you often just to see how you are

he cares about you v much

the way he confesses is one that consists of a red face as he offers you a box of candy or something similar

and he’d feel honored that you reciprocate his feelings

he’d be very scared to tell you his secret but once he does, he’s delighted to hear it doesn’t make any difference to you

he doesn’t know how he got so lucky with you

not only because woooo they like me back but also because you like him despite,, well everything about him LMFAOO

sweet lil boy

i’d feel like he’d talk about you to alter ego a lot

and when u meet the program for the first time, he’s like “oh! you must be [name]! master’s told me all about you :)”

sobbing i miss him

kiyotaka ishimaru

okay here’s the thing

if taka were to like someone

i can’t tell whether he’d be more strict because he doesn’t want them to get in trouble (and also so it would hopefully divert any suspicion that he DOES like you since he treats you the same as everyone else, only more)

or if he’d hold back more because he favors them LMFAOO

so imma write a lil bit for both

in the case that he was even stricter:

he’d prefer to be around you because he believes the best way he can make sure you stay out of trouble is to make sure you don’t get into any in the first place

of course it’s impossible to monitor you every second of every day but he does his best to make sure you’re doing well

if he sees you do anything out of line, he’s shutting that shit down IMMEDIATELY

but in the case he let up:

he’d still lecture you but noticeably less than the other students

if your feet were resting on top of a desk, he’d ask you to move them and then leave you alone rather than yell at you and forcibly move them himself

if you notice his behavior towards you in comparison to the other students do not tease him about it he will go as red as his eyes /hj

either way he’s confessing to you with a polite but exaggerated bow while holding out a well thought out letter with both hands

sayaka maizono

she will tell you

idk why but i feel like she’d be straight up lol

she’d make sure she’s sincere

she is the ultimate pop idol and all so she wants to make sure you know that she really does like you and isn’t playing a sick joke on you or anything

ok bc

while i do think she’d tell you

i’d feel like she’d be a little indirect just to see how you feel

like she’d give you a free ticket to one of her upcoming concerts with a kind smile

and naturally, you're like :o

and of course you come to support her

and seeing you smile at her from the crowd and cheer her on was the encouragement she needed to push her to ask you out

for real this time

she asks if you wanna come to a concert with her and ur like “oh yeah i love ur shows!!” bc ur dumb and then she’s like “no i mean.. for another artist” and eventually it hits you that she’s asking you out and ur like “oH YEAH YEAH SURE THAT SOUNDS GREAT YEAH OK” LMFAOO

———

i really hope that this is good LMFAOO this is my first time writing for dr so 😃👍🏾

fun fact i finished toko’s section first and taka’s last 😁😁

and i’d like to thank @mius-imagination @bloodygir n the rest of the discord for helping me figure some of these characters out *simultaneously whips and nae naes*

bye ive been working on this for like weeks this took forever

———

edit: here’s a deleted section bc i kept blanking for this character 😍

[imagineyourworld]

How the clones would ask you out (Genderneutral)

Includes Rex, Fives, Echo, Jesse, Kix, Cody and Wolffe 

Warnings: None

Rex

Poor Rex would be so, so nervous 

It took pep talks vom Anakin, Ahsoka and several of his brothers to get up the courage to actually ask you out (though not all of them were all that helpful) 

Rex wouldn’t ask you out in public or at work, he’d go to your flat instead

His strong knock doesn’t betray his nerves, but the second you open the door he cannot remember what he was going to say for the life of him 

Luckily he was trained as a soldier his entire life and it only takes him a few second to forget about his nerves and continue with his plan 

“I was wondering if you’d like to go on a picnic with me tomorrow?” 

A picnic, Ahsoka had convinced him, would be the perfect first date. The two of them had even decided on a nice place in one of Coruscant’s few parks together 

(Plus Rex likes to bake and cook, it’s his way of dealing with the stress of war (and his brothers’ shenanigans)) 

“I’d love to.” 

You have never seen such a big smile on Rex’s face 

“Great. That’s great.” 

You chatted for a few more minutes before Rex had to excuse himself. Just as you were closing the door you stuck your head out again.  “Rex?”  “Yes.”  “Is this a date?”  The small blush on his face was adorable.  “I’d like it to be, if that’s fine with you.”  You smiled.  “It’s more than fine.” 

Fives

If anyone has an actual pickup line it’s Fives, not in a creepy way though, he’s cute about it 

The two of you have been flirting back and forth for a while now and Fives, after finally no longer denying his feelings, decides to ask you out 

He walks up to you with every bit of confidence he can muster 

“Hey handsome, what brings you here?”, you ask. Your usual greeting, but Fives doesn’t reply in the way he usually does (”Hey mesh’la, just coming to admire the view.”)  “Since you make my heart sing I was wondering if you’d like to accompany to a concert tomorrow.” 

You could tell that he wasn’t joking this time, but still decided to have your fun with him. 

“So sorry, I already promised another handsome young man with a number as his name to spend the day with him.”  As soon as the words left your mouth the smile fell from Fives’ face and instantly made you regret your words.  “Oh, baby, no. I was only joking. I’d love to go out with you.”  The smirk was back and brighter than ever.  “It’s a date!”, he said a bit louder than he had to. 

He’d kiss you on the cheek before saying goodbye. 

(And maybe he even whispers suggestions for what you could do after the concert in your ear.) 

Echo

Much like Rex, Echo is quite nervous

At first he was glad to have Fives on his side to give him advice, but he soon learned that not everything his brother suggested would go down well 

He’d wait for you at work and offer to walk you home, because someone once told him that travelling in the same direction eases conversation 

When you exit the building your eyes immediately fall on Echo, who is standing nearby with flowers in his hand.  “What are you doing here?”, you ask with a smile on your face.  “I... well... I saw these flowers in the market downton and they made me think of you.” He hands you the flowers, suddenly even more nervous now that he doesn’t have anything in his hands.  “That’s so sweet”, you say as you lift the flowers to your nose. “I was just on my way home, would you like to join me and come in for a cup of caf?”

The two spend the rest of the day together. Walking home, drinking caf, cooking dinner. After a while Echo’s nervousness fades and only returns when he realises it’s time for him to return to the barracks. 

“Actually I had another reason to come to see you today. I was wondering if you’d like to go out with me sometime. Like on a date. If you would like to go on a date with me.”  You laugh and the sound Echo usually cherishes breaks his heart, which you soon realise. “Oh, Echo, honey, no! I mean yes, but I just thought that today was kinda like... a date... I’m sorry, I was just assuming, I should have actually asked you.”  A smile mirroring yours appeared on his face.  “So... How about a second date?” 

Jesse 

Jesse only realises that he needs to ask you out as soon as possible after a particularly tough mission. A lot of his brothers died, even more got hurt, and he spent a few days in the medbay as well. 

The second he’s back on Coruscant he comms you asking where you are and no matter where you are or what you’re doing, he’s on his way to you as soon as you answer. 

“Stars, Jesse, what’s gotten into you?”, you ask when you open the door to his rapid knocking.  “I like you, I really like you and I don’t want to die without ever asking you out. So, (Y/N), will you go out with me?”  At first you don’t know what to say.  “Of course I’ll go out with you. But maybe you should sit down for a minute, you don’t seem like yourself.” 

After just a few minutes and a cup of herbal tea the two of you were talking and joking like always. That is until you remember an appointment you had to hurry to make.  “I’d hate to throw you out, but I really need to go.”  “That’s fine”, Jesse says with a smile. “How about I pick you up tomorrow at seven for our date?”  You nod your head smiling. 

Kix 

Kix asks you out more or less on accident. It’s been a long day, he’s tired, and all he wants is a relaxing evening with you. 

“Hey, Kix, you wanna come to 79s with us?”, Fives, who just popped into the medbay, asks.  Kix shook his head. “I really don’t. If it were up to me I’d spend the evening with some takeout and (Y/N).”  “(Y/N)?”, Jesse follows up.  “They help me relax like no one else and that’s what I need after stitching you idiots up all day”, Kix says, glancing at Fives and Hardcase at his last words.  “Then how about we grab something to eat and spend the evening on my couch?”, you offer.  Everyone turns to you, who had just entered the room. Echo bursts in a second later. “Sorry, I tried to stop her from coming in.” 

Kix blushes like crazy, you weren’t supposed to hear that. He tells you as much. 

You walk over to where he’s sitting, miraculously the others have disappeared, and place a hand on his shoulder. If it weren’t for the armour covering him you would have loved nothing more than giving him a soothing massage. 

“You know what? I’m here because I wanted to ask you out, but I guess you just did that for me.”  He chuckled. “Guess so. Let’s go, I cannot wait for our date.” 

Cody 

Cody would be so smooth when asking you out, mainly because he got advice from Obi-Wan, who flirts with everyone and could teach him a few good moves. 

His tactic is pretending you already agreed, which is why he spent the afternoon transforming his room into a small movie theatre for the two of you, complete with snacks and drinks and a holoprojector. 

He then makes his way over to your apartment to actually ask you out. And though he hadn’t been nervous all day, the second you open the door he’s at a loss for words. 

“(Y/N), cyare, I was wondering... No, that’s not it... I’m here to ask you... No, wait... Would you like to...” Though you can’t help but find his out of character rambling cute, you want nothing more than to put poor Cody out of his misery.  “Would you care for a glass of water?”, you ask, opening the door further to invite him in. 

For some reason the cool water helps him sort out his thoughts and he can finally ask the question he’d prepared earlier.  “Would you like to watch a movie with me tonight?”, he asks, his voice smooth and steady.  For a fraction of a second there was something that might have been disappointment in your eyes, but then you nodded.  “Sure. Why don’t we invite Waxer and Boil as well?”  Cody had been quite sure that you’d agree, but the second part caught him off guard. Maybe he should have been more obvious with his intention.  “Actually, I was hoping it’d be just the two of us.”  You raised an eyebrow.  “Wait a minute, Cody, did you just ask me on a date?”  A shy smile made it’s way on his face, though to his credit he didn’t blush.  “I did.”  He had no idea how it was possible, but the smile on your face was even brighter than his own.  “In that case, yes! I’d love to watch a movie with you.” 

Wolffe 

The main reason Wolffe was reluctant to ask you out was not nerves, but rather not wanting to admit his feelings, not wanting to admit a weakness. It was actually Plo Koon who, through ambiguous comments, convinced him to just do it.  

He didn’t want it to be a big ceremony, he wasn’t the type for big gestures, but that night, as you were sitting at 79s with the Wolfpack and your eyes were glittering in the multicoloured lights and your perfume made its way to Wolffe’s nose, he just had to ask you out before it was too late, before anything happened to either of you or someone else asked you before he did. 

And so, when most of the others were scattered across the bar, he asked you if you’d like to get some air with him. He may not be one for big gestures, but he’d be damned if he asked you out in a stuffy bar surrounded by his drunk brothers. 

Outside, he realized was not the perfect environment either. There were still drunk clones around and instead of stuffy it was cold, cold enough to make you shiver in your thin clothes and Wolffe wished he had a jacket he could give you.  “I’ll make this quick so you can go back inside. I-”, he stopped himself.  You were suddenly a lot closer than just a few moments ago, he could feel your warm breath on his face and it made him lose all focus.  “Yes, Wolffe?”, you questioned.  He cleared his throat and continued. “I was hoping that you’d like to go on a date with me sometime.” 

The atmosphere may not have been perfect, neither were his words, but your smile was and it made up for everything else.  “I don’t know, Commander, what’s in it for me?”, you asked with a raised eyebrow. “I don’t know. Dinner, maybe flowers or chocolate”, he replied, trying his best to hide the sudden insecurity.  You crossed your arms over your chest and sighed. Wolffe knew what was coming next, he knew you’d let him down and it would be awkward. He never should have asked you out.  “You know, I had been hoping you’d say The pleasure of my company or something like that, but I suppose chocolate will do.”  A smirk had made it’s way to your lips and a low chuckled escaped Wolffe’s.  “Is that a yes, mesh’la?”  “It is.”