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notthecutesttrash · 4 months ago

Text

Grey (Pt. 2)

Warnings: Verbal + physical bullying, angst, language

Word count: 5.9k

PART 1, PART 3

In the morning you're about to run out before you see a little note next to a sweetly wrapped bento box on the kitchen table. It read, "I hope he likes it (: - Love mom."

God, that is so embarrassing.

But If your lies truly made her that happy, then fine, you didn't have the heart to stop it. You're just going to have to suck it up and wipe food out of your hair later.

Atsumu gazes longingly at you the moment you tread in carefully. He's even more smug looking then usual, if that's even possible. Worse is remembering that he's going to be coming by your house after practice. The nervousness spreads at the thought. You hope it runs late, or maybe he'd change his mind and decide it was weird.

Or maybe he could just ditch you and leave you with all the work. That idea didn't seem so bad anymore.

Why didn't you say Saturday or even yesterday? You had more than enough time.

The bell rings signaling a break. You grab your lunch and sigh.

The group of girls pass and Kiyoko sends you a grave scowl as if threatening what she'd do to you if you didn't follow. You stand up and exit the classroom, tailing behind them.

With a serious expression Atsumu observes their movements until you all leave.

Kiyoko leads you to one of the bottom floors no one goes to and signals a motion with her head. "Storage closet, now." You open the door for them, head lowered to the ground.

How pathetic. You're practically giving them an invitation to bully you.

You're slammed into the wall causing a topple of brooms and mops to fall at your side. Kiyoko holds you by your collar, and you still have your lunchbox clutched hopelessly in your hands. One of the other girls pulls it from you. There's a laugh when they share a gaze at the wrap.

"How cute. Your mom gave this to you?" One of them remarks, and you hesitate when the lid snaps open.

"Must've been. It looks disgusting."

Your back lifts then is slammed again, your head bouncing and hitting hard against the wall. Your knees collapse beneath you and an instantaneous sting is felt on your cheek after being slapped. Kiyoko's foot slams into your side and you hiss at the pain.

Just like that, your mom's sweetly cooked meal meant for your nonexistent crush pours over your head.

"And to think your poor mom is wasting her time cooking for you, what a waste."

The noodles are squashed into a mush at your scalp, mixing into your strands. Another kick hits your knee hard and you instinctively clutch it with a groan. A laugh erupts, and the empty box is slammed to the side. The door opens and they speak one last phrase to you that has you flinching.

"Just go die already."

Kiyoko scoffs when you say nothing, and the door closes.

A numbness swallows you whole.

You cried all your tears already, it wasn't anything new. The handle of one of the brooms falls into your lap, and a slop of spaghetti falls onto your shoulder. You glimpse up at the flickering ceiling light.

You'd usually take a few minutes to mull over the state of your life before you'd eventually get up, dust off your skirt, and go to the bathroom.

Cleaning the mashed noodles from your hair was as rough as cleaning out bits of wet rice grains. One by one, you pick it out, all while being forced to stare at your reflection. You hate how you look, and you wish you didn't have to see your pitiful face every time you went through this process.

Cold water pools into your hands and you splash it against your face. Wiping the sweat and grime off your skin was probably the only refreshing feeling that came of this, even if it was still pathetic. Your stomach growls.

"Yeah, I know.." You mutter to yourself, grabbing your bento to rewrap the cloth just as it was. All pretty and nice so your mom would never know how mistreated it was. Slapping your cheeks, you forcefully bring yourself to reality before going to class.

Your hand presses against your cheek, memorizing the glass window next to you. The trees are swaying, and it hurts a little that nothing in you even cared anymore.

"Why does she always smell like food every day?" A whisper is heard behind you. You sigh.

Thank god it was Friday. Even if 2 days at home didn't change anything from this reality, it was the only small escape you had.

Lazily waving, you greet your coach and the captain before starting practice. Lucy is the only one nice enough to grin at your arrival. You put your knee braces on and warm up. Your body is sore but you're still determined to stay on the team. This is the last hope you have to prove everyone wrong, you don't plan to mess it up now.

You take your position in the back and try to remember what Atsumu taught you. Knees bent at this angle, arms showing the front more, hands positioned like this, and you got it. When the whistle sounds you glue your vision to the volleyball. It flies over the net and you sidestep towards its direction.

Holding onto your breath, your arm touches the ball and sends it flying into the air. Lucy gasps and woo's, “Nice receive (Y/n!)" It takes you a moment to remember the game is still in play, but you're smiling happily. Miyu sets the ball and Angie spikes flawlessly against the blockers. A gleam sparkles in your eye.

"Don't get all excited, it was just one receive." Angie huffs, turning to you. You nod and get into position again. Lucy is serving, and hers are always difficult. Still, you don't back down, and you achieve your focus on the direction of the ball. It appears it's going to hit the side. Quickly it swerves towards you instead and you manage to bump it. Angie is blocked by two on the right, the left is covered by 1, and the center is in the back. Miyu jumps and eyes the left which makes the center switch direction.

With a thud, the ball falls to the ground. The whistle blows, pointing to your side, and the other groans.

"Seriously, a dump shot!?"

"I'll say, you even had me fooled." Lucy giggles, stepping to the next rotation.

Serve after serving you're effortlessly receiving the ball, and the excitement in your legs keeps up with the action. The adrenaline was making your heart stammer. You jump high to receive. Another spike is slammed your way and you dive, hitting the ball only with your wrist to send it shortly in the air. "Sorry! Cover!"

Miyu runs to your side and smacks it with her palm to send it up. It’s a little high, but Angie manages to spike it from the back, scoring a point. You throw your hands up in the air, wooing. Angie shoots you a small glare, annoyed, but not as harsh as the other days, and Miyu has a barely noticeable tug at her lips. The coach crosses his arms, seeming pleased.

You finally are back into your game. You aren't going to be the black sheep any longer.

Arms receiving a hard spike, the ball returns to the other side and Lucy spikes with all her might through the hands of 3 blockers for a perfect line shot. You run just in time and you attempt to receive it but it hits your side and bounces off. Combined with the kick Kiyoko sent you, it hurt a little more than you would've liked. A hiss escapes. Of course, just in time for Lucy to serve as well.

The volleyball is set in the air, and Lucy jumps to smack it down. It’s so fast your arms miss by a second and it flies past you. They score a point, and you breathe deep and concentrate. Lucy repeats the action, but you're there just in time for the ball. As you receive it, the force pushes you back and you hear a crack in your foot as it bends to the side. Groaning in pain, you clutch it desperately and the coach calls for a timeout.

"Are you okay (Y/n)?" A few teammates ask and you nod forcefully, pushing yourself to stand only to fall again. Lucy holds onto your hands to help you up and the pressure on your ankle cries out.

The coach has you sit on the bench. "It's just a sprain, no worry. Sit out for today."

There's a deep frown on your face. Fear and disappointment cascade on you. You're definitely going to be kicked off now.

The coach turns to you while you're lost in thought, wrapping your foot. A mind deep down a rabbit hole.

"You did well today." His tone is firm, but you know he means it. Surprised, you fixate on him and he's staring at the game ahead. A blush dusts your cheeks and you continue wrapping the sprain, a happiness blooming in your chest.

When practice ends you timidly apologize to Lucy who is walking your way. She pats your shoulder, "You did good today, don't worry. By Monday you'll be brand new again." You nod, blushing at the compliment.

"Thanks."

Comfortable silence falls, and you're just about finished wrapping your foot. All the girls left already, and you test your steps carefully, lightly applying pressure to your foot. It didn't hurt as bad with the cover which was good enough for you to walk home. You start humming happily while packing your things, completely lost in the clouds.

"Ready to go?"

The sound makes you squeak in fear. Your hand presses to your stammering pulse, and you see Atsumu smirking at your surprise.

You already forgot that was today, and you nervously shift your tone.

"Oh.. yeah.."

He waits for you to be a step in front of him so you can lead. God, why did you choose this option again? Yeah, maybe the girls would've been at the library, but they wouldn't do anything if he was there. You made the wrong choice. Ugh.

The walk is painfully awkward. it's silent, and feeling him at your side alone makes you incredibly nervous. He's pretty big and muscular for a normal volleyball player.

You perk to the sound of leaves swaying in the wind. Softly smiling, your hands grip your bag. You did something good today, the coach said so himself. This gives you the courage to speak. But.. mainly because the silence was becoming unbearable and you'd rather small talk at this point.

"How was.. your practice?" You shyly ask, and he appears a little surprised at the question. He snickers, and you pout. You knew it was a stupid question.

"Good."

Great keeping the conversation going (Y/n). It felt more unpleasant than before now.

He has that usual smirk, but his face looks relaxed. He takes his turn to speak.

"Heard you been receiving good now."

How fast does word get out? Sheesh. It must've been from one of the girls who hated you.

You scoff. "Let me guess, Miyu talks to you. Angie maybe?"

"No. Lucy. She seemed happy for you." Your face switches to shock. "I'm surprised honestly. Expected you to get kicked off the team. But I guess with my advice you made it hm?" He's annoyingly arrogant, but you're so caught up in the thought of Lucy being genuinely happy for you, her speaking to others about it, that you can't even notice. Your skin turns pink and warm.

"Yes, thank you."

He stops in place, and you're still walking, trapped in a daze.

"Hey." His harsh tone is enough to fearfully draw you out. You rotate to him, scared. Is this the time when he remembers who you are and bullies you?

Unexpectedly he pulls you close and his fingers graze your damp hair. You flinch at the contact, nervous, blushing at the closeness. He wanders beneath the layers as if searching for something. You're nervous, but you ease at the softness. You don't know what he was doing, or why, but it felt quite nice.

He swiftly pulls away and you blink up at his index and thumb that holds a piece of smushed-up spaghetti. You go blank, and he's staring at it the same.

He opens his mouth to speak. "Why do you have food in your hair?"

This was just about your luck.

"Oh look, my house is around here. My mom probably cooked dinner, I don't want to keep her waiting." Walking fast, you ignore him and keep your bag tight against you. He catches up to your speed promptly, silent, and your teeth grit against one another. You ignore him and fixate on the ground until you reach your home.

You stop in front of the home and bite your lip when your hand hovers above the doorknob.

Now you had to worry about your mom and dad embarrassing you even more.

You exhale a shaky breath. You just needed 1-2 hours, maybe even 3 and that was it. This would be done with, and the shame will die with you.

"Don't look so worried. I'm pretty good with parents." Atsumu has almost a relieving confidence in his voice

You nod and open it, instantly being greeted with a warm light. Your mother’s back is facing you, and she's at the stove, cooking. Your father wasn't home yet, he typically didn't come back till later.

"I'm home!"

You already know the moment that she turns around she's more than excited. Atsumu trails behind you, wearing a fake pleasant smile, and her eyes go wide.

"Miya Atsumu, a pleasure to meet you." He bows and your mother gasps.

"Oh, my-" You send her a quick glare that says don't you dare say anything bad. When Atsumu rose you fell into a smile again, giggling awkwardly.

"Come in dear, make yourself at home. You two must be starving." Your mother was already preparing the plates at the table.

You wave her off. "No Mom, really it's okay, we're fine."

She huffs, "nonsense. Come Atsumu, sit." Your brows knit together, and you open to deny the second time before Atsumu interrupts you.

“Actually, Miss (L/n) I am rather hungry, may I ask what you're making?" Atsumu walks ahead while you're stuck dumbfounded at the doorway. You scowl as he cozies up to your mother, and he returns your look with a smirk.

“I'm so glad you asked! It's one of my favorites actually." Your eye nearly twitches as he sits down, acting as if he's so intently listening to your mother ramble.

"It's rude to gawk (Y/n), sit down." She draws you out of the daze with a more serious tone. Yet you swear she's giving you the same smugness as he is.

You grumble incoherently, forcing yourself to sit down. Your mother stirs the food a little longer and then switches the heat off. Across from you, Atsumu is snickering quietly and, you're responding with a hardened glare. Once your mother turns, both of you are quick to politely beam as she sets the food on the table. You all share a pleasant thanks then begin serving yourself.

As awkward as this was, the moment the food touches your tongue, you're buzzing in delight. Your empty stomach greatly appreciates this.

"So tell me Atsumu, did you enjoy her lunch today?" Your mom chirps in.

You cough out, almost choking on a few grains. Your mother is smiling sweetly, completely oblivious. Here it was, this facade is going to be destroyed now.

"Yes actually. The spaghetti was wonderful." Your eyes widen as you fixate on Atsumu. He's mimicking that kind expression to your mom. and she's reveling in the fake news.

"You're going to catch flies if you keep gasping like that (Y/n)." She scolds you out of nowhere and he chuckles politely. You force yourself into normalcy, clearing your throat and eating, Truthfully you're greatly appreciating the lie Atsumu told.

You watch in your peripheral as he cracks a small joke that sends your mother chortling, a little too much. Although embarrassing, it was pleasant. He seems strangely at home and comfortable.

Atsumu offers to clean the dishes when dinner is finished and your mother waves him off politely. "No no, I couldn't ask you to do that. Don't fret dear, you two go upstairs and work on that project."

He nods, his tone filled with sugar. "If you need help at all, call me." It'd be convincing if you hadn't known how conniving he was.

"Oh my, what a nice kid." She nearly fangirls and you cringe. Once he rotates to follow you off to your room, that smug expression returns.

He lets out a tired sigh once the door closes, like being that fake was exhausting, and his eyes quickly turn serious. Admittedly, the thought of having him sit this close with you in your dimly lit bedroom, all alone, makes you feel.. sort of strange. You sit at your desk and take out your notebook, signaling for him to do the same

You're about to talk about the project details until you turn to see his darker expression. His tall stature or muscular build only aids in the way you shrink in comparison.

"Want to tell me why your mom asked me that?"

You still, mouth agape as you thought of what to say. Anything you'd say would only sound more pathetic than what he already thought of you. What could you think of that was better than your current situation? Gnawing at your bottom lip, you struggle to come up with a good answer. An awkward minute passes and you're still silent.

He slumps down next to you and sighs. "Fine, don't tell me."

You underestimated the space he took with the chair placement and his knee brushes up against your own. You pull away instantaneously, clearing your throat. His arm is nearly caressing yours and you shift uncomfortably.

“Um.. so, what part do you want to do?"

Atsumu ignores you to stare at your little pink standing pencil holder. His view then shifts to the stuffed animals on your bed, the color of the sheets, and the pink or rainbow pens you held. He stifles a giggle, and you turn a dark shade of red.

"Didn't think the teacher’s pet would be this type."

You shyly twirl your pencil around as you meekly ask, “What type?"

He leans back and smirks. "Pink, rainbows, little animal prints, you know, sort of the type to fangirl and go crazy over stupid things."

You mutter, annoyed. "Well, I’m not… I just like cute things."

"Good." He yawns obnoxiously, and you huff.

He is clearly getting way too comfortable, way too fast. If you didn't work on this now you'd have to do this weird meetup again. You peer at him expectantly. His hands cradle his head, elbows pointed out to opposite ends of the room. "Right." He remembers casually. "The project."

You nod. Yes, back to the topic at hand, finally.

"I already finished my side." He smiles and you blink in shock.

"What..?"

"Did it after practice yesterday, you know the day you were out "sick." He emphasizes that in a knowing way.

"Then..." You trail off, unable to find your words.

"I wanted to see if I was right about you. I have to say I’m pleasantly surprised. I expected neutral colors, not even a speck of dust, and zero decorations. I guess you're not as stuck up as I might've thought." He arrogantly speaks, and you're barely able to wrap your head around the situation. He acted like he wasn't done with his side, came over to your house, ate your food, cozied up to your mom, and entered your room, all to.. see your personality?

You ogle at him like he has 4 heads and he laughs. "Relax, it wasn't all for that, I'm not here to stalk you. We still gotta work together, it's not like i'd just be here for you alone." That comment kind of offends you but you ignore it.

It's quiet for a moment, and you straighten your back against the seat. "So.. what do you think I am then?"

He hums, then smirks. "You're a good girl. Sweet, and hardworking."

That shouldn't have made you blush like it did, and you avert your attention back to your work. Don't forget this is the man who made you cry only 3 days ago. He's just here to do minimal work and bully you.

"So.. do you want to merge our parts? Maybe you read mine, I read yours?"

Atsumu shrugs and takes out his notebook to slap it down in front of you. You give him yours and you open up his to find multiple pages, back and front of written work. He really worked hard on this.

He snickers at your shock. "Did you forget I have more skills than just volleyball too?" He taunts, reminding you of your previous comment. You frown.

"Sorry," you mumble.

You read from the top, and a few sentences in you're hooked to the way he writes so eloquently. The style is neat, and for being such an arrogant jerk all the time, he paid attention.

"It's not bad." Atsumu regards yours while flipping through the pages. "But you can work on your voice a little more."

You're visibly confused, and he further elaborates.

"This sentence, "if he was going to be out all day, then maybe he would-" it's too much over-explaining. You're losing the point in your nervousness." That is true.

"Just write "He is going to be out for the day." You glue to his words, nodding absent-mindedly. You lean to your notebook that's positioned closer to him, your arm brushing his unknowingly. He quietly fixates on you, and you point to another sentence.

"So.. like here, if I got rid of the "practically" or "really," then it will make the sentence more clear in this case?" You look up at him, eyes twinkling with some sort of excitement. He gazes for a little too long, and after a few seconds, he clears his throat.

"Yes."

You ah, but then slump.

"I like saying really's though. I feel like it puts more emphasis on something. Like if I were to say... I love ice cream! I'll say I really love ice cream, so they really understand how much I do." Your tone is energetic in a way he's never heard, and he can't help but smile.

"They'll know you do, just saying love is enough. Really, makes it a mouthful. Just make it simple. I love ice cream." The way you listen so intently to him has his eyes softening. You move to erase and rewrite, your lips pursing a little in concentration.

"Does that sound better?" You point your pencil to the new sentence, and he leans down to read it.

"Perfect."

You giggle a little and he gleams.

You blush and nervously fidget when you realize how hyper you're being. Your tone is a little more timid now, but it's eager as you point to another sentence. "Does this work together?"

"Try removing the "therefore."

Nodding, you hop back and forth between his writing and yours. His wasn't flawless, but you admitted, it was really good. He was so clear when he spoke, so to the point and confident, whilst yours was all muddled and scared.

You point at his sentence and compare it to one of yours. Erasing, you rewrite a sentence and shift the words around. You're so focused one would think he wasn't even there.

He's smiling and it begins to be a very pleasant exchange all up until he had to go.

Yet, after the exchange on Friday, no texts were exchanged with one another. You completed the project and that was that, no more communication.

There's a strange disappointment lingering in your chest. You wanted that, so why did it actually kind of hurt? Your mom even left you another nice lunch covered by a pretty wrap with a note nearby saying "packed extra for you and Atsumu to share (:" Shaking your head, you force yourself to move on to more important matters. All you need to focus on now is avoiding the group of bullies.

The bell rings, forcing you out of your thoughts. Rotating your head, Kiyoko catches your eye, and she grins evilly. She begins to remove herself from her desk. Here we go, you sigh.

You expect any minute for her to pass your desk, but she doesn’t, and you turn around, confused.

Kiyoko’s mouth is open in a gasp, and she’s paused, eyes glued to something moving. You follow her frantic view only to swiftly mimic it.

Atsumu was walking to you, directly to you. No, there was no way, right? That had to be wrong. He pauses a few inches from your seat, his hand holding his lunch. “Figured we’d polish our projects before tomorrow.”

“O-Oh, yeah of course.” You pull the notebook out that you had just packed up, and as you do that, you shoot a glimpse over to Kiyoko and the girls. She glares back at you a fit of fuming jealousy that knits her brows tight together. You’re relieved sure, but the fear of what they’d do to you once the period ends and you have 0 protection sets a pang of discomfort in you. But.. at least just for today, you can eat your food and not have to return to class with wet dirty hair.

When you’re not looking, Atsumu eyes the girls and they jump, their expressions changing from scowls to fear. They swiftly turn away.

“Here.” Atsumu places his bento on your desk, and you blink, confused.

There’s his smug smile, but it was softer strangely. “We wouldn’t want to disappoint your mother.”

You blush. Right.. that was true. He picks up yours in the cute cat wrap and chuckles at the pattern. Those were also now softer, and you hated to admit that it sent you the right kind of anxious butterflies. He unwraps the box and opens it, finding just enough food for 2. He is taken aback, yet eases quickly after, smiling sweetly. The sweetest you’ve ever seen, it's like you weren’t even meant to see it.

You shyly unwrap his and before opening it you nervously look at him. Opening your mouth to speak, his hand gestures to you. “Don’t ask if I’m sure or not, just eat it.” Although his tone was firm, it wasn’t as harsh as it always was either. You nod timidly and open it.

The smell of fried shrimp, sushi, and rice hits your nose. It was delicious looking, and after not having a good lunch for about 2 weeks, tears nearly protrude from your eyes.

“Thank you!” You hold your hands together and grab the chopsticks greedily. You slept late again. The dread of going to school last night kept you up enough to not be able to eat a proper breakfast again, so this was heaven-sent.

He takes a bite of your food and then pauses when he sees you scarfing up his meal like it was your last. Eventually, you catch him staring, and your face goes red. Bowing your head you shout, “Sorry!” and nonetheless, continue aggressively eating. He snickers to himself.

A few women in the class are almost frozen, their eyes deep-set in hatred and growling.

“He refused the lunch I made for him..” One girl mutters sadly to her friend who is also sunken.

“She’s eating his lunch.” Another girl across the class whispers.

“The nerve of her. He probably cooked that with all his time and love, and she’s inhaling it like a monster!” You’d think tears were running down this one’s face, she was that dramatic.

You clear your throat and place the cover onto the empty bento. The embarrassment is only now rushing to you when you realize Atsumu is only halfway done.

“Um.. thank you.. for sharing.”

He hums in acknowledgment while chewing on your mother’s cooking. “Tell miss (L/n) I loved it.” You blush and nod.

“I will..”

Kiyoko was practically twitching in a fury. She would get you back for this, whether you liked it or not.

Usually, you take your time to pack up your things once class ends for the day. You were always the last one out, but that always gave you some peace of mind. The hallways had a few students aiming around for who knows what, and there were no noisy bells or chatterers.

Today is a good day. Your stomach is happy, and you’re able to bring home a realistically empty lunchbox to your mother. No lies are to be created about how you shared it when you truly didn’t. Your hair is perfect, your clothes are clean, and you have a dull ache in your chest as you think of Atsumu sitting by you and eating. Why? You aren’t sure.

But you’re humming joyfully, feet walking slowly as a smile stains your face. Your foot is healed now, so you’ll be able to play. With the advice he gave you, you’re receiving plenty too. Prancing outside, you take a turn, making your way towards the gym, now nearly skipping in delight. The trees are wavering again, and the smell of sweet grass pierces your smell pleasantly.

You’re about to take another turn until you hear a voice that makes you stop dead in your tracks.

“What is taking so long?”

“Are you sure she didn’t take another route? Or go home for that matter?”

“She’ll be here, relax.”

Your heart speeds in your throat, and your feet feel anchored to the ground. They don’t see you yet, if you run they won’t know. Just turn back now, quietly, and you’ll be free for today. Walk slowly and avoid them. You silently rotate your legs, afraid even the dirt beneath you will make an obvious sound.

Your eyes meet with one of the girls in your class, and you frightfully gasp. Her hands are on her waist and she’s smirking. Your shoulders are shoved hard and a yelp escapes as you fall to the ground. It’s enough for Kiyoko to see your figure, and that same devilish grin stretches ear-to-ear. Panicking, you try to scramble away only for one girl to step behind you and threaten any further movement.

Kiyoko meets your terrified eyes, and she’s snickering, tilting her head.

“What, you thought you wouldn’t get your treatment today because Atsumu-san sat by you?” she scoffs and you’re shaking your head desperately.

“You know he only is doing this because of the project right? Tomorrow it’ll be back to normal, he won’t care anymore, and you’ll be treated the same old again.” Kiyoko giggles, and you’re eyes are still wide in fear.

Your shoulders are being held down by the girl behind you, and Kiyoko’s smile suddenly drops. A slap makes your chin turn from the impact, the sting burning into your cheek.

“I thought of something fun today.” Her hands grab at something behind her, and there’s a sharp gleam as she fixates on you. She pulls out a pair of scissors and you flinch when she holds it up to your throat. She reaches around to pull your hair, angling your neck into it. You don’t dare gulp or inhale, and you’re gritting your teeth at the pain of her fingernails digging into your scalp.

She angles her lips at your ear, whispering darkly. “I’m going to make you look more hideous than you already are. Then no one will look at you.”

Her tight grip leaves. You breathe in relief before she grabs a fistful of your locks and opens the scissors wide.

It’s about to snap shut on your hair before she speaks again. “If you talk to him again I’ll-“

“You’ll what?”

Kiyoko’s fingers waver, and she immediately becomes as stiff as a board. Her breath hitches, and your view is blocked by her body until she moves to the side, her grip on your hair escaping. Instantaneously the pressure on your shoulders releases too.

Atsumu is there, standing a few feet away from your forms, hands pressed to his waist. His eyes are serious and he’s not even smiling like he always is. You’re just as surprised, and you almost fall back to the ground without a stable grip on your shoulders.

“Ah,” he hums, a fake unpleasant lightness in his voice. “I knew well this was going to happen after I disturbed your little lunch get-together.” He tilts his head to the side, the ending of his words darkening. “Didn’t I?”

Kiyoko and the women are stammering, shaking, unsure of what to do or say. “A-Atsumu! I-I-” He motions his arm up, and his expression dulls coldly as he makes a closed fist. They mutually shut their mouths like they're being trained.

“To think you squealing pigs made me miss out on practice because of this.” His tone is low, an unquelled irritation bouncing in each syllable. They flinch, unexpecting him to sound so harsh. He sighs, slumping his form. It’s silent for a few seconds until he looks up again, a grave darkness shifting in him.

“You disgust me. Now get out of my sight.” His words come out like a screech in the silent atmosphere, and their breaths halt in their throat.

The one behind you instinctively dashes on her heels and sprints fast. Another near Kyoko does the same, a third following her until she is the last remaining. She stands peering at you and him, and he’s glaring as if prepared to rip her to shreds.

A frustration boils in her face and she forces herself to throw the scissors onto the ground, making you flinch. She can’t even muster a sharp glare as she looks at you. Instead she seems frustrated, ashamed, and hesitant. Her fists ball and clench tight before evidently leaving.

You’re still stuck replaying the horrific scene, and a terrible silence erupts. Atsumu’s glower disappears, and he’s suddenly above you, holding his hand out to you.

Pathetic… you're so pathetic.

You smack his hand away and his eyes widen.

“I don’t need your help.”

You pull yourself to your feet even if it hurts, revealing your back to him.

Anger. Embarrassment. Sadness. Disappointment. When you would go home today, you’d Slam your bedroom door shut, curl into your sheets, and weep into your pillow.

But for right now, your soles remain anchored to the ground, adamant on showing him that you aren’t just going to be a baby and cry, even if tears are threatening to escape.

You spoke as firm as can be, your voice cracking a little. “Just go away.”

It takes a moment before you can hear him finally walking away. All you can imagine is that his uncaring smirk is back like nothing happened.

A minute or two passes, and when you’re sure he’s gone, tears stream down your cheeks. You wipe them with the end of your sleeve, sniffling helplessly.

You just want to go home.

#x reader #fanfic #angst #haikyuu #haikyu x reader #bully x reader #anime x reader #miya twins #miya atsumu #miya atsumu x reader #x female reader #anime

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aloysiavirgata · 6 months ago

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What do you think Scully and Mulder would disagree on as parents? A prompt, if you will.

Scully wanted schedules. Meal plans. Calendars. She wanted piano lessons on Thursdays, swim lessons on Mondays, and labeled bins for the Legos and Thomas train cars. She wanted whole grains and bento boxes and clothes from Boden and Hanna Andersson and Tea Collection. Vacations in the Galapagos and the Grand Canyon. She wanted - in her most secret heart - for him to be the star of the soccer or lacrosse teams. Or both.

Mulder wanted the gauche consumerism of Disney World every spring. He wanted drippy ice cream cones and a perpetually muddy dog and troops of sticky neighbor children marauding through the back door so he could say JESUS CHRIST WILLIAM I’M NOT PAYING TO AIR CONDITION THE WHOLE STREET. He imagined burnt pig-anus hot dogs over a campfire, a floor strewn with action figures, snow angels, Chef Boyardee. No chess coach, no deportment classes, those new-fangled sneakers that lit up. He imagined Welch’s grape juice stains on the couch.

***

Scully, luscious and fully fleshed again, with William suckling at her blue-veined breast. Scully like a Renaissance Madonna reimagined by Margaret Atwood.

“My mother sold her wedding dress to pay for Charlie’s football gear,” she says, touching William’s rose petal cheek. “My father made pretty good money for the Navy and all, but four kids so close together…we ate a lot of spaghetti. Lots of hand me downs. Missy shoplifted makeup a whole lot, if my mother ever knew…”

“Malnutrition why you’re so short?” he asks, because he knows she wasn’t actually malnourished.

She scowls. “It was never dirty, my mother would have died first. But just…you know. Heaps of rain boots at the door and school books on the table and hair ribbons and pencil stubs and recorder sheet music and half a cream-cheese-and-jelly sandwich withering on a plate because Bill and Missy were pinching each other…”

Scully trails off, switches the baby to her other breast. Remembers dinners of store-brand fish sticks and creamed corn because one of them had an unexpected pricey field trip.

William gurgles, clutches a fistful of his mother’s silky hair. Blows a raspberry beneath her Delft pottery gaze.

Mulder kisses William’s warm, fragrant head.

Mulder remembers his father, pleasantly loquacious on bourbon, teaching him about shoulder lines and top-stitching at 8. His mother and Samantha in matching ruffled Gunne Saxe dresses, the starched disapproval of the maid when he tracked footprints over the fresh vacuum lines in the carpet.

Chicken a la King, wedge salad, Steak Diane, swigs of his mother’s sidecar…

William hiccups, dribbling milk down his fat cheek. He begins to hiccup more, which makes him laugh at first, and which then makes him cry.

“It was just always loud and chaotic,” Scully says, propping the baby against her shoulder. “Someone was always hurt or in trouble or pulling hair or getting their hair pulled…it was impossible to think or relax. College was such a gift.” She remembers a study- fort she built in the San Diego coat closet.

William belches, then cheerfully vomits down her cleavage.

Scully groans.

Mulder mops her up with tender precision, watches William try to stuff his dinner-roll fist into his mouth.

“It’s been silent at my house for twenty-eight years,” Mulder says.

#xf fanfic #xfiles fanfic #msr #my fic #prompt #william #family #inbox

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static-kills · 11 months ago

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Nerdy Prudes Characters as Filipino food!

The second coming because I couldn’t stay away

Steph - Lumpia

- A popular dish for a popular girl

- Lumpia’s typically filled with meat, veggies, and sometimes fish!

- An absolutely beloved food for anyone who’s tried it

- Steph would immediately put these on her plate if she saw them at a party

Pete - Champorado

- Imagine if hot chocolate was a porridge

- This was the most obvious answer for Pete

- He’d be eating this to get through the day

- I think he’d like evap milk better w/ his champorado, but has condensed milk for his blood sugar

Richie - Tocilog

- Richie gets a nice, full breakfast of sweet cured meat, eggs, and garlic fried rice

- Another beloved food for a beloved character

- I personally believe this man would instantly get hooked on garlic fried rice

- Like suddenly he’s having it with every meal

- Packs it in a bento box for school too

Ruth - Chicken Feet

- It’s not too freaky when you actually try it!

- Just give it a chance!

- Give Ruth a chance :(

- Alternatively, she is Filipino spaghetti in ways I cannot explain

Max - Lechon

- The life of the party

- The center of attention amongst the food

- Yk the party’s gonna hit when they bring Lechon

- Max would think it’d be so fucking cool if he pulled up to a party and saw it at the food table

Grace - Brazo de Mercedes

- Super light, super airy, an almost angelic dessert

- Brazo de Mercedes is a meringue roll typically filled with some kind of custard with powdered sugar on the outside

- A dessert befitting of miss chasity herself

- I can see Grace trying it at a bakery and being astonished at how fluffy it is

- It’s like a cloud in your mouth!!

- Must be what angels eat up in heaven

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djbunnie · 2 years ago

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🍱Lunches!!!!

The Bat Brothers out on patrol, eating their lunch

Damian: *opens the bento box Raven made for him* "TT"

Jason: "Anything wrong, gnome?"

Damian: "Call me that again and I'll cut your throat!...it'll be my lunch."

Jason: "Is your girlfriend a bad cook or something?"

Damian: "Not at all, Rachel loves to make those cutesy bento lunches and it's embarrassing.

Jason: "You really are a spoiled brat, at least your girlfriend took the time to cook a hot meal for you. The wife ordered me take-out for lunch."

Tim: "At least you got take out, Bernard packed me leftover spaghetti for the third time AGAIN!!!"

Dick: “at least you have something edible”

______________________________________________________________

A/N: i just learned that Cutesy not only means ”too pretty” but it also means “clever in a way you think it's annoying” lol

#damirae #bat bros #red hood #nightwing #red robin #raven #starfire #rose wilson #robin #damian x raven #jason todd x rose #tim x bernard #dick x kory

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bucketspammer4life · 10 months ago

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♡ the boxers on valentines day ♡

YOU THOUGHT I WOULDNT PLAN SOMETHING FOR VALENTINES DAY?? YOURE WRONGGGG

♡ Glass Joe ♡

If he has a valentine he'll take the day off for them and take them out on a cute little date, spoiling them with kisses and flowers

if he doesnt have a valentine, he'll just watch romance movies by himself and have some chocolate, if no one will spoil him he'll spoil himself

This man will buy so many valentines themed stuff its insane, he'll buy heart-shaped candles, heart shaped boxes, literally anything heart-shaped is his target since hes a sucker for heart shaped stuff

OF COURSE hes gonna have wine hes a wine aunt it runs in his family

♡ Von Kaiser ♡

If he has a valentine he'll show up at their door with flowers and some chocolate in his fanciest outfit and offer to take them somewhere for a date

If he doesnt have a valentine he'll play it off like its no big deal as if he isnt bitter about it and continue his routine as usual

He usually takes the day off on valentines day since his students will either bully him for not having a valentine or go "oooooo" And make him embarassed about his valentine

He'll just buy himself flowers if he doesnt have any valentines

♡ Disco Kid ♡

If he has a valentine he'll plan out a date for them and have a dance with them, bonus points if his valentine has a song that they love and end it with a nice little walk while holding hands

If he doesnt have a valentine he'll just listen to music and cry, he just feels a little lonely on valentines sometimes

will go nuts over love songs, he has a playlist made for every possible outcome of his valentines day including: getting dumped, having no valentine, having a shitty date, having a good date and a slow-dance playlist for when he needs it

♡ King Hippo ♡

if he has a valentine he'll plan a feast for them and take them stargazing at the end of the day, he'll spoil them with their favorite meals and lots of flowers with special meanings for every boquet

If he doesnt have a valentine he'll be dissapointed but move on fairly quickly since its not a death sentence, plus he'll just get himself some sweets and get on with it

will try to recreate the lady and the tramp spaghetti scene with his valentine (he'll win the spaghetti war)

♡ Piston Hondo ♡

If he has a valentine he'll get them flowers and take them out for a stroll in the wilderness and hold hands, he'll also make a cute little bento box for them with some sushi in the shape of hearts

If he doesnt have a valentine he'll just stay home and have tea while watching some documentaries

Also a sucker for heart shaped things, especially candles since he has a odd love for candles

Will write a poem for his valentine if they cant make it to the date and send some flowers along with it

♡ Bear Hugger ♡

If he has a valentine he'll take them for a date in the wilderness, he'll make a table and a chair from scratch for them and have ms bear as the chef, whats more romantic than a bear asking you if you want some risotto??

If he doesnt have a valentine he'll just rant to ms bear about it and just fish his sadness away

Will collect flowers with his bare hands for his valentine and carve a little statue for them along with a heart

Will end the day with a little slow dance in the forest and a kiss

♡ Great Tiger ♡

If he has a valentine he'll take them sightseeing and spoil them with lots of jewellry, he'll get them their favorite flowers and end the day with a movie night

If he doesnt have a valentine he'll just go shopping and buy himself gifts, if no one will do it he'll do it

Once tried to go on a date with himself but ended up being dumped by his own clone

will wear his fanciest outfit when asking his valentine out

♡ Don Flamenco ♡

If he has a valentine he'll spoil them and absolutely dote over them, perfume, flowers, plushies, clothes, pretty much everything, will have a dance with them and end the day with a little cuddling

If he doesnt have a valentine.. My god this man will sob for hours, he'll dye his hair black again and post a picture of himself while crying and get bullied to hell and back for it lmao while watching romantic movies in a huge ass pile of blankets

Also has a playlist for when he has a valentine and doesnt have a valentine, will listen to it according to the outcome

will dance with his valentine until they get tired, when his valentine is done for the day he'l carry them to bed

♡ Aran Ryan ♡

If he has a valentine he'll go exploring abandoned buildings with them and have a date there, he'll get them their favorite flowers along with a little teddybear with his perfume on it and end the day with him and his valentine planning out some pranks

If he doesnt have a valentine he'll wreak havoc on everyone else, he'll write them fake secret admirer letters and bait them out for a fake date and have them thinking they got dumped, he'll even add flowers and poetry to the letters

He'll usually write silly little letters to his valentine if they cant make it to the date/are far away

He'll get his valentine a drink if they let him

♡ Soda Popinski ♡

If he has a valentine he'll take them out for your typical fancy date but with a twist: hes chugging 30 bottles of soda per second, he'll also get them flowers and a T-shirt with a cheesy quote on it

If he doesnt have a valentine he'll just rant to his friends and have like 907 cases of soda

He doesnt have a idea what kind of flowers to get his valentine so he usually goes for daisies to be unique

He has a unexplainable love for valentines day special drinks, specifically soda and it shows more on valentines day more than any other day

♡ Bald Bull ♡

If he has a valentine he'll be over the moon, he'll get them flowers and jewellry and take them out to wherever they want, but he would prefer staying inside and just cuddling all day

If he doesnt have a valentine he wont pay much mind to it since he thinks valentines day is dumb anyway, he never really got asked out much since people were either too scared to talk to him or it flew over his head

PLEASE get this man flowers, hes a sucker for flowers, especially tulips & saffrons, if you do you'll get to live in this mans head rent free for 30 years, he'll be out here kicking his feet over you

He has no idea what to get as a gift other than jewellry and flowers so he'll just get stuff that reminds him of his valentine

♡ Super Macho Man ♡

If he has a valentine he'll take them out to a cruise ship and have some drinks with them, of course hes gonna go all out with the gifts hes super macho man

If he doesnt have a valentine he'll just check his mail since his fans are THIRSTYY, he'll also put a mirror in front of himself and have dinner with his own reflection and flirt with himself

If he feels lonelier than usual he'll just post a thirst trap lol

Thinks flowers are boring as a valentines day gift but will cherish any flowers he gets

♡ Mr Sandman ♡

if he has a valentine he'll be extremely happy but suprised like.. What do you mean youre going after the champion for a date... But he'll be really happy and a bit nervous, he'll take them out to a aquarium and watch the fish

If he doesnt have a valentine he wont care much, he doesnt care much for valentines day but finds the valentines themed stuff cute

He has no idea what kind of flowers to get for his valentine so he usually goes for his own favorite, oleander, he'll also get them a huge ass teddy bear

He'll write a cute little letter after the date to thank his valentine for being with him on a special day

#ITS VALENTINES DAY IM GOING TO HAVE A ROMANTIC DINNER WITH MYSELF YOU CANT STOP ME #punch out #headcanon #punch out headcanons #punch out wii #aran ryan #bald bull #don flamenco #glass joe #piston hondo #great tiger #the Macho mirror one is something i do for myself idk what that means about my mental health

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nelyafinwe · 2 months ago

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i was just, as bon jovi would say, shot through the heart by one of my fave japanese bento box channels just now when in 1 vid they cracked a legit half pack of spaghetti in half (you know, like a heretic) and then, not satisfied, proceeded to add the raw and mutilated spaghetti to the pan that already had stuff stir-frying in it, to only then add some water to that poor fuckin pasta, and as a last step, salting the water

#love that channel but please i am in pain rn

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shirohige-pirates · 1 year ago

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Just Like Fire

CisFem Reader x Portgas D. Ace

CW: angst, language, erotic, violence, serial killer, stalking, poisoning, over-bearing controlling parents, attempted forced marriage, possible dub-con, Munchausen by proxy (aka Factitious Disorder), wildly cute and fluffy despite the warnings. 18+ only

Summary: You're Sabo's biological sister in this AU. After college you moved in with your dear brother and his two sworn brothers in order to avoid going back home. You and Sabo despise your family equally.

Chapter 2: Free

You lean back in your chair and stretch. Your hair’s pulled back enough to be out of the way, and you’re comfortable in a t-shirt and some sweats. It’s the fourth day of filling out applications, and you’re cursing your desire to go at your job hunting quite so hard. You’d taken a week off to get your room organized and get into a little bit of a groove with the boys.

You got added to the chores chart, and the cooking rotation – something you offered to do entirely, but Sabo insisted it was an equal opportunity house. Everyone did their fair share of chores and cooking. You had tried to argue that you weren’t doing your fair share of bill paying, but apparently the three of them had agreed on a three-month grace period. If you couldn’t find work by the end of your first ninety days, then you could start doing more chores and more cooking.

You were certain you’d find work before then, but since you weren’t working, you did your best to dedicate a full shift to filling out applications and sifting through job postings. In truth, you’d rather be doing a few extra chores than fill out another application.

Which seemed reason enough to throw in the proverbial towel for the day and at least relax. There were a few gaming consoles in the living room, and plenty of things to watch, you were sure you could find something to help you unwind.

Going downstairs to the common areas of the house, you heard the television already on. You hadn’t expected anyone to be home, but Ace and Luffy had variable schedules, so they came and went at odd hours sometimes.

You see Ace on the couch as you come into the living room, but his hat’s over his face and he’s already asleep. Soft snores come out from under the orange brim of his favorite hat. He wasn’t dressed too differently from you – t-shirt and jeans instead of sweats.

He was cute whether he was asleep or awake.

You smile a little at the thought, and look over to see what’s on the TV. Looks like an old western spaghetti kind of movie, and there’s an empty bento box nearby. He must’ve eaten lunch and fallen asleep. You take the bento box to the kitchen, and turn the TV down a couple ticks. Grabbing a small blanket from the den you lay it carefully over his chest, and then turn your attention to the selection of DVDs the boys had.

It was well-organized – by genre and then by title. You imagine that was Sabo’s work more than anyone else’s. Luffy didn’t strike you as someone who organized anything, and you imagine Ace could, but you couldn’t imagine he’d put forth the energy over something like DVDs.

Skimming over the titles you recognize quite a few and are surprised to see some more obscure ones. It’s not all blockbuster hits and action flicks. There’s some romance, comedy, dramas, cartoons and even a few foreign films. Most of those are from Wano and Momoiro. Documentaries from Ohara, and some educational films too.

This was the first time you’d had enough time to really look over all the titles, and since you were a bit overwhelmed, you decided to go with an older comedy who-dunnit movie with multiple endings. Clue never disappointed – it was a favorite of yours and Sabo’s.

Sitting down in the recliner you focus on the movie as it begins. You nearly had it memorized, and maybe that’s why your eyes kept wandering over to the sleeping firefighter on the couch. You hadn’t been able to get the time at the station out of your mind since it happened. It wasn’t all the people you met, or how comfortable the whole thing had felt, it was, well, him.

You feel a pang in your heart and pull your gaze away. You can’t fall for your roommate. You specifically, cannot fall for your older brother’s brother-in-life best friend who is also your roommate.

There was too much drama in that equation. Too much that could go wrong. If things didn’t work out, you’d strain the relationship Ace and Sabo had. Even if things worked out well enough, Sabo would be effectively caught in the middle. Even the best of relationships had bumps in them.

It was enough to be friends.

“Nakama.” You murmur softly. You liked the word. The weight and feel of it. Something more than friends. Not quite family, but not not family.

No. You needed to find a job. After that you needed to find your own place. Somewhere in there maybe you needed to find your own date. Marco was a bit older than you, but he was certainly worth looking at. Dating someone else from the station felt a little too… close, though.

Well, the internet was for finding people, and there were a lot of people in the New World. Statistically you would be able to find someone.

Job first though. No matter when or where you started looking for a date, you needed to make sure that your date didn’t work wherever you ended up. The best advice you ever got was to never get your honey where you make your money.

Too much drama.

You yawned. The movie was good, but without commentary from Sabo it wasn’t keeping you awake. Plus, the lazy afternoon sun was managing to get to you, even though you were inside the house. Another yawn got you, and you nuzzled into the recliner a little bit more.

You dozed off at some point. You weren’t sure when you had succumbed to sleep, but you weren’t out for too long. The movie wasn’t over yet, but you were plenty warm.

The blanket you had put over Ace was now draped over you. You felt your face heat up in embarrassment and looked around to see you were alone in the living room. You settled down a little, turning your focus back to the movie.

A voice from behind you a few minutes later nearly causes you to leap from the recliner entirely.

“Oh, you’re awake?” Ace questions, coming into the room. He’s carrying a tray table under one arm, and a bento in his free hand.

“Yeah, yes, ah… thank you.” You say, lifting the blanket up a little as you move to sit up a bit.

“Thank you.” He says in return, giving you a smile as he sets up the tray by the recliner. “I wasn’t sure if you were going to be hungry when you woke up, but Sabo forgot his lunch, so it’s yours now.”

“Oh no, did he -?”

“Someone brought him something. Has he talked to you about Koala?” Ace asks, lounging against the couch so he was facing you easily.

“Mm, I think so.” You begin to open the bento. “He insists it’s purely professional between him and a paralegal in the firm.” You take a bite and savor it. You didn’t realize how hungry you were until you started eating. “I don’t buy it.”

Ace laughs. “Yeah, me and Lu don’t buy it either.”

“I’d be happy for him.” You say, digging in a little bit more. “Father’s less likely to try and decide for him, if he finds someone on his own.”

“Sabo’s been moved out for like a decade, would your dad really do that?” Ace looks upset and flabbergasted at the same time.

You nod. “After I get a job, I need to start trying to date too. I’m at a higher risk than Sabo. He has Stuffy accidentally shielding him, I don’t have a buffer.”

“… Neither of you are heirs, though, right? You and Sabo, right?”

You swallow what you’re eating, shaking your head. “We’re not, but we’re blood. Sterry’s not. They’re marrying him off to the princess back home, but Sabo and I could still be leveraged for political gain. To some supporting duke or marquis.”

“You’re… okay with that?”

“Hah?” You nearly drop the food in your mouth. “No way. I’d be fighting it tooth and nail if it came up.” Your face twists in indignation. “I might be weak physically but I’m not-.”

“You’re not weak.” Ace interjects and he almost looks irritated.

“I’m…” You stop, scrunching up your face. “I don’t know. It’s uncomfortable to think about.”

“… Sorry.” Ace’s eyes are on the movie, and despite the frown on his face you can see his cheeks are pink.

“It’s okay.” You sigh and set the bento box down. “It’s half a mess, but I’m doing the best I can. I think. I hope.” You give him a smile and see him relax. “I imagine if I get in a really tight spot you can pretend to be my fiancé or something.” You tease.

Ace smiles, but it fades a little. “I can’t imagine your dad would approve.”

“His approval isn’t what I need.” You nearly flinch as the words leave your mouth. You’re starting to talk about the letter of the law, and you don’t want to hide behind that. “Ah, but I should… get back to job hunting. Will you and Luffy be around for dinner tonight?” You ask as you start to get out of recliner.

“Huh? Oh, yeah. Unless there’s an emergency or something, we’re both scheduled off tonight.”

“Alright, I’ll make sure that yours is spicy and I’ll sneak some extra meat into Luffy’s dish.” You promise with a smile, grabbing up the bento to return it to the kitchen, nearly running out of the living room.

You’re going to have to manage to stuff your attraction down into your feet if you’re going to be able to handle living here. Your crush is going to have to come and go if you want to keep your sanity. You had almost sat down next to him on the couch earlier, because you wanted to snuggle with him.

He was a dangerous man, and it had nothing to do with his curse.

Your brows furrowed, you wished there was a word for it that you could use that wasn’t curse. It seemed like a self-fulfilling prophecy to call it something so charged like that. You wanted to call it a gift, but that seemed like a slap in the face for the people who dealt with how society reacted to them.

“Some gift.” You grumble to yourself as you settle into your desk and return your focus to your job search.

You get a few more job applications completed before you head into the kitchen to begin making dinner. Ace is asleep on the couch again, but from the looks of things he’s cleaned up the kitchen and tidied up around the common areas a little before dozing back off.

Cooking was something you didn’t have to think about too much. You’d been cooking for yourself for some years, and you’d taken a few classes specifically to be good at it. The estate had servants, and you had barely even learned how to hold a knife properly before you moved out. Manual labor was below nobility, per your father and mother, so you had to catch up on a lot of skills when you moved out.

Fortunately, you and Sabo were quick learners, and he had spent a couple weeks helping you out when you first started college.

The downside to being a fast learner was the fact that your mind wandered while you worked on cooking dinner. Having to cook for several people instead of just yourself wasn’t enough of a challenge to keep your thoughts from wandering around.

Every time your thoughts turned toward that smile, you reminded yourself you needed to start dating.

. . . . .

“You guys hardly let me do anything.” You say it with a smile despite the admonishing tone. “Luffy set the table, Ace brought the food out, and Sabo got everyone’s drinks.”

“You went from cooking for yourself, to cooking for three of the biggest appetites in the New World.” Sabo says with a smile. “Of course, we’d help you adjust.”

You wanted to argue a little, but considering that you were certain Luffy had not only eaten lunch early, but probably second lunch, two snacks, certainly someone else’s lunch, and was likely to have a snack later on top of the pile of food on his plate that he was eating right now, Sabo’s statement was probably true.

It certainly wasn’t something specific to those who had curses. Sabo’s appetite was surprisingly close to Ace and Luffy’s. You weren’t entirely sure where all that food went, but you had a feeling you were going to slowly start to eat more and more as time went on. You were certain that no one in this house was going to even let you risk under-eating.

“How’s the job hunt going?” Sabo asks between bites.

“Well enough so far. I don’t expect to hear anything until next week as it is.” You answer.

“You could apply at the firm.” He prompts.

“Mm, we’ll see.”

“I know you wouldn’t want me to give you an unfair advantage.”

“I wouldn’t want to get in the way of you and Koala.” You say flatly and it takes Sabo a second to realize what you’ve said. Luffy seemed unaffected as Sabo’s cutlery clatters, and he stares at you. Ace is almost biting through his lip to keep from laughing.

“There is nothing-.”

“For me to worry about?” You interject, smiling at him as you wiggle your eyebrows. “That’s good to know, big brother.”

Sabo’s face goes an impressive shade of red, and he returns to his food.

“Koala’s the one that came over before, right?” Luffy asks. “She brought snacks for movie night.”

Your mouth goes wide in delight and you’re almost staring at Sabo, who is pointedly interested in his food. “She did, in fact, bring snacks for the evening. Even Ace was there.” He says as evenly as he can manage.

“Mm, and when Luffy ate everything, was your only snack …” you let the sentence hang and give your long-suffering brother a wolfish grin.

“There’s nothing I can say, is there?”

“No-ope.” You say, exaggerating the word and popping your lips as you return to your meal. “She’s a good person from what I’ve seen. If you don’t act I might steal her away.” You say it flatly, and notice Ace’s face go slack. He doesn’t look concerned or offended, just surprised to hear you say such a thing. You give him a wink before looking back at your brother.

Sabo is looking at the ceiling, muttering some sort of personal mantra to himself for a moment before he returns to eating.

“How’re you on medication?” He asks.

“I have another month.” You say, letting him change the subject. “If I don’t have any prospects next week I’ll reach out to mom.”

Ace tilts his head. “Not to be rude or whatever, but why ya gotta talk to your mom for a refill?”

“It’s expensive.” You reply. “Mom’s always taken care of it. Once I get a job it’ll be one less thing to need to reach out back home for.”

“She might try to keep control of it for that reason.” Sabo grumbles.

“I mean, once I’m making my own money, I can go see my own doctor.” You say with a smile. “It won’t matter much what she tries to do. Besides, I’ve tucked away a lot of what they’ve sent the last few years, I won’t have to wait for a first paycheck to start making appointments.”

“You should see Chopper!” Luffy adds, leaning back after he’s cleared his plate.

“Chopper?” You tilt your head.

“A friend of Luffy’s,” Sabo clarifies. “He has a family practice. He’s young, but he’s very skilled.”

“Chopper’s the best doctor there is.” Luffy asserts. “Even Marco agrees.”

You smile, you’re not sure where the connection’s coming from. “Is Marco – I mean, he’s a firefighter, right?”

“Yeah, but he’s a medic too. He was an army medic, and then got his degree. He does volunteer hours at a clinic and has been called into the ER to help with triage a few times.” Ace explains.

“You said you were in a good position in the city,” you say, side-eyeing Sabo. “You never said you were surrounded by so many talented people.”

“Ask him about Law.” Sabo prompts and you can see Luffy’s eyes light up before he even starts talking.

“Traffy is the best surgeon! He’s cursed, but no one cares cause he’s able to save so many lives. He cured his hometown and basically became a hero – oh, but don’t call him a hero, he doesn’t like that. I don’t either. I’m not a hero.” Luffy’s pouting by the end, and you mentally remind yourself to never call him your hero even if he helps you out with something.

“A side effect of the job, it seems.” You say, understanding. “If you’re not a hero, and I’m quite sure you’re not a villain, then what are you?”

“Free.” Luffy, Ace, and Sabo answer at the same time.

None of them said it with much energy. Aside from Luffy, none of them even looked up at you as they said it. It was so matter of fact. So indisputable.

The truth of it sinks into your bones and you barely realize you’re crying until the first tear falls.

“Oi, are you okay?” Luffy asks in concern, causing the other two to look up.

You wipe the tears hastily, smiling and putting your hand up. “Y-yeah, I am. Sorry, something about it just hit me. I’m alright.” You look to see three concerned faces looking back at you and smile the best smile you can. “I promise, I’m okay. I guess I just never… entertained such an idea.”

Sabo’s concern softens and he smiles back. “Chin up, little sister. We’ll get you there.”

#just like fire #portgas d ace #x reader #portgas d ace x reader #reader insert

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