#sunshine smile will bring money and good fortune

[kumeko]

A/N: For the @mysmecircuszine! Zen is my favourite, so I had to snag writing his interview piece since I didn’t get to snag his ship for the zine.

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Greetings, everyone. As you know, I, Fair Kang, like to bring you the hardest hitting news. However, in hard times, sometimes we all need a piece of good news. A piece of sunshine amongst the gloom. And what better sunshine than the mysterious RFA circus. Ever since the big tent rolled into town last month for their summer tour, its performers are all anyone talks about. Even my wife and mother have been swapping notes, and they never get along.

Fortunately, I snagged myself an invitation to their backstage, given to me by their enigmatic leader Rika. As long as I don’t get in their way, I’m allowed to ask as many questions as I want. What reporter would turn down the chance to clear the fog surrounding these alluring performers? Not this one.

So join me, dear readers, as I interview each performer, uncovering the secrets behind their performances and their hopes for the future. And if you can, come down later to watch their acts—I’ve seen the show three times now, and each time it’s more impressive than the last.

Fair Kang (FK): My next interview is with the fortune-teller Zen! He’s quite popular here, so I’ll try to make this a quick interview. I can already see the line outside your tent and I don’t want to start a riot.

Zen (Z): (Zen laughs). You’re exaggerating!

FK: I’m definitely not. Anyways, let’s get down to it with the most basic question: why did you join the circus? You’re a handsome man with a great personality, surely you could have found a better job?

Z: (Zen smiles) Thanks. I’m beautiful, I know, but unfortunately, I’m not that smart. I barely passed my tests. I dropped out of high school since there was no point in completing it. I’ve done some acting on the side, but I haven’t yet found a piece that speaks to me. In the meantime...well, we all need money. This looked like a good opportunity.

FK: A good opportunity?

Z: Yeah. There’re not many places that will hire a dropout. And even fewer ones that aren’t manual labour. I can’t do any of that work—I could get scarred and then I’ll have an even harder time getting a role. Besides, when Rika—she’s the ringmaster—found me and scouted me for the circus, I wasn’t sure I’d join. There’re lions here and I’m—achoo—allergic to cats. Even talking about them gives me hives. I thought acrobatics, but while I’m in shape, I’m not that flexible. And I’m not a clown.

FK: So, what changed your mind?

Z: Well, I sometimes have prophetic dreams. I know, it’s hard to believe. But it’s all true. I can see the future. I can’t control this gift properly though, so I can only see small chunks. However, I’ve found that tarot readings helps me organize these visions and find meaning in them. Rika noticed me doing that after I had a particularly strong one and suggested I set up a fortune-telling booth. I did and—wow. I get to meet so many people as I work, so many amazing, beautiful people with problems only I can solve. Young adults who seek love, old grandparents who want to know if they made the right choices in life, parents who worry about their children’s futures.

And I can help all of these people relax. Ease their minds. Just me.

FK: Sounds like you like it your position here! I never knew you could see the future. That must come in handy when you need to make a decision. Do these dreams help your readings?

Z: If only! (Zen laughs). These dreams are a little hard to understand sometimes. I have heard, though, that my fortunes almost always come true, so maybe they do help?

FK: I’m sure they do. Since you’re doing this while juggling your main job as an actor, how long do you think you’ll stay here?

Z: I’m not sure, actually. My acting is starting to pick up, but…I like this job too. I like the people I meet and help. I can handle both, I’m sure. At least for a few years.

FK: That’s a long time. You’ve already been with this group for two years. Now that you’ve done this for a while, I’m sure you’ve got the whole routine down perfectly. Did you get nervous when you first started?

Z: I still get nervous now. For part of the job, I have to hold my client’s hands, and, well, that sometimes makes me want to unleash my inner beast. (Zen winks).

FK: (FK laughs) Resist if you can! Is there any part of the circus you like best?

Z: Aside from my booth? Well…I’d have to say the acrobats. They are clearly the stars of the show. Like I said, I’m not flexible enough to be one, but if I had…well, the spotlight would never leave me. There’s this one acrobat who I like to watch practice sometimes. She’s not very good yet but she keeps trying. I want to check if she’ll do well but my dreams won’t show me her future and I haven’t yet asked to see her fortune.

FK: Oh? That sounds serious.

Z: Not really! It’s just a feeling I have. It might just be nothing.

FK: I see. Well, I hope things go well with her!

Z: Me too.

FK: Anyways, I can almost hear them bringing out the pitchforks and fire. I’ve kept you too long! Thanks for the interview. It was enlightening to learn more about you.

Z: It’s nothing! Seriously, it’s nothing much. It was fun talking to you! Come for a reading any time. (Zen winks). I’m sure your future is bright.

[inopei]

one piece content creator promo week

@onthecruise

commissions post | ko-fi |art shop

[twowooheart]

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k.sw - “my heart went oops”

pairing: sunwoo x reader

genre: college au, fluff

warnings: player attitude, strong language, kissing

words: 4,800

„back to my question. where are you hiding from me?“

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you wouldn’t say that you were obsessed with him. it was just the inconvenience that you probably have fallen in love with him from afar, without him even knowing you.

once in a while you had a crush. they came and go, nothing too serious. but sunwoo completely messed with your heart and you can’t explain yourself why.

it all started when you leaned against the tree at your usual spot on the college grounds. it was a nice day. the wind played with the loose strings of your hair while you enjoyed the slight glimpses of sunshine that peeked through the leafs and fell on your face.

your friends and people knew not to interrupt you at this spot. if someone did, you would send them a death glare. you went to a prestigious college and as a member of your faculty and president a lot of work had to be done. this was the only time of the day where you had the chance to relax. it was a calm place where everyone knew not to talk too loud or listen to music. generally, everyone kept quiet.

after all this time of peace and harmony someone had to come to start a war. without opening your eyes you could clearly hear out one particular voice.

eric.

eric as in a loud student that often got on your nerves. you weren’t a grumpy cat or something like that. you are very liked by the students and laugh a lot. you like adventures and spending time with your friends. you also don’t mind loud or silent people.

the problem was the place. and that it was eric.

after a good ten minutes you decided to confront that chaotic group. first they didn’t even recognize someone approaching them. you positioned your hands on your hips and sent a death glare into eric‘s direction.

with a light cough finally the group and some girls that accompanied them turned to you.

eric‘s eyes widened and he was quick to get down from his sitting position on the table to salute in front of you. while the others laugh you let out a sigh.

„what could our pretty president want from me? a date?“ by now you’re confused why he would think such a thing and your confidence is slipping away at the compliment he just gave you.

get out of it. he’s a well known flirt.

„silence.“

eric pushes the boy next to him a little bit when kevin bursts out in laughter.

„w-what do you mean with that?“ the girls are giving you nasty glares by now not happy with the attention you’re getting.

„this place is reserved for silent studies and not a chat - “ you can feel your blood freeze in your body when suddenly another boy turns around that has black ruffled hair and round eyes. he’s wearing a mischievous smirk on his face and with a snicker he shushes you to be silent.

„you should be silent then.“

you’re completely astonished. just when you wanted to swoon over the boy and compliment his looks in your head he had the audacity to counter you with your own words. that boy had an attitude and he clearly enjoyed the ‚oh‘s and laughs by his friends.

you were too dumbfounded to utter another single word. usually the students respected you and it wasn’t only you who liked the peace here. you thought about the others that liked to enjoy the nature of this tiny place on the campus.

before you regained yourself the group was already back to their business. with slight embarrassment you trotted back to your spot and gathered your things to go to the library.

the next days weren’t any different. oh, but there were different girls. sitting on their laps and even flirting. the sight was so disgusting to you so there wasn’t any other option than leaving the place for good.

it wasn’t like you gave up without a fight. in your meetings you debated and brought up good arguments for setting up rules but no one seemed to listen to you or being interested in the topic. after asking other students and your friends you realized they were way too insecure to speak up to the popular students.

every time you encountered the boys they gave you funny looks and especially the boy, named sunwoo you learned, even winked at you. he was mocking you. unbeknownst to him and the others your heartbeat quickened it’s pace when he looked at you with those round dark eyes. you hated the feeling at first. but soon, what you hated even more, that you wanted to see him at campus.

was he here all the time?

he even sat in some courses with you. yet, you never managed to acknowledge his existence only until the day he made fun of you.

your slight crush kept only growing and growing until you decided to find out more about the irritating student. kim sunwoo was his full name. he was a soccer player and member of your university team. good grades and many friends. to the last part you internally cringed.

very popular with girls. typical heartthrob.

but one to never be in a relationship. he played and never stayed for too long with a girl.

great! you really fell for a playboy. worse: only by looking and speaking one time to him. you really had to get over with it as soon as possible. even if sunwoo would pay you a little bit more attention like with his other possessions it would soon fade and you would be left heartbroken.

and how to get over a crush and a boy you couldn’t have? have fun with another boy! you only had to find one...

after a few weeks went by you were on your way to the campus garden where you found your new place of peace. it was even smaller and sometimes you helped the gardener club with their duties. fortunately the smell of roses and herbs did wonders to your mind and soul. you felt refreshed and happy everytime you spend your pause in the garden on a bench or on the fresh grass.

today was also the perfect weather to spend some time in the little paradise. while you joined the queue in the cafeteria to get a little snack you jumped when someone tapped you on your shoulder from behind.

„sunwoo?“ the boy stood tall in front of you hair messed up a little bit making him looking cozy and kinda cute. his heart shaped lips formed into a dazzling smile while you probably ogled him like an owl.

„you know my name.“

„w-what? I mean, yes I do. everyone knows you, right?“ your voice was slight shaky and you just wondered what he could want from you.

„yeah, but you, you know my name!“

„yeah, well... anyways can I help you?“ your body reacted on its own again. your palms became sweaty and you couldn’t look into his eyes longer than a second before finding the ground in front of you interesting again.

„I just wondered where you have been?“

you look up at him puzzled. oh, „you probably mean why I am not lurking around in your kingdom anymore.“ a scoff leaves you and before you register that you just said that out loud a hearty laugh brings you out of your thoughts.

„I didn’t mean that!“

„oh, the way you always look at me tells me you definitely meant it!“ then he notices your disapproval for his flirty looks.

„back to my question. where are you hiding from me?“ you’re nearly ready to order and think about a good answer for that. wait, did he just say you were hiding from him?

„I am not hiding from you! I just - “ the way he emphasized the word made you fuzzy in the head. it sounded like you were his prey or some sort of that. you turn around so he faced your back again and quickly placed your order. before you can finish sunwoo suddenly chimes in and places his wish, too. leaving you dumbfounded because the next thing he fishes out his money to pay for the two of you before you’re able to do so yourself.

you roll with your eyes when he walks behind you. a small ‚thanks‘ leaves your lips and you try to get away from him as fast as possible. you couldn’t think clear when he was around. his intense gaze brought goosebumps over your skin and you knew this wasn’t a good thing.

you can’t have him. he wouldn’t want you anyways so get over it. he was probably just bored and that’s why he wanted to tease you a little bit.

before leaving the cafeteria you turn around to spot the boy but he seems to have vanished out of the scene completely. not even sitting at his usual table with the popular kids.

your lunch was deliciously devoured between some big trees in the garden. you listened to the birds cheeping soft melodies while reading some lecture. unknown to you someone has watched over you for some time now.

chuckling to himself sunwoo leans back letting out a sigh. „so that’s where you are now...“

a new week starts and while you are gathering your books in the opened corridor you can hear familiar voices nearing your spot. you’re chatting with one of your friends when the group stops in front of you and eric leans against the lockers to give you a flirty look.

„(y/n)...“ he sings your name in a cute voice while the others begin to laugh and you get yourself busy with ushering your friend away before they could annoy her, too.

immediately you spot sunwoo next to eric who sends you an interested look. back to eric you roll with your eyes.

„what do you want?“

„ah, ah! don’t give me an attitude. oh, did someone already tell you that your eyes sparkle in this light?“

„I am not asking again.“ you’re ready to leave before eric stops you by pulling you back with a strong grip on your wrist. your eyes lock on the spot he just touched you and again, you can’t see sunwoo shifting uncomfortably in his position.

„pretty please! can you show the new boy around? I swear he’s well mannered and good looking! an angel!“ ah, that’s why he’s acting like this.

„oh come on, eric. (y/n) probably has better things to do than that. for example arguing with people who enjoy life.“ you’re sending a death glare to sunwoo and your cheeks are growing hot at the laughter that erupts after that.

what an asshole...

„actually, no, I have time. where’s he?“ with that you stop the bickering and sunwoo‘s smile falls. he didn’t want you to show juyeon the university.

the new student came to the front and with a huge smile he introduced himself. what a good looking sexy god look at his arms and his lips and his eyes and his -

everyone was already gone leaving the two of you behind. juyeon fiddles with the hem of his uniform not knowing why you’re standing in front of him with an opened mouth and still, still clinging onto his hand. oh dammit quick react!

„I am (y/n)! (y/l/n) (y/n)!“ you let go of his hand and he sends you a smile that would bring girls to their knees.

„I already know.“

„oh, yes of course! I am sorry... I should show you everything!“ juyeon mutters a ‚cute‘ under his breath when your eyes indeed seem to sparkle when you start to drag him around the campus.

after five days you were sure, you really liked juyeon. you spent a lot of time together and he was so easy to be around. he was funny, teasing (in a good way), polite, intelligent and when he had the opportunity to part ways with you he didn’t. that’s because he liked you, too.

he was the perfect definition of everything that kim sunwoo wasn’t and especially to you. a friend and a possible lover.

on the other hand he wasn’t fully able to get your mind off sunwoo. that boy seemed to made himself comfortable in a deep deep part of your heart laughing evilly down there.

you want to emphasize the word evil again. after getting closer and closer with juyeon you couldn’t ignore sunwoo‘s hateful gazes anymore. didn’t he like juyeon hanging around with you? you were probably way to much a loser for them and they wanted the good looking guy between their rows.

it couldn’t be helped. one time you even tried to smile at the boy but that only resulted in him turning around to flirt with the new chick of the week. there he was at it again. pinching your heart again. it hurt much more than you wanted it to. but turning in your seat to watch juyeon eating brought happiness to you.

it was already after another few days and a date with juyeon that you two were clear about your relationship. you could never be a couple. you two found each other attractive at first but now you realized you probably just found a best friend in each other. never having one before the two of you also didn’t know how it felt to find your other half but in a platonic way.

you laughed the whole night about your attempt to kiss. there was nothing. no sparks. no everything. juyeon even apologized for not feeling anything. sometimes it turns out like this. luckily you were now inseparable leaving others confused on if you were dating or not.

juyeon literally begged you to not tell anyone and just wait what happens. that boy turned you into a mischievous kitten that agreed to his evil plan. even your friends fall for it at first. in the end some girls can read their girlfriends better than anyone else and they noticed little gestures between you and juyeon that no couple would do.

there’s still one thing you didn’t tell your bestfriend about. your safe space in the beautiful college garden. it wasn’t a problem either but this place was only for you. (and the hardworking gardener club)

something stopped you in your tracks when you were just entering the herb part. kissing sounds could be heard behind a tree. you wanted to lecture the couple who thought it would be a good time and place to fuc-

it was sunwoo.

your eyes widened and your heart sank to the bottom. your mouth still open sunwoo catches your gaze and locks eyes with you. he starts to kiss the girl‘s neck while she whimpers out his name.

you closed your mouth knowing what he was doing. he knew you would come at this hour. he knew you would find him with the girl. he wanted you to find him with... someone that wasn’t you, again.

this time one the other hand you decided to be confident. you coughed out loud gaining that girl‘s attention who let out a little shriek in the process. immediately she put some space between her and sunwoo and started to correct her uniform.

„I will report this if you’re not leaving this instant.“ this was enough to let the girl take a run leaving a pouting sunwoo behind.

you walk up to the boy and sigh out before speaking up.

„I don’t care what or with who you’re doing something, kim sunwoo. I just wonder why you have to do it here, the only place I can relax.“

sunwoo leans against the tree and sends you a bored glare. he lifts one of his eyebrows and you watch his tongue poking his cheek from the inside.

„the university garden doesn’t belong to you.“

you scoff at his words.

„I’ve never said that. I - I just thought... you and your friends already won over my favorite spot on the grounds.“

„and?“

maybe talking honest with him?

„look, I don’t want any problems with you. of course I won’t report this. I just want to have this little space for myself. could you please not come here again?“ you’re sending him a pleading look and when sunwoo starts to emerge your form with painfully slow steps you can feel your skin burning where his eyes land.

he leans down. so much that your noses are nearly touching. he’s so close you can smell his cologne and his breathing is tickling your face.

„I will come here whenever I want. I will bring here whoever I want. I will fuck here whoever I want. tell me, (y/n), aren’t you doing the same?“

you gulp. without much thought your foot collides with his shinbone. sunwoo cries out and clings to his leg sitting down in the process.

„oh god! I didn’t want to - ah, shit! here, cling onto me, I will bring you to the nurse!“ with a panicked voice you try to help sunwoo and the boy only curses out lowly while you and him slowly limp to the nurse.

„okay, sunwoo, look at me“ the boy is still in a lot of pain laying down in the hospital section bed. his eyes have not left you for once and you feel like the boy is planning on how to kill you in the most brutal way.

you’re nibbling nervously on your fingernails after the x-ray and the moment the doctor is out of sight your hands are on sunwoo‘s puffy cheeks. with a determined look you focus his face into your direction.

„you remember what I told you? I didn’t see anything! so you will say this was an accident, alright?“ his eyes darken at your words.

„why should I do that?“

„because! because I will tell them about you and the girl!“

„you kicking me is definitely worse.“ dammit, he’s right.

„o-okay! you can go to the garden whenever you want! I will not go there anymore!“

sunwoo chuckles at that. „a few minutes ago you lectured me and now you’re giving in again? but... no, that’s not helping you, too.“ out of anger you’re shaking his head by now and you don’t even realize how close you’re again.

the two of you flinch and immediately get away from each other when the doctor is coming back. „well, mr. kim. no game for you this saturday. your leg needs about a week to recover so no running and especially no sports!“ sunwoo‘s eyes open wide and after the two of you are left again you are at the verge of tears.

„oh, (y/l/n) (y/n). how do you want to make up for that?“ you’re now leaning down clinging onto him.

„sunwoo, please!“

„not only will you receive a punishment the whole university will be pissed off. I am an important player in the team.“ no, he was one of the best ones. if he couldn’t play that meant they would probably loose. your head is layed down facewards in the sheets while you rumble incoherent words. sunwoo on the other side has to hide a huge smile that’s growing on his face.

„we could say it was an accident.“ your head peeks up and you watch him with big eyes very interested in his idea.

„yes, I will do everything!“ sunwoo chuckles to himself.

„then be my slave this week.“

oh wasn’t that wonderful. sunwoo would cling onto you the whole week and by now you felt like his personal butler. of course the team lost so the students were in a bad mindset, too. after telling juyeon about the whole story the boy laughed for almost half an hour. he clearly enjoyed the view and gave you a thumbs up everytime you dragged sunwoo through the corridors or over the campus to his next lecture.

on the other hand... no one found out about what really happened. and as crazy as it sounds the boy smelled so good. you practically hugged him three hours a day. he only killed your joyful thoughts when you had to bring him a bottle of water again or only vanished out of his sight for only a minute to talk with a friend leading into him lecturing you.

you also would have found it cute to feed him but the gazes you received from the crowd in the cafeteria brought heat to your cheeks. sunwoo liked seeing you flustered and shy. he literally drank your reactions. he loved your reactions to every ridiculous thing he did or said to you.

the last day he insisted on you bringing him to the garden to have a picnic.

„I don’t feel good being here with you. the last time I got so mad I kicked you.“ he layed on the grass while you fed him with some grapes like he was a king.

„mh, I like being here with you. but, you’re probably going with lee here a lot anyways.“ you pause at his words. juyeon?

„why would I go here with juyeon?“ sunwoo‘s face turns sour.

„he’s your boyfriend after all.“ the boy locks eyes with you after you burst into laughter.

„what?“ sunwoo leans up on his elbows to get closer to you. „you’re dating him, right?“

„no? we’re friends. really good friends. but never would I date lee juyeon!“ you smile at him laughing again at the thought whereas sunwoo groans out annoyed.

„wait.. what is wrong?“ sunwoo had a weird feeling in his stomach after knowing you were still single. all this time he was so jelous and angered about the thought of you being together with someone else...

„nothing.“ sunwoo didn’t feel like it was the right time to tell you about his feelings. he messed up big. all this time of annoying you and being a dick... he liked you. he wanted to show you and fulfill your every wish before he saw you with juyeon.

it wasn’t a good move but he just turned bitter. he wanted you to recognize him. he couldn’t act different than letting out his frustration. it was just how he coped with things. but it was a mistake. with knowing he only managed to push you further away from him. you probably hated him by now. you would never like him, right?

you fulfilled your service. and you missed spending time with sunwoo. again please can there be another good looking guy entering your college? but, still you couldn’t hold yourself back to steal glances at the dark haired boy. and everytime you did sunwoo already had his eyes on you. you couldn’t read him at all. there was no bickering anymore and no winking. he just looked deep in thought.

maybe he was not interested in you anymore. in no ways. not even to annoy you. it mad you sad. and that’s how the next two weeks went by with you slowly feeling more insecure.

it was at the next month‘s game that you decided to actually join it with juyeon and some of your friends. you couldn’t believe your bestfriend that dragged you to the lowest row where sunwoo‘s friends and their chicks were also sitting.

the girl next to you was a very beautiful brunette. she cheered so loud for sunwoo and when said boy turned around to glance into her direction with a confident smile your heart sank again. you stopped counting how often that happen by now though.

with an annoyed look you watched the game. when your team goaled the brunette jumped up kicking her drink onto your lap in the process.

„shit!“ while everyone claps and howls you poke juyeon to show him your shirt.

„oh no.“

„yeah, whatever. I am going to wash this out.“ juyeon‘s eyes widen at your words that are spoken loudly over the cheering crowd.

„no! ehm, (y/n), the game is finished in a few seconds you have to wait!“ you roll your eyes at him.

„god juyeon we’ve already won.“ he tries to hold onto your arm but you’re quick to leave the field and vanish into the building where your locker is located to change into another clothing. it takes you a lot of time but you smile when you receive a text of juyeon to come back to the field because they’re waiting for you there.

it was already dark and you wanted to change at home to get ready for the after party tonight in one of the huge mansions of the fraternity. when you emerge the field everything was already dark and you could only see a silhouette standing in the middle of the field.

„juyeon?“ you look around to see if there’s another person but knowing he would never ditch you in the dark you take confident strides to the person.

„juyeon, you know it’s really creepy after the horror movie we watched yesterday - “

suddenly the light is turned on and you shield your eyes with your hands before the person turns around and gets down on one knee in front of you.

„s-sunwoo?“ you can’t breath. your heart hammers against your chest and you have to cover your shaking lips with your hands to prevent him from seeing your shocked state.

„I actually planned this to turn out different... you know the whole crowd was supposed to be watching.“

„watching w-what?“

he looks to the ground and then into your eyes again. a smile adorns his face and he coughs out to clear his voice.

„(y/l/n) (y/n), I want to tell you that, that... I like you.“ you nearly collapse at his words. was this a dream? was he joking around?

„you’re joking.“

he shakes his head. „I am not. I wanted to do this here on the field so when you’re giving me a corb the whole university would see.“

„that is... sunwoo that doesn’t make any sense?“

„it does. it is my apology to you. for being mean and teasing you endlessly. for taking away your favorite spots. I know you love them so much. I did what I did because of my jelousy. and for being a coward for not telling you about my feelings.“

you think for a few seconds trying to register if this was really happening. your head turns and in the far you can see all your and sunwoo‘s friends. with an unsure gaze your eyes land on juyeon. after the boy‘s stoic expression he sends you an honest smile. and a thumbs up.

you let out a shaky breath and turn to the boy in front of you again.

„this is really... surprising.“

sunwoo sighs taking your hand into his. „it is. so please tell me you’re not feeling the same and I can begin sulking.“

„sunwoo. it doesn’t make any sense because“ you push him up by his hand and look into his dark orbs.

„it’s doesn’t make any sense because I like you, too.“ a sheepish smile escapes the boy.

„ahhh, I wished you would say that.“ you raise one of your eyebrows.

„of course. you’re still a tease. you know, you could just ask me for a date and - “

„do you want to be my girlfriend? I don’t only want a date. I want you.“ you bite your bottom lip at his words. you nod and send him a beautiful smile.

„woah. (y/n), eric‘s right in the end.“

your face turns stoic.

„about what?“ sunwoo smiles at you and circles your waist with his arms. his hand glides up to pushes some strands of your hair out of your face.

„your eyes are sparkling. not only that, you’re really shining. you always have.“ your eyes water at his words because would’ve never imagine the kim sunwoo using them with you.

in the far you can hear shouts of ‚kiss‘ and the loudest are from eric and juyeon. you quickly look to the ground but sunwoo‘s quicker to pull your chin up with his index.

he places the softest kiss on your trembling lips and it is the first time you can fully enjoy the butterflies in your stomach.

why did the two of you needed so much time?

[butwhyduh]

Since you wrote Christmas with tha Bois are you planning on writing a New Years Eve fics too 🎇🎉?

*insert surprised pikachu meme*

now I am (!!!)

They are all required to go to a Wayne gala that Bruce has thrown since before he took Dick in as a ward. It’s important. So of course, I wanna show what kind of suits they would wear too. (Indulge me lmao) [none of these images are sensitive. Tumblr is an idiot]

Tim

Okay I get that you wouldn’t think high strung proper Tim Drake Wayne , Mr CEO, would were a pretty casual suit. But he wears a suit everyday and by golly, he isn’t wearing a tie for New Years freakin Eve. It’s something different and he can relax. And he’s so tired of black. Plus the blue brings brings out the color in his eyes.

—————

He adjusted the collar of his suit. He always wore a nice suit to work. But this was for a gala. The tie just wouldn’t lay flat. You walked up behind him and pulled the offensive fabric off and tossed it on the bed. He moved to protest but you started unbuttoning his collar.

“Okay,” he said with a slow smirk. “But it’ll have to be quick.”

“I’m just fixing your shirt,” you said rolling your eyes. “I’m not messing my makeup up before a gala. That looks nicer. I never see you relaxed,” you said leaving your hands on his chest longer than necessary.

“I relax sometimes. I’m relaxing tonight. With you,” he said turning to give you a quick kiss. You smiled and he took a look at your outfit. “I’ll have to keep my eye peeled though. You’re going to attract a lot of attention in that.”

“Too bad I’m already dating a man they couldn’t possibly compete with. Come on, lover boy,” you said and he took your hand before going downstairs.

It was always stressful to first go to a gala. Tim was moderately famous as Bruce Wayne’s heir, heir to the Drake family fortune, and the acting CEO of Wayne Enterprise. Luckily this was very boring to most young people and his pictures were in a small section of the business page of the papers rather than like Dick Grayson being splashed all over the lifestyle section like a celebrity. But cameras flashing as you walked down stairs in heels was terrifying. Tim was the only one to notice as you gripped his arm like a vice each time.

You could usually smile and drink champagne as Tim talked shop with the old men he worked with or young men who were trying to climb the business ladder. Tim’s fingers made idle circles in your hand or on your back as he talked. He was also taking glances at you in you outfit all evening.

Only when he was desperate for a break would he ask you to dance. Tim was a good dancer. He had been taught at an early age. But he was not a natural and he didn’t want you bothered with more photos. You insisted after a full hour of talking about some sort of quarterly investment opportunity that he take you to the dance floor.

“Dance with me, Timmy,” you asked quietly in a lull in the conversation. It was almost midnight anyways. He smiled at you before looking back at the men.

“Excuse us,” Tim said before letting you lead him to the floor. He gently held your waist and you wrapped your arms around his neck. The song was fairly slow so you barely danced more than a sway. That was fine. You were more interested in staring in to his ocean eyes than cutting a rug.

“Sorry if it’s been incredibly boring,” Tim said. “You’d probably rather be doing anything else.”

“Dancing is nice. Seeing you more than 5 minutes is nice,” you said.

“Speaking of 5 minutes, it’s 5 minutes until midnight.”

“No more work talk tonight. Just be with me,” you pleaded softly. Tim frowned for a second before pulling you closer.

“I can do that. All yours tonight. I’ll just punch anyone who tries to talk business to me,” he said.

“Good enthusiasm. Terrible plan. Sweet though,” you said kissing his cheek. He smiled.

“Or we could just leave right after New Years,” Tim said with a wiggle of his brows. You giggled.

“Better plan.”

Bruce had gotten on the stage and the music stopped. You didn’t let Tim go. As they counted down to midnight, you and Tim gazed at each other.

3-2-1

🎆🎇

You leaned your face up and kissed him. Tim held your waist tighter and your wrapped your fingers up in his soft black hair. After just a few seconds you pulled back and smiled at him.

“Happy New Years, sunshine,” he said.

“Happy New Years, Duckie.”

“Let’s get out of here before they see us leave,” he suggested. The rest of the night was spent in his room and you were so glad for the loud fireworks to cover any noise you might have made.

Dick

Dick has been to 714 galas. He’s an expert. He’s expected to play the handsome charming eldest son. Wearing a beautiful suit is half the battle. Not to mention, he kinda likes showing off a little. It’s New Years. And the blue and grey bring out the color in his eyes so well.

———————————

Dick barely got in the door before flopping on the bed with his detective uniform still on. You sat on the edge of your bed, already in hair, dress, and makeup, and reached over to rub his shoulders. He groaned softly.

Barely off of work and already having to change into a suit for a family event. Dick needed a day off. Badly. He had the next 3 days off of work and he just had to deal with this night. No, he needed to be positive. You hadn’t done anything and he didn’t want to ruin New Years Eve.

You pushed your palm into a knot on his shoulder. He all but moaned. “Thank you, baby,” he said. “It’s these stupid cases. They have been driving me- baby,” Dick said turning to look and taking you in. “You look good.”

You smiled and giggled. “You think?”

“Always, but this? Wowza,” he said laughing. “Im going be showing off the prettiest girl at the ball,” Dick said sing song. You rolled your eyes with a grin. His compliments were usually over the top.

“Yeah, yeah. Not likely. You need to get dressed or I’m going to be very fancy for no reason,” you said and he hopped up. Dick was overworked but he always was. In record time he was dressed.

“Do you want to drive,” he asked hopefully. A quick 30 minute nap would be awesome.

“I can’t drive the Porsche since it’s stick,” you admitted.

“Well in that case, I’m teaching you soon. But not tonight. You gotta learn how to drive my car,” Dick said and you resisted the urge to roll your eyes. You added that to the list of skills he thought completely necessary that hardly anyone could do anymore. Could you even buy a new standard transmission car?

“Sure, hun. Let’s get going before we’re late,” you said kissing his cheek. You straightened his pocket square and you were both out the door.

“-and then you push the clutch. Right here,” he pointed at the floorboard as he drove.

“Not tonight. We can do this some other time. And if we don’t get there, it’s fine,” you said evasively.

“Ever? It’s important to be able to drive any kind of car and if it’s just you and the Porsche,” Dick said with a frown. You could see a contingency plan forming in his head.

“I very much doubt there will be a situation where I have to drive your car,” you said with a shrug.

“I’d rather plan for it,” Dick said and you dropped it. It was like a security blanket for him to plan for anything.

Walking into a gala was exciting and nerve racking. Dick was extremely popular back in Gotham and it was honestly weird as he was normal back in Bludhaven. Dick was the perfect gentleman and made sure you felt comfortable and safe when the cameras flashed. You smiled and ignored whatever anyone said about you. It could be mean with jealousy. You were with him for his money, you were just arm candy, and you weren’t that pretty. The first time had hurt pretty badly. Now you had a new ring on your hand and you felt almost as nervous as your first gala. One through the door to the ballroom, you relaxed.

“Are you okay? You looked really nervous,” Dick said and you grimaced. That sounds like nice pictures.

“Just a little,” you said subconsciously playing with your ring. Dick, of course, noticed right away.

“What’s wrong? Do you not want the ring? Or the engagement,” he asked quietly and it broke your heart that he was even worried about it. His big blue eyes were wide with worry.

“Not at all,” you said grabbing his shoulder. “I just don’t like how they talk. I’m very happy. And I love the ring. It’s beautiful.”

Dick’s frown turned to a pleased smile. “Good. Because that was my mom’s ring.”

“Dick! You gave me a family heirloom without mentioning it? That makes it twice as special,” you said shocked. “Thats so sweet of you.”

You leaned up and kissed him on the cheek. “I love it. But if you give me something that important again without telling me, I’ll beat you,” you whispered in his ear and he laughed.

“Let’s dance,” Dick said. He pulled you to the dance floor. He was the best dancer out of all of the Wayne children and possibly better than Bruce. He had been dancing since he could walk. His parents were performers and taught him many dance styles. Bruce also insisted that all the children knowing all the common dances they would need to know at a gala.

Keeping up with Dick was the biggest issues with dancing. He could dance quick dances for hours and you had to remind him that not everyone spent hours a day training and fighting. At the moment you had insisted on stopping to get a drink. You practically pounded a water bottle while he sipped on some punch.

“Kinda floral. Not bad. Little sweet,” he said.

“It’s not alcoholic, is it?”

“I don’t think so. It’s just one glass,” Dick said. “I’ll be fine to drive later.”

“No. It’s just that Damian and his girlfriend have a cup each,” you said motioning over to them.

“It’s fine. They wouldn’t give them alcohol,” Dick said and you relaxed. Of course not. That would be crazy to give kids alcohol.

“Let’s sit down. My feet are getting a little tired,” you said with a wince. He nodded and you sat at a table by the dance floor. As if Dick had put out a sign, a bunch of people flocked over to talk to him.

Somehow a plate of small snacks ended up in front of you, probably Alfred. You ate a little while he played the philanthropist son of Bruce Wayne. It was actually really nice to be ignored.

Until it wasn’t.

An older Wayne investor brought a woman over as his ‘date.’ She instantly latched on to Dick and started flirting with him. Her hand kept touching his arms and shoulders. You were getting mad but this wasn’t a surprise. People acted like he was someone they could grope and touch without consequences.

Finally it was too much and you cleared your throat. She looked at you in disgust before going back to flirting with Dick.

“Can you give my fiancé some space,” you asked politely as you could. Her eyes raked over your body.

“He could do so much better than some poor trash like you in a second rate dress. Not even that ugly little ring could change that,” she said nastily. You gasped.

“Okay we’re leaving,” Dick said standing up. The woman had to back away from him. His jaw was clenched in controlled anger. He had a temper and this wasn’t the time to lose it.

You stood up and hissed as your shoes cut into your feet worse than when you had been wearing them all night. Great, you couldn’t even wear heels in front of her. She laughed. Dick simply picked you up bridal style and carried you out of the ballroom and upstairs to his old bedroom. He sat you on the bed gently.

You knew that she was just a vapid socialite but it did hurt. She had pretty accurately attacked your insecurities and you blinked to prevent yourself from crying.

“Baby,” Dick said bending to a crouch in front of you. “Don’t think anything about what she said. She’s just jealous. Not worth your time.”

“She’s not wrong though. I’m just a poor kid trying to fit in in Wayne freaking Manor,” you said wiping your face. Stupid tears.

“And I’m just a circus kid. Don’t forget that,” Dick said sitting beside you. He pulled you into a hug. “Not a single damn bit of that matters. It’s almost midnight in a minute. Do you want to go back downstairs?”

“Not a chance,” you said with a dry smile.

“I figure. We have a better view anyways,” he said opening the curtains. You could vaguely hear the noise downstairs.

3-2-1

🎆🎇

“Happy New Years, baby,” Dick said giving you a kiss. He wiped the tears from your cheek.

“Happy New Years. Sorry I’m all teary,” you said.

“Nope. Don’t be sorry. My new New Years resolution is to make you smile,” he said with a devious look. His fingers suddenly attacked your sides and pulled laughter from you. He pushed you to the bed in his attack.

“Dick! Okay! Quit!” You shrieked with laughter. He stopped his hands and leaned over you.

“Alright. I quit. But since we’re alone. Wanna ring in the New Years the right way,” he asked with a smirk. You grinned back.

“Got any ideas on how to do that?” You asked back.

“So many. Baby, so many,” before kissing you. Fireworks sounded in the background.

Damian

(Older 16 yr old) Damian is literally the son of Batman. He’s going to dress like it. Nice and formal and expensive. It was like a form of armor. Homeboy looks like a million bucks. His watch might be. And if a burgundy turtleneck A accents his well defined pecs, B shows the gold in his tan skin, and C the gorgeous green in his eyes, he ain’t complaining.

“Beloved,” Damian said pulling on his jacket. “Come out,” he said in a sing song voice that would have been completely foreign to hear to anyone else but you.

You flushed as you came out. His jaw dropped before he quickly straightened his face. He’d taken the risk of buying you a dress for the party. He’d seen Bruce do it for women all the time. It was practically his calling card. Even Dick had done it a few times. But this was a first for Damian.

“You look very nice. Beautiful,” he said quietly looking away at his cuff links. “Are you ready to go downstairs?”

“Just my shoes,” you said, trying to slip them on and almost falling over. Damian quickly grabbed your waist.

“I got you. I can put them on,” he said kneeling to the ground. He hadn’t meant anything besides efficiency with his offer. But as he slid your foot into a heel and strapped it across your ankle, it felt far more intimate. His hand held your calf a little longer than necessary before switching to the other foot. This side had a slit up to your thigh and he could see your bare leg up close. Damian gulped before attaching the shoe. He quickly stood up and cleared his throat.

“Are you ready now?”

You nodded. He offered his arm and you went downstairs. Cameras flashed for just a few minutes before Damian skillfully steered you away from them. His father would kill any pictures of you before they got to the papers but Damian knew how much you hated them.

“Dance with me?” You asked and he happily complied. He had been trained in several dance styles and was good at it. He also enjoyed the way you would smile when he would spin you. If it made his beloved happy, he was happy. It attracted a little attention. Bruce Wayne’s teenage son and his date could dance with skill. This too was only viewable in person.

“Let’s get a drink,” Damian said pulling you to the refreshments. You were out of breath but happy and followed him. There was suppose to be people handling the drinks but there were so many people. Damian pushed through and grabbed two drinks and handed one to you.

“Let’s find a table,” you said. As always, Damian pulled you along to a secluded corner close to the door to the garden. Cold air and little whiffs of cigarette smoke swirled around but at least you weren’t in the overheated body filled floor anymore.

You sat and drank at your punch. It was heavily sweetened and floral. It was refreshing and... warm. You waved at yourself.

“Is it hot in here to you?” You asked Damian.

“Want to go for a walk outside? It’s cooler out there,” he suggested. Damian took your arm again and you walked out the door into the garden. A stone path lined little beds of delicate plants. Topiaries lined the path. Small solar lights and the full moon lit the garden. There were a few people walking but not many.

Damian looked so handsome. Long dark lashes frames his bright green eyes. His skin almost glistened with silver light of the moon. He bent and plucked a flower from a bush. Damian tucked it behind you ear with a little smile.

“The prettiest rose in all the garden,” he said and you smiled shyly.

“I don’t think that’s actually a rose though,” you said and he laughed. A rare occurrence.

“It’s not. But I was talking about you. May I kiss you,” he said lightly touching the side of your neck with his hand. You nodded and he leaned down. You closed your eyes and his lips brushed against yours. You pressed a hand against his chest.

Damian’s hand slid to the back of your neck to hold you as he pressed harder against your mouth. His tongue slipped in your mouth and you made the softest whimpering sound. Damian’s eyes flew open and he almost froze. That was new and he could get used to the pretty sound.

You kissed like this for a little while. Damian’s hand slid down to hold your waist when he noticed you shivered. He pulled back.

“Beloved, are you cold,” he asked, cursing himself. Of course, you were cold wearing a thin dress while he was in a full suit. He quickly pulled off his jacket and put it around your shoulders.

“Just a little. It’s fine,” you protested. He insisted on sliding your arms in the sleeves and button the jacket.

“Let’s go in. It’s close to midnight anyways,” Damian said giving you one last kiss.

3-2-1

🎇🎆

“Happy New Years beloved,” he said with a kiss. Damian had grabbed another two glasses of punch and you two touched them in cheers.

“No sir,” Alfred said sternly, taking the glasses from your hands. “No alcohol for either of you. There is juice on the other side of the table.”

You waited until Alfred walked away before laughing. “They should have labeled that better.”

“That explains why it felt overly warm in here earlier,” Damian said thoughtfully.

The music had changed to overly sappy and people were kissing and dancing far too close. They were feeling the effects of the alcohol they had been drinking all night. Damian looked at them in disgust.

“Want to go upstairs,” he asked. You quickly looked at him. “Not like that. We can watch a movie or something, anything away from this.”

“Sounds great,” you said and you both left.

Jason

I’m fairly certain I’ve seen him in a suit like this in the comics. I considered him saying FU to Bruce and showing up in boots and black leather jacket. But Jason knows he looks good in red. And he’d probably get a kick out of wearing one of his suits he wore as Red Hood to a fucking gala. Bruce would know.

—————————

“Princess, if you make me wait any longer I’ll kick down the door and physically carry you to the damn party,” Jason said with no malice in his voice. You opened the bathroom door.

“Not all of us look good without a little work,” you said playfully tapping his chest. You yanked his tie straight with a little more force than needed.

“I’d have to disagree, doll. I’d honestly prefer you in nothing,” he said with a smirk. You rolled your eyes.

“How does it look?” You said with a twirl.

“Like a million bucks. That ass. Let’s skip the party and-“

“No no no. Let’s get going. You can be handsy later,” you said grabbing your purse.

“Promise,” he asked as you both left. The roads weren’t too bad with ice and in fact, it was going to be a rare dry night in Gotham.

Jason didn’t do pictures. He hated them and so you both parked in the servant entrance and walked in a side door. It didn’t matter. The Manor was beautiful no matter how you looked at it. And being a poor kid from Gotham, you couldn’t believe you were actually at a party in Wayne freaking Manor.

“Don’t be nervous. It’s just a bunch of shitty rich people in pretty walls. They aren’t any better than us. Hell, worth half of you, sweetheart. Let’s get a drink,” he said pulling you to the drink table. It was pretty packed but he muscled through to the front. He got your preferred drink. “And a whiskey on the rocks.”

“Don’t get drunk,” you whispered to him. “I won’t sleep with you drunk.”

“With a finger of water,” Jason added to the bartender who nodded.

“Good save,” you said turning to look at the floor. You sipped your drink and people watched.

Dick and his date were dancing some quick steps in the middle of the floor. No surprise there. Tim was talking to boring business men and his poor date looked absolutely bored on her feet. Alfred was watching Damian and his date from the corner of his eyes whereas Damian seemed completely oblivious with his eyes on her all night. And Bruce was currently heavily flirting with a woman who literally meowed at him. You resisted the urge to gag and turned back to Jason.

“Wanna dance,” Jason asked casually watching the floor. But you knew he wanted to dance because he asked.

“Yeah,” you said grabbing his hand. He pulled to to the floor. Jason was also trained to dance as all the Wayne boys had been. But he was probably the worst dancer out of all of them. His parents had never taught him anything as nice as dancing and he’d only lived with Bruce for a few years before the whole Joker thing. But Jason was a natural athlete and his dancing was still pretty darn good.

The dance was a bit slower than the one Dick and his date had been dancing to earlier. Jason held one hand on your waist and the other stayed in your hand. His dancing was visibly polite and innocent. The words he whispered in your ear were far from.

“Is it hard being the hottest woman here? This dress on your ass is fucking delicious,” he whispered and you flushed at his words. “I can’t wait to fuck you in it later.”

He really enjoyed saying things that were completely naughty in public where you could do nothing about it. But you knew that if he kept it up, you’d be finding a spare room before New Years even came. And you didn’t want to miss the fireworks again this year.

As the song ended, and you thoroughly turned on and scandalized, you asked him to walk in the garden with you. Lover boy needed something to cool him down.

“Sure, Princess,” he said snagging 2 glasses of punch on the way out. You both walked between the flower beds and he told you stories of things that had happened there. “And that’s when Dick accidentally cut the top foot off of this bush. Alfred had him scrubbing floors for a month,” Jason said with a laugh. “It was so bad that there is still a rule of no swords in the garden. Damian hates it.”

“I bet he does. But he could probably destroy the entire garden with a pocket knife,” you said with a laugh. Jason suddenly pulled you to the side with a hush. He motioned over a ways.

“Speaking of the kid, look over there,” Jason whispered. You looked over to see Damian making out with a girl his age. It was so weird to see him being so sweet. “I didn’t know he felt human emotion, much less find someone his age to makeout with.”

“They could have said that about you a few years ago,” you said slyly.

“Yeah, point taken. Want the best view of the fireworks?” Jason said.

“Where?”

“Top of the roof.”

You blanched at the idea. “No thanks. I choose life.”

“It’s safe. There’s a ladder and everything,” Jason said hugging you from behind. “Best view in the house. And if not, dinners on me.”

“Jay, you get the check every time,” you reminded him. He chuckled.

“Maybe I’m just trying to get a pretty girl alone to give her a kiss,” Jason said pulling you to the roof. You flushed. “Unlike demon boy making out in the garden. I have class.”

“You’re a classy lady. Show me the way before I change my mind,” you said. He took you to a ladder over the library. You pulled off your heels and started climbing.

“Don’t worry I’ll catch you you if you fall Princess. I’m right behind you. Did I mention your ass in this dress? I kinda have the perfect view,” he said. You rolled your eyes before throwing your leg over the side of the roof. Jason quickly followed you.

“Here, wear my jacket,” Jason said throwing the red blazer over your shoulder.

“Oo my knife now,” you said feeling in his pocket and pulling out a sizable switchblade.

“I forgot to take it out of there. I wouldn’t touch it too much,” Jason said taking it out of your hands with a grimace. You gave him a look.

“That’s incredibly gross. Seriously. Do I even want to know?”

“Not really. Look at the stars. You can see them through the shitty Gotham sky,” Jason said sitting on a box. He pulled you into his lap and you were grateful as it was really quite cold. You could see some stars and you leaned your back against his chest and looked up at the heavens for a few minutes.

The music stopped downstairs. It must be almost midnight. You couldn’t understand but you heard Bruce talk over a mic. Then everyone started counting.

3–2-1

🎇🎆

“Happy New Years, Jaybird,” you said turning your head and holding Jason’s jaw. You leaned your head up and gave him a kiss. He held you close and you made out until the sound of a firework had you jumping. You laughed before turning to look. The roof really did have the best view.

After a few minutes of watching the fireworks you heard some lewd noises. Jason looked over at a window near your spot.

“Let’s get the fuck out of here,” he said with a disgusted look. “That’s fucking Tim’s room and the sound of him getting laid is literally the last thing I want. What I do want is to take a bite out of that ass I’ve been looking at all night.”

[dxfiedfxte-a]

@tacitusauxilium || Thread Continuation From Here🦋

“Minato��” Fuuka looked up at Minato, her hand on his shoulder, and sniffed her nose once more. “…please don’t do stuff like that for me again. …or, at least not for a long time. I…” She still felt exhausted from losing Juno–or perhaps it was the depression creeping up behind her and gripping her heart and soul. “…just get better first, and then we will talk about the future.”

reHearing a knock on the door, Fuuka carefully climbed out of the bed, not wanting to get scolded, but still held onto his hand tenderly as she could see Mitsuru’s head popping into the room. She felt her heart sinking as she knew THIS would have happened eventually. “Good afternoon, Mitsuru…” She murmured as she was about to get up, but Mitsuru spoke to Fuuka, stirring her out of her stupor, and she grabbed it gently and put it in her pocket. “…thank you.” Carefully, Fuuka eyed Minato softly, worried that he might get his butt chewed out, but she smiled softly at him and began to leave the room, really hoping that she could keep something in her stomach, not knowing what the future may hold.

“If you don’t mind, I would like to talk to Arisato first, and then you. Go get some food–you look like you need food.” She stated softly, as Fuuka eyed Minato, gripping his hand tightly, and nodded slowly.

“O-of course…” She coughed softly and removed her hand from his, giving him a small smile. “I’ll be back. I promise.” Fuuka got up from her spot, reached for her wallet, and then realized that she didn’t have any money on her at all. Mitsuru noticed Fuuka looked a bit confused and then handed her a credit card. “Use my card–I don’t mind,” Mitsuru spoke to Fuuka, stirring her out of her stupor, and she grabbed it gently and put it in her pocket. “…thank you.” Carefully, Fuuka eyed Minato softly, worried that he might get his butt chewed out, but she smiled softly at him and began to leave the room, really hoping that she could keep something in her stomach, not knowing what the future may hold for them, especially her.

Fuuka may not have realized it, but Minato did right away, that whole situation took a huge toll on her, and while she did get some minor injuries in the process, it was the mental toll that it took on her that was hurting her far more than his injuries could. Whenever something bad happens to him involving her, Fuuka was always so quick to blame herself, even when it wasn't her fault, to begin with, how could she be blamed for being tricked into luring Minato over to his shadow self?

Minato's shadow took his form, no one would have expected his shadow to appear. Regardless, he didn't care that it was a trap, there was no way in hell he was going to let anything major happen to her, even if it had nearly cost him his life, it didn't matter, he would save her over and over again if it meant he could keep waking up next to her every day, he would do anything to keep it that way.

Fuuka was special to him, there was no sunshine in his life without her. For so long he wanted to fix things between the two of them, and make up for that time when he got absorbed in the fame that the success of his show had first gained popularity those several months ago. He was blessed to have been given a second chance by Fuuka, and it paid off, the two both of them, had never been stronger.

Life was beginning to become dull, even fame and fortune couldn't bring him true happiness, and he learned that through his reunion with Fuuka, and how much happier he was being with her compared to when he was still alone, lost in his popularity before he finally matured into realizing the truth about fame, that it wasn't as great as everyone thought it was.

Going places, it was hard to be seen as another member of society, always making him out to be some all-out celebrity, when in truth, he never considered himself a celebrity, just someone who had been fortunate enough to be given an opportunity to pursue a professional career in something that he truly had a passion for. Minato loved his job, but his love for Fuuka was far much stronger.

So when she got up to lay on the bed with him, Minato didn't hesitate to slowly shift a bit to the opposite side, allowing her more space to put her body fully on the bed, carefully adjusting as she gently rested her head on his shoulder, reaching up to slowly rest a hand on her back, listening as she confided his worries to him, and her concerns were definitely understandable, who would have thought Fuuka would lose the ability to use her Persona, it didn't make sense, for what reason did it happen? The worry was clear in her expression, he could see it in her deep blue eyes, and honestly, Minato couldn't help but be evenly concerned.

[{ 🦋 }] - "Hey, easy Fuuka, I know you're scared to tell her everything, but she needs to know, you don't need to be so worried, I don't think Mitsuru will be mad at you, because you didn't do anything wrong. If anything, my guess is that she'll want to know more details about my shadow, which means she's probably going to talk to me first since I'm awake."

Mitsuru was the head of the Shadow Operatives, but at the same time, she was still a close mutual friend of the couple's, just like everyone else in the reserve unit, and while Mitsuru was serious when it came down to talking business because she knew them on such a personal level, he had a hard time believing that she would be angry at Fuuka for something that was just out of their hands, as for what happened to Juno, that was something that neither of them could have seen coming, and he was pretty sure the older woman would feel the same.

The index fingers of his free hand continued to gently brush her hair, while the hand on her back caressed her gently, rubbing softly with his thumb as she expressed her thoughts on his near-death experience in lieu of saving her life.

[{ 🦋 }] - "No promises, I did what I did because I love you Fuuka, and I'd do it a million times over if it means I can keep you here with me."

Leaning his head slightly a bit forward, Minato plants a soft kiss on her forehead before shifting back to look at her.

[{ 🦋 }} - "But we are definitely talking about the future once this is all sorted out because, after all of this, you and I, are taking a vacation, I think we'll need it." He adds, giving her a warm smile.

All the access stress was really getting to her now, and at that moment, Minato wanted to do nothing more than give her all the answers to provide her with the sense of relief that she clearly was in desperate need of. Yet, he couldn't, he didn't know why either, who really would know? He hated the fact that was unable to ease all her worries. Only time would tell what happened next, he only hoped he could recover quick enough for whatever it was, hopefully, they would get the answers they needed soon.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and immediately, Minato knew who it was, Mitsuru, and low and behold, in she walked the moment Fuuka got off the bed to open the door, the redhead's booted heels clicked on the floor as she made her way towards them before stopping in place, looking their way the moment she stops in place, Minato felt Fuuka's hand tighten her grip on his, just slightly, he could tell she was on edge, so his thumb rubbed the back of her hand gently for added comfort as the redhead began to speak, this time shifting her focus to Fuuka, suggesting she eat, which was probably a good idea, with how exhausted and stressed she was, he doubted that Fuuka even ate, he appreciated Mitsuru for thinking of Fuuka's well being, proof that she wasn't mad with her in Minato's eyes, especially when she let her horror her card.

Watching the tealnette let go of his hand and move towards the door, his gaze followed her as she stopped to look back at him, giving her a smile and nod in return.

[{ 🦋 }] - "I know you will. Go grab some food, I'll be waiting right here for you."

Grey eyes watched his lover leave the room and close the door behind her, with Fuuka out of the room and getting herself a much-needed meal, Minato shifted his focus towards Mitsuru, preparing to give her all the information she needed.

[{ 🦋 }] - "Hey Mitsuru-San, you probably have a lot of questions, so then, where should I begin?"

[absoluterpmemetrash]

quotes taken from various mobile games. 3 / ??. feel free to change pronouns/identifiers as needed.

"I will survive, no matter what."

"Fortune twists in the wind, and today it blows my way."

"Money talks. Without it, people die."

"Money talks. Without it, people die. Still... try not to lose your head over it. There are more important things."

"If I were sunburned, I'd be out of commission for a while, so I'm taking all the necessary precautions."

"I'll always treasure this sweet summer memory."

"Do you think destiny is decided at birth?"

"To be so passive as to allow some invisible force to dictate our lives, would be ignorant and irresponsible."

"I feel that, like my teacher, you have the power to unlock the potential in people."

"I hope you will use that power to help them stand on their own -- to light the way forward without a need for gods."

"My world is one of constant strife. People fought for power, influence, and even just for their daily bread."

"This world needs you just as mine needed me. I can feel it."

"To be honest, I've never worn a swimsuit before. Am I doing it right?"

"I can't thank you enough for taking me on this splendid outing to the oceanside."

"As it happens, the fresh air and sunshine have done my fragile constitution some good."

"I wish everyone could be so lucky as to experience a refreshing day at the beach."

"Maybe someday, if I can help you restore peace to this land, that wish will come true."

"I do feel a little more robust, now, I must say."

"Though sunlight is dangerous in excess, in moderation, it can palliate certain mental and physical ailments."

"Flightless creatures... I never know quite what to say. Do you need a lift somewhere? No? All right, then."

"You're curious... about my world?"

"Tell me how it would benefit me to share those details with you?"

"Ah, what a fearsome creature. I do hope this offering is enough to satisfy you."

"I apologize. I was just thinking about my family -- my children."

I feel as if I failed them, and I cannot forgive myself."

"I know that I possess a rare gift, and I do not mean to waste it."

"As a thanks for saving me, and as a sign of my trust and friendship... I will sing for you."

"You seem to take your work quite seriously."

"What leverage must these people have over you, I wonder."

"Oh, relax. It was only a little joke."

"In my country, mercenary work is the best -- and sometimes only -- way to keep the people fed."

"Selling one's services to the highest bidder may be unsavory, but worrying about your reputation is for the rich."

"My people depend on me. That is why I fight."

"Oh! W-were you listening? That song is one my love used to sing..."

"I fought with all my strength, but... I began to forget myself."

"That song healed me... Let light into my heart."

"Now that the fighting is over, I have a new duty."

"I must learn to create a new life. A life for myself..."

"It's always the same. No matter the era, no matter the world... War. The fighting never ends."

"You fight to make peace."

"Don't get discouraged. Your feelings are what drive you. Your actions have purpose."

"No matter how hard things get, you have to keep fighting."

"I know that you'll press on. I respect that."

"Let me walk your road with you."

"I'll stay by your side until the end, if you'll let me."

"I apologize if I look gloomy to you. I am not used to smiling."

"My memories are so fuzzy, so faint..."

"I remember giving my mother a flower. She smiled, and I was so happy."

"I would still love to make someone happy like I did then."

"Maybe... If I can bring you a little joy, my life would have some value to it."

[yolkyeomie]

After the Bloom | Kim Sunwoo

summary — a flower cannot bloom without sunshine, but maybe too much sunshine could be just as bad. After all, sunwoo feels like he’s been withering away since he met you.

word count — 2.9k words

pairing — sunwoo x female!reader

genre — fluff with a little bit of angst, high school au, friends to lovers(?), sunwoo pines the entire fic I’m so sorry

disclaimer — this was a request that actually got a little out of hand once I actually started writing it 🧎🏾‍♀️ I had fun writing it though so I hope everyone enjoys :D

A large majority of Sunwoo's friend group already knew about his hopeless pining for you, he stopped trying to hide it after a few months. Though it’s not like when he was keeping it a secret that no one had any clues of his feelings. He wasn’t exactly the best at hiding the very obvious burning of his ears and the way his usually sly and know-it-all gaze would soften when he was around you.

They’d often find him hanging around somewhere near you as well, usually a little farther away so you couldn’t hold a conversation with him, and he’d just watch you. Not in a disturbing way or anything, he just liked the way you looked when you were with people you felt comfortable with.

The two of you were friends, don’t get him wrong, but there’s only a sense of moderate friendship with him. You were a close friend of his, but not close enough for you to show all your true colors to him. It made him upset every so often, but he could completely understand why you weren’t as open with Sunwoo as you were with others. He was the same way and his awful little crush on you made it harder for him to willingly open up more as well.

He wished you would take the first step into getting closer to him though, but it was only a matter of time before Sunwoo did it himself. Your grand and wide smile, your light and fluttering laughter, even the mere sound of your voice floating along the air were enough to make Sunwoo urge himself to stop being so hesitant when it came to you. It wasn't like him to stop dead in his tracks and refuse to push forward, but he was nervous. Nervous that when he did take the step over the boundaries the both of you had put up that you'd want nothing more than to be just friends.

Sunwoo didn’t want to be just friends when he crossed those boundaries, but it was more likely than not that you were going to reject him no matter how hard he’d try. There was already someone by your side, Changmin, that you felt comfortable with. He didn’t have mountains and mountains of walls built up around them and allowed you to be as genuine and true to yourself as you wanted. That was something Sunwoo couldn’t exactly do at the moment.

He could see it in your eyes, your smile, your body language, everything. You were set on delivering your heart to someone that wasn’t him and if he confessed now, he’d have the truth blasted in his face stronger than before. Sunwoo didn’t know if he could handle the rejection of such a long time crush.

While Sunwoo understood the situation he was in perfectly, pulling back and away from his slightly brash nature to not make an embarrassment of himself in front of you, his friends didn’t seem to catch the note. In fact, they were probably ignoring it completely.

That’s how he had gotten here, standing outside the venue door where the school was holding their annual formal dressed in an uncomfortable suit and tie and anxiously holding flowers in his hands. It was Kevin’s idea to make Sunwoo go to the formal after learning that you would be attending and it was Chanhee’s idea for him to dress up and sweep you off of your feet. He was so adamant about not going yet here he was, nervously standing outside the door.

“This is stupid, why am I doing this,” he realized, just inches away from grabbing the door handle and walking towards his doom. His friends were setting him up for disaster! You probably weren’t even at the formal anymore, you were rather flaky when it came to gatherings with lots of people. And even if you were you were probably hanging out with your friends and wanted to be with them! You wouldn’t drop everything just because Sunwoo was there, there was no—

“Sunwoo!” The boy snapped his head up, breaking out of his trance to find Eric staring back at him with a wide grin on his face. His eyes dropped to the boy’s hands before letting out a gasp, “how cute, you brought her roses!”

Sunwoo had forgotten about the small bouquet he had brought with him, how he scurried as quickly as he could towards the nearest florist and received a bouquet full of red roses just for you with the last bits of money he had on him. He should at least give these to you so that running all that way wouldn’t go to waste. “Shut up,” he rolled his eyes, ignoring Eric’s teasing smile as he pushed past him into the venue. “I’m just gonna give these to Y/N and leave, that’ll be enough to satisfy Kevin and Chanhee.”

“What? That’s all?” Eric pestered, speeding up so that he could walk side by side with Sunwoo (who was actively trying to lose him). “No talking, no dancing, no nothing? You’re just gonna drop these off and leave?”

“That’s the plan,” he nodded, shooting finger guns at Eric as he turned on his heel to walk backward. “It’s not like I wanted to be here anyway so I’m just going to complete my mission and then I’ll be on my way. Those two can’t yell at me for not doing what they asked when I’ve technically—“

One wrong misstep led to Sunwoo tripping over his own to the feet, losing his balance, and nearly toppling over the unsuspecting person behind him. Eric covered his eyes at the catastrophe, too embarrassed to watch what would happen next, and turned around so he wouldn’t be able to see at all.

Fortunately, Sunwoo isn't the clumsiest of people so he had a rather easy time regaining his balance and keeping the bouquet in his hands from being ruined. Though whoever he had crashed into wasn’t so lucky.

“Sorry I wasn’t watching where I was— Jesus, Y/N!” He yelled, immediately dropping to his knees to help you up. Though you only laughed at his reaction, gratefully taking his hand as he pulled you back onto your feet and off of the ground.

“Surprise,” you grin, the quick turning of your lips making Sunwoo’s heart do flips. “I wasn’t exactly watching where I was going either, so there’s no need to apologize. I was actually looking for you though, Kevin said you’d be here and honestly didn’t believe him so I had to go see for myself and… here you are! You look good.”

“Of course I do,” He replied, trying to ease himself into the casual banter the two of you usually indulged in. Any normal person with a crush would have complimented the person back, but Sunwoo was so obsessed with making his crush not obvious that he wouldn’t even dare to try. After all, who knew what words would fall out of his mouth if he allowed himself to flatter you. “What are you doing out here alone, though? What about your friends?”

“Hm? Oh, I came with Changmin,” you nonchalantly smile, unknowing of the amount of dread and disappointment that filled Sunwoo’s chest at the thought. “He had stepped away for a moment when Chanhee had called him over, so I decided to come search for you then. And look at what he got me!”

You searched around the two of you for a moment before picking up something off of the ground, turning toward him to display the red and pink flower bouquet that had been gifted to you. “Camellias! Aren't they pretty?”

The roses in Sunwoo’s hand began to slide out of his hand as he loosened his grasp, replying with a weak, “yeah, they are.” Why didn’t he think about the fact that Changmin would be at the formal? Why didn’t he think about the fact that he’d be the one to bring you flowers? Why didn’t he think about the fact that you were probably with him and no one else, because you liked him?

Everything that was being said to him was falling on deaf ears, his entire plan to hand you flowers (and maybe even muster up the courage to cross your boundaries) now withering away in his self pity. Sunwoo knew it wasn’t a good idea to attend the formal, he knew he didn’t want to attend at all. This was just as bad as a word for word rejection to him.

“Oh wait, let me go get Changmin!” You gasp, breaking out of your trance of the flowers and smiling at Sunwoo. “I’m sure Changmin would love to see you actively participating in a full event. Wait here, okay? I’m serious, don’t move!”

A bittersweet smile crossed Sunwoo’s face as he nodded. “Of course, I’ll be right here.” He strained the smile on his face for as long as you were looking at him, waiting till you had turned around and turned deeper into the venue to go find Changmin for his smile to drop. Sunwoo was so foolish, letting Kevin and Chanhee fill his head with little fantasies he already knew wouldn’t happen. “I’m going home.”

“What?” Eric piped up, trying to salvage the situation as best as possible. “But… the flowers! You haven’t given them to Y/N, you didn’t even mention the fact that you—“

Sunwoo didn’t listen to him, sliding past the boy without another word and a disappointed expression twisting his facial features. There was no point in staying no matter what anyone would try to convince him otherwise, not when you were with him at least. He had nothing against Changmin personally, but just knowing that he was an active part of your life that Sunwoo wanted had thrown him off. He could feign happiness for as long as he wanted, but Changmin would probably be able to tell when Sunwoo wasn’t enjoying his presence.

He didn’t want to handle that situation, not now, when you were supposed to be having fun with Changmin at the school formal. It wasn’t his place to tread where he didn’t belong anyway.

He pushed the door of the venue open and felt a gush of cold air hitting him immediately, sending shivers down his spine as he closed it behind him. He wasn’t going to enjoy the walk home, the cold temperatures of the night time weather, and the swirling thoughts in his head of how naive he had been prevalent in his mind.

“Ah… I guess I should get rid of these, huh?” Sunwoo mumbled to himself, anxiously ruffling up his hair as he stared at the red roses in his hands. “What a waste of money.”

The boy glanced around before his eyes settled on a steel garbage bin that sat not too far from him. Carefully watching his step, he approached the bin with the roses in hand, ready to trash them away and pretend as he had never bought them in the first place. A little symbolic if you asked him, throwing away flowers like he had to push away his feelings.

“Sunwoo!” His name was called, throwing him off guard and clutching the roses to his chest. He turned around to meet your gaze, watching as you struggled to catch your breath as if you had run all the way here to find him. You leaned up against the door for a moment before finally meeting his eyes, “where are you going? I told you to wait for me to come back.”

“Home,” he admitted, finding no use in lying to you. “There was nothing for me to do here anyway, so I’m going home.”

“Still,” you insisted, pushing yourself off of the door and walking towards him. Your eyes darted between the frazzled bouquet of roses in his hands and to Sunwoo’s lowered gaze, sighing to yourself as you tried to figure out the situation at hand. “You had just got here, you can’t make an appearance and then leave without telling anyone. You could have at least waited till I got back.”

When Sunwoo didn’t respond, you smirked at him, lightly hitting his shoulder as you jeered, “what? Did you get your heart broken by a girl or something?” He held his breath at your question, his brain beginning to run on emergency mode as you slid the roses out of his hand and examining them for yourself. “Woah, you brought flowers and everything… it must have been really embarrassing when she rejected you, huh? Is that why you’re leaving so early?”

Sunwoo hesitated for a moment, “in a sense… yeah, you’re not wrong.”

You gasp at his reply, your eyes going wide as you spoke, “are you serious? You really got rejected? That’s crazy, and at the school formal? Who was it? I’ll go and teach them a lesson for you, don’t even worry about it.”

“Really?” He questioned, leaning up against the bin behind him as you eagerly nodded your head as an answer. “Okay, I tell you then.”

“Perfect!” You exclaimed, ready to defend Sunwoo by any means necessary. “Just wait till I get my hands on her, she’ll wish she never rejected—“

“Y/N.” You stopped in the middle of your sentence, slowly meeting his eyes as confusion crossed your face. He nodded his head again and pointed to you as he spoke, “it’s you, Y/N.”

Instinctively you smiled at him, a strained smile, but a smile nonetheless. “I don’t… I don’t think I’m following?”

“The roses,” Sunwoo explained, gesturing toward the bouquet that threatened to fall out of your hands, “they were for you, I bought them on my way here and I was planning on giving them to you. But then you said that Changmin had brought you to the formal and got you camellias, and you were even hanging out around him. I didn’t want to intrude.”

You were struggling to comprehend the words coming out of Sunwoo’s mouth, resorting to the awkward laughter to fill up the silence between you as you spoke, “what would even you be intruding on, Sunwoo? You wouldn’t be—“

“Do you not like Changmin?” He asked, his eyes growing wider with every second you didn’t answer him. “I thought you liked Changmin, you two are always around each other and are super close to each other so I assumed—“

“—you assumed wrong,” you clarified, “Changmin is like a brother to me, Sunwoo. The only reason we hang around each other so often is that we live near each other and take some of the same classes together.”

“But… the camellias—“

“—are a gift,” you finished, playing with one of the rose’s petals as you tried to understand the boy’s thought process. “They were a gift because yesterday I passed a really big exam I had been studying for weeks. The flowers weren’t for the formal, they were given to me as congratulations.”

Sunwoo stared at you blankly, slowly processing the correct answers to his assumptions. Was that why his friends were so adamant about pushing him towards you? For him to finally shoot his shot with you? Because you didn’t actually like Changmin the way he thought you did, because he had misinterpreted your relationship with him? If that was the case, why didn’t they say anything sooner? It would have saved him so much more time!

“Do you get it now?” You asked him, “we’re just friends, I don’t think I could ever see myself dating Changmin in the first place.”

Sunwoo snapped back into reality upon hearing your voice, “seriously?”

“Seriously,” you nodded, picking a rose out of the bouquet and holding it out to him. You urged him to take it out of your hand and spoke, “now can you please come back to the formal? Everyone’s waiting for you and we wanted to have a fun time together. I was really counting on your arrival too.”

You were waiting for him. You, Y/N, were waiting on Sunwoo to attend the formal after Kevin had opened his mouth and spilled his potential appearance? “Sunwoo?”

“Sorry,” he blurted. You were going to question him on why he was apologizing as there was no need for him to do such a thing when Sunwoo took a hold of your face, pulling you toward him and leaning in to kiss you out of the pure adrenaline that had built up within his body. However, he stopped before your lips could even touch, his breath fanning across your face and freezing in place. You only stared at him wide-eyed, closer to him than you’ve been before.

If only the two of you weren’t so close, crossing the boundaries you had both set in place for each other when you first met, maybe he wouldn’t have caught the way you flushed at his actions or heart how hard your heart began beating against your chest.

“Sorry,” Sunwoo repeated, letting go of you and taking a step back. You weren’t the only one shaken by the sudden turn of events, the boy felt his body tremble against the thought of kissing you right then and there.

He didn’t have the confidence to do that, not here at least, it was only the adrenaline making him move. “I’m sorry, I’ll see you in class or something tomorrow. Bye, Y/N,” He quickly excused himself, not even giving you time to answer him as Sunwoo dashed as fast as his legs would take him. At least he knew now that if he were to ever pull something dangerous like that, you wouldn’t exactly stop him from doing so.

[ladykissingfish]

a day at the Beach/Seaside with the Akatsuki

Deidara Swimming is too pedestrian for this artist, but he IS very much into surfing. Years of continuous practice balancing on his clay birds through high-velocity speeds and wind makes it almost child’s play for him stand on a surfboard. But if the waves aren’t big enough, or if he feels like taking it easy, he’ll simply spread out a towel and work on his tan all afternoon. However, he’ll stubbornly insist that it isn’t THAT hot so he doesn’t need sunscreen, and will go home with his skin as red as a lobster. If not surfing or tanning, will spend some time messing with Tobi; his favorite thing to do is convince Tobi to let him bury him up to his neck in sand, and then, once Tobi is trapped and can’t escape, throw bread or crackers at his head so that the seagulls swoop in and attack. Not ENTIRELY a dick, though; after he’s had his fun, will dig Tobi out and buy him a snack. Sasori Can’t feel heat on his skin, so tanning is out. Although he’s made of wood and should therefore float, he also has several heavy metal components that would make him sink like a brick, so swimming is off the table as well. Really thinks the beach is pointless; however, being around the sand puts him in mind of his childhood. He’ll spend the day creating amazingly beautiful sand castles; but he has to keep an eye out for Deidara, as the “art is an explosion’ chanter will try and sneak some bombs into Sasori’s pieces. Surprisingly his work attracts a lot of children, who watch the redhead create his masterpieces with awe. Sasori is flattered by the attention; doesn’t realize until one of them calls him “Onii-san” that ((because of his height)) they assume him to be an older kid instead of a 35 year old man. Gets annoyed ... but doesn’t shoo them away. Art is meant to be appreciated by all. Kakuzu Isn’t one to let a possible money-making opportunity go to waste. Has known about the beach trip for a week beforehand, so he’s had ample time to prepare. Will have used some of his bounty-money to buy a small snack stand, and will charge exorbitant prices for his fare. At first no one comes to him ... and then little by little, the other snack stands on the beach start having “accidents”. One place has the oven start on fire, another mysteriously runs out of soba noodles ... fairly quickly Kakuzu holds the monopoly on the food, and uses some of his money to pay off the accident-creators, while still turning a nice profit. If feeling charitable (and if he did really REALLY good) will bring free (yes, free; old guy must have had a heat-stroke) ice cream to the rest of Akatsuki. Hidan Like Deidara, enjoys to surf (although he isn’t as good at it). Also likes to scope out the women on the beach; Jahinism doesn’t really encourage the ideas of physical love or romance, but as far as Hidan can tell, looking is just fine. He’s not really subtle about it though; his obvious ogling and unintentionally perverted comments will earn him quite a few hand-prints to the face. Tanning isn’t really his thing as it requires staying still in one place, and he has far too much energy for that. Will try and engage the rest of the group in a volleyball or soccer game; but most will turn him down. At best he can sometimes convince Deidara to face him in one-on-one competitions, but the two usually just spend the entire time accusing each other of cheating. Itachi It’s obvious to anyone who looks ... this man does not get enough sleep. The bags under his eyes are thicker than the money-pouches Kakuzu hides in his mattress. A beach day for him, is a sleep day for him. After appropriately covering himself with sunscreen, and putting on sunglasses, he’ll lay down, close his eyes — and be out like a light. It would literally take a hurricane to wake him once he goes out. He chooses to sleep near Konan and Pein, so that they can keep a eye on him ... but sometimes they’re distracted and some of the more mischievous members of the Akatsuki ((see: Deidara and Hidan)) take advantage of the lack of supervision by taking a marker and drawing all

over Itachi’s pale skin. Might wake up to eat (Konan will offer him some of her snacks, which he’ll gratefully accept), but otherwise the whole day is spent in a warm slumber. Konan/Pein For Konan, a beach day is a day of complete relaxation for her. She’ll have a book, she’ll have sunscreen, she’ll have snacks, and she’ll have Nagato. Well, Nagato as Pein. Pein will sit and quietly talk to her; this’ll be only time the two of them can be “normal”, and enjoy a normal, peaceful day. They watch over the rest of the group, much the way two parents watch over their children. Nagato enjoys seeing the view of the water and the sunshine through Pein’s eyes; it’s a far cry from the village where it was always dark and raining. Nagato takes notice of how many men subtly (and not so subtly) stare at Konan’s beauty, and it makes him smile, thinking of how Yahiko would have undoubtedly reacted to such a situation. Quite a few men receive an Almighty Push — into the ocean — in memory of their old friend. Tobi/Obito Tobi is, as expected, super excited about a beach trip. Before the group leaves he will run around the hideout pestering everyone about all he wants to do, and packing more than he needs to bring. As Obito, all he really wants to do is be able to take off the cumbersome mask and lie in the sand with his face in the sun. But as Tobi, he knows what the others expect of him, so he acts accordingly. Building sand castles, playing hide and seek games with some kids, wading into the shallow water, begging his Senpai to buy him sweets from the snack stands ... eventually he wanders off from the group and finds an isolated spot, where nobody can see him. Takes off his mask and lets what little sunlight reaches him touch his face. Sits and draws his knees up to his chin; finds himself thinking of the very last time he went to a beach, with Minato-sensei, Kakashi ... and Rin. As always, the very thought of Rin has him tearing up. Suddenly he hears Deidara coming from behind, calling out to him. “Oi, Tobi; what are you doing?” He automatically answers in his Tobi voice ... but his mask is still sitting at his feet. Deidara stays where he is, and asks, in a very un-Deidara-like voice, if he’s okay. Obito is a little surprised that Deidara doesn’t rush up on him to see his face without his mask; the fact that he stays where he is, is a level of respect that Obito never expected to get from him. He picks it up and slides it on, before getting to his feet. Deidara looks relieved ... and annoyed. In his hand is an ice cream cone, already half-melted. “Oi; you ask me to buy you something to eat, then you disappear, hm!” Tobi takes it and hugs his Senpai, accidentally getting ice cream in his hair. Deidara reacts angrily and Tobi finds himself running away; all is back to normal. Zetsu God help anybody who’s brought small pets with them, because likely a family will go home sans the dog. Zetsu uses his stealth skills and spying abilities to scope out where the best “snacks” are, and to capture them without attracting notice. Beachgoers are extremely fortunate that Zetsu was made to PROMISE that he’d limit his snacking to animals and not people, otherwise quite a few families would be going home minus the kids as well. When it eating, will find a quiet spot to sit in the sun and photosynthesize. Kisame Is it any surprise to anybody that the guy who’s half-shark would spend his entire day DEEP underwater? Kisame explores the depths of the sea, admiring the beautiful aquatic scenery and feeding on the smaller (and very confused) fish. If he’s near where Deidara or Hidan are surfing, he’ll sneak up on them from beneath, grab their leg and yank them down. He enjoys seeing the terrified look on their face and then the anger-relief when they realize it’s him. He and Kakuzu also have a thing going: Kisame finds a *lot* of jewelry in the water, things that people have lost. He’ll take these to Kakuzu, Kakuzu will carefully polish them up, sell them, and split the profits 50/50. Also likes to chill & have lemonade with Itachi (when he’s awake).

[lizartgurl]

Good Fortune (Twin Suns AU)

"Oof!"

Luke looked up from gathering mushrooms to see what his sister had found. Leia was on her knees with sand all over the front of her tunic, a scrape across her eyebrow, and a small trickle of blood from her nose.

"Leia!" Beru dropped her basket and grabbed Leia's shoulders, "Are you alright?" She grabbed the kerchief from her belt and used it to pinch Leia's nose shut.

"'M fine aunt Beru, but look at what I found!" Leia held up a lump of something or other, plucking it right out of the sand. It was too smooth to be any rock that Luke had ever seen before, even with wind and sand erosion.

Beru sighed, and smiled her worn smile. She kissed Leia's forehead, "I'm glad you found it, sweetheart." She removed the cloth to see how bad the bleeding was.

"What is it?" Luke asked.

"It's a rock!" Leia declared with authority.

"I know that, but what kind of rock?" Luke asked.

Aunt Beru shook her head, "I'm not sure. Why don't we ask your uncle when he finishes this evening?"

"Okay!" The twins chorused. Leia placed her mysterious prize in her basket, suddenly empty of the mushrooms they were harvesting.

Beru smiled down at her niece and nephew. "Leia, would you please pick up the mushrooms you dropped?" She asked.

Leia flushed in the heat of Tatooine's twin suns. She looked down at her basket, the rock taking up the better part, and started to collect the loose mushrooms. They had wilted some in the heat, and she brushed the sand off with the hem of her tunic.

The three of them returned back to the domed house around the same time that Uncle Owen's speeder came back from the direction of Mos Eisley.

"Uncle Owen!" Luke cried, climbing up the side of the house to look taller. He waved his arms in greeting, and Leia fed off his enthusiasum, making even their exhausted uncle smile.

"How'd it go at the spaceport?" Beru kissed Owen's cheek in greeting as they all walked inside.

"Kriffers kept telling me my water was barely above a grade three," Owen sighed tiredly and Beru gave him a sharp elbow to the ribs, thought the twins were too busy throwing the sand from their boots at each other.

"Did you get a good price at least?" She asked, hopeful as ever.

"Nowhere near what it deserved," Owen watched the twins as they started to wrestle, "But it's enough for what we need."

Beru smiled.

"Now wash up and help me make dinner. I'm making mushrooms and biscuits." Beru said.

Once dinner was on the table, Leia and Luke wanted to hear everything about Mos Eisley. Despite his insistence that he was a terrible storyteller, the twins hung on Uncle Owen's every word as he described the different species and spaceships he'd seen at the spaceport. Rodians and Twi'lek, and even a couple Sand people who asked about the water he was selling. The suns had set by the time dinner was cleaned up, and Beru sent the twins to bed with full bellies.

Thirty minutes later, Luke wasn't tired at all, bouncing up and down on his bed with his pajamas on. Leia sat on her own cot, brushing out her hair as she read another book on her holo-pad.

"Do you think we'll ever get to have our own ship, Leia?"

She shrugged, "That'd be nice. Then we could take trips to other places."

"And Uncle Owen could start selling water on other planets!" Luke said, "It's perfect, he'd get more money and we could go with him and we could see the whole galaxy!"

"Unfortunately, that's not exactly how it works, son." Owen said, leaning against the doorframe.

"What do you mean?" Luke took one last jump and sat on his bed.

Owen sighed, "People don't need to buy water in other places like they do here. Other planets have more water than Tattooine."

"Huh?" Luke asked.

"What do you mean?"

Owen held out his hand for Leia's datapad, and sat on the bed next to her, pulling up several planetary holograms for the twins to see.

"This is Naboo. It's covered in trees and lakes that stretch on for kilometers."

"Trees?" Luke whispered in reverent awe, leaning forward so that he almost fell off his bed.

"What's a lake?" Leia asked.

"It's like an ocean, but smaller." Owen said.

"Oh. Huh."

Owen chuckled,

and pulled up another planet.

"This is Kamino, just outside the Rishi maze. It's not too far from here, actually. The entire planet is covered with water."

"Wow!" The twins's eyes grew starry as they took in the flickering hologram.

"Wow, Uncle Owen, how do you know so much about these planets?"

Owen answered Luke's question without thinking, "They were pretty big planets during the Clone Wars."

"The Clone Wars?"

"What's that?"

Owen paused.

"Leia, Beru said you found something today. Can I see it?"

Leia was smart enough to know that her uncle was changing the subject, but she was too excited to show off her prize to care very much. She ran to get it from her basket in the sandroom.

"Wow, sunshine, where did you find this?"

"I tripped over it while getting mushrooms!" Leia declared proudly

Owen chuckled and took the rock in his hand. It was surprisingly light for stone. Owen ran his thumb over the smooth surface, and made a little nick with his stubby thumbnail.

"Leia, I think you have something very special here." Owen said.

"Really?" Leia's brown eyes grew big with wonder.

"Is it a kyber crystal?" Luke asked, bouncing up on his knees.

"Leia," Owen said, "You've found some japor wood."

"Wood?" Leia almost went cross-eyed trying to comprehend the rare word.

"It's part of a plant that used to grow here. A tree was growing here a long time ago, and it dried out in the heat and died. But the Tuskens say it can bring you good fortune. A lot of them carve protective charms for their families."

Luke grinned, and tried to hide an excited squeal. "That is so cool!"

Owen smiled at Luke sadly, and Leia yawned. Owen weighted the piece of old wood in his hand a bit more.

"Leia, do you mind if I borrow this for a little bit?" He asked.

Leia nodded, and her yawn grew bigger. Owen chuckled, and finished twisting her hair back into a braid. He pulled down the covers for her, and turned to Luke.

"You need to get some rest too."

"But I'm not tired!" Luke said, taking his model T-16 off the shelf, clearly intending to jump some more in an effort to make it fly.

"Perhaps, but only little boys who go to bed on time get to come with me to Tosche Station tomorrow."

Luke's sky-blue eyes widened and he dove under his covers.

"Good night Uncle Owen!"

Owen chuckled, "Good night Luke, good night, Leia.

"I love you both."

[rpd-rookie]

Lost Youth - Leon S. Kennedy x Reader (NSFW)

Summary: Where did all the years go? When did his youth leave him? It's Leon's 43rd birthday and those are the questions he can't help but ask himself. Fortunately for him, he knows the right person to help him get rid of this silly melancholy.

Author’s Notes: In this one-shot, it is 2020 and Leon is celebrating his 43rd birthday while the reader is in her mid-twenties. So if you're not comfortable with that sort of age difference I advise you not to read this story. For the others who wants to give this one-shot a try, please be aware that the sexual content is very explicit. And finale, don’t hesitate to like/reblog and please tell what you thought of it.

Warning: NSFW, Smut, Fluff and Angst, Language, Age difference.

          His tired blank blue eyes were staring at his reflection in the mirror of the elevator with a melancholy he hadn’t felt in a while, wondering when he had become the man he was staring at right now. Exhausted, damaged and more especially, old.         His fingertips touched the corner of his eyes. Discreet small crow’s feet were framing them, along with the permanent dark circles he had grown used to see. And if he actually looked closely under the thick strand of hair covering the right side of his face, he would be able to see thin wrinkles carving his forehead, wrinkles that weren’t there the last time he truly scrutinized himself in a mirror. But when was that? He couldn’t know. As much as he couldn’t know where his youth had gone. Probably was it somewhere hidden among the years he hadn’t seen flown by. He could thank his tiresome job for that, he thought.

           The elevator bell rang and Leon mechanically made his way in the corridor leading to your apartment, awfully quiet and thoughtful, his hands buried in the pockets of his leather jacket, which was old just like him. He knocked at your door and looked down at his fidgeting feet while waiting, his hand back in his pockets.     The door opened and a bright smile welcomed him with a lovely warmth that helped him smile a bit. “Hello, birthday boy.” Two hands cupped his face and soft lips tenderly met his mouth to linger there for a short while but long enough for Leon to circle his arms around the waist pressed against his body. “Hi.” He said with a faint smile.           “ I missed you.” You declared, eyes sparkling with joy. “Where have you been?”   “Long story. But I’m here now, aren’t I?” You nodded, definitely happy to see him and moved away from the doorframe to let him come inside.

           Your apartment was just as Leon remembered. Small but cosy with adjustable furniture to gain some space. The kind of place you rent when you’re young and barely have enough money to pay all your bills. Leon loved that place. He loved being here. It reminded him of the apartment he would have certainly owned at your age if he actually had had a normal life. Except that his wouldn’t have been so charming.

“I tried to cook. Nothing fancy, don’t worry. But I hope it’ll taste good.” You said as you headed towards the kitchen corner of the room, leaving Leon in the small living room. “You didn’t have to. We could have ordered Chinese or something.” He said as he sat down on your old couch, bouncing a couple times on it in order not to feel the springs under his rear anymore.         “I wanted to please you, show the extent of my culinary talents.” You joked, winking at Leon; as you knelt to check if the meal you had prepared was slowly cooking in the oven. “It’s not everyday that you turn 43.” There was a sudden silence that you immediately noticed. You froze, waiting for Leon to say something.     “There’s no need to celebrate that. Trust me.” You stood up, concerned by the unusual tone of his voice, and watched him staring down at nothing, completely lost in his thought and looking astonishingly weary. “What do you mean?” He shrugged to elude the question. “Please don’t tell me you don’t like getting gifs and eating cakes cause I made one especially for you.” You opened the fridge, excited to show him the strawberry tart you had baked this afternoon. Hopefully the attention would please him and warm his heart a little. “I guessed I used to when I was your age.” You glanced at him; saddened and understanding he was going through one of those tough days. “Beer?”  You offered. “ Gladly.”

You brought two bottles and handed him one as you sat next to him. A sigh escaped your lips and you looked at Leon. “I guess drinking beers and watching tv is also a good way to spend the evening.” You didn’t dare say the word birthday, thinking it was probably the reason why Leon felt so miserable today. “Just like an old couple.” Your last words made him frown and you noticed it. “What is it? What did I say?”   “Nothing. It’s not you.” He answered as he took a mouthful of beer but you were not convinced. “ I can see something’s wrong, Leon. Talk to me.” You took his beer away from him and placed it on the coffee table next to yours before putting your hand on his knee.           “ You wouldn’t get it.” It was your turn to frown, not liking to be patronised. “Try me.” “ You’re too young for that.”

He glanced at you and immediately realised how annoyed you were.           You thought you both had had that discussion already, about your age difference and everything that came with it, being treating like a child included. You thought you had made yourself clear when you had told him it wasn’t a problem and you thought he was on the same wavelength. That’s what he had told you after all.         “Seriously, Y/N. You’re young and beautiful. You could have anyone you want. What are you doing with an old fool like me?”           This was exactly the same kind of question your friends had asked you when you had told them about Leon. What are you doing with a man that old? How can you date someone who’s almost your father’s age? Isn’t he like twice your age? Do you have a daddy kink of some sort? Daddy issues? You were tired of these questions, tired of justifying your love and your choices. And you never thought you would one day hear a similar question coming from Leon’s mouth.         “What are you doing with someone like me?” You retorted, hoping he would understand your weariness. Weeks ago he would have answered that question without an ounce of hesitation or shame. After all, he had done it a few times when people had learned about your relationship. What was he doing with you? A girl that young and in her mid-twenties. Was he going through some mid-life crisis? Why her and not some woman his age? Well, easy. You were his sunshine, the reckless joy he had lost, and the bright youth he had not seen fly away. You were the constant reminder of what he had missed and the opportunity to live what he should have lived years ago instead of running away from BOWs in lost parts of Spain or South America.             Through you, he could live his youth again. You were making him feel young again, not unlike those women he had dated and had tried to continually convince him to start a family. You didn’t want much. No family, no kids, no dog. You didn’t care about sharing a house. You wanted what he wanted. Simplicity, carefreeness. You wanted to enjoy life without thinking too much about the future. And sharing all this with you felt good and refreshing.     But today, he didn’t know how to answer this question because today he was feeling old and melancholic. Today, and despite your exhilarating presence, he had the feeling the reckless sarcastic Leon training to become an agent was just some distant memory he could barely remember and that there was no way for him to feel like him again.

           When you understood he would not answer the question just the way you would not answer his, you placed your head on Leon’s shoulder and nestled it in his neck as you circled an arm around his chest. He smelt good, like wood and spices. And the perfume was strong and heady, almost bewitching. You pressed your lips against his hot skin, tasting it. Only Leon tasted that good. Only Leon could make you feel the way you were feeling like right now. Whole and happy. You decided to sit on him, straddling his laps, hands placed on his shoulders. His blue eyes met yours and you moved his blond strand of hair away from his face to admire him. He was so handsome. Tired and slightly raw – the result of all those years fighting more than his age – but handsome. And that’s all you could see. You lay some light kisses over his face, on his cheeks, his nose, his forehead and his lips, showing how much you loved every bit of him. And he smiled. It was faint but it was sincere.        

“Gosh, you’re so beautiful.” Leon said as he gazed at your delicate face, his thumb caressing your smooth cheeks that was as soft a baby’s skin. “Why …” You cut him off by kissing his thumb, eyes staring deep in his eyes. “Don’t say a word.”          

You put your body closer to his to catch his lips and he responded immediately by returning your kiss with a softness similar to yours. That softness grew into passion when Leon’s hand grasped the nape of your neck to bring you closer to him and intensify the kiss. The pressure and his tongue looking for yours started an immediate fire in between your legs that spread wildly in your entire body and oozed out of it under the shape of a moan that Leon captured with his mouth the second it escaped your throat. “Do you really want me?”           “Stop asking silly questions already.” You retorted before kissing him with a devouring ardour.           Fingers tangled in his hair, you moved slightly above him, rubbing yourself against him, desire for lustful friction taking control of you. And soon it was his turn to moan.

Leon glimpsed at his crotch with burning half-lidded eyes, feeling his cock already growing hard in his jeans. Gently yet strongly, he squeezed your rear as he lifted his a bit to make you apply more pressure on his bulge. You obliged and started undulating your body against his manhood. Leon rested his head against the back of the couch and he gazed at you in silence, looking with delight at your hands cupping your breasts as your eyes were half closed because of the pleasure this atrociously good rubbing was providing you. Soon, Leon slid the straps of your dress along your shoulder, freeing your boobs that he grabbed without waiting, admiring and feeling how perky and firm they were, like two peaches recently gathered. He caressed them with his thumbs, lingering on the pointy rosy nipples calling his mouth. And how could he refuse them?

You sighed of pleasure when Leon caught one of them in between his lips and started sucking on it greedily, his hands still holding your breasts tightly. You brought your chest closer to his face, fingers pulling at his soft hair. “Leon” You whispered his name in between two moans. He hummed and looked up at you, not willing to let go of your nipple just yet. The weariness in his eyes was gone. They were dark now and burning with desire for you. “I want you. I want you now.” You begged and he let go of your teat with a loud pop.

A grin appeared on his face. It was cheeky and lively, playful like a child’s smile. “Very well.” You loved when Leon smiled. His face looked completely different each time he did (and those times were rare) making him seem suddenly more radiant, more glowing and - let’s say it - twice younger. Funny because that’s exactly how he felt each time you were making him smile, each time he was with you and able to forget all his worries and the absurdity of his life.

He grabbed you by your hair and kissed you again, tongue caressing yours as he let one hand wander along your chest down to your crotch where he dared let his rough fingers slide beneath the fabric of your panties to tickle your already swollen clit. You gasped, bit your lips and your nails dug in the back of the couch. You were so wet and so ready for him already. “Damn, baby.” He chuckled with enthusiasm. “Am I the one responsible for that mess down here?”     You laughed, shivering under his expert touch (an advantage that came with dating an older man). “What do you thiiinnkk?” The end of your sentence was swallowed by your sudden guttural moan as Leon plunged a finger in your wetness, hitting the sensitive spot hidden deep inside of you. “Please don’t tease me too much.” You asked, afraid to reach your climax too soon. Leon kissed you and smirked “No.” Then, he started fucking you with his finger, adding a new one in the process to hear you cry and feel you crumble against him. A groan of both lust and frustration escaped the barrier of your sealed lips and you instinctively began moving up and down Leon’s fingers. “Aren’t you eager?” He joked, amused.   “You’re such a tease.” You pouted, though not really complaining. “I know.” He pulled you closer and laid a greedy wet kiss on your breasts, tasting the sugary thin skin with a devouring eagerness.

Clumsily, you let your hand wander towards his jeans. If Leon wanted to play, then you both would play. You stopped moving and opened the zipper of his jeans, forcing him to lift his rear to pull down his clothe a bit along with his boxers.         His cock sprang free, red, glistening with pre-cum and perfectly erected. Eager to feel it, you urged to grab it, jerking it off a bit as you knelt on the sofa right next to Leon, grunting a bit as your pussy escaped Leon’s amazing fingers. You moved your hair to the side to stare at Leon as you bent towards his manhood to kiss the tip lightly. He immediately hissed and tensed and you smiled as you placed your lips back on his penis to put the head right in between them, ready to suck it. “Who’s the tease now?” Leon asked as he put his hand on your cheek. You chuckled and finally took him in your mouth, making Leon curse and tangle his fingers in your soft hair. The taste of his pre-cum was bitter but the vision of seeing your lover come undone was sweet and so your started bobbing your head up and down his shaft, moaning occasionally and keeping your eyes on him. “Goodness, fuck.” He groaned as he pushed himself deeper in your mouth to hit the entrance of your throat. You gagged and thick trickles of saliva flew along Leon’s hard member.

His hand met your prominent rear that you had kept up on purpose. It caressed it delicately, pulling your dress up. “Jesus, you’re perfect.” You squealed when he suddenly spanked you and he scoffed, his fingers venturing towards your humid entrance to play with your lips and clit. “God, Leon.” You cried out when he put his fingers back in you and started relentlessly moving them. “You like that?” You nodded as you tried to keep on sucking his cock and he pecked your ass with a cheeky smile, his fingers still exploring your core. “Do you want to ride me?”  

You took it as an invitation and you straddled Leon again. You put your panties to the side as he removed his v-neck, letting you admire his toned chest. You allow your hands to wander on it a bit, feeling the carved muscles under your fingertips. He had such a nice healthy body, definitely sexy. Anyone would agree with that.       You left a trail of kisses along his chest, from his smooth pectorals down to the V line framing his perfect abs. “I thought you wanted to ride me, baby.”       “ Let me admire you first.” You said before licking the small hairy line below his navel. He hissed and grabbed the couch tightly. “Admire what? My old body?” Leon joked but you could tell he was serious.

You looked up at him and frowned, slightly exasperated. “Shut the fuck up, will you?” His eyes widened, astonished, but a crooked smile appeared on his face. “You don’t have a old body. And you’re not old. Stop believing that.” You declared as you grabbed his chin. “Actually, you’re certainly the sexiest and the most wonderful man I had the chance to be with. And I don’t give a damn that you’re 43. You’re perfect to me.” You pressed your lips lovingly against his, thumb still in his dimple.       “No, you are.” He said as he put a strand of your hair behind your ear looking at your young beautiful features with awe and wondering how someone like him had managed to find a girl like you. Maybe he was lucky after all.

You sit back on him, this time ready to welcome him inside of you. Panties to the side again, you felt his cock probing at your entrance before penetrating you with ease, making you cry out as Leon groaned with pleasure. He felt so good in there and your pussy was a delight for him, better than anything he had ever had lately before meeting you in that bar three months ago. “Damn, you’re so tight.” And he couldn’t help but give your youth credit for that tightness.        

Your started hoping on top of Leon, your hands holding your bouncing boobs as his hands were squeezing your ass to give you the pace he wanted you to have. When you understood he wanted it rough and fast, you grabbed the backrest of the couch and accelerated your movements. Your wildness certainly satisfied him as he placed his arms behind his head to watch you fuck yourself on top of him. “That’s it, baby. Ride me.”

Leon’s name and a stream of onomatopoeia continually left your mouth as you felt your lover’s cock hitting your g-spot each time you had him slam back into you. “That feels so good.” You cried out and he smiled, ravished to see you succumbing to the intense pleasure he was giving you right now. “Are you gonna cum?” You simply nodded, unable to form a sentence. “Cum for me.” He ordered in a whisper as he grabbed your ass cheeks again to hammer you from underneath. “Oh my god, Leon!”   You body fell against Leon’s and your head hit the backrest of the couch to scream in it. The way he was pounding you was simply exquisite but it was so rough and deep you couldn’t sit straight anymore. A tear rolled over your cheek as you reached your powerful orgasm, yelling your pleasure so loud your neighbours would certainly complain in the morning. Your body tensed and you walls clenched around Leon’s shaft making him grunt and forcing him to put more strength in his thrusts. “Fuck, I love when you squeeze me like that.” And so did you.

Exhausted and shivering, your body went limp and rested lazily against Leon. He kissed your forehead. “You’re okay?” “ Yes.” You managed to say in between two irregular long breaths. “Good. Let me taste you.” He lifted you up easily; using the opportunity to admire the white cream you had left around his cock and pushed you over the couch. “You’re going to kill me.” You giggled, tired yet satisfied.   “Unlikely.” He grinned with a wink and spread your legs to place himself between them. Bothered by his jeans he hadn’t taken off yet, he pulled them down and threw them on the floor and he did the same with your dress and your panties. At last, you were fully naked before him and he couldn’t help but think how beautiful and desirable you were. He left a trail of tiny kisses on your chest and stomach enjoying the firm flesh under his wandering hands before burying his face in between your thighs.     You giggled when his stubble scratched your skin but that small laugh quickly faded away when Leon licked your slit and sucked on your clit. “You taste so fucking good, baby.” He whispered before lapping your folds again, humming loudly each time his tongue was reaching your reddened bundle of nerves. “Leon.” You whispered, biting your left hand while the right one was brushing his blond hair away from his face. “Yes, baby?”         “ I love you.” You didn’t realise what you had just said, eyes tightly shut, your mind lost in bliss, but Leon did.   Usually that kind of declaration would have freaked him out and he guessed it did but only a little. Because, despite the importance and the sincerity of those three words, he knew they didn’t mean what they would have meant coming from another woman’s mouth. They didn’t mean ‘let’s move in together and have a baby.’ They just meant what they meant. Love. Pure and innocent love.  Less commitment but still scary and weird for him to hear.

Leon sat up and kissed you tenderly, choosing to ignore your confession for now. You responded lazily, still a bit dizzy because of the orgasm you had experienced few minutes ago and the intense pleasure that refused to leave your body. “I’m not done with you yet.” He tapped your entrance with his hard cock and slid inside of you with one deep swift move that made you grunt. His hand circled your throat, but not too tight, and he began fucking you hard. His thrusts were not as fast as previously but they were rougher and stronger, making you hit your head against the armrest. Leon roared your name and ultimately placed your legs above his shoulders to burry himself deeper inside of you. You mewled, begging him to keep going, your fingers finding their way to your clit Leon had abandoned.

He noticed them as soon as they started rubbing your swollen bud and, as a consequence, he turned you over and put you on all fours. “You should have told me you wanted to cum again.” He said in your ear before slamming your head against the couch. You cried out, your nails dug in the suede fabric of the couch, when Leon entered you again, from behind this time, his hands holding on tightly to your hips. He didn’t waste time and took the same pace as before, except that this time his thrusts were even more exquisite because of the way his balls were hitting your clit and also because of the sound of his hips slapping against your ass. “Do you like when I fuck you from behind like that?”       “ Yes” You whimpered, feeling your climax slowly building up inside of you. “Keep going … please.” He complied with an excitement that he decided to demonstrate by quickening his pace. You crumbled under the power of his pounding and fell flat on the couch. But that didn’t stop Leon who grabbed your ass and your hair to keep on hammering you from behind. And soon each thrust he gave was followed by an animalistic growl, sign that his orgasm was close. “Make me cum with you, please.” You asked as you guided Leon’s fingers towards your clit. He agreed and started playing with your sensitive bud, bringing you atrociously closer to your climax. “Now.” You announced and his moves became clumsy despite their incredible strength.

You screamed in the couch as you reached cloud nine, your body convulsing and tensing as Leon came hard in you, his roars echoing loudly in the room. “Fuck!” He pumped hard between your clenched walls a couple more times, spilling every drop of his hot white seed inside of you, before allowing himself to slump against you, completely out of breath and exhausted, just like you.

After a brief silence, you giggled and so did he. “Wow.” He admitted before placing a smiling soft kiss on your shoulder blade. “That was awesome.” “Right?” You grinned trying to find his lips as you turned around to cuddle with him.       “You’re amazing.” He said as he pressed his lips on your smooth forehead while you weaved your fingers in his hair to cradle his sweaty hot body. “What would I do without you?” You didn’t answer, staring at his eyes, wondering what was going on in his head right now.             “ Do you wish we could stay like this forever?” You dared ask, playing with one of his blond strand.

He didn’t know about forever. Hell, he didn’t even know about next week, never making plans that far ahead. But he knew one thing. Seeing how quickly time was flowing forever might come sooner than expected. But it didn’t matter because with you he felt happy and young again.  

[hatsukeii]

𝐋𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐫

𝐏𝐭. 𝟏- 𝐋𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 𝟏.𝟓𝐤

𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤, 𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐞, 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

He was a Tsukishima.

The family of successful people.

Scholars, athletes, politicians, the list goes on.

In the Tsukishima family line, academics were essential. Skills were essential. Talent was essential. Foolishness was not tolerated. Weakness was not tolerated. Clumsiness was not tolerated. Everyone was expected to be at tip top shape at all times, both physically and mentally. Manners were a must. Manners make a man, or so do the elders constantly remind. Gold medals were expected to be seen after competitions. Anything below that was worthless. The Tsukishimas were raised to be in a higher class than others. They mingled with the wealthy, frowned upon the powerless and poor. Mental health was the least of the family’s worries. They had money, they had a reputation, they had a talented bloodline, what was there to worry about anyways?

His full name was Tsukishima Kei, and he was the outcast.

His mother averted her eyes from his direction as he treaded down the flight of stairs to the dining area. She’s always done this. The moment Kei was diagnosed with farsightedness, the Tsukishima family knew he was no good. An omen, they said. With those weird, clunky glasses, the family constantly made passive aggressive comments regarding his sight. You thought he would be safe from his parents? Oh no, you would be wrong. Akiteru was hugely favoured over Kei. He was handsome, tall, well built, smart, he had a bright future ahead of him. Kei? He was scrawny, had sight problems, felt inferior to everybody else. The family had deemed him no good as a child, that wasn’t going to change because of puberty.

He sat at the table quietly, munching on his toast. As usual, his mother was preparing breakfast for Akiteru. As the older sibling jogged down the stairs, he was met with a welcoming smile, along with a bowl of steaming hot ramen. “Good morning son! Come over and have some food won’t you?” Hearing his cue to leave, Kei grabbed his bag, wiped the crumbs off his mouth, and headed out the door, but not before giving his older brother a tiny wave, in which he returned with a small grin and a peace sign. Perhaps Akiteru was the one person that didn’t treat him like shit. Maybe it was because if he did, Kei would tell everyone how he lied about being the ace of Karasuno. Although his kindness was fuelled by a shallow reason as so, it felt nice being treated well once in a while, even if it wasn’t truly genuine.

“Tsukki! Tsukki! Wait up!” Yamaguchi yelled from behind him as he jogged towards the blond. “Morning Tsukki!” The two stood in silence, waiting for the next train to arrive. This routine had been going on for years. Every morning Yamaguchi would meet up with Tsukishima at the train station, then they would head off together. Yamaguchi was one more thing the Tsukishimas frowned upon. When Kei beamed about how he defended the poor boy who was being bullied, instead of praises he received criticism. Bucketloads of criticism from everyone in his family. What was supposed to be an honourable act of kindness towards the less fortunate became the butt of a joke for the family to berate endlessly. To them, Yamaguchi was the perfect example of the weak. The weak were not tolerated. Tsukishimas were raised to frown upon them. They were higher than others. They minded their own business and had a reputation to keep. The world saw them as elegant, graceful, and privileged. They didn’t see them as charitable, soft, or weak. However, Kei paid no mind to his family’s stupid, cold hearted, absolutely fucking ridiculous “ideals”. He was an outcast, would forever be an outcast, might as well live on his own terms if his family couldn’t accept him.

“So, what’d you get on the test? I only managed to score a B-, it was so hard wasn’t it?” He stared at his paper, a huge A written and circled at the top of it. “I mean I think I did-”

“Really good? It’s not an A+. You couldn’t get it perfect so try harder next time. This isn’t good enough.”

His mouth hung open as he stopped abruptly at his words. Oh of course, how could he have forgotten? The constant criticism he received was not only from his family, but from himself as well. His grades were the only valuable thing about him, but it was never good enough. He was top of the class, but never the top of the school. Never the best player on the court. Never the best friend. “Eh, not that great. I should’ve done better considering I spent all day studying for the past week. I got the same score last time too, I doubt it’ll get any better than this.” Scrunching his nose, Yamaguchi leaned in, taking a peek of Tsukishima’s test. “Tsukki, you did so good! Ah, but it’s expected from you, always so harsh on yourself! Chill out a little bit, you’ve got the best grades in our class already! You saying that just makes me sound stupid in your eyes...” Realising the impact his words had on his friend, he stuttered, thinking of something to say. “No, I promise Yamaguchi, you’re not stupid. If you were I wouldn’t have let you befriend me. Please don’t look down upon yourself like that, it’s not good.”

Slinking down the hall, Tsukishima manoeuvred around the sea of students trying to get out of the school, mumbling to himself under his breath. The constant shuffling of feet and people pushing him around were enough to make his head spin and his heart race so much so that he had to stop in the middle of the hall, grabbing his head in an attempt to stop the pulsing. “Move it bro, what the fuck?” Stop. “Dude, don’t just stand there, get out of the way blockhead!” Please, stop. Stumbling his way down the hall, his steps were uneven as his sight became hazy. Cold sweat slid down from his forehead, his chest heaving and his breaths ragged. He needed help. He needed help now, but there was no one. Everyone was too occupied trying to get out of the school. Usually Yamaguchi would be with him but he had art club and stayed behind. Panic attacks were nothing new to him. He would experience them randomly. Everything around him would become everything he feared. Death, disappointment, loss, burden. Yet there was not a single time he was able to calm himself down. He would make someone else worry about him all over again. Maybe he was a burden to people, but he didn’t care anymore. His family hated him enough for his flaws anyways, what’s a few extra people hating him gonna do anyways? He was seeing spots now, staggering down the stairs that he finally reached, when something- or rather someone, walked right into him.

“Hey, please watch where you’re- holy shit... are you okay? I’ll bring you to the nurse hold on-”

“N..no.”

“What?”

“Panic...attack...”

Your eyes widened like saucers as the situation dawned upon you.

“Oh... OH um uh I-”

Cmon stupid, think!

Grabbing his arm, you dragged him into a random classroom, almost tripping over air from him stumbling and his height. Shutting the door behind you, Tsukishima collapsed onto the cold floor, trembling as his eyes darted. You were panicking with him. Hell, you didn’t know how to deal with panic attacks. Pulling out your phone, your fingers tapped furiously as you tried to figure out how you could calm him down. “Mmmm cmon cmon something please...” The sobbing in the background did not help your panic at all. In fact, it made you even more anxious. You couldn’t just leave him here, you had to do something. Anything.

“I- uh, do you need anything? Water? A towel? Is there anything I can do?”

“Stay...stay here..”

Shuffling to his side, you waved your arms around him, trying to figure out what to do next, finally awkwardly settling one of your hands on his back. Giving him occasional pats, your read the instructions on healthline for what to do if someone was going through a panic attack. The next part was to give reassurance.

“I’ll stay here until you’re okay, so don’t worry. Are you feeling any better now?”

Feeling Tsukishima shift, you retracted your hand, putting it on your leg instead. His breathing had finally gone back to normal and he wasn’t shaking anymore. Pushing his glasses back up properly, he grabbed his bag from the floor, pulling the strap over his shoulder.

“Yeah, thanks. I’ll be heading out now.”

“Wait!”

He stopped in his tracks, but not sparing even a glance behind him.

“What’s your name?”

“You don’t have to know.”

He left without another word.

Because that’s what Tsukishimas do.

They walk away from others and hold their shit together by themselves.

Tags:

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[slashhinginghasher]

You, 87 years ago: (I seriously have an entire childhood planned out for Jesse based on nothing but that 2-second flashback in L2R2, but that’s a beast for a different post.) Us, checking watch: Is it time for this post yet??

How To Raise A Serial Killer

Paul Cromeans was a mean son of a bitch. Anyone in town would attest to that. He was drunk more often than he was sober and liked to talk with his fists. Rumor had it he’d beaten his wife to death and hidden her body in the swamp. Other folks said that was stupid, that she’d just gotten tired of being a punching bag and high-tailed it out of there. Whatever the truth was, she’d vanished seemingly overnight, leaving Paul behind with their infant son. When little Jesse was old enough to ask about his mother, Paul - who would never accept the consequences of his actions - told the boy that she’d been a gold-digging whore who ran off with a richer man.

He blamed the specter of his wife for all the woes in his life. When the windows leaked during hurricane season, it was because she had never taken good care of the house. When it became clear that Jesse would never talk, it was because she smoked and drank while she was pregnant. When he turned his fists on his son, it was because she had left him a lonely and desolate man instead of supporting him the way a wife should.

***

Paul worked nights cleaning the county funeral home. The pay wasn’t much: it was enough for Paul’s drinks and his smokes and to keep the bank away from their doorstep, but not enough for childcare. When Jesse grew out of his infant cuteness and the neighborhood ladies would no longer watch him for free, Paul started bringing him to work with him. He’d sit the boy on a chair in the foyer with strict instructions not to move, and shake him awake hours later when it was time to go home.

Jesse listened, at first. The funeral home was scary in the dark, the proprietor looked old and mean, and there were probably ghosts. He’d huddle in whatever chair his father plunked him down in, refusing to even let his feet touch the floor. But as time passed, he got older, braver, and more bored, and started to explore the shadowy depths of the building. One night, venturing deeper than he’d dared before, he’d stumbled upon the proprietor working over one of the deceased. It was a young woman, grey-skinned and nude on the metal table. Jesse froze in the doorway.

It was the first dead human he’d seen, and the first naked woman. He was eight years old.

He must have made some sort of noise, because the proprietor looked up from his work and beckoned Jesse inside. The boy obeyed, more afraid of angering the old man than he was of the corpse.

“Go on, then,” the proprietor ordered in his smoker’s rasp. “Touch her.” Jesse didn’t move. The proprietor scoffed at the boy’s hesitation and grabbed his hand, forcing him to touch the dead woman’s foot. Jesse cringed, half-expecting the body to move, but it remained as cold and still as the dead animals he sometimes found on the side of the road.

“See?” the proprietor said. “Ain’t nothing to be afraid of. She’s just meat.”

Shortly after that, Paul started leaving Jesse home alone when he went to work. Jesse didn’t think it had anything to do with the body, but he was too scared to ask.

***

School was hard. Not because Jesse was stupid - he wasn’t - but because he was smart and no one else knew it. His classmates pushed him around and called him names because his clothes were shabby and his daddy had punched Mark’s daddy at the bar last weekend and he physically couldn’t tell them to stop. Teachers ignored him because he couldn’t talk. When he did well on tests, they accused him of cheating, so he stopped trying. He still listened to their lessons, because they were interesting, but he sat in the back of the classroom and doodled skulls and broken stick figures in the margins of his worksheets.

His only friend was the old, kindly school librarian who let him eat lunch among the shelves. She had managed to dig up a book about sign language, and sat with him patiently as he signed the alphabet over and over with clumsy fingers. But she died of a heart attack when Jesse was ten, and her replacement wasn’t anywhere as sympathetic, and he was forced to return to the cruel company of his peers. He stole the sign language book from the library out of spite and practiced signing in the dirty mirror at home.

***

Jesse’s relationship with his father was rocky. Paul was often too drunk to read the notes Jesse wrote, and he refused to waste his time learning how to wave his hands around like a “fuckin’ fairy.” This communicative gap made even the most basic interactions more difficult than they should have been.

Their only common ground was hunting, where Jesse proved to be a natural. When Paul was in a rare good mood, he’d brag to the other men at the bar about how his boy could sneak close enough to a deer to slap it on the rump if he had half a mind to. And if Jesse seemed to prefer gutting the carcasses over shooting, well. Every man should know how to butcher his own kill.

***

Jesse had his first major growth spurt when he was fourteen, and entered high school a lanky, gangling giant of a boy. The physical bullying stopped, his sheer size enough to deter most people, but the name-calling grew worse, more targeted. The teachers saw his size and his silence and assumed he was some kind of idiot. He started walking with a hunch, wishing he could shrink down and disappear into the crowd.

High school was also where Jesse first noticed Lindsey Forrester. She had hair like corn silk, a smile like a movie star’s, and the bluest eyes you ever did see. Compared to the dead woman from the funeral home and the crinkled pictures in Paul’s Playboys, Lindsey was like a ray of sunshine. Jesse was pretty sure that even if he could talk, he’d never be able to form a sentence around her. Even though he was pushing 6’4”, she made him feel three inches tall. She didn’t make fun of him, but she didn’t talk to him, either. She was the only one whose attention he would have welcomed, and she didn’t even notice him.

So it was something of a shock when she asked him out in 11th grade. He said yes, naturally, and was even able to make her laugh through the awkwardness after she asked for his phone number out of habit. (It was the only time his muteness ever came in handy; he would’ve been mortified to admit his house didn’t have a phone.) He skipped class on Friday to scrub his father’s dirty old car to spotlessness, and stole Paul’s only nice shirt from the closet after he passed out drunk.

Jesse waited outside the diner for three hours before he accepted that Lindsey wasn’t going to show up. Come Monday, everyone was sneaking glances at him and snickering behind their hands. On Tuesday, Lindsey announced that she and Mark were dating.

He started to understand why his father spoke so harshly about his mother.

***

Paul’s liver gave up the ghost the summer after Jesse graduated high school, dragging the rest of Paul along with it. The coroner didn’t even bother with an autopsy; everyone knew Paul Cromeans would drink himself to death one day. No one expected Jesse to mourn, and he didn’t. He chose the cheapest burial option, turned the ramshackle house over to the bank, and left town with nothing but his hunting knife and his father’s beat up car.

It was fortunate they hadn’t run a toxicology panel on Paul.

***

Jesse returned to town only once, the year he turned 21.

No one knew where he’d gotten the money from. Rumor had it he was running drugs for the cartel in Miami. Other folks said that was stupid, that he’d just gotten lucky or maybe found a job with one of the new tech companies that were popping up everywhere. Whatever the method, Jesse Cromeans rolled into town with a new car, new tattoos, and a pair of designer sunglasses, and bought his childhood home back from the bank. Cash.

He’d filled out, too, his muscles drawing admiring looks from the girls who wouldn’t give him the time of day at school. Including Lindsey Forrester.

“I never got to tell you how sorry I was about your dad,” she murmured as she straddled him in the backseat. “You left town so fast, I didn’t even get to say goodbye.” She and Mark were set to be married the following spring. Her engagement ring was currently somewhere under Jesse’s passenger seat.

“I was such an idiot for standing you up in high school,” she sighed as they shared a cigarette afterwards. “It was a bet, but I totally would’ve shown up if I’d known this was how things would turn out.”

“How much did you win?” Jesse asked.

“Nothing,” she said. “It was just a stupid dare between stupid kids.”

“Now that’s a damn shame.”

“Why?” Lindsey giggled, trying and failing to blow a smoke ring.

“Because that means you died for nothing.”

***

The last thing Jesse did was burn his old house to the ground. He didn’t add Lindsey to the growing collection in his glove box. She wasn’t worth the tape.

[mikauzoran]

Platonic Alyadrien/Adrienette/DJ Wifi: Drunk Ladybug on My Balcony? Yeah. This is Fine.: Chapter Three

Read it on AO3: Drunk Ladybug on My Balcony? Yeah. This is Fine.: Chapter Three: The Mission

Alya turned so that she was kneeling on the seat of the couch, draping herself over the back of it to smile beguilingly at her boyfriend as he moved about the Césaires’ kitchen. “Soooo…”

Nino paused, looking up from the vegetable and hummus plate he was preparing to arch an eyebrow at Alya. “‘So’?”

“You know who this mystery girl who Adrien is in love with is,” Alya asserted matter-of-factly.

Nino frowned in confusion. “Yeah?”

Alya nodded, looking at him expectantly.

The furrows in his brow deepened. “So…what?”

“So, who is she?” Alya sighed in exasperation at his inability to read between the lines and divine her aim.

Nino returned his attention to arranging cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, and thin slices of zucchini onto the plate. “Al, I know you’re just trying to be a good friend to Marinette by helping to set her up with Adrien, but the identity of his crush is something he told me in confidence after years of secrecy, and I know it’s not something he’d be okay with me telling people, even you.”

“Oh, come on,” Alya whined, sticking out her bottom lip in a pout. “Baaabe.”

Nino shook his head, beginning to clean up the knives he’d used to cut the vegetables and the blender he’d made the hummus in. “Nope. Don’t ‘Babe’ me, Al. My lips are sealed.”

“But it’s really important,” she groaned.

“I love you, Alya, but Adrien trusted me with this,” Nino explained patiently, aware that his girlfriend didn’t always see reason when she was on the scent of a scoop. “Bros don’t tell their bros’ secrets, even to the women they love. I’m sorry.”

“But Ladybug’s kwami gave me a quest to find out who Adrien’s crush is!” Alya protested.

Nino paused in the middle of rinsing the blender to turn and look back at his girlfriend with an odd expression. “Ladybug’s kwami did?”

Alya nodded earnestly. “I told you it was important.”

Nino hummed thoughtfully, weighing this new information. “That’s…very interesting.”

“So, you’ll tell me now?” Alya inquired hopefully.

Nino pursed his lips, considering. “…No,” he decided, turning off the faucet and placing the dirty dishes into the dishwasher. “I don’t think I should. Adrien doesn’t want people knowing, and I respect that.”

“Oh, come on,” Alya groaned again, dropping her head to the back of the couch in defeat.

“Sorry, Al,” he chuckled, bringing the hummus and vegetable plate over to the living room area and setting it down on the coffee table so they could snack on it as they watched their superhero movie of the week.

“You suck,” she grumbled, turning around and slumping into the couch cushions.

Nino smirked, sliding in beside her and giving her temple an affectionate smooch. “Insert obligatory sexual innuendo here.”

Alya rolled her eyes, slipping an arm around his shoulders. “Hush. I’m mad at you. Stop being cute.”

“Sorry,” he chuckled, reaching for the remote. “It just happens sometimes.”

 “Sorry I’m late,” Adrien greeted a little breathlessly (as if he had run to get there) as he slid onto the bench seat across from Alya at the on-campus café. “Fencing practice ran a little late, and my father would kill me if I went out in public un-showered afterwards, so…”

“No worries,” Alya assured, pushing the remains of her pain aux raisins across the table to him. “Eat. You must be starving. I’ll go up and get your drink.”

“I love you so much,” Adrien declared with misty eyes as he eagerly scooped up the pastry and took a small, polite bite that did nothing to betray how hungry he actually was because God forbid anyone get a picture of Adrien Agreste scarfing down baked goods.

His father would ground him for bringing dishonor upon the company and for tarnishing the family name.

Alya really hated Gabriel Agreste. That was a large part of the reason why she wanted to get Adrien married off so he could live a happy, peaceful life with Marinette who would smoother him with the love he deserved and not exert control over every aspect of his life.

“I know,” Alya chuckled, getting to her feet and giving her friend a warm smile as she pushed her righteous anger to the back of her mind. “What are you drinking today? Cappuccino? Latte? Mocha?” she tempted.

“Just a cortado, please,” he replied, fishing out his wallet.

Alya rolled her eyes and waved away his money. “What? Watching your weight? I’m getting you a flat white. I’m sure you burned enough calories for a full-sized drink during fencing.”

She turned on her heel and headed for the counter before he could protest.

She returned shortly with the promised drink and a pain au chocolat, grinning as she saw Adrien’s smile expand in delight.

“You are the best person,” he breathed, looking like he was about to cry in gratitude.

“You’re too easy, Agreste,” she chuckled, setting down her purchases and retaking her seat. “So…you and Kagami…”

Adrien quirked an eyebrow, pausing with the coffee cup halfway to his lips. “I just saw her at fencing. What about Kagami and me?”

“Is anything romantic going on between you two? I’m asking for a friend,” she fibbed smoothly without actually lying.

Adrien laughed, setting his cup down as he shook his head. “Kagami and me? No. No way. I mean, I know we kind of had a bit of a will-we-won’t-we thing going on when we first met, but we decided we were better just as friends. She’s like a sister to me now. Besides, Kagami already has a gir��uh—someone she’s seeing,” he quickly corrected, holding his breath and hoping that Alya wouldn’t make out what he had been about to say.

One look at the surprised, open-mouthed expression on her face told him that there was no such luck.

“Kagami has a—”

“—Shhh!” Adrien cut her off, waving his hands as best as he could in the limited space to silence her. “It’s a secret,” he hissed, looking around to see if anyone had heard. Fortunately, it didn’t seem like anyone was paying attention. “Kagami’s mother would flip if she found out, and Chloé and Kagami would never speak to me again, so…please?” he begged frantically.

Alya’s eyes grew even wider. “Chloé?!” she spat incredulously, keeping her voice low. “Kagami and Chloé?”

Adrien buried his face in his hands, groaning in misery. “Somebody put duct tape over my mouth already. I shouldn’t be permitted to speak. Maybe my father is right, and I should just stay quiet and look pretty.”

“I wouldn’t go quite that far,” Alya snorted, reaching across the table to gently peel Adrien’s hands off of his face. She gave them a bolstering squeeze and smiled encouragingly. “Chin up, Sunshine. No one’s going to hear about this from me. Promise.”

“Thank you,” he whimpered meekly, shoulders slumping in exhausted relief for a moment before he collected himself and resumed his perfect posture.

“No worries,” she assured, releasing his hands. “Eat your pastry, you goof.”

“Thanks,” he sighed, happy to comply.

“So…” she led in, taking a sip of her own chai tea latte.

He looked at her and inclined his head slightly to show he was listening.

“Are you involved with anyone romantically right now?” she inquired conversationally.

His gaze dropped to the table between them, and a melancholy air washed over him. “No. I’m not,” he grumbled with a sigh, and Alya got the impression that this was a sore subject.

She should think so, seeing as he had supposedly been in love with the same girl for seven years with no hope in sight.

“You sound kind of wistful,” she noted carefully, wary of pressing the wrong button. “Got someone in mind?”

“Yeah,” he muttered into his flat white. “Fat lot of good it’s doing me.”

“Who is it?” she asked in unfeigned concern. “Anyone I know?”

He shrugged sullenly. “I don’t really want to talk about it, Alya.”

“Okay, but…if you tell me who she is, maybe I can help set you two up,” she offered, feeling a little bad now for calling him out to manipulate him into revealing the identity of his crush under false pretenses.

He shook his head and gave her a tired, forced smile. “Thanks, Alya, but I don’t think anyone can help me. I think maybe I just need to finally give up on her changing her mind about me.”

“Oh,” Alya replied quietly, pensively biting her lip as she contemplating her next move and what would be best for both Marinette and Adrien.

“It’s hard,” he confessed down at his pain au chocolat. “Over the past few years, it’s felt like we’ve grown a lot closer. I know I’m important to her, and she does love me in her own way. It’s just not the same way I love her, but…from time to time, just when I’m about to finally give up for good and try to move on, she’ll do or say something that makes me feel like maybe I do have a chance if I just hang on a little longer. Every time,” he reiterated with a bitter smile, “it’s just enough to keep me going for another six months, another year…but I think I need to call it quits for real this time. It’s been seven years, and nothing’s changed.”

Alya abruptly decided that she did not like this girl Adrien was pining after. She began to think that Tikki had intended for Alya to find out the identity of this girl, track her down, and eliminate her so that Adrien could get over her already and move on to see how wonderful Marinette was, and then they could both live happily ever after.

“Yeah, no,” Alya snorted decisively. “Adrien my cupcake, no offence, but this girl sounds like she’s using you.”

He blinked at her, utterly taken aback. “What? N-No. She’s not. She’s just… She told me from the very start that she was in love with someone else. I’m the one being stupid waiting around for her to get over that guy. I’m the one misinterpreting the things she says and does and letting myself have hope. She’s never once led me on, Alya.”

She shook her head, giving him a pitying look. “Adrien, I know you love her, so you think the world of her, but it sounds to me like she’s playing with you like a yoyo to make herself feel better about the other guy who doesn’t return her feelings.”

He opened and closed his mouth several times, trying and failing to come up with a better argument than, “No. You’re wrong”.

“Hey,” Alya called gently, reaching out and taking his hand in hers. “Maybe I’m completely off base. Maybe I’m dead wrong, and she really is wonderful, and this is all an honest misunderstanding, but you’re my friend, Adrien, and I’m worried about you, okay?”

He swallowed and nodded, not quite trusting his voice yet.

“You’re one of the best people I know, and you deserve to be happy and loved right now, and, from what I’m hearing, it doesn’t sound like this girl is good for you. Maybe it’s totally not her fault, but that doesn’t change the fact that she’s hurting you. You with me?” she verified softly, as if she were patiently explaining something to the twins.

He nodded again, resignedly this time. “Yeah. I get what you’re saying…and I think maybe you’re right. Even if La—er…” He froze, searching Alya’s face in a panic to see if he’d given himself away.

She leaned forward eagerly. “Go on. ‘Even if Lay’…what?”

Adrien breathed a sigh of relief, sitting back and pulling his hand gently out of Alya’s. “Even if she doesn’t mean to, she’s hurting me, and it’s not good to keep myself in this never-ending loop. It’s not healthy.”

Alya stuck her lip out in a pout when she realized that she wasn’t going to get more than the first syllable of a name.

“Thanks, Alya,” he continued with the beginnings of an authentic smile. “I really appreciate you looking out for me. It means a lot.”

“Sure thing, Cupcake. Any time,” she promised, letting go of her frustration as she comforted herself with the fact that Adrien was bound to slip up sooner or later. “And I really mean that. Any time you need someone in your corner or someone to talk to, I’m there. You’re more to me than just my future-husband’s best friend, you know? I really do care about you, even if I’m crap at showing it sometimes.”

“Thanks,” he repeated, looking genuinely touched as his eyes turned dewy and a light blush rose on his cheeks. “Seriously. Thank you. I care about you too, Alya. I’d still hang out with you, even if you weren’t my best friend’s soulmate.”

“Bros?” Alya held up her fist, offering it to him.

“Bros,” he affirmed, lightly bumping his fist to hers.

At the contact, they both pulled back, making cartoonish explosion sounds as their hands opened, fingers spread wide.

They then promptly broke out in giggles.

“So,” Adrien remarked timidly once they’d both settled down. “Concerning moving on and getting over my unrequited love…”

Alya arched an eyebrow. “Yeah?”

“How exactly does one accomplish that?” he inquired sheepishly, hand going up to rub at the back of his neck. “Any advice you could give would be seriously appreciated.”

Alya grinned like a fox at this unexpected perfect segue. “I am glad you asked. Typically, the best way to get over someone who’s not healthy for you is to date around and find someone who is.”

Adrien pursed his lips, not so sure about this advice. “I don’t know, Alya. I kind of tried that with Kagami, and it was sort of disastrous.”

“Yeah,” she agreed, “but you and Kagami didn’t work out, and you never really tried again after that, did you? I mean, I’ve never seen you in a relationship…unless you’ve been really discreet, and I just missed it?” She tipped her head to the side in question.

He looked back down at his plate, picking up the pain au chocolat and muttering, “No, my love life just really is nonexistent,” into it.

Alya hummed, not impressed. “Okay. So, you tried moving on once, and it didn’t work out, so you gave up. Well, you’re older and wiser now, so maybe twenty-year-old Adrien will have better luck with this than fourteen-year-old Adrien.”

“I doubt it,” Adrien grumbled ruefully around a mouthful of pastry.

“How about we suspend our misgivings for a sec and just try it?” she suggested. “You want to be in a loving, healthy, uplifting relationship, don’t you?”

“Yes,” he sulked, unable to get past his doubts.

“Have you ever considered dating Marinette?” Alya smoothly put it out there.

Adrien nearly choked. “Marinette?” he repeated incredulously, eyes going comically wide. “As in Marinette Dupain-Cheng?”

Alya frowned, irked by this response. “Yeah.”

“Marinette and me?” he laughed at the very idea, and Alya started to think that maybe Adrien Agreste was unworthy of her best friend until he continued, “Alya, Marinette is, like, lightyears out of my league. If I asked her on a date, she’d laugh at me because she’d think it was a joke, and then she’d feel really bad when she realized I was in earnest because Marinette Dupain-Cheng is a serious contender for best human being ever.”

Internally, Alya smiled because that was exactly the right answer, and she was going to see these two married and happy if it killed her.

“Like, what would she even see in me, Alya?” Adrien sighed, taking a disheartened sip of his gradually cooling flat white. “Marinette’s so cool and funny and clever and compassionate and creative and…I mean, not to even mention how gorgeous she is…”

He sighed again, shaking his head. “I wouldn’t stand a chance with her.”

“Why not?” Alya prompted, very satisfied with the information she had collected. “You’re rich. You’re smart. You’re literally a model.”

“Marinette doesn’t care about superficial stuff like that,” he snorted, waving away her counterarguments. “I mean, me being smart is a plus, but it’s just book smarts. I have very little practical knowledge like how to pay bills or cook or clean a house. I’m a huge dork, I’m clingy and needy and emotional and—”

“—Who the hell told you that rot?” Alya growled, cutting him off.

Adrien blinked at her, surprised. “I mean…I don’t think anyone ever told me that exactly, but…I guess those are the things Father complains about most, so…” He shrugged helplessly. “…I don’t think Marinette would really go for someone like me, Alya.”

Alya clicked her tongue, giving her head an indignant shake. “Adrien, you are seriously one of the sweetest, best people I’ve ever met. Like, seriously. You’re always so optimistic and happy and kind, even when the world gives you crap. You’re a genuinely good person, and there’s a lot about you that anyone with half a braincell could love. You need to ditch this negative self-image you’ve got because, I’m telling you, it’s bull.”

“…You really think so?” he asked hopefully, wanting to believe it.

She gave an indignant snort. “Boy, I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t think so. When have you ever known me not to speak my mind?”

“Never,” he chuckled, mood brightening.

“Exactly,” she harrumphed. “So, when I tell you that you’re amazing, you know I mean it, and you know I’m right because I’m always right, right? Don’t you dare disagree with me, Agreste.”

He broke out in a full-on laugh at that, nodding as a wide, shining smile stretched across his lips. “I wouldn’t dare.”

“Good.” She couldn’t keep a straight face any longer, and a broad grin twisted up the corners of her mouth as well. “In all seriousness, Adrien, you should think about asking Marinette out. She adores you, and you obviously have quite the hefty crush on her as well, judging by how you were so easily able to wax poetic about how awesome she is earlier. You should give it a chance. She’d be good for you.”

He dropped his gaze back down to the table, his smile dimming as he rubbed at the back of his neck. “I don’t know, Alya. I mean…I do like her. I could see myself maybe able to fall for her, but my feelings for the other girl have been so strong for so long, they’ve kind of gotten in the way. I don’t want to mess things up with Marinette. I admire her so much, and she’s one of the best friends I have. I seriously screwed up with Kagami and almost lost her friendship forever, and I don’t want to take that risk with Marinette. She’s too important to me.”

Alya bit the inside of her cheek, simultaneously fighting the urge to crack her skull open on the table because this was too dumb and, at the same time, swooning because the boy was painfully sweet and romantic. She could see what her best friend found so attractive.

“Besides,” he went on as an afterthought, “she doesn’t think of me that way. She’s told me several times. She was just a really big fan of my father’s work when we were younger, and she just thinks of me as a friend, so…”

Alya almost stormed out of the café to go find and shake Marinette. “She told you that?”

Adrien nodded. “Yeah. I mean, there were a couple times when I started to get the wrong idea, and, when I asked her about it, she told me, so I know she doesn’t have feelings for me like that.”

Alya pursed her lips. “Well. Maybe if you turn up the charm and flirt with her a little to let her know you’re interested, she’ll change her mind.”

Adrien blinked. “But…I already flirt with her. You know. For fun. Like what I do with Nino. Well,” he backtracked, “not as explicitly as Nino and I flirt, but…”

“Flirt harder,” Alya demanded, almost losing her cool as she realized the futility of her seven years of work trying to get those two idiots to kiss already.

Adrien didn’t look convinced. “I don’t know, Alya. Like I said, I’m not sure I want to risk my friendship with Marinette over this.”

“Think about it, okay?” she stressed, reluctantly accepting that it was mostly out of her hands.

All she could do was keep encouraging Adrien to make a move because trying to get Marinette to confess her feelings hadn’t worked so far, and Alya doubted that it would even make a difference if she told Marinette what Adrien said about how much he admired her and thought he might be able to fall for her. Marinette probably wouldn’t believe her, and Alya knew that, brave as her friend was, she didn’t have the courage to be honest about her feelings with Adrien. If Adrienette was going to happen, Adrien would need to make the first move.

“Marinette’s response might surprise you,” she encouraged. “You don’t have to confess undying love or ask her to marry you or even commit to being her boyfriend. Just think about asking her on a date. Super chill. No pressure. Just. One. Date. Okay?”

“…Okay,” he hesitantly agreed. “I’ll think about it.”

“Good.” She blew out a long breath, exhaling the stress. “Now. Moving on to things of vital importance. Are you coming over for movie night on Friday, or has your father plotted against us yet again?”

Adrien burst out laughing at her deathly serious facial expression and tone of voice. “Oh, I will absolutely be there, even if I have to sneak out.”

“Good. I love him dearly, but Nino has crap taste in foreign films,” Alya snickered. “You bring the movie; I’ll supply the snacks.”

“Epic,” Adrien chuckled, shooting Alya a conspiratorial wink. “Have you ever seen Guillermo del Toro’s Crimson Peak?”

[formeandmyfics]

JUGENEA FAN FICTION TRY IT AGAIN

It was unexpected, but inevitable. And it’s not how they expected it to be, but in the end,  forced them to reveal their true feelings. 

1942

Gene Kelly took a long drag of his cigarette as he walked down the streets of Metro. The large studio lights illuminated the line of stars’ trailers, currently vacant, outside each sound stage. It was quiet. Only overnight crew and a few actors, like himself, were still at work at this time.

One of the dance rehearsals with Judy had run late, so Gene’s meetings with Arthur Freed, then his PR, started late. When he was done, Gene grabbed a quick bite at the commissary, and soon found his earlier fatigue, from the long day at work, had turned into wired energy. So, he went to an empty dance hall and worked on his own choreography.

He made his way to the small parking lot outside of the East sound stages, where For Me and My Gal was being filmed. Smashing out his cigarette with his foot, he unlocked his car and got in. When he shut the door, he mindlessly looked over and noticed Judy’s car, two spots over, in her reserved parking space. More importantly, she was sitting inside of it, in the dark, alone.

Gene let out a heavy breath through his nostrils before he reached for the door handle and got out.

Judy had her head resting against her hand, leaning on the car door, as tears rolled down her cheeks. When her passenger side door opened, she raised her head startled. Without a word, Gene got in and shut the door. Judy immediately relaxed when she saw it was him, but when his worried eyes met her sad ones, she started weeping again and went back to her original position. She needen’t hide, nor pretend, around Gene. He had become a new, kind-of-best-friend lately and she trusted him immensely.

He scooted a little closer on the leather seat and swept a curl away from her damp cheek, “I thought you left a long time ago, sunshine.”

She shook her head and looked down at his pocket, “Do you have a hanker chief?”

Gene reached into his pocket and pulled one out, gladly offering it to her. He watched as she carefully wiped her tears away, clearing the dribbled, black mascara away from her porcelain skin. Afterwards, she just fiddled the cloth around her fingers, as they rest on her lap. She was unusually quiet.

He cleared his throat before he spoke in an exaggerated cowboy accent, “So ma’am, what’s seems to be the problem here?”

Surprised, Judy laughed and dabbed the left over tears away before giving him back his hanker chief. Gene always knew how to make her feel better.

“Why are you crying?”

“A lot of reasons, I guess.”

“Want to talk about it?”

She turned towards him reaching for his hand. Something Gene had learned early on when meeting her was that she was a very physical person. When she was comfortable with someone, she always loved affectionate contact: holding hands, a hug, a playful poke, a comforting hand on the back. He’d seen her affection shared with many people, but noticed she did it with him more often lately.

“I’m just feeling really stressed right now.”

“Work?”

“That’s part of it.”

“Berkeley was an ass tonight in rehearsals.”

Judy sighed frustrated as she lowered the mirror to check her face, “He’s always an ass.”

“Yeah, but tonight he was an extra ass.”

Judy nodded agreeing and sat up straighter, “He’s still treating me the same way he treated me when I was a kid…and before you say I still am a kid, swallow that joke, Mr. Kelly, I ain’t in the mood.”

“Oh, you’re not. Well, funny for you, I wasn’t going to call you a kid. I was going to call you old.”

“Oh,” Judy giggled, “You know,” she joked pretending she was his 30, not 20, “I’m only ten years older than you. That’s not too much of a difference.”

“That’s an entire decade, Grandma.”

Judy laughed gleefully, “Does that mean I can call you Grandpa?”

“Not until the dentures are settled. So, how is Buzz treating you the same?”

“Oh, talking down to me, overworking me, not caring what I have to say. You heard him tonight.”

“And I told him to back off.”

“I know you did. And I appreciate it, darling, but he’s never going to change.”

“Then why are you letting it bother you so much? You should know how he is by now.”

“It’s not only him. It’s…I’m just trying to get used to things. I haven’t even reached the legal drinking age and my marriage is already failing. I’ll probably be a divorced woman by next year if things continue the way they are. The worst part is, my house is being renovated so I’m temporarily living back home with my mother and her hu…” She paused with disgust thinking about Mr. Gilmore,“That man.”

Gene nodded. He was well aware of the estranged relationship Judy and Ethel had and everything that went into it.

“She’s treating me worse than when she did before I moved into Davids house. She blames me for my marriage problems. And she doesn’t think anything was wrong when she agreed to my…” she paused a moment as it was very hard for her to talk about as it only had happened months ago, “…When she allowed the studio to - well, take care of my condition.”

Gene looked down solemnly. He was well aware of that, too.

Judy started crying again, “I’m just going through a lot.”

“Can you maybe move into a hotel temporarily?”

“I can’t. The studio handles my money and Mr. Mayer won’t pay for it. He thinks it’s best I’m back at home for the time being with Dave away. If I’m at home, I will be a ‘good girl.’”

Gene raised his eyebrow skeptically. Everyone knew Judy loved the social life, the nightlife and glam of it all. He had heard about her on-and-off again escapades with Johnny Mercer. Their relationship had not been a secret. Judy wouldn’t bring anyone back to her mother’s house, that was true, but she was a grown woman, possibly a soon-divorced woman. If she wanted to date, her current living situation wasn’t going to stop her. Gene was surprised that LB didn’t know Judy better than that.

Gene enjoyed becoming one of the new ‘shoe in’ at Ciro’s. It was Judy who first invited him out, and now he was always a regular at her table. He made his way around other tables, of course, but hers always had the most laughter. She loved to laugh, and wanted to laugh. She never tried to make other’s laugh, but she was so naturally witty and funny and a bit naughty, that everyone cracked up. That was the best part of going out after a long day at the studio. It also made him forget about the dissatisfaction that he’d encounter once back at home. What he first experienced with his young wife, early on, was now fizzling out. And in New York, she loved going out, now she was a homebody. He, in turn, had become the opposite since moving to LA.

Judy and Gene’s friendship had grown deep as they spent long hours working together. Gene helped Judy with choreography and she picked it up quickly. She helped him get used to a movie set, and how everything worked, since he only knew a Broadway stage. Their comfort with each other resulted in confiding each other in their personal lives.

He knew Judy was strong, but she was sensitive. A step backwards, like living with her mother, and having Busby Berkeley treat her like a 13-year-old, was not good for her mental health. Judy Garland’s mental health was very important in regards to her work, everyone knew that and was careful about it. One bad day in her personal life could lead to days of her absence on set.Gene knew that wasn’t good for her either. It would just lead to more stress.

Gene reached over her to turn off her ignition.

“What are you doing?”

“Come with me. You’re going to a hotel.”

“But I just told you…”

“I’ll pay for it. I’ll pay for your stay for the rest of the week. We’ll use your alias.”

Judy blinked a few times surprised, “Are you sure? What will Betsy say? Those charges?”

“She doesn’t look at the finances. And even if she did, it doesn’t matter. I’m helping out a friend. Leave your car here.”

“Why?”

“Because you don’t want your car recognized at the hotel. Have the studio car pick you up in the morning.

“What about what my mothers says, or the studio?”

He looked at her almost disgusted, “Who cares what your mother thinks. She doesn’t control you. And as long as you show up to work, the studio shouldn’t care.”

“And if they do,” she said meekly.

“Then they can go fuck themselves.”

Judy smiled, amused at is candor, “Easier said than done. But I need to pack. I hope to God my mother is asleep.”

Fortunately, the house was asleep when Gene pulled up. Judy was gone for 15 minutes before she came back out with a large suitcase. When they pulled up to the Beverly Hills hotel, she wrapped her head in a scarf and put on sunglasses as Gene put on his baseball hat. He wasn’t as recognizable as her, not yet anyway, but still wanted to stay incognito.

Judy stayed a distance from the desk as Gene got her a room. He refused help from the bellboy, for privacy reasons, and took her suitcase himself. As they went up the elevator, Gene looked over and noticed a tear sliding down from under her sunglasses. It saddened him so. He didn’t want to leave her like that.

When they got to the room, Judy went straight into the bathroom with a small makeup case. He paced around checking things out a bit. When he passed the bathroom, which was slightly a jar, he heard a bottle rattling. He peeked in and watched as she took something. He figured it was a sleeping pill. That would do her good, tonight at least.

When she returned, she fussed around a bit before grabbing a bottle of champagne from the ice box. Gene made himself comfortable on the couch as he watched her. Mixing alcohol and medication wasn’t the best cocktail under normal circumstances but tonight he would let it slide. It would definitely relax her until she fell asleep. When she handed him a glass, he accepted it. She sat next to him and curled her legs underneath her but remained quiet. They didn’t talk much and she didn’t get sleepy. After she finished her glass, she went about doing little things like unpacking then rearranging things to her liking. She started to go about almost nervously as Gene observed her. A sleeping pill was a sedative, it calmed the nervous system, so why was she acting like this?

Skeptically, Gene got up and went into the bathroom. He went though her bag and the only bottle he saw was Dexedrine. That medication was a ‘pep pill’ used by the studio for their cast and crew. He used them occasionally. They were also used for depression and he assumed Judy had taken it for that reason tonight. He had heard around, confidentially from other friends of hers, that sometimes she took one too many, and that once and a while had an reverse affect on her which made her personality change. Putting the bottle back, he needed to get her calm and to bed.

“Judy, why don’t you go to bed?”

He stepped back into the living room and saw her frantically rummaging through the complimentary records as if she knew what she was looking for. She didn’t have a clue.

Judy sniffled, “I’m not sleepy.”

“Come on, honey, you need some rest.”

He took a hold of her hand and she immediately calmed at his touch, “Stay with me?”

Gene looked down avoiding her eyes a moment, “Go get into your pajamas and I’ll help you go to sleep.”

After she was in pajamas and crawled into bed, she asked Gene to come into the bedroom and turn on the radio. One thing Gene also had learned was Judy despised quiet. She always had a record or radio on, even in her dressing room.

As light jazz softly swooned in the background, Judy tried getting comfortable, “I think you had the right idea calling me Grandma, Genie. My muscles are so sore,” she giggled.

Gene got onto the bed and had her turn so he could massage her shoulders. She didn’t hesitate or question him and relaxed into it right away, “Gene?”

“Hm?”

“Why do you like me - as a person?”

He stopped rubbing for a second and paused thinking, “There’s so many reasons. You only want one?”

He couldn’t see it, but he knew she smiled, “Only one.”

“You’re a breath of fresh air.”

She turned around to face him, intrigued, “What do you mean by that?”

“Because every time I see you, I feel like I can breathe again. This business ain’t easy.”

“Is it only work that makes you feel like you can’t breathe?”

For a moment they stared deep in each others eyes. She had told him more about her personal issues than he had told her, but she did know he wasn’t exactly happy in his marriage.

“No, it’s not only work,” he said as he had her turn back around and continued with her massage.

“Gene,” she asked again softly.

“Hm?”

“Why do you think I’m a breath of fresh air?”

“You just are. You’re personality, your energy, your smile, your laugh, especially your laugh…I just adore you is all.”

After a moment, he heard her sob again, before she murmured, “At least someone does.”

He immediately turned her back to face him and put his hands on her cheeks, “Judy, do you know how many people adore you? Sweetheart, open your eyes. You are loved by so many people.”

“I meant by a man.”

Gene chuckled, “Now you’re just fishing.”

“They ‘love’ Judy Garland, Gene, not me, not Frances Gumm.”

His smile faded at her seriousness understanding now,“Well, I do. I love you for you, not your name.”

“I know you do. That’s why I trust you so much.”

She put her hand in his and sensually rubbed his skin with her thumb before she looked up at him with those big, brown eyes.

“I adore you, too.”

He couldn’t break her stare as she leaned in and kissed him. She didn’t even give him a chance to pull back before she got up on her knees wrapping her arms around his neck pushing her tongue against his. For a moment he accepted, and embraced her, passionately kissing her back. When his tongued slid into her welcoming one, she pulled him back so they could lay down together. But Gene immediately grabbed her arms and pulled back breaking their kiss. It was no secret to himself that he would make love to her if their lives were under different circumstances, but right now he didn’t want to upset her. In such a sensitive state, he didn’t want make her go into a panic, so he kissed her cheek to smooth the rejection.

“Judy, I’ll stay with you, but only until you fall asleep, alright?” She just stared at him blankly. He laid her down and covered her up affectionately, “I want you to be well.”

“Will you lay down next to me?”

He hesitated a second before he nodded and layed down on the covers next to her.

Gene groaned pleasurably, his own moan waking him up. He opened his eyes and the room was dark except for the light glow of a lamp in the living room. He was disoriented a moment, remembering where he was, but when he felt pleasurable tingles rise up his groin and felt movement, he knew exactly where he was.

Suddenly her body was snuggled up next to him and he felt her deep kisses along his neck as her hand continued to arouse him, sensually moving up and down, then with little twists. ‘She knew hot to give a hand job,’ he quickly thought, as he suddenly felt his hard-on twitch in her hand. No, it wasn’t right. Trying to move her off of him, she fought him and kissed his lips as her hand became faster.

“We both want this.”

Her voice sounded so innocent, yet so seductive, at the same time. Gene tried to swallow his groan as he felt as hard as he could be. The pressure was unbearable yet so erotically stimulating. Judy let go of him and looped a leg over his torso. Straddling him, she kissed him passionately all the while teasingly gliding her hips against his. Gene gave in a moment, as his hands got lost in her hair, pushing her head closer to his as their tongues mated again. But when his lower lip smacked back from hers, he gently pushed her back away from his mouth once again.

His voice was breathless but stern, “Judy, no. We can’t do this.”

When he put his hands on her sides to lift her off of him he realized she was naked. As he went to lift her off, she grabbed him and lifted her hips sliding down onto him in one swift move.

Suddenly Gene became still. He didn’t know how to react. How could something so very wrong feel so fucking good? And it wasn’t just the sex, it was that it was her. *She* felt so good. Judy braced her hands against his chest and glided back and forth on him smoothly at a steady pace. She was so warm, so tight and silky. And it was her, it was Judy. He just laid there in a bit of passionate shock until she brought his hands up to her breasts.

“Touch me.”

He complied and when he felt her full breasts, he started to get into it more, losing his restraint slowly. Feeling her hardened peaks, he felt another shot of pleasure hit his cock, and he quietly groaned. As his thumbs teased her, she groaned. That whimper from her lips did something to him, he felt his heart melt and his libido lost all self control. He practically growled as he hurriedly flipped her over onto her back staying inside of her. Judy moaned desperately as her back fell against the mattress.

Gene wasted no time and let his body take over as he moved against her in long, rough strokes. Her head sunk deep into the pillow as he was the one that passionately kissed her now. She grabbed the skin on his muscled back and pulled him closer with each matched thrust. Their sounds were parallel as their bodies tensed up. Gene wanted to get deeper inside of her, to climb inside, she was making him feel heavenly. When her body started to tighten, Gene pulled back, getting up on his knees and braced his hands on her hips wanting to make her feel as good as he was. He felt all the veins about to pop in his body as her whimpers became more intense with each thrust. He couldn’t really see her but he heard her hands hit the head board before her body started milking him wildly. After a few more thrusts Gene let out a deep, and desperate groan, before quickly pulling his body from hers, releasing on her tummy.

The clock read 4:30 am when Gene woke up. He looked next to him and Judy was peacefully sleeping, and thankfully wearing her pajamas again. He was fully dressed too except his trousers were still undone. Gene sighed and got up. After getting washed up a bit, he went back to wake up Judy for work. Before he shook her, he saw the empty champagne bottle laying on its side on the vanity. She must’ve drank the whole bottle when he fell asleep. She had been drunk.

Drunk. Desperate. Vulnerable. Medicated.

Rubbing his hand over his face, Gene sighed and looked back over at her.

Shit.

Getting up some courage, he woke her up, “Judy, Judes, wake up.”

“Hm?” She squinted looking at him, “Gene, what are you doing here?”

Yep, just as Gene expected.

“Honey, I brought you to the hotel. You were upset remember? I fell asleep. I’ll make you some tea. We gotta go to work. Do you want to get ready here or at the studio?”

“What time is it?”

“4:30.”

“When I get to the studio, I’ll just take a quick shower in my trailer.” She sat up swinging her legs over the bed and immediately held onto the sides of the mattress, “Oh my gosh, ok, hold on I’m spinning.”

“Just take it easy. You drank a little too much champagne last night. I’ll get some tea started.”

He walked the door but stopped when she responded quizzically, “I did?”

“A whole bottle too much,” he nodded towards the bottle and slightly smiled before he walked out so she could get ready to go.

The two discussed their upcoming scenes for work as they drove to the studio, but spoke of nothing else. When they pulled into the east gate of MGM, Judy finally spoke up about the previous night.

“Gene, are you ok with what happened last night?”

Gene accidentally hit his breaks to hard as they stopped behind a line of cars at the guard gate. He looked at her surprised, “What do you mean by that?”

Judy shrugged, “The way I acted. I was having a bad night and I had too much champagne and…”

Gene waited…

“...I kissed you.”

Gene was whistled by the guard to pull up which he did. Seeing Judy, the guard waved them by without asking for ID’s.

She went on, “I’m sorry about that, if it made you uncomfortable.”

Gene chuckled, “Judy, never be sorry for kissing me, and no it did not make me uncomfortable. You remember that?”

“Yeah. I remember you stopping me.”

“I want you to know, I didn’t stop you because I didn’t enjoy it. I…look, Judy just, let’s just have a good day at work, alright?”

Judy nodded and smiled friendly, but furrowed her eyebrows at his sudden anxiety.

The two did a quick rehearsal of their ‘Ballin The Jack’ number marking the steps with lighting before the cameras started rolling.

“Anddddd Action!”

When Buzz yelled, Gene and Judy started their scene and marched onto the stage and started their number. Judy’s body had the steps down without her even having to think or focus on it, lucky for her because her mind was elsewhere. She was smiling but she fell into a day dream and started remembering things from last night. Slowly, flashes of her and Gene sleeping together, and how it felt, came flooding to her mind. As she started to realize they had sex, her steps started faltering.

Still moving, she looked at Gene almost horrified, shocked. Gene looked at her confused at first, but when he saw her angry eyes, his steps faltered as well and he knew she remembered.

“Cut!”

They both stopped and stared at each other.

“What the hell are you two doing?! Focus, focus!”

Judy ignored her director and turned walking off stage.

“Judy! Where are you going?! JUDY”

Gene then started to walk off himself and put his finger up to Buzz telling him to give them a minute.  

As Gene walked towards Judy’s dressing room, she was standing in the doorway holding the doorknob waiting for him. He felt his stomach turn as he walked past her. When the door slammed behind him, his eyes shut.

“I am going to ask you one question,” Gene nodded waiting but didn’t turn around to look at her, “Did we…”

She didn’t even have to ask the rest before Gene quickly answered, “Yes.”

When he heard her voice quiver with an embarrassed whimper he turned around, “Judy.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I was going to. I just didn’t know when or how to tell you. You didn’t remember this morning. It was a…,” he suddenly got defensive, “I didn’t take advantage of you, Judy.”

“No, I remember. I’m the one who seduced you. I got drunk and I forced you.”

“Oh, Christ,” he shouted not wanting her to think that either, “You didn’t force me. You may have started it but believe me, I finished us off.”

Her cheeks turned red.

“You should have still told me. Don’t you think I deserved to know what we did?”

“After how you were last night, you were so depressed, I didn’t want anything to upset you again. I figured you’d end up remembering, I just didn’t expect it to be while filming.”

He was now the one to blush.

“Did you know I was drunk?”

“No, not until this morning, but in your own defense you wanted us to make love before you drank most of that bottle.”

Judy turned around crossing her arms almost ashamed and corrected him, “We didn’t make love.”

“No, I guess not,” he said, looking down, his hands in his pockets.

She sat in her make up chair and looked at him through the reflection. He looked at her back, both with a bit of a blank stare.

“Are you embarrassed?”

“No. Just a little disappointed that I don’t remember it as much as I should.”

“What do you remember,” he asked and she swore she saw a little twinkle in his eye.

Judy smiled, feeling a little flushed, as she looked away from his eyes, “I remember feeling good,” she looked up at him now with her own sparkle, “Do you think I felt good?”

There was that innocent, yet seductive, voice again. Gene felt his arousal stir and he quickly sat down on the daybed for composure.

“Judging by how you sounded, and what I felt, you felt very good.”

“You’re blushing,” she said clearly amused.

“Well, you don’t make it easy for me not to blush,” he said laughing.

“Do you regret being with me?”

“I regret that our first time together happened that way. It wasn’t how I had pictured I. It was dark and quick. I didn’t even get to see you. That’s not how I think of you, Judy.”

“You thought about it before?”

“Yes.”

Judy suddenly felt so relieved and he could tell from he expression she had the same previous thoughts.

“You’ve thought about it, too?”

She bit her bottom lip becoming brave, “I’ve wanted you since we started working together.”

“So it wasn’t just the champagne,” he joked.

She giggled, “No.”

Judy got up and walked a few steps to him. He sat up straight, his eyes wide in awareness, as she she sat on his lap. He suddenly felt like he would be violating her if he touched her as freely as she was with him.

“Darling, don’t be nervous, it’s only me,” she said seeing his hesitation.

Gene held her close and buried his face in her neck, “I tried denying my attraction towards you, my feelings for you, but I don’t think I want to anymore, honey.”

“Good, then we’re on the same page, Grandpa.”

She felt Gene’s muffled chuckle against her skin before he pulled back to look up at her. They both smiled sweetly before giving each other a soft kiss on the lips. A knock from the assistant director broke their moment, startling them both.

“Ms. Garland, Mr. Kelly?”

“Yeah, we’re coming!” Gene took her hand and kissed it. “Come on.”

As they stood up, Judy tightened her hand on his so he’d top and look at her, “Gene?”

“Hm?”

“I want to try it again.”

Gene bit his bottom lip a moment before placing his hands on her hips drawing her into him, “Well, you have the hotel for a week.”

Judy nodded at his confirmation and gained the courage to be sexy, but remained playful, “And this time you’ll be able to see me.”

Just the thought of it left Gene weak and he suddenly pulled back, “Let’s get this scene done like the pro’s that we are and then we can spend the evening together. I’ll make an excuse to Betsy.”

It was at that moment they both knew whatever happening to them was going to get serious.

[sanguinecharm]

“  does such a thing as the fatal flaw, that showy dark crack running down the middle of a life, exist outside literature ? i used to think it didn't. now i think it does. and i think that mine is this: a morbid longing for the picturesque at all costs. ”  

                                                                                      —�� the secret history , donna tartt

ooc introduction ;

hello hi there ! my name is shannon , i use she / they pronouns && i’m from the not-so-good old united kingdom : and this is my trademark morally questionable son of a bitch , florence villiers-whiteley ! the moment i saw a ‘ murdered their partner for money & for their true love ’ concept i was basically like * eminem voice * THIS LOOKS LIKE A JOB FOR ME so i hope you love her as much as i do.

aesthetics ;

getaway cars , lists with names underlined & the dazzling milieu of company she never dreamed of ; blood money counted into the bank and onto the dresser , the sound of it scarcely reminding her of what she has done . the co-existing dark and light academia ; shining eyes and a retained ambition to be what her teenage self pleaded she’d become , but knowing that innocence is lost . but there was no blood , so she is spared of being lady macbeth scrubbing her hands clean .

silk-kissed skin and the adoration of her true beloved ; a secret buried six feet under , but the ever-present knowledge regardless : it is only certain that three can keep a secret when two of them are dead , but oh . . . she still has love and a beating heart . some women are not made to be mothers , and some women are not made to be daughters : she was not made to be either . look like the innocent flower , but be the serpent under’t .

reputation by taylor swift. lay all your love on me && money, money, money by ABBA. the secret history by donna tartt. sharp objects by gillian flynn. anna karenina by leo tolstoy. eternal sunshine of the spotless mind ( 2004 ) dir. michael gondry. townie by mitski. sweet but psycho by ava max. 

basics ;

NAME : Florence Cordelia Villiers-Whiteley

NAME MEANING : “blossoming” / “daughter of the sea god”

AGE : Forty ( born 21 March , 1980 — Elmerton , Florida )

GENDER : Female ( cisgender )

ORIENTATIONS : Bisexual && biromantic ( moderate preference for women )

RELATIONSHIP STATUS : Engaged ( previously widowed )

CURRENT RESIDENCE : Elmerton , Florida

NATIONALITY : American-British

LANGUAGES SPOKEN : English && French && Italian && Russian && German

OCCUPATION : Boutique owner , fashion designer , mother

TIME IN ELMERTON : Forty years ( whole life. )

personality ;

florence villiers-whiteley is an idyllic picture of a woman. always has been. 

even when she was struggling she’d never admitted it : it is often those with the most to hide that curate themselves like this , but those envious of their station rarely consider this. since she’s got her hands on her late husband’s fortune & connections — ah, the power of sympathy — and made a success of the boutique , she uses her comfort to do as she would be expected to : aid the community where needed , donate to charities her husband cared for , etcetera . . . 

it’s frighteningly easy to hide behind a smiling face. 

MBTI : ENTJ-A ( The Commander ) — 68% Extraverted && 62% Intuitive && 81% Thinking && 64% Judging && 74% Assertive .

ENNEAGRAM : Eight , with a Seven wing

ASTROLOGICAL PLACEMENTS : Aries sun && Gemini moon && Sagittarius rising

HOGWARTS HOUSE : Slytherin

MORAL ALIGNMENT : Neutral Evil

THEME SONG : Lay All Your Love On Me by ABBA

LANGUAGE OF LOVE : Receiving Gifts 

RELIGIOUS BELIEFS : Atheist

appearance ;

it’s often noted that she resembles her british father , who abandoned his homeland to be with his first wife : not florence’s mother , it must be noted. the whiteleys have a way of ending up in a handful of marriages , which is humorously put down to descent from one henry viii ( through a bastard line , albeit , but . . . )

FACECLAIM : Keira Knightley

HEIGHT : 5 ft 10 in

HAIR COLOUR : Brown

EYE COLOUR : Brown

COMPLEXION : Fair

FASHION : Highly variant.

familial ;

MOTHER : Brooklyn Whiteley née Davis

FATHER : Philip Whiteley

SIBLINGS : Francis Whiteley ( elder brother , 43 ) ; Diana Whiteley ( younger sister , 30 )

PAST PARTNERS : Roman Villiers ( m. 2002 , died 2014 )

CHILDREN : Georgiana Villiers-Whiteley ( age 7 )

reference ;

SUBPLOT #1 ( muse BB ) : What I Did For Love ( I would give my soul for someone to bring the other half of the secretive duo and make it the sapphic ship of my dreams. Or just my unconditional love and support , whichever one you want. )

SUBPLOT #2 ( muse AN ) : The Devils Wear Prada… And Occasional Chanel ( Florence has a fashion frenemy ; don’t step too far in insulting them , because that’s her prerogative. Britney Spears pun intended. )

[iammarriedtomothman]

Do it for... Scarafaggio X Reader fic

I’m a huge Gio stan and with the encouragement of the server, I’m posting my first ficlet based on a conversation we had about Gio Thank to @pastelnacht for the additional dialogue

(Scarafaggio is the Italian don in the conglomerate) 

He heard her well before she slammed her body through the doors of the smoking lounge.

After she had moved into the estate, Gio had told her that she didn’t need to work anymore if she didn't want to, that his fortune alone would keep her happy for 30 lifetimes. But she loved her job, and so she kept her job at the nearby college.

But, like any job will inevitably have, Y/N had a bad day at work, which she unwound from by drinking with her friends and really anyone in the estate who would drink with her.

The problem was, his sweet little moon was a lightweight, 2 glasses of wine would have her draped over Bajo like a blanket.

So here she was, barging down the door of the smoking room, causing Cia and Zhuk’s head to snap up when she shouted “GIO!”

Y/N strutted drunkenly over to him, still holding her half finished old fashioned, and slumped into his lap. “Do you know why I do it baby?” She slurred, swinging an arm around his neck “I do it for you baby”

Oh she was drunk drunk, he chuckled, wanting to amuse his pretty little moon

“Oh really? You mean the job you in no way have to have? I think the others call me your ‘sugar daddy’ is that right?” He chuckled and kissed her forehead

“Yes! We gonna make it baby!” She exclaimed, leaning back into his arms “Imma get us a studio apartment in the city!” she was starting to cry

She reached into her pocket of her shorts, pulling out...money? Honestly Gio hadn’t dealt with actual money in so long, having dealt with crypto-currency, online banking transfers and the barter system.

She pulled out a few crumpled ones and threw it at him. “Get yourself something nice baby i’m takin you to Olive Garden!”

He bristled at the action, olive garden, peasant money? He watched her get up and waltzed out of the room “gonna treat you right baby”

“Okay” he laughed and returned to his smoking

Zuck looked up at him, smirking “She certainly is different than the breathers you normally bring to the estate”

“She certainly is but, I’m not sure what you’re implying” Gio responded, looking curiously over at the Russian

“Well” Cia spoke up “The breathers you normally would bring would be selfish, take your money and leave, honestly we all thought you just had horrible taste in breathers”

“But Y/N is different” Zhuk cut in

“Yeah, we don’t hate her, we actually really really adore her” Cia shot back

Gio sighed “My friends, it’s taken me awhile to realize this but… for a long time I guess I was bringing home shallow and bad lovers to prove a point to you all, subconsciously I guess. That humans and breathers were flawed and evil. But, you showed me the good in the world and then, Y/N.” He smiled and looked down in his lap, her wadded one still laying there “She’s my sunshine, I can see the good in humanity through her. Her passion for her work, the fact she still wants to work, the excitement she shares made me realize what I was doing.”

He chuckled, knowing a blush would have been forming on his face if we were still able as his friends shot him knowing looks. He picked up his drink and swirled it slowly, lifting it to his face “My friends, I'm not used to being wrong, but this is a welcomed exception” before taking a sip, still smiling.

She later came to him, after she had sobered up the next morning. “Hey Gio?” She asked

“Yes my love?” he responded, looking up from his paper

She walked over to him, gently sitting down on his lap, “I just want to say, I do in fact, do  it all for you, even though I don’t have to, you get me through the day. I want to share my knowledge with the world and i’m so grateful I have you to come home too and have you support me through it”

She kissed him softly on the lips

“And never agree to let me take you to Olive Garden, we’re classier than that, we go to Red Lobster”