#that fic was very much meant to feel like a big ol warm hug so im overjoyed it fulfilled its purpose :’3

[twentyfivemiceinatrenchcoat]

your knight sugu fanfic made me cry! I had a horrible week and reading that fanfic was like a warm hug to my soul (╥﹏╥)

AAAAA SWEET ANON 😭😭🥺🥺🥺 i’m wiping ur tears away soso gently…… I FEEL SO WARM KNOWING MY FIC COULD CHEER U UP and i hope next week treats u sm better 🫂🫂🫂

sending u all my coziest fluffiest vibes!!! tysm for reading T_T always remember that knight!sugu loves u!!!!! <3333

[americasass91]

Baby Fever

Hello lovelies! I hope everyone is well! This little fic is for the amazingly talented @buckyownsmylife​ 2k/Birthday Challenge! Which the theme for it was breeding kink. Which how could I not participate in that? Breeding kink just happens to be one of the biggest kinks I have(and i don��t even want kids, go figure) So I looked through my Masterlist and realized I didn’t have a breeding kink fic with Steve. Well, I can’t say that anymore!

Thank you for hosting this challenge you lovely, beautiful human! And congrats on the 2k!! You deserve that and so much more! I hope everyone enjoys!

Rating: Explicit (duh, it’s a breeding kink fic)

Words: 2.8k

Warnings: breeding kink(again, duh), Professor!Steve(I feel like he’s a warning all by himself, language, age gap, unprotected sex(I mean, it’s kind of implied but I’ll put the warning anyway)

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“How long do we have to stay at this thing?”

You help can’t but roll your eyes at your husband of 4 months. “I told you I’m not sure. It’s my niece’s 1st birthday party. You could’ve stayed home you know.”

Steve pulls up to your sister’s house and parks among the other vehicles in the front yard. “Yeah and give them even more reasons to hate me? No thanks.”

See, Steve wasn’t your family’s favorite person. It all has to do with the fact that he’s 10 years older than you and how you guys met, which was during your freshman year of college. You were the innocent student and he was your history professor.

The attraction was instant and very mutual between you two. But dating students at this particular university was frowned upon and Steve could have lost his job. So, you admired each other from afar….that is until the semester was over. You went to visit him in his office after your last class and he eagerly bent you over his desk and ruined you for any other future man you may have.

Well, that was 6 years ago now. Your family of course didn’t approve and thought he was just taking advantage of a young, naive student. Your mom was the first to come around when she noticed a change in your demeanor and how happy he made you. She talked some sense into your dad and he eventually backed off as well.  

It took until Steve put a ring on your finger for your sister to accept him. Although you know her and her friends still judged you two. You could tell by the looks you guys always got whenever around them. You learned to not let it bother you. Steve was amazing. He was attentive, caring, and he loved you with everything he had. The only flaw he had was that he didn’t want kids.

It almost made you consider not marrying him. You had always wanted kids. But, in the end you realized you wanted Steve for the rest of your life more than a baby. But he did adopt a kitten with you. So it’s a win, win.

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He gets out of the car and grabs the gift out of the trunk. You had gotten her an outfit that says ‘My aunt is cooler than your aunt’ and various toys that she would enjoy. Plus, being the book editor you were, you couldn’t not get her a book. So, you got her the very first Harry Potter book. When Steve saw you wrapping it with a questioning look, you told him it was never too early to start a child’s transition into being a Potterhead.

You skipped excitedly next to Steve as you made your way to the front door. He couldn’t help but chuckle at your enthusiasm. “You excited or something, sweetheart?”

After ringing the doorbell, you turn towards him. “Of course I am! I love my little niece!”

Truth was, you knew you were never going to have a baby of your own. So you poured all of your love and joy for a baby into your niece.

You’re pulled from your thoughts when your brother-in-law, Matt, answers the door.

“Mr. and Mrs. Rogers! Glad you made it! Come on in!” He ushers you 2 inside, helping you both hang your coats up in the hall closet. He then points to the obvious gift table. “You can just set that down there, Steve. And if you’d like, me and a bunch of the other husbands are downstairs in the basement watching the game. You’re more than welcome to join us.”

Steve looks at you, silently asking for permission. You give him a quick pecking the lips. “Go have fun. Just make sure to come back up for food and presents.”

As Steve heads downstairs with Matt, you can’t help but take in all the decorations. Little Miss Lindsey just happens to currently be obsessed with The Little Mermaid. So of course the theme is under the sea. Your sister really went all out. Streamers, balloons, and even mermaid figurines were everywhere. There’s even mermaid confetti on the tables.

You head in search of your sister and the birthday girl, one of which you find in the kitchen. “Hey sis! Need any help?”

Your sister, Rachel, turns from the hot dog sauce she’s stirring on the stove and gives you a big hug. “Oh, thank god you’re here! Can you grab the vegetable tray and potato salad out of the fridge and put them on that table over there?”

“Sure! Where’s Linds?” You ask as you grab the requested items out of the fridge.

Your sister returns to the sauce on the stove. “She’s still napping. I should be getting her up soon. Where’s Steve? He stay home? I know this isn’t really his thing.”

You take the plastic wrap off the potato salad and sit it amongst the smorgasbord of other food on the table. “Of course he’s here. He’s down in the basement with the other men.”

You sister lets out a sigh. “Yeah, I told Matt they could only watch until everybody got here. Ah, shit. I think I hear Lindsey crying.”

“I’ll get her!” Quickly jumping at the chance to see her.

“You sure? That would be great! The outfit I want her to wear is on the changing table. And can you do her hair up in the bow, too?”

“You got it!” You make your way down the hall towards Lindsey’s room, her crying getting louder. You open the door and see her sitting up in her crib. Her crying quiets the moment she sees you. She gets a big ole smile on her face and reaches out for you. “Hi, sweet girl! How is the birthday girl today?” You pick her up and give her a big hug. “How about we get you changed into your party outfit?” She just coos back at you in response.

You push her outfit aside and lay her down on the changing table. Quickly realizing she’s wet, you give her a fresh diaper. She attempts to ‘help’ as you try to change her into her party outfit. Which after it’s on her, she looks like a little mermaid. You quickly brush her hair and pull as much of it as you can into a ponytail on the top of her head and add the matching bow. You stand back a little from her and clap your hands. “What a pretty girl! Are you ready to join your party?” You pick her up and turn around to head out of the room. You’re surprised to see your husband standing in the doorway.

“Hey, I thought you were watching the game?” He shrugs his shoulders and walks towards you two. “I missed you.” He tickles Lindsey’s side, causing her to giggle. “Happy Birthday, little one.” You can’t help but feel your heart warm. That always happens anytime your husband interacts with a baby.

“I was just helping Rachel out by getting her ready. She seemed a little frazzled in the kitchen.” You turn your attention back to Lindsey. “Come on, sweet girl. Let’s go join your mommy in the kitchen!”

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The next hour goes by in a blur. You weren’t really paying attention to anyone else. All of yours on Lindsey. The only food she seemed to want was what was on your plate. You didn’t mind sharing. Then she got to ‘smash’ her cake. Which for Lindsey it meant taking delicate little bites from said cake, mostly of the icing. She did still manage to get it all down the front of her though. But that’s okay, Rachel of course had a back up outfit ready.

You had just polished off your hot dog when Rachel walked back into the room with a now clean Lindsey. Steve grabbed yours and his plates to go dispose of.

Rachel sat on the floor with Lindsey who immediately started crawling towards you. “I think you’re gonna have to join us, sis.”

You can tell it’s hurting Rachel’s feelings a little that Lindsey is so attached to you today. Nevertheless, you join them on the floor, placing Lindsey in your lap. “Ready to open presents, sweet girl?”

Rachel turns to Matt. “Honey, could you start handing out the presents please?”

He nods and goes to grab the first of many presents. He sits it down in front of Lindsey who immediately goes for the tissue paper. She doesn’t even seem to care about the present in the bag. You laugh and try to get her attention on the gift inside.

You look up and see everyone laughing at the birthday girl who only wants the tissue paper. You notice Steve towards the back of the crowd, only he’s not laughing. He’s giving you a look. You’ve seen that look before. It instantly sends a shiver down your spine and makes your panties wet. He wants you.

You try to give him a stern look. He shouldn’t be looking at you like that in the middle of your niece’s party. He puts his hands up in surrender.

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After taking almost 2 hours to open the rest of the gifts, Lindsey was a sleepy girl. You were sitting on the couch with Lindsey cuddled up into your chest. You were gently rocking her back and forth. You look over at your sister who was cleaning up the mess from the presents.

“I can go put her down for a nap, Rach. I don’t mind.”

“Thanks, sis. You seem to be her favorite person today so she’d probably scream if I tried to do it. Matt! Could you get a bottle ready for Lindsey so my sister can put her down for her nap?”

A few minutes later he comes out with the bottle and hands it to you.

You stand up and look over at Steve. “I shouldn’t be too long. Did you want to head out of here after I put her down? I know you still have those papers to grade.”

He nods. “Yeah, if you don’t mind. Thanks, sweetheart.”

You squeeze his bicep as you pass by him. “Of course not. Like I said, this shouldn’t take too long.” You glance at Lindsey and notice she’s having trouble keeping her eyes open.

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Just like you predicted, it only took Lindsey about 15 minutes to fall asleep. You take one last glance at her, your heart tugging a little, knowing you’ll never have one of your own.

You quietly close the door and don’t even take 2 steps before the door across the hall opens to reveal Steve. You look at him in confusion. “Babe? Why are you in the laundry room?”

He doesn’t respond. Instead, he grabs your arm and pulls you into the room with him. He makes sure to shut the door behind him.

“Steve, what are you doing? I thought we were leaving?”

He pushes you to the front of the washing machine and presses himself up against you, immediately making you feel how hard he is. “Need you, baby.” He reaches around and starts undoing your jeans.

You start pushing his hands away and try to turn around. His hold on your waist tightens, stopping you.

“Steve, we are not doing this here. You can wait until we get home.”

You are suddenly pushed until your front is resting on the top of the washing machine, Steve covering his body with yours. He lets out a low growl in your ear. “This” he presses his bulge more firmly against your ass “is your fault. So, you’re going to help me with it.”

You turn your head to the side as he pushes your jeans over the curve of your ass. “Me? What the fuck did I do? I haven’t even really talked to you today. Been with Lindsey all day.”

He fastens his pace in removing his own jeans, only lowering them enough to free his aching cock. He lands a smack to your panty covered ass. “Exactly. Made me so hard watching you with the baby. Made me think what it’d be like if we had one. What you’d look like swelled with my kid. Knew I had to have you.”

You managed to push him back far enough to stand up straight and turn around to face him. “Steve, I’m not going to let you fuck me in my sister’s laundry room.” He launches at you, trapping your body between his and the washing machine. “It’s cute that you think you’re in charge. Now, I’m going to fuck a baby into you. And I can either do that here or I’ll take you out in the living room where everyone is and bend you over there.”

Fuck. These panties are officially fucked. Still, you have questions. “I thought you didn’t want kids, Steve? Plus I’m on the pill.”

His face turns soft for a second. He cups your cheek in his left hand. “I didn’t think I did. But seeing you with her today? Now that’s all I want, all I can think about. You with our baby. You’d be the best mother. And you’ll just stop taking your pill. Starting today. We’ll keep trying until it takes. Is this something you’re even still wanting?”

You grab onto his wrist and push your cheek against his palm. “Of course it is.” You turn back around and bend over the washer. You lower your panties to your knees and shake your ass in his direction. “Well? What are you waiting for? Fuck a baby into me, Steve.”

He growls and closes the distance between you. He grabs the base of his cock and rubs the tip through your dripping folds. “Don’t have time to stretch you out first, sweetheart. And I’m really worked up, so this will probably be quick.”

You push back against him, eager to get him inside you already. “Don’t care. Just please, fuck me Professor Rogers.” You knew that’d get him.

“Fuck.” Is the only warning you get before he buries himself in you to the hilt. He just gets his hand over your mouth before your moan escapes your throat.

He only gives you a second to adjust to his size before he starts a bruising pace. After a few thrusts, he removes his hand from your mouth and smacks your ass. He feels you clench around him. “Yeah? You like when your professor fucks you?”

You quickly nod your head. “Yeah. You fuck me so good. Need your cum. Need you to fill me up.”

Steve quickens his pace even more if that’s possible. He moves his left hand off your hip and moves it around you to find your clit. He presses quick circles against it. “Need you to cum first, sweetheart. Need to feel you squeeze me.”

You start pushing back to meet his thrusts. You can feel the coil inside you ready to snap. You just need a little something more.

Steve leans over you and starts pressing kisses up your spine, his pace never faltering. Once he reaches your shoulder, he bites down lightly. He moves his mouth next to your ear. “Come on, sweetheart. Cum for your professor. Then I’ll fill you up nice and full, get you pregnant. Cum for me, Y/N.”

You press your face into the crook of your elbow to muffle your scream as you cum undone on his cock. Your orgasm triggers his. He cums with a quiet shout as he fills you full of his spend, some of it leaking out around him. He gives a few more shallow thrusts before stopping and catching his breath.

He rubs his hands up and down your back. “You okay? I didn’t hurt you did I?”

You turn your head so you can look at him. “Mmm, i’m great.” You can’t help but let out a little giggle, feeling drunk on sex.

Steve smiles down at you and moves his hand until it’s resting on your lower stomach. “I hope it worked.” He slowly pulls out and watches as his cum starts leaking out of your pussy. He quickly scoops it up and pushes it back inside, causing a whimper to escape your lips. “Sorry, sweetheart. Can’t let any of it go to waste.”

Once he’s sure he’s got it all, he quickly pulls your panties back into place. He stands you up and turns you around to press a sweet kiss to your lips. “I love you so much, thank you for being mine.”

You give him a big smile. “I love you, too. And thank you for picking me.” You bend down to pull up your jeans, Steve mirroring your actions. Once you’re both redressed, you wrap your arms around his neck and press a firm kiss to his lips.

“Now, let’s hurry up and get home. Want you to fill me up again.” You give him a wink and turn to head out the door. “You coming?”

He smirks as he starts following you out. “Oh, I will be.”

Taglist: @stargazingfangirl18​ @drabblewithfrannybarnes​ @harrysthiccthighss​ @lllols @patzammit​ @quxxnxfhxll​ @bluemusickid​ @wanderinglunarnights​ 

Steve Taglist: @donutloverxo

[imaginethathaikyuu]

tis the damn season

atsumu miya x fem reader 

the first fic in a series i like to call “Me Writing Whatever The Hell I Want” (a working title) hope u like it or dont idk im not ur boss!!!!!!!!!!

synopsis: Running away was easy when you were chasing hazy dreams of a big city that was destined to be yours, when your rear-view mirror showed nothing but your hole in the wall hometown. But now it’s all waiting tables and failing auditions. You were still running, but somehow, these winding roads always lead you back to Miya Atsumu - a man you’ve loved and left, until you return home for the holidays. 

tags: friends to lovers, exes to lovers, angst without a happy ending, established pre-relationship, friends with benefits, reader lives in Undisclosed Big City lmao who has celebrity dreams, atsumu is ur good ole southern boy (sort of), canon divergent, not edited, light nsfw, beginnings of sex but isn’t very detailed 

word count: 4220

song inspo  (tis the damn season by taylor swift)

-

i won’t ask you to wait if you don’t ask me to stay… 

. . . 

The soundtrack of this early morning replayed in your head as you made a hazy drive to the neighborhood’s hardware store, cutting left onto the correct street and forcing the car’s back tire over the curb you couldn’t miss. 

The replay of events looping in your mind? A whirring, then a splashing, then your father’s booming voice shouting curse words at anyone who could hear them. Your name was laced in there somewhere with demands for you to get to the kitchen, and you couldn’t tumble down the stairs fast enough to see what in the hell was going on. 

It was your first day home for the holidays, and already it was a catastrophe. 

Somehow your dad had busted a pipe underneath the kitchen sink and a strong stream of water was spraying halfway across the room because of it - your feet landed in a shallow pool when you finally reached the first floor. You didn’t have time to think of any questions before the man at fault, who was on his knees with his head hidden under the sink relentlessly trying to turn the water off, sent you out the door with more shouts, telling you to go to Miya’s Hardware and buy… something. 

“A connector?” You were talking to yourself, thinking out loud as you finally parked, but it didn’t help you remember. All you could do was walk inside the store and hope someone knew what you needed. 

It’d been years since you had been in this shop, but it looked just the same as when you were following your dad through its isles. You didn’t even bother browsing now, though - you went straight to the back of the store to the counter, expecting to see a familiar, perhaps older, face eager to help you. 

That isn’t what you found. 

“Well, hey stranger.” 

That voice rang in your ears like you’d just heard it through a megaphone pointed directly at you. Something about it was so warm, but it left you with a shiver down your spine and goosebump ridden skin. You could feel the hair on the back of your neck standing up, and you hadn’t even turned in the direction the words came from. 

But you didn’t have to look in order to know just who it was. “Atsumu.” 

“What in the hell are you doing back in town?” His voice rang with excited confusion; it carried the same inflection as anyone who’s happy to see you. Like nearly forgotten family members at a reunion before it all goes to hell, or the way the tone of your father’s voice changes when you tell him you’re doing well and mean it. People don’t speak that way often. 

He pulled you in for a hug and you gladly reciprocated, already forgetting that you were supposed to be in a hurry. 

“Home for the holidays. How have you been?”

“I’ve been alright,” he replied. “I’ve missed you.” 

His voice felt more like home than your four bedroom walls did, the charming drawl and depth in his words immediately reeling you in. It was familiar. You had spent a long time trying to forget about that familiarity; too long learning how to straighten out your words and lose any hint of the small town you came from. But Atsumu - he sounded like the epitome of this place. 

He didn’t give you time to reply, for one reason or another; instead he decided to push you back by your shoulders and get a good look at you. Up and down and up again, likely noticing every change you had made to your appearance in your time away. 

“Are you still wearing your pajamas, or is this a new… trend?” 

You looked down at yourself, “Shit,” and closed your jacket tight over the old graphic t-shirt you wore, but nothing could cover your pink polka-dotted pants. And you’d have been hit in the face with embarrassment if the image of your dad and the broken sink and a flooded kitchen didn’t smack you first. “Shit, no, um… I need something to fix a broken sink. Are you… do you work here now?” 

“I do - and you’re gonna need to be more specific.” 

“I don’t know, Atsumu,” you laughed, slowly realizing the bizarreness of what you were about to tell him. “I woke up to my dad shouting and water shooting out from under the sink, literally flooding the kitchen. He told me to get a part for the pipe… a connector, or a couple, or something - I don’t know.” 

“...A coupler?” 

“Yes!” 

“...He didn’t happen to tell you what size to get, did he?” 

The look on your face must have been a good enough answer for him, because he took off into a random aisle and left you wondering just how many sizes of couplers there could be. 

“This one will probably do the job,” he said as his path rounded the counter. “If it doesn’t, then, I can ignore the return policy for you. Just this once, though.” 

“Thanks, ‘Tsumu.” You made your payment and he slid your product over the counter as his elbows landed on it, leaning down to make himself comfortable. Like he thought he’d be there awhile. 

“How long are you gonna be in town?” 

“Two weeks. Why do you ask?” You knew why - you just wanted to hear him say it. 

“We should catch up.” 

He was grinning and shrugging and fidgeting with his fingers, just like he always did, and you would never turn down any offer he made you. 

“We should. I’ve got to get home, but are you free tonight?” 

“We close at six,” he said. “I’ll pick you up at seven.” 

“I’ll be looking forward to it,” you said, meaning every word. You wondered if he knew that. 

“So will I,” he replied, and then you made your way out before you convinced yourself to stay. 

It’d been three years since you last spoke to Atsumu. In that time, you had done a lot that felt like nothing, living in a different city that felt worlds bigger than this town - that city was a place you had once convinced yourself was all yours. You had pulled off running away effortlessly. 

But it didn’t matter how much time goes by between your meetings with Atsumu. There was something there that you could never shake, the hold you had on each other was anchor tight. Ten years could pass and you would speak to each other like it had only been one day. You’d have world ending fights and one of you would always come crawling back, letting the other win as long as it meant things would go back to normal. 

You couldn’t describe it. You never tried, you didn’t need to. The unspoken acts between the two of you didn’t need to be explained. It was something akin to a best friend with all the benefits included and most of the strings attached - confusing and nerve wracking but still so comforting. 

Atsumu was the closest thing to home you had in this town, and somehow every road always leads back to him. With a few detours on your part, of course, because you just couldn’t stay away too long. Even moving across the country didn’t change that - not like you thought it would. 

You just barely missed the turn into your driveway, being so distracted by your thoughts. So much was rushing back, so much that shouldn’t be - it isn’t a big deal, it’s just Atsumu, but it felt grand, like this was some massive reunion. 

But it wasn’t. You were only here to celebrate Christmas with your family. You weren’t even planning on seeing Atsumu, let alone meeting up with him or rekindling any kind of flame that was once there. 

And it was such a rush that you couldn’t even question why he was working at his father’s store - or why he was even in this town at all. What happened to the dreams he was chasing? 

For what felt like the first time in your life, you had questions for him. But you’d have to wait all day to ask them. 

. . .

You were thankful to come home to a dry floor and a calmer father - he finally figured out how to turn the water off and decided to fix the pipe later. You knew he’d inevitably be paying someone more qualified to repair it, but your mind had no space for that problem. 

You were still trying to figure out how you’d meander the night with Atsumu by the time he was picking you up, and when the two of you arrived at his home you still hadn’t found your answer. 

Easing into this would be best, and once alcohol was introduced to the equation it would turn into a slippery slope. 

Nothing was hard with Atsumu. You knew that - that’s why you couldn’t figure out why you were having such a hard time talking to him. 

A lot had changed. Not between the two of you, not exactly. You were right back where you were three years ago: on his couch, sitting too close to him, laughing at something he had said that was only funny because he said it. 

But your lives had changed. Your worlds had changed. His mind had very obviously changed, and because of it all, you couldn’t keep pretending that the two of you were teenagers again. 

You had to bite the bullet and ask the question that was on your mind, completely knowing that he could throw a hard hitting question back at you.

It came out more effortlessly and lighthearted than you expected. “So… what happened to playing volleyball?”

Atsumu scoffed. “You still remember that pipe dream? Nothing happened, it was just childish.” 

You didn’t like his answer, so you pressed him. You worked up the courage to start this conversation, so you were going to get to the bottom of things. “You said you wanted to catch up - I know you, Atsumu. You get what you want and you wanted to play volleyball. You were going to be a pro, you were good.” 

“I know you know me,” he said, and the smirk on his lips didn’t go unnoticed by you. “I wanted to get drunk and chat, not start up a fucking therapy session.” 

You sat patient and waiting, eyes on him, refusing to go without the answer to your question. You were teasing, really, eyeing him up and grinning as you watched him struggle. The problem was: you didn’t expect the answer you’d get. 

“I - I had the chance.” There was a scratch in his throat that wasn’t caused by the whiskey he’d just swallowed. “I was being scouted and playing my ass off and there were talks of being on an Olympic team one day, but… shit happens, and that’s it.” 

“What shit, Atsumu? You didn’t just give up, did you? Were you scared or something?” 

You didn’t realize how close you were to him until his hand came down to rest on your knee, and both of you focused on that touch as his next thoughts became words. “Dad got sick. And ‘Samu had just opened the restaurant, and… there were bills to pay and the store to run. Even though I wasn’t his preference, Dad had no choice and left the legacy of Miya’s Hardware to me, so - that’s where I am.” 

“Oh. I… I had no idea - I’m so sorry.” 

“It’s fine. You were already long gone by then - don’t say sorry.” 

“I’m sorry,” you said, and you hugged him without thinking, but he hugged you back all the same. “I’m sorry, ‘Tsumu.” 

“It’s okay,” he told you, but you didn’t feel okay. You were sure he didn’t, either. “It’s not your fault.” 

You pulled away from him just enough to look at his face, and you hadn’t noticed the distance in his eyes until just then. As you looked at him, you realized it was only familiar to now. It wasn’t there years ago, when you got to look into those eyes every day. 

“I should’ve been there for you.” 

“Don’t worry about it,” he said, but his words were dangling on an edge. He didn’t quite mean them. “You were off in your own dream. I got through it.” 

You only nodded. You weren’t sure what else to say after that. 

As Atsumu sat back against the couch, he brought you with him, tucking you under his arm against his chest. His lips on your forehead made you close your eyes and for a second, it was like you were both nineteen again. You could’ve been, if time would only slow down or freeze or go back - what wouldn’t you give for that? 

“I’m done talking about me,” he mumbled. “I wanna hear about your life now.” 

You laughed, but quiet, “My life’s been fine.”

“Only fine?” 

“You don’t see me on the big screen, do you?” 

He laughed this time. “Not yet. One day, though. Have you gotten used to the city yet?” 

“Oh… I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it, but… it does feel like home now. It’s so different from living here.” 

“I bet.” 

“I try not to romanticize it, but - I don’t know. It feels good, even if it’s not what I thought it’d be. The lights are pretty bright. Blinding compared to here.” 

His response was a nod, and that was it. If he had any questions or comments, he held them back. 

A break in the silence came soon, though. “You know,” he said, quiet, with a small laugh that was humorless, “I’m not as good at getting what I want as you think I am.” 

“That’s not true,” you replied, and you were setting up an argument you weren’t ready to make. “You got me.” 

“Did I?” 

“What do you mean?” 

Silence lingered, and after too long you sat up and looked at him, and that got him to talk. 

“Nothing,” he insisted. He pulled you closer with two fingers holding your chin, and you didn’t resist. “Nothing, baby. Let’s just… just be quiet for a while.” 

There wasn’t time for you to say anything else. His lips were on yours the moment he got his last word out. And even though you expected him to kiss you, it still made you gasp. 

You couldn’t describe how much you missed kissing someone you wanted to, and Astumu’s kiss was like finding home. His lips were like candy, sweeter than sugar; his bite was a freezing shock that always pulled a giggle and a whisper of his name out of you. He knew how to kiss you, slow and deep with a hand on your jaw to keep you there, never leaving you wanting more because he gave everything you could ever need. 

It didn’t take long for his kisses to trail down your neck, or for his shirt to come off, or for your back to land on the couch. You had already reached euphoria just seeing him hovering over you, eyes soft and hair askew; you didn’t need anything but this. You’d never want anything but this. 

You did what you always did - trailed your hand down his torso, over his golden skin, stopping just after every freckle or scar or mark. This time, you were looking for something new. You didn’t find anything. You didn’t stop until your hand landed on his waist, and there, you squeezed - 

“Stop, you little shit,” and he laughed, right along with you. A real and genuine laugh - you hadn’t heard that song in a long time. “Why do you always do that?” 

Finally he moved down to press his chest against yours, his hips locking in place between your legs. A perfect combination. 

“Why do you always give me the chance?” You were still laughing, not able to get over the cute sight. Atsumu was always so ticklish there, right on his waist, and when you made that discovery you swore you’d never forget it. And he sure as hell wished you would have. “You’re so cute. I’ve missed that smile.” 

“I’ve missed you,” he replied. Somehow you just knew that he meant it. 

“Don’t. I’m here.” 

“You’re here,” he repeated. Like he was reassuring himself. 

You took the initiative to unbutton your shirt yourself, so that there was no way for him to think that you wanted this to stop there. It couldn’t, not when you had him this close. And his eyes followed the popping buttons like stalking prey. 

“And you’re still the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen. Fucking hell.” 

You cringed - you couldn’t help the feeling in your gut when he gave you those sweet words. You knew he meant them in some way; you knew Atsumu wouldn’t lie to you. He’s never told you anything just for the sake of it. But how many times, in the last three years, had someone done just that? Told you just what you wanted to hear so they could get inside you? It was vile the first time. The second, it made you ache. But now, you’re used to it. Nobody means what they say. You’re used to it. 

And Atsumu could snatch up any girl he wanted. A girl who’s used to blinding lights and expensive wine and lying - or a girl who would stay with him, who wouldn’t push his buttons, who would be effortless in her charm and wit and beauty. 

You couldn’t put yourself in either category. 

“You haven’t seen many, then.” 

“Why would I even need to when I’ve got you? You’re a fucking dream. All I ever think about.” 

You shook your head, not even noticing you were doing it. Atsumu wouldn’t have it. 

“Don’t do that,” he said. “Not when you know what you do to me. You’ve got my heart beating out of my chest, for fuck’s sake - it has been since you walked into the store.” 

You never knew him to be so open with his feelings, or maybe you had just gotten used to being lied to. You weren’t sure and you didn’t care - all you could think about was kissing him, so you pulled him in, and you were sure he would devour you. You’d have no problem with that. 

It was desperate when you said, “I need you.”

And reassuring when he replied, “I’m right here.” 

He wasn’t close enough. You didn’t think he ever could be. And it was right then, when you were swimming in desperation, that you realized you shouldn’t have been doing this. It would only make leaving even harder. Doing it the first time was hell, letting him watch you leave and be okay with it. You hated yourself for wishing he wasn’t. And you were drowning. 

You hated yourself for leaving. 

You hated yourself more for coming back. 

And you didn’t want to be there, all of a sudden, despite the ache in between your thighs and the addicting warmth he had you trapped in. You didn’t want to be there and you didn’t want to leave, either - you only wanted something easy, but you’d never have it. Not here, and not in the city, and not with Atsumu. 

You felt him freeze, felt things shift. You hadn’t even noticed the way your energy had completely dropped. 

“Something wrong?” He moved up to hold your face. He noticed the tears in your eyes before you did. 

It was hard to look at him but you held his gaze, and his touch hurt more than it healed but you yearned for it. The concern on his face was genuine, the gentle strokes of his thumb on your cheek weren’t forced, and it all was making your stomach turn. 

He cared for you - obviously he did - but not enough to ask you to stay. Not enough to find trouble in letting you leave him. So maybe you shouldn’t have a problem with it, either. 

“No,” you said through a sore throat and a locked jaw. “Sorry, just…” 

“We don’t have to do this,” he told you. “We can just talk - I want to talk. If it’s too much -” 

“It’s okay,” you said. You tried to mean it as much as, “I miss you, Atsumu. I want you - touch me, I miss you.” 

“I know,” and he was wiping the tears off of your cheeks as he kissed your lips, “I’ll take care of you, baby, just let me. Stop thinking so much. Let me take care of you like I always do, yeah? You want me to help you feel good?” 

You always had a problem with that - thinking too much. He never hesitated to call you out on it. You nodded your head, strong and fast, like you were trying to knock the thoughts right out of it. 

“Please, ‘Tsumu.” You were crying for him, pulling him closer. “Need you. Make it better, please.” 

“I’d do anything,” he said. “You gotta quit crying, baby. You’re acting like our first time again.” 

You laughed at that, wiping your own tears and knocking his hands away. “God, that was so embarrassing.” 

“It was cute.” 

“It wasn’t.” 

“It was kinda hot, too.” 

“Atsumu!” 

It was his deep grin that made you relax again, and so did another blissful kiss that took your breath in a way that you enjoyed. 

“You can cry, baby,” he said, popping buttons on both of your pants, “as long as it’s because of how good I’m making you feel. That’s what you need, pretty girl. Let me show you how much I’ve been missing you - get these pants off, baby, let me see you.” 

He didn’t give you the chance to cry any more, at least not in an emotional sense. Your mind was stripped with your body, filled with nothing but him, no space between the two of you left for insecurities or questions. 

It wasn’t until he coaxed you into his bedroom that those things had the chance to creep back. 

Atsumu was out cold, cuddled into your chest and holding on tight to your waist, after smothering you in soft kisses and sweet sleepy words. You were comfortable there, warm and safe and content, but the pit in your stomach only grew. You watched him sleep, his mouth slightly open and eyes softly closed, and you wanted to reach down and kiss him but you resisted. 

It was late and you should be asleep but you couldn’t rest. You couldn’t stop loathing yourself long enough to close your eyes, and the more you thought, the harder it got to breathe. Your throat was sore again. Your eyes were watering again. And every word you wanted to say to Atsumu was tumbling out of your mouth and falling onto sleeping ears. 

“Why didn’t you ask me to stay?”

He didn’t stir. It was still rumbling breaths and the whir of the air conditioner filling the silence. 

“Everyone else did. But you. Why… You of all people should know I’m just as worthless there as I am here - I’ll never make it - I’ve changed everything and still…” 

You sucked a hard breath into your lungs to stop a wracking sob, just barely holding it in. 

“I just ended up here again. With you. I’m so alone without you but I can’t - fuck.”

It didn’t even matter what you were trying to say anymore, because you had no clue. You didn’t know why you couldn’t just stay with him regardless of his choice to let you go, but something in you made you run. Maybe it was worthless pride or a childish desire to be something more - you didn’t know. 

You didn’t belong in any industry you dreamed of working in. You weren’t born to be a star. You should know by now - should accept your failure and come back home for more than just one night. 

But you couldn’t. 

There was still a chance, wasn’t there? 

A chance to belong somewhere.

A chance to be led home.

A chance to make it. Would you die trying? 

You would leave in the morning. And you wouldn’t ask Atsumu to wait for you as he started getting ready for the day. And Atsumu wouldn’t ask you to ditch your own plotted destiny just to stay with him. 

But this would happen again. Every time you would swear it off and every time, you would travel roads that take you right back to this town, this bed, these arms. 

Running away would never get easier, but this is all it would ever be with him. He would never stop you leaving - and you would never ask him to.  

. . .

...so i’ll go back to LA

[merryfortune]

Blue since the day we parted

Written for 100ships on Dreamwidth

Prompt: #13 Blue

Ship: Ai/Shoichi/Yusaku

Fandom: Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS

Word Count: 1,745

Rating: T

Warnings: Choose Not to Warn

Tags: Canon Compliant, Angst with a Happy Ending, Missing Scene Fic

   A tear glistened in the corner of Playmaker’s eye as he reached out into that cloudy, blue sky and touched Ai, plucking him from the digital space.

   Ai convulsed inside his hand. Just an eyeball. Reconstructed, refigured, recantered and then he remembered. Playmaker’s heart lurched with worry as he cradled Ai, standing into the wind and letting it roll off him as he waited for Ai to say something. To do something. Anything. And then a tear to match the ones dripping slowly down the side of Playmaker’s face welled up on the rubber duct of Ai’s entire eyeball.

   “Yusaku…?” he murmured. “Yusaku! Yusaku! My Yusaku!”

   “Y-Yeah, it's me, Ai.” Playmaker beamed and Ai was happy that such a wide smile would be his first memory in this refreshed, new world.

   “I thought… I thought I was a goner.” Ai mumbled, grateful to be alive but grim in his certainty that he was very much not so supposed to be alive.

   “You know me,” Playmaker shrugged, “once I decide something, it becomes my purpose. Be it for three months or ten years, I just get absorbed in that one singular desire. Looking for you, piecing you back together, that was my one desire this time.”

   “And I bet it was just as destructive for you than if was just plain ol’ revenge.” Ai replied.

   Playmaker didn’t have a verbal response to that but the guilty look on his face spoke volumes. Ai nodded in his hands, moving himself up and down against Playmaker’s palms.

   “I thought as much.” Ai mumbled. “You never really change and yet…?”

   It, too, was written all over Playmaker’s face just as much as the guilt of having pushed aside so many of his connections just so he could reconnect to this one. Playmaker found it worth it though. Unbelievably worth it. He kept smiling, even if his initial grin had shrunken in on itself and steeped with guilt.

   “I can’t help it, your right,” Playmaker replied, murmuring, “Ai means to love people but I feel like I can only do it when I have…”

   “Ai?” Ai piped up hopefully.

   “Yeah, exactly.” Playmaker told him.

   “Oh, you incorrigible…!” Ai complained and he seemed rather cranky in Playmaker’s hands now, frowning and pouting but then he let up on it. “I love you, too. Thank you for bringing me back, for having hope.”

   “My pleasure.” Playmaker replied.

   “So, what now?” asked Ai. “Am I going to be stuck like this forever? My handsome visages? Gone, perished, truly a fate worse than death.”

   “I’ve got that all figured out,” Playmaker assured Ai, “So let’s log-out.” He shifted slightly and an admittance followed, “There’s someone else I really want back now, though, as well. Its kind of co-linked to getting your body back, too.”

   Ai had a sneaking suspicion that he knew what that meant so he perked up immediately, “Let’s get to it then, Playmaker! Seize the wind, already!”

   Playmaker laughed and it was such a lovely sound to Ai. It was unrehearsed and croaky but it was laughter nonetheless. They logged out together shortly afterwards. A cavalcade of pale blue data turning into sparkling shards of data before disappearing entirely.

   When they resurfaced, the location was not where Ai expected. He was still in the palm of Yusaku’s hands as he ventured out of a dark niche where his Link VRAINS rig was set up. It was familiar but it wasn’t home - or at least Yusaku’s apartment, even if it had never really felt like home until the end, when it was more about the emotions imbued in the walls than the walls themselves.

   Looking around, the first thing Ai saw, through the guards of Yusaku’s fingers, was the ocean. It was about midday, early afternoon, and the ocean was sparkling. It was a rich azure through the silver railing and the framing of the huge doorway into this building that Yusaku had made his next hovel. Ai realised where they were; they were at the site of their final showdown, if not a warehouse or two either.

   Ai wriggled in Yusaku’s hands so he could look up to him, “What happened to the apartment?” he asked. “Wh-Where’s Roboppy’s shell?”

   “Somewhere safe, don’t worry,” Yusaku replied and then he shrugged, his gaze grew distant, “I’m not sure what happened to the apartment. Landlord never tried to contact me when I bailed, I left behind whatever I couldn’t bring with me so I could stay here. It was easier than trying to move all your stockpiles there. Mightn’t be the most luxurious of places but its quiet here.”

   “Yeah, nothing more soothing than the sounds of construction.” Ai complained because he knew, for one, that he could hear the sound of jackhammers somewhere along the industrial pier.

   “Okay, serene.” Yusaku corrected himself.

   “But if there’s people around… how are you…?” Ai’s voice trailed off.

   “It’s not easy but I’ve managed alright to hide out undetected. I think the workers enjoy having a ghost around. So long as it doesn’t touch anything important, they don’t care if some electricity is pilfered.” Yusaku said but he brightened up, returned his gaze to Ai. “But now that we’re together again, let’s try and find somewhere really nice to live, yeah?”

   “Yeah.” Ai excitedly replied.

   “So let’s get you into your not-meat suit.” Yusaku said. “I don’t have all the means to give you back your Ignis body but take your pick of SOLtiS bodies.”

   Yusaku drifted through the vast, freezing warehouse like it was his home, showing Ai to one of the many stashes of cold, lifeless bodies that belonged to them. As eerie as it was to have so many empty SOLtiS androids around, Ai jumped into one enthusiastically. He wormed and wriggled his way into their shell and the eyeball became a beating heart. Yusaku watched, breathless, as a dressed and ready Ai appeared before him in the form of his dashing persona as a human.

   Whilst Ai may have been groggy and vague at first upon revival, he was really in the swing of things now as he popped up on his two legs like he was born to walk. Yusaku smiled gently whilst Ai stretched out all his nuts and bolts, making sure his limbs hadn’t rusted and got as close to limber as a robot could be and at the very end, made a very satisfied sigh.

   “Alright, what’s next?” Ai asked.

   “I think you know,” Yusaku said and though his heart thudded in his chest, a beg not to, he reached out to take Ai’s hand, “let’s go.”

   “Of course, partner.” Ai replied affectionately.

   Their fingers intertwined and linked together and then they were off with the wind. Not forever, obviously, Yusaku wanted to circle back later to grab Roboppy and a few other things that would be difficult to replace retroactively but for now, he and Ai were really putting the blues of the warehouse behind them both. And they both knew where they were headed on the interim, following the winding, concrete paths that allied themselves with the ocean so down below at the base of the steep cliffs here.

   When they arrived where they wanted to go, they still arrived looking like they ought to be dead. A corpse and a ghost: neither sure which was which but it was worth it.

   Cafe Nagi’s van was set up to the side of the Stardust Road. The last of the lunch time rush customers were trickling in and out, a waiter with a fluffy ponytail darting around them, fetching them refreshments and the like who paused to stare, puzzled, as his brother abandoned his post behind the grill.

   Yusaku smiled, tears in his eyes again that turned his smile creaky and all the more sincere, “Hey Kusanagi,” he said as Shoichi rushed towards him and Ai with a disbelieving smile, “I-I’ve missed you.”

   Before Yusaku knew it, he was swept up in a big bear hug from Shoichi. His arms surged around Yusaku’s scrawny frame and were so warm, Yusaku couldn’t have been more thankful for it. He buried his wet face into Shoichi’s chest and wrapped his arms around Shoichi’s waist. He felt so cared for as Shoichi’s hand cradled the back of his head, his fingers in his blue hair - and Ai, Ai was involving himself in this hug one way or another, too. Trying to reach both Yusaku and Shoichi but Shoichi was hogging Yusaku but Ai didn’t mind.

   “Never - and I mean never - do that to me again.” Shoichi growled. He was angry and sad and happy and relieved all at once. All that really broke through the barrage of emotions that he felt was love.

   “I promise.” Yusaku replied. He hugged back tighter. “I absolutely promise, I - I don’t want to be separated from you or Ai ever again, both of you are my precious partners.”

   “I believe you, Yusaku.” Shoichi consoled him. His head shifted to the left slightly, “And I mean it, Ai, I’m glad to see your back as well. I don’t want you running off either.”

   “It’s good to see you again, too, hot dog man.” Ai mumbled very fondly and with something of a tint of sadness. “And trust me,” he added, “there’s nowhere I’d rather be right now with you two.”

   “Same.” Yusaku mumbled.

   “I’m glad,” Shoichi replied softly and though he didn’t want to, he loosened his embrace of Yusaku so he could see his face properly, his cheeks were red and he looked dishevelled, there were bags under his eyes, “Yusaku? Ai?” Shoichi murmured.

   “Yeah?” Yusaku mumbled.

   Shoichi tilted his head to the side slightly, “Do you want to come live with me?” he asked. “Me and Jin?”

   “I’d love to.” Yusaku replied.

   “Me too.” Ai added on.

   Yusaku hugged Shoichi again. He couldn’t wait to move in with Shoichi and together they could get Ai his little Ignis body back too. It was all happening and Yusaku couldn’t be happier. He had been so depressed and angry since Ai died. Everything else became a blur to him. Lifeless, miserable. He didn’t want that anymore or ever again. So, he was determined to never let go of either Ai or Shoichi ever again and then, like an armory, the legendary spear and shield to pierce and protect and their tentacle monster too, they could go forward and progress. Reconnect and co-link. That’s all Yusaku wanted.

[neerasrealm]

All of my unpublished Slenjack fics

All of them. Since I began writing about these two in May. This is four months of drabbles. I tried to put them in chronological order and some of them have iffy canonicity. Please enjoy. If there’s typos pls ignore them thanks.

Thunder

Slender wished his bunker was deeper underground. They were safe down there, yes, but he could still hear things from above ground loud and clear. Specifically the irritating whistling noise made by falling bombs before the loud rumbling boom that seemed to shake the ground above him.

He looked up at the ceiling once the shaking had died down. He briefly glanced at the only other person in the bunker, Laughing Jack, then back down at his book. Then he looked back at Jack.

He was sat on thei- Slender, Slender's bed, staring at the ceiling. He looked to be breathing shakily, eyes glued to the concrete above their heads as he gripped the bed's blanket tightly in his bony black fingers. Slender heard another whistling noise, and saw Jack tense. There was another rumbling boom and the monochrome clown let out a quiet whine of fear. He quickly hugged himself, screwing his eyes shut.

He watched, taken aback. He'd never known Jack to get so scared- save for when he had nightmares. He heard another telltale whistle, and before he could think about it, he crossed the bunker and sat down next to Jack. He wrapped an arm around the clown and pulled him close. Jack's eyes opened in surprise. He looked up at Slender for a moment before the inevitable boom came from above them. Jack made a small yelp of surprise and quickly wrapped his arms around Slender, burying his face in his chest.

Slender tensed for a moment. He heard Jack inhale shakily and he relented, rubbing his back slowly.

"...'m scared've thunder." Jack said after a long, long silence. Slender looked down in surprise. "Dunno why. I's jus' always freaked me ou'."

"I see." Slender rubbed circles into Jack's back. He responded by slowly running his sharp nails down Slender's hips. Goosebumps broke out beneath his touch. He could feel Jack's warm breath against his chest as he slowed his breathing.

"...I think they've stopped." Slender said after a few minutes- or maybe it was only moments. He wasn't sure of how long a second was anymore. Not with Jack happily snuggled against him.

"Yeah?" Jack didn't seem to be planning on moving from his position. Slender hesitated, then wrapped his other arm around him.

Housing

Another book finished.

Slender closed what he was reading and sighed- somehow, despite his lack of mouth and nose. He glanced at his...companion. Friend? Roommate? He wasn't sure. From where he sat on his bed, he could only see the back of Laughing Jack's head. The monochrome clown was sitting against the bed, his knees arched up as he used them to write something. Slender craned his neck to see over his shoulder, and realised he wasn't writing. He was drawing. Jack did that often, pulling out pieces of paper and a box of crayons. His drawings weren't great, and childish in nature and style but Slender didn't criticise him. After all, Jack was basically a giant toy. It was fitting he drew like a child would.

Slender looked at the ground next to where Jack sat and looked at the drawings he'd discarded. He picked one up with a tendril and looked at it curiously.

The drawing was of a house, with a long garden and trees. He glanced at the ground again. More houses.

"Was yer book good?" Jack broke the silence. Slender looked over at him.

"Well considering it's the third time I've read it," Slender replied. "I suppose it was."

Jack let out a single "heh." of amusement and set down his next drawing. Slender leaned forward to look at it. This one had stick figures standing next to the house. One labelled "Isaac" and one labelled "me". Slender curiously took in what little details the stick figures had. Isaac had brown spiky hair, and was pretty short. Of course, Slender knew very well who Isaac was. He glanced at Jack.

"Is that where he lived?" Slender asked. Jack shook his head. "Nah. Isaac always said 'e wanted ta live in a big ol' house," the clown chuckled a bit. "Wiv a wife an' all." A grin grew on Jack's face and he looked at Slender. "'E said 'e wanted kids too, ya know tha'?" His glassy eyes seemed to shine with excited joy. "Two li'le lads, an' 'e said I could play wiv em too."

Slender tilted his head. He would've smiled, had he a mouth. "That sounds nice."

Jack nodded and turned back to his next piece of paper. He paused for a moment, then began to draw. Slender stayed quiet, letting him work. Finally, Jack held up his picture. It was of himself, dropping candies over smaller figures, probably children. He held a balloon in his free hand. "Looks nice." Slender complimented. Jack smiled. "Yeh! I's like- part o' th' ol' stree' shows I'd do back in London! I'd throw swee's a' th' kiddos," Jack chuckled. "They'd love i'."

Jack placed aside the drawings and sighed happily. "I miss those days..." He said with a smile. Slender paused for a moment.

"After the war you could become a performer again," Slender suggested. "I'm sure kids would love you."

Jack shrugged. "Eh. I don' fink America'd like me. Think I was up t' somethin'."

"To be fair, you are a living toy." Jack laughed at that. He laughed a lot, which made sense. It was in his name. Still, Slender enjoyed the noise. It made him feel like everything was okay in the world. Which was nice, since they were going through a war right now.

The clown leaned back, resting his head and arms against the side of the bed. He looked up at Slender and smiled softly. "I miss th' kiddos..." He murmured, a little sadly. Slender hesitated, then ruffled the clown's messy hair. He'd found that Jack liked being patted, or just- being touched affectionately. Probably due to being a toy. Jack gave him a toothy grin and closed his eyes happily, pushing his head against Slender's hand slightly. He reminded Slender of a cat, oddly.

"I'm sure this war can't last much longer," Slender said. "The humans have been fighting for what? Three years now? Surely they can't keep going?" Jack shrugged. "I dunno, slen. They're hardy bastards when they feel like i'."

"Mmm." Slender usually scolded the clown for his language, but he was too distracted by how fluffy his hair felt. How Jack kept it like that he'd never know.

"...I wish I could 'ave kids." Jack said randomly after a few moments of silence. Slender's eyes, if he had any, would've shot wide open.

"E-Excuse me?" Slender asked. Jack looked up at him, confused.

"Y'know like- a dustbin lid runnin' round. Maybe two, like Isaac said." Jack smiled to himself. "I'd like tha'."

Slender withdrew his hand, regaining his composure a bit. "Ah." He said. "I suppose that would be nice..." He would've smiled if he had a mouth. "I've- actually always been good with children. I did a lot of work raising Splendor, so I suppose I...picked it up."

Jack was quiet for a few moments. "Would ye want kids?" He asked.

Slender looked down at him for a moment. "...yes. I...I actually like that idea," he glanced down. "I suppose I just- assumed it was out of the question."

Jack grinned and rolled over onto his knees rather than sitting. He grinned up at his faceless friend. "We should 'ave kids!" He chirped.

"E-Excuse me?!" Slender yelped. Jack looked up at his friend, confused. "Ya know like- ah..." The clown furrowed his brows.

"Adoption! Tha'! Tha's a thin', yeah?"

"O-Oh-" Slender relaxed. He thought Jack meant- nevermind. "What do you mean 'we'?" He asked slowly.

"Th' two of us raisin' a kiddo togetha." Jack replied. "Wha'd ye fink I mean'?" He asked with a curious blink. Slender looked away from the clown as his face turned a dark grey colour.

"Nothing." He looked down. "I don't know how we'd be able to do such a thing...I don't even have a home- unless this bunker counts." Slender rested his head in his hand. "And we're not even human, I don't know how we'd be able to adopt a child and give them a good life." He heard Jack moving around, and a weight on the bed next to him. "They'd probably fear me..."

Jack's thin, black fingers curled around Slender's hand. The faceless creature craned his face towards him. "Slen', don' say tha'." He said softly. "I'm sure we'll work somefink ou'- we could ge' a 'ome after this." The clown smiled at him. "doesn' hafta be a big'un like Isaac said."

Slender would've smiled if he had a mouth. "You say that like building houses is easy, Jack." He said, a strange fondness leaking into his voice. "And what about the children?"

"...there migh' be some like us." Jack replied. He looked down at Slender's hand, running his boney thumb over the knuckles. "No' 'uman. Needin' a 'ome." There was a pause. "I've me' a fair share of ghosts in me time..."

Slender stared at his friend for a few moments. It was odd, how Jack, despite being over a century old, could still look like a child sometimes. Slender reached over and patted Jack's head. The clown looked up at him quickly.

"Why don't you tell me about that big house Isaac spoke of?"

Cuddles

"Hssk-"

He jolted up.

"Gfff-"

He hugged himself tight and rocked himself, trying to calm down.

"Hh- hhnk-"

His breathing was ragged and shaky with panic. He could feel a chill running up his spine- if he had one. He was pretty sure he did, beneath the layers of stuffing. His right hand stopped hugging and instead cupped his face. He stared at his knees, at his patchy black slacks as he tried to calm down.

It wasn't real. He knew that. Just a nightmare, like anyone else would get. They were normal. He screwed his eyes shut as his breathing began to slow. He'd learned how to calm himself over the years. His left arm, still at his side, snaked around and rubbed circles into his back as he continued to rock himself.

As he calmed himself down he hummed to himself. The first song that came to his mind was London Bridge Is Falling Down, so he hummed that. Once he was finally calm he looked up slowly, taking in his surroundings. Bleak gray walls, a few posters, shelves and assorted furniture- Slender's bunker. He glanced up at the ceiling for a few moments, wondering if the bomber planes were flying overhead right now. It was funny, that the humans decided they needed to start another giant war only 23 years after the last one.

Because of them he was stuck in this tiny cramped shelter again. It was more spacious and homey than- the box but- he still found it too cramped sometimes.

He looked over at the bed in the corner of the room where Slender lay, sleeping peacefully. He then realized he wasn't in the armchair he'd fallen asleep in. He'd somehow moved over to the opposite side of the floor while sleeping. That sometimes happened, especially when he had bad dreams.

He hesitated, then crawled across the floor to Slender's bed. He sat down quietly beside it, his back to the faceless cryptid. He stared at the wall, listening to his breathing. How long had they known each other? 29 years? Possibly more. He wasn't sure, and math wasn't exactly his strong point.

It was long enough for him to catch feelings, he sure as hell knew that. He wouldn't dare say a word though. He knew Slender needed time to work his feelings out, come to terms with himself. Society didn't exactly like their kind of relationship, not that he could care. They were both creatures made from angels for one, and he was fairly sure they were both immortal, so hell didn't concern him, and humans sure as hell didn't.

"Jack?" His thoughts were interrupted by Slender's voice. He looked over his shoulder at him. "Why are you awake?"

"Why do ye think?" He responded. He looked away again. "I'm 'right, slen- jus' like bein' near ya." There was silence for a few moments, and he heard Slender shifting in the bed. Probably rolling over to sleep.

"Would you like to get in the bed?" Slender asked. He perked up and looked at him curiously. Oh, this was unusual. He had no idea what this could lead to but-

"Sure."

He climbed up into the bed and they stared at each other for a few moments before Slender tentatively reached out and tugged the blanket up. He seemed to hesitate, like he wanted to do more- but neither were willing to push it. He could tell Slender was far out of his comfort zone here, lying in the same bed alone in a bunker underground. Anything that happened here, in this secret spot, was between them and only them.

He hesitated, then scooted forward slowly. Slender made no move to stop him, so he guessed it was okay. He stopped, waiting to see if Slender would make the first move. The faceless cryptid's long, slender arms wrapped around him gently. God it felt nice being hugged- it came naturally to him, being a sentient toy and all. Slender's fingers rubbed circles into his back, a touch so tender it made him melt right into his arms.

He wound his puffy arms around Slender, hugging him back. He gently pressed his face against his chest and stayed still. He didn't dare move, knowing he was on thin ice here. He wouldn't even think about pushing his companion's limits. He'd be slow, if that's what it took him.

He could hear Slender's heart beating loudly. It was an odd sound- his heart beat far, far slower than a person's, and he'd been surprised to find Slender even had one. The noise was usually hard to notice because of its speed, but now it beat just a bit faster than a human's. He closed his eyes and faked a yawn. His way of saying this was as far as he'd go. Slender seemed to relax. He could feel a head resting on his, and the circles being rubbed into his back came slower and slower until the hand went still.

Laughing Jack allowed himself to drift asleep in Slender's bed.

Confessions

Over the years he’d known him, he’d realised he had no one way of being drunk. He could become sad and mournful for people long lost, he could be serious, his accent would thicken to an almost incomprehensible degree, or he’d become bubbly and giggly, affectionate and loud about it.

But right now was the...oddest of his drunk moods. Quiet. It was so unlike him to be quiet and reserved. He was always humming, smiling, joking- doing something that would remind him that he was there. Alive. Breathing. 

Their legs hung off the edge of the dock, the sea breeze chilling their faces and blowing his hair. He sighed. He was tired. Not from the long night, but the effort of keeping up his human form.

‘’I honestly thought I’d like you more when you were quiet.’’ Slender said.

‘’Ye don’ like me when I shu’ me gob?’’

‘’Not particularly.’’ he leaned back, pale blue eyes flicking over to Jack. ‘’Maybe I’ve become too accustomed to always hearing you make noise.’’ 

‘’Heh.’’ 

They fell silent again. It felt odd. Being outside. At night. They didn’t need to worry about air raids or a war going on around the entire globe. Because it had ended. Everyone had celebrated, and they were getting back on their feet. Hell, the two of them were planning to build a home for themselves. They would live together.

‘’Wha’s goin’ on in tha’ loaf ‘f bread, Slen?’’ Jack asked. Slender looked over at him, taking a moment to realise what he was asking.

‘’Oh...I was thinking about how odd it feels being outside now that the war is over.’’ He looked down at the water below them. ‘’Not that I’m complaining. I know you hated the bunker. And it means I can see my brothers more often,’’ a soft smile crossed his face. ‘’And we can have nights like these, together.’’ he turned to Jack again, smiling.

‘’Heh.’’ Jack said again. ‘’...Yeh, I enjoy our li’le da’es togeth’r too, china pla’e.’’ 

Slender blinked. ‘’Dates?’’

‘’Tha’s wha’ I call ‘em.’’ Jack murmured back as he pulled a box of cigarettes and a lighter from his sleeve. Slender watched him light one up and begin smoking. Slender only stared at him, Jack’s pale blue, almost white, eyes flicked over to him. ‘’Somefin’ wrong, china pla’e?’’

‘’Jack…’’ he gulped and looked away. ‘’I-’’ he pursed his lips then sighed. ‘’Nevermind.’’ 

‘’Slen.’’ Jack scooted closer to him. ‘’..I know. I’s awrigh’.’’

Slender looked at him for a few silent moments then away again. ‘’...I…’’ he took a deep breath. ‘’I have feelings for you, Jack. And I accept if you fear that these relationships will negatively impact our relationship.’’ 

‘’Slen.’’ Jack sounded annoyed now. ‘’I’ve kissed ye. A fair few times. No’ ta mention we’ve shared a bluddy bed an’ I’ve told ye I luv ye.’’

Slender tensed. ‘’I know.’’ He mumbled.

‘’An’ fock, I’ve known ye fer- god i’s been donkey’s ears, ain’ i’?’’

‘’Thirty three years.’’ Slender said.

‘’Exac’ly!’’ Jack raised his arms as he spoke with such force his body almost fell back for a second. Slender managed to steady him. ‘’An’ ye fink I’m gonna turn roun’ ta ya an’ say tha’ I don’ fink of ye as all me trouble an’ strife?!’’

‘’...I’m a man.’’

Jack blinked and looked at him. ‘’So I can’ call ye tha’?’’

Slender pondered it for a moment then shook his head. ‘’No, go ahead. I don’t mind.’’

‘’Awrigh’ well-’’ Jack blinked a couple times, like he was trying to bring himself out of his drunken haze. ‘’I luv ye too Slen. An’ I’ve made i’ very clear tha’ I luv ya.’’ He looked down at Slender, a serious look on his face. ‘’I’ve been wai’in fer ya ta tell me tha’ ye luv me too. Y’know tha’ righ’?’’

‘’...I know…’’ Slender looked away. ‘’I’m sorry it’s taken so long, Jack. I just- wasn’t ready I suppose.’’ he fiddled with his hands. ‘’I never really thought of myself as capable of falling in love I mean- I’m old, and humans have such short lifespans so I didn’t try to get attached to any but then you came along and of course you’re-’’

His rambling was cut off by Jack’s large hand covering his mouth. ‘’Slen, shu’ up wiv tha’.’’ he grunted. ‘’If all ye fink abou’ is ou’livin’ ‘umans ye’ll neve’ make any ma’es, will ye?’’

Slender looked up at him and softened. He sighed and pulled Jack’s arm away. It instead wrapped around him. ‘’No...I suppose not…’’ Slender glanced aside. ‘’Still I...I’m sorry I took so long to say I love you.’’

‘’I’s awrigh’ Slen.’’ Jack softened and smiled down at him. It was unlike his usual smiles. It was genuine, loving, caring. The look made Slender feel...safe. ‘’No’ like I’m ge’in older er anyfin’.’’

Slender chuckled. ‘’No, neither of us really are, are we?’’

Jack laughed next to him and leaned down, planting a kiss on the top of his head. ‘’I luv ye. Ye ol’ bastard.’’

‘’Rude.’’ 

Zalgo is a BITCH ASS MOTHERFUCKER

"So 'ow is 'e?" Laughing Jack asked as he looked over at Slender. 

Slender sighed. "Still mad at me." He said, sadness leaking into his voice. He closed the door to the sunroom and leaned sideways against the wall. He watched the monochrome clown flick his lighter on and light the cigarette clenched between his teeth. 

"E'll come aroun'." He replied. He took a puff of the cigarette and breathed out, blowing hoops with the smoke like it was the easiest thing in the world. Slender, if he had a mouth, would've smiled. The smell of smoke reminded him of times long gone.

"I know...it's just-" Slender fiddled with his tie. "I give him all the attention he could want, support, I teach him that it's okay to be himself and tell me when something is wrong but...then he runs off without a word and-" he paused for a moment. "I don't know what I'm doing wrong…"

"Ye're no' doin' a fing wrong, Slen. I's no' yer faul' tha' 'e's no' be'er ye'." Jack looked at him. Despite how carefree and jokey he was all the time...these moments, when Slender showed the smallest signs of anxiety and doubt, his gaze became stern, his voice firm and wise. "Jeff- well I don' know 'is whole tale bu' I can only assume i's seven kindsa focked. Ye cant fix a broken down jam jar wiv jus' new par's, ye go'a take th' ol' ones ou' firs'." 

"...Your analogies are as creative as ever." Slender replied. Jack gave him an agitated look.

"Shuddup, I'm knackered. Spent all day wiv th' li'le missus." He nodded at the wooden pirate ship across the yard from them. Something Jack had built with a bit of help from Slender's brothers. It was big, big enough for him and Sally to run around on while they travelled the high seas together. There was even a slide.

Slender laughed a bit. He sighed, looking up at the sky. It was quiet for a few moments before something nudged him. He looked down to see LJ's arm stretched out, holding the box of cigarettes in offering. Slender didn't smoke, at all. He hadn't when it was fashionable, and he especially didn't now that he knew about the health risks. Even though they probably wouldn't affect him, he wasn't willing to try. 

"No thank you."

The hand retracted and the cigarettes were put into the pocket of LJ's trousers. It was quiet again for a little bit. "Jack?"

"Mmm?"

"How do you always know what to say?" Slender asked. LJ took a long drag of his cigarette. 

"'Ow do you always see th' bes' in every'un?" He retorted. Slender looked at him, surprised. "In Jeff, in Toby, in me." Jack stared at him. "Ye never give up on 'em. Every'un is capable 'f bein' a good person ta ye. Why?"

Slender looked down. "...I just don't believe anyone is truly evil. The worst of the worst can redeem themselves. Toby has, you have- I mean- you do nothing but make children happy, both here and among the world...and- I believe Jeff can too."

A small smile spread up Jack's face. "Even tha' gobshite Zalgo?"

"...don't say the bastard's name here." Slender replied with a smile in his voice. Jack threw his head back and cackled.

Slender you dumb bitch look after yourself

"Jack? What are you doing up?"

Jack looked over his shoulder, black hair blowing softly in the wind. "Ye mean up 'ere or why am I awake?" 

Slender sighed and walked down the roof using his tendrils to keep himself from falling. He sat down next to the black and white clown. The moonlight glinted off his pale white skin. "Why are you awake?"

Jack shrugged. "Couldn' sleep." He replied. "Why're ye up, Slen? Ye need res'." 

"I'm fine."

"Well I know ye're no'. Ye're g'nna be up a' seven or eigh' makin' breakfas' fer every'n an' then ye're g'nna clean th' entire bluddy gaf, then make lunch fer every'n." Jack looked at him. "Ye work too 'ard."

The faceless man looked away from him and instead out at the forest past their backyard. "I'm fine, honestly. I do that every day, I can handle it."

"Tha's me feckin' point! Ye work yerself ta th' bone every day an' act like ye're no' bluddy knackered!" Despite his yelling, Jack didn't sound angry. More frustrated and worried. 

Slender rested a hand on Jack's shoulder, squeezing it softly. "You don't need to worry about me." He said softly.

"If I don' then who will?" Jack asked softly. "Ye work so 'ard fer us all an' never complain...we all owe ye so much ye' ye never ask fer anyfin'." He looked up at Slender. He looked- sad. And worried. "I don' want ye ta 'ide yer problems fer our sake. Th' kiddos- they care abou' ye. A lo'."

Slender was silent for a few moments. His hand moved off of Jack's shoulder, and for a moment the clown was worried he'd stepped too far but- instead the hand curled around his own bony, bandaged hand. 

"I know my limits Jack, don't worry." Slender shifted closer to him and looked down, faded blue eyes meeting a featureless face. "I don't mind working hard for all of you. You all make it worth it. I appreciate your concern, but you don't have to worry so much."

Jack was silent for a moment. "Ye know I worry abou' ye because I love ye, yeh?" 

Slender blushed, his cheeks turning a dark grey colour. "I know." He responded softly. Jack moved closer and hugged Slender semi-tightly.

"Then le' me a' leas' look after ye while ye look after th' bin lids, yeh?" His voice was soft and loving. Slender couldn't possibly bring himself to say no to Jack- not when he was curled up against him like this.

"..Alright." He combed his hand through the clown's hair. "...Thank you…"

"I's nofink." Jack replied tiredly. Slender held him close, petting his hair lovingly until he dozed off.

Jeff you bitch ass motherfucker

It's so quiet out here by the lake. It's miraculous- the fact that there's a house available to rent just between the sea cliffs, right where nobody can find us, save for people on boats, but we're down away from the mountains and far from any other buildings, so there's no reason to come over here.

Secluded and alone. Perfect for our...odd, little family. 

Our children are swimming in the waters in front of us. Sally is swimming after Cody, they're probably talking, while Dina paddles after the two of them. She's gotten rather good at swimming, I've hardly had a chance to teach her thanks to those two. EJ is on a float- oh nevermind Jeff just flipped it over. Even from here on a rock on the shore I can hear him laughing. I watch Jeff swim away to go terrorise Michael, who's just floating peacefully on his back. 

We're not the only ones on the shore however. Just below the rock we're on is Ben, headphones on, playing a game. He's scared of water, so he prefers to stay on the land with his games. There's also Helen, sitting a little bit away, painting the sunset. Smile, the family dog, is fast asleep on the sand, lying on his back with his four legs in the air.

And Jack, my- my husband...is lying against me. He isn't one for water either, so he's perfectly happy to lie curled up next to me. I don't mind. He's soft to touch, and I love him. Obviously.

I hear him chuckle a bit. "I fink Jeff go' Mike's glasses." He says softly. I smile a bit. Well- smile as much as I can without an actual face. 

"It's because he knows we're not able to go into the water to tell him off." I say. Jack laughs. His voice is soft and raspy but I love it. I watch Jeff throw the glasses. They hit Dina and sink into the water. She whirls around and paddles after Jeff, who swims off quickly. Luckily Sally is quick to dive down and retrieve them for poor Michael. "He's pushing his luck." I add. 

"I'll bury 'im in th' sand while 'e's sleepin'. Tha'll teach 'im." Jack responds. I chuckle. "I can ge' Mike ta 'elp. Junior too."

I lean down and press my face against the top of his head. I can't kiss him but he understands the gesture just fine. "I'll pretend I didn't hear you planning this." I say. Jack grins up at me, then grabs my face and leans up, his neck stretching as he plants a kiss on my cheek. 

"Yeh, okay." He says softly. My hand combs through his thick black hair. It's silky and soft. I feel a couple of braids in among the locks. Probably Sally's doing. He rests his head against my shoulder and sighs happily. "I luv ya, china pla'e."

"I love you too, Jack."

[sapphic-saionji]

Danganronpa WLW Secret Santa Entry!

Hi @yvma !! I’m your secret Santa! I know you originally wanted Ibuki/Chiaki, and I’m very sorry you had to settle for this, but I hope you enjoy it regardless.

( @wlw-danganronpa-secretsanta )

-

Word Count: 1,415 (7,950 characters)

Ship: Nanatsumioda (Chiaki/Ibuki/Mikan)

Full fic under the cut!

Time.

Time was something everyone felt they had so little of.

Mikan Tsumiki never really thought about that too much. She only thought about time when she was worried about being late and letting someone down. In that moment, time was a big issue to her. Today was definitely one of those days.

She was worried about making it home in time for a yearly Christmas tradition with her girlfriends. Mikan never really even had Christmas 'traditions' growing up, but ever since she'd started dating Ibuki and Chiaki, they had made a tradition of staying up until midnight on Christmas Day, so they could give one another 'Christmas Kisses' as soon as the clock struck twelve, and open presents together. It was something they just always did together, and it made her happy. And of course, most importantly, it made her girlfriends happy.

So, naturally, the thought that she might miss out on the tradition and possibly upset Chiaki and Ibuki was nearly world-ending to Mikan. She mentally scolded herself for agreeing to take such a late shift at the hospital. She should have known the consequences of doing something so foolish! Oh, but if she hadn't, she would have upset her boss... and she could never let that happen. All she wanted was to please everyone... though it remained a daunting day-to-day task.

She had to stop worrying about being late for a moment to compose herself, and check the time on her phone to compare it to the bus schedule, and see when the next train would arrive. It was 11:39pm on her phone, and the next train wouldn't arrive for another six minutes, at 11:45. The nurse was left with no choice but to quietly take a seat on a nearby bench and obsessively check the time on her phone. Mikan's hand rested on her leg as it bounced wildly up and down.

The minutes that passed felt like hours, and Mikan felt utterly helpless at the hands of time. There was nothing she could do as she waited for the subway train. Tick. Tick. Tick. She hated every moment, anxiety welling in her tiny little body. When the train finally pulled into the station, it felt like it had been 11:45 for years. There weren't many people in the subway at this hour so close to Christmas, but she let everyone else go into the train in front of her as usual.

When everybody else had gotten in, she did as well and sat off in a corner by herself. As soon as Mikan sat down, she began anxiously bouncing her leg once again. She wanted to text her girlfriends, but really, what was there to say? She'd already informed them that she may be late, and apologized profusely. It felt there was nothing left to do but do her best to beat the clock home. If she was lucky, she'd make it home in time, but she'd probably have to go at a full sprint from the subway to her home.

The small woman was left alone with her thoughts until the train car's doors opened at her stop. She checked the time. 11:52. If she ran fast enough, she could make it. She could make it. She could make it. Mikan kept repeating this to herself as she bustled out of the train car.

Once out of the subway, she began to run, her feet beating against the paved sidewalk. The only thing on her mind was to get home on time, though her hope began to dwindle with the minutes. Her heart was racing from panic and fatigue. Just a little further. She could make it. She could make it. Her skinny legs moved as quickly and frantically as they could.

Soon, she could see her house. Mikan hadn't checked her phone, so she had no idea what time it was. She just hoped she'd make it to her house on time.

As soon as she arrived at her home, she began fumbling with her house keys, hurriedly unlocking the front door. "I-Ibuki!! Chiaki!" She called, hurrying into the living room, where she saw her girlfriends already opening presents. The time was 12:05. Mikan had lost the battle to time.

Her eyes widened, and her eyes teared up. Mikan wasn't upset they were opening presents without her, in fact, she found that in itself reasonable. After all, why would they want to wait the extra time to open their presents, all because she was too slow? She was a no good, slowpoke girlfriend. Tears began to spill out of her eyes, and she began to instinctually say the same thing she always said in a panic.

"I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to be late, I'm so, s-so sorryyy!" Her words quickly devolved into choked sobbing. Ibuki and Chiaki hurriedly got up and were at her side in an instant.

"It's okay." Chiaki smiled a warm smile, placing a delicate hand on her shoulder. "It's not your fault, Mikan. You had a really late shift, and it was kind of silly of us to anticipate you getting home so early in the first place." She spoke calmly, and reasonably, and Ibuki chimed in. "Yeah, yeah! That big ol' hospital is just mean! If I had to capture your predicament in a song title, it'd be... 'Ensnared by Bandages!'" She was as cheerful as ever. Both of them were wearing big, ugly Christmas sweaters, and seemed overjoyed to see Mikan. It comforted her, feeling so... cared about. Her crying slowed to a halt.

"We didn't open any of your presents, Mikan. How about you come and open them?" Chiaki suggested. The three of them held hands as they walked toward the tree, Ibuki swinging their intertwined hands as they walked. The familiarity of their hands was oddly soothing. Ibuki's perfectly manicured hand, and Chiaki's soft, chubby one. Mikan felt... utterly at ease. Her girlfriends were both just so talented at easing her heart and mind with their presences, their words, their familiar voices... it was comforting just to be around them.

She was abruptly pulled out of her pleasant thoughts by Ibuki's voice. "Haha, we got you Mikan!! Look up!" She exclaimed, pointing right above her. Mikan's gaze followed the direction she was pointing, and found a mistletoe dangling above her head. "Oh! A mi- A mistletoe!" Her eyes widened, before looking at Chiaki and then at Ibuki in realization. "Mistletoe!!" She repeated with a newfound understanding.

"May I?" Chiaki turned to her. Mikan gave a flustered nod as they leaned in, and Mikan closed her eyes, feeling a pair of soft, warm lips against hers. She felt truly relaxed like this, like nothing else in the world mattered outside of the confines of their shared home. Like time did not pass. When Mikan felt Chiaki start to pull away, she did the same, opening her eyes and smiling a dopey, lovestruck smile.

"Ooh, Ibuki next, Ibuki next!!" The musician exclaimed. Mikan giggled, gently taking Ibuki's hand, feeling her girlfriend's long, black nails brush against Mikan's own soft, sterile hand. When Ibuki began leaning in, Mikan mirrored her actions, and shut her eyes, just like with Chiaki. Within moments, she felt Ibuki's glossed lips against hers. Ibuki didn't kiss quite like Chiaki though, she was much more energetic. It was a pleasant balance between the two. They remained like this for a bit, until Ibuki pulled away, Mikan naturally doing the same.

"Christmas kisses are the best!!" Ibuki squealed, before being pulled in for a kiss with Chiaki. Mikan smiled fondly. She missed their cute Christmas kisses under the mistletoe, and the togetherness the holiday brought them. Chiaki and Ibuki gave Mikan one final peck on either cheek before they went to watch her open one of her presents, addressed from both of her girlfriends to her. She delicately removed the wrapping paper to reveal a box. She took off the lid slowly, and inside was a cute little apron dress. Mikan's eyes widened, a rush of tears threatening to escape them. "I-Ibuki! Chiaki! Thank youuu!!" She cried as her girlfriends hugged her, helping her settle down from happy-crying.

"Merry Christmas, Miki!" Ibuki exclaimed. "Yeah, Merry Christmas." Chiaki added.

Mikan smiled. Those words meant everything to her now, like they never did in her childhood. Because with her girlfriends, who were so kind, and patient, and understanding, she really would have a very merry Christmas.

[icecoldparadise]

Tricks and Treats

Tricks and Treats

Words: 4880 (what even?)

Pairings: Moxiety (oops) and implied Prince-logic (if you squint, it’s starting up kinda.)

Summary: It’s Halloween: Patton is in charge of costumes while Roman is in charge of adventures this years. What could possibly go wrong..? Maybe a poor decision to visit the dragon witch could…

Possible Triggers: blood, near death experiences

AN: I have never written a fic like this before, especially for the sides, so if they’re a bit out of character, I apologize. This… This was supposed to be short… Enjoy?

After much anticipation and excitement, Halloween had finally arrived. The mindscape was festively decorated with fake cobwebs (that Patton frequently and fearfully inspected to ensure no “creepy crawly death dealers” had moved in), bats, rats, ghosts and other spooky decor. The sun hadn’t even rose yet when Roman, Virgil and Logan found themselves startled awake as Patton pounced them, excitedly rambling about costumes and trick or treating and “how they were gonna love the costumes he picked for them all.” Roman jumped out of bed and bounded towards the kitchen ecstatically, humming as he began making bat-shaped pancakes. Logan groggily gazed at the bouncing dad before sternly telling him to calm down before he launched a textbook at him. Virgil seemed disoriented; he hadn’t even realized he fell asleep a few hours prior and had no idea what was going on. Eventually he joined the others in the kitchen and poured himself a steaming cup of black coffee, only remembering what day it was when he saw the bat shaped pancakes literally flying from the stove. He couldn’t help but be a bit excited until Logan finally woke up enough to ask, “So Patton, what costumes did you pick out for us this year?” Virgil’s heart pounded as he watched the dad’s face light up brighter than a Christmas tree. “Oh you kiddos will LOVE what I came up with! Let me get them!” The moral side shot off into his room, leaving the other three to look at each other skeptically.

          Patton bounded back in with an armful of clothing…. Most of which seemed way to bright and happy for Virgil’s liking. “For Roman, I picked an elf!” He held up this shimmery, gold tunic and some bright red skinny jeans that were boot-friendly. Roman puffed his chest out slightly. “Why would you pick something so-so gentle? I’m a prince! I slash and slay dragon witches!” He protested indignantly. Logan quirked an eyebrow. “I do believe Thomas had watched some Youtube videos about something called Lord of the Rings, in which the elves were both beautiful and lethal. It is fairly fitting, objectively speaking.” Roman seemed apprehensive, but looking down at Patton’s big, pleading brown eyes made him sigh and give in. “Oh, alright. I suppose since you put the effort into making me beautiful and lordly, this prince will slay in as an elf for you.” Patton lit up and hugged the creative side before bounding over to Logan. “I picked my favorite thing for one of my favorite people!” Logan paled as a grey cat onesie was presented to him. “Patton, this is… impractical to say the least… But I cannot deny your reasoning behind it.” The logical side smiled gently down at the bubbly heart. “I will wear it with pride.” A small excited squeal came out from the costume provider as he whirled around to face Virgil. Anxiety rose through him. “I better not be some fairy princess, or I swear I’ll-“ Patton laughed merrily and held up a black cloak. “Don’t worry kiddo, I wouldn’t do that to you. You’re gonna be a vampire!” Virgil couldn’t hide the surprise and subsequent small smile from his face. “I… I can go with that.” Patton seemed to exude pride. “I wouldn’t torture you like that, my strange dark son.” The father figure turned to the others. Roman raised an eyebrow. “Well what are you gonna be, Patton?” The father figure smiled sheepishly. “You’ll see when I come out!” Before they could pry further the heart declared, “Alright! Let’s get ready! Then we can hear what adventure Roman made for us!” Everyone nodded and dispersed.

          Virgil was in his room, perched in front of a mirror as he put on more vampiric make up (which honestly, wasn’t too far off from his usual routine) when he heard a hesitant knock on his door. He rolled his eyes, giving a slightly irritated “Who is it?” and wondering who could possibly need something from him. “Hey kiddo, it’s me.” Patton’s unusually timid voice responded. Virgil’s irritation dissipated as his heart melted slightly; of course he would snap at the gentle spirit who made sure he was taken care of. With a much softer voice, Virgil invited him in. The heart quickly slipped into the anxious side’s room, shutting the door behind him. The brooding side offered Patton a gentle, welcoming smile that he reserved for the father figure. “Whatcha need, Pat?” Patton shifted, as if he were a bit embarrassed. “Well, I was um… Wondering if you’d help with my make up?” Virgil quirked an eyebrow at the timid squeak of a response. “You want my help? Wouldn’t Roman be a more suitable candidate, being a theater freak and all?” Plus, what if I mess it up and you don’t like it? Verge couldn’t help but think to himself. Patton looked down and lightly kicked the floor with his foot. “That’s the thing actually. I’m afraid our little theater muffin would be a bit too… flamboyant with his work.” Patton peered up at Virgil with his big brown eyes. “You’re a bit more, well, you have more finesse in your work. And you’re more precise- Roman is a bit careless.” Virgil couldn’t help but smile at the father’s sheepish nature, and the thought that Patton thought he was better at something that Princey. “Course I’ll help you Pat. What’s your costume?” Patton blushed vividly and mumbled, “A fairy.” The anxious side finally took note of the clothes his friend was wearing; a trademark blue tunic with silver, flowy pants and a pair of cerulean wings stuck out from behind him.

          Virgil laughed quietly, and Patton began to scoot back towards the door. Panic rushed up inside Anxiety, who quickly grabbed Patton’s arm. “Wait- no Patton I’m not laughing at you!” Seeing Patton pause he continued, “I was just laughing at how perfectly it fit you, and how shy you are.” Patton completely relaxed and sat on the darker trait’s bed, letting him get to work on his make-up. Virgil’s gentle grip on his chin and focused dark eyes put Patton at ease somehow, making him feel a bit more confident despite the room’s usual effect. When the vampire was done he gave Patton a mirror to see his final touches; he gasped and smiled gleefully. Gentle swirls of blue and silver cascaded down from his forehead to his cheeks perfectly, warm brown eyes enhanced with just the slightest touch of silver eyeshadow and thin black liner. The tiniest hint of blush gave life to his face, making him look elegantly beautiful and ethereal. Patton tossed the mirror on the bed and hugged Virgil tightly. “Thanks kiddo! It’s exactly what I was hoping for!” Virgil tensed at first but relaxed and gave a small pat on the father’s back. “No problem. Lemme just finish a few details on me and we can head out.” Patton sat contently on the black and scarlet bed, gleefully switching between admiring his make-up and fascinatedly watching Virgil work on his. Once the angsty side finished, they rejoined the others in the common room. Roman went over the top with his details, adding in a gold circlet, very pointy elf ears, and some bold make up to his attire; Logan, on the other hand, looked charmingly adorable in the cat onesie with a very simple pink nose and precise, symmetrical whiskers drawn on his face. His trademark glasses were still perched on his nose, making him retain a sense of sophistication. Patton danced around, excited about their costumes. Roman snickered at the heart’s antics. “Of course you’d be something flighty and glittery.” Virgil glared at the creative side, something indescribable rising in his chest. “Oh, like you’re much better Princey. What, did you lather yourself in every bit of glitter you could?” The prince sneered at the goth boy. “At least I look different, Frighten Me Emo. Take away the fangs and what’s different, really?” Logan raised a paw in the air. “Now Virgil, Roman, cease your bickering before you upset Patton.” The two looked over to the father side, who was trying not to seem upset by the needless insults. Anxiety and Creativity gave each other one last glare before Roman announced grandiosely, “Let’s get going then! I have an exciting adventure lined up for us, including lots of glorious and gooey treats for us- and maybe even some tricks!” Virgil rolled his eyes and took his position in the back of the group, subconsciously alert for anything that might run amiss.

          And oh, did everything run amiss. Horribly, horribly amiss.

          They were just finishing getting the last of their treats for the night when Roman spied a cave opening in a nearby mountain. The smile on his face frightened Patton, but Virgil and Logan both groaned as they knew exactly what this meant. “BEHOLD! A CAVE! The dragon witch is SURELY in there- we must vanquish her!” In the background, Virgil imitated the prince perfectly as the animated elf prince drew his sword and dramatically pointed towards the cave. Logan sighed deeply. “Roman, this never goes well and you know it. Let’s go home and enjoy--“ Roman flared around looking horrified. “Go home? Have you lost your mind, Calculator Watch?! This is the trick of the night! It can’t all just be treats and goodies on Halloween- there has to be some terror, some mischief!” Patton grimaced, but quickly put a smile on his face. “Now, we did give good ol’ Roman the choice of what we do tonight! Surely we can humor him a bit more.” Logan remained unconvinced, but didn’t wish to hurt the heart’s feelings or deal with Roman’s obnoxious complaining the whole way home. Sighing deeply, he consented, resulting in Roman prancing forward like a hunting dog on a scent. Virgil tried to mention all the things that could go wrong, but no one paid attention to him. I have a really bad feeling about this… He thought anxiously, mildly cringing at the unintentional Star Wars reference. Up ahead he could hear Patton making a string of Dad Jokes and Logan frustratedly trying to keep up with him until he made an accidental Dad Joke of his own. Roman and Patton howled with laughter.

          Before long the sun was low in the sky, and they were up the mountain and clambering into the cave. Everyone ignored the impending sense of dread each step brought. Patton noticed how quiet the vampire had gotten, how jagged his breathing had gotten (not just from the climbing), and his heart broke a little. “You okay there, kiddo?” The wide eyed stare betrayed the nod, but before Patton could pursue it further Roman hushed them. “We’re here.” He whispered as dramatically as possible, his voice resounding off the walls. They tip toed into the lair of the dragon witch. Admittedly, the three traits had pictured this huge horrible dragon curled up in the middle of a giant gold pile, and thus were shocked to see a dark, jagged throne surrounded by skulls and foul creatures with a tan woman sitting on it, an elaborate dress sprawled over her feet and some of the skulls. Something about her seemed haunting and nightmarish while simultaneously beautiful. Her eyes snapped open and locked onto the quartet in an instant, fueling the dread they felt deep inside. “Ahh, Roman, I see you brought friends.” Her voice fell like water in a river, smooth and soothing. “You’re just in time for my best trick yet.” Roman shook his head and drew his sword. “I’ve come to challenge you to a duel, dragon witch!” She threw her head back and laughed, her minions joining in as fire spurt from her mouth with each bellow. Steam hissed out of her mouth as she sighed in amusement before she snapped forward, eyes glowing an eerie yellow color and her voice deep and ominous as she cast a curse:

                                    On this day of Hallow’s Eve

                      You will get more than you wish to receive.

                              All the world so joyously arrayed

                              Will transform and be dismayed.

                                  This my evil curse shall do,

                     ‘Til clock strikes twelve or home you go to,

                               Which shall my dark magic undo.

          Virgil barely opened his mouth to sass her about how horrible it was when a strange smoky aura shot out from her and encompassed the four sides. They all writhed in pain for agonizing minutes before being unceremoniously dumped on the ground as the misty aura shot out of the cave and into the world. Screams could be heard... Screams that quickly started to sound like howls and screeches of unnatural things. Roman looked at his counter sides and gasped in horror: Patton’s wings became fixed to his back and were moving of their own accord, Virgil’s fake fangs looked decidedly real and Logan… Logan was a small grey cat with black spectacle markings around his eyes. The prince laughed at the sight of Logan until the cat hissed and said, “Laugh all you want, Roman, but your ears are permanently pointed.” The realization horrified him. “But, but they’re not PROPORTIONAL to my gloriously handsome face!” Virgil snickered. “That’s what you get for picking them and then dragging us hear, Elfy.” Roman went to reach for his sword only to discover it was no longer there. “You’ll need to find it if you want it back, Prince Roman. Leave no stone unturned.” The dragon witch hissed, her own eyes starting to look very dragon like. “Now all of you scram before I decide to eat you as my Halloween treats!” They scrambled out of the chamber and through the caverns, Logan leading the way as his little feet went pap pap pap pap every step of the way. Once they reached the outside world, they saw the extent of the dragon witch’s curse. Everyone had been transformed into whatever they had dressed up as- meaning there were a plethora of witches, ghouls and goblins of all ages wandering the world, acting as if they truly were the monsters they dressed up as. Virgil stared out at the chaotic scene, a panic attack working its way up. “Princy, how far are we from home?” The normally flamboyant prince hung his head down in shame. “We’re a long, long way from home. Without monsters, it would take us a good twenty minutes. With them?” He trailed off, fear settling in his belly. Virgil crumpled into a quiet ball, silently trying to breathe but struggling. The fairy carefully flew over to him and got down on the floor with him, gently running his hands through the vampire’s hair as he softly talked the panicked boy down.

Logan peered up at the elf, his cat eyes still holding depths of knowledge within them. “Roman, think. Where would your sword be if it got taken from you?” The elf prince shrugged, mentally racing through a variety of options. Something the witch said rung in his head. Leave no stone unturned… Stone… “AHA!” He cried out loudly, startling his companions and drawing way too much attention to themselves. “That blasted dragon witch knows I’m overly fond of The Sword and the Stone. There’s a perfect boulder over in those woods.” He pointed to a thicket of trees nearly two miles away, where a clearing could barely be seen from their heightened position. “Come, Count Drabula, Fairy Godfather, Logikitty! We should get there before the sun completely sets.” They hurried down the mountain side, reaching the forest precisely as the sun began to set. Virgil couldn’t help but welcome the darkness of the woods, as it made his skin much less itch and Patton was happily carrying Logan while floating around, exploring the scenery from a higher view. After about half an hour Virgil frowned; an unsettling feeling had slowly rose up from the depths of his being, one he didn’t know how to handle.

He was hungry.

Logan noticed his grimace instantly. “Are you alright, Virgil?” The vampire glanced up and nodded quickly. “Yeah, just keep stabbing myself in the lip with these fangs, that’s all.” Don’t tell them you’re hungry, they’ll freak out and think you’re a monster and—

They kept going until they reached the clearing where lo and behold, Roman’s sword was in fact shoved in a giant boulder. While he and Logan raced over to start the irksome task of reclaiming it, Virgil was staying back with his eyes closed and head pounding. The soft sound of fluttering wings made his stomach lurch. “What’s wrong kiddo?” He didn’t reply; a firm hand found a soothing place on his arm. “Verge, what’s wrong? Talk to me.” He opened his eyes and saw the blue fairy dad’s worried eyes, and couldn’t help but open up. “I… Promise you won’t freak out?” Don’t think I’m a monster, please Patton I need you Don’t think I’m a—“I’d never freak out on you, Virgil.” The way his name rolled off Patton’s tongue so effortlessly and gently sent an involuntary shudder down the vampire’s spine. He squeezed his eyes shut and whispered so softly it was barely audible, “I’m hungry.” Patton looked confused at first, but his eyes widened when it clicked. Virgil could barely breathe as he waiting for the dad to back away in horror when all of a sudden Patton smiled at him. “D’aw, it’s alright kiddo. It must suck being a vampire!” The anxious trait stared at him, then rolled his eyes. Patton quickly glanced back to see Roman and Logan still struggling to get the sword out of the stone before turning back to Virgil. “Here,” he offered up his wrist. “You can feed off of me.” Virgil’s stomach sank to his toes. Feed? Off of Patton? He couldn’t. “No, Pat no I can’t I might hurt you.” Still, the idea was morbidly attractive, something he blamed at his temporary vampirism. Patton gave him a warm smile, the glittery swirls of his make up sparkling softly with the move. “You won’t hurt me, my poor vampiric baby. I trust you; if it gets to be too much I’ll stop you. Just… hurry before the others see. They won’t understand like I do.” Virgil could see the fear dancing in Patton’s eyes- he had thought of the same thing Anxiety had. Reluctantly, the vampire carefully clasped the fairy’s wrist and bit down, trying to ignore the gasp of pain. As he began to eat, Virgil couldn’t help but feel a slight euphoria as the sweet blood filled his growling stomach. He anxiously glanced up at Patton, who seemed to be enjoying it?? He wondered in surprise, not wanting to know exactly how the fairy was enjoying it. Worried he would take too much the anxious vampire forced himself to stop but couldn’t resist giving Patton’s wrist a long, slow lick to clean off the blood and heal the wound. Patton shuddered and made just the slightest bit of noise before turning bright red. They became distinctly aware of the other two arguing with each other, resulting in the heart to smile brightly and say “Well, sounds like those two need help.” He flew off to hear the problem.

Virgil watched as the fatherly figure listened intently to the problem, laughed and said something about just pulling it out of the rock. He proceeded to fly up despite the others’ protests and effortlessly pull the sword out from the rock. The elf prince’s jaw dropped, and a hint of hurt glimmered in his eyes. He straightened up, looking quite princely in the last glimmers of dusk, and his jaw firmed in resolution. “Now that THAT fiasco is out of the way, let’s go home before some horrendous beast comes out to eat us!” The elf scooped up the cat, who meowed in protest, and marched to the other side of the woods. The fairy and vampire followed him, trusting he knew the way home in his own world. At the end of the woods stood a large, elaborate gate that stretched as high as the trees and as long as the eye could see. “Oh my,” The prince began, flushing a little. “I forgot I put this here.” Logan growled, his tail twitching in aggravation. “Please tell me you remember how to get through this?” The prince laughed boisterously. “Of course I remember! I just… Can’t reach it.” They all stared at him, waiting for an explanation. “Well, I made a lever high up in the trees that only something tiny could get into a flip.” Patton lit up. “It seems like this cat’s good luck!” Logan groaned. “I can just fly up, find the lever and tell Logan where it is so he can get it!” Logan seemed impressed for a cat. “That’s a logical solution, Patton. I approve.” The dad figure beamed happily before zipping up into the branches for a solid ten minutes. Just as Virgil was starting to worry he’d never find it, they heard an excited “FOUND IT!” boom down from the trees. A blur of blue shot down, grabbed Logan (who shrieked in fright, though he would never admit it) and shot back into the branches. A few more nail-biting minutes later, the gate opened and the fairy returned the cat to the ground, who was sternly chastising Patton for grabbing him in such an undignified manner.

Another hour passed as they dodged monsters; Virgil was getting extremely hungry again, Patton’s wings were drooped in exhaustion and Logan’s paws were tender. The elf finally collapsed and allowed them all to take a break under the reasoning that “they were almost home, they should be safe.” Logan noticed the exhaustion on the unusually stoic prince’s face and felt some odd instinct to curl up in the boy’s lap- and that’s exactly what he did. The elf was shocked at first, but soon was delighted to have a furry companion curled up on him after a long, tiring trek. Before either of them knew it, they were asleep against a tree, Roman’s hand gently resting on Logan’s head. Patton gazed at them and chuckled, looking to seek Virgil’s amusement when he noticed the boy pinching the bridge of his nose in pain. “Hungry?” The fairy asked, and Virgil blushed a deep red. “Y-yeah, but I’ll manage.” Patton sat down by the angsty vampire, unconvinced. He offered his wrist up once again with a gentle, “Eat.” The gnarling hunger would not be ignored, so Virgil once again timidly bit into the offering and drank deeply, the strange warmth filling his entire being with every gulp. Once again, Patton seemed to intensely enjoy the sensation and his cheeks tinged red when he saw Virgil noticed. The vampire stopped feeding, a questioning look in his eyes and a bashful expression on his face. “P-Pat?” The side in question opened his eyes and nodded, encouraging him. “Why do… Why do you like it?” Crimson flooded the fairy’s face as he grinned sheepishly. “I… Well… I can’t think of a dad joke for this, I’m so flustered… I guess it’s because I love you.” Tingles shot down Virgil’s spine, the strange warm sensation returning. “You… love me? But I’m such a pain to deal with!” A gentle hand caressed his cheek, stopping him. “I know. But in some weird way we just… We get each other, Verge, and I can’t help but love you for that.” Virgil was about to respond when a chilling howl filled the air… Right by their rest spot.

Roman and Logan startled awake, the Prince standing up and drawing his sword before Logan could get out of his lap. His tail was bristled and his back arched. “Werewolves…” Prince Roman whispered as four other howls responded. “RUN!” No one questioned his command as he bolted out of the small haven and towards home. The werewolves crashed out into the clearing, gaining ground on the four sides. Logan quickly turned and landed a nasty swipe on the smallest (and presumably youngest) wolf, cutting its snout pretty bad. It whimpered and fell back. A well-aimed kick from Patton took down the other small wolf, and without warning Roman turned on his heel and faced the other two, sword already slashing at their faces. The others rallied behind him, Logan swiping at feet and bellies as he could, Virgil and Patton trying to distract the other so Virgil could bite into it. They managed to split the two remaining werewolves apart, but something seemed unsettling about the one they got. It was almost as if… “Oh my gosh, this one is real.” Patton gasped. Virgil officially went into Full Protection Mode, throwing every punch, kick and bite he could at the monster. It swiped hard and knocked Virgil back before turning itself to face the fairy, who’s wings were too strained from all the traveling to lift him up to safety despite his best efforts. He tripped and fell, and he closed his eyes as the beast lifted a paw with four sharp claws to hit him when—

“MMMPppphhh!” The sound of claws hitting flesh could be heard, but Patton felt nothing. He opened his eyes and saw the vampire standing in front of him, silhouetted by the moon, with four razor sharp claws gouging through his stomach. “NO! VIRGIL!” Patton screamed in horror as the boy’s body fell to the ground. Roman rushed over and quickly decapitated the beast, the other one having retreated to its family. Morality was desperately clinging on to Virgil, who was struggling to breathe. Logan came to his side, panic evident but his voice calm. “Patton, vampires heal off of blood. We need to feed him, and fast!” Roman started to volunteer as an apology, but the fairy didn’t give him the chance. He gently pulled the vampire’s head up to his neck, made sure the fangs were lined up, and whispered, “Bite, Virgil. Please. Don’t leave me…” He shuddered as the fangs sank into his neck, drinking weakly at first but getting progressively stronger. The more Virgil drank, the more his wounds healed until they were nothing more but deep cuts. He unlatched from Patton’s neck, who was looking pale from blood loss but still managed to give him a loving smile. “You okay, kiddo?” The dark trait nodded, gasping out a thank you. “N-no, thank you Verge.” Morality started to say, his voice quivering. “For saving me, and for not leaving us behind…” Tears cascaded down the heart’s face as he pulled the anxious trait in close. Roman was silently crying at the scene, guilt and relief splattered across his face. Logan rubbed his head against them, purring. “I’m sorry to interrupt this,” he began, “But I think we should finish our journey home before anything else attacks us.” Everyone vehemently agreed, and Roman led them the rest of the way home, Virgil carrying a very drained Patton the rest of the way.

Upon arriving home, the dark aura lifted off of them and whisked away into the night. Virgil’s fangs came off, Patton’s wings and Roman’s ears returned to being props, and Logan was blissfully back to being human. Everyone was relieved to be back in their normal forms. “Logan?” Patton asked, getting the former cat’s attention. “Yes, Pat?” The heart looked down kind of shy. “It’s only 10 pm- can we all stay up and watch movies together?” The logical side’s face softened as he processed the heart’s request; he was still quite frightened from the attack, and needed them all there as a source of comfort. “Of course we can. Let’s get in pajamas, shall we?” As they split to get in comfy clothes, Patton felt a firm but slightly shaking hand on his shoulder before he entered his room. “Hey Pat?” Virgil’s voice tremored with uncertainty. The father figure turned around to face his love. “Did you really mean what you said, back in the woods?” Patton smiled, gently lifting the dark trait’s face up for a gentle kiss. “Yes, I did Verge.” Virgil seemed to contemplate everything for a moment, before a small smirk crossed his face. “In that case, I think I’ll help you get all this make up off- seeing as you aren’t experienced with removing it.” Patton turned to his room, mid thank you when he felt teeth gently bite his neck, causing him to stiffen and give the softest of moans before he could hold it back. He glanced at Virgil bewildered, who in turn had a very wicked smile on his face. “We better get started Pat,” he said slowly, “It can take a long time to get make up off.”

@tinysidestrashcaptain