#the 2 is on the OPPOSITE SIDE of the park from the 4 and 5 and also none of them are yellow

[fushigurhoez]

“𝐒𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐀𝐋𝐊 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓, 𝐈 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐃!“

𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐛𝐛𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐫!𝐓𝐨𝐣𝐢 𝐱 𝐟𝐞𝐦!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫ꨄ

warnings : written specifically with chubby/midsize/plus size reader in mind, but anyone can read, Toji’s kind of a sleaze in this but we love that, pussy eating bc he’s the biggest eater, semi public sex, car sex, shower sex, creampie, unprotected sex, degradation and praise, not proofread yet, lmk if I should do a part 2!

—CC! Toji Who quite literally breaks his neck to look at you when you walk past him on his way into the gym he goes to every day.

“God damn.” He’s saying lowly when you pass him in the parking lot, headed to your car with your gym bag over your shoulder, having just finished your little workout. You stop in your tracks, turning around with a hand on your hip utterly gobsmacked by his shameless reaction to you passing him.

“Excuse me?” You’d ask him, your perfectly arched eyebrow raised as if daring him to repeat what he said. And he does.

“I said, God damn.” He says huskily, looking you up and down, but mainly down. The way your Gymshark leggings were scrunched up your ass was hard to miss, even with a pump cover.

“You come here often?” He asks, making you scoff. Did this man think y’all were at a club?

“There’s no way you just asked me that.”

“I did.” He smirks with his hands stuffed in the pockets of his grey sweatpants, not missing a beat and clearly pleased with himself since you were still standing there talking to him.

“No, I don’t come here often. It’s my first day actually, and I don’t think I’ll come back..I don’t have a single clue as to what I’m doing.” You’d confess, and the words tumble from Toji’s mouth before he can think them over.

“Let me teach you.”

“..what?”

“Yeah, let me show you the ropes, Y’know, get the hang of things.” He reiterates, causing you to nod.

“Yeah I got that part, I’m just confused as to what’s in it for you.”

Toji shrugs, black compression shirt protesting against his pecs at the movement.

“Making sure you don’t break the equipment I use on a daily basis with your cluelessness, someone to track my reps..and a fine ass gym buddy.” He looks you over once more. You hum, a humorless chuckle leaving your glossy lips.

“Fuck it why not.”

—And so that’s how you’d met, and that’s how you’d end up meeting with him four times a week at 7pm after you got off from work, always clad in those tight ass pants or shorts and some random graphic tee that you never really used to cover your ass.

“Them tiny ass weights..” he’d chuckle at the 5 pound weights in your hands as he pumped through his 2nd set of 100 bicep curls. You’d roll your eyes at him, doing your own version of the exercise from the bench across from him.

“We can’t all be as strong as you.” You’d say to the man who’s name you learned was Toji (he had been too busy staring at your ass to tell you)

He’d chuckle again, his voice husky when says

“I know baby.” His jade eyes never leaving yours even after you look away.

Eventually you two would move on to the next section of the gym to continue your workout, your eyes flitting to the opposite side of the gym curiously.

“What’s over there?” You’d ask and he’d follow your gaze to the far end of the gym where the treadmills were.

“Nothing that concerns you.”

And it wouldn’t be you if you didn’t raise an eyebrow at him, hands on those perfect fucking hips of yours before you turn in that direction to go investigate. He’d grab your arm gently, his fingers sinking into the softness of it as he stopped you.

“Tch. You’re a brat..It’s just treadmills on that end.”

You’d huff at him trying to pull your arm out of his grip but it only tightens.

“Toji, let go! I should start adding cardio into my routine.” You whine, only for him to scoff at your words.

“So you can run that perfect ass of yours away? Hell no.”

He said it as though it was the most casual thing in the world, dragging you toward the squat machine.

—Eventually, 4 days a week had turned into 6, when you started meeting him on your off days too. From then on, you’d come to realize that Toji Fushiguro had a thing for more than just your ass.

“It’s hot as fuck in here, Toji.” You’d complain, reaching to wipe the sweat from your forehead for the umpteenth time, making him laugh, the deep rumbling sound echoing softly in the gym sauna. Perks of coming this late meant that barely anyone was in the entire gym, leaving the two of you alone.

“It’s a sauna mama.” You’d gotten used to the plethora of pet names he called you, barely even blinking at them anymore. You’d shake your head when a drop of sweat rolled right into your eye, the saltiness of it stinging. You’d pull your shirt over your head revealing your soft arms and tummy, obscured by the high waisted band of those stupid scrunch-butt leggings and the feminine curve of your breasts suffocated in the tiny matching sports bra you had on underneath. Toji wondered if you knew you had a mole, right above one of the rolls on your back. You’d use your shirt to dry your face, mumbling something about your eye burning. Toji would scoot closer to you on the wooden sauna bench, his big hand cupping your soft cheek to make you look at him.

“Lemme see.” He’d whisper, looking into your eyes. You’d grow shy, trying to look away from him with a quiet whisper of his name. He’d turn your gaze back to him, your eyes flickering down to his scarred lips before he kissed you, hard. It wasn’t a sweet kiss, it was so passionate that it made you dizzy. He’d pull you onto his lap with ease, not pulling away from your lips as his raging hard-on pressed against your pussy through the pitiful bottoms you called shorts. He’d finally pull away once you both began to feel lightheaded from lack of air, his greedy lips already kissing down your neck.

“Toji..” you’d gasp, nails digging into his large biceps. He’d groan into the crook of your neck, his arms tightening around your soft waist possessively.

“Don’t say my name like that unless you wanna get fucked in this sauna.”

“..Toji.” You’d dare to breathe it again, and that’s how you’d end up switching positions, his hands tugging aggressively at the spandex that seemed to be glued to your body, your sweaty panties following. He didn’t give a fuck, pushing your knees up to your chest and burying his face in your fat pussy with his eyes low lidded like he was high as he slurped on your wetness, spitting it back onto your sensitive little clit before licking it back up all while looking into your eyes.

Your whole body would be covered in a thin sheen of sweat, highlighting your supple curves. He’d groan into your pussy, his big hands squeezing the fat on your stretch mark covered hips to hold you still.

“Fuck, you taste as good as you look.” His voice would somehow drop even deeper when he’d mumble praises against your clit before stuffing his tongue deep into your sloppy little hole, making you cry at the way his nose pressed against your clit. He’d chuckle lowly at the tears streaming down your face, huffing as he moved his head, rubbing his nose against your clit while he licked you from the inside.

“Ohh my god, I’m gonna fucking cum.” You’d whine, hands tugging his black hair a little too hard as you forced him closer to your pussy, grinding against his face..and he let you, growling into your cunt when you came, gushing messily right into his mouth. You’d be laying there with your back flat on the wooden sauna bench, legs still trembling from your orgasm when he’d whip his dick out in front of your face, stroking it with a smirk when he caught you marveling at his size.

“Let me in that pretty mouth, yeah?”

—CC! Toji who you’d start seeing outside of the gym after that, showing up to his mechanic job holding his protein shaker bottle in your manicured hand as if it were the key to heaven. You’d walk up to him in a yellow sundress, a fucking sundress, right in front of all his colleagues and say

“You forgot this at my place.”

So really what choice did he have besides immediately clocking out for his break and following you back to your car behind the building to fuck your pretty brains out?

“Fuck me, ohh God fuck me!” You’d scream, Toji’s grip on your hair tightening as he took you from behind in the backseat, that damned dress pushed up over your fat ass that he watched clap against his hips with each thrust.

“I am fucking you, you desperate slut.” He’d spit, one hand in your hair and the other keeping your back in a deep arch for him.

“Fucking do it harder.” You’d sass, attempting to push your ass back against him, only for him to slap it hard enough to bruise, shoving your face into the leather seat to shut you up.

“Fine, but don’t go screaming for someone to come save you.” He’d say before hiking his leg up, foot resting on the back of your head as he began drilling deep into your gooey pussy, heavy balls slapping your clit and making you scream just like he knew you would.

“Nasty bitch.”

—CC! Toji who was surprisingly soft with you, despite fucking you like he hates you most of the time.

“You have to wait, it’s hot.” He’d say firmly, holding the pizza away from you as he blew on it to cool it down. You slumped dramatically next to him in the booth at the back of the pizza restaurant he’d brought you to after the gym.

“I think I might die.” You pout, still jittery from hitting the gym without eating. He’d chuckle flatly as you lean on his shoulder, still blowing on the piping hot pizza.

“No one told you to take all that pre-workout on an empty stomach.” He’d scold, mumbling ‘here’ before finally bringing the pizza to your lips, feeding you carefully.

“That’s it..good girl.” He’d praise as you ate, causing you to stop chewing, looking at him with narrowed eyes.

“What now?” He’d ask with a sigh.

“Don’t ‘what now’ me, you tryna fuck?” You’d ask him skeptically, cheeks humorously full. He’d laugh a genuine laugh, pushing your head gently with one finger.

“No, I’m not ‘Tryna fuck’. Eat your disgusting pizza.” He’d say referring to the pineapple chunks on your slice. You make a comment about how ‘pineapple belongs on pizza’ letting him feed you the rest of it. He pays, always refusing to even let you bring your wallet when you’re out with him, and then you two walk back to your car, him hovering a few steps behind you. You feel his eyes on you, on your ass specifically, having worn the same seamless black leggings as the day you’d met 4 months ago. The car ride to your place is long and quiet, his big hand on your plush thigh, squeezing tighter than he meant to. When you make it there, he crosses in front of the car, opening the door for you like he usually does and helping you out. Once inside, his eyes burn holes into you from behind as he follows you upstairs and you stop walking momentarily just to fuck with him. He wouldn’t play any of that, cracking his hand on your ass to show you he’s not fucking around.

“Get that ass upstairs.” He’d warn you, green eyes dead serious, because he lied, he was trying to fuck.

And fuck you did, right in the shower. He’d followed you in there, doing a half-ass job of spreading your shower gel around your body before he got distracted by your soapy tits and trapped you against the cool tile of the shower wall. He’d lift one of your legs, resting your ankle on his shoulder and hooking a hand under your knee to hold it up, the other on your waist holding you steady as his fingers subconsciously grip the fat there.

“You trust me? You know that I’m not gonna let you fall?” He’d ask lowly while looking into your eyes, the head of his hard dick snug against your hole. You nod eagerly, your hands resting on his strong arms.

“Use your words.” He’d say patiently, dipping the tip in shallowly making you gasp.

“I trust you, I know you won’t let me—fuck!” The sound of your pleasure would cut you off when he’d sink in to the hilt, his pubic hair rubbing right against your clit with each deep grind of his hips.

“Mnngh, Toji..” you’d groan, nails digging into his skin as he speeds up, your noises turning him on beyond belief.

“Mm, mm, ughh fuck!” You’d cry for him loudly when he’d angle his hips differently, hitting that spot he knew was your favorite.

“Shhh, baby..” he’d grunt against your ear, nibbling it gently.

You’d make no efforts to quiet down, especially not when he’d hook his other arm under your knee, picking you up fully and fucking you against the wall, splitting you on his dick.

“You feel me? Feel how fucking deep I am?” He’d growl, pistoning into you now, making your eyes roll into the back of your head and rendering you completely speechless and still in his arms, unable to do anything but take it. You’d be too busy moaning to warn him that you were about to cum, but he knew by the way your voice got more whiney, the way your pussy seized around his cock, and when he felt your squirt jetting out, splashing his abs before being rinsed away by the shower water. It felt like your pussy was trying to push him out, but he wouldn’t allow it, ploughing deeper and forcing more squirt out of you as he chased his nut, you whining in overstimulation.

“I know mama, just a little bit more.” He’d talk you through it, a rare moan leaving him when he busted, burying his cock in deep as he shot his hot n thick cum right against the sensitive ring of your cervix.

He’d take your lips in a passionate kiss, both of you panting into each other’s mouths as he held you close to him, his arms not so much as trembling under your weight.

[circeyoru]

MASTERLIST: Solo Leveling Ver.

Finally, I'm making a Masterlist for this fandom too. From now on, all the stories will be linked to here, to access here would be through my central Masterlist with the other fandoms.

I swear, every single one of these would contain spoilers of some form if you only watched the anime. You have been warned guys~

Sung Jinwoo, The Shadow Monarch

{Loyalty of The Shadow} *COMPLETED*

[Sung Jinwoo x Friend!Reader] Part 1 — Part 2 — Part 3 — Special: Acting AU

{Foreign Reality}

[Sung Jinwoo x Memory intact!Reader - Academy Arc] Story

{Future Power Couple} = Requested

[Sung Jinwoo x S-Rank Player!Reader] Ask — Story

{The Cure for Their Problems} = Requested

[Sung Jinwoo x Sickly!Reader] Ask — Story

{*unnamed*} = Mini Series Collab @forbidden-sunlight

[Yandere!Sung Jinwoo x KDJ!Reader] Part 1 — Part 2 — Part 3 — Part 4 — (more parts coming) A mini series we take turns writing and editing different parts! Enjoy enjoy!!

{The Only Reason} *COMPLETED*

[Yandere!Sung Jinwoo x Worker!Reader - Mana Overload AU] Part 1 — The Ruling System Over Hunters Part 2 — Hunters Belong in Dungeons, Not Cells Part 3 — Imprisonment of the Rising Star Part 4 — It Was All Planned Trivia Asks: > Where are Jinho and Jinchul? > What happened with Thomas Andre? (bonus: other National Level Hunters)

{Your Special Shush Muse} = Requested

[Sung Jinwoo x A-Rank Hunter Artist!Reader] Ask — Story

{By His Side} = Requested

[Sung Jinwoo x Long-time Partner!Reader] Ask — Story

{Shadow and Void} = Requested

[Yandere!Sung Jinwoo x Enemy Monarch!Reader] Ask Arc 1: Alliance Part 1 ― The Monarch Part 2 — Memory and Deal Part 3 — Profile of the Monarch Ally Arc 2: Third Wheel Part 4 — A Rigged Test Part 5 ― Worthy Successor Arc 3: Heir to the Throne Part 6 ― Lurking Dangers Part 7 ― Be A Real One Arc 4: Bonding Times Part 8 ― Let’s Date In Times of Peril Part 9 ― Amusement Park Fun Part 10 ― The Story of The Void’s Vessel Part 11 ― Flight of Freedom Special ― Moments with Kora Arc 5: Fear the Strong, Crush the Weak Part 12 ― Death to He who Loved and was Loved Part 13 ― Oath of the Future Part 14 ― Tales of Old Part 15 ― Sacrifices Will Be Made Arc 6 (to be continued)

{Maker of His Eyes} = Requested

[Yandere!Sung Jinwoo x Hunter Gear Maker!Reader] Ask — Story

{Love Trial} = Requested *COMPLETED*

[Sung Jinwoo x High School Ex-Lover!Reader] Ask — Part 1 ― Part 2 ― Part 3 ― Part 4 ― Part 5

{Shell of What’s Left Behind} = Requested *COMPLETED*

[Traumatized!Sung Jinwoo x Former Close Friend!Reader] Ask — Story — Alternate/Extra Ending + Silly Comic

{Twins But Still Different} = Requested

[Liu Zhigang x Jinwoo’s Younger Twin!Reader | Sung Jinwoo x Younger Twin!Reader - Platonic] Ask — Story

{Breaking Up 101} = Requested

[Mafia Boss!Sung Jinwoo x Completely Opposite Lover!Reader - Mafia AU] Ask — Story

{Freedom in The Darkness}

[Yandere!Sung Jinwoo x Royalty!Reader - Royal Fight AU] Story

{Never Meant to Be…}

[E-Rank!Sung Jinwoo x Summoner!Reader] Part 1 ― Part 2

{Inhumans Among Humans} = Requested

[Sung Jinwoo x Alter AU Shadow Monarch Female!Reader - Romantic | Monarch Change AU] Request Base ― Teaser/Prologue ― Part 1

{Ranking Means Nothing} = Requested

[E-Rank!Sung Jinwoo x S-Rank Summoner!Reader] Ask — Story

The Shadows, Jinwoo’s Loyal Soldiers

{Wild Card in the Shadow Army} = Requested

[Shadow Generals x Court Jester Shadow!Reader - Platonic] Ask — Story

Liu Zhigang, The 7-star Hunter

{Someone To Defend and Protect} = Requested

[Liu Zhigang x 6-Star Hunter!Reader] Ask — Story

{Twins But Still Different} = Requested

[Liu Zhigang x Jinwoo’s Younger Twin!Reader | Sung Jinwoo x Younger Twin!Reader - Platonic] Ask — Story

General Reader Insert

Crossover: Solo Leveling x Homicipher

[Solo Leveling x Homicipher MC!Reader - Crossover]

Idea 1: {Other Other World} Transported to Jinah’s school during the dungeon break Idea 2: {Twisted Killings} As the dark side of the Hunters Association

Main Masterlist

[persevereforahappyending]

No Man's Land |4|

Pairing: Sam Carpenter x Reader

Summary: Sam can’t help but be drawn to the cute stranger from her gym, even if everything about them makes them the perfect suspect, just when Ghostface has returned.

Warnings: None

Word Count: 2.3k+

Main Masterlist | Series Masterlist

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15

Sam crossed her legs, trying to stop the bouncing of her foot, but it was no use. She just as quickly uncrossed them, so her foot was bouncing on the ground again. Her fists were clenched together, and her eyes hadn’t left the stained tile floor of the hospital waiting room. She tried focusing on the stain, silently debating if the brownish color was coffee or blood. She had been sitting in the waiting room since they brought you in, she wasn’t sure how long it had been.

“What were you thinking!” Tara’s voice came, making Sam’s head snap up. “A note!” She held up the little sticky note that Sam and written. “Went to gym, be back soon,” Tara read the note Sam had written, crumpling it up after she finished.

“I didn’t want you to worry,” Sam tried to defend.

“Then a text!”  Tara threw her arms in the air. “Ghostface attacked,” Tara held up her phone, reading the quick text Sam had sent. “Headed to hospital.” Tara aggressively dropped her phone back down at her side. “What the fuck! I thought we were supposed to be staying safe! And together!”

“Yeah,” Chad said, flopping down into the seat beside her. “Running off alone in the middle of the night is the opposite of that,” Chad gave her what she could only describe as a big brother look.

Sam could only roll her eyes. “I just needed to clear my head,” Sam sighed. “I’m sorry.”

“What happened?” Mindy asked, taking the seat across from her. Tara continued to stare down at Sam, shaking her head and her arms crossed. It wasn’t often Sam was on the other end of that look. Sam was usually the one giving that look to Tara and occasionally the twins. She was beginning to understand what Tara meant every time she talked about Sam hovering and being overprotective.

“Y/N was attacked.”

“What?” Tara asked with a furrowed brow.

“Oh no,” Chad whispered, bringing a hand to his heart. Sam scrunched her eyebrows, Chad seemed to have gotten really attached to you after just one conversation, she wondered what the two of you could have possibly talked about.

“They saved my life,” Sam continued. “I was down, and they came out of nowhere.”

Mindy furrowed her brow, crossing her arms as she leaned back further in her chair. “Why were they there?” she questioned.

Sam could only shrug. “Sometimes they like to work out late.” Sam had been surprised to see you, not just because you jumped in to save her life without a second thought but because she didn’t think anyone else was in the gym at the time, there had been no vehicles in the parking lot. Mindy only let out a hum at her response though.

“What?” Chad questioned.

Mindy looked at everyone but kept flicking a glance at Sam. Sam raised an eyebrow as she waited to hear whatever Mindy had to say. “Don’t you think it’s suspicious?” Mindy questioned. “This mysterious person Sam likes suddenly shows up the same time as Ghostface?” Everyone sucked in a breath as they took in what Mindy was saying. “It can’t be a coincidence.”

Sam frowned; she didn’t necessarily disagree with Mindy as much as she hated to admit it. It was oddly coincidental that you of all people showed up just the moment Sam needed you. For all they knew this was all a ploy to get them to drop their guard down around you, to let you in and then you’d help whoever Ghostface was take them down.

“Looks like we’re about to find out,” Tara mumbled.

Sam looked up to see the doctor walking towards them. She was instantly on her feet to meet the doctor when he got to their side. “Your friend is in room 582, they are clear, and you are free to take them home,” the doctor said.

“Thank you,” Sam said, giving a grateful smile to the man.

They all made their way to your room. When they got there Sam saw the door was ajar. “Wait here,” she whispered to the others. Tara frowned but Sam didn’t wait for Tara to argue back before she pushed the door open and stepped into the room.

Sam froze in the doorway when she saw you. You were standing by the bed, pulling down your shirt. Her eyes widened at the exposed skin she saw before it got covered by your shirt. There were several scars on your back, your side, and front, your body seemed to be littered with them. Several of them were knife wounds, Sam could recognize them instantly, she had some of her own after all. There were others she didn’t recognize but looked eerily similar to bullet wounds, but she had only seen those a handful of times before.

Her eyes couldn’t help but linger on the fresh stab wound, newly stitched up. It was a large wound, just under your ribs. Sam sucked in a breath, it was her fault you had a new wound, that you were stabbed. Just a little higher and you could have died, Sam could have been the reason you died.

Before Sam could say anything, she was pushed further into the room as the others piled in behind her. You whipped around when you heard them all stumbling in. “Guess patient confidentiality isn’t a thing anymore,” you mumbled. You sat down on the edge of the hospital bed as you looked at Sam and the others.

“We’re sorry,” Sam said. “We just-”

“Why were you at the gym?” Mindy asked, cutting Sam off. Sam suppressed a sigh, if they wanted to get answers from you, jumping right into questioning was probably not the best idea.

You tilted your head, narrowing your eyes at Mindy. “To work out,” you said. “That’s what one tends to do at the gym.”

“After midnight?” Mindy crossed her arms.

“Less likely to be disturbed,” you shrugged. You were answering their questions but giving them nothing, Sam couldn’t blame you for being so guarded.

“So, right place right time?”

“Not exactly the way I’d describe it.” You stared at Mindy, but your face gave away no emotion. “Considering I was stabbed.”

Mindy let out something between a hum and a scoff. “How convenient.”

“If you have something to say,” you said calmly. “Say it.” Sam wasn’t sure how you could remain so calm when you were being questioned by people you didn’t even know.

“Why’d you do it? Why risk your life for someone you don’t even know?”

“So, just because I don’t know Sam means I should let her die?”

Sam started to nod, seeing your logic when she froze. Her head, along with the others, all snapped up towards you. “How did you know her name?”

You rolled your eyes and looked at the group. Sam furrowed her brow as she realized you weren’t looking at all of them but one of them specifically. She heard someone let out a hiss and turned around to see Chad with a guilty look. “Yeah,” he said, holding up a hand. “It came up in our conversation.”

Sam glared at Chad. She knew he got your name, but she hadn’t imagined he gave you, her name. He had somehow neglected to mention that little fact when he was telling everyone about his very short time getting to know you.

“Whatever,” Mindy said, waving it off. “Do you make it a habit of throwing yourself into danger?”

“I make it a habit of not turning my back when someone needs help,” you said simply.

“Guys,” Sam finally spoke up. “Give us a minute.” She nodded towards the door. Mindy looked at her, clearly wanting to question you more but Chad grabbed her and led her out of the room, followed by Tara.

“I’m sorry,” Sam whispered. “You were just stabbed, the last thing you need is a bunch of people questioning you.”

You just shrugged; it was like none of this phased you. “You were attacked,” you said. “Of course they’d be suspicious.”

Sam nodded, you were taking everything very well, though you had yet to question them, had yet to demand answers. You hadn’t even asked why a masked psycho was trying to kill Sam. She wasn’t sure if you were that uninterested or if it was because you already knew the answer.

You stood up from the bed, barely wincing as you did so. Sam saw you eye your jacket that was next to her, she grabbed it and held it out to you. You silently reached out, taking the jacket from her. You shrugged on the jacket and moved towards the door, stopping next to Sam. “Thanks,” you whispered softly.

“You got stabbed saving me,” Sam whispered back. “I’m pretty sure I should be thanking you.” You just shrugged and pushed past Sam out the door.

Sam barely had time to process what she was doing before she followed after you. She wasn’t fully sure why, maybe it was because you saved her life, but she wanted to keep you close. It wasn’t just because she liked you, she felt responsible now, you were caught up in her mess whether you realized it or not. Even if the two of you had never talked until a few minutes ago she knew Ghostface wouldn’t just let you go, you were a target now.

“Wait!” Sam called, running to catch up with you, assuming the others would be trailing behind. “We aren’t done yet.”

You lightly chuckled to yourself and gave a little shake of your head. “I am,” you said without even bothering to turn around.

Sam suppressed a groan; she should have known you would be incredibly difficult. The two of you had talked for only a few minutes but you had told them nothing. Sam couldn’t say she was surprised you were a person of few words. You barely spoke to people at the gym, it didn’t seem like you talked much to your friends either, it wasn’t a surprise you didn’t want to talk to Sam, she is the reason you got stabbed after all.

“Gale Weathers,” Sam heard a voice she knew all too well say. “Channel Four.” Sam slowed down when she saw you come to a stop. She came around your side to see Gale standing in front of you, blocking your path to the front door. “Care to answer some questions about surviving a Ghostface attack?” Gale held her microphone out towards you.

You looked down at the microphone and back up at Gale. Sam held here breath as she waited to see what you would say or do. “No,” you said and walked right past Gale.

Sam couldn’t help but smirk at the way Gale opened and closed her mouth. She slowly brought the microphone back towards herself and flipped the switch to turn it off. “You just don’t know when to quit, do you?” Sam asked, masking her face again.

Gale rolled her eyes and stepped closer to Sam. “I’m just following the story,” Gale said with a shrug.

Sam just scoffed; it was such a typical Gale Weathers response.  She opened her mouth to say something back but stopped when she saw detective Bailey walking through the doors. She furrowed her brow and stepped past Gale, making Gale follow her gaze.

“Y/N Y/LN,” Bailey said, raising his hand to stop you in your tracks. Once again you looked down, this time at Bailey’s hand in front of you. When you looked back up at Bailey you seemed even more annoyed than when Gale had stopped you. “Mind if we have a few words?”

“Yes,” you replied with your one-word response again.

Sam couldn’t blame you for being annoyed. She could only imagine what you were going through, it was late, you were stabbed, then Sam and her friends interrogated you, then Gale stopped you, and now Bailey was stopping you. Sam assumed you only wanted to go home, probably just wanted to rest in an actual bed.

You moved to walk past Bailey when he grabbed your arm and held you in place. You glanced to the side, looking down at Bailey’s hand on you. “I’m going to need you to come down to the station,” Bailey said. “I’m not asking.”

Sam saw the way your jaw clenched but you didn’t say anything more, you just nodded. Bailey kept his hand on your arm as he led you out the front of the hospital. Sam and Gale followed behind watching him put you in the back of his police car.

“You really know how to pick ’em,” Gale mumbled.

Sam shot her a glare. She turned around to see Tara and the twins standing there. Sam rubbed her eyes, her plan worked, she was officially tired. “Go back to the apartment,” Sam said.

“What about you?” Tara asked, stepping forward. Sam sighed and looked back to where she could see Bailey’s car still making its way down the street. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

Sam turned back to her sister. “I’m the reason they’re in this mess.”

“Then I’m going with you.”

“No-”

“It’s not up for discussion.” Tara crossed her arms.

“Fine,” Sam rolled her eyes.

Tara tossed her keys to Mindy and Chad, telling them to go back to the apartment and wait for them. They all agreed to keep each other updated and text each other regularly so they all knew each other was okay. Then Sam and Tara flagged down a cab and made their way to the police station. She didn’t have a plan, but she was beating herself up, if it wasn’t for her, you wouldn’t have been stabbed and you wouldn’t be on your way to be questioned right now.

Taglist: @thatshyboy1998 @artrizzler19 @btay3115

[spookysanta]

Chapter 6: All Hell & Honey Lavender Lattes

Ongoing tags: [Modern Romance] [Slow Burn] to [Fireworks [Black!Reader] [Younger!Reader] [Reader is That Girl] [Obsessed Michael™] [So Much Eye Contact] [Vacation Fling] turns into [Something Real]

Potential TW/CW: [Swearing] [Light Sexual Tension] to [Eventual Smut]

Read Part 1. Part 2. Part 3. Part 4. Part 5.

helloooooo update #2 for this week. we’re rolling full-steam ahead. thank y’all for your support on this series! i can’t wait to show you what else is in store for tati & company. this is just the first fic in this universe ;)

—

You woke up warm. The kind of warm that felt like heaven.

Your legs were tangled in sheets, throat dry, and thighs aching in ways that didn’t feel like pain. The light coming in through the curtains was soft and gold, early enough that the hotel suite was still hushed, like the city hadn’t made up its mind about waking up yet.

You stretched lazily, reaching an arm out for the other pillow.

It was empty.

You blinked slowly and sat up, scanning the room for any signs of life.

There were none.

No shirt draped on the chair. No boxers on the floor. No spare keycard on the nightstand.

No Michael.

You stood slowly – still sore, still flushed – and crossed the hall to peek into the bathroom… nothing.

You padded through to the kitchen… nothing.

You checked your phone.

There were no new text messages. No missed calls. No note on the dresser.

Your stomach dropped.

He left, you thought. He actually left. I was right, yet again. As soon as I made the stupid decision to sleep with him, he leaves.

You were halfway through an internal spiral when Kris popped her head into your room. “You good?” she asked gently. “You… don’t look good.”

“He’s gone.” you said flatly.

“What do you mean gone?”

“Gone like not here. He’s not in the bathroom. Not in the suite. No text. No nothing.”

Her eyes widened, almost to the size of the dinner plates stacked in the kitchen’s cabinet. Then slowly backed out of the room. “Girls?” she yelled out, loud enough to stir the entire suite. “We got a Code Red!”

–

Ten minutes later, you were wrapped in a blanket on the couch, with your legs tucked up to your chest, and Tati rubbing your back like someone had died.

Nas offered you a bottle of water, while Lex was checking social media for clues. On the opposite end of the suite Kris stood near the window facing the parking garage, pacing like a bodyguard trying not to panic.

“I just don’t get it,” you said softly. “Last night was–”

“That man made you levitate,” Lex said. “That was not a hit it and quit it situation.”

“He called me his,” you whispered.

“And I’m sure he meant it,” Tati said. “If he left, it can’t be because of you.”

“Then why wouldn’t he tell me?”

Nas perched on the opposite side of you on the couch, brushing your unruly hair from your shoulder. “Maybe it was an emergency.”

“Hm.” You laughed coldly, feeling the embarrassment rise in your chest. “Maybe I was the emergency.”

Everyone fell silent, unsure what to say, or how to soothe the ache in your heart (and still, in your body). The room stayed still for a moment, until –

Beep.

The suite door clicked open.

You all turned sharply, only to find Michael stepping into the suite sideways – a (wrinkled) hoodie on, keycard clenched between his teeth, arms full of to-go bags, and a drink carrier piled high with iced coffee and hot tea. He stacked little cartons of fruit and pastries across his chest, boxes balanced like a high-stakes game of Jenga.

He froze as he crossed fully into the threshold.

Three girls on the couch – one in tears – one glaring into his soul from the armchair, and another standing in the kitchen, eerily close to the knife set.

All of their eyes bore into him like he walked into a crime scene.

He dropped the keycard from his mouth. “…Why is everybody looking at me like I committed a murder?” His mouth was parted, bags still in hand. “…Did I miss something?”

Tati stood up first. Arms crossed. Hair tied back like she was ready to lose it all. “Where. The fuck. Were you?”

His eyes flicked from her to you – wrapped in a blanket on the couch, eyes glassy, tears streaked down your face.

“I–I just ran out to grab breakfast.”

“WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING?” Kris cut in, stomping into the common room, voice high-pitched and shaking. “You left her alone, no text, no note, and naked in a suite full of people who just listened to you devastate her body for half the night!”

“I didn’t think it’d be a big deal,” he said, quietly panicked. “I thought I’d be back before she woke up–”

“Oh, because that makes it better!” Lex snapped. “You just vanished! After all that whispering and ‘mine’ talk?”

Michael blinked. “I brought pastries,” he said helplessly.

“WE DON’T WANT YOUR FUCKING DANISHES.” Tati thundered.

“Actually,” Nas murmured, already having gotten up and taking a coffee from the drink carrier he was holding, “I do want this iced lavender latte. Thank you.”

“Treason.” Lex hissed under her breath.

“I’m sorry,” Michael said, voice earnest now, setting the bags down slowly on the table behind the couch. “I didn’t mean to disappear. I really didn’t. I thought I was doing something sweet – for her and for y’all. ‘Cause, I mean…”

He paused, gesturing vaguely at the floor. “You definitely heard me make her scream.”

The group went silent as your cheeks burned.

Michael cleared his throat. “I just wanted to do something nice to make up for… you know. That. The sound barrier thing. I didn’t mean to start World War III.” He turned to you, eyes soft. “I’m sorry, sweet girl.”

The girls shifted. The atmosphere in the room was still heavy. Tati still looked suspicious. Kris still had her arms crossed. But Lex was quietly sipping a cup of tea and Nas was already unpacking the food.

“He really got everything,” she said, eyes scanning the bag labels. “He even got all the coffees with oat milk, Tati.”

Tati rolled her eyes. “Whatever.”

Michael moved toward you slowly, cautiously, like if he moved too quick you’d run away and hide. He crouched down in front of you, Tati’s glaring eyes never leaving him, and her arms around you unmoving. “You okay?” he asked, voice low, only for you.

You nodded, blinking fast, feeling more tears coming. “I just… I thought you left.”

“I would never leave you like that.”

Your voice cracked. “Then why didn’t you say something?”

He reached up and cupped your cheek, still cautious. “I thought I’d be back before you noticed. I didn’t think about how that would feel. That’s on me.”

He stood, taking a look around the suite, examining the five women that could (would, and probably have) plan his untimely demise. “I fumbled. Bad.” He confessed to the group, palms raised in surrender.

The girls stared, glares slowly started to soften. The room remained quiet for a moment, except for Nas unwrapping a breakfast sandwich from a ball of foil.

“You gonna keep treating her like this isn’t casual?” Kris asked from across the room, folding her arms tighter.

He nodded immediately, voice firm and steady. “This is not casual.”

You let out a shaky breath, then mumbled, “Save me a muffin.”

He smiled. “Every one you want.”

Food bags and drink cartons slowly made their way over to the kitchen table, containers of pancakes, bacon, eggs, pastries, sandwiches, and sides for all palettes strewn across the dark oak wood.

It was quiet at first – and definitely not because anyone was shy. They were just watchful. Intentionally keeping eyes on you, and almost equally as important, him.

The girls had their coffee, smoothies, and apology croissants. But their eyes were still cutting across the table like they were waiting for Michael to breathe wrong.

Meanwhile, he stayed seated next to you – grounded, no flashy excuses. He handed you your tea first, the paper cup warm and soothing between your palms.

Then, he looked at you. Not down, not away, but right at you. “I’m sorry.”

The quiet in the room thickened.

“I should’ve said something,” he continued. “Left a note. Texted. Woken you up and told you where I was going. I just wanted to surprise you. Thought I was doing something sweet.”

You didn’t say anything yet. So he kept going.

“I heard how hard last night hit you. Not just the… well–” he cleared his throat, glancing around the room, “–the physical… But the trust… The pace… The way you let me in.”

Your stomach clenched.

He dropped his voice, leaning in a bit closer to your ear. “I scared you this morning, and that’s on me. That’s not the kind of man I want to be for you. That’s not the kind of space I want you to hold in your chest when you think about me.”

If there was anything happening outside of this conversation, it paused. It seemed like everything and everyone froze, with even Tati pausing mid-bite at his statement.

You stared down at your tea. Then whispered, “I thought I’d done something wrong.”

Michael’s whole body shifted. “No. Baby, no. Don’t ever think that. Not for a second.”

You blinked fast.

He reached under the table, interlacing his fingers between yours. “Let me earn back whatever I shook. I’ll spend the rest of this week showing you that I meant what I said last night. Every word.”

You looked at him, scanning for an iota of untruth. There was none. “Okay,” you replied simply, nodding once.

The girls collectively exhaled – loud and strong enough for him to notice.

Nas broke the tension first. “You know we’re still judging you, right?”

Michael nodded. “As you should.”

“And that apology croissant only gets you, like, thirty percent of the way back,” Kris added.

“That’s fair.”

“You did steal her three times already,” Lex said, narrowing her eyes. “Once from the club. Once from our suite. And once from her body.”

You choked on your tea.

“Wow.” Michael turned bright red. He ran a hand over his face. “…I really didn’t think y’all were that close to the door the entire time.”

“We were an audience on the other side of the door,” Nas said. “And we damn near got as baptized as she did. Lex was gonna buy flowers in her memory.”

“You should’ve seen what they said in the group chat.” You replied with an embarrassed laugh.

Michael buried his face in his hands.

“But,” Tati said slowly, conceding but still not happy. “if you wanna try again at impressing us, you could give us the details of where you’re taking her next. We’re approving all scheduling from now on.”

Michael looked up – defeated, but smiling. “Yes, ma’am.”

She didn’t smile back. Instead, she pushed her container of food away from her, setting her cup on the table. Her hands folded in front of her, one eyebrow raising in inquisition. “So what exactly are your intentions with our friend?”

Michael glanced at you – still seated next to him, blanket wrapped around your shoulders, warm tea in your hands – and said without flinching, “To take my time. To be clear. And to make sure she never has to second-guess where she stands with me.”

Kris squinted. “And?”

“To make her laugh. Feed her. Treat her right.”

Nas hummed. “You say that now.”

“I’ll say it again,” he replied. “Every time she needs to hear it.”

Lex sipped her latte, shrugging in contentment. “Okay fine. He’s kinda smooth.”

Tati folded her arms across her chest. “One more question.”

Michael nodded. “Shoot.”

“Are you gonna keep fucking her like she’s the only woman on Earth, or was that just a special occasion?”

The room exploded, and you nearly fell out of your chair.

Michael froze, ears pink. “I–um–”

“Because,” Tati continued with a completely straight face, “we were planning a second baptism.”

“I’m leaving,” he muttered, standing with his hands in the air.

You stood with a laugh, grabbing his wrist and tugged him gently toward the hallway. “Come on.” You led him to the door of the suite, turning to face him and choosing to ignore the four faces watching creepily from the kitchen.

“I’m sorry again,” he said softly, hands cradling your waist.

“I know.”

“I wasn’t trying to hurt you.”

“I know.”

“I’ll be better.”

You tilted your head. “You’re already good. Just… keep being real.”

He nodded. “That’s easy. You make it easy.”

You smiled.

He leaned down and kissed you slow. Not needy, just sure, whispering “Let me know when you’re free next. I’ll make it worth every second.” Then he winked at you… and turned to face the gauntlet of your girls one more time.

Tati raised her tea. “We’ll be in touch.”

Michael bowed his head like a soldier headed into war, opening the door and walking out smoothly. “Y’all have a good day.”

After Michael left, the suite stayed unusually quiet. You found yourself stood by the door for a few seconds too long, fingers playing with the hem of the blanket engulfing you, eyes set on the hardwood floor.

Still totally unsure if the morning fog had fully lifted.

Then Tati approached you. “You okay?”

You nodded slowly. But in true Tati fashion, she wasn’t buying it. “Don’t lie.”

You blinked, eyes finding hers. “I just… feel stupid. For spiraling like that.”

“Don’t.”

“I was so quick to assume the worst–”

“Because the worst has happened before,” she said gently, cutting you off. She grabbed your hand, ushering you to have a seat on the couch, setting herself next to you. “And you’re still learning how to trust. That’s not stupid – that’s human.”

You swallowed. Nas coming over with your tea. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Except fall for someone who actually deserves you,” Kris added, she and Lex joining you in the common room and taking space on the floor. She leaned her head back onto your knee. “And now your whole nervous system’s catching up.”

You exhaled, sharp and shaky.

–

The rest of the day was soft, complete with face masks and Spotify throwback playlists, chopped fruit and half-watched reality TV.

Socks on, bras off. Just you and the girls, completely unfiltered and unjudged.

No one brought him up again until the afternoon. And even then, it wasn’t teasing. “I like him,” Nas said as she painted orange polish on her toes. “Not just because he’s fine – which, duh. But because he’s intentional. And because he looked wrecked when he saw how upset you were.”

“I can tell he meant everything he said,” Tati added. “That apology? That was a man who cares.”

You bit your lip.

“Agreed,” said Kris, “He could’ve made excuses. But he just sat there and said, ‘I hurt you. I’m sorry. I’ll be better.’ That’s rare.”

“He still owes us an actual brunch,” Lex muttered.

Everyone mumbled an agreement, because… obviously.

Later that evening, your phone buzzed. Your chest tightened at the notification, then softened.

It was a little after 10 when your phone lit up.

Michael B. Jordan (no seriously) calling…

You slipped out of the common space and into your room, curled up beneath the same blanket you’ve been wrapped in all day. The perfume he’d gifted you still clung faintly to your wrist.

You picked up on the third ring. “Hi.”

“Hey, baby.” His voice was much lower at night. It was less performative, like a hum under your skin. “You sound tired,” he said softly.

“I am.”

“You rest at all today?”

“A little,” you murmured. “The girls kept me distracted. They gave you a lot of side-eye, by the way.”

He groaned. “Rightfully.”

“You did scare the hell out of me.”

“I know. I hate that I did.”

You were quiet, but then you mumbled, “But you showed up.”

“I always will.”

There was a pause. It wasn’t awkward… just full.

“I missed you today,” he said finally.

“You were literally just here this morning.”

“I know,” he replied. “Still missed you.”

You smiled, biting your lip.

“I kept thinking about you wrapped up in that blanket. Hair all messy. Pouty little face.”

You rolled your eyes. “You’re a menace.”

“You love it.”

You didn’t deny it. Instead you said, “I’m glad you called.”

“I’m glad you picked up.”

Another beat of silence.

“You gonna sleep okay tonight?” he asked.

“I think so.”

“You want me to talk till you do?”

“Yeah,” you said softly. “Just stay with me a little longer.”

And he did. He told you about the playlist he queued up after he left. The way the bakery guy raised an eyebrow at the order size when he ordered your breakfast. How he didn’t know exactly what you liked, so he got one of everything.

“You could’ve just asked.”

“I didn’t want to wake you.”

You sighed with a smile on your face. “You’re such a weirdo.”

He chuckled. “I like being weird with you.”

You smiled into your pillow. “Me too.”

Tags: @blackisy2k @hamzahsf4vg1rl @siasoup @heyyimmisunderstood @mirathebookworm @iluvv.angel @blondfortheweekend @Plan3tCh1ld @remcycles @browngirldominion @smokestackenrgy @marvel-dork98 @chaneajoyyy @jackierose902109 @Secretisme4 @marley1773 @wrldfantasy @remcycles @bxrbie1 @pinkprincessluminary @honestlyurslol @bxrbie1 @uhhh-nunyabidniz-heaux @nybearsworld @eclecticblkgirl @corvusmorte @yallsuck-00 @glambyk @Siqeth @omg-mymelaninisbeautiful @xoxo-lai @perfectlyimperfectme @Mea-bby @kianaleani @prettiest1ittleliar @Mejustme06 @kpop-servant @kneelarhmstrung @rossie-things @thatssonani @esachicaa @ajenae @adornn4jadaa @Kindofaintrovert @bigpumpum18 @famousphilosopherwombat @Transparentphantomface @omg-mymelaninisbeautiful @theesmartblonde @-harmonytbh @jiminsjams123 @li-da-savage @Fckwritersblock @christinabae @Tianna-blanche @queenofklonnie22 @marley1773 @Secret89sblog @secretisme4 @nybearsworld @jackierose902109 @spideyxakmighty2 @rossie-things @Sharpaysbestfriend @chrome-edition @Mulanii9 @blackgurlkillinit @soniaangels @pinkprincessluminary @bxunyx @venusesworld @flipsidefever @dangerouslylunarwind @writingsbytee @sheabutterbabes @c-grace56 @turbulentvoids @Stankface @mimellowdi @vintigepimpzinio @bedstarz @thesmutconnoisseur @iceyyycapsicle @theesexyyaquariuss @lovey-3 @sowhatariyana @ariiaellbtheedonn @melinatedlifeline @Nyifly22 @Jayyybird221 @pinkpantheris @naenae479 @Keaenzie @melinatedlifeline @Smokestackenergy @tyneshaaa @fanfictiononly4 @Jayyybird211 @melinatedlifeline @Stankface @beedici @Chynah—doll @Hollyleelee99 @prettygirlwrld @bbykel @secretisme4 @Yeaiamme2 @kristings7 @solitudedanii @singularepiphany @motheroffae @smokestackenergy @christinabae @chuwooooo @aretasreads @5starsirl @drdimplesjdrdimplesj @thesweetestdrug @Nysrevenge @keyaho @coldeforprez @Dollyblush222 @Suzysface @zomqiez @erynnnn @kxndrixx @nia-lynn08 @Monstaxmomma0 @bl3ssyn @writingsbytee @TriniBadGyal @Thefutureemmywinner @spicypiscesssss @kqmbr1a @Simpingfor-wakasa @Vi4goswrld

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[sweetflanfiction]

Asymetrical Symphony - Part 23

Universe: Arcane (LOL)

Pairing: Viktor x reader

Summary: You had been on the rooftop with Jayce and the Herald and somehow you were sent to a place where things can be different with your help

Disclaimers and Warnings: If you want me to tag you on the chapters let me know! Also leave a comment with your thoughts :D Not finished, not proofread. English isn't my 1st language. All I know about LOL is from google and all I know about Arcane is taken from the show, so inacuracies will be plenty. I have a sort of idea on how to I'm gonna go with magic and runes, so bear with me. The reader will be written as GN (going by they/them) to get everyone involved, but if you see any discrepancies let me know

A.N: Viktor's Zaunite wear is inspired by this artwork.

Part 1 • Part 2 • Part 3 • Part 4 • Part 5 • Part 6 • Part 7 • Part 8 • Part 9 • Part 10 • Part 11 • Part 12 • Part 13 • Part 14 • Part 15 • Part 16 • Part 17 • Part 18 • Part 19 • Part 20 • Part 21 • Part 22

• ··········· • ············ •

It was a cold autumn morning, even as the sun started to shine down on you, bundled up in more layers of clothing than usual. You sat in a little park near the river that trespassed and separated Topside from the Undercity.

The small park was almost deserted, with only a few people walking their dogs and some artists putting up their canvases and even some stalls. It was close to the artist's quarters in the city, so it was a convenient place to set up shop.

You found this place rather soothing; the Artists Quarters was always a go-to location whenever you wanted to unwind. Many festivals adjacent to bigger festivities on the top side would be done in this park. It would be filled with colorful lanterns and unusual foods from foreign, faraway places. You’d always drag Viktor to the festivals, and even though he’d mumble and grumble, you’d find him enjoying the celebrations.

“Apologies for making you wait.” You heard a familiar voice coming from beside you and looked at its owner.

Viktor smiled at you, holding on to his older leather satchel. He was once again out of his normal scientist attire, and you raised an eyebrow at his clothes. His usual white vest was traded in for a dark wine-colored vest with old golden trims, and peeking from under a tattered old blouson jacket was a creamy-colored shirt. His leg brace had black leather belts, and the metal was darker than usual, making the aid hard to see on top of his black trousers. To finish what you were now deeming his Zaunite gear, he had a pair of brown boots with brass tips and two brown leather gloves that had seen better days.

“Look at you. A Zaunite through and through.” You joked, pointing at his outfit. He looked down at himself.

“I never thought I would be wearing these old things again.” He patted the arm of his jacket, and you saw some dust come out of it.

“It suits you…” You threw him a grin and scratched the back of his head, his pale cheeks becoming pink.

“Heh. It reminds me of my childhood. You don’t look so bad yourself.”

Looking down at yourself, you had to agree. The tailor-made clothes you liked to wear on this side had been discarded for today. The outfit was simple, the fabrics diverse and colorful, but not bright. A mix of loose and fitted pieces made the ensemble work. You had annoyed the housekeepers to wash them as many times as possible in two days.

“Flattery will get you everywhere.” You made a dramatic, dismissive gesture.

“Good to know.” He chuckled and pointed to the other side of the river with his head. “Shall we?”

You nodded and turned to make your way to the bridge when a gloved hand gently pulled you in the opposite direction by the shoulder.

“The bridge is that way.” You announced matter-of-factly, looking at the man who was now casually limping in another direction.

“First rule of being invisible: do not cross a bridge patrolled by enforcers.” He kept strolling, a finger-wagging in the air.

You sighed deeply and then chuckled, running to catch up with him. When you reached him, he tilted his head to look at you with a smug grin on his face. You rolled your eyes at him with an exaggerated head turn.

It wasn't a long walk to where he was taking you, but when you looked at where you were heading, your face fell slightly.

The water pumps were a known spot for the scientists and you. Viktor would come here when he needed to think or just be alone, and in the end, no conversation had in this location was good. The good memories of laughing and joking while sipping cold drinks and dangling your feet on the ledge were quickly replaced with fights and resentment. 

“Before we go this way.” He slowed his pace as you both approached a wall of dark green ivy clumped and glued to another, less natural one. “There might be a chance that we could be committing…heh…crimes.”

You pulled yourself together, unglazing your eyes and focusing on the swaying man in front of you. With an inflated gasp, you raised your eyebrows in fake shock, placing a hand on your mouth and another on your cheek. 

“Not crimes!” You shook your head, and he leaned heavily into his crutch, which was the Viktor equivalent of putting a hand on his hip.

“You are the one court-ordered to stay out of trouble.” He raised an eyebrow.

“I’m not the one under scrutiny by the council.” He frowned for a beat and then shrugged and nodded.

“Fair. Anyway, I thought you should be aware of it.”

“It’s not a crime to go to Zaun…”

“But we might trespass a few properties to get there.” He told you in a sing-song voice that made you chortle.

“Trust me, I’ve trespassed on worse things than the aqueducts.”

“I’m starting to think the enforcers are right about you. Such a bad influence.” 

He gave you a smirk and pulled the curtain of ivy aside; a wooden panel that was latched with an old and heavy lock appeared behind it. From his satchel he grabbed a set of keys, looked at them, and picked a smaller brass one, making quick work of unlocking the makeshift door.

“No need for magic.” He said proudly, gently pulling the door open for you, motioning for you to get in.

“Now you’re just showing off.” You joked as you passed him, and he shrugged, walking inside behind you.

Once you were both inside, you looked at the scientist straight in his golden orbs and moved your fingers. The sound of the lock latching in place echoed through the stone halls. His face became deadpan and unimpressed.

“That seems like cheating.” He noted, slowly raising an eyebrow.

“We set no rules for this game.” You jutted your chin up indignantly and closed your eyes, trying to look like a spoiled brat. “You can’t tell me what to do.”

You felt something hard hit the top of your head. You let out a yelp and opened your eyes to see Viktor starting to rearrange the crutch under his arm again.

“Did you just bonk my head with your crutch?” You stroked the place it hit and tried to contain the laughter. It hadn’t hurt; it just startled you, and the idea of him doing it was incredibly funny to you.

“Yes. Yes, I did.” He announced proudly, starting to walk towards the lit corridor. “And I’ll do it again if you misbehave.”

“I am being treated unfairly.” You kept joking, both of you supporting smug smirks and grins.

“Says the Piltie about to enter Zaun.” He snapped back, and once again you gasped in mock indignation.

It felt so incredibly satisfying watching this man be this carefree. You had met this Viktor at some point in your dimension, but it seemed like it was a lifetime ago, and it had lasted a blink of an eye. And you had adored him at these highs just the same as you did in his lows. 

Viktor and you kept joking around as you walked through the arches and the gigantic metal gears when a particular archway caught your gaze. Not the architecture, but the view from it. The familiar perspective was burned into your memories.

In your mind's eye, the shadow of a hunched, sickly Viktor appeared. Turning away sharply, a trembling hand on the wall was the only thing supporting him after a violent coughing fit.

‘I am dying!’ his voice resonated in your mind. Hoarse, angry, desperate, cold. ‘I need to focus on my work. You are a distraction I cannot afford. A reminder of a future I can no longer grasp.’ 

You felt the air catch your throat, and a small whimper came out. Immediately a hand tapped your shoulder, gently snapping you out of your reverie.

“Are you alright?” the same angry voice from before now taking a softer tone to your side.

“Hmm…yes…” You gave him what you thought was a nonchalant smile, but his eyebrow furrowing on his face told you it hadn’t registered like that. “The color of the sky reminded me of something.”

It was a sheepish excuse of a lie. You knew it, and when you saw his confused expression as he looked at the completely normal blue autumn sky, you knew he was also aware. 

“Would you like to stop?”

“We just started.”

“We can stop.” He gave a one-shoulder shrug, and you shook your head.

“No need. I’m alright.”

Viktor nodded and took one last glance out of the archway and then back at the way before resuming his walk. You did the same, the haunting silhouette frozen in place. You felt the need to apologize to it when you turned away and sped up towards this companion. You both walked in silence, the joyous beginning of the adventure now taking a more serious tone.

“How was the place you came from?” Viktor asked suddenly. 

“Mmm?”

“The place you come from. Was it nice? Did you like it there?”

The line of questioning was expected, and it had surprised you it had taken him this long to do it. In the many times you thought about it, you had decided to be as honest as possible.

“Oh…It was nice. More topside than undercity.”

“Do you miss it?” 

“I don’t know.” You answered truthfully and saw him tilt his head to look at you. “I miss what it was. Before I left, things became…rough.”

A beat of silence, and Viktor sighed. The kind of sigh that told you you weren't going to like whatever he said next.

“I…know the story you tell about Esther being your aunt is not true.” He gave you a small smile, without malice or anger in it. “You don’t need to tell me the truth now. I understand the necessity for keeping secrets, but…when you are comfortable, I’ll listen.”

Of all the things you wanted to tell him, you knew right there and then was not the time. Or maybe it was, but in your brain, something was pulling you back. 

It would be so easy to sit him down and tell him. You knew he would not only understand himself but help you understand. It would be an amazing discovery for science. For him. The man whose eyes lit up every time you showed a hint of magic.

But something held you back. So many variants of what could happen after you told him quickly pushed away any willingness to do so. What if he became obsessed with jumping time and space like the other Viktor became obsessed with perfection? What if the knowledge of the other him being able to become essentially a god-like creature was enough to make him keep working on the hex-core until it corrupted him? What if his need to help others surpassed his need for self-preservation and led everything to the same path? What if knowing his cosmic twin was dying in another world made him spiral like it sometimes made you?

There were too many options that you couldn’t control, and now was not the time to gamble on which one would be on the card.

“I will…” you said meekly, not being capable of looking at him. “Thank you.”

“It’s only fair that I let you know.” He shrugged, scratching the back of his neck. “You are not a very good liar.”

“I am.” You told him honestly. You weren't being cute or sassy or egocentric. You were good at lying. You'd lied many times since you got here. He was just privy to the moments that took more effort.

“Heh…” He swayed his head from side to side, and his hand mimicked the gesture, tilting side to side. “Perhaps to other people.”

You felt your legs stop walking, and when he realized you had paused, he turned back to you. His eyes filled with concern. He called your name gently, about to start talking, but you shook your head and interrupted him.

“I’m not always lying.” You took a deep breath. You might not tell him everything, but you had to give him something. “I’m compartmentalizing. There are two boxes, and one is filled with…the past. And the other is here and now. And that past box is filled with…memories, good and bad. And I’m trying not to let that box spill into this one. But this box, the here and the now, what’s been said, what’s been done. There are no lies.”

He limped towards you and made the move to place a hand on your shoulder but stopped midway. Instead, he grabbed your hand. He'd learned that if he did it gently enough, you would allow it.

“One day, when you let me see what's in the box, I will do my utmost best to understand.” He whispered, moving his head to catch your eyes in his warm one.

You looked up at him, his voice dripping with sincerity. Your eyebrows were furrowed in thought, and as quickly as he could, Viktor leaned down and kissed the place between them. 

He did it with such confidence that all you could do was let out a tiny gasp, your hand immediately coming up to grab his arm, ready to push him away…or pull him to you.

It wasn't just the gesture that made your eyes widen. It was the familiarity that the gesture carried. The Viktor you knew did it whenever you'd frown.

'There's a line right here,' he'd say and then kiss it away.

Looking slightly up, you could feel his minty breath on your face. His nose was a breath away from yours, and your eyes landed on his lips. It would take a single motion for you to kiss him, and you knew he knew that. You saw him swallow and look back at his whiskey eyes. A small twitch telling he was expecting you to do something.

Oh, fuck it...

• ··········· • ············ •

@marshy-moo @victormydarling @blueesmiski @th3stup1dcat @22carolina08 @httpstes @that-one-shitty-blog @disa-pointment @sseleniaa @kitewa @moons-lighttrail @aysluxe @fae-doodle @local-mr-frog @bakusquadobsessed @cherry-cola-100 @optimistic-but-very-realistic @seeksrsnn @thecordelialetters @notsaelty @lansy-4 @ayupfrogg @sammypotato @wnbrw @lucycarlisleswife @noxturnalmoth @ren-ren23 @furblrwurblr @kapitankarate @mynicknameisgasoline @octo-octopie @birbwithhat @kneelarmhstrung @dedicated2viktor @elvishstudies @iamfandomnerd @jazzypop-op @jojo-at-heart

[theladyofmanyfandomsfanfiction]

Imagine Bucky being present when you wake up…

You woke up with a sharp intake of air. All of which caused great deal of pain to your chest. A small cry escaped your lips and you felt a soft hand touch your cheek gently. 

You opened your eyes, fearing the worst but your frantic heartbeat calmed at the sight of Bucky. Your ease seemed to have rubbed off on him as you could visibly see his shoulders unwind from their tense stature. 

His eyes, however, never dimmed in concern. “You’re awake.”

You were. And very quickly the events of the night came crashing back. From the idea to the restaurant to the attack, you stared up at Bucky with a sad expression.

“Your date?” You whispered, certain that the night hadn’t panned out as intended. You weren’t sure what reply Bucky would give but the scowl on his face surprised you a little.

“After everything that happened, you want to know about the goddamn date?” He wondered, his brows furrowed.

It was clear that he was angry. You just weren’t sure if he was angry at you or for you.

“Of course. I-you were supposed to be having an enjoyable night.” You reminded him. He didn’t reply. Bucky only stared back with confusion. You brought a heavy arm to rub your temples as if a headache had come on and let out a small sigh. “It’s okay. It was a minor setback, we can try again next we-”

“Minor?” Bucky repeated. The low timbre of his voice almost raised your armhairs. “You nearly died in my arms tonight. My arms, Y/n.”

He cast his head down. Eyes darkening at the memory of a few hours ago replayed. “I should have killed them all.”

Your eyes widened. Fear crept into your muscles. Had one bad situation sent him into his Winter Soldier ways?

As if he could sense your question, he locked eyes with you but they were a touch kinder. “They probably won’t be walking again but they’re alive.”

You visibly relaxed. And the way you looked at Bucky almost made his knees give out. 

“Why did you follow me into the park?” You asked.

Crossing the floor, Bucky reached the side of bed and took your hand. His thumb stroked the soft skin in a calming motion.

“When I stepped inside the restaurant and looked at all the faces, I realised something.” He said. “I don’t want to be on a date if you’re not on the opposite seat.”

Imagine series > Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

Masterlist here

[mochelisgf]

Morgan cheli prompt #2

pairing: morgan cheli x oc childhood bestfriend!reader

word count: 3002 !!! 

warnings — opposite attract! first kiss, parties/partying, small mentions of drinking, no smut I fear but there is making out and little kisses!. UConn vs USC mention (but UConn wins for the sake of the story), friends to lovers!!!!! Morgan sometimes called Misha (my oc) ‘M’ for a little nickname

summary — Morgan and Misha have been friends since they were young girls, even after going to seperate colleges that doesn’t stop their friendship from drifting apart, if anything they grow closer. So when Misha surprises Morgan by attending one of her games, well let’s just say she gets more than what she bargained for, but hey she’s not complaining! 

authors note — so I know it’s been some time since I’ve updated my morgan cheli fanfic, honestly it takes so much out of me to repost my word because of layout issues + im having insane writers block with chapter 4 so pls be patient, i'm hoping to get the next chapter out this week, anyways enjoy this little thing :) Also little note, there will be so many pov switches throughout this prompt, honestly i'm trying to grow out of this habit, so if it suddenly goes from first person to third, just ignore it pls. 

—————————

Morgan and Misha had known each other since they were 5 years old, basically their entire lives. Like the typical first meeting between two 5 year old girls — it started on the playground. 

Misha had always been a loud child, often causing havoc for her parents and sometimes at school for her teachers. Morgan on the other hand was quiet, she enjoyed being on her own and she rarely caused problems at home or at school. 

So when the two girls began playing with one another during recess time, everybody was a bit surprised. The girls had completely different personalities, but that small little detail didn’t bother the two.

After the first meeting, Morgan and Misha went everywhere together. Misha wanted to go to the park and pick flowers? Morgan was there, messing up her newly bought jeans. Morgan wanted to play basketball? Misha was there, even though she sucked at basketball. The two girls were two peas in a pod. Where you’d find one, the other one comes not long after. 

But when Morgan got accepted into UConn and Misha into USC, it came to a surprise for everyone. People assumed that the girls would go to the same college, I mean they’d be together almost everyday since that one unforgettable day in kindergarten, and not just for the girls but for everybody. 

When the school season started back up, the girls were upset. But they’d just had the best summer ever, and it’s not like they’d be away from each for long, with school breaks coming up, USC and UConn playing against each other in December plus an endless amount of facetime calls. Sure they live 42 hours from each other now after living 6 minutes away from each other their entire lives but distance really isn’t a problem for them. 

DECEMBER 21, 2025 

6 USC vs 7 UConn

The arena was buzzing. For weeks people have been anticipating this match. And Misha was in town, supporting her best friend — well best friends as in plural. During her time at USC, Misha had begun an unexpected friendship with juju, her roommate but also her childhood best friends basketball rival team.

 And from both sides for the past week all the girls had talked about was the upcoming match, but I mean who wasn’t excited for this match. Misha herself had never really been a big basketball fan (and it’s definitely not because she sucks really badly at it) but even she had been excited for this match. 

She’d entered the arena not long ago and was grabbing some food before the game started, candy and a diet soda. As she finishes paying her phone rings, smiling at the cashier then grabbing her food and moving to the side in order to not block the way,  she sits her food down on a table and grabs her phone — it’s Morgan. 

It’s to be expected though, if anything Misha was waiting for Morgan’s call. Every game Morgan had since she’d started at UConn, she called Misha, her best friend. And Misha would have to spend the entire time calming her Morgan’s nerves because she couldn’t be there to do it like she’d done at Morgan’s games in high school. 

Picking up the call, Morgan’s voice rings through the phone —

“Dude what if I choke?” Her panicked voice is echoing throughout the device 

Misha letting out a gentle laugh replies “Mo calm down, look you’ve been doing good recently, like you’ve seriously been putting in the work this month. Don’t panic, you’ve got this.” 

The line is quiet for a moment, but then Morgan’s voice pops back up and you can hear the confusion in her tone “Where are you? It’s so loud.”

panicking slightly you hastingly reply “Oh i'm at a gathering, yeah a few of us are chilling at my dorm to watch the game since we couldn’t be there”  a hum echoes slightly after your answer.

Morgan didn’t know you were there. This would be the first time in 3 months that you’d see Morgan, and you wanted to surprise her by showing up to one of her games unannounced. A few of the girls from the UConn team had known you would be there, Aubrey was the first you told, Jana learned shortly after. 

you breathe in lightly then say  “I know you’ve been feeling off recently, but I just want you to know that i'm here okay? No matter how the game goes, I’ll be supporting you every step of the way.” 

Morgan’s breath is low, but you can tell that she lets out a deep exhale, her voice sounds shaky but you don’t mention anything, she’s about to have one of the most nerve-racking games she’s ever had.

“You always know what to say M.” Morgan begins, you smile into the phone and respond back with a  “ha ha ha, don’t get too soft on me.” Morgan in reply scoffs jokingly, her laugh echoes through your ears, you can tell she’s let out one of her soft — shoulder shaking laughs and your smile widens slightly 

Morgan responds “Yeah says you, okay I gotta go yeah? I’ll call you after the game, Love you.” You respond back with “love you too” and then she hangs up 

Putting your phone away, you get up, grabbing your food along the way and begin to make your way to your seat.

It’s the third quarter. Uconn was not having a good game, USC was in the lead at least 2 points ahead per every uconn point. Morgan had come off the bench at the beginning of the second quarter, she’d done good in terms of turnovers and rebounds, but you could tell that every shot she missed and every look at the scoreboard had brought her confidence down. 

It wasn’t until there was 4 minutes left in the third quarter that Morgan had even noticed me in the crowd – The game had come to a timeout, and as the team was on there way back to the bench, Morgan looks up and she freezes causing one of the girls to accidentally bump into her, Morgan looked to the side in response – it was Sarah, I wasn't exactly sure what Sarah had said but it was something along the lines of  “Oh sorry!”

Morgan had begun walking again and as she walked closer to the bench, her mouth made a somewhat round look as she mouthed ‘what?’ and her eyebrows lifted slightly and then she furrows them. But then her face breaks into a smile – smiling back in response I do a small wave in her direction in which she waves back before sitting down. 

You can see she’d shook her head. Turning to the girl beside her – Aubrey, you could see her smiling and rambling about how she’d seen you, Aubrey already knowing that you’d be at the game just let out a small laugh, turns around to my direction and waves at me. Morgan’s evidently confused and so she reaches across Aubrey’s lap to tap on Azzi, the girl turns around at the tap and you can see Morgan asking her something, Azzi in reply just shrugs, also turning around in my direction and giving me a small smile. 

The timeout had now ended and the players were walking back on the court, and as Morgan is walking onto the court she turns slightly to look at me – I give her a smile and small nod and she smiles back and continues walking. 

From there it’s like the game just turned around in those last four minutes of the third quarter. Kk with steals (and fouls) back and forth, Morgan getting more confident with the shots she was taking, having more assists, and both Sarah and Paige just playing with more confidence. 

By the last 5 seconds in the fourth quarter the score was 72 to 69. That was until a foul was called and Sarah was given three free throws. She’d made all two out of three, the score then laying at 72 to 21. Until Paige gains possession of the ball, passing it to Sarah who shoots the ball —

and makes the game. winning. three.

The party was buzzing, the music blasting through the walls. The fraternity living room is packed. People crowded on the couches, others dancing and tumbled over. The room is more than alive, laughter and chatter filling the air and the colorful bright lights flickering – almost blinding. The two girls walk arm in arm in an attempt to not lose each other in the wilding crowd, bodies moving fluidly and in motion with another. And behind them, the girls from the basketball team are following them. As the group walks in, people are cheering, some of them walk up to them to give them pats on the back and a thumbs up because why not! 

As the group walks to their area where some of their other friends are waiting, kk starts “They are definitely hooking up tonight right?” The girls all start laughing and agreeing, some even taking out money to make bets on how long it’d take for the two girls to finally get together during the week that Misha would be on campus. The said girls — Misha and Morgan are too busy in their own little world to even notice or hear what the girls are saying.

A few hours later 

They’ve been at the party for two hours now, Misha isn’t the most wasted and neither is Morgan — I mean at least compared to the other girls who are completely hammered. So when when one of them runs over to them and says 

“SEVEN MINUTES IN HEAVEN”  the entire room that they’re in bursts into cheer. Misha’s a bit hesitant because come on? Seven minutes in heaven? The same game she played at every high school party she’d been to? Hell no. But before even getting the chance to voice her opinion, Morgan’s grabs onto her hand pulling her and dragging her to the floor where some of the girls, people from the men’s team, and other random party goers are all gathered, and sitting in the middle of the group is a singular bottle.

One of the party goers spins the bottle first, it lands on a random boy from the men’s team, so the two get up giggling at each other before making their way into the closet that lays directly across from the area the group is sitting at. Then one of the girls from the team goes, it lands on a random party goer, Misha herself even spins once and it lands on one of the girls from the team, they go into the closest and they just talk about random shit going on. It’s fun — actually 10 times more fun than she would’ve imagined until it’s Morgan’s turn, and the bottle lands straight on her. 

The entire room (the girls honestly) are letting out teasing tones going “oooo” and it makes Misha start giggling because it’s just Morgan — what's the worst that could happen! And so the two girls get up from their spots and make their way to the closet. 

The closet is dark and honestly kind of cramped from the stuff in it but it’s on the larger side so there is more than enough space to move around in it. 

“So….” Morgan says, her tone is slightly awkward which makes you snicker “Morgan we don’t have to kiss, I came in here with Azzi early and all we did was talk. ”

Morgan nods in reply, her eyes drifting slightly before she settles back onto your figure. She doesn’t really know what to do with her hands, they’re kind of all over the place but she sticks with letting them sit behind her back — at least that way you can’t see her playing with her hands. 

“So, the game was good today”— she cuts you off. Morgan cuts you off by moving swiftly and then leaning down and kissing you. The action catches you off guard and Morgan’s completely expecting you to push her away or just stand there awkwardly and laugh slightly but instead you lean into it. 

Morgan’s doubt all begins to slip away one by one as your hands begin resting on the back of her neck, tilting your head slightly to lean more into the kiss. Morgan’s hands which were awkwardly sitting on your hips begin to settle into a more comfortable and relaxing grip.

You slightly nibble on her lower lip, in which she opens her mouth in response allowing you to slip by our tongue into her mouth. Morgan’s hands begin moving again, this time one moves to your upper back so that she moves your body closer into hers. You break the kiss and start kissing on —

There’s a knock on the door, the two girls jump apart like they’d just been electrocuted and someone says “7 MINUTES ARE UP”. The two girls rush to fix their outfit (and hair) quickly and then they both walk out. They aren’t very slick because when they walk back to the circle, Misha looks at Jana who's looking at her with a teasing grin on her face.

When Misha wakes up the next morning her head is absolutely throbbing and her mouth is dry. She begins moving around to get more comfortable until a voice says 

“M stop moving around” and Misha freezes — she turns around and Morgan is laying there, arm laid over her eyes. Her hair is messy and she’s wedged between Misha and the wall. 

“Oh shit sorry” she sheepishly says before turning around fully in Morgan’s direction, Morgan puts her arm down, now laying on her side as well and they just stare at each other. Honestly they are still trying to wake up and the light peeking through the blinds isn’t helping. 

But nonetheless, Misha doesn't let that stop her. She’s lying there staring at Morgan who is staring just as intensely as her —

“So, last night…” Morgan starts, swiftly turning on her back to avoid her eye

Misha licks her dry lips “Yeah last night was um–” 

Morgan interrupts her “It wasn’t just a drunk mistake for me” 

The room is quiet for a few seconds, Misha just processing what she’d just heard. And maybe Morgan got a little anxious waiting for a response when she pops up out of bed, a small “shit” muttering underneath her breath. She puts her hair behind her ears as she starts to stand up out of the bed, last second Misha utters out a “ Mo wait” her hand reaching out to grab onto the other girls arm.

Morgan pauses looking down at the girl who simply replies “It wasn't a mistake for me either.” a small grin appeared on her face. Morgan grins back, trying to hold back her smile but she fails. 

Misha bites her lip, a small laugh escaping “I like totally fucked that up right?” 

“Maybe a little but–” Misha pulls onto Morgan's arm, the girl now laying on top of her and grabs the back of her head pulling her into a kiss. It's short but sweet and passionate. 

Smiling into the kiss, Morgan’s hands begin to wrap gently around Misha’s waist but there is a knock on the door, pulling away from the kiss Morgan lets an exaggerated huff with an eye roll making you giggle.

“Hey, you guys up?” It’s jana, she sounds just as tired and hungover. The two of you respond with a “yeah”, the sync word making the two of you look at each other and snicker — “Well me and the girls made breakfast, so if you guys want a plate just let me know” 

Misha responds “Yeah we’re coming, grab us plates yeah?” Jana hums in response and she leaves.

Morgan gets up first and you follow behind her, going to your vanity, you grab a brush throwing one to morgan and then grabbing another one to comb out your own hair. 

After brushing your hair, you both walk out the room, as asked Jana had grabbed the two of your plates and also two glasses. Going to the kitchen you both fix your food and join the rest of the girls in the living room to watch criminal minds while eating. 

But I guess you and Morgan weren’t the most secretive because some of the girls easily caught on. Only 10 minutes into eating a voice — paige’s cuts through the silence —

“Aubrey pay up” the room gasps and they look at the two of us, Morgan chokes on her food, puts it down and looks back at Aubrey “Dude really?” 

“Hey it’s not my fault you're a love struck puppy!” The girl proclaims, the room cackles and then Morgan says “Wait how many of you guys made bets?”

The room goes quiet. And Morgan gasps  “Oh my god?…Caroline you too?” Caroline looks at her sheepishly and shrugs her shoulders before turning back to the screen 

Morgan turns back to me and says “Can you believe them?” You chuckle slightly replying —

 “Funnily enough I can.”

[ox-imagines]

Tokyo Debunker as Romance Tropes

Feel free to ask me to write a longer imagine/oneshot for any of these!

Pt. 6 | Mortkranken

Pt. 1 | Pt. 2 | Pt. 3 | Pt. 4 | Pt. 5 | Pt. 7

Yuri - Academic Rivals

No one makes your blood boil like Isami Yuri does. He’s your only peer who can match and outdo you, your only peer as dedicated to his work as you are to yours, and he always looks gorgeous doing it. He absolutely infuriates you. He knows he infuriates you, and he enjoys it. That cold, insidious glint in his eyes and his victorious, slightly manic smirk every time he gets under your skin just makes it worse; you hate feeling like you’re losing control of your temper in front of him, giving him more ammo, but you can’t help it when he stares you down like that. The tension between the two of you every time you interact is almost palpable. Then, the end of the semester rolls around and come to find out the two of you have no classes together. Your life and studies can return to normal and you can exist in peace. Except… it’s actually boring. There’s no one to catch any flaws in your work and call you out on it, no one to challenge you to do your best, you’re simply at the top of your classes with no one to threaten that position. It makes it seem a whole lot less worthwhile. You find yourself subconsciously seeking him out, searching for the scheming glitter of his sea-colored eyes, the gleam of his aqua hair, in the hallways and the dining hall and the parking lot. Without him, there’s no motivation to be at the top of your game, without him there’s no point. You don’t end up seeing him around, but one day, he finds you instead. You feel someone grab you from behind, dragging you around a corner, and you turn to find Yuri with his hair a bit tousled and his eyes crazed, but in a different way than usual. Like he’s the bothered one now rather than how you’re used to him enjoying your suffering. He’s agitated in a way you’ve never seen him, backing you against the wall, and while you still felt the usual tension between the two of you, this time it felt different somehow. As if the tension was actually a good thing.

“Everyone here is pitiful. Everyone but you. I can’t even begin to say how much I hate admitting this, but I need you.”

Jiro - Lab Partners

You don’t know Jiro well when you’re partnered in lab. It happens simply by coincidence. Neither of you knew anyone in the class, and you each took a seat at opposite sides of an empty table. No one else sat there, therefore, the two of you got partnered. Jiro isn’t exactly the easiest person to get to know either, letting you know quite bluntly that he feels your questions are too personal (even if it’s just small talk about his interests or hobbies). He’s also a bit off-putting: he’s very tall, and very quiet, and just a bit awkward. Despite that, despite knowing nothing about what he enjoys or is like outside of class, you only grow more curious, and each lab assignment has you feeling a bit closer to him. Then again, you have to be quite physically close to him to dissect a pig fetus together, for example. His arm pressed against yours is surprisingly a bit warmer than you’d expected, and over the scent of formaldehyde you can make out tones of a crisp, subtle cologne on him. He really looks quite nice up close like this, the slope of his nose giving him a pretty profile and his usually tired eyes focused intently on his incisions; his eyelashes were enviously long and dark, too. You swear you feel him staring at you the same way sometimes when you aren’t looking, but you suppose you can’t be sure. One afternoon, the two of you meet in the lab outside of class hours to collect time-sensitive data on some bacteria cultures you were working with. You realize it’s the first time the two of you have been truly alone together, let alone with the only light in the room coming through the windows as the sun begins to sink and from the opened sample fridge throwing an incandescent glow. As he retrieves your samples, the obnoxious fridge lighting seems to cast a pallor over his generally wearied expression, but as he pulls back and closes the door the sun hits the side of his face, dappled through the leaves outside but making him seem to glow, lighting up his crimson eye that it touched and making it gleam as if it were on fire. From the sunlight in your eye and the way he was looking at you, you could guess he was experiencing a similar phenomenon to yours.

“The sun’s in my eye. I’m gonna collect the data and then we should get out of here before it’s dark out. I haven’t eaten yet, have you?”

[ladykailitha]

A Love Connection Part 8

Can you believe we have finally reached the end? It has been an absolute blast going through this with all of you. With any luck (fingers crossed) Next week will also have another special story come out next Tuesday, the sequel to Icarus (metal band) so that I can get it out before Halloween.

In this we had the end of Steddie's date, the end of the episode and cute little reunion epilogue. (which may or may not have a 9-1-1 joke)

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7

~

Once they had walked off their breakfast and was getting hungry for lunch, Eddie was given a picnic basket and cooler by the crew and they drove out to the park for their picnic.

They sat on opposite sides of the park table as Eddie unpacked everything. There were turkey sandwiches with avocado slices and ranch dressing. There were sour cream and onion potato chips, brown sugar baked beans, and homemade potato salad.

He then pulled out black cherry soda from the cooler and his favorite beer. Steve was instantly endeared further.

“Your bestie is an absolute hoot, by the way,” Eddie said, opening the bag of potato chips.

Steve grinned around his first bite of sandwich. “She’s like that. I don’t know what I would do without her.”

“Not be on this game show for a start,” Eddie teased.

“I’m not surprised she told you about that,” Steve huffed in good humor. “Did she also tell you that technically the whole queer dating season is my fault?”

“You mean your absolutely brilliant and amazing idea?” Eddie said grinning back. “Too much wine and you get really cute, according to her.”

Steve buried his head in his hands and ran his fingers through his hair. “Yeah. I’m a silly drunk.”

“Well, rest in peace Garfield,” Eddie said, “your death has brought me the best boy I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. To Valhalla!” He raised his beer and Steve clanked his soda bottle against it.

“He was a good fish,” Steve said solemnly. “I have a cat named Odie now.” He pulled out his phone and flipped to his photos. He handed the phone to Eddie.

“He’s adorable,” Eddie cooed. “My uncle is a huge Garfield fan. He collects mugs and his most prized possession is a Garfield head one.”

Steve grinned. “I’ve people give me flack for naming the fish Garfield and the cat Odie, but fish don’t last long enough in Garfield to have names. And Odie isn’t an orange tabby, so that wouldn’t work for him.”

“Makes sense,” Eddie said nodding his head. He took a bite of his sandwich. “Much better than Subway. I had a lot of fun making everything.”

Steve paused mid bite. “Wait? Really?”

“Yup!” Eddie said. “The potato salad and beans are my uncle’s recipe.”

“They’re really good.”

Eddie blushed and hid behind a lock of hair.

They talked about Eddie’s uncle, Wayne and all of Steve’s kids. Then it was time to pack up. They played at the playground a bit just being silly.

“Now,” Eddie said, after tackling Steve to the ground, “I understand this town doesn’t have minigolf, but it does have bowling and an arcade that has managed to survive the digital era, so what will it be?”

Steve thought about it for a moment. “The arcade. The flashing lights at the bowling can give me a migraine.”

“Score!” Eddie cackled gleefully. “I was hoping for the arcade.”

It was that moment that he realized how close their faces were. He leaned down and pressed a sweet kiss to Steve’s mouth.

“Oh,” Steve stuttered when Eddie pulled back. “Wow. That was amazing.”

Eddie smiled widely. “An amazing kiss for an amazing guy.”

Steve knocked out Eddie’s arms and rolled them over, pinning the other man’s arms above his head. He straddled Eddie’s waist and looked down at him fondly. “Gotcha!”

Eddie surged up and kissed him.

Then there was a cough and Steve sprang off of Eddie, looking kinda sheepish. “I kinda forgot about the cameras there,” he said helping Eddie to his feet.

Eddie smiled, smoothing out Steve’s hair. “It’s all right.”

They got back into the car drove to the arcade. They played all sorts of games, they raced each other, played skee ball, Steve even shot a few hoops to win them extra tickets. Tickets they turned in for two matching tiger plushies.

“Hobbes,” Steve said pointing to Eddie’s, “and Tigger.”

“I approve!”

~

Dinner at Benny’s blew Eddie’s mind as much as Big Ma’s blew Steve’s. He loved everything about it. Including Benny.

Steve couldn’t remember having a date that went this well before in his life. They never ran out of topics to talk about and he was going to have to admit that he was falling a little bit in love.

Finally the date was drawing to a close and it was time for Eddie to ask his questions. They had gone up to the Quarry and set it up for them to sit on the hood of Eddie’s car on a blanket.

“All righty!” Eddie said pulling out cue cards. “First question, who was your first kiss?”

Steve smiled. “A girl named Alice. It’s when I learned it was strictly boys for me. Up to that point I had held on to hope that I was bisexual so that my dad wouldn’t kick my ass. Still dated women in a futile attempt to force myself. But once I got to college, I dropped the pretense.”

“Oof,” Eddie said. “I felt that. My dad was a homophobic asshole too. He came out of the woodwork briefly when I got famous enough to be in the news. But I sent him packing.”

“I think that’s what upset my parents the most,” Steve huffed, “was that I didn’t chose a job that they could depend on after they retired to mooch off of.”

“I hear you,” Eddie said. “Second question, have you played D&D?”

Steve burst out laughing. “No, I had sex in high school,” he said quoting that TV show.

Eddie held his hands to his chest. “Are you suggesting that I didn’t? For shame! Dishonor on you, dishonor on your cow!” He moved to get up but Steve grabbed his wallet chain and dragged him back down.

“You’re ridiculous,” Steve said, his cheeks beginning to hurt from all the smiling. “I like that.”

Eddie beamed at him. “Yay!”

Steve kissed him on the cheek and he blushed.

“Third question,” Eddie said shyly, “What’s your favorite cartoon series?”

Steve hummed as he thought about it. “Avatar: The Last Airbender. There is just something so good about that show.”

“Yes!” Eddie crowed. “Secret Tunnel, Secret Tunnel!”

Steve laughed. “Or when Sokka got poisoned by the cactus juice?”

“I loved that,” Eddie said, bumping their shoulders together. “What is your favorite quote?”

“Shit, shit, shit, fuckity, shit, shit, fuck and willy. Willy, shit and fuck and...tits,” Steve said with a completely straight face.

Eddie giggled. He stopped to look at Steve in shock and awe and then he giggled again. It just bubbled out of him. “Where the hell is that from? Clearly I’m not watching the right movies, damn.”

“The King’s Speech,” Steve said with a huff of laughter. “It’s about the Duke of York, who had a stammer and was suddenly made king of England when his older brother abdicates.”

“You’ll definitely going to have to show me that one,” he said with a grin. “It sounds fun.”

“It’s not all swearing,” Steve said with a giggle. “It was a scene about his speech therapist trying to get him to swear so that he understands it’s all in his head.”

“Still,” Eddie replied fondly. “If you like it, I still want to see it.” He cleared his throat. “Last question.”

Steve took his hand and gave it a squeeze.

“Who had the better date, me or Billy?” Eddie asked shyly.

Steve kissed him. “I’ll tell you that in terms of kisses, he only got two. A kiss at the questions portion and again at the door to my hotel room. Now, how many kisses have you gotten?”

Eddie’s eyes twinkled. “I think I lost count.”

Steve kissed him again. “Me too.”

“I hope I’m not being presumptuous,” Eddie murmured, “but I got you a present.”

“Oh?”

Eddie hopped off the hood and opened the trunk. He got out a large white box and brought over to Steve. He handed it to him as he clambered back onto the hood.

Steve opened it up and there nestled the white tissue paper was a lingerie set. It was pink chiffon and white lace. It was a babydoll top and matching bottoms. It wasn’t a thong for which Steve was grateful.

“Eddie it’s beautiful,” he whispered. “I love it.”

Eddie smiled broadly. “I’m glad.” He paused for a moment. “I have a small confession. I’m not a sports fan. The college basketball team was literally pulled out of my ass. I didn’t lie, I used to watch it with Uncle Wayne...”

“But you’re a nerd?” Steve teased.

“Yuck it up, pretty boy,” Eddie said dryly. “But, yes.”

Steve bumped their shoulders together. “I have a small confession too. Or maybe not so small, depending you.”

“Wha’cha got?”

Steve bit his lower lip and lift the box a little. “I’ve never done anything like this before. I wanted to see how Billy would react.”

“Oh.”

“But seeing it here, with you,” he continued, not looking up. “I want it, with you. I want to be your princess.”

Eddie carefully removed the box from Steve’s hands and moved off to the side. Then he tackled Steve again showering him with kisses.

“Come on back to my hotel room, sweetheart.”

“I’d love to.”

~

“Welcome back to the ‘Love Connection’,” Bob said. He had changed suits into a nice dove grey one with a silver tie.

Steve was off to one side, while the three Suitors were on a large white sofa.

“Eddie was a runaway favorite leaving the question round,” Bob continued. “Did Billy’s date go well enough for a second date?”

Steve shook his head. “He was charming and sexy, but I don’t think we clicked.”

Billy nodded his head back and forth. “I’d agree, I was hoping for someone a little more adventurous and daring. Someone with hidden depths.”

“Ouch!” Bob winced. “Please tell Eddie fumbled somewhere. Like does he drool in his sleep or have a vodka aunt who is way too invested in his sex life? Something!”

Steve laughed. “I’m afraid not. Eddie was goofy and silly and as one of my students wisely said, the right person for the right now.”

“Wise kid,” Bob said softly. “So overwhelming in favor of Eddie Munson?”

“Very much so!”

Bob turned back to audience. “And there you have it. Join us next time for Tina Peterson, and her three lovely Suitors, Daren, Emily, and Carol.”

~

When he got home, he had Eddie’s number and promise that Eddie would come down from Chicago to be with him, he just had to do a few things first.

The first episode wouldn’t air until October, so they had to be discreet, but it was nice to have someone he knew was waiting for him.

They had to do a little reunion filming to see if they were still together and if Steve wanted to change his answer.

“Steve welcome back to ‘Love Connection,” the host, Bob said cheerfully. “Why don’t you tell us about what’s been going on in your life?”

“Hey, Bob,” Steve said with a smile. “I’m actually glad to be back. I went on a sabbatical from work after the school year ended.”

“What’s a sabbatical?” Bob asked, cocking his head to the side.

“It’s paid leave,” he explained, “usually in colleges and the like, but basically for a year, I can take time off to focus on other things, but my job will still be there when I get back.”

“Nice.”

“I took it because I appeared on here,” Steve said wryly. “Nothing against the show, but it is a little racier than most schools like for their teachers. This way, the show will air and by the time all the dust settles I can go back to my job.” He shrugged. “If I want to. I haven’t really decided yet.”

“Smart,” Bob agreed. “Tell us about that adorable kitten of yours.”

They flashed up a picture on screen of Odie still tucked under his chin, but much bigger.

“Yeah,” Steve said with a grin. “We found that he’s probably a Maine Coon. Which if you know anything about the breed, biiiiigggg cat.”

“Will he get bigger?” Bob asked his eyes wide.

“Most likely,” Steve replied. “They stop growing at eighteen months.”

“Damn!” He turned to the Suitors. “Gentlemen. Welcome back.”

All three of them murmured their hellos.

“Let’s start with Tommy,” Bob said. “Tell us about what you’ve been up to.”

“I moved to LA and am working full time at a firehouse,” Tommy said with a blush.

The audience oohed as they flashed up a picture of Tommy in his gear with some of his fellow fire fighters.

“Congrats!” Bob said.

“I have a boyfriend, too,” Tommy said. “His name is Evan Kincade and he’s the one on the left of me.”

“Well then!” Bob said brightly. “That’s a first for our show. A discarded Suitor finding love on their own. Well done.”

Tommy blushed. “Thanks.”

“All right, Billy,” Bob said, turning to the man in the middle of the sofa. “Tell us about your last six months.”

Billy brought up one leg and showed off an ankle monitor. “Got into a fight in a bar over a piece of ass that I didn’t know was taken. So I’m teaching youths how to surf as part of my community service. That means I lost sponsors and couldn’t compete outside of LA. But I’ll be back at it next season.”

Bob and Steve share a concerned glance.

Steve is so glad he dodged that bullet.

“And Eddie,” Bob finished. “What have you been up to?”

“Moved to Hawkins to be closer to my uncle, Wayne,” Eddie said with a grin. “When I was working up in Chicago, we’d visit each other on occasion, but now that he’s thinking of retiring, he would really like me closer to home. And I do my producing from anywhere really, so I figured what the hell.”

“That must be nice for your uncle,” Bob said sweetly. “Added bonus of being in Steve’s backyard didn’t hurt either?”

Eddie laughed. “Those two are inseparable now. You’d have to use a crowbar to pry them apart. I also ran a D&D game for Steve’s kids over the summer. Kept it short, but fun. They all had a blast.”

“So are you two still together?” Bob asked, already knowing the question.

Steve smiled over at Eddie who blushed and nodded.

“We moved in together back in June.”

Bob’s eyebrows shot up. “I’ve heard of Uhaul lesbians but damn you guys move fast.”

“My lease was up,” Steve explained. “My best friend was moving in with her girlfriend of two years, and I didn’t want to stay there. So when Eddie got settled into a house in town, I moved in with him.”

“We scandalize our neighbors,” Eddie cackled with glee, “by being gay, democrats, and I’m a metalhead. All the ladies thought Steve was single and brought over baked goods. And only when the last one tried to seduce him, he kissed me in front of all them. Boy did they go running.”

“It’s been great,” Steve insisted. “Fences really do make the best neighbors.”

“Well there you have it,” Bob said. “A great success story.”

~

When they got home and curled up with Odie, Eddie asked, “Are you still mad at Chrissy and Robin for signing you up without telling you?”

Steve shrugged. “Maybe a little. I would have liked to have made the choice for myself, but I am grateful because I got to meet you.”

“I love you, Stevie,” Eddie said softly.

“I love you, too, Eds.”

~

Tag List: CLOSED

1-@mira-jadeamethyst @rozzieroos @itsall-taken @redfreckledwolf @zerokrox-blog

2- @gregre369 ​@a-little-unsteddie @chaosgremlinmunson @messrs-weasley @cryptid-system

3- @maya-custodios-dionach @goodolefashionedloverboi @val-from-lawrence @carlyv @wonderland-girl143-blog

4- @justforthedead89 @irregular-child @bookbinderbitch @bookworm0690 @forgottenkanji

5- @anne-bennett-cosplayer @yikes-a-bee @awkwardgravity1 @littlewildflowerkitten @genderless-spoon

6- @dragonmama76 @ellietheasexylibrarian @thedragonsaunt @useless-nb-bisexual @disrespectedgoatman

7- @counting-dollars-counting-stars @tinyplanet95 @ravenfrog @swimmingbirdrunningrock @lingeringmirth

8- @gutterflower77 @a-lovely-craziness @just-a-tiny-void @w1ll0wtr33 @beelze-the-bubkiss

9- @dreamercec @wheneverfeasible @themoonagainstmers @garden-of-gay @little-birch-boy

10- @ollieolive @dissociatingdemon @stripey82 @kultiras @micheledawn1975

[melanieph321]

Kenan Yildiz x Reader - Thick Part 7/8

Ugh, it just gets worse and worse 😭

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6

Kenan and Reader share the same high school friend group. As graduation is near, Reader sets out to pass her drivers license test but ultimately struggles to. Thankfully Readers friends agree to help her with driving lessons and take turns doing so. It is during one of Rader's lessons that it becomes clear that Kenan likes her. A chock to Reader, who has a crush on someone else in their friend group.

Enjoy!

Kenan didn't come to school the first week after the party. Nor the second week or the third week. To be honest, Kenan stopped showing up to school altogether, making you feel like the shittiest human being in the world.

"We didn't want to tell you at first, but the rumor is that he's dropped out of school completely."

"Dropped out?" You cried. "Why would he do that?"

Maria and Rebecca crossed your room to join you on your bed. "Oh, sweetie. Don't cry." Maria wrapped her arms around you, bringing your head to rest against her chest. "I'm sure it's not your fault. Kenan has always seemed like high school wasn't something for him."

"Yeah, he has football now." Rebecca, second. "I guess the only reason he kept coming was to see....you."

"Me?"

"Fuck, sorry I didn't..."

Maria sighed. You squinted your eyes and went back to crying ugly tears. You had done so for the past week after finding out that Kenan blocked you on all his socials and left every single one of your text messages on read.

Moving on was the hardest thing to do. However, it was necessary in order to focus on what lies ahead. The months went by quicker than any of you could comprehend. Soon, the semester was over, with the summer holidays approaching, as well as your driver's test. It was important for you to pass the test on the day it was due. Having to do it over again could mean you'd have to wait until autumn to get another shot, which meant no road trip to Bari with your friends.

"Remember, even if it feels unnecessary extensively, check your mirrors every other minute." Gio advised, as he so generously drove you to the carpark where you'd meet up with your driving instructor.

"I'm going to fail. I know it."

"Hey, look at me."

Your head shifted reluctantly. 

"You're going to do great." He nodded. "Just try to relax and perhaps enjoy the ride?"

"Enjoy the ride?"

"Yes, just enjoy the ride, Y/N."

You inhaled deeply. "I will enjoy the ride."

"You're going to do great."

"Thanks, Gio. I don't know how I'll ever be able to repay you guys for everything you've done."

"How about you just focus on passing the test? " He smiled. However, that smile quickly faded with the look on your face. "Hey, hey. Don't cry."

You had no control over them. The tears flooded unwillingly. Gio pulled you into a tight hug, letting you cry it out in his arms.

"Hey. Even though he won't admit it, I know that Kenan is proud of you, too, and wishes you nothing but the best of luck today."

"Have you told him about the test?" You sniffled. Out of the four of you, Gio had been the main person to talk to Kenan, sometimes visiting him at his house. Luca had tried to do the same, as well as explain your side of the story to Kenan. That the kiss was all a misunderstanding, a heat of the moment sort of thing that you would all laugh about in twenty years from now. However, Kenan refused to let anyone in, except for Gio, of course.

"Everything is going to be alright, trust me." He said, rocking you in his arms.

"You promise?"

A soft kiss was planted on top of your head, and for someone as thick as Gio, you had to admit that he was damn good at comforting people. Perhaps that's why he and Maria were so good together. They were truly each other's opposite. However, the size of their hearts was undoubtedly the same.

With the help from Gio, you were able to step out onto the car park and meet up with your driving instructor. After going through the required inspection of the car, you hopped in and drove off. An hour later, you stood at the door of Kenan house, having just rung the doorbell. You stood with your certificate in hand, the certificate saying that you had officially passed your driver's license test.

"Y/N?" Kenan's eyes widened at the sight of you.

You were surprised to see him too. He looked so different, so tired. He had bags under his eyes and looked to have just gotten out of bed.

"I'm sorry,  did I wake you? Were you taking a nap?" 

"No it's....I wasn't."

"Oh, okay."

Silence fell, an awkward kind, which broke your heart.

"So, I passed my driver's test." You pulled out the certificate, holding it up before you.

"You did, Y/N, that's...." Kenan's eyes lit up. However, it quickly dawned on him not to get too excited. "That's great, Y/N, really." He said, clearing his throat. "I'm happy for you."

"Are you? You don't sound happy for me."

He frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"

You felt your heart raise with everything you wished to say since your last encounter at the party. Everything you wanted to say since Kenan stopped coming to school and stopped answering your calls or texts. However, with your rising temper, you took a deep breath, preventing yourself from lashing out at him.

"I guess what I meant to say was thank you." You nodded. "Thank you for teaching me how to drive and not fear the roundabouts in town. Thank you for letting me drive your car without having to pay for gas." Rebecca never let you do that. "....thank you for always picking me up after school even though I know that you were tired from a day's training with Juventus. And thank you...." Your voice broke, tears running down your cheeks.

"Y/N." A reflex. Kenan stepped up to you and was quick to wipe your cheeks with his thumb, cupping the side of your face with his hand. "Don't cry." He whispered.

Your eyes were glossy, gazing at the man that stood before you. Not the boy you initially thought that he was. No, Kenan was a man, the most loving man you had ever met.

"Kenan I..." You made the effort to thank him once more. But before the words left your mouth, Kenan's face had closed in on yours, your lips colliding into a passionate kiss.

He kissed you shamelessly, your tongues dancing to the movement of your lips. Another hand went to the side of your face, Kenan, eager to have you, to taste you. The world around you simply disappeared, morphing you into a space in time where only the two of you existed.

"I love you." The words escaped your mouth almost immediately after Kenan fell back two steps. His face was flushed, cheeks red. Like you, the kiss was unexpected, yet, well anticipated.

"I know." He nodded. "I love you too."

Your stomach flared with heat. A thousand butterflies erupting into song.

"But what you did was fucked up, and I don't know if I'll ever be able to trust you again."

The ground below you must have caved in. A dark veil draped before your eyes when he said those words. "Kenan, I'm so so sorry...."

"Save it." He said and backed away to stand in the doorway again. The newfound distance between you was simply heartbreaking. "Everyone knows that you have feelings, Luca. A part of me accepted that this might always be the case. However, with time.....the more I got to know you and the more you got to know me, I thought that your feelings would be stronger….for 6 is. I guess I was wrong."

"You weren't!" You blurred out. "You weren't Kenan. My feelings for you are stronger, I don't even like Luca anymore."

"Because he has a girlfriend. But as soon as they show any signs of dislocation, I bet you'll be quick to wrong back to him."

"I won't, Kenan please." You were crying again. But this time Kenan remained in the doorway. Although he looked to fight himself not to give into your tears. 

"It's getting late. I have training tomorrow."

"Kenan, please." Your heart ripped as his hand reached for the door handle. This couldn't be the end. It just couldn't be.

"I don't blame you for having feelings for Luca. You were quite upfront about that." Kenan regarded you with sorrowful eyes, and for the first time, perhaps you understood how much that kiss between you and Luca had done to him. "Why did you have to make me fall in love with you?"

"Kenan, please, I...."

The door slammed shut in your face. But not before you could see it, the trembling of his lips and the heartfelt tears welling up in Kenan's eyes.

Oh, how you fucked up.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6

[castleofclouds]

Truth to be told, I missed you (spin-off).

Castleofclouds presented original series, spin-off from To All The Boys I've Dated Before (NCT Dream Alternative Universe Fiction).

Genre ; angst, romance, humor, fluff, slow-burn, hint of smut, high school, college, frenemies.

Disclaimer ; everything are fictional, mention of kms jokes, suggestive 18+ content (?), typos or grammar, non-idol.

Tag ;

Story are by © castleofclouds, do not copy or repost without watermark!

A spin-off from the TBDE (To All The Boys I've Dated Before) series, a truth untold, a point of view that you never seen from the main story, all are crafted and wrapped into a short stories like a fairytale full of sadness and confusion.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦. 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦. 　⁺ 　

MARK LEE.

Fragments Of Firsts.

“There's always a first of everything, first day of the school, first time watching movies, first look of the day, in each timeline there's a begining that starting, just like how it is my first life too, and I ought to make mistakes that I'm going to regret in the future, and that is Us.”

- Mark Lee.

1. Pieces of Once Upon a Time

2. Moments That Made Us

3. The Start of Something Beautiful

4. In the Shadow of Memory

5. Through Love’s First Glance

RENJUN HUANG.

Parallel Hearts

“The way human hearts works is intriguing, how I always pick yellow in any colors because I like it, how my hearts often give me option to pick, and one of the many choices were to fall in love, and I choose to do it with you. ”

- Renjun Huang

1. Tangled in Time

2. In the Orbit of You

3. Two Paths, One Feeling

4. Bound Yet Uncrossed

5. Together, Side by Side

JENO LEE

Seasons Of Us.

“There's so many seasons throughout the years, there's winter to make snowman, there's spring to watch the flowers bloom, there's autumn with its s'mores, and there's summer, the time where I landed my eyes on you and never leaves.”

- Jeno Lee

1. Fading in Autumn

2. A Journey in Bloom and Wilt

3. Love’s Passing Phases

4. Spring’s First Glance, Fall’s Final Goodbye

5. Bloomed, Burned, and Begun Again

HAECHAN LEE

Whisper Of What Was.

“Some people wish they could go back in time just to rewind all the good memories, some people wish they can rewind just to fixes flaw they made, unfortunately one of the many are thinking ending the relationship is the solution.”

- Haechan Lee

1. Traces in the Silence

2. Soft Ghosts of Us

3. When Love Was Young

4. Embers in the Dark

5. Beneath Falling Stars

JAEMIN NA

The Ones Before Us.

“Sometimes things doesn't ended the way we wanted, some comes and go, they left an impression that quite hard to forget, something had to ended for the new ones come.”

- Jaemin Na

1. Stories Left Unfinished

2. Lost and Found

3. Affection First Drafts

4. The Roads Not Taken

5. Lessons in Heartbreak

CHENLE ZHONG

A Heartbeat Away

“You never realized what's in front of you until you take your time to see, clearly. Who is the one occupying your heart, the beating arent just there for no reason, isn't it?”

- Chenle Zhong

1. Close Enough to Feel

2. Almost Familiar, Yet Unknown

3. Touching Without Touching

4. Near Enough to Dream

5. Between Now and Forever

JISUNG PARK

The Things I Hate To Love

“Both hate and love always seemingly like two complete opposite, but if you take a closer look both of them had same meaning, a strong expression for something, there's always a thin line that differentiates them from each other.”

- Jisung Park

1. Melancholy Paradox

2. Caught in Between

3. Complicated Embrace

4. The Ties that Bind and Break

5. Embracing the Frustration

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦. 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦. 　⁺ 　

TBDE series, Masterlist.

A/N

Are you all ready? For this November? Goshh. I couldn't be more ready, I was trying to continue the TBDE but I just need to give you all this present, Ik it's not Christmas yet, but let's just think of it as early present from me? Haha, for this time I wish it at least get 40 (ik I asked a lot) notes first before I post the first chapter and dw I don't forget about the main story, I'll make sure to continue the TBDE too at least for a while, and comment which route do you want to see first?? Btw just to make sure in this spin-off it's going to follow dreamies POV okay? Yn thought might not be voiced enough but I'll try to put some in.

[stormdragon23]

My Top 10 Solo Leveling Characters

Inspired by this post

I'll keep the explanations short, but if you want a more in-depth explanation, feel free to ask for more (or look through my blog. It isn't that hard to find with how much I post about certain characters)

Choi Jong-In

Gee, what a surprise-

What I like the most about Choi Jong-In is how complex his character is when you actually analyze him. He comes off as a confident, sly person who does what he wants to get something for himself, but when you read between the lines, there is a lot about him that shows nearly the opposite

One example is how he exudes confidence, nearly borderline arrogance, yet when you observe his physical actions, he almost always doing something with his hands, as if he is nervous and holds back from fidgeting. He also cares a lot about other hunters yet does so very subtly, like during the double dungeon when he was giving orders to the other hunters to try to keep them safe. He reacted like how Baek Yoon-Ho did during the Red Gate incident when he learned about what happened with the high orcs A-Rank gate, showing that he does care about his hunters' safety

Okay, I need to stop

2. Baek Yoon-Ho

This should have been expected from just looking at my blog

Baek Yoon-Ho was actually my favorite character early in the story. I love how despite his intimidating appearance, he is actually very kind and a rather sensitive person. He is one of more fleshed-out side characters in terms of his relationships with other side characters and how his backstory before the gates appeared is talked about a lot in various forms of Solo Leveling

He also has a rather complex personality with how serious he appears in public and how it is clear he cares a great deal about the hunters in his guild, yet with people he is close to, such as his friends, he is very expressive and reacts quite a bit to being teased and such

3. Go Gun-Hee

He needs to show up in the game soon

I love how caring he is with the other hunters, specifically Woo Jin-Chul and the other S-Ranks. He makes teasing remarks towards them and is quite soft with them despite his powerful aura. He definitely has the energy of a grandfather, so I like to think he gets along with all the S-Ranks very well

He also seems very protective of them as he was furious about the Japanese Hunters Association's Chairman's plan to eliminate Korea's S-Ranks. He is like that one quote

“There are three things all wise men fear: the sea in storm, a night with no moon, and the anger of a gentle man.”

4. Sung Il-Hwan

Why couldn't he have seen Kyung-Hye one last time-

I also love Sung Il-Hwan's caring nature even though it was only shown after he fought Hwang Dong-Soo and was helping people get out of destroyed buildings and fire. It was nice foreshadowing to him being a firefighter in the past

He's fairly similar to Go Gun-Hee in terms of his protectiveness of the people he cares about and his optimistic/teasing nature even though Sung Il-hwan's personality wasn't shown that much. I admire how he wanted to give up his memories of the previous timeline to properly take care of his son the way he wanted to though. It was very sweet

I want him to be the main character, not his son-

5. Park Kyung-Hye

She should have appeared more. She's so pretty

Not much of her was shown in the manhwa, but the moments of her that stood out to me the most were how she looked out for her family before her own well-being and how she was still waiting for her husband to return

Even when she had just awakened and found out how long she had been asleep for, the first thing she did after getting a grasp on her surroundings is comfort her son. All she knew was that her son had worked hard to take care of him and could see from his hands that he got hurt while doing so. She doesn't know what exactly Sung Jin-Woo did in the years she was asleep yet still thanked him

6. Woo Jin-Chul

Of course he's on the list. Why wouldn't he be on the list

There are many admirable traits that Woo Jin-Chul has, but I think the one that stands out to me the most is his sense of justice and desire to do everything he can to make the world a better place. It doesn't get to the point where it is all he thinks about or does, but it is enough to show that he is passionate about what he believes

His demeanor is also something I like. The way he is stoic and reacts accordingly based on the situation he is in. It makes me wonder about what his personality is actually like behind the mask and when he is not working. Some of it was shown in the side stories, which was very nice to see, though I wish the manhwa had included more moments of him from the novel

He would be higher on the list, but I'm a sucker for parental figures

7. Min Byung-Gyu

The reason I have a strong grudge against Sung Jin-Woo

Min Byung-Gyu is a much stronger person the more you analyze him (I'm working on an analysis of him, so I'll be going into more detail there). The way he is clearly traumatized by the third Jeju raid and had already told Baek Yoon-Ho that he would not be going on the next Jeju raid, yet he still showed up in the end

He likely couldn't bear the thought of the S-Ranks dying without him there more than the possibility of him not being able to save them. Compared to the other side characters, he was actually fleshed out quite a bit, and he was a very unique character compared to the S-Ranks in terms of his personality

He did NOT need to die

8. Son Ki-Hoon

Most underrated character right here

I don't think much about Son Ki-Hoon as he didn't have that much of a presence in the manhwa, but I really like how he was portrayed as a good leader. After all the other raids Sung Jin-Woo had been on prior to this raid, I was really worried that Son Ki-Hoon was going to be selfish like the others. But thankfully, he chose to go the route that would be the safest for the rest of the team (I think he, unfortunately, has bad luck though)

He was also very adamant about protecting his guild members despite it seeming certain that they would die. Not in a self-sacrificial way (which is a trait I personally dislike), but in a way that would the others the best chance of survival while still doing his best to stay alive

9. Park Hee-Jin

She's so pretty alsdkfjafda

Not much of Park Hee-Jin was seen other than the Red Gate, but the game went in depth about her backstory, which I enjoyed watching. To summarize, Park Hee-Jin had "hunches" whenever something is about to go wrong, and although she doesn't know if something will actually happen or not, her instincts are usually right

However, when she tells other people, they usually don't believe her, and when something does happen, they blame her for it. Yet despite the accusations against her, she doesn't let it bother her and just ignores them, focusing on keeping herself and those who do believe her safe. Similar to Park Kyung-Hye, she also has a caring nature with other hunters, especially those younger than her.

10. Eun-Seok

I know he was only in the anime for like. 3 minutes, but hear me out

Despite Eun-Seok not being on screen for long and barely being mentioned anywhere else, the effect he had on the surviving hunters was very impactful. It clearly affected his close friends, Baek Yoon-Ho and Min Byung-Gyu, the latter of whom retired after the raid. It's not clearly stated, but in the game, he also seems to be the reason why Lim Tae-Gyu seems rather jaded at times, so I assume the two must have been close

As for his personality, he seems like someone who looks out for his friends often yet has a playful side to him as well. I hope we get to see more of him later, whether it's in the game or in a flashback in the anime, but already in the anime, they gave him a lot of features, including a whole character design along with very unique powers

I'm very weak towards selfless people who are humble in case you couldn't tell

If you made it this far, congratulations. Have a cookie 🍪 I don't know what other foods to give. Maybe a fruit next time

[lilyofthesword-writes]

What Should Be - Part 4 (Batman)

Summary: You have a loving family, a cozy home, a great job - What more could a person ask for? But what do you do when an injured man dressed as a bat shows up in your home in the middle of the night?

Pairing: Batman x Reader (Platonic or Romantic)

Word Count: 1,036

Warnings/Disclaimers: Blood, injuries

Counterpart: Alchemy (Please read first)

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 |  | Part 5 | Epilogue

Masterlist

You didn’t sleep again, but you weren’t about to let Jesse find out. After you had found the will to stand, you went to bed and laid on your back staring up at the ceiling until dawn broke. You waited for your partner to get up, vaguely wondering why the alarm hadn’t gone off yet.

What day is it?

A cell phone rang on Jesse’s side of the bed. They groaned and answered it. You shut your eyes and pretended to sleep. They kept their voice low to not wake you, but you knew what was being said. It was a Saturday and they were being called into work on some emergency. Well, at least it was less of a chance for them to find you out.

They hung up, rolling over to nudge you. “Hey, babe. Wake up.”

“Mmmm,” you feigned drowsiness.

They huffed amusedly. “I have to go into the office today. Are you okay taking Torri to his friend’s party today?”

You frowned internally. You didn’t remember any party today.

Peeling your eyes open, you breathed, “Yeah… What time, again?”

“One. At Amusement Mile.”

“Heh?” You shot up. “Why there? That’s where—”

Jesse leaned in and pulled you to them into an awkward embrace. “Where, what? That’s where kids have parties and fun? You act like its a criminal hangout.” They laughed when you scrunched your nose. “You’ve got to be joking. Babe, it’s just an amusement park. It’s been around for years. It’ll be great!”

You just nodded. They kissed your temple and left to get ready for work.

Later that day, you got Torrence ready to go and in the car. The drive was fairly quiet, only hearing the road noise and your son playing with a toy in the back seat. He was the one to break the silence.

“Do you think Adrian will like the gift we picked?”

“Of course, she will,” you smiled, glancing into the rear view mirror. “Why wouldn’t she?”

He bounced his heels on the back seat. His bottom lip puckered out in thought. “I mean… She likes Batman… A lot. But she has a lot already.”

“Bat…man?”

Torrence gasped, “You don’t remember Batman?”

He immediately went into describe him, hands going up to show the pointed ears on the cowl, but you couldn’t hear him. Your ears deafened with a loud ringing. You looked up in the rear view mirror and saw him. Batman, still battered, was sitting in the back seat. And he was staring right at you. You turned your body to face him. Nothing was there. Just your son who froze, hands in the air, with a look of terror on his face.

A horn honked angrily. Twisting back, a car going the opposite lane was in your lane. Or rather, you were in theirs. You wrenched the steering wheel to the side, veering away from the car and off the road.

You slinked through the shadows of the warehouses along the wharf. Graffiti littered the building exteriors.You could not afford to be caught by one of the gangs who called this home or what you were hunting.

Maybe you should have told one of the vigilantes you were going to be here or tried to get one to come with you. No. That wouldn’t have worked. They would have never let you leave your apartment if you said anything. They were definitely products of the Bat. You shook your head as you rounded the corner.

There it was. You saw an old ship repair building up ahead. It was the one you had found on one of Gotham’s older maps. Newer ones didn’t include it. The gangs didn’t go near the shabby former business. It was the only one not covered with grotesque spray-painted words and symbols. You made your way inside through a window void of glass.

Much to your dismay, you had to use a flashlight to see anything. The smog was too heavy a filter to let any natural light the moon may have provided. You hoped this didn’t alert your prey. Unsheathing your silver blade in your unoccupied hand, you used it to steady the flashlight beam.

Everything seemed untouched, layers of dirt and sand on the equipment and a constellation of dust in the air. That is… Until you reached the highest floor.

Abandoned boxes of office furniture had been shuffled about. They had left a clear trail across the wooden flooring so desperately in need of sweeping. Rusted gurneys laid strewn about while chains swayed from the ceiling. Your thigh pulsed in time with the chains. It was here. You needed to get to Batman quick. But where was he?

You stuck to the walls, keeping your back against them. A set of double doors settled just down a nearby hall. Your throat constricted. The hairs on your arms stood on end. This was a terrible idea. 

Sucking in a deep breath, you began your power walk down the hall. When you reached the doors, you stopped. No ambush… Yet.

You tried to peer through the glass panels, but the grime and dirt only blockaded your flashlight’s beam. You nudged one of the doors. No squeaks from the hinges. Steeling yourself, you slowly pushed the door open, ready for the old metal to whine. It never happened. You slid past the threshold, gently letting the door fall closed.

There he was.

His gadgets and most of his armor had been strewn about the room. For his sake, his cowl remained on him. Batman was chained, beaten, his suit ripped and torn. A butterfly needle was stuck to his leg, blood slowly drifting through the connected tube and into a sealed container. He was left to dangle from ceiling… In the middle of the room. Cold sweat beaded along your forehead.

Bait.

Yes. You were 100% regretting your decision to come alone.

You pressed yourself against the wall and sidling along in hopes of not being caught off guard. Not that it mattered much. A hand shot out from the shadowy corner you were closing in on, latching onto your throat, touching what little bare skin was available. And you fell into darkness.

[czenzo]

Watch Out for Skull – Chapter 4

[ao3] chapter links: [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] [ 4 ] [ 5 ] [ 6 ] [ 7 ]

summary: Lucy takes on a cat-sitting job for a stranger, hoping for a quiet week in a nice London flat, with free food, no bills, and enough time to finish an art commission. But the cat is a menace, and the stranger’s friend is ridiculously charming—and a huge distraction.

words: 1,829 rating: T

note: hey, remember that angst and hurt/comfort tag I snuck in between all the happier, fluffier tags? yeah? cool. I’m not asking for any particular reason, it’s definitely not related to this update :)

A man standing tall, chest puffed with pride, wielding a bejewelled rapier glinting mid-swing at an off-canvas opponent.

This, Lucy thought, was by far her most flamboyant—and perhaps egotistical—commission ever. But if it was what Quill Kipps wanted, then it was what she would paint.

From his perching spot next to the canvas, Skull meowed, swatting at one of the reference pictures she’d stuck up by her work in progress.

“I know,” Lucy replied. “I still can’t work out what’s missing.”

She had already spent the morning deliberating over every glint and glimmer on the rapier’s rhinestones, followed by altering the swoop of Kipps’ red hair to give it more volume and shine. Neither of those things had been the elusive missing piece of the painting—but on the bright side, Kipps would surely be okay with the minor improvements to his appearance.

A swift knock at the front door was followed by the sound of a key rattling in the lock. Having lost track of the time, Lucy started at Lockwood’s arrival. The sudden jerk of her arm knocked her paint water over, and time practically slowed as she watched everything go to shit.

The cup careened to the floor, spewing an arc of murky water as it flipped through the air. Skull tried to leap out of the way but was still hit full-force with water, and flew, claws-first, straight towards Lucy's canvas.

She didn’t recognise the sound that clawed its way from her throat as she watched the canvas fabric tear in one long arc. She didn’t recognise her own voice as she scolded Skull for ruining her hours upon hours of work.

She didn’t realise the front door was still open as Skull ran away from her.

“Lucy, is everything alright?” Lockwood called out. Then—“Oh God, no— Skull!”

Lucy hurried out of the bedroom just in time to hear Lockwood vehemently swear as Skull sprinted into the hallway and down the stairs of the flat complex.

“Shit,” Lucy said as nausea settled heavily in her stomach. “Shit!”

“Shit,” Lockwood agreed. Together they rushed out the door, descending the stairs so fast Lucy was sure she’d fall flat on her face. As they reached the ground floor, they passed a man Lucy recognised as one of George’s neighbours.

“Excuse me!” she called out to him. “Did you see a cat run by? Black, with white patches on his face?”

“Oh, yes, he was a peculiar little fellow,” the man said. “I thought he was a stray that got trapped inside, so I let him out.”

As Lucy took a deep breath to prevent herself from speaking her mind, Lockwood spoke in her stead. “Did you see which direction he went in?”

“Right,” the man said with confidence. “Or maybe left. Actually, I’m not quite sure.”

“Fantastic,” Lockwood said, voice thick with foreign-sounding sarcasm that made Lucy’s stomach feel even funnier.

She grabbed his hand and dragged him outside, wincing at the sudden nip of the wind hitting her face. Their heads darted this way and that, hoping to catch a glimpse of black fur trotting down the street, or hiding under a parked car.

“He’s fast,” Lockwood panted.

“Little shit. I’m going to kill him.”

“Let’s split up. I’ll go this way, okay? I’ll call you if I find him.”

Lucy nodded as she caught her breath, then set off in the opposite direction. She picked at the drying paint on her hands as she desperately searched high and low for George’s beloved cat, pss-pss-pssing and ch-ch-ching and getting more than a few strange looks from passers-by, but she couldn’t give less of a toss.

George had trusted her, Holly had recommended her, Skull had befriended her, and she’d betrayed them all with a single careless mistake. It was her fault the commission was shredded—she shouldn’t have let Skull anywhere near it—and then she’d had the audacity to scold him for it.

Her brows furrowed as she fought off the frustrated sting in her eyes, arms wrapping tight around her chest to fend off the streets’ bitter chill. She hadn’t even put shoes on, and felt her threadbare socks becoming caked by dampness and grime with every step.

“Lucy,” Lockwood said. She jumped and looked up, realising they must have circled the whole block and met in the middle. “You’re shivering.”

“Didn’t grab a coat,” she said. “Or shoes.”

Lockwood's eyes widened as he looked down. “Christ, Luce. Let’s nip back.”

She wasn’t sure if it was the sudden use of the nickname, the numbness in her toes, or the embarrassing wetness in her eyes that made her agree and follow him back to the flat. Wordlessly, Lockwood took off his coat and wrapped it around her, enveloping her in warmth and the faint smell of cologne. There was a weight in one of the pockets, and whatever was inside crinkled as she walked.

“Sorry,” Lucy murmured. “I know this isn’t what you had in mind for our date.”

“Date?” Lockwood choked on his breath, face flushing far more than the cold warranted. “Date. Oh. Yes, I suppose you’re right. That’s what it was.”

“You look nice, by the way.”

He froze as he held the door open for her. Lucy wasn’t lying—his jumper was a lovely, deep shade of red, with a crisp white collar peering out, and his hair was far more meticulously styled than when she last saw it. She nodded in thanks and trudged back up to George’s flat, Lockwood in tow, painfully aware her mascara had begun to streak her blotched cheeks.

“So do you,” Lockwood eventually said. Lucy gave him an unamused look.

As she peeled off her disgusting socks (and threw them right into the bin), she cast a forlorn look at her phone. “I should tell George.”

“No, not yet,” Lockwood insisted, tapping away at his own phone. “Skull won’t have gone far, and we don’t want to distract George from his nerd enrichment time. We’ll get you wrapped up warm and… Ah! This site says using his favourite treats and toys can help coax him back.”

Lucy’s phone began to ring, and the caller ID made her nausea increase tenfold.

George.

Without a moment's hesitation, Lockwood picked it up.

“Hi, George,” he said with an easy smile. “No, you called the right number. She’s having a well-deserved nap right now. No, I’m not bothering her. Yes, Skull’s just fine. Still hates me, as usual, but he’s really taken a shine to Lucy. How’s your trip going? Oh, that’s great. Say hi to Flo for me. Of course. Bye.”

He hung up and then shut the bedroom door, blocking Lucy’s view of the painting. He pulled a scarf from the coat rack—patterned with dinosaurs, undoubtedly George’s—and handed it to her along with her coat. As she wrapped up and put suitable footwear on, Lockwood got to work deciding which toys to bring.

“He likes the ghost one,” Lucy said. Lockwood added that to his small collection before nipping into the kitchen to get a treat pouch.

He emerged with a calm smile, so full of self-assurance that Lucy could feel some of it rubbing off on her. “You ready?”

She nodded and led him back outside.

–––

The rumbling of Lucy’s stomach could barely be heard over the hubbub of London in the evening. Cars whizzed by, people chatted and jogged and cycled, streetlights flickered on one by one, and Skull was still nowhere to be seen.

She continued to dangle the ghost toy around her as Lockwood rattled the pouch of treats; he’d insisted he stayed by her side once it began to get dark.

“It’s been hours,” Lucy said, watching her breath turn to plumes of mist. “He could be anywhere by now.”

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Lockwood’s shoulders slump. “He’s probably found a hiding spot for the night. How about we head back, get some rest, and set back out in the morning?”

“I don’t want to leave him alone out here. I don’t want anything to happen to— Oh, God. George is going to be devastated.”

“Don’t give up just yet,” Lockwood said softly. He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Skull’s probably fast asleep somewhere safe. As menacing as he may be, he isn’t stupid. You need rest, too, or you’ll make yourself ill from stress.”

Lucy rubbed her eyes with a heavy hand. He was right, and she knew it, but admitting it was the last thing she wanted to do.

“We can leave some of his things by the door, then have some good food—George’s cooking makes for the best comfort meals, I swear—and rest up before heading back out early tomorrow. How does that sound?”

She took a deep, shaky breath, then forced herself to nod. “Yeah. Okay.”

–––

Lockwood was, once again, right: for a moment, George’s cooking made everything feel okay.

Lucy ate it curled up on the sofa, savouring every mouthful; Lockwood worked his way through the other portion by her side. The warm food settling in her stomach eased away some of her nerve-induced nausea and the throbbing headache that had plagued her for hours. And if Lockwood sat closer than usual, thigh pressing against her own, well—she wasn’t going to complain. It kept her grounded.

“What does he put into this?” Lucy groaned as she finished her final mouthful.

“Drugs,” Lockwood said simply. “There’s no other explanation.”

“Thank you,” she said eventually. “For dragging me back. I’d have gone half mad if I’d stayed outside.”

He turned to her, face softly illuminated by the glow of a nearby lamp. In that moment, she wished she could take a snapshot of his gentle smile, memorise it and paint it and frame it, keep every detail of it forever.

“Oh,” he said suddenly, standing and striding over to his coat. “I have something for you.” He returned with a poorly wrapped object, running a slender finger along the wonky pieces of tape holding it together. “Sorry, Christmas paper was all I had left. I was going to give it to you when I arrived earlier, but…”

She carefully took it from him. “I— Why did you—?”

“It’s nothing, really. I just saw it in a charity shop and thought of you.”

Lucy peeled away the paper patterned with shining snowflakes to reveal a mug that said ‘Fuck off, I’m painting’. Against her better judgment, she let out an ugly snort.

“Sometimes the key to surviving a disaster is simply drinking good tea from a good mug,” Lockwood said. “I stand by that.”

She slowly turned it in her hands. It was just a mug—yet so much more. As Lucy’s smile began to wobble, she got up and retreated into the kitchen. “Tea?”

“Always,” Lockwood called back. He didn’t follow; the moment alone gave her time to gather herself. “Thank you, Luce.”

[pinkhoneydrop]

Its a Game pt.6

[ A/n ] - Hey everyone here is part 6 i had to cut it a bit short so i could get to the good bits in part 7 that i am currently writing and i also started another multy part story that i think y'all will like!

[ Pairing ] - Harry Styles x Reader!, Dylan O'Brien x Reader!

[ Genre ] -  angst

[ Part 1 , Part 2 , Part 3 , Part 4 , Part 5 ]

[ Masterlist ]

Harry drove home from seeing you with a million thoughts swimming in his head. Why did he say he loved you? That was fucking stupid. I mean, it is true. He did love you but obviously it was the wrong time. Had he really taken so long to realize your intentions were greater than you let on? He really should have thought about that more. These sequences of events were a product of not needing to think when he was with you. Not seeing you for months then having an awkward encounter with you and then weeks later he pulls up to see you in a parking garage and says he loves you. I mean what the fuck. Who does that? Harry apparently does that now. Gone are his days of confident mystery. Perhaps he should learn to think when he’s near you. To be independent of you. Despite this, he’s regretting the timing of his impulses and now you know he loves you and you still will go home to another man. How was he supposed to process this and now having to see you at the festival? Rehearsal after rehearsal and then a whole weekend of you. Perfect you.

The thoughts consumed his mind the whole drive back to his LA home. The car pulled into his driveway, and he shut the door as he fished for the key to his house in his bag. The welcoming smells of laundry and cleaning products filled his nose with a scrunch. He needed to sort himself out. He used to come home to his NY apartment and smell you. Your vanilla and cinnamon scented perfume. Like cookies fresh out of the oven. Warm and truly inviting the opposite of the chemicals and detergent stinging his nose currently.

The days before the start of rehearsal seemed to drag on. Meeting after meeting and workout sessions in between for both harry and yourself. In total it had been about a week since you asked him to meet you at the garage. Dylan still didn’t know, and you still couldn’t get Harry’s declaration off your mind.

***

“And then he stood there with that fucking smirk of his and was like ‘I Lov youu’ I mean who says that after you just told them why you needed space in the first place.” You punctuated your sentence with a hard smack to a punching bag. You never would have caught yourself in the gym before all this Coachella nonsense. Yes, you were grateful blah blah blah, but this was some serious stuff. Asara joined you on occasion and this was one of those times. Blass your personal trainer he’s heard a ton of drama fall from your lips. Asara grinned and held back a laugh at your impression of the man. The two of you hit the bags in tandem as the conversation continued.

“I think he just misses you. You were on and off for so long you know.” Asara spoke between the sounds of fist hitting bags. You sighed and rolled your eyes.

“Yeah, he missed me while he was fucking another woman high off coke.” You punched the bag and Asara chuckled.

“Y/n he tried to tie you down several times, and I remember you always ran away every time he tried. Now, that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t have used his words, but the man did try. And don’t act like you don’t partake.” Asara stood off to the side as she finished her set.

“That’s not what I mean. He just gets carried away and I don’t mind taking care of him after he’s faded but it’s not healthy to do it that much. And as for trying to tie me down… I was completely loyal to him, and he knew that. I want to be shown off and he wants to be secretive and private.” You paused for a second to remove your boxing gloves. “We never saw eye to eye, but I love him too.”

“Right and now that you can both agree on something what are you going to do about Dylan?” Asara made a good point, and you weren’t sure how to break the news.

***

“Do you think I’m ready for this?” You looked up at Dylan with fear in your eyes. It was starkly different than any look he has seen on your face before. He always knew what to say but this time he just sort of looked at you. You looked to him for something. Anything would have been fine just anything to let you know that he could level with you in this moment. You were searching, reaching for anything in the deep recesses of his eyes and you couldn’t find anything.

 His lips turned into a smile, and he pulled you in close. For Dylan in this moment, he was so proud of you that words weren’t enough. You allowed yourself to be pulled to the hug, but your arms stayed at your side. It was eerily frustrating for you. Being spoon fed the idea that he wanted to give you what you deserved, and you deserved more you needed more. You needed what Harry could give you. Out of the corner of your eye you could see him speaking with his production team and you glanced between the two men. When your eyes settled back on Dylan, you knew you needed him to leave. The two of you stood backstage at a mock rehearsal for the night you were to perform on stage at Coachella. Voices and the sounds of metal scraping against each other while the sun beat down on the field. Dylan decided to join you for moral support, but you felt so separated from him. It was like he did understand what you needed in that moment to help you feel better. You stared at the wall and your mind went blank. This had to stop.

Harry stood off to the side with his team. Each of them primping him and measuring fabric for the show. He did a good job at staying impartial when Dylan was around. For the few times they ended up in the same room or when he saw a photo of him on his Instagram feed because you posted him, or he just happened to be in the photo. You didn’t fully warm up to him just yet and Harry knew you didn’t forgive him yet. In his mind he decided he needed to be on his best behavior to win you back and gain your trust. Harry couldn’t lie and say he wasn’t snooping, he definitely was. And he could tell Dylan was doing a shit job at comforting you. The guy looked nervous enough for both of you.

“Um I gotta go Dylan.” You spoke softly and pulled away from him after he placed a kiss to the top of your head. You looked disappointed if harry could even say that. Dylan seemed to take the hint and disappeared off to sit with your friends. The dress rehearsal was dragging on for everyone so harry could imaging you felt stuck right now. Nervous and unsure who to talk to. Having a solution come to mind he made his way over to you. At first you didn’t notice. You were marking beats and paces in your head like he does, and it made him smile to think about you valuing his creative process.

Harry decided you needed space and he leaned onto his team as they finished the preparations. He would be back in two nights to perform, and you would be joining him on stage. His nerves caught up to him and he was glad you were off with your people so he couldn’t make a fool of himself again. You looked good though even in your comfortable clothes to practice. Your hips hit every marked beat and he almost got lost watching you.

The next day of rehearsal went by fast, and you were up late again practicing for the show. Beat after beat and step after step, you went over it in your head until it was time to gather backstage. You arrived at the venue the next day in a pink dress. A car service picked you up and your team met up with you. Flashes of light and screams cold been seen a mile away from the stage. Harry was prepped and ready to descend upon the crowd. You stood off to the side and took deep breaths. Harry saw you from the corner of his eye and looked over. You looked so scared. So different from how he was used to seeing you. You looked so vulnerable.

“You’re going to be great darling.” His voice carried a low register that caught your attention through your in-ears. He had walked over to comfort you. The glitter on his outfit fell to the ground like snowflakes and you stared at the glistening specks. For some reason, the closer he got to you the slower your heart began to beat.

“Give me your hands.” His voice was firm but soft as to not call attention to you. You listen despite all that has happened and how much you wanted to walk away and be alone. Your hands fit into his so perfectly. Harry held onto you gently and rubbed his thumbs onto your palms. Your breathing was shallow, but you stayed in that spot not daring move your sight from the floor.

“Look at me darling.” That pet name would haunt you if this ended up anymore tragically. Harry caught your eye, and you stared right back at him. His eyes didn’t give anything away that he didn’t want them to, and you just stood there looking into his eyes for a few minutes. You wanted to cry. Dylan could have never comforted you like this. All these months and weeks replayed over and over in your mind as you held hands with Harry.

“Just look for me if you feel nervous out there, okay? Focus on me.” Harry let go of your hands and walked up the stairs. You closed your eyes, and you could hear the excitement in the crowd build. The screams got louder and louder as the music began to play and he walked out. Secretly your heart was doing flips. Warmth flushed your face, and you gave Harry a small smile. He brushed his thumb against your face and turned to walk on stage. You stood back and looked at the crowd as he started to perform. The opening notes of adore you began to play, and the audience went crazy.

Three songs and then you heard your cue. Walking closer and closer to the stage you heard your song begin to play through the speakers and the beat matched up with your heart.

Liked by harryswife33…and 3849 others

y/nandharryshipper1 y/nrry for lifeeeeee

458 comments

Harryfan54 stop they are for sure meant to be together.

Y/nnnfan22 y’all acting like she isn’t in a relationship rn

Reply to Y/nnnfan22 y/nrryshipper9 right lol its weird even for me. Like I get it but harry is definitely in over his head with this one.

Liked by assa22, harrystyles and 93820 others

Yyy/nn3 baby’s first Coachella tyyy @\harrystyleshq for inviting meee

View all 24830 comments

Y/nnnfann0 bae looking so fucking good

Harrystyleshq loved having you

Harryfan96 Harry gets to have that any time he wants and I’m jealous

You put your phone down after looking back at the post. A notification flashed at the top that Dylan had posted and for some reason you wanted to keep him out of your mind. Now Harry isn’t stupid, and he especially isn’t stupid when he’s sober. He saw how fast you ignored the notification. He didn’t quite see who it was from when you put your phone down so fast, but he guessed it was from Dylan. He would be lying if he said it didn’t amuse him but the idea that you still gave an ounce of energy to that man made him feel detached from reality. The room was cold like he asked for it to be, but his neck felt hot. The veins in his arms bulged for a second and then before he could succumb to the jealousy you started speaking.

“Thank you.” You sounded so meek and shy. Fixing yourself like a teenager on a first date. Is this what he’s done to you? His darling used to be a spitfire. Real sassy and sickeningly sweet with her attitude. “Thank you.” If this were almost a year ago, he would have you pinned to a wall already. Fuck your “thank you” He needed that feeling back in full force. This simmering tension was frustrating. Was he just supposed to stay away from you? He knew you wanted him back. You didn’t have to say it, that’s what this whole game was about. Harry has studied you and the way you act the only thing that made this different the other times you’ve played cat and mouse with him is that you found a new toy to fuck around with. “You look fucking amazing.” Harry sighed and shifted on the sofa the pair of you were sitting on. He wasn’t lying the skirt you were wearing was low cut and your waist was twisted and curved like when he used to hit it from behind. He should probably stop but who wouldn’t think about you like that?

You noticed that Harry was staring. Staring in your eyes studying you. Staring at your clothes or lacking thereof. Staring at your lips imagining God knows what and you stared right back. It was almost like how you see in the movies. You moved in slow motion as you scooted closer to him on the seat. Your legs crossed and your hands were cradling your phone. Harry sat opposite of you with his legs spread comfortably. His arms were lying over the back of the sofa. The two of you were sure there were more glamorous couches to be lounging on, but the accommodation wasn’t of concern when your lips met for the first time in months. Something about the kiss was electric. Your phone fell to the floor as harry pulled you closer. The position was awkward with your arm trapped between his body and yours. Your legs remained crossed until Harry’s hand gripped the skin of your exposed thigh. His firm palms and fingertips massaged the muscles you had been using to dance all night. Neither of you broke for air until your phone began to ring from the floor.

Harry leaned forward and picked up the device first. His mood dampened as he saw the name flash across the screen. In a split second it crossed Harry’s mind to decline the call on your behalf. All it would take is one swipe of a finger, one press of a button. He would have his lips back on yours in a second. You sat across from him looking expectantly with wide innocent eyes. Such a loud juxtaposition from the smudged lipstick smeared across your plush mouth. And all the nasty things he knew you could do and say with it. You were so beautiful and the second you answered the call you wouldn’t be his anymore.

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[cheeseyberg]

Eddie's POV

Part 5 Part 4 Part 3 Part 2 Part 1

Max is still laughing to herself as Eddie pulls himself together and climbs in the van. Was he hallucinating, had he dropped acid that morning and forgotten? Maybe there really was some kind of gas leak in Hawkins? Maybe like a reverse Vecna situation where he's seeing the opposite of his worst memories?

"OW, what the hell?!" Eddie yells and slams himself back against the driver's side door to get away from Max, who is already reaching out to pinch him a second time.

"You're babbling about Vecna and gas leaks, figured you needed someone to pinch you." Max shrugs like her go to answer isn't always physical violence and chaos. "You're not hallucinating or dreaming, I too witnessed Mama Steve confirming your date."

"Ew, don't call him that." Eddie pulls the van out of the parking lot and points it towards home. "Seriously though, what just happened? I started this day with a very specific plan to find out if Steve and Nancy were back together," Eddie gives Max just a little side-eye when she snorts at this. "-and the next thing I register he's confirming a date. Did I black out and ask him on a date? Did he ask me on a date? I don't even remember who suggested it."

"We're all seriously underestimating that man," Max mutters under her breath. "Does it matter, isn't this what the end goal was anyway? You have a date that will hopefully put a stop to your stupidly embarrassing crush on Steve Harrington."

Indignant as ever Eddie jerks the wheel to the right, narrowly avoiding the curb and then rights the van. "How do you know about that?! I'm very subtle! And you're one to talk, don't think I haven't heard Dustin teasing Lucas about you ogling Steve's chest hair when we were out on Lover's Lake. You're basically a peeping tom!"

"This isn't about me. Your crush on Steve is more obvious than Will's pining after Mike," now it's Max's turn to side-eye the scoff that comes at this. "-and you somehow enlisted the most obvious member of the group to help you. Seriously, I love Robin but she has no subtlety. You should have seen her floundering in there. Steve sussed her out immediately. You're lucky I was there to help wingman you."

"Oh is that what we're calling meddling now?"

"You got a date, didn't you?? Some thanks would be nice."

Eddie pulls the van into his spot in front of the trailer and thunks his head against the steering wheel, "oh my god, I have a date with Steve Harrington, King Steve, monster slayer Steve, Steve 'the hair' Harrington…"

"And he has a date with Eddie 'the freak' Munson. So, are you going to live up to that particular name or are you going to get your shit together and woo him?"

"How am I supposed to do that? He was the lady killer in high school, all the girls, and not a few guys, wanted to date him. What do I know about wooing a guy like that?"

Max opens her door and hops out, "Come on Munson, you're overthinking this. Come inside and we'll figure it out."

Eddie climbs out of the van and grabs a discarded notebook from the back before following Max into her trailer. Max grabs two sodas from the fridge and sets one down in front of Eddie, where he has settled on the couch before she sinks down on the opposite end.

"I'm serious when I say you're overthinking it. You know Steve. Not King Steve, not Steve 'the hair' Harrington, just normal dorky, mother hen Steve. You've been hanging out for months, you know him well enough to have a crush on him so this should be easy. You know what he likes, what he doesn't, what annoys him."

"Until an hour ago I was sure that Nancy Wheeler was what he liked."

"Yea sure, but you only thought that for what, 12 hours. Did you think it before you saw them hugging yesterday?"

"No," Eddie admits softly. "I had started to suspect he might like me actually, that's why I was so surprised to see it."

"So, what else do you know he likes, use what you know. He's just Steve, he's very forgiving even if you don't get it right."

"Don't tell Dustin, but you might be the smartest kiddo. Thanks Red." Eddie gives her a small smile and visibly relaxes. She's right of course. He does know Steve; knows he likes the kids and knows he likes to pretend he doesn't. Knows he loves watching them act like kids because he thinks they have had to grow up too fast. Knows his friendships are so important to him because he's not used to people liking who he really is and sticking around. Steve like consistency, he likes predictability, and he likes Eddie. So yes, Eddie can work with that and as he remembers all the things he knows about Steve he truly relaxes because he knows Steve wouldn't like anything too big or over the top. Now he's got real plans to make.

He gets up to head out to his home across the way and is halfway towards the door when Max calls after him, "Hey can you toss me the walkie by the door?"

He grabs it and tosses it so it lands on the cushion next to her leg. "Thanks Eddie, good luck. Don't go overboard, it's just Steve."

"I won't, thanks again Max, that was surprisingly helpful advice, for a peeping tom and a meddler." He laughs as he swings the door shut but can hear her steps running from the couch to the door. He's about to jump down to run away from her when he hears the lock turn in the door and then the static of the walkie as max yells into it, "Dustin! You'll never guess what Eddie just said about you!!"

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