#the delivery of ''my heart. it was mine. and they took it'' is so incredibly natural and heartbreaking. this scene gave me actual heartburn

[luxsea]

i heard karlachs monologue was rlly good but holy shit i genuinely dont think i'll be the same after that

[mustainegf]

Just some 87!james baby fluff because I can’t get my mind off of it, I need to have his babies rn

𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 ¹⁹⁸⁷

There lay my fiancée, so peaceful and tranquil, sleeping with aN exhausted smile on her lips, submerged in soft lights from the hospital shining.

I looked down at the little bundle in my arms, held close to my chest, as though she were the most precious treasure in the world, great metaphor to use, because she was.

"Hey there, babygirl," I whispered, my voice barely above a breath. Her tiny fingers curled and uncurled, and I could see the faintest hint of a smile on her delicate face. "You're finally here, huh? Welcome to the world."

Her eyes blinked open, gleaming and inquisitive, taking in all about her, and I couldn't help but lightly giggle.

“You've got your mama's eyes,” I murmured, brushing a soft finger along the curve of her cheek. “But that nose, that's all me. And that little bit of hair? Looks like you're gonna have my wild mane too.”

She bubbled in response, a soft coo that pulled at heartstrings I didn’t know I had. I held her in a little closer, feeling the warmth of her tiny body against my chest. "You're so small," I hushly whispered, marveling at her perfect little features. "So perfect."

I leaned back in the chair, trying to get comfortable, holding her snug in my grasp.

It felt unreal to hold her like that. Just hours before, I was pacing up and down the corridors, wide eyed with anxiety at her pending arrival, and there she was, a tiny miracle, part me, and part love of my life.

"You know, you gave us quite the scare," I whispered, remembering the frantic rush here to the hospital, the scary moments in the delivery room. "But you're here now, and that's all that matters, isn’t it?"

She made another soft noise, her teeny little eyes locking on mine. It was like she was really seeing me, really hearing me. "Oh, you're a talker, aren't you?" I grinned, bouncing her gently. "Just like your daddy. We're gonna have some great conversations, you and me."

I shifted slightly, careful not to wake my fiancé. "I wonder what you’re thinking right now," I mused aloud, my voice a gentle murmur in the quiet room. "You wondering who this big guy holding you is? Well, I'm daddy. And I love you so so much.”

I never thought that at 24 years old, I’d be calling myself ‘daddy’, but it felt right, no matter how different. I was determined to be the best father for my little girl, to be there while my own father never could.

She blinked up at me, her face screwing up as a yawn threatened to emerge. "Tired already, huh? Being born's hard work, trust me I watched."

I felt a smile on my face then, the kind that reaches all the way to your heart and grabs it by the fist. "But you've got a whole life ahead of ya, kid. And I promise, I'll be here for every moment.”

I turned in closer, pressing in a gentle kiss to her incredibly soft and warm forehead. "You are going to do great things, you know that?"

Another soft gurgle and I pretended to understand. "Oh, really? You think so, too? Well, I'm glad we're on the same page, sweetheart.”

Her small hand reached up, grasping at my shirt. I looked at those chubby little pink fingers again and just marveled at how something that small could hold that kind of power over my heart.

"You got quite the grip," I said with a soft chuckle. "You're gonna be strong, just like your mama."

Knowing well she was going to grow up one day But still be my little girl, posed a mix of excitement with a drop of sadness in my mind.

I knew I was thinking far too ahead, she’s only a few hours old after all..

"I just know you're gonna grow up so fast," I said, my voice tinged with just a bit of melancholy. "But I���ll be there. From your very first steps to your very first day at school, I'll be right there for ya."

I stopped and took a deep breath, trying to keep my feelings outside the circle of my words. "You're everything to me. You and your mama. My whole world."

She made another soft noise and I smiled, feeling the trickle of tears at the corners of my eyes. "Yeah, I love you too," I whispered back, my voice thick with emotion. "More than you'll ever know.”

I just sat there, holding her, whispering sweet nothings. I told her of all my big dreams for her, hopes, and wishes. All the while, those bright curious eyes stared up at me, cooing soft noises as if she understood every word.

She yawned then, a small, delicate yawn, and I couldn't help the chuckle. "See, someone needs to sleep now," I cooed softly, rocking her gently. "Go on baby, Sleep now. You’ve had a big day. Mommy and Daddy will be here when you wake up"

[saltygilmores]

THOUGHTS WHILE WATCHING GILMORE GIRLS: S3/EP6: TAKE THE DEVILED EGGS (PT 3) (STILL SO MUCH HAPPENING HERE)

Can I have a donut too? *yoink* Thank you. So much going on with this outfit. Wardrobe Dept : Layers, people! I WANT TO SEE MORE LAYERS! AND I WANT THAT VEST TO BE PUFFY! And make sure his shirt has a skull on it too cause the chicks dig that. Milo:

Jess informs Luke he has to run "errands" before school and the thought of this small infant kitten making a run to the post office to buy stamps and dropping by the laundromat before homeroom is just a delightful image. Of course we know where he's actually going. To toil in the Walmart Mines. But first, coffee and a donut and some petty theft.

This is such a great line. Perfect sassy delivery. Perfect comedic timing. Totally under rated quip that rarely ends up in anyone's little edits and I don't know why. So under rated that I forgot about it. Luke and Jess are the best.

He can steal a little bit. As a treat.

There goes my teenage nephew. Off to his Gigolo Job. Sexually servicing the horny lonely women (men?) of The Hollow. I'd really love to know who Luke thought Jess had as his clientele in Stars Hollow. Miss Patty?

*shudder* Luke goes to Gypsy's auto shop to confirm that Jess' car purchase was legit. She can't confirm the source of his cash flow. Not satisfied with the answer, Luke goes home to nose around some more and commit some serious violation of Jess' privacy by rifling through his underwear drawer, where he finds a mysterious box. I'm not clear what he's looking for. Money? Is he looking for the $10 Jess took out of the register? Kiss it goodbye Luke, it's gone. Probably already spent on a copy of Maxim and some Jergens. (Rebecca Romjin Stamos was on the cover of Maxim in November 2002, by the way. What other Gilmore Girls Watcher Person is going to look this stuff up except Ol' Salty?). Depending on whose dresser drawer this is, either Jess or Luke wear gray and white striped panties. My money is on Jess, striped boxer briefs are too sassy for Luke.

Seen: Striped panties, Box O' Weed. A few moments earlier Luke had spoken to a waiter/undercover cop in the diner (a waiter I have never seen before nor ever again who looked incredibly out of place) asking him to narc on Jess' whereabouts. Luke then proceeds upstairs to rifle through Jess' shit without his consent, as one tends to do on Gilmore Girls. During this rifling, Luke takes a phone call from an unknown person. I don't yet understand the context of this odd phone call. It goes like this: Hey Randy. What's up. Someone's gotta take care of it. It's not gonna take care of itself. I understand. I get it. What else? Huh? Who the hell is Randy? The other time someone said "I have to take care of something" the Stars Hollow PD had to dredge a dead body from the lake. Shady shit.

At one point in his little privacy violation mission Luke opens up an oddly shaped reddish box that almost looks like a heart shaped Valentine's Day chocolate box (the lighting is very dim here). Maybe the kind of box you'd stash your weed in after you finished the candy. (it was empty. Jess must have smoked all the weed already). Next, in anticipation of Creepy Sherry's baby shower, Lane and Rory have a walk-and-talk about the disgustingness of sex and childbirth. Rory calls the "Getting there" part of child birth a "big cosmic joke." So...is the "Getting there" sex? Poor Dean and Jess. The bluest balls in all the land. Rory stringing Dean along for two years without putting out may be the only sympathy I reserve for him. That's rough. Lane: My mom has never told me where babies come from. When my cousin got pregnant she said an angel brushed its wings against her. Rory: I could fill you in on the details. Lane: No thank you. I already learned it on the streets. That was funny. Lane is great.

Welllp. I take that back. Jess and Lane could have been really great friends. Good thing she comes around eventually. In like...the last episode before Jess and Rory break up and he disappears forever she calls them a cute agoraphobic couple. A little too late there my friend. One day you might need a place to crash in NYC with your band and you'll wish you had his number. Let this be a lesson to you fine people. Never get into an unavoidable minor car accident while in Stars Hollow. Never drive in Stars Hollow. Never visit Stars Hollow. Pretend the entire state of Connecticut doesn't exist. You'll be happier, healthier and wiser.

Here we go again. Rory's friends and family trying to fight battles for Rory that she really, really doesn't want fought.

Incoming! My little puffy vested kitten. I'm going down a "what did teenage boys wear in the early 2000s" rabbit hole now. I'll bring you back a souvenir. I graduated high school in 2002. I just have no memory of the fashion at the time. Boys did not give me the time of day. It was for the best, honestly.

Hey, look who it is! Mr. Rygalski/Brody/Cohen, you likely don't have complete control over your own wardrobe for television, but this outfit is a crime. Speak up, man. Don't get me started on Timberlake, either. My search results are skewing Puffy vests over dress shirts instead of puffy vests over tshirts. I want to leave the early 2000's now.

Put that finger down, woman.

:(

Ladies and gentlemen, we have Upside Down Watch. After the lively recent Tumblr debate about UDW being some kind of tribute to military service members wearing their watches upside down, I asked my friend in the army if this was a thing she was aware of and she stated she had never seen any one wear their watch upside down. Admittedly a very small sample size. But it deepens the mystery.

Please watch this scene and listen to how he lisps "Andy Griffith" in this sentence, it's really adorable, and cawr always delights as well.

Cawr cawr cawr!

Lane proceeds to pontificate on the shoddy quality of his Cawr. Okay, Miss Judgy No Cawr or License. After you obtain a car, license and registration through dubious means like Jess did , then you can have an opinion on what he’s driving.

Maybe if you tried to befriend him, he'd be wiling to let you bum a ride with him to band practice. That is a quandry you're currently trying to solve, is it not? Use your noodle. There's a white tshirt peeking out. So he's wearing...*counts* four layers. Vest, beige shirt, black shirt, white shirt. Underactive Thyroid Betty over here.

The best part of everyone being salty to Jess is that he doesn't give one single flying cupcake if someone doesn't like him. Plus he has a braw in his back seat. Probably several braws. Goodnight.

[myveryownfanfiction]

18+ MINORS AND THOSE WITHOUT AGE IN BIO DNI

chapter 21

tags: @illiana-mystery, @eclecticwildflowers, @eroticaplush, @onedirectionlovers2014

warnings: swearing, Dan meets readers friends, slight time skip, mention of heart attack, mention of doctor visit

Fiddling with my keys as we rode the elevator up, Dan covered my hands with his.

“you showed them a picture of me right?” He asked. I nodded. “You told them about me. So it should be alright. It’s just them meeting me in person.” He squeezed my hand.

“I know.” I sighed as we headed out into my hall.

“(Y/N).” Bill said as he opened the door. “Oh. Are you two…staying here?” I shook my head as we walked into the apartment.

“no. Just picking some stuff up. Gonna stay at dans. Need some more stuff.” I admitted as Dan followed me into the living room. “Uh you all behave yourselves. But Dan these are my friends.” I pointed at everyone. “Bill. Kevin. Angie. And Jackie.” They each waved as Dan sat down on my couch. “And this is Dan. Yes that Dan. Behave.” I warned them as I went into my bedroom to pack another bag. I heard muttering from the living room as I tossed clothes and toiletries into the bag without rhyme or reason. I spotted some of dans clothes and grabbed another bag to pack those.

“there you are.” Bill said as I walked back into the living room with the bags. “We were just talking about ordering dinner before you two head back out.” Dan looked at me, eyes sparkling.

“I uh don’t feel like cooking.” He said as I rolled my eyes and leaned over the back of the couch.

“yeah alright. What y’all thinking?” I asked my friends. Angie smiled at me as dan leaned his head against my arm.

“pizza?” Kevin asked. I rolled my eyes and shook my head. “Oh right. Sorry. Gotta be sorta healthy.” Dan grumbled as I ran my fingers through his hair. “Panera?” We all nodded. “Write down your orders people. Getting delivery.”

“Uber eats?” I asked as I picked the bags back up. Kevin nodded. “Cool. Tally up the bill and add a massive tip.” Kevin gave me a look.

“I’ll have you know I tip very well.” Kevin said.

“yeah when one of you dumbasses answer the door they need that massive tip. So whatever you tip, double it. I’ll add it to my price.” I glared at everyone before hefting the bags onto my shoulders. “I’m taking these down to the car.” I kissed dans cheek as everyone awed. “Ah shut up.” I laughed as I left to put everything in my car. Heading back up, I checked my phone to update my parents. Knocking on the door to my apartment, Dan let me back in.

“have everything you need for a few weeks at mine?” He asked as we went back into the living room, his hand on my back.

“yep. And if I need anything I can always come back or just buy it.” I shrugged. Dan nodded and we sat down on the same couch as before. “So I take it you all get along?” I looked over the group in front of me. My concern was met with smiles and jokes. Curling into dans side, I nodded happily. We left after dinner and I got set up in dans apartment. When we were settling in for bed, I finally voiced what had been bugging me all day.

“I’m glad…” I broke off and shook my head as my voice cracked. Dan held his arms open and I curled up against him. I gripped his night shirt as I started to cry. Dan kissed my head and held me equally as tightly.

“I know. Me too.” He whispered. I looked up at him, tears trailing down my cheeks. Dan pulled me up into a kiss and it took all my willpower to pull away before it got too heated. “It’s going to be a long few weeks.” He groaned. I laughed before putting my head on his chest, lulled into sleep and security by his heart beat.

The week went by fairly quickly, making dans doctor appointments and being incredibly domestic. One night, after I had gotten locked out while running an errand Dan made a decision.

“we should head out and get you a key tomorrow.” Dan said as we settled in bed. I nodded.

“Sounds like a good idea.” I said as I laid down next to him. Dan nodded and wrapped his arm around me. “First thing in the morning?” He nodded again. The next morning, we went out to get the key.

“so which one are you getting?” Dan asked as they were copying his key. I looked over the options. “And before you ask, I don’t care what you get. As long as it works and you don’t have to wait in the hallway for me to let you back in.” Chuckling, I wrapped my arm around his.

“what about the tie dye one?” I asked. Dan nodded.

“if that’s what you want.” He shrugged. “I thought you’d go for the magic kingdom one.” I laughed as I leaned my head against his arm.

“you know me well. But I like the tie dye one more.” Dan chuckled and kissed my head.

“sounds good.” He agreed before taking his key back. Dan reached over and put his hand on top of mine.

“Dan? Dan fielding?” Dan turned at the voice and his eyebrows went up. Squeezing my hand, he reached out to shake the persons hand.

“patty. Long time no see.” He said. “Uh sorry. Patty Douglas, this is (Y/N)…” Dan faltered for a second. “(Y/L/N).” I looked at him confused for a second before shaking patty’s hand. “Patty and I were uh…well…” he squeezed my hand and but his lip.

“we were engaged. I called it off.” Patty said, giving Dan a smile. “I’ve figured it out Dan. It doesn’t terrify me anymore.” Dan nodded.

“I’m glad. What did you do with all the money then?” He asked. I looked between the two of them, trying to figure out what their relationship had actually been like.

“I still have it. I just…” she shrugged. “I only use what I need.” Dan smiled at her.

“good. I’m happy for you.” He said with a nod.

“what are you doing here?” Patty asked. “Not that I’m not happy to see you. I actually was trying to figure out how to contact you. I was thinking we could maybe…” Dan started to shake his head. Pattys face fell. “Try again.”

“as much as I would have loved that patty, I’m already taken. (Y/N)’s my partner.” He held up our joined hands. “And I love them very much. We’re here to get them a key to my apartment. I was actually hoping to ask them something later but uh I guess…” Dan looked over at me and patty smiled.

“I understand.” She patted his arm and Dan smiled softly at her. “Good luck Dan.” She turned to me and offered her hand. “You’ve got a great guy there. Don’t lose him.” I nodded as I shook her hand.

“thanks. I’ll try my best.” I looked up at Dan and squeezed his hand. At that moment, my key was ready.

“we’re uh…going to be on our way.” Dan smiled at me. “Nice to see you again patty. Maybe we can catch up…” patty nodded and we started towards the exit.

“so engaged.” I said. Dan nodded.

“yeah.” He sighed as we got into the car. “We knew each other for two weeks. Met during a case. No one…” Dan shook his head. “No one understood why I wanted to marry her. No one understood why I was dating her. They all told me I was a jerk. An asshole. I think one of our bailiffs called me a sleezepuppy. Whatever that is.” He chuckled. “Everyone thought I was after her money. But they didn’t spend time with her. They didn’t…get to know her.” I nodded as I played with the key in my hands.

“two weeks isn’t a long time Dan.” I pointed out. Dan nodded.

“Yeah.” He agreed. We fell into silence as I continued to play with my key.

“so what was it about her?” I asked after a minute. Dan chuckled again and looked over at me.

“lots of the same things that drew me to you.” He answered. “Unique sense of humor, beautiful eyes, puts up with and calls me out on my bullshit. Things like that.” Tentatively reaching over, he interlocked out fingers as he held my hand. I looked over at them on the center console. “She also let me take care of her. She uh she didn’t do well without money. But I liked her anyway.” I nodded.

“so why’d she break it off then? Sounds like you two had something special then.” I asked, squeezing his hand.

“her father offered me $50,000 to break off the wedding.” Dan said. “I turned him down.” I looked over at him in shock.

“you turned him down?” I asked. “The Dan fielding who, at the time, would do anything to make a quick buck turned down $50,000?” Dan chuckled as he nodded. Picking up my hand, he kissed the back of it.

“glad to know you have confidence in me.” He laughed. “But yes. I did. I actually cared for her. Very much.” I nodded. “Then he threatened to cut her off and she was hysterical over the idea. Couldn’t live without money. Told me she was once at home for a week with just canned food and couldn’t work the can opener so she nearly starved. I…well…” he shrugged. “She called it off and I actually was heartbroken. Not that I let anyone know it really. Hadn’t seen her since then. Until today.” I nodded. “(Y/N), it was a shock to see her but no one. No. One. Can compare to you. I love you and I don’t want anyone else but you.” I nodded again.

“I love you too. But Dan…” I looked over at him again. “Did you forget my name? What was that about?” He sighed and ran his hand through his hair awkwardly.

“Uh let’s chalk it up to shock.” He said, something shining in his eyes. “Please.” I nodded slowly. “I’ll explain it to you one day. I promise.”

“ok.” I agreed. I started the car and headed back to his apartment.

“(Y/N)?” Dan asked when he made sure that the key worked. “That thing I wanted to ask you?”

“Yeah?” Dan smiled at me from over by the door.

“will you stay here with me? Permanently?” He asked, playing with his fingers.

“Are you…asking me to move in with you?” I asked, fidgeting with my key ring. Dan nodded.

“will you?” He asked. Smiling to myself, i nodded.

“yes Dan. I’ll move in with you.” I agreed, looking back up at him. Dans smile grew as he raced over to me. Dipping me back, Dan kissed me passionately. I squeaked as I dropped my key ring and wrapped my arms around him, burying my hand in his hair. Dan pulled me back up as he slowly broke the kiss, continuing to peck my lips.

“I love you. I love you. I love you.” He whispered. Laughing, I hugged him tightly.

“I love you too Dan.” I giggled. He kissed my head and picked me up slightly as he hugged me even tighter.

“I can’t believe I’m doing this.” He muttered. “I never thought I’d love someone enough again to want them to move in with me. To actually live with someone again.” I pulled back when he put me back down. Reaching up, I cupped his cheek and I smiled when he leaned into it.

“we don’t have to if you don’t want to.” I whispered. Dan shook his head quickly and turned to kiss my palm.

“I want this.” He assured me. “More than I’ve ever wanted anything else in my life.” I smiled and shook my head.

“Dan fielding. Romantic.” I teased. He chuckled before pulling me into another kiss.

[cardentist]

This thread by broadwaybabyto on twitter [Link] is Incredibly important. they have the same condition as the person who anon is referring to, and they shed much needed light on the Specifics of how accommodations like that can be necessary. so I'm going to copy it over here:

Given the DoorDash discourse started because of someone with MCAS requiring specific food - let’s talk about MCAS. It’s a BEAST of a syndrome that can drastically alter quality of life - it is NOT just a histamine issue. It’s one of the hardest things I have to manage.

MCAS stands for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. Your mast cells are an immune cell present all over the body & in the bone marrow. They contain histamine - but they also contain heparin, cytokines, prostaglandin & more. When they misbehave it wreaks havoc on the body.

I have MCAS and my case has proven particularly difficult to manage. It has upended my entire life. I wish it were “just” histamine but these pesky cells do so much more. In MCAS you have a normal amount of mast cells - but they’re overactive.

They see regular things such as many foods, scents, environmental triggers, sunlight, personal care products and medications as triggers & they attack. When a mast cell degranulates it effectively explodes - and in doing so releases the chemicals mentioned above.

Given one of those chemicals is histamine - many people present with severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis but may test negative on standard allergy testing. You’re not allergic to a specific item in the traditional sense - your mast cells are misbehaving.

I will never forget my first episode of anaphylaxis - most people think of it as a sudden closing of the airway such that you can’t breathe. Mine impacted my gut and heart first & took nearly 48 hours to progress to throat swelling.

I had diarrhea & vomiting, dizziness, tachycardia, low BP and a sore throat. I thought it was the flu. I finally went to the ER on the third day because I couldn’t manage the dehydration - and I was shocked when the triage nurse panicked & rushed me into a code room.

Turns out I was losing my airway - that’s why my throat was “sore”. It was swelling but it was doing it at a glacial pace so I didn’t realize it was happening. My GI and cardiac issues were the early warning signs of anaphylaxis. I was treated & sent on my way with Epi-Pens.

I never figured out what the trigger was. I hadn’t done anything differently, eaten any new foods or started new meds. It just happened. I was told it was idiopathic anaphylaxis (ie no known cause) and cautioned to watch for those symptoms & seek medical help sooner.

Because of the strange way it presents - MCAS is often poorly understood. Many HCWs only consider anaphylaxis when a person has lost their airway. It’s a terrifying condition - your body betrays you. You don’t know why and if you need care they may not understand it either.

I’ve had to overhaul my whole life due to my MCAS. My diet is restricted to approximately 10 foods - all low histamine. It doesn’t stop there though - how you prepare the foods matters. Leftovers? Forget it. Food increases in histamine every second it sits uneaten.

Canned or processed foods? Same thing. Far too high in histamine and mast cells hate preservatives. So I find myself incredibly disabled and yet limited to only fresh food that can be prepared and eaten right away. It’s exhausting.

The GI issues that accompany MCAS only further compound this problem. Imagine being crippled by fatigue and wasting whatever limited energy you have on cooking a bland boring meal. Then as soon as you try and eat you start vomiting or having gastric distress.

That’s the cycle of MCAS. The exertion from cooking can be a trigger. The scents & smells of cooking can be a trigger. The heat or the strain of standing can be a trigger. But guess what else is a trigger? Hunger. You really can’t win. Hence sometimes people need delivery.

There’s so much more to it than just food - you would need ten threads to explain it all. Some of my worst episodes have been caused by neighbours smoking or cleaning their apartments, issues with my heat or AC or changes to medications or weather.

Even medications to TREAT the condition will often be a trigger. It sounds counterintuitive but unfortunately that’s how sensitive mast cells can be. Even when you’re trying to calm them you could be triggering them with an additional ingredient or dye in the medication.

As such you can never start more than one medication at a time (or you won’t know which one triggered you) and you often need everything compounded. Again it’s exhausting & expensive. Even when you do everything right there will be days you flare & never know the cause.

Staying ahead of my mast cells is a full time job. I understand most of my triggers quite well & can avoid them through lifestyle & dietary changes & restricted living. It means I have almost no life as I MUST control my environment at all times.

Even with these changes - I still experience flares quite regularly. While the initial response is often histamine based (think hives, wheezing, runny nose, itching etc) sometimes my reactions will be excessive bruising (due to heparin), flu like symptoms or gastric issues.

Basically it’s a constant guessing game no matter how knowledgeable you are or how many sacrifices you make. Avoiding covid is also a challenge - most viruses cause attacks. Unfortunately almost every respirator I’ve worn causes a reaction & extreme facial swelling.

It’s made my life very small. But I don’t want it to sound like it’s all doom & gloom. There are things that can help. H1s & H2s are usually first line treatments - Quercetin is a good natural alternative. There are prescription mast cell stabilizers but they are expensive.

Switching to a low histamine diet and avoiding leftovers & slow cooked meals can make a big difference. Freeze food right away and get meat & fish flash frozen. Switch to natural and unscented skin care, laundry detergent & dishwashing supplies. Get HEPA filters.

Everything you do to lower the overall burden on your body WILL make a difference. But it is a sacrifice - I sacrifice every single day. So if someone is criticizing you for needing to order delivery or for isolating to avoid covid … just remember they don’t understand.

They can’t possibly fathom what it’s like to live under the constant threat of anaphylaxis, to wake up covered in bruises for no reason or to starve for weeks on end because your body can’t tolerate any food. They won’t get it unless it happens to them.

Stand firm in your choices & know that protecting your health HOWEVER you need to is never the wrong move. When you’re able try & educate others so that this insidious condition gets more recognition & awareness. And be kind to yourself - it’s very hard to live with MCAS.

*Sees someone on twitter arguing that DoorDash is necessary for the disabled because microwave food is too much to handle.*

...What. That seems absurdly specific.

There are a lot of reasons someone might not be able to microwave food. "I literally cannot get out of bed", "i need nutrients you can't just microwave", "my dumb brain has put up 18 billion barriers to try and stop me from eating and this is the loophole I have" "the microwave in this apartment is out of reach/not labeled properly/not ADA friendly in another way" "for x or y reason microwave food is a one way ticket to severe burns", etc. I found a lot of reasons someone might need DoorDash and I also found this cool article about food sharing in the disabled community and how the author had to rely on an abusive partner once because she was either in bed or barely able to crawl and they were among the few people bringing food.

Just saying, there's a reason disabled people have higher chances of food insecurity and there's a reason meal trains, meals on wheels, and other programs focus on bringing food to people in need and not just assuming "they have a microwave and money, why bother?". Sometimes you don't have a family or friends or mutual aid group to bring you meals when you can't even pop something in the microwave.

[romanoffsbish]

Chapter 31: We Are Farmers

Chapter 30 | Masterlist | Chapter 32 | Words: 4,800

Nat's POV

"Detka, hurry, we can't be late!" I shout up the stairs, as she's taking her sweet time getting ready.

"Natty, please tell me again, where it is I am I going, and why." Y/N says, approaching me as I wait at the foot of the stairs.

"Well, seeing as how Yelena's in town, I can't just leave you here unsupervised. Maria didn't even notice you two sneak out so she's out. So, since Wands and I have our weekend mission, I'm taking you to the farm to meet my family." I reply, reaching up to brush the hair out of her face, and anticipating her reaction to the newfound information.

"Wait?! I get to finally meet Clint and his family?!" Y/N excitedly questions me, practically jumping out of her skin.

"Yes, moya lyubov', they've actually been begging for me to come visit and for me to bring you along with me. So, we'll head there today, then in a few days I'll leave you there for the weekend."

"Okay... Let me go get their gifts!!!" She cheers.

"Baby... What gifts? I'm taking your access to Amazon away from you." I groan in response, thinking about how I've slowly found myself becoming friends with Joan—our delivery lady, since she's here like every other day!!!

"No way, Natty. It's like my only lifeline to the outside world." Y/N laughs out as she runs back up the stairs, returning swiftly with a red bag full of items.

"Woah... I had no idea I was dating Santa Clause."

"Ho, ho, ho.. Let's go!" She replies with an eye roll, as she rushes passed me with her satchel of gifts and suitcase.

"Slow down there turbo..." I laugh out, as I move to catch up to her, feeling incredibly warm inside at her excitement to meet my family.

Y/N's POV

The car rides incredibly lengthy, as the Barton's obviously live off the radar. We're driving there in an older mustang, with the top down as the wind blows through our hair. Natasha's focused on the desolate farm roads, with her sunglasses securely place, and her signature leather jacket hand on. She's got her left hand on the steering wheel, and her right on my thigh while we cruise at a leisurely pace.

I'm sitting here, with my head leaning against the headrest, with my eyes tightly closed, while my mind has no choice but to race. I'm absolutely thrilled to finally meet the people Natasha considers her family. In the same beat, I'm also incredibly nervous, because there's always the possibility that they won't like me. She'd obviously choose Clint over me in a heartbeat, and I wouldn't exactly blame her, but I'd most certainly be heartbroken.

The camaraderie, and unrelenting loyalty between the two is obviously warranted. Clint saved Natasha from the life that was cruelly forced upon her. He showed her compassion, and took a chance on her when the world wanted nothing more than to cast her away. I owe him everything, because without him I never would've had the opportunity to love her. The idea of a world where my reality doesn't include her, isn't one I let myself think about often. I'd relive my twenty years with Hydra all over again just knowing it would lead me to her. So, today's meeting has this suffocating pressure that I'm trying not to drown in.

As if she can read my mind, I am pulled out my thoughts to the feeling of her squeezing my thigh.

"Dorogoy, we're pulling off at the next exit, so how about you tell me what's got you so quiet?"

"I'm just thinking." I reply, not really giving much away, or so I think.

"Well, let me say this—they're going to love you, because there's absolutely no reason for them not to. You were able to win my heart over, and mine has like shackles on it. The Barton's are a family of golden retrievers, they love love. You're absolutely perfect moya lyubov', and they'll be able to see that. Everything will be just fine." She attempts to reassure me, seeming to have actually read my mind, and bringing my hand to her lips as she kisses my palm.

"I hope you're right Natty." I quietly reply.

"I'm always right, you should know that by now." She quips back, as a smirk graces her face.

"Yeah, yeah." I reply, playfully rolling my eyes at her arrogance.

"I just want them to like me, I don't think I'd be able to just move on if I mess everything up." I shakily get out, anxiously playing with her hand that's on my thigh.

"Hey, who said anything about moving on? If they don't like you, then that's a them problem. It's a highly unlikely outcome, but it changes nothing for me if that's how this goes. I love you, and you love me, none of the rest of it matters."

As she finishes her statement, she puts the car in park, then connects her hand with my fidgeting one.

"We're here my darling." She gently states, slightly shifting in her seat to face me, and squeezing my hand.

It's currently 7:30PM, and as we ascend the steps, the door slams open before we had a chance to reach it.

"AUNTIE NAT!!" A group of children ranging in size shout, as they run out and slam into my girlfriend, nearly knocking her down the steps, and I'm sure they would've had it not been for her immense core strength.

Im stood behind her, observing the way her face lights up at the affection of the children. She's interacting with all three at once effortlessly, responding to the rapid fire questions, and all while swaying the youngest one on her hip.

"Auntie Nat! Who's that?" Lila, the archers only daughter asks, as she points at me.

"I'm so glad you asked Lila. This is Y/N Stark." Natasha replies, gesturing towards me.

"Your girlfriend right?" Cooper chimes in, as I find out they've clearly heard about me already.

"Yes, Coop. She is indeed my amazing girlfriend." Natasha beams, reaching out to pull me into her free side.

"Hi, you're really pretty." Lila greets me.

"Hey there, it's lovely to finally meet you, Lila!! Thank you very much, it means a lot coming from a beautiful girl such as yourself." I reply, as I'm kneeling at her eye level, and reach forward to boop her nose as I do.

She giggles, then lunges forward to wrap her tiny arms around my neck, as Natasha has a hand on my upper back to steady me. I return the hug with the same intensity, and feel immense warmth spreading throughout my body at the affection.

"You must be Cooper." I smile at the older boy staring at me, doing my best to acknowledge him while Lila continues to cling to me.

"Yes, I'm Cooper, I'm the oldest. Auntie Nat is holding our little brother Nathaniel. It's nice to meet you ma'am."

"Cooper, it's very nice to meet you too, but please don't call me ma'am—it makes me feel old." I laugh out, reaching my hand out to him, and he shakes it firmly.

"Oh, I'm sorry." He says, with an apologetic gaze, and I'm quick to reassure him that it's okay.

"Now, I might've brought you guys some 'nice to meet you' gifts." I excitedly announce, motioning towards the massive red satchel at the end of the stairs.

"Oh my gosh, I've never heard of that kind of gift, but I'm so excited. Thank you!!" Lila shrieks in my ear.

"That's because they don't exist." Natasha mumbles, then whines as she feels me slapping the back of her head.

The excitement blossoming within their eyes is enough to tell me I've won the kids over. I pick the bag up, going to fish out a gift each, then we're interrupted.

"Kids, it's time for dinner!!" A woman's voice resounds from indoors, leading me to assume it's Laura.

"Coming!" The older two shout in unison, dragging us along with them.

"There you guys are, we thought you all got kidnapped." Clint speaks up, playfully ruffling his older kids hair, and then ushering them to help their mother set the table.

Clint reaches out and pulls Natasha in for a big hug, wrapping his arms completely around her while she's holding a sleeping Nathaniel. He pulls back, gently slipping Nathaniel out of her grasp and leaving to lay him down on the couch.

At the sudden change, Natasha starts to shake her arm out, in an attempt to relieve her tired muscles. I gently grip it, stopping her movements, and moving my hands against her in an attempt to massage away the soreness.

"Thank you, lyubov'." She whispers, moving her body to lean back against me, and laying her head against my shoulder.

"Anything for you, Natty." I whisper back, lowering her arm to be in front of her, then wrapping mine around her from behind, settling my chin atop her shoulder, and closing my eyes.

We stay in our bubble for a good sixty seconds, before we're pulled from the moment by someone clearing their throat.

"Well, well, well. This is something I never expected to see in my lifetime, or even the next." Clint teases.

I can feel as Natasha's once calm demeanor, turns rigid and almost defensive.

"Clint Barton." He introduces himself with a smug smile, and an outstretched hand.

"Birdboy, how lovely it is to finally meet you, I've heard so much about you." I reply exaggeratedly, not removing my body from Natasha's, but instead just simply reaching my hand up to meet his.

Natasha chuckles instantly at my mock version of his stage name.

"Clint, this is Y/N Stark, my beyond perfect girlfriend." Natasha beams as she introduces me to the now grumpy man.

"Stark? Makes sense." He grumbles, a permanent scowl taking place upon his face.

As offensive as that was, I understand, I might've bruised his fragile ego.

"Honey, dinner's nearly ready, try to wake Nathaniel." Laura's sweet voice permeates through the tense air between us.

Clint replies to his wife in a gentle manner, while continuing to glare my way, before making his way to his youngest son.

Natasha immediately grabs my hand, dragging me and our luggage upstairs towards the guest room.

"For someone worried about first impressions, you sure got off on the wrong foot there." She chuckles out, throwing her duffle at the end of the bed, and throwing her arms lazily upon my shoulders, locking her gaze with mine.

"Well, I was assured that our relationship was safe regardless, so I felt like defending your honor and teasing him back." I defend myself, then lean forward to quickly peck her lips.

"My hero." She playfully gasps, her eyes sparkling with sincerity, as she lays her hand on my chest, and leans in to capture my lips in a delicious kiss.

Every time she kisses me I practically lose all control of my body as all my senses kick into overdrive. I push my lips back against hers with the same intensity, and allow her to slip her tongue passed my lips as soon as she requests. The kiss heats up, as she pulls me incredibly closer by my neck, and we fall onto the bed. She moves her lips across my jaw, beginning to move lower.

"Natasha..." I lightly moan against her ear.

"Mhm.." She acknowledges me, as she continues to move her lips across my collarbone.

"Natty, it's dinner time, and this isn't exactly helping with my first impression." I whine out, trying to squirm away from her.

"Detka, I hate it when you do this..." She whines against the side of my neck.

"What exactly did I do?" I question in offense.

"You're just so distracting... I can't help but want to jump you every chance I get. Even like now, when it's inappropriate."

"Hey, you being a horn dog sounds like a personal problem, Natasha." I laugh out, then lift the both of us off the bed and back onto our feet.

I move to the connected bathroom, assessing the damage, being fortunate enough to only need to fix my hair and straighten my clothes out.

"Let's go eat!" I announce to my pouty lipped girlfriend waiting for me on the edge of the bed.

"I was about to...." She grumbles, as I pull her downstairs, ignoring her snide remarks.

As we enter the room, I'm met with a new face, and she smiles up at me sweetly.

"You must be the famous Y/N Stark." She remarks, standing up to pull me into a hug

— —

The last couple of days have flown by, and slowly Clint's been warming up to me. Today's Nat's last day here, as Wanda will be by for dinner then they'll be taking off. It's late afternoon, and Laura's currently out shopping so she can make a special dinner tonight.

I'm currently playing a game of soccer with the kids, while Natasha and Clint recuperate from our game of lazer tag.

"Auntie Y/N." I hear Nate say in question , melting my heart with the title, while I have him stood in between my feet at the goal post.

"Yes, what's up little man?" I ask, crouching down behind him.

"Do you love Auntie Nat, like mommy and daddy do?" He asks innocently.

"Yeah, I do."

"Good! I like you, and I want to be the flower boy at your guys wedding."

I nearly choke at his statement, he's a very straightforward little man.

"Well, no wedding planned yet, but I promise when it happens your spot will be saved. Now focus up little one, Lila just passed to Coop, and I think they're about to try and score."

"No way! We got this." He asserts, planting his feet sternly and holding his hands up.

"Yeah, we do." I reply, mirroring his movements as I stand back up.

I see Cooper running at us, trying to fake us out as Lila's never too far off from him. As soon as he looks like he's about to score, he shoots it to Lila, who then aims for the goal. I lift Nate up swiftly, and guide his body to the approaching ball and he kicks it away.

"In your faces!!!!" Nate shouts, full of pride, and I run forward triumphantly with him in my arms. Shaking his giggling body in front of his siblings faces in a silly attempt to rub the win in their faces.

Nat's POV

Y/N really spoiled the hell out of these kids, bringing a wide variety of new toys for them to play with. We just finished running around for over an hour playing Lazer tag, and we only stopped once Clint just couldn't hang anymore. That's what happens when you retire from the life of Avenging, and enjoy lavish home cooked meals every night. We tapped out to enjoy a few beers on the deck while we watched the kids continue on playing with their abundant energy, and Y/N too with her energy to match.

Watching Y/N playing with the kids just warms my heart, leaving me aching for our future together, and burning a hole in my pocket with the ring. These kids are actually really selective, and you wouldn't know that by how quickly they had warmed up to her.

"You're drooling." I vaguely hear from my side.

"Shut up." I groan, and elbow the man in his side.

"Seriously though, I'm really happy for you Nat. You are a completely different person now, but in the best ways possible. You're visibly lighter, all that tension I'm used to seeing in your shoulders seems to have melted away."

"Yeah... She's really something special Clint, and I somehow tricked her into being all mine. I'm like a total genius." I jokingly reply.

"Stop selling yourself short Natasha, you know damn well you didn't trick her into anything. She fell for you because you're also someone who's pretty special. You deserve her love."

I choose not to respond, and just lean into his side while I let his words wash over me.

I deserve her love...

"You know, I actually plan on marrying that girl..." I finally say something again.

"Yeah?" He questions, while lightly squeezing my shoulder.

"Yeah." I sigh out, with the brightest smile on my face, as I raise my beer to my lips to finish it.

"I can't wait to be your best man..." He cheekily retorts.

"Yeah, Yelena and Wanda are probably going to be on Y/N's side, so you can have that spot I guess." I chuckle out.

"Wow, so she stole your sister and other best friend?"

"I told you, she's great, so be nice to her while I'm gone..." I reply back, slipping a light threat in through my tone.

I look forward once more to see Y/N shaking Nate's body in the other kids faces. Nate's laughing with his whole body, and the older two are stood there with grimaces.

Y/N's POV

"I'm hungry." Lila says, trying to deflect from our taunting.

"Yeah, how about you three keep playing and I'll go see what snacks your dad will allow since dinners in a couple hours." I reply, kicking the ball their way, and receiving nods in acknowledgment.

I make my way over the the pair of bestfriends, and they seem to have already been looking our way.

"Like what you see?" I playfully question, winking Natasha's way.

"Gross." Clint mutters, sipping on his beer once more.

"You finally getting tired, lyubov'?" Natasha asks hopefully, pulling me in by my waist and resting her head against my stomach.

I reach my hand up to lightly scratch at her scalp, as she sighs in contentment.

"No, I'm sorry Natty, but I could last out here all day. I'm only here because the little ones are hungry and I was sent on snack receiving duty."

Clint lightly chuckles, then gets up to pick something out for them, as well as water bottles for the lot of us.

"Detka, I want to cuddle before I leave tonight..." Natasha whines against me, now that we're alone.

"Does this not constitute as cuddling?" I joke back, receiving a slap to my hip as she groans.

"Natty, I promise to cuddle you after dinner before you and Wands take off. I can't promise she won't sneak into the bed with us though." I laugh out, then smile as Clint returns with a variety of chips, and the kids hydro's full of water.

"Thanks Clint." I reply with a gentle smile, then move to leave Nat's embrace as she whines, I lean forward and kiss her pout away then walk towards the kids.

They cheer excitedly at my return, each picking a different flavor of chips, and sit on the grass to enjoy them. I sit down next to them, instantly finding my lap occupied by Nate. As we enjoy our snacks, and rest time, I find the older children staring at me intensely.

"Let's get down to business!" Cooper says, staring at me with a serious expression, and I have to fight the urge to laugh as I lift my head to face him.

"I had no idea we even had business to handle, but let's do it, I'm quite the businesswoman." I reply, completely caught off guard, but amused nonetheless.

"What are your intentions with my Aunt Nat?" Cooper asks, continuing his stern facade.

"She's going to marry her." Nate proclaims, confidently answering for me.

"Woah, slow down there cowboy, I'm not getting married just yet. As for my intentions, they are pure though, I love your aunt dearly." I answer honestly, not at all opposed to marriage, but also in no rush.

"Good, because we like you, but if you hurt our Auntie Nat, then we'd have to fight you like daddy taught us." Lila mumbles, as she's mid chew on her sun chip, and she imitates her learned fighting moves.

"Trust me, if I hurt her, I'd want you to!" I reply.

The older kids smile at my statement, content with my stance. Then they lay down to stare up at the clouds. I lay down in between them, moving Nate next to me with my arm under his head.

"That one looks like a ducky." Nate happily states, pointing to a cloud that really just is a blob with a triangle poking off of it.

"Yeah, it really does." I agree with the innocent child.

"That one kind of looks like a flower." Lila beams, pointing to another blob with slight waves to it.

"Yeah, I can see that." I lie once more, maybe I just don't have the imagination necessary for this anymore.

"That one looks like a jet." Cooper deadpans, as the sun shining down on us was blocked by a quinjet.

"Yup, definitely see that." I laugh out, then lift myself off the ground to greet Wanda.

I stare at the door excitedly, anticipating being tackled into a hug as it's been two long weeks since we'd last seen one another. Once the doors open, my excitement fades, and the fear within me begins to bubble.

"Stark! What's this I hear about Yelena being your best friend now?" She shouts as she is barreling towards me.

"Oh no." I whisper, then take off towards God knows where... I just know I need to run.

"There's nowhere to hide, Y/N/N... It's an open land, with only two buildings." She condescendingly retorts, moving ever so slowly to taunt me.

"Wands... I told her you can have more than one bestie, and you can! You're literally besties with Nat, who's also besties with Clint. Please... I just wanted a hug." I whine, frantically looking around for a place to hide.

"You're right... Come, have your hug." She sweetly says, and I don't know whether or not I can trust it.

"I don't know..." I hesitate, but based on her glare, I have decide that I have to face her at some point either way.

Everyone else is simply watching from the deck amused, they should've popped some popcorn.

I hesitantly walk towards her outstretched arms, staring into her eyes full of 'love.' I enter her embrace, immediately hugging her back.

"Now, listen up you little pipsqueak.. I'm your BESTEST friend... Yelena can be your second best friend but as long as you're aware that it's me first, we're fine. Are we clear?" She says, squeezing me incredibly tightly in her 'loving' embrace.

"Crystal." I croak out, wanting nothing more than to be released to safety.

"Good. I really missed you Y/N/N." She replies, lightening her grip on me, yet still hugging me close.

"I missed you too Wands." I genuinely reply.

As soon as she releases me though, I sprint towards Natty, as she follows behind cackling.

This bitch is really cackling ...

"Natty... She's crazy." I shriek into her neck, as I've thrown myself into her lap.

"I see she found out about Yelena." Nat laughs out, while wrapping her arm around me protectively.

"Yeah... She did..."

"Hey Wanda." Natasha greets, while standing both of us up.

"Hey Nat."

"So, we need to be outta here in two hours." Nat says, while carrying me in through the doors and towards the couch.

She lays us down to where her backs pressed against the couch, and my back is to her front, reaching out to turn the TV on. Wanda walks into the kitchen to help Laura with dinner, and indulge in a glass of her calming juice...

"I love you, detka." Natasha whispers against my neck, then follows with a sweet kiss.

I spin around in her hold, and lock our gazes.

"Nat, what aren't you telling me?" I ask full of dread.

"What do you mean dorogoy?"

"You're leaving on a mission in less than two hours, begging for cuddles and now whispering you love me.." I barely whisper out a reply.

She bursts out into a fit of laughter, and pulls me closer, confusing me to say the least.

"I begged for cuddles because I hate not holding you whenever I'm free to. I whispered I love you because it's the absolute truth. Watching you outside today, with the kids, just made me oh so happy. I feel blessed that one day I'll be able to have that with you. So, no, there's nothing I'm hiding from you. The mission's nothing crazy..."

"I love you too Natty, so very much, and I can't wait to have all of this with you either." I whisper, then lean forward to peck her lips.

I roll back around to watch our movie, then feel a new weight crashing atop of us. I glance down to see Lila and Cooper sitting at the top of the couch with their feet laying on us, and Nate's laying flat on his stomach atop of us.

"I want cuddles too." Lila whines.

"Come here then." I say, scooting closer to Nat, making space for her in front of me.

"Well this just isn't fair." Wanda whines, as she steps in front of the tv, full on pouting with her wine glass.

"I'll cuddle you Auntie Wanda." Coop cheers, and they sit at our feet cuddling close.

Laura walks in, setting the trays of food on top of the table, and immediately lifts her phone to take a photo.

"Well don't you all just look cozy..." She beams, while smiling down at all of us.

Clint walks in after her with an array of drinks for everyone.

"Aww... This is absolutely adorable...

Quick send the photo, Fury and Hill must see."

"Nice try Barton, they've already seen us cuddling." Nat replies, smoothly flipping him off without the kids seeing.

"There's my Natasha." He deadpans, then moves to sit with his wife.

Everyone moves to take a seat around the couch, taking whatever food they want, and enjoying the movie on the screen. As the movie ends, I escorted Wanda and Natasha to the quinjet, and pulled them into a huddle.

"I love you, stay safe, and come back to me."

"Will do bestie." Wanda replies, hugging me tightly, then boarding the jet, leaving Natasha and I alone.

"I'll always come back to you detka..." She promises.

"... and I you." I reply, then pull her in for a goodbye kiss.

"Please don't kill Clint while I'm away." She laughs out while pulling back.

"Moment ruined." I groan, then nod in agreement, watching while she laughs while boarding the jet.

— —

I wake up early the next day, having offered to help Clint with the remodeling of his barn. I'm not a morning person, which sucks when all the people I associate with are. The amount of times Wanda's woken me up to gossip when the sun is still only rising is infuriating.

"Good morning Y/N." Clint beams, great, another morning person.

"Morning." I groan, reaching for the coffee he's put in a thermos for me.

"Not a morning person, huh?"

"Absolutely not." I reply, following his lead towards the barn.

We work all morning, replacing the faulty hardware, and dry rotting pieces of wood. Being treated well by Laura's snacks, that are sent out by their adorable children.

"So, what are your intentions with my best friend?" Clint randomly asks, interrupting the peace I'd grown accustomed to.

"Jesus, second person to ask me that since I arrived. My intentions are to love her with all my heart, and live a happy life with her." I grunt out, while screwing a board in place.

"I only ask because I've never seen her this happy before. She's never been one to believe in love like this, I just want to make sure you're all in. She deserves someone who will stay."

"I promise you I'm all in Clint, as I told your kids the same thing. If I ever did something to jeopardize this, I'd ask you to put me down. I'd clearly have to be losing my mind."

"That's what I like to hear..." He replies, patting my back and helping me off the ladder.

"Now, have you ever shot an arrow from a bow before?" He questions me, with a quirked brow, and devious smirk.

"No...?"

"Let's go, we've worked long enough, and I would love to continue to bond with you. I can even tell you about the time I found Natasha dangling upside down while we were on a mission."

"Oh, we're going to be fast friends..." I state, finding myself growing fonder of the archer by the minute.

Taglist:

@simpforflorencepugh1 @ali-lie

[thiserichann]

cookies and cream - lee jeno

reader x jeno

genre: smut, strangers to fuck buddies, humor if you squint hard enough

word count: 4k-ish

warnings: recklessness (she met with a stranger online, don’t do it kids) excessive lying, 18+ scenes that includes: oral (f receiving) face riding, soft dom!jeno?

This is merely a work of fiction and is not meant to hurt the image of Jeno and NCT. Again, don’t be as reckless as OP. This was just a fantasy of mine that I’ve been dying to get out of my system.

Holy fuck.

That's the only word that you've managed to utter when you decided to check your messages that morning.

You got bored in the middle of the class and decided to sneak a peek on your phone to pass the time. The class is recorded anyways so you can always just go back to the parts of the lessons that you've missed.

But holy fuck.

You never expected to see THAT so early in the morning.

"Miss Y/N?"

You snapped back to reality and stopped malfunctioning for a second when somebody called your name. Everyone including your professor remained quiet and all eyes are on you.

"Oh. Sir what’s the question again?"

You answered nervously as you tried to review your notes and backtrack on what he is discussing a few moments ago.

"I see that you're distracted in the middle of my class again. Mind sharing what you're occupied with?"

"Uhm. I was watching KPOP fancams, sir."

"Fancams won't get you into law school, Miss Y/N. Phones off please."

You tucked your phone back to your pocket and never picked it up again since. The professor started blabbering again but no information is being retained on your head. It stayed that way at your other classes.

You wished you were looking at some KPOP fancams earlier. You’ve watched fancams at class before and got away with it unscathed.

Oh no. It was a goddamn dick pic.

A good one, too.

It was from a guy that you met in a kink site a few days ago. You created the account out of boredom and expected nothing to come out from it. It’s all the flirting and sexting without all the unnecessary commitment

It only took you a few minutes to set up an account. For some privacy, you made a random birthdate and a random nickname, because like hell would you share your real information to these people. You also picked a racy picture of a lady that looked a bit like you and passed it off as your own.

Within minutes, your inbox is flooded with messages. Most of them, however, are from men who are old enough to be your father.

Well, you were bored, so you entertained everyone and then went on back to your boring, vanilla life. A few political history and theory books later, you went back to see which ones messaged you on the site.

And that's where you've met him.

The most gorgeous piece of meat alive.

He seems like a nice guy. He introduced himself as LJ and your age aren’t that far off from each other. LJ is the only one who actually engaged in conversation besides "want to fuck?" or "are you horny?"

As soon as you started messaging back and forth, you scrolled on his profile to see what he looks like. The only thing is, his profile looked a whole lot like those high fashion male underwear photoshoots.

It was an array topless pictures (presumably his, you just can’t be bothered to check if it is actually his). It featured his sculpted abs and biceps, cropped up all the way to his full lips. Despite not seeing his whole face, you knew very well that he’s a hunk. To say you were intrigued is an understatement.

Since then, you've been talking back and forth through Snapchat (your secret one because you're not stupid) and sent him actual pictures of yourself, completely omitting the face. You took one from your bed, your bathtub, and probably every part of your house that you felt is sexy enough to be included on the pics.

You can't tell him if it's him or the repressed sexual urges finally manifesting itself after more than a year of not getting laid, but every text to and from him made your heart race. It was something that you looked forward to every hour everyday.

Hours went by that you totally forgot leaving him on read. You climbed up to your bed to rest your back to the headboard and opened your unread messages.

You: Hey svlr. School stuff.

  He opened the chat and started typing right away.

  LJ: Oh good. I thought I did something wrong to upset you.

You: Not at all. I loved the pic by the way. It literally knocked my socks off.

LJ: Just the socks?

You: You can take the rest of it off yourself ;)

You scoffed. The flirty banter has always been there ever since you started talking but nothing really came out of it.

LJ: If only I could :(

You: I know. Covid’s a bitch.

You set your phone aside for a second to go to the bathroom. On your way, you picked up some snacks at the fridge and sat back down to your bed, only to find your phone blowing up.

LJ: If you're down maybe we could meet

LJ: It's totally fine if you don't want to

LJ: I just made it weird, didn't I?

LJ: I'm so sorry I brought it up in the first place

LJ: I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable

LJ: Hello?

LJ: I'm really sorry

You: Chill. I'm right here

You: I just went to the bathroom

LJ: Oh

You: I'd be lying if I said I don't want to meet you as well

You: Well... I wouldn't write off the idea

You: But with the Covid

LJ: Thoughts?

You: I don't think it's a great idea

The screen says Seen right at the bottom but it took him a couple more minutes before finally replying.

LJ: I understand

LJ: But in case you change your mind, I'll leave the time and place up to you

LJ: I’ll take care of the rest

LJ: Deal?

You: I'll sleep on it.

You: Speaking of sleep, I gotta go. Morning class.

LJ: Okay. I guess this is good night then

You didn't, in fact, talk to him the day after.

You'd be lying if you said that you didn't want to see him and his abs in real life. But as someone who overthinks a lot, you just can't shake off the risk.

You: Good night. Talk to you tomorrow.

What if he's not really the guy in the pics? Or he’s psycho in real life? What if he's infected the virus?

You sighed.

Why must some global pandemic ruin your sex life?

You waited until the end of the day before you finally replied to LJ. The last thing that he texted was a brief good morning from earlier in the day and nothing else. He’s actually a pretty sweet guy, totally not worth ghosting, and you actually liked talking to him as a friend that you can share your sentiments with.

With your guilt finally eating you up, you took a break from your assigned readings and sat back at your bed to rest for the day. Your fingers hovered over the keyboard for a minute, thinking of something to say to him. It took you a few tries before finally hitting the send button.

You: So, I thought about it

LJ: And?

You: I need to know I can trust you

LJ: Okay. How?

You: I don’t know. Send me a proof that you’re real. Get tested?

You: Is that fine with you?

Within a split second, he sent his reply.

He actually did it.

You couldn’t believe it but he actually did it.

LJ: Consider it done.

He got tested for physical, including the virus test, and passed with flying colors. He even sent you a vid of him inside a medical clinic.

He just sent the uncensored results this morning where you can clearly see his real name.

Lee Jeno.

LJ.

Seems legit.

Well, the uncreative nickname shouldn’t matter now because the results meant only one thing.

You’re gonna have to push through with your promise.

You got ready around noon that day. You can’t remember the last time that you actually got ready to meet someone that’s not a delivery guy or a relative passing on something to your family.

As someone who overthinks a lot, you actually got everything covered. You picked a place near a restaurant to eat. The police station is just a few blocks away just in case something happens, and right in front of a library…

“Where’re are you off to?”

You raised your backpack to show to your mother.

“I’m off to the library. I needed to get these renewed. Maybe pick up a novel or two.”

She looks at you from head to toe, eyeing that incredibly loose hoodie, faded denim jeans, some worn out sneakers that looked like it’s supposed to be thrown away years ago and a medical mask that covers about ¾ of your bare face. It’s just your usual attire whenever you go out for errands.

She just nodded and went back to watching her favorite soap opera.

“It’s nice that you’re out of your room for once. Take some cookies from the kitchen so you’ll have something to eat in case you get hungry.”

… as an alibi to get away from your strict parents.

As soon as you left the door and made sure that you’re out of sight, you found the nearest public toilet and grabbed a whole other outfit from your backpack. The hoodie is replaced by a white, ruffled see-through blouse and you ditched the jeans for a tight skirt that’s at least four inches above your knees. You tousled your hair a little bit and put on some powder and tiny hint of lipstick before putting your facemask back on again.

It’s been a while since you’ve done an elaborate scheme like this. Your skills got a little bit rusty, but they always work.

Sometimes you wonder if you’re really meant to be lawyer or a criminal instead.

You stepped out of the toilet and blended right back into society.

Now all you have to do is find wherever the hell LJ is.

Jeno sat anxiously as he waited for you right inside the café. He’s on his fourth cup of coffee but it didn’t do anything to calm his nerves down (geez I wonder why).

You: I’m almost at the café.

He’s been staring at his phone the whole time. Once he received your message, which is a pic of you in the bathroom after the outfit change, he almost choked on his drink.

This message sent him on a panic as he turned his camera on to see how he looked. He did some minor adjustments to his hair and he wiped off his eyeglasses clean with the sleeves of his hoodie (which did nothing for him by the way) and then casually sat down and played it off cool like he hasn’t been waiting for you for over an hour.

On your perspective, you walked inside the café and looked around for LJ. Fortunately, there was only guy inside the café, twiddling with his phone on his hands and as he kept on peeking through the glass windows as if he’s looking for someone.

From afar, he actually looked really cute. His appearance, a shy, nerdy dude with glasses, looked way off from the fuckboy image that you expected him to have in reference to the messages that you’ve been getting from him.

It’s always the quiet ones that are kinky. You should know, you are one.

You walked over to his table and tapped his shoulders to get his attention.

He froze for a moment before he finally managed to turn around and face you.

“You’re actually here.”

“I know. I’m just as surprised as you are.”

tap tap tap tap

The room is so quiet that the only thing you can hear is the sound of your heels tapping against the tiled floor. You can say that that is one of your observable annoying habits tapping your foot on the floor when you're a nervous wreck.

Sighing in retaliation, you removed your hoodie, fanning yourself as you tried to relax and get comfy on the hotel couch (which should be comfortable enough since you paid a shit ton of money on that room), switching the TV on to get your mind off of things. The lackluster array of shitty sitcoms didn’t distract you at all, but it instead reminded you of the reasons why you’re in that room in the first place.

Having nothing to do to pass the time, you paced back and forth in the room, finally sitting down once you realized that it looks way worse than you just tapping your foot. You folded your arms right across your chest, looking at the watch from time to time but the hands of the clock seem to be moving slower the more you stare at it.

Quarantine started almost a year ago and it's been very hard for you. Sexually. It's been almost a year since you've been touched by a man and you’re more than ready to jump on anyone’s dick at any this point,

Too bad that that dick is taking his sweet time in the bathroom.

tap tap tap tap

Your foot found its rhythm once again, only this time, you’re not nervous anymore. Your patience is wearing thin.

As if summoned by the constant tapping, the guy comes out of the bathroom, just casually drying himself while wearing nothing but the towel dangerously hanging on his waist and a boyish smile on his lips.

No biggie.

"Hey."

Suddenly, you’re not tapping anymore.

Head empty, just thoughts of a hot guy patting down a towel all over his toned body.

“I hope I didn’t make you wait for too long.”

He spoke, tossing aside the towel on his hands on the sofa, finally giving you a full view of him and all his glory.

You must admit, you’re skeptical at first. The guy that’s been sending you faceless thirst traps just days ago, telling you how he’d fuck you senseless looked a lot different from the guy who entered the hotel room just a moment ago.

He came in wearing those black oversized hoodies that did a great job in hiding his best features. His hair was a bit long for your taste, covering half of his face while the face mask hid the other.

But this man right here in front you, he’s Adonis.

You unconsciously bit your lower lip, earning a chuckle from the guy.

“I’m guessing that you’d like to start now?”

You nodded, the tension and awkwardness rendering you unable to speak.

He smiles as he takes the remote from you, turning off the television because the main show is about to start.

You started to tense up again, eyes wide as you realized that he’s now right beside you, wrapping his arms around you as soon as he sat down. He leans over, soft lips coming into contact with your exposed neck and shoulders, landing small pecks all over.

You sat there breathless as he slowly ran his fingers to the side of your thighs, tracing circles at it while giving small, reassuring kisses on your neck and shoulders. It’s as if he’s asking you for your consent, waiting for you to open up to him before he makes a move.

He got his answer when you turned around to face him, running your fingers into his cheeks before cupping his face, your lips finally touching his. He moved in the same pace as earlier, slow and calculating. You got a bit impatient once again, biting his lower lips gently to let him know that he can do more.

He grabbed you by the waist and successfully placed you on top of him. The kiss got even more sloppy as you ran your hands through nape, then into his soft locks. His hands travelled once again, finger running through legs again, stopping as soon as he reached the hem of your skirt, flipping it up to reveal the thin lace material that barely covered your core. You took that as initiative to remove the towel on his waist and grinded against his growing member, the friction and heat enough to earn a groan out of him.

He held your waist once again, firmly this time, halting your movement completely.

You broke away from the kiss, staring him in the eyes to read his face.

“Something wrong?”

“Hold tight.”

You were about to ask about what hold tight mean, but your arms cling unto him involuntarily as he lifts the both of you out of the sofa.

Jeno laid you gently in the bed, making sure not to break eye contact as he does so. He looked like he's about to eat you alive, which is enough to send flush to your cheeks.

“I would’ve loved to bend you over that sofa, but I think it’s just proper that our first time will be on the bed.”

"God. You're beautiful."

He then ran his fingers towards the thin fabric of your blouse, feeling every part of your torso like he's memorizing every detail of it. His hands then travelled in your chest, squeezing the swell of your breasts on each hand, fingers shaking as he does so. It felt like an artist admiring his delicate work of art.

He situated himself between your legs, taking a moment to admire you first before doing anything else.

He started to run his hand on your cleavage and stopped on the uppermost button of your blouse, taking his time to remove all of them and placing a kisses at the exposed skin. After all of the buttons are taken care of, you lifted your body up and slid off the fabric. Your black lacy bra finally made its appearance. You took the liberty of taking that off too, as slow and as you possibly can.

 Jeno just stared at your body in awe, breathing heavily as his eyes scanned your naked glory.

 "Gorgeous."

He said under this breath before leaning down to claim your lips once again. You're turned on by how much attention he's giving your body now. You're usually loud in bed but his gestures are making you bashful. You've never felt this beautiful before.

You can feel his hands trembling as it travels all over your body, his kisses getting even more needy. There was moans of satisfaction every time he would lick your lips. Jeno was kissing you like you were oxygen and he needed to breath.

His hands travelled south, running across your thigh and your now aching core. You're about to remove your skirt and underwear but he stopped your hands midway.

"Keep it."

He took your hands away from your skirt and placed them just above your head.

"Just sit there and relax baby. Let me treat you."

You did just like he told you and gave him full control of your body.

"Good girl."

His lips brushed your ears, whispering sweet nothings about how beautiful you are under him. His kisses then went down to your neck, using his tongue and teeth, marking everything he can get his mouth on with his saliva. Meanwhile, his hands finally touched you down there, massaging your still clothed wetness.

His middle and index finger felt your slit, moving it in swift motion in search for your clit.

"Oh my god. That's it."

You gasped as his fingers finally hit the right spot, tossing your head back as his fingers made circles at your bundle or nerves.

You opened your legs more, leaning on your arms on your back, head tossed back and eyes closed as you feel your impending orgasm.

He dipped his hand inside your underwear and collected some of your essence with his fingers. The mental picture of him licking his fingers deliciously is enough to get you off for weeks.

It didn't take long before he took your panties off and his ducked his head down. He opened your legs once again and licked one long stripe on your core, making sure to taste all of you. You sat there and watch as he hungrily takes all of you in his mouth, acting like your pussy is a full course meal and he's been starving for years.

Within moments, you've become a moaning, toe curled mess. You ran your fingers to his blonde hair, guiding him on how to move his tongue and fingers on you. At one point, he bit some of your sensitive skin, making you scream a string of curses under your breath.

"Stop stop stop."

You grab a fistful of his hair and he paused from what he was doing. You pushed him gently away from you, leaving him staring at you confusedly. The confusion didn't last long when you flipped your current position, you're now on top.

"Can I ride your face?"

At this point, you're bold and horny enough to use your words and ask him. He just nodded, sliding himself from underneath you and went back to eating you like a champ. You grabbed his hands and placed them across your chest, squeezing your breasts to send him a message. He was quick to pick up and followed suit, pinching your nipples right in between fingers while your ride his face to orgasm.

"Shit. I'm coming..."

  You writhed from above him as you come undone. Your body felt cold all over. Your eyes are ringing, feeling dizzy as you almost passed out while you bucked your hips a few more times to milk your release.

You didn’t have time to recover when you heard your phone ringing from outside. Your legs felt a little shaky and you almost tumbled and hit your head in the wall if Jeno didn’t help you get up. You  sat down on the floor, butt-ass naked as you frantically searched for your phone from under all of your stuff before you finally pressed the answer button.

“Yes mom?”

“Where have you been? Your father’s been looking for you at the library. He’s picking you up on your way home.”

You buried your head on the couch to shake off the buzzing feeling on your head. You placed a pillow on your body while you searched for your discarded clothes all over the hotel room.

“Oh yeah. I went to the café and got something to eat. Tell Dad I’ll meet him outside the library.”

“Okay sweetie. Can you pick up some groceries on your way back? I’ll text you the list.”

“Yeah mom. Bye.”

You breathe a sigh of relief as you started putting on the outfit that you wore when you left home.

“Where are you going?”

Jeno reluctantly got dressed as well, his shy demeanor came back as soon as he wore his glasses and fixed his hair.

“I got to go, Jeno. I’m sorry that I’m leaving in such a bad time…”

You went over to him and placed a sweet kiss on his lips.

“I promise to make it up to you next time, okay? I’d love to meet you again.”

You grabbed a paper bag from your backpack and handed it to him, waving as you bolted out the door.

After fixing his things, he sat down for a moment and took a quick peek inside the package that you left him.

It was a ziplock bag of full of cookies and a whole other treat.

You left him your two-piece lace lingerie.

To be continued.

[imo-chan-imagines]

『 As your boyfriend | BNHA Headcanons 』

From the good, to the bad, to the downright adorable.

Characters: female!reader, Aizawa Shouta

Tags/warnings: Boku No Hero Academia (anime), 18+, explicit descriptions of sex, smut, fluff, soft dom Aizawa, relationship, headcanons

⚠️ 18+ CONTENT! MINORS: PLEASE DO NOT INTERACT ⚠️

A/N: Right, so I'm simping for this man biG TIME, but I'm only on season 3, so no spoilers or anything, please. This is my first BNHA post (and it turned out way longer than I was intending 😅) Please let me know if you want more in the future!

Also, I have a repetitive strain injury, so typing stuff is taking a while at the moment. Sorry about that. Thanks for reading! Please enjoy ♡ ~Imo

☆ Aizawa Shouta ☆

I'm not going to lie. Shouta can be a big ol' grouchy pants sometimes, and it's basically impossible to win an argument against him makes you want to tear your hair out, sometimes

But most of the time, he's just tired and in pain, and he doesn't mean to be so crotchety

He's not the type to make excuses, though. That's childish. He means his apologies, even if they're simple

He'll normally initiate an apology by gently wrapping his arms around you from behind and resting his forehead on your shoulder 🥺

Physical contact is incredibly personal and intimate for him. He doesn't just touch anyone, or allow them to touch him

You're special 💞💫

Soft, gentle touches, like his fingers interlacing with yours, or his leg brushing up against you, are basically his way of saying 'I love you'

Catch me crying in the corner, a'ight? 😔

He rarely ever raises his voice. Like, ever he doesn't need to, and is aware that it can be scary

He's definitely the kind of guy to forget to tell people that you're dating, simply because he doesn't see how it's relevant or anyone else's business 🤦‍♀️

I mean, he ain't wrong, but–

And his mood switches between 'antisocial' and 'clingy' like a mechanical metronome did someone say 'cat'?

Sometimes, you'll be lucky if he speaks more than three words to you together in a whole day nothing personal 🤷‍♀️

But on other days, he literally won't let you out of his arms for the world he's complicated, okay?

You have missed many a parcel delivery because he wouldn't let you get up from his lap to answer the door 🙄😂

Boundaries and responsibilities are key and highly respected by Shouta, and he would NEVER erase your quirk without your permission, unless he literally had no other choice like someone's going to get hurt, or something

Is generally quite serious so what's new? but you're one of the few people he can relax around when he feels like it

9/10 of his jokes are dad jokes 😎 hell yeah

Takes a hard stance in financial debates, but is constantly broke af 😶 says he'll buy you dinner and presents you with some instant noodles with a 'Reduced To Clear' sticker on them

Will take a bite of your food/steal some off your plate without asking, and literally say nothing to defend himself #gremlin

Is incredibly shy and uncomfortable about being ~le horny~ until you've been together for literally forever

Even then, he's still shy about it when he has to bring it up and it's pretty cute, let me tell ya

It took him forever to admit to you that he gets turned on when you eat ice lollies

Guess what you do whenever you want to mess with him like a little brat 😛

But if he's in the mood, he will 100% whisper something dirty in your ear, even if you're completely alone and probably well past third base

He does it because he knows your pussy will clamp around him at the sound of his voice 😳🥵

*fans self profusely*

Genuine, unadulterated smiles are rare with Aizawa, but when he does 🙌 Heaven hath opened its gates and allowed an angel walk amongst mere mortals 🥺🤧

If he lays his head on your chest, he will fall asleep like that *snaps fingers*

Surprise nose and forehead kisses to show he loves you ❤

Calls you 'Kitten' this is basically already canon at this point

And he's all about those deep talks with you at 3 am when he can't sleep

Speaking of insomnia!

It's cheesy, but you're like a soothing balm. The warmth of your body makes him feel safe, your touch helps him relax, and your voice soothes him to sleep

He's never slept as well as when you're beside him 😭🤧

When cuddling, he likes to be the big spoon but will accept being the little spoon if you if you press your boobs against his back and ask really nicely 🤭

And he loves you stroking his hair and running your fingers through it 🥺

Netlix nights and pillow/blanket forts!!

Rainy days are a godsend. Staying inside all day under the blankets, with the soft sound of the rain falling outside and no-one to interrupt you – literal paradise

He makes mean hot cocoas and Irish coffees 😋 I feel like this man lives off Irish coffees 😂🤣

Wears a lot of black and grey sweatpants at home 😗 which highlight the outline of his dick just right, if ya know what I'm sayin' 👀

Doesn't like going out for dates and prefers staying inside and doing stuff together same, honeyy

But if you really like going out, he will somewhat begrudgingly agree to it and get all dressed up for you, just so long as he gets his fair share of home-dates, too 🤗

But if you also don't like going out... the two of you will basically never leave the house, except to get groceries in your pyjamas from the 24-hour convenience store down the road at one in the morning oddly specific, I know, but you get me

And sorry, but I don't make the rules

Well, actually, I do. But shush

We all know that Shouta cleans up *chef's kiss* So when you go somewhere ~fancy~ he always looks so damn fine 😩

But he has very little idea that he's hot he sees himself as a tired, walking dumpster fire🚶‍♂️🔥

Shouta will 100% turn into a crazy cat dude with 15+ cats if you don't stop him I never said you should, though 🙃

And is a 'minimalist texter' – basically, if he can't answer a text with 'yes', 'no,' 'maybe', or 'OK', then he probably won't answer it at all 😭😂

Especially if you try and sext him or send him your nudes while he's at work. He'll probably lecture you when he gets home and depending on just how much you turned him on, he might proceed to teach you a lesson...

But wear his shirt, and just his shirt or his hoodie and he's yours

Heart eyes, motherfucker 😍

And, depending on how you two are feeling that day, you may or may not end up getting dicked down on the nearest semi-flat surface right then and there 👀

But don't misunderstand. This is an incredibly tired man you have here, and his libido actually isn't through the roof sorry, ladies so this kind of thing isn't an everyday occurrence

But when he dicks you down, he dicks you down goooood

Shouta's not big on PDA, but makes up for it in private. We're talking hands and kisses all over your body he leaves nothing unloved 😏

And while he's not big on PDA, he is big on sneaky displays of affection or 'SDA', as I like to call it

Like subtly grabbing your butt for a second, or his hand on your thigh under the table at a dinner etc. especially around other people

But what really gets him going is slowly removing your clothes and taking you fully naked, spreading your legs wide and holding them open he likes the view 😍

He lowkey highkey worships your body 🙏 and will literally not shut up about how fucking pretty you are, and how fucking good it feels inside you his words, not mine 😳

Groans and growls a little when he's getting close/cumming especially when he's being a little rough and likes to cum together, but knows it's not always practical

He tends to be a gentle dom, but can get just a teensy bit 🤏 rough if he's too into it – but nothing outrageous

We're talking rough thrusts and a brutal pace, maybe holding onto you a little too hard and, waaahh, he gets so embarrassed if he leaves bruises

Is also into a little bondage, but again, only light stuff – restraining your wrists with his hands or his tie or his Capturing Weapon 👀 maybe blinding-folding you if you're okay with it

If you're not blindfolded, then I'm afraid he's all about that eye contact

Eating out your pussy? Eye contact. Pounding you into the mattress? Blazing eye contact. Rearranging your guts in front of the mirror? Fucking eye contact

And CONSENT, BABY. THAT'S WHAT HE'S FUCKING INTO 😌🙌💞

But all jokes aside – he's too used to taking without consent with his quirk, that he's kind of paranoid about it comes to sex but it's adorable and sweet, and honestly, still kind of hot

And speaking of eating pussy – goddamn does he like to please you. Like cream to a kitty 😛

Oh, and he just loves it when you suck on his fingers as he's pounding into you 🤤

And he likes to leave love bites in personal, inconspicuous places and sometimes on your neck

He's marking his woman 😌

When he gets suuuper horny, he likes to fuck you from behind, standing upright in front of the mirror. It's a specific kink he has of watching himself stretch you out as the length of his cock disappears inside you...

I can get behind that, lemme tell yaaa

I said he tends to be dominant, but female doms – fear not!

Shouta is quite flexible when it comes down to it and is kind of lazy, lmfao so he definitely has time for laying back, having the control taken away, and having his dick ridden

For him, it's really all about communication and what you're both comfortable with

I will say this, though: sometimes, his cat watches you while you're banging 😅😂

The first time it happened, you freaked out and refused to continue because – how could you??? But eventually, you just kind of got used to it 🤷‍♀️

The same way you've got used to it following you to the bathroom every time you go to take a shit 😭

So now, you just kind of laugh about it, which helps keep things a little lighter 🤗

After sex, he does like to snuggle, but you'll be lucky if he stays awake for more than 30 seconds it's one of the few times he actually can sleep well

If you're ever out and about, or even inside, and cold, he'll wrap you up in his clothes/scarf/blanket like a sushi roll like Eren wrapping up Mikasa in his scarf, all deadpan and everything 😐

It's not that often, but when he gets drunk, he gets all soft and emotional, and starts babbling about how he can't believe he got so lucky to be dating you, and that he's sure he hasn't done anything to deserve it mah heart

He's pretty sure he wants kids, but he doesn't feel like now is the right time, and is lowkey afraid that it's never going to feel like the right time

He also constantly doubts himself, wondering if he'd actually able to look after them and protect them the way a father should class 1-A got him second-guessing himself 🥺

Besides, it's not all about him. You clearly have a say in it too, and he doesn't want to force you into anything

Again: communication and comfort zones

Dating Aizawa definitely has its ups and downs, and it's not smooth sailing, but he's prepared to work for a life with you because he's found a connection with you that he hasn't feel with anyone else

He knows that you're both far from perfect, but hopes that, for once, you might just make something good, and make it last 🥰😇

© imo-chan-imagines 2020

[uwuwriting]

Maybe pregnant hcs for Todoroki, Iida, Shinsou and Amajiki???💓💓💓💓💓

-Ohoho!!!! This right here just melts my hurt. Even thinking about it makes me weak.Plus a little heads up, everyone is having daughters cause I’m weak to the knees with the thought of these four and their babygirls so be prepared. Hope I don’t disappoint.💖💖💖

*All characters are aged up so around the ages of 20-25 and up*

Todoroki Shouto

-You and Shouto have been together since your second year in UA.

-You got married when you both got well acquainted with the hero life and now live a happy , yet busy, life in an apartment near his mom’s house. 

-We know that this boy would want his family to be close to him and the fact that you get along with everyone fills his heart with so much love. 

-You two never really talked about children.

-Maybe a few suggestions of having a child in the future but nothing serious.

-Que the morning sickness. 

-Shouto was really worried about you, I mean look at you.

-You’re emptying your guts in the toilet every single morning. 

-You can’t eat most foods that you used to like and have a weird craving for tuna yogurt?!

-He doesn’t want to leave the house, he even convinced you to take some days off and try to relax.

-Give your body rest.

-He promised to get some days off himself to take care of you.

-You had your suspicions, tbh.

-You just didn’t tell him.

-Whether that was to not get his hopes up or to post pone the heartbreak you didn’t really know.

-So what if you were mildly panicking over the fact that the 5 pregnancy tests you just took were all positive. 

-It was the first day of your mini ‘vacation’ and thankfully Shouto had been called in today.

-Because you’re panicking and legit losing your shit over this, you call....Rei.

-Okay maybe it wasn’t the best course of action considering you were on the verge of cardiac arrest, but what can you do.

-You asked her if she was home and if you could stop by.

-Of course she said yes, delighted to see you and mentioned that Fuyumi was also going to stop by in around an hour.

-You made your way to her house, arriving just as Fuyumi was pulling into the drive way.

-After greeting each other and going inside, you took your seats in the living room and waited for Rei to make some tea.

-Fuyumi was going on and on about what the kids at the kindergarten were doing and how cute some of them were being. 

-Neither of the Todoroki women had missed your puffy eyes or how your smile would constantly waver, but they decided to let you tell them on your own accord. 

-Once Rei joined you in the living room, they both turned to you.

- “So how have you been Y/n, dear?” Rei said watching you really closely. 

-You looked down, feeling hot tears starting to form in your eyes and your throat tightening painfully. 

-Fuyumi moved closer to you while Rei draped an arm around your shoulders which were shacking at the moment. 

- “I-I’m p-pregnant.” it was barely a whisper, but they heard it alright.

-Mom mode activated 2x.

-They reassured you that everything was going to be fine and how lucky you are.

-They repeatedly said how excited Shouto will be and what of a push over of a dad he would become.

-After 4 long hours of baby talk, you returned home, collapsing on the sofa before passing out for a good 3 hour nap.

-When you woke up, Shouto was home and sitting next to you weaving his fingers absentmindedly through your hair. 

- “Hey there sleepyhead.”

-How could his voice be so soft!?!?

-You buried your face into the blanket, which really confused him, I mean...what did he do?

- “We have a problem...” pause....awkward silence.... “I’m pregnant.”

-*Windows noises*

-After the mild stroke, he lifted you up so you were looking at him and just stared at you. 

-Those seconds that he just looked at you felt like eternity.  

-The torture ended however, when he lowered his head to your stomach and lifting your shirt, placed a small kiss right under your belly button.

- “Hey there, snowflake. Nice to meet you.”

-And with that, 9 exhausting months started full of mood swings, weird cravings, back rubs and a never ending list of baby names.

-You two learned you were having twins on your fifth appointment, but you decided to keep the gender a surprise. 

-On a cold January night your two girls were brought into the world and it was one of the few times you had seen Endeavour and Natsuo in the same room bawling their eyes out. 

-Your white haired baby was named Rei *after her grandmother* while your mixed red and h/c babygirl Ren. 

-When Shouto held them for the first time, you thought he was going to have a mental breakdown.

-He’s a total push over and your girls are daddy’s girls to the core.

-He’s the best dad they could ask for.

Iida Tenya

-You and Tenya have been married for 6 years now and have been trying endlessly for a baby.

-You both agreed that you were ready for the responsibility and that having a little Tenya running around the house sounded like a great idea.

-Saying that you were exhausted form the attempts was an understatement.

-Tenya had incredible stamina and even more libido, so you can safely assume that during the week long process of baby making you couldn’t walk straight.

-However, your little shenanigans stopped when your doctor delivered you the news.

-You had been hit by a blood related quirk while dealing with a villain and had to get a check up afterwards.

-You were given a scolding the moment you saw your doctor because why aren’t you in desk duty you RASCAL!?

-You were confused beyond belief and it was written all over your face.

- “You don’t know do you?” 

-Le sigh.

- “Mrs. Iida I’m happy to announce you that you’re expecting, so that means you are to be put in desk duty for the next 4 months or else I’m making sure you don’t leave the house for a good 9 months.”

-You. Were. Ecstatic. 

-You ran to Tenya’s agency, bringing down the damned door to his office giving the man a heart attack.

- “Y/n what’s-”

- “I’M PREGNANT!” 

-Que ecstatic air chopping. 

-Tenya went into full dad mode during those 9 months. 

-Buttt he’s also kinda nervous.

-Nervous like Tamaki in a crowd level nervous.

-You get the image.

-You have anything you want whenever you want it.

-The nursery is done the moment you find out you are having a gilr.

-Unlike Todoroki he isn’t patient enough to keep the gender a secret.

-When the day arrives, you’re just chilling outside with him when you nonchalantly blurt out ‘my waters broke’.

-....oh...oH.....OHSHIIIIIIIT.

- “WHY ARE YOU SO CALM?! GET UP! ARE YOU IN PAIN? CAN YOU WALK!?”

-This goes on until you are screaming and crushing his hand in the delivery room.

-Your little girl is born and she’s a carbon copy of Tenya.

-Same colored hair and eyes.

-The face structure looks like you.

-She has your nose and mouth, along with your eyebrows but apart from that she’s a mini genderbend Tenya.

-Because she was born early in the morning you decided to change her name and so little Asami Tenya was officially a part of this world.

-Tenya cried.

-You cried.

-Asami cried.

-You were one happy crying family.

Shinsou Hitoshi

-You and Hitoshi have been together for two years now, but you haven’t put a ring on it.

-Sure you live together and act like a married couple already but you’re not Mrs.Shinsou.....yet.

-You have been feeling strange for days now and your period was late which never happens.

-You are panicking but unlike Shouto you two aren’t married.

-He can leave with almost no complications.

-You were his girlfriend not his wife.

-The pregnancy tests you had taken were mocking you from the bathroom sink and your poor hormone ridden mind couldn’t handle the stress.

-You cried a river until you heard keys jiggling and HItoshi’s iconic ‘Kitten, I’m home!’

-You couldn’t face him like this.

-In a haste you shoved the tests into the laundry basket along with their packages and covered them with some sheets. 

-Fixing your hair and washing your face, you straightened and walked out the door.

-After greeting Hitoshi with a kiss you calmly told him to go get ready while you made him something to eat.

-Your mind was running laps thinking how you could tell him or how you could solve your little problem as quietly as possible.

-That is until he walked in holding what seemed to be a box.

-A pregnancy test box.

-HOW CAN YOU BE BLIND?

- “Y/n, what’s this?”pause “Are you..?”

-Anddd more crying.

-You sobbed about how sorry you were and how you couldn’t explain how it happened.

-Both of you were so careful, how did this happen???

-After a good 15 minutes of you bawling your eyes out on the kitchen floor while Hitoshi was trying to calm you down, you finally stopped at the sound of his chuckle. 

- “Well, damn kitten, your surprise definitely beat mine.”

-Then he pulled a small velvet box from his pocket and watched you closely.

-Now you are Mrs.Shinsou.

-These 9 months weren’t as bad as you would expect.

-Hitoshi was really good at giving you everything you wanted and during the whole pregnancy you didn’t lift a finger.

-One October night your waters broke and you found yourself in a long procedure of bringing your child into the world. 

-Hitoshi was a wreck and had called Aizawa for emotional support who called Hizashi who called Midnight.

-Once you were finished, Hitoshi rushed into your room and found you utterly exhausted.

-He was the first to hold your baby and you have never seen him cry this much in your life. 

- “Hello my little Kei.”

-Kei Shinsou was a happy little girl with an amazing father by her side.

Amajiki Tamaki

-Ah love.

-Something Tamaki found during high school and held onto it ever since. 

-Now a well known pro hero, Suneater was more than happy with his life with you.

-He always wanted a little something more but never expressed it. 

-He loved the idea of having a mini you running around the living room or waking him up in the morning with little squeals and kisses.

-He loved you to the moon and back, more than life itself but having a kid with you sparked a whole new sensation in him.

-So he tried to be sly about it.

-Forgetting the condoms or to pull out.

-You not being able to find your pills.

-A whole lot of fun. 

-You were newly weds and your libidos were high af and with the prospect of children on the table Tamaki became 10x more driven and horny.

-So you weren’t all that surprised when your doctor gave you the news. 

-You had gone for a plain old check up when he came into the room with a bright smile on his face and congratulations falling like a waterfall from his mouth. 

-Once back home you put your plan in motion. 

-You had a feeling Tamaki was trying to knock you up for some time now.

-He couldn’t forget to pull out every time like come on.

-But you were fine with it since you too wanted a kid with him.

-You just would’ve liked a little heads up first.

-You made your little bun and put it in the oven.

-And waited.

-And waited.

-And waited.

-Until finally Tamaki walked through the door,  a smile gracing his features as he made his way to you.

- “Hey bunny.”

-Giving him a quick peck you told him to check the oven real quick to make sure the food was all good.

-He obliged, walking to the kitchen and seeing the sole bun sitting in the oven.

-He was beyond confused on why you would only make one bun in the oven and not more, I mean you are two peop- ohhhh.

-OH.

-He did it. 

-He let the news settle in before going back to you.

- “Are you sure?” nod “100% sure?” another nod.

-At that he fell to his knees in front of you, attacking your stomach with kisses and I love yous.

-To whom they were directed you couldn’t actually tell but you were happy either way.

-Calls the baby butterfly.

-Makes the whole nursery along with Mirio who is ecstatic.

-Butterfly themed baby room.

-Expect many back and belly rubs along with Tamaki coming home early because Fatgum cannot allow him to stay at work when he’s preparing for a baby.

-When your waters break you are buying some onesies with small octopuses on them.

-You have never been taken to the hospital so fast in your whole hero career. 

-After many painful and stressful hours, your baby girl is born and she’s stunning.

-She has Tama’s ears and hair but your eyes and nose. 

-She’s a perfect mix. 

-The Big 3 cry as a team.

-When she’s given to him, Tamaki just cry laughs at how gorgeous she’s.

-Many thank yous are exchanged.

- Cho Amajiki.

-Tamaki cannot stop repeating the name even after they have taken her away.

-He curls on the chair next to you, holding your hand the whole night, falling into a deep sleep, imaging his new life with his little butterfly. 

[justalarryblog]

Hello, happy new year!! I hope you had a great new year and a safe one as well. Apologies it took me so long but I have read one of your recommended latest written work last year. It was gorgeous!! I adooooooore it. Write more please? x

I am also recommend you this, if you haven’t read it! It’s beautiful and I love how they wrote the process, and the amazing use of the story arcs. It is sweet and heart melting. Let me know if you’ve read it or not.

What is new so far? Anything you’ve read? Restaurants you’ve visited? Food you’ve like? xx

- J

Hello, you! Happy new year to you too! I hope everything was great over there. Mine was pretty fine.

I plan on writing more this year, but who knows! lol

Thanks for the rec! It's on my marked for later now.

Life is being the same old, still in quarantine, Omicron cases are rising here so... But I'm finally back with my SPN marathon (2 more seasons and yay!)

How about you? What have you been up to?

If anyone is interested in the fic, it's this one:

The Green Room by @jasthelarrie (112k) | Mature

“For the last time, go away! This is fucking harassment, you know that? I’m well within my rights to call the cops.” Louis wished he could have hidden the tremor in his voice. He knew that it was thick with emotion. He was frustrated, angry, and beyond devastated.

“Uh…”

That was definitely not his ex's voice. Louis froze. Who had he just sworn at?

AKA

Louis has just been through a bad break-up and accidentally verbally assaults unsuspecting flower delivery man Harry.

AKA

“Louis and the Incredibly Compassionate and Also Really Handsome Florist”

[hewwocopter]

As Fate Would Have It

MK has doubts about his soulmate, but he’s certain that it’ll work out for the best.

Until he meets him.

On Ao3 (2112 words)

Soulmates were thought highly of in society.

Their customs were normally respected. If one wanted to cover their soulmark with an article of clothing, so be it. It was for the owner’s eyes only.

It had led MK to cover his right wrist with a bandana not unlike his headband.

He knew what it said. Many nights had his fingers traced over the words, longing to hear his soulmate’s voice. Even if they were to yell at him.

Because, he presumed, that was probably what they were going to do, considering the nature of his sentence.

He laid in his bed, fiddling with the bandana. It had been a long day at work today, and it was still slightly damp from the sweat his arms had accumulated from noodle deliveries.

Ah, well.

MK slipped the band off, already knowing what he would see.

Get off me, you idiot!

What gratifying first words, right?

It seemed as though their relationship would have a rocky start. MK knew this, he was fine with it.

He was good at getting people to open up, Pigsy proved that fact. What once was a grumpy pig who nearly called the cops on MK for being too rambunctious in the streets…

Well…

Now he was a grumpy pig man who had hired that rambunctious street child. When the man saw that MK needed a place, he took him in.

So yeah, MK could probably handle his soulmate. Plus, they were his soulmate- the one destined for him. So they would eventually like each other, even if they started off hating each other, right?

There was always that small voice in the back of his head that told him to doubt. That no matter what, his soulmate would reject him. They would hate him. That his strength was also his weakness. MK’s energy was just too much, he was way too over the top.

But he had to keep hope. He seared that sentence into his brain, knowing that they were out there. That they were alive, and that there was hope.

…Probably.

A yawn edged its way up his throat, causing MK to stretch and fall back into his bed.

He’d just have to see how it went, he supposed. MK had no way of knowing for certain.

Deciding that his energy was best spent on sleeping instead of debating with himself, he set his Monkey King themed alarm clock to its usual time and slipped under the blankets, his eyes quickly sliding shut.

—

Oh fuck, fuck, fuck, FUCK.

MK’s arms wobbled dangerously as he balanced precariously on the pipes of the sewer system.

Maniacal laughter echoed from beneath him, as green smoke erupted from the mountain. The Demon Bull King had been freed.

Son of a…

If his life were a show, this definitely would qualify as one of those record-scratch-freeze-frame moments, saying ‘hey, you’re probably wondering how I got here’.

He knew damn well how he got here. He was delivering noodles like a good delivery boy, although he was supposed to be on his break, which also begged the question:

Who ordered noodles in a sewer?! Where were the construction workers?!

How was he holding on this long?!

Although MK was surprised he hadn’t lost his grip yet.

The strange bird glanced over at him again, with a mischievous glint in its golden eyes.

His luck had been pushed to the limit with that last thought, it seemed.

He glowered, but wasn’t about to give up yet. MK waved the bird off. “No, shoo, go away!”

It hopped closer despite his warnings.

MK’s eyes only widened as what happened before him transpired in slow motion. The bird bent down and began to peck.

The incessant poking at his hand causing his grip to falter, and MK to become more panicked. Before he could shoo the bird away, he finally lost his grip and-

“No, no, no- aaaaaaaaugh!”

MK slipped.

Luckily his twenty to thirty foot fall was softened by his landing, which was on top of- oh, oh shit. He was going to die.

Before he could properly process that reaction, the giant Demon Bull King stomped up to him.

Their eyes gleamed an eerie green, casting a dark shadow onto his surroundings.

In this sort of situation, seeming it was a live or die one of the sort, MK decided he should probably de-escalate it. He let out a nervous chuckle, and lifted the noodle bag.

“Someone ordered some noodles?”

There was an awkward pause, as the villains stared at him, seemingly not expecting that reaction- they probably thought he’d be terrified- which he was, but sometimes his stupidity outweighed his sensibility.

A low growling rumbled from beneath, and MK flinched as the boy under him began to struggle, his hair flickering with flames.

“Get off me, you idiot!”

MK’s heart stopped, but only for a moment as he was sent flying and it was thumping wildly once more. While it was because of the actions occurring at the moment, what the boy- Red- had said also had a part in it.

Did he just-?

The boy tumbled to the ground, grunting.

“Do you know what you just did?” He turned to face MK fully, snarling. “You ruined my moment!”

MK could hardly process what the family was saying. Red Son- that was his name, probably- he had said what was on his wrist.

That right there was his soulmate.

He blinked, as a shadow was suddenly cast over him. MK visibly shrunk back as he saw that DBK was about to squish him, oh dear gods. All because he had zoned out over…

Speaking of. The boy slid in front of him, halting his father’s murder in progress. Thank goodness.

“Wait, father.” Red Son placed a hand on DBK’s heel, nudging him away.

MK’s eyes widened at the sight. Was he sparing him?

Then another stuttering thought.

Did he know?

He hadn’t said anything to the boy, had he? All he had done was scream so far.

“What is this?”

“Waste not your energy on this peasant. Please, allow me to show you how powerful I have become in your absence!”

MK drooped, and he nearly face-palmed. Great, so now my soulmate is going to kill me!

“As you wish.”

Well, fuck this. MK was going to escape, call the cops, then buy ice cream and cry over the fact that his soulmate was a villain. That probably hated him, considering the fact he was going to kill him.

MK turned away slowly, and began crawling away. Only halting at the sound of Red Son’s voice, internally cursing himself that he was caught.

“In some ways, you’re very fortunate, noodle boy.” Now Red Son was smiling, and were those fangs?

Oh gods, that was hot.

The thought ran through his mind a few more times before MK realized what it was, his face flaring red before he could stop it.

Are you kidding me?! Evil soulmate who hates me, and now I go and think he’s hot?!

No, no, he could not let himself get attracted to that. MK rapidly accelerated his inching away, only backwards now, only to bump into a pole, now lying discarded on the concrete.

A voice in the back of his mind whispered the truth of what it really was.

Monkey King’s staff…?

“Not many insects are lucky to be stamped out by the Demon Bull family-“ His eyes narrowed, probably at the boy’s expression which by now was a deep cherry red. “Are you even listening to me?!”

Yes and no. Red Son’s voice had no right being that hot, smoky yet matter of fact. But MK was too distracted by the staff, as well as escaping to properly pay attention to what he was articulating.

Where had these feelings even come from…?

The boy growled. “I, Red Son, will not be disrespected! You’re history!”

He raised his gauntlet, igniting it with his flames and rushed towards the delivery boy who was still stuck in his internal panic. MK’s eyes snapped up as he realized just what was going on.

Oh fuck-

MK instinctively grabbed the first thing near him- the staff- and raised it in front of him as his defense.

A loud clanging noise echoed throughout the chambers, along with a huge gust of wind.

“N-no way.” MK’s eyes peeked open upon hearing the other’s disbelief at him not being dead. “How could you possibly lift Monkey King’s staff?!” Red Son backed away from him, eyes wary but wide.

MK could only stare at the staff in awe, nothing else registering in his brain.

Red Son stammered. “I- I don’t know what’s going on here, but I’m about to end it! That staff is mine!”

MK was snapped out of his trance at the appearance of the Bull clones and DBK. He let out a little whimper- one villain he could take on but fifty?! “I’m supposed to be on my breeEEEAAK!”

He swung the staff in a wide arc, a golden light erupting from the motion towards the enemies.

Through the brightness, MK saw Red Son’s expression pale, although that could have been the light. His mouth was slack jawed, eyes wide, and then he was struck with the incredible power of the staff, sent flying.

The bull clones retreated, but the superiors managed to stay standing. Oh crap, I just managed to piss off a bunch of powerful villains. I’m so dead.

“Aah,” He stumbled for an explanation, “That was way more explosive than I expected.” He then coughed, some of the soot (?) from the explosion (?!) having found its way onto his face.

A thud from Princess Iron Fan’s weapon caused the boy to jump. From her expression, he could tell that the woman was not happy.

MK gulped, and began to thrust the staff around wildly, hoping to scare her off. “Stay back! I don’t know how I’m doing this stuff!”

“That staff doesn’t belong to you, little boy. Hand it over.” Like a chiding mother to her child, the woman then held her hand out expectantly. Like she was expecting him to comply.

For a split-second, he considered it. Then promptly threw that thought out the window, because one- these people were villains, two- they were probably going to kill him either way, and three- it was Monkey King’s staff, how could he give it away?!

So MK wasn’t going to comply.

He grasped the staff protectively, holding it up against his cheek. “Mmm… no…?”

That was the moment when the staff chose to wobble, sticking itself into the ground which was absolutely not of MK’s volition that time. “Okay, I didn’t even move that ti-“

The next moment he was up in the air, the staff carrying him away, and all he could do was scream.

—

Red Son pushed some rubble off of himself, his mind still reeling.

“I’m supposed to be on my breeEEEAAK!”

The words replayed in his mind, although they were uttered only a few seconds ago. As Red rubbed at his head, still sore from where he had hit it against the wall, his eyes narrowed in thought.

He couldn’t believe it. The one who plagued his thoughts, the one whose words were written on his left shoulder… it was that stupid noodle boy?!

Son of a bitch.

Fate would have it be this way.

Red had to go after him. One, to beat the everloving shit out of the boy and get the staff. Two, to demand to know why it was him. Why the gods had chosen that stupid idiot for him.

Red Son didn’t need anyone. He had himself and his intelligence, and he deemed that enough. It would get him where he needed to be.

Red Son also wasn’t an idiot. He was a facts person, that much was true. He ran on logic, feelings were just icky and out of place. Predetermined love? Yeah, fuck that. He was his own person, Red Son didn’t need anyone to tell him who to love.

But he had to know.

Noodle Boy had answers.

He halted his father once more, who was in the middle of intensely describing how he would skin the noodle boy alive. “Father, allow me. I won’t fail you a second time.”

“See that you don’t.” He snarled. “My patience is past its end!”

“Of course, father.” Red Son vanished into a plume of fire, only to appear at his vehicle. He quickly hopped in and sped after the boy, already getting a reading on him on his radar.

He was going to get his answers, one way or another.

[plaidbooks]

Hi babes - a request that’s kind of specific- (readerxcarisi) this would take place in season 19, episode 8 where Rollins and Carisi are at the shitty motel and they have that moment. So the idea would be that reader is also a detective, maybe newer or something tagging along with them two and reader knows Carisi has a thing for Rollins and reader was with him when they saw the guy leaving Amanda’s room. Reader is there for him after and he realizes maybe he was chasing the wrong girl??

New Girl

A/N: Hey Anon! I had to rewatch this to do some of the dialogue from it (I condensed the first scene so it’s not incredibly long.) but it’s a good idea to rewtach this ep before reading....unless you remember that Heather was the catfisher and stuff. Anyways, this is a little longer cause t’s slower paced. I like the idea of being there for someone without needing to ask. Also yes, I’m taking the chance to flex some sports knowledge, sorry not sorry. Hope you enjoy <3

Tags: none

Words: 2727

Taglist: @the-baby-bookworm @beccabarba @thatesqcrush @itsjustmyfantasyroom @stardust-fray @permanentlydizzy @infiniteoddball @ben-c-group-therapy @glowingmess @whimsicallymad @lv7867 @storiesofsvu @reading--mermaid @averyhotchner @mrsrafaelbarba @detective-giggles

“They traced the IP address to West Virginia,” Sonny said to Olivia, as they both came into the precinct.

“Good, get a John Doe warrant and send it to the local precinct,” Liv replied.

“Done and done.”

Liv gave him a smirk. “Then fill up your gas tank. Fin, you’re riding shotgun.”

“Oh, hell no; I’m allergic to West Virginia,” Fin said, leaning back in his chair.

Liv sighed. “Okay, Rollins, you’re up.”

“Really?” she whined.

Liv glanced between the two, already looking tired of this crap. “Come on, someone’s gotta translate for him,” she joked, gesturing at Sonny, who rolled his eyes.

“I’ll go,” you perked up. You were still the new kid, so you were jumping at every opportunity to go out in the field. Plus, you had a massive crush on Sonny, and being stuck in a car with him seemed like a good chance to learn more about him.

Liv gave you a relieved smile. “Thank you; at least someone here wants to work. But I’d also like someone with experience; Rollins, you’re going too.”

 ***************

The drive wasn’t awkward…at least, not for Sonny and Amanda. They’ve been partners for years now, chatting up a storm. You sat in the back seat, listening in on their stories, jumping in when appropriate, but otherwise fading into the leather behind you. This wasn’t what you had hoped for when you thought about going to West Virginia with Sonny, but at least you were getting some experience in the field…right?

The arrest was quick, painless. You actually found yourself feeling bad for Heather as you had her arrested in her mother’s home. But then you remembered what happened to Katie, and it solidified your resolve.

When Amanda suggested you three, and Chuck, the local officer, go to The Barrel—the local bar—for information, you’re first thought was that maybe alcohol would help you loosen up around Sonny. But after a few shots and a cocktail, all you saw was how he looked at Amanda, and you cursed yourself for not seeing it sooner. Why would he ever fall for someone like you when he could be with someone like her? And they were already so close; what was the point of trying?

Complaining about a headache, you excused yourself, telling them you’d see them in the morning.

“Want me to walk ya back to your room?” Sonny asked, looking concerned.

Your heart fluttered at the thought, but then you remembered the heart eyes he’d been giving Amanda all evening. “No, I’m fine. Thanks though.” You wandered back to the hotel across the parking lot, wiping the tears from your face, locking yourself in your room.

 ******************

You were in the hotel lobby making yourself coffee when Sonny came in.

“Morning, [y/n],” he said, smiling at you. “Feeling better today?”

You melted at his smile, tears threatening to form again, but you pushed down your feelings. “Uh, yeah, much better. How’d you sleep? Hopefully you and Rollins weren’t up too late.”

“Nah, it was fine. We may have started a bar fight, though,” Sonny grinned at you, and you giggled, trying to picture him fighting anyone. He went about making two coffees and grabbing an assortment of free breakfast foods. He put everything on a tray and you followed him out, heading towards Amanda’s room as he called Liv to give her an update. But you both froze as a man came out of Amanda’s room, both of them chatting for a moment before he left. And Sonny’s face fell as he turned and went towards his SUV instead.

You gave Amanda’s closed door one last look before you went after Sonny. He stopped at his SUV, putting the tray on top so that he could fish his keys out of his pocket. He sniffled and it was only then you realized he was crying.

“Hey, you okay?” you asked tentatively. But you knew the answer—of course you did. Because you had felt your heart shatter last night.

“Fine,” he grunted, opening the driver’s door and sliding in. This was sure to be a fun ride back to New York. Grabbing the tray he had left on the roof of his SUV, you climbed in behind the passenger seat.

You sat in silence for a few awkward moments before you said softly, “I’m so sorry, Sonny. If you ever need to talk, I’m here for you.”

 *****************

The ride back was worse, to say the least. The tension in the air was thick, not to mention, you sat in back with Heather, who seemed to be daydreaming about meeting The Monster. You found yourself watching Sonny, or at least, the half of his face that you could see. He was quiet, subdued; so unlike him, and you realized you hated it. You wanted him to be his laughing, jokey self. You tried asking him questions—and Amanda, so you weren’t too obvious—but he wasn’t all there, his mind somewhere far away. Eventually, you gave up. falling into the silence of the drive.

 *****************

Liv mercifully gave the three of you the rest of the day off after delivering Heather to the precinct. You were just debating what to do for dinner when there was a knock at your door. Curious, you unlocked it, opening it to see Sonny shuffling on his feet on your doorstep.

“Son?” you asked in confusion.

He gave you a nervous smile. “Hey, can I come in?”

“Uh, yeah. ‘Course.” You moved out of the way, letting him enter your brownstone.

You both stood there awkwardly before he asked, “have you had dinner yet? If not, I can maybe whip something up? Or I can order takeout?”

“I haven’t yet, no.” Now thoroughly confused, you shrugged, playing along. “Did you have something in mind? I was thinking of ordering a pizza or something….”

“Pizza sounds great. Here, I’ll order. You like pepperoni, right?”

 ******************

You both idly chatted while waiting for the pizza to arrive, the awkward tension still palpable. Sonny didn’t say why he came over and you didn’t ask. The delivery man showed up soon enough, and Sonny insisted that he pay, so you let him. You found some beers in your fridge, offering one to him, which he gratefully accepted. As you ate, you started talking more, just about where you were before transferring to Manhattan, why you decided to come here of all places. The tension in the air subsided, and slowly, Sonny started talking about himself; his family, his recent accomplishment at Fordham—you had started just after he had passed the bar exam, so you didn’t hear much about it—and how much he loved his job.

“So, now that you passed the bar, are you going to leave us for Barba?” you asked. Sonny cocked an eyebrow, a grin on his face. “Oh my god, that’s not what I meant, and you know it,” you giggled, your cheeks burning.

Sonny chuckled at the implication. “I—I don’t know yet. I really do love my job as a detective. But I always wanted to be a lawyer, ya know? And now I can be. But with Mike passing…it just doesn’t seem like the right time.” He took a sip of his beer. “Hey, maybe with you taking over, I’ll be able to. I’d feel less bad leaving the department behind; they won’t be as short-staffed.”

It hurt to think about Sonny leaving; you were just getting to know him. “I still got a long way to go, though. Liv wouldn’t even let me go with you to West Virginia alone. What was it she said? ‘I need someone experienced’ or some shit.” You rolled your eyes.

“Hey, I was in your shoes before, too. It’ll pass quicker than you can blink.” Sonny spun the bottle in his hands. “Besides, I almost wish it was just us, and that Rollins wasn’t…” he trailed off, his eyes staring at nothing.

You swallowed hard. “You like her, don’t you?”

“Hm? Nah…I mean, she’s my partner, yeah? I have her back, and I know she’s got mine…. We’re close and…yeah, I don’t know.” He looked everywhere but at you, a slight pink tint in his cheeks.

You nodded sympathetically. As much as you wanted him to like you, you just wanted him to be happy. And if she made him happy, then you’d have to live with that. “Being so close with someone for so long, it’s not shocking if feelings…developed. Have you talked to her about it at all?”

He shook his head. “Look, I appreciate you trying to help me with this, but can we stop talking about Rollins? Please?”

“Of course. Sorry…. I got ice cream, if you want some dessert?” you tried.

Sonny sat there for a moment, staring a hole into your floor. “You know what? I think I’m gonna get out of your hair.” He stood, stretching. “Thank you for letting me crash your night for a little bit.”

“You sure? You can stay as long as you need,” you replied, but he was already moving towards your front door, sliding his jacket on.

“Yeah, I’ve taken up enough of your time. See ya at work tomorrow.” And then he gave you that heart-melting smile before he was gone.

 ****************

Whether Fin or Liv could feel the tension in the precinct the next day, you weren’t sure. But Sonny had gone back to his nontalking self, sitting at his desk, working through Heather’s posts. At some point, Amanda invited him to lunch, but he declined. They had a few clipped, whispered words that you didn’t hear, but after she left, Sonny looked upset again.

Standing, you went to the coffee maker, making two cups—one for yourself and one for Sonny. You came back, placing it on his desk, within hands reach. He glanced up at you, and you gave him a soft smile before moving back to your desk, diving in on something to help Barba with his case against Heather.

After another half an hour, Sonny got up, coming over to your desk. “Wanna go grab lunch?”

You looked from him to the mountain of posts and pictures you still had to go through, then back at him. “Please,” you groaned, grabbing your jacket and following him out.

 ****************

For the next two weeks, you and Sonny would get lunch. Or, if it wasn’t possible to take lunch at the same time, you’d bring each other something, switching off each day. You both also seemed to know when the other ran out of coffee, placing a refill on one another’s desk just as you’d finish the last sip. Conversation started to flow easier between you two, and you found that you highly enjoyed just chatting with him. Every now and again, he’d come over to your place, and you’d just talk; mostly about work, sometimes about your families. You still had a crush on him, but you shoved it down, trying to not let it interfere with work, or with your new-found friendship. Though, you noticed with some glee that he no longer looked at Amanda with that sparkle in his eyes.

On Saturday night, Sonny showed up at your doorstep, a 12 pack in one hand, takeout in the other. “Are you not watching the hockey game tonight?” he asked, his Islanders sweater on proudly.

“I, uh, wasn’t planning on it?” you replied, confused. In all your talks, neither of you had mentioned sports, except that Sonny had played basketball as a kid.

“Pffttt. You are now,” he said, pushing into your place. You giggled, following him to your couch. Plopping down next to him, you grabbed a beer while he flipped through the stations until he found the game. He cheers’ed you, then you both took a sip, watching and yelling at the screen. It was hard not to get caught up in the excitement with him, even if you didn’t know all the rules, nor particularly cared about hockey. You just enjoyed spending time with him.

At some point during the first period, Sonny put his arm on the back of the couch, his legs spread. You never understood how someone so lanky could take up so much room, but it made you smile. He just looked so natural, so comfortable on your couch, and you loved it.

“Come on, Lehner! You gotta cover your 5-hole!” Sonny yelled at the screen, groaning as the Islanders let in a goal.

“Uh, explain that to me, please?” you asked, confused.

Sonny sat up, leaning his elbows on his knees, moving closer to you. “Okay, so, ya see how the goalie, Lehner, has his legs so spread? Well, when the Pens shoot, that’s where they aim, ‘cause it’s his weak-spot and they know it. He’s slow to get his glove there and it’s an easy goal.”

“So…the 5-hole is between the legs?” you guessed.

“Exactly; see? You’re a quick learner,” Sonny smiled at you as the game cut to commercial.

You grinned back. “Well, I have a good teacher.”

Sonny’s eyes lit up with an idea. He put his beer down, then turned to face you. “Here, stand.” You cocked an eyebrow at him but obeyed. “Put your arms out and spread your legs…not that far; be comfortable. Okay, so, right here,” –he put his hand to the left side of your face, above your arm— “is the 1-hole. The opposite side here, that’s the 2-hole. Then here,” –he went back to your left side, under your arm this time— “is the 3-hole, and—”

“The opposite is the 4, and between the legs is 5?” you finished.

That lopsided grin was back. “Exactly.” He looked at the screen as the commercials ended. “Ooh, game’s back, here.” Sonny’s hands went to your hips, sending electricity through you. He dragged you back onto the couch next to him, your leg touching his, and his arm around your shoulders. You couldn’t pay attention to the game as your whole body heated, a stupid grin on your face from the closeness. At some point, you relaxed against him, snuggling into his side. If it bothered him, he didn’t say anything. In fact, quite the opposite—when he wasn’t groaning or gesturing at the screen, he had his arm around you, holding you to him.

Once the game was over, Sonny helped you clean up. “Thanks for letting me crash your night again,” he said—the same thing he said every night when he showed up unannounced.

“Anytime,” you replied. “Are you sure you’re okay to drive?”

“Sober as a fox,” he smiled.

You raised an eyebrow at him. “Is that even a saying?”

“It is now,” he declared, a mischievous gleam in his eyes. “Really though; I’m fine. Thank you for worrying.”

You walked him to the door, holding it open for him. Sonny stopped just outside your place, turning back around to look at you. “Text me when you get home, so I know you’re safe,” you said softly.

“Okay, I will…. I, uh, wanted to thank you. Not just for tonight, but for every night…and lunches, and coffees, and just—letting me be me for a little.” He gave you the sweetest smile, and you thought your chest was going to burst.

“Yeah, anytime, Sonny. I want you to feel…safe with me,” you replied.

“I do…I really do.”

You were leaning against your doorframe, and he had one hand on the wall next to it, leaning against it. Slowly, he leaned forward, his face getting closer to yours. Swallowing, and praying you weren’t misinterpreting, you leaned in, too, until your lips met in a soft, chaste kiss. Sonny’s mouth was gentle against yours, his lips smooth, and you stood up on your tiptoes, pressing yourself harder against him, afraid that he’d realize what was happening and that he’d pull away, disgusted. And though he did pull away, his eyes were still closed in bliss, a small smile on his face, one that slowly grew the longer you looked, making your own smile appear.

“You sure you don’t want to stay the night?” you asked, your voice hopeful.

Sonny looked deeply into your eyes, then to your lips, then back to your eyes. “Well, if you insist, maybe I can be persuaded to crash your night a little longer.”

[strange-lace]

Concert State of Consciousness

IT’S FINALLY DONE! I HAVE NOW MADE A FANFIC FOR THIS ROLESWAP AU! I didn’t expect this damn thing to get this long but here I am, once again! Kind of happy with how everyone’s characterized, though Demon Kid ended up a bit more sinister than I intended. I definitely had fun writing the dynamic between Mei and Green though.

Hope y’all like it!

To say the city was abuzz with excitement would be an understatement.

For the past couple of months, the name DJ Horns has been spoken with increasing interest as his music suddenly began to be played on the radio constantly. And most people wouldn’t deny that it was good, electronic yet incredibly varied depending on the song. But what interested people the most about the musician was how mysterious he was, active on social media and yet nobody knew his face and only the barest of personal details. Even his voice was a matter of debate with him using a voice synthesizer even when talking normally on his social media.

It was the perfect storm to allow DJ Horns fanbase to start from nothing to practically explode over time.

And the same musician had just announced that he would be doing a live concert right at the heart of the city, even playing “secret tracks” that he had yet to let anyone hear until now.

People were practically fighting to get themselves tickets, Mei herself included that chaos. She had been swept up in the excitement of DJ horns since the very beginning and was willing to do whatever she had to get tickets for her and Green to that concert.

Leading her to the unfortunate situation she was in now. Kicked out of the ticket venue and by the time the ban would be lifted, she knew all the concert tickets would be sold out. Oh and Green had to bail her out from getting in trouble with the security guys.

“I don’t get what the big deal was, everyone was fighting dirty to get first pick at those tickets!” Even with his shades, she could tell that Green was rolling his eyes at her.

“Oh gee, I don’t know Mei. Maybe it’s because you nearly tore a guy’s hair out!”

“That’s what he gets for trying to say I was only a fan to get the attention of other guys! Now I’m gonna miss the concert of a lifetime,” Mei groaned, a pout on her lips. Green’s scowl of disappointment softened as they walked into Pigsy’s Noodles, starting to feel bad. It’s not like the guy wasn’t being a jerk after all.

“I suppose I could see about pulling some strings to get us some decent seats, if it means that much-” He was cut off by a crushing hug from Mei, who easily lifted Green off of his feet and began to twirl them both around in sheer jubilation.

“You’d do that for me?! Thank you so much Green, you’re the absolute best!”

“Yes, yes, your appreciation is very evident now please put me down before you crush my rib cage,” he wheezed, letting in a deep gulp of air once he was freed. Mei appeared sheepish at the unintentional show of strength. “As I was saying, there’s probably a couple scalpers I could cough two tickets out of without much trouble.”

“I still question how you have the money to just do stuff like that casually, make hundreds of gadgets, and build our secret base.”

“You have your mysterious ways and I have mine Mei.” Before Mei could question further, Pigsy voice interrupted them both, looking a fair bit of a mess.

“There you are kid, we got a mountain of orders for you to deliver! Oh, and this came for you and Green in mail while you were gone, no return address though weirdly enough,” he said, shoving a load of noodle orders in Mei’s arms alongside two unmarked envelopes: one orange and the other green. The sound of something crashing in the kitchen tore Pigsy’s attention away, causing him to let out a string of curses as he went back into what sounded like chaos.

Green took the envelopes off Mei’s hands while she struggled with balancing all the orders in her arms, studying them with interest. Upon closer inspection, each envelope simply had “To My Heroes” scrawled on the front in elegant writing and sealed with a black wax seal on the back. He found himself impressed at all the sheer amount of effort put in.

“Fancy,” he commented before gently opening the green envelope. His eyes widened at what he found inside. “Looks like I won’t need to pay any scalpers for tickets.”

“Wait what do you mean? Gimme that!” Mei said, putting the orders down on the table to snatch the orange envelope and tear into it with desperate ferocity. There were practically stars once she took in what was inside: front row tickets to the DJ Horns concert and even VIP passes.

The windows of the restaurant rattled the slightest bit as the sheer force of her screams of joy.

Green didn’t even flinch as his ears were assaulted, used to this level of volume, while unfortunate bystanders winced in pain or jumped in surprise. He found a handwritten behind the ticket in his own envelope and curiosity getting the better of him, began to read it.

“As a token of thanks for always keeping this city safe, here’s free front row tickets on me! Can’t wait to see you both tonight in front of the crowd! ♡♡♡

- DJ Horns”

“How… suspiciously generous of him,” Green drawled, an eyebrow raised at such a note.

“What’s suspicious about it? We do save the city a lot and somebody’s just showing their appreciation for it! I see no problem with it,” Mei argued, pausing in her celebrations, which involved her doing a handstand on one of the stools and didn’t even seem bothered holding the position.

“Mei, this implies that he hand delivered these here without anybody noticing. Why go through all that effort to be sneaky?” It just didn’t sit right in the pit of his stomach, something smelled rotten about this to him.

“Because he’s a mega famous celebrity, he’s probably worried that making a big deal out of us giving these could make people upset or something.” It made sense to Mei, who wouldn’t free tickets from their favorite music artist and be upset that someone else was given that opportunity? She did a small flip from the stool to land next to Green, wrapping her arm around his shoulders until they were close enough that their cheeks were squished together. Despite the closeness, Green looked more uncomfortable about being tugged down to Mei’s height than anything else. That and how blinding her smile was.

“C’mon Green, I get the skepticism but it’s just a concert. One night where we can be normal teens enjoying the fruits of our labor in protecting this place, what’s so bad about that? Plus, it’ll be fun! So how about it?” Mei said, almost sounding desperate. Green remained silent for a moment before letting out a defeated sigh, only giving her a tired smile as he returned the one armed hug.

“Oh alright, you win. I suppose a break sounds nice right about now considering how things went with Demon Kid last time. Why look a gift horse in the mouth?” He conceded, willing to let his suspicion aside for a night of just not having to worry about anything but having a good time and enjoying music. Especially after yesterday, Green was still amazed that the demon managed to make something like perfume into a weapon of mass annoyance.

“That’s the spirit! This is gonna be the night of our lives!”

At least that’s what she thought, until her trinkets were literally snatched out of her hands.

“After you finish your deliveries for the night kid,” Pigsy interrupted, looking a lot more put together now that whatever disaster that had been happening in the kitchen was under control. Excluding the number of stains on his apron that weren’t there before of course. It took Mei a moment to process that her precious tickets weren’t in her hands and she was quick to bring out the puppy dog eyes.

“But- but Pigsy-” Pigsy showed no sign of giving in, having years to build a resistance to all of Mei’s tricks.

“I’m sorry Mei, but we’re way too swamped to let you run off with no one to do all these deliveries. Once you have all the deliveries done, you can have these back. But only after, so you better get started,” he stated, leaving no room for argument. And even if Mei tried, the smell of something burning had Pigsy back in the kitchen just like that with even more fervent curses, this time with her tickets tucked into the pockets of his apron.

Mei let out a groan and smacked her forehead against the countertop in despair. Green merely patted her back in sympathy to her plight.

“There’s no way I’m gonna make all those deliveries and not miss like half of the concert! Unless…”

Oh no, he recognized that look in her eyes anywhere.

“Mei, no. I know exactly what you’re thinking and I’m telling you right now, no. No music is worth facing Pigsy’s wrath if he finds out you skipped out on work for a concert. Which is what exactly will happen, he always finds out,” Green warned her, even taking off his sunglasses to look her dead in the eyes to get his point across. Mei winced at that, remembering what had happened last time she tried to skimp on work.

The power of Pigsy’s “I’m not mad, just disappointed” is something even DBK should fear.

“Look, I’ll record whatever you miss if I don’t see you by the time it starts. Might not be the same but it’s better than nothing.” That offer seemed to perk Mei up from her bout of disappointment, hopeful eyes peeking through her thick hair bangs.

“Promise?”

“I promise. But if you don’t want to miss the whole thing, you’d better do what Pigsy says and get started on the deliveries. Especially since I think that pile has grown since we got here,” Green said, pointing to the small mountain of orders which indeed had gotten bigger since passed off to her. This time, he was more prepared for the bone crushing embrace which came his way and thankfully had his arms free enough to return it.

“Thanks Green, you’re the best! Hopefully I’ll see you there before it all starts!” And just like that, Mei was off like a whirlwind with all the noodle orders in her arms. She excitedly loaded them into the shop’s delivery cart and drove off with a strong stomp in the gas pedal, the cart’s tires squealing in distress before driving off.

With a weary sigh, Green took his leave as well though he couldn’t stop looking at the ticket and note in his hands. 

Even with Mei’s assurances, something about the situation still did not sit right with him.

“For once, please let me be wrong,” Green whispered to himself, not noticing a suspiciously familiar monkey-shaped marionette creature eagerly watching him from the rooftops above. On the other side of the puppet’s eyes, her creator couldn’t help the manic grin off of his face as the pieces started to fall into place for his plan.

Green had to admit that he was expecting this many people packed into the area when he rolled up to the concert gates on his motorcycle, Mei still nowhere in sight. Though he certainly made sure to update him on how the deliveries were going.

A familiar ding sound on his phone made him pause, giving an exasperated smile at seeing another text from Mei.

“WHY ARE SO MANY PEOPLE ORDERING NOODLES TONIGHT??? got done w 3/4 of the orders, if i hurry i should be there before opening act’s done. if anybody tries to steal my seat, i give you permission to use lethal force. don’t let me down! <3”

“Maybe if you didn’t send me so many texts, you’d be getting the deliveries done faster Mei,” Green mumbled to himself fondly as he climbed off his bike, blissfully unaware of the stares being sent his way. As usual, his hair was a mess of black and pale green spikes as he pulled off his helmet and he let out a soft huff, attempting to put order to the mane that was his hair as he made his way inside.

Green let out a low whistle, impressed as he walked further in to discover the place was decorated head to toe with fluorescent neon lights, state of the art music equipment, and a giant disco ball hanging from the ceiling which added another layer of glitz. It was almost disorientating, the onslaught of neon colors, lights, and music from all sides but in a way that was also exhilarating. The harsh glow of red, orange, and purple was a bit much for Green but at the same time it filled him with a sense of giddiness that made him begin to understand Mei’s desperation to be here.

His heart did a slight leap of excitement once he found his seat. It was one thing to read he had a front row seat and another thing entirely to see how close he was to the stage. And a completely separate thing to see a note on the seat, scrawled with a familiar extravagant writing which welcomed him and Mei with hopes that they would enjoy the show.

All too soon, all the lights went out and Green could feel his breath pause before they returned with full force alongside familiar music which seemed to make the entire room pulsate with its vibrations. Multiple spotlights shined on the stage and the crowd went wild with cheering as DJ Horns finally showed, looking just as bombastic as his set up.

He wore an ornate metallic helmet decorated with large horns that protruded from the forehead which shined a rainbow of colors under the neon lights. A dark fur lined coat was draped over his shoulders with a matching suit underneath and metal lined gloves on his hands. Overall, he looked like quite a character to Green though there was niggling in the back of his head that this should be someone that he could recognize. The grip on the arms of his seat tightened.

His eyes took in the still empty seat to his right and he began to gnaw his lip in worry.

“Where are you Mei?” Green asked himself before the synthesized voice of DJ Horns interrupted his thoughts.

“What is up everybody? You all ready for the show of a lifetime?!” A loud cacophonous roar of cheers answered him, which he soaked in without a hint of shame in his posture. “That’s what I like to hear! And we have some very special guests tonight right in the front row, the Monkie Kid herself and her partner, the Green Dragon!”

Green couldn’t help the flinch when a spotlight suddenly shined down on him, leaving him feeling exposed to hundreds upon thousands of eyes which zeroed in on him the vacant seat next to him. Yet he still forced on a smile which was more teeth than anything else, not quite appreciating being put on the spot like this. The musician’s shoulders seemed to tense in disappointment once he also noticed being down one of his special guests, yet he was quick to shake it off.

“Seems it’s more like one special guest, but no matter! We’re still going to make this a night that the city itself won’t ever forget! The first and unfortunately, only, live concert by the one and only DJ Horns!” He was met with gasps of surprise and even a couple cries of despair at this bombshell. “I know, I know! But there’s a reason for this, my dear fans. Because after tonight, you’ll all know the man behind the mask and I’m sure you’ve all been dying to know who it is. Am right?!” DJ Horns teased, hands reaching for his helmet.

The manic energy of the entire building seemed to escalate to almost out of control levels at that announcement, people scrambling for their phones to get the chance of capturing his face before anyone else. Green would have been among them if that uneasy feeling hadn’t begun to grow into full on paranoia, as if his very being could sense that the other shoe was about to drop. He was so tense that Green felt like he couldn’t breathe.

“Please let me be wrong, please let me be wrong, please let me be wrong,” he chanted to himself, his grip tightening to an unbearable degree as DJ Horns finally pulled off his helmet.

Unfortunately for him and everyone else, he wasn’t wrong.

His heart practically stopped as his eyes were welcomed by an unfortunately familiar face: spiked brown hair held up by a golden circlet styled like horns, dark eyes framed in orange and red pigment, and a fanged grin that promised nothing but trouble.

Demon Kid.

And his grin only became larger once he took in the shocked silence, particularly Green’s horror ridden face. He looked extremely pleased with himself as he took advantage of everyone struggling to process what was going on to prepare for the final phase of his plan.

And would it be a sweet victory for him.

“Oh, I’m going to treasure that look on your face for the rest of my life, Dragon Boy. It’s certainly a shame that the Noodle Girl couldn’t join in on the party but, eh, she’ll come eventually.” Green had finally overcome his horror, sword in his hands and making a mad dash towards Demon Kid on the stage. Yet the demon remained unaffected as he put on the finishing touches. “Because by the time I’m done, everyone in this whole city will be dancing for my king like my puppets. Starting with all you!” 

And with that, Demon Kid put the volume at max and blasted the entire building with his music. The sheer force of the sound sent Green flying back, crashing into now abandoned seats as people attempted to escape. However, to their horror, all the doors were locked and barricaded. Leaving them trapped and at the mercy of the music assaulting their ears from all sides and one by one, civilians fell to the floor as they tried their hardest to muffle the noise. Yet as if a sentient force, the melody managed to slither its way in and overwhelmed people’s senses like a tidal wave with one simple but overpowering command.

And that command was to obey.

Green climbed to his feet in a daze, struggling to focus with the sheer volume and the strange whispering that seemed to be coming from nowhere and everywhere. And already Green could feel his mental walls crumbling, he wasn’t going to last long before he succumbed to the strange power.

Mei.

He had to warn Mei.

He scrambled for his phone, barely able to take him the most recent message from Mei stating she was heading back to get her ticket back from Pigsy. Clumsy fingers fumbled to type out a warning and relief flooded his nerves once the message was sent.

And just in time as Green found himself being dogpiled by multiple people, their eyes glowing a hollow and ominous red. He struggled yet the mental strain of fighting to keep control left him weak and vulnerable, sword just out of his reach. Impish chuckling invaded his ears and before he knew it, Demon Kid was right there. And while the demon typically only had a couple inches on Green, now he downright loomed over him and radiating smugness.

“Still fighting huh Dragon Boy? Almost impressive! But there’s no point in fighting anymore, the spell will wear you down one way or another. So save your energy, you’ll need it when you and Noodle Girl help me conquer this city in the name of my king. It’ll be awesome, just you wait!” The childlike giddiness would almost be endearing if Green wasn’t fighting a mental battle that he had no chance in winning, not against this kind of magic.

“Mei’ll stop you, she always does,” he grit out, eyes already taking on a faint red glow.

“Oh I wouldn’t be so sure of that, after all I’d like to see her fight against her best friend when he’s under my control. But that’s not for you to worry about. Now, give in Dragon Boy,” Demon Kid commanded and like that, Green found himself being pulled under into a strange haze, only able to think of obeying the commands of his puppetmaster. The demon couldn’t help the joyous laugh as he watched Green’s eyes become red much like the rest of his little army.

Mei had been driving like a madwoman towards the concert the moment she read Green’s text.

“it’s demon kid using spell to hypnotize people don’t have time can already feel control slipping need to destroy his set up and stop the music before he gets city”

“I swear if he’s hurt Green, I will make him wish he stuck with making music,” she hissed to herself before letting out a growl at another red light slowing her down. “To hell with this.” Mei summoned the staff, slamming one end against the street and keeping a tight grip as the staff extended, sending her and the cart sailing above the streets below.

Mei barely flinched at the rough landing in front of the building, only feeling a flash of guilt at the state of the cart. She could pay Pigsy back for the damages later. Staff held tight in her grip and headphones on to buy herself time, Mei was ready for anything. And upon taking notice that all the doors appeared to be either locked or blocked, she did the next best thing to get inside.

Pole vault and smash her way through a window, miraculously not cutting herself on the glass.

She tumbled forward upon landing and took in the scene before her.

Her headphones certainly didn’t stop her from feeling the bass practically rock the foundation of the place yet what Mei found more worrisome were the people. Instead of rushing to attack her, they were all dancing to the beat of the song and looked almost perfectly normal. Except they were all too in sync and choreographed, as if Mei found herself in a music video than anything else. A shiver traveled down her spine as they all seemed to be watching her yet gave her a wide berth to catch sight of the stage.

Her blood boiled at the sight of Demon Kid, perched at his station but wiggling about showing he was barely able to sit still in anticipation.

“There you are, you had me waiting forever for you to get here!” He exclaimed, almost happy to see Mei before he caught himself and schooled his expression back to a businesslike indifference. “Not that it matters, you’ll be joining the Dragon Boy soon enough and we can start taking over this city!”

“Not while I have these headphones on, asshole!” Mei screamed over the music before rushing towards the stage, ready to smash Demon Kid’s equipment to pieces. It was only out of a vague sense of danger which flared in the back of her head and dodging at the right time that she managed to evade being skewered in the side by a sword.

The sight of Green, eyes lifeless red and moving around as if a stiff marionette being led around on strings, was definitely one that Mei was going to see in her nightmares for who knows how long.

Leaping to dodge another swipe of Green’s sword, Demon Kid’s cackle seemed to echo in sync with the music.

“Well then we’ll just have to rip those headphones off your pretty head ourselves! Minions, if you please!” Following the demon’s command, the hypnotized civilians stopped their dancing and attacked.

And Mei soon found herself swarmed and being attacked on all sides. It soon became more of a deadly game of tag, keeping herself out of the reach of her countless pursuers and evading Green’s relentless attacks. She was running out of time and space, she needed to think of a plan.

Fast.

Her eyes soon caught sight of the stage lighting above Demon Kid’s set and it was as if a lightbulb went off in her head.

It was risky and she only had one shot.

But Mei was always one for risk.

With a quick change in direction, Mei dashed towards the center of the swarm and just before she was pulled in, she took aim and threw the staff towards the stage lights. She could only be left to hope that she didn’t miss as a hand grabbed her ankle, only to be face to face with Green. His blank face now alight with a victorious grin before they were left tumbling along the floor in a desperate bid to grab one another.

Mei grunted as she found herself pinned down by Green, the neon lights causing his sword to gleam with menace as he held the tip to her throat. His other hand ripped off her headphones without mercy and her own ears were overwhelmed by the music.

“C’mon staff, don’t let me down,” she said, doing her best to fight as the spell soon attempted to creep its way in her head too.

“Well done, my dear puppet,” Demon Kid congratulated Green, pride practically emanating from his being. “Any last words, Noodle Girl?” His victory was practically guaranteed now and he couldn’t wait to see the look on his king’s face.

Which only made the demon confused at the sight of Mei’s smirk, her eyes focused upwards.

“Yeah. Might want to look above.”

“What?” Demon Kid did so and his heart stuttered at the sight of the spinning staff pinballing across the walls before colliding with the heavy duty wires which held the stage lights.

And cut through them without ease.

Without any suspension, the stage light rig surrendered to the forces of gravity. Demon Kid hurriedly dived off the stage to save himself, narrowly missed being squished by the rig. Unfortunately, his music equipment was not granted the same luck and was crushed in a shower of sparks, cutting off the music.

Blissful silence took over the area and Mei let out a sigh of relief as the sensation of something prying at her mind vanished like mist. And she couldn’t help a smile as the red vanished from Green’s eyes, signifying the end of Demon Kid’s control on him. He let out a groan, crawling back to consciousness as if waking up from the world’s worst nap, before realizing where he was.

“Mei? What happened? Are you okay?” Green was quick to get off Mei and help her back to her feet. She simply gave him a hug, content to see him safe and sound now. He accepted the hug without complaint, feeling less like he was struggling to gather his ability for free will again after having it ripped away. They were quick to break away as flames licked at their backs and they were faced with Demon Kid, his hair now flames as he took in his now ruined DJ equipment.

The duo took fighting stances, only for the demon to take a deep breath and have his hair to return to normal.

“Well, looks like you both got me beat this time. Here I thought I had it all in the bag but then you pulled that off-the-wall solution out of nowhere! And I admit, it looked cool as hell! I’ll give you two this win, here’s a little something for it,” Demon Kid said before tossing a bundle their way, which Mei caught with a look of caution from Green before they unwrapped it. To their mutual surprise, it was two letterman jackets emblazoned with the DJ Horns logo on the back and sleeves.

Before they could question him on this, Demon Kid gave the two a cheeky week before vanishing in a whirlwind of fire and smoke.

After a moment of stunned silence, Mei wordlessly took one of the jackets and put it on.

“After all that, you’re still willing to wear anything associated with DJ Horns?”

“Hey, this is merch I’ve never seen before and you gotta admit, we’d make this look good.” She even struck a pose to prove her point.

With a resigned groan, Green followed suit by putting on the other jacket and silently agreed that the jackets did make them look pretty good.

[atlasisnothere]

So, the next chapter of my dinluke tangled fic, what once was mine,  is becoming quite a behemoth of a chapter and is thus taking me a lot longer to write than I thought it would, lol. But in the meantime, I figured I’d leave a little sneak peek snippet here that I’ve already written (and tbh, I think this was my favourite scene of the fic to write so far)

“You’re staring,” said Luke, the lantern light dancing in his eyes and setting his golden hair aglow. The royal purple cloak, still clasped snug against his neck and draping over his shoulders, made him look more regal than ever. The sight of him almost took Din’s breath away.

“It’s hard not to,” he murmured.

A faint blush bled across Luke’s cheeks, but he didn’t drop his gaze. “Keep talking like that and I might just have to kiss you.”

Luke’s words were bold, but Din didn’t miss the undercurrent of shyness, of hesitance, in their delivery. He didn’t miss it because he was feeling the very same thing, sparks of hopeful uncertainty in the twitch of his fingers toward Luke’s face.

“Perhaps I wouldn’t mind it if you did,” he eventually said.

Luke’s smile stuttered, and Din cursed himself for what must have been a foolish misinterpretation. Of course Luke didn’t want him like that. But then his hands were rising to take Din’s face between them, surprisingly calloused fingers running gently over bristled stubble, and it suddenly took all of Din’s restraint not to shiver.

“You surprise me, Din Djarin,” Luke murmured. “You’re not the man I thought you were.”

Din found it very hard to breathe. “And what kind of man was that?”

“Cold. Indifferent.” He smirked. “Incredibly stubborn.”

“Most would agree with you there.”

“Then they don’t see you like I see you.”

“A broken man?”

Luke tenderly brushed a wayward curl from Din’s forehead. “A man with more kindness in his heart than he’d like people to believe.”

Din let out a shaky breath, raising his own hands to cover Luke’s. He drew their interlocked fingers down to rest between them. “Well, perhaps that man has found someone … who knows what to do with such kindness. Who could show him how to use it,” he breathed.

The grip on Din’s hands faltered. “He’s better off finding someone else to teach him such a thing. The one he met is too naive. Too uncertain of his place in the world.”

“I’d argue otherwise,” said Din. “In fact, I’d argue that he isn’t naive at all. He just has something that the rest of us have all lost.”

“And what’s that?”

Din smiled. “Hope in a better world.”

Luke looked at him, really looked at him, the steady blue ocean in his eyes reflecting nothing of what lay beneath, and Din began to worry that he’d overstepped an unspoken boundary between them. But then Luke smiled, a dazzling, hopeful thing, and Din realised with a sudden and aching clarity that he would move mountains, would drag down the stars, he’d tear the very fabric of the universe apart and remold it with his own hands if it meant Luke could stay this happy forever.

And the thought terrified him like nothing else ever had.

Because at some point, somehow, Luke had stopped being his bounty. Rather, he had become something else entirely; someone Din would follow to the ends of the earth for the simple pleasure of being by his side.

Din knew, with an intense finality, that he wouldn’t turn Luke in. How could he? The deal was never honourable in the first place. He’d let himself fall prey to the greed he so despised in his companions, and was blinded by it, unable to realise he was delivering an innocent man to Maker knows where for nothing more than material reward.

He didn’t deserve Luke’s affections. He didn’t deserve Luke’s sympathy. He didn’t deserve the golden warmth in Luke’s eyes when they gazed upon him.

But, a voice in his mind whispered, one that was beginning to sound awfully like the man sitting before him, perhaps you can deserve it, starting from now.

Din’s eyes were drawn to his and Luke’s still interlocked fingers.

Starting with him.

“There’s something I need to tell you,” Din began, mustering up the dregs of his courage. “Something you need to know about … about why I agreed to help you.”

Luke smiled. “Whatever it is, it doesn’t matter.”

“No, you don’t understand,” he pressed. “I need you to know that I-”

Luke cut him off, a placid hand raised between them. “And I need you to know that it can wait. I just want to enjoy the moment, here and now.” He drew their interlocked fingers closer. “With you.”

Whatever Din had meant to say died in his throat.

The light of the lanterns danced around them, showering the night in a brilliant, golden glow, but all he could focus upon was the beautiful and achingly hopeful face of the man sitting before him. Something stirred in Din’s chest; something he’d long believed was dead and gone, lost to the cruel injustice of the world. And yet, somehow, Luke had seen it, found it, drawn it out of him like he’d always known it was there.

And Din loved him all the more for it.

Fingers crossed I'll be able to get the newest chapter out within the next couple days, I'm very excited for everyone to read it!!

[shintorikhazumi]

I Have Two Sisters?! (4): Three Sisters, One School, and A Trio of Brunettes

A/N: No long explanation note. Just an apology. Sorry it got delayed. Was burnt out, am burnt out lately. I could not think of anything for this. Emotionally just... not good, I suppose. School is kinda hectic too. Sadly. But here you go. Chap 4! I hope the length is worth the wait?

Ended up yeeting out this incredible sloppy mess of a chapter. :’> sorry. I can’t think no more, Ma.

Thank you to the MAGENTA GAZE squad. Y’all know who you are.

Also, a big, warm THANK YOU to all those reading and supporting this story :>.Means a lot to me :’)) Without further ado,

Enjoy?

~Shintori Khazumi

I Have Two Sisters?! Chapter 4: Three Sisters, One School, and A Trio of Brunettes

Four days. That was all it took to get the necessary documents for Diana’s clutch enrollment over. Weiss was ever pleased with herself for this achievement, and Claudine could only look on dumbfounded as parcel after parcel was dropped off in their mailbox or at their doorstep, all on the same day.

“You are a scary woman, did you know that?”

“Why, thank you~. You’re quite terrifying yourself.”

Claudine only managed a gruff little huff, carrying a suspiciously large box into the house with a bit of effort, Weiss discovering very soon just how strangely strong Claudine could be, and thus labeled the youngest as the “brawn” of the house. Weiss made great use of this fact.

Claudine frowned at the memory of being made to carry the things they bought when they went furniture shopping the other day. Weiss was some sadistic task master.

“Wh-what the heck is in this thing?” Claudine managed to ask without biting her tongue after tripping over one of the house’s thresholds. “Are these also a part of Diana’s documents?”

Weiss threw a glance over her shoulder, walking in front of Claudine, leading her to the living room where even more packages lay, Diana cluelessly sorting parcels, boxes, and covered folders into separate piles to be opened.

“Ah, well… yes, but…”

“Weiss?” Claudine called after her, voice holding a warning.

“They’re for Diana, yes. Documents... no. But I thought it would be fun to have some of this stuff delivered for the sake of… stuff.”

“Stuff.” Claudine echoed. “Right. What stuff.” She sighed, finally placing the last box- she was praying with all her might that it was- on their carpeted floor.

“Yes, stuff.”

“I’m asking, what kind of stuff?” Claudine crossed her arms over her chest, rolling her eyes as Weiss did a zipper motion over her mouth.

“That’s something you and Diana are about to find out.” She made her merry way over to Diana, standing next to the girl seated on the floor, a box cutter in one hand, looking anxiously from one sealed delivery to the other. “Come on, Diana. Open up the presents!”

“Santa roleplay?” Claudine teased. Weiss pointedly ignored her.

“W-where do I even start?” The eldest eyed the packages, trying to figure out which one she should open first.

She was taking quite long, and Claudine and Weiss were beginning to worry that they’d overwhelmed her.

“Weeell...” Deciding to help Diana out, Weiss looked over the array displayed in front of them, eyes narrowed until they landed on one particular medium-sized box, reaching out for it with a twinkle in her eyes. “How about this one?”

Diana nodded, a little curious about the younger girl’s reaction. Taking the box from Weiss, she smiled in thanks. Weiss returned the gesture, stepping back to watch as Diana cut through the tape and opened the folded flaps to reveal bubble wrap, some papers for additional cushion and protection, a black bag and-

“...A Nikon D850…”

Diana didn’t know why Claudine looked a little bitter, and possibly more shocked than her, but she couldn’t really pay mind to that as she awed at the expensive equipment. Sure, her family had always been loaded and the cost of this was merely pocket change to them; but Diana hadn’t really explored all that privilege the same way they did, anyway.

To get such a nice present from Weiss...

“Th-thank... thank you?”

Weiss pouted a bit at the reaction. She had done her best to get the perfect gift to welcome Diana into college and her new course, but Diana’s response was honestly underwhelming. “Don’t like it?”

Blue eyes widened, afraid they had insulted the kind Weiss. “N-No! No! Not at all! I mean, no I don’t like- no I mean I like it, I just, no to I don’t like it. I like it! I love it! It’s amazing! And... wow. I... I just... I don’t know if I can accept this...” Diana carefully placed the opened package on their coffee table, staring at that sleek black, those marvelous lens on that box-ish frame the... wow.

“Psh, sure you can.” Weiss waved off.

“Can I really...” Diana scratched her cheek lightly, a tiny blush coming on as she felt her next words were a little shameless. “I admit that I would like to keep it...”

“It’s yours to keep.” Weiss reassured, gentle and smiling. “Okay?”

Diana looked up to meet her eyes, somehow still unsure, but Weiss coming in to sit next to her, one hand patting her shoulder and the other placing the camera back in Diana’s was the last push of encouragement she needed to accept it.

“Thank you, Weiss. Really. Thank you.” Diana embraced the gift carefully close to her, smile soft and teary. “It means a lot to me.”

Diana pocketed this tender moment in her heart, saving it like all the other good memories she’d made with her sisters thus far. And they were numerous, quite abundant considering how long they’d known each other. But maybe that no longer mattered, how long they had been together. Diana should just focus on all the time they have coming.

A cough from Weiss brought her back to the reality that there were still more packages to be opened, and she sighed internally. She was about to mention something to her sister, but then she caught Weiss staring at Claudine expectantly, as if saying it was the youngest’s turn for... something.

“Claudine, out with it.”

‘Hmm?’ Diana directed her gaze to Claudine, noticing that the action made the latter flinch, hands deep in her pockets, visibly shuffling underneath the cloth.

“I’m... I’m just kind of... shy now after seeing that...” She muttered with closed teeth. “You had me carry all these things, and I didn’t know it was part of our plan. Now I don’t really wanna... compete with that...”

“Compete?” Weiss chuckled. “This is not a competition. Come on, Claud. We agreed to both get her something.” She revealed their said plan to Diana who had been out of the loop on this.

“Well, yes, but I didn’t think you’d just… get her a bunch of high-end camera gear!” Claudine commented, bewildered. “I literally got her a keychain! I can’t just give Diana a keychain!” She exasperatedly announced. “Not after all that!” She sighed, toes curling and wiggling in some form of discomfort.

“And Why not?” “Why not?” Two voices sounded simultaneously, heads tilted to the side in confusion.

‘Gosh, these heiresses.’

“I like keychains.” Diana so helpfully informed.

“Of course you do.” Claudine deadpanned, gripping the small item in her pocket. “Just…” She sighed once more, finger wearing the ring-like bit of the item. “I just- I feel... embarrassed... and stuff.” She blushed, looking away from the pair on the floor.

“Why?”

‘Why?’ Claudine looked at them incredulously. Obviously because- because... to people like them, used to extravagance and all the fanciest jewelry and wear, something like this trinket was just-

“Because it feels so small in comparison to the camera... and insignificant.” Claudine confessed. “I-I mean, not that my thoughts behind it were insignificant, not at all, I just thought I could give you something better. Not that I thought this was no good, I mean. At the time I bought it, but now that I see all this-”

“You’re right.”

“Huh?” Claudine blinked, facing a serious-looking Diana, rising to her feet and walking over to her.

“It isn’t insignificant. Nothing you’ve given me is.” Diana’s expression melted into a gentle smiled. “From your kindness, to the gentleness of each action toward me, to your consideration... to these slippers on my feet,” She flapped them for emphasis. “to the mug I drink from daily, and my toothbrush on the bathroom counter. All those, and the warmth behind them pile up in my heart, making it overflow with gratitude. Really, Claudine. The greatest thing you’ve gifted to me is your genuine care for me and my feelings.”

“Diana...”

Her words, it moved Claudine’s heart. She never thought it meant that much to the older girl. She had gotten all those things for Diana, did all those things for her, simply because... she could. And she wanted Diana to experience better things than all the pain she’d been through.

“Thank you, Claudine.” Diana said, coming to a stop in front of the younger girl. Her arms raised and opened up, Claudine before pausing awkwardly in the air, her whole frame freezing. “U-um...”

With a raised brow indicating her confusion, Claudine waited, posture uncomfortably straight

“Just hug and get it over with.” Their one-woman audience complained, getting impatient. “And just give her the damn gift, Claud!”

“Hrrngh- okay, okay! I get it! I got it!” Claudine grumbled, fishing through her pocket and pulling out a silver keychain, a small unicorn figure attached with a tiny bead next to it, and a letter D that looked like a waxed seal. “I- This is obviously not the o-only thing I got you.” Claudine tried to say, thinking of what else she could get to supplement this huge failure.

But it may have not been needed.

Diana engulfed her in a huge hug, sobbing lightly into her neck, thanking her over and over.

Claudine felt those warm tears wash over her skin. Her heart ached, her eyes stung. But she could hold it in, she could. She was a big, strong girl-

“Thank you, Claudine. Thank you. Thank you so much. For always thinking of me. For getting me something I can truly call mine.”

And Claudine broke, arms squeezing tight around Diana’s waist, silently crying into her shoulder. “Dummy. Everything you have right now is truly yours. And we are truly your sisters.”

---

Weiss looked away, if only to hide the tears that had also formed at the corners of her eyes. “Hey! That camera is solely yours as well!” She inserted, jokingly sounding annoyed, before shaking it off when Diana gave her an apologetic look. She smiled,  watching her sisters continue to hug.

It didn’t look like they were going to part soon, huh. Maybe in a bit. They’d separate. In 1... 2... 3...

Nope.

Okay, Weiss was beginning to feel a little left out. Maybe she wanted to be in the hug too. Not that she’d admit to that.

Buuutt, she could just... hint at it. Or something. Casually, so they wouldn’t know. Claudine would tease her for days if she found out Weiss had felt a little lonely.

“You made such a big deal out of it, only to become so soft.” Weiss laughed, walking over to her sisters and flicking Claudine on the forehead, earning her an adorable yelp, and not-as-adorable glare. “Guess you being the youngest makes perfect sense now.”

“Wha-Hey! I’ll have you know-” Claudine broke away from Diana, proceeding to bicker with Weiss who simply laughed at Claudine’s empty bites.

---

Diana admired the scene in front of her, smiling warmly at her two sisters. They had transitioned from intense verbal exchange to teasing words and playful wrestling, and Diana could not help but smile along as Claudine and Weiss filled the living room with their laughter.

Warm.

It felt so warm.

Subconsciously, Diana had grabbed her new camera, lifting it up and snapping a photo of two beautiful hearts who had become her new world.

Like this photo, she would cherish them forever.

//-//-//-//-//

After their little gift-giving spree, they decided it was time to get a move on with their actual business. They had succeeded in getting the recommendations Diana needed, and simply needed to file them and prepare them with the rest of Diana’s enrollment documents.

As Diana sorted through the papers, reading the contents of each to check over important information, she found that there were some personal letters accompanying them as well. At first, they seemed to be greetings, checking in on Diana. She was almost happy, before she felt twinges in her heart, soon figuring what they were actually about. Just more people sucking up to her to get to her family.

Well. They were barking up the wrong tree. Diana was no longer of any value to the Cavendishes. Even if she was stuck bearing their name. It was practically just an unwanted decoration to her image; an image she desperately wanted to break free from.

Alongside those empty salutations were the sugar-coated bitterness from comments from Diana’s old teachers. They were almost all the same, with some saying it was a shame that she wouldn’t be continuing on as a doctor. Most were surprised to hear she was taking arts for college as not everyone knew of Diana’s family situation, and maybe they hadn’t even cared enough to know about Diana until this point.

Diana would have liked to believe that, surely, they would have seen the scandal on the news of the Cavendish’s case of abuse- but then Diana remembered that her family was powerful enough to possibly cover it all up, only enduring a few scrapes to their name. She supposed she shouldn’t be surprised then if they still thought she’d go medical.

Of course. They didn’t know. They didn’t want to anyway. They probably assumed Diana was just dropping out, not strong enough to ensure the pressures that came with being someone of her previous status. How would they see her? Did they think of her as pathetic? Maybe. Maybe.

And now, Diana was left with feelings of shame.

Before she could wallow in more of her brought-back sorrows, hands were quick to move around her, Diana realizing that Claudine had taken her laptop away from her, closing the messages and shutting the device down, while Weiss took away the letters. She was glaring at them so hard, Diana hoped she wouldn’t crumple or tear them. They still needed those.

“Don’t read those any longer than you should. And don’t listen to any of those comments. You have nothing to be ashamed of.”

“Weiss is right. You are amazing.”

“No sister of mine is going to get shamed because of her undeniable talent and wit.” Weiss huffed, breathing out her feelings of irritation.

Diana felt her eyes water as she felt their unconditional support for her. Something she’d never had before.

Whatever deity had blessed her all at once with the best gifts in existence- her two sisters- deserved all the praise Diana had to give.

Weiss and Claudine shared a look as Diana wiped away the few tears that had slipped by. They sighed before grinning, pulling Diana into a group hug.

Really, Diana felt silly for worrying about all those things now. All those people she shouldn’t- couldn’t care less about.

With a laugh, she could only join her sisters as they faced everyone else in the world. Everyone who had used them, hurt them. To that, they’d scream,

“”Screw them!””

//-//-//-//-//

“I- I apologize... could you perhaps... run me through the steps one more time? Just one more time.” Diana pleaded, face contorted in frustration.

Weiss and Claudine found it absolutely adorable.

Who knew Diana was so bad with phones! They were only exchanging numbers, for crying out loud!

This was truly a mystery that confounded them as Claudine and Weiss had watched Diana efficiently navigate her way around her laptop and camera gear. She was excellent in getting all the school application documents ready, and the pair had watched her fixing the practice photos she’d taken earlier, afterwards.

So what was so hard about tapping a few icons on her phone compared to that?!

“I-... i-it’s because i practiced using those! It took me quite a while, but I’m proud to say I’m able to use them well now!”

“Practice...” Weiss parroted, dumbfounded at the revelation. She blinked. Turned to Claudine. “Practice... she says... using a laptop...-”

And exploded.

“HAHAHAHA, practicing?! Practicing using a phone?? Diana, you are adorable!”

Diana clearly didn’t appreciate this, not because she felt insulted by Weiss’ actions, but because she couldn’t comprehend just what was so wrong about daily practicing your typing skills to get sharper.

----

Claudine chopped Weiss lightly on the head, sighing to keep herself from giggling as well. “Don’t worry about it, Diana. We’re just surprised.”

“I still fail to understand why.” Diana frowned, and Claudine poked at the spot between her eyes, now laughing.

“Stop that, you’ll get wrinkles.”

Diana blushed.

“Let’s forget about this for a second, and actually help Diana out, Weiss.” Claudine warned, and that effectively got Weiss to stop, as her laughter calmed into a smile.

“I got it, haha.” She then proceeded to review all the steps on ‘how to add someone to your contacts’ to Diana. “Do you think you can do it on your own now?” She smiled at Diana as she finished.

Diana nodded silently, then looked up to Claudine with a wordless question in her eyes.

One that Claudine had no idea about.

“W-what?” After five minutes of not getting it, Diana’s stare was beginning to feel pressuring.

“May I have your number as well?”

Really. She was just so cute.

“You absolutely can.”

Weiss and Claudine watched over Diana with soft expressions on their faces as she stared at her screen, mesmerized by the names of her sisters on the tiny little glowing object in her hand.

“I’ve... I’ve never needed phone.” She confessed. “I’ve never had one... that’s why I have no clue on how to use it.”

“Huh? Not even for contacting your friends?” Weiss simply asked.

“I... I had an email. And a home phone... and...” Diana paused. “...no friends anyway. At least, not in school that I’d need to contact with an urgency.”

Claudine blinked. Maybe they should have expected this? She definitely couldn’t say she related to the experience as she’d been surrounded by love and good company for most of her life.

She couldn’t possibly hope to feel what Diana did, or understand it. What she could, however, was change those situations into something better.

She would let Diana feel loved.

She and Weiss would.

“Well... you have us now.” She said, quieter than expected. Almost a whisper.

Weiss and Diana turned to her, the latter’s eyes shimmering once more with unshed tears.

How many times had they made Diana cry already?

Her next words made Claudine want to as well.

“I do.”

//-//-//-//-//

D-day. It was a Monday.  Two weeks before classes would get rolling. Today, the girls’ main agenda would be to get Diana enrolled as soon as possible, and then Claudine and Weiss would proceed to check on their own student statuses and pick up their uniforms.

The uniforms had been issued as a means to identify their students. They were free to wear it as they saw fit, so long as it was still recognizable as belonging to the school.

After they had accomplished most of what they needed for Diana’s processes, they sat waiting in the seats just outside the office clerk’s transaction window, waiting for their names to get called on to pick up Weiss and Claudine’s uniforms.

“Could this take any longer?” Weiss groaned. “The service is taking ages!”

“Hush, you. It’s not that bad at all.” Claudine sighed. Although she felt a similar frustration and impatience after sitting in that place for nearly half an hour, she understood that there were many other transactions ongoing so close to the beginning of classes.

Even Diana looked as though she was getting bored. It wouldn’t be surprising if one of them fell asleep at some point. Claudine had already gone through a few games on her phone, and didn’t feel like playing any more. They could only wait at this point.

Before the trio could succumb to even more mental distress, like a taste of salvation, their turn came.

“Weiss Schnee.”

“Yes, yes.” Weiss almost jumped out of her seat, glad the nightmare was over as she skipped over to the window to receive her items.

“Claudine Saijou.” The clerk called next. Claudine made her way more calmly, bowing gratefully to the worker.

“Thank you.”

As Claudine was doing all the final checks for all of their things, and inquiring about Diana’s status, she barely heard Weiss mumbling to herself, staring at Claudine the whole while.

“Claudine Saijou…” Weiss thought long and hard. Since the other day she had been wondering about why Claudine’s face and name were so familiar. She felt stupid not asking anything about it sooner. They’d been living together awhile now! So why hadn’t they ever... well, to be fair, with all the circumstances surrounding them, they hadn’t really tried to pry too much into one another’s pasts. They had also always referred to each other by their first names right away.

She knew Diana’s last name by heart, and a little bit of the weight behind it because of all the things they’d had gone through since meeting, helping the girl. She was sure they knew her name as it was the only thing she’d ever share with her dick of a father.

But there hadn’t really been an occasion to think about Claudine’s. Even if they had met her mother.

Why was that?

Weiss didn’t really know or understand. But now, she had a chance to stand back and think about it. What was it that had been tickling her mind each time she heard that name.

She tested the name a few more times, a tingling on her tongue as she tried to jog her memory. Just where...

“Ah! “ Weiss snapped, turning to Claudine and pointing a finger right at her face. “Claudine Saijou! You’re Saijou Claudine!”

A surprised Claudine, reeled back slightly, eyes wide, blinking at Weiss. Just what was this girl going on about this time?

“Yes… Yes, I’m Saijou Claudine. Thank you for telling me my name.” She tried, recovering from her initial scare.

“And I’m Diana Cavendish.” Diana butted in, wondering if she should also state her full name. Had Weiss somehow forgotten and needed a refresher? Did she need them for something?

“No, no, you idiots.” Weiss sighed, exasperated. Luckily, neither of her sisters took offense to what she’d just called them. Organizing her realizations, she shared them to the pair, once more gesturing to Claudine. “You’re the one from that… that.. Lou’s ointment commercial from a while back!” She excitedly exclaimed.

A blush crept across Claudine’s features, suddenly hyper aware of their surroundings. She began to notice that Weiss little outburst was starting to garner attention as more people began to recognize her. Of course they would. In a school for the arts, why shouldn’t she expect this?

“Did she just say Saijou Claudine?”

“You mean the one from Seishou? That Saijou Claudine?”

Claudine flinched.

“I loved her acting in Starlight!”

“I preferred her Dracula.”

“We all know it was Black Beard that was the hottest.”

Only good things were being said about her, but Claudine couldn’t help but feel awkward in this situation. Plus, her sisters... were here. Somehow it felt a little embarrassing with them watching.

She could see some people inching closer to her, and she could hear whispers about taking photos or talking to her. Usually, she’d stand up straight in pride and thank everyone supporting her, but somehow she felt... uncomfortable from the attention.

She hadn’t been in Japan, in Seishou, for a few years. Maybe it was a little surprising to know that her name was still heard of, and it was mostly associated with her former school. She knew she’d made some mark in France, but... the more time she spent there, away from many things she’d chosen to leave behind, it felt as though her sparkle dimmed.

Things she’d left behind... huh.

Claudine shook her head, ridding herself of those thoughts.

Maybe they should leave now.

Claudine grabbed her uniform that had fallen to the floor after Weiss loud declaration. She bowed in apology to the staff for the ruckus, threw some thanks over her shoulder, and ushered her sisters out the room hurriedly.

“Let’s go.”

//-//-//-//

“So... Saijou Claudine huh.”  Weiss awkwardly repeated Claudine’s name for her to hear again.

Claudine remained seated on the courtyard bench with her head down, not looking at Weiss. Silent.

Weiss was beginning to feel a little guilty, not even knowing why. Maybe she should try to ease the situation some way?

“I… I liked the ointment? It worked really well for me and was compatible with my skin type.” She attempted lamely.

Diana voiced her agreement, feeling the tension present in the air and wanting to help out. “Yes, I also used it during…” She trailed off, eyes dulling as she looked away, now also silent.

The girls understood immediately what Diana had been needing it for.

With that plan backfiring, moments of nothing passed.

“It’s alright, Weiss.” Claudine lifted her head, trying to meet Weiss gaze as assurance, but then shifting her eyes to the side mere seconds later. “...I was just... embarrassed.” -that and feeling another emotion that Claudine didn’t really want to face at the moment.

Again, she thought of it. Really, it was rather uncharacteristic of her to be this way. Usually, she would be rather proud of her achievements. While not in an annoyingly boastful manner, she never shied away from attention. Usually she took it with grace and humility.

Maybe it was because they were her sisters suddenly looking at her differently. Or maybe it was because of the mention of Seishou and all the memories... and people linked to it that she had neglected for so long, that reminded her and made her feel at odds with the sudden attention.  Maybe... she just didn’t know.

“If it helps,” Diana tried again. Maybe this could help them lighten the atmosphere. “I, for one, am proud to have a sister who’s been on TV?” She smiled, taking a seat next to Claudine, placing a hand over her own on her lap.

No matter how talented Weiss and Diana were, their performances were mostly exclusive to their rich guests at home. Weiss may have been invited on a radio broadcast once or twice, or a recording for a documentary on music. She was once even on a YouTube video for a friend. But it was different from having your face be constantly plastered on screen every time a particular commercial came out for days on end.

“If I remember right, you had another one… Country… ma’am?” Claudine’s blush came back as she shyly nodded.

“Ah! I remember you also had this one play!” Claudine watched silver brows knit together momentarily, Weiss struggling to pin the tail on the donkey. “Anne? Annie? Wait, no, that’s not it. Let’s see here…” She mumbled a few more names to herself, before the confusion in her eyes cleared somewhat, Weiss carefully asking,“Arrie?”

Claudine chuckled, amused. “Thank you for remembering. Yes, that was- you could say- the peak of my work. That was then. But now…” She smiled softly, eyes on the dirt, kicking a pebble away and watching it roll along ‘til it came to a dead halt. “I’m nothing special, really.”

...Did she really just say that about herself? Her eyes widened the slightest bit but her expression settled before her sisters could take notice.

Now really wasn’t the time for her thoughts to be all jumbled up and in a mess.

“Are you KIDDING me, right now?” Weiss scoffed. “Did you see those people’s reactions back there? That’s definitely amazing. You’re amazing.”

“Says an international recitalist.” Claudine responded without missing a beat, looking up at Weiss with a glint in her deep magenta eyes.

Weiss looked taken aback. “Y-you know-...how?“

“I study much.” Claudine shrugged. “I’ve seen and kept far too many books, video sources and the like for reference. Research. It’s research, dear sister. And I’ve come across you more times than i have fingers.” She confessed.

“And you never bothered telling me you knew me?”

“Why would I?” Claudine grinned teasingly. “Want me to stroke your ego?”

“Hey!”

Just like that, the weight had been lifted and Claudine found herself enjoying this banter with Weiss. Her sass and her confident, straight-forward self that always seemed to amuse and cheer them up in many moments, breaking the ice in their interactions.

Claudine felt her entirety smile at her older sister, feeling warmer. Such a pleasant feeling.

As she silently admired her sibling, a gentle giggling tickled Claudine’ ears as Diana watched her younger sister’s exchanges and playful jabs at one another. Claudine noticed Weiss quiet down as well as they ended up staring.

She knew the thought the same thing. They found it quite nice, a very pretty sound coming from an incredibly beautiful girl.

That visage imprinted itself in her mind, and she couldn’t help but wonder if Diana-

“... Ever considered being a model, Diana?” Weiss suddenly blurted out the exact thoughts in Claudine’s mind.

Diana’s eyes were just as wide as hers as the stunned girl looked between her two younger sisters, words barely registering in her mind.

“Huh?”

//-//-//-//-//

School.

What a place.

School was, and always had been her escape back then. It was where she would not feel the physical torment of her aunt, it was a place where she wouldn’t have to endure the scathing words of her family.

Yes, school had its own pressures, the teachers keeping their watchful eyes on her; sometimes expectant, other times judging. Diana also had her fair share of distant admirers, and braver, envious foe, but those were trivial little things in comparison to her home life of abuse.

Thumbtacks in her shoes, or her books in a fountain were as ant bites to her, nothing in comparison to the lions that hungered to devour her once she stepped foot into the manor’s towering gates come the end of the school day.

So really, school may have been better than home, but it never really held a special place in Diana’s heart. If anything, it was more associated with terror and the idea of faux and temporary freedom.

But now, did these perceptions remain for Diana? Or could school be something else for her, now that she had two allies on her side.

Two allies... two sisters.

Diana inwardly smiled at the word. That she had them now, that they were present in a place like ‘school’, it already made all the difference.

Where she had no genuine friends and peers before, she now had two of the best people by her side. Where she had no one who believed in her or her dreams, she’d found two people pushing her to pursue ones she hadn’t realized she had.

And though she had no family to send her off to school then, she did now...

Right now.

“Okay, Diana. Just as we were told, today is only the orientation day. There won’t be any classes, so we’re expecting an early out for the day. Which means we’ll be expecting to see you pretty soon after classes end.” Claudine’s hands fiddled with her tie, straightening it out and pressing it gently to Diana’s chest. “Perfect.” She nodded in satisfaction, eyes lifting to meet Diana’s. “Now. I have a copy of your schedule because Weiss said it’d be best for us to know where you are at times.” She informed, before eyes widened in panic, an explanation on her lips. “W-we don’t mean to tread on your privacy of alone time or anything, you can tell us if-”

“Claudine. It’s okay.” Diana laughed, watching her sister calm down somewhat.

“Okay.” Claudine paused to admire the pretty sound of Diana’s happiness. “Okay, but anyway. Our lunch times match up, so we were hoping we’d all have it together; how do you feel about that?” Claudine bit her lip, just a little nervous.

“I’d love that.”

“Ah, thank goodness.” Claudine sighed in relief. “Also, you have our numbers and all so just ring us up if you need us.” Claudine added more and more to her list of reminders. “Also, I snuck a water bottle into your bag. Remember to hydrate regularly! And also, don’t be scared to tell the teacher if you ever need a bathroom break-”

“Claudine.”

“And blatantly- not shyly, mind you- give people a piece of your mind if they ever try to hurt-”

“Claudine!” Diana laughed again, airy and sweet. “I’m not a child, you both needn’t be so concerned.” She patted the girl on the head, gaining a blush from her younger sister. “Thank you. Also, class starts in five. I know your classroom is quite far from mine.”

She knew the girl was biting her tongue, keeping her from saying anything more. Diana knew she was considering Diana’s words, knowing they were right. “Fine...”  She relented.

“Get to your class, Claudine. I’ll be fine.”

Claudine still looked reluctant to leave Diana, eyes searching her expression for any doubts or anxiety, but finding none, she backed away.

“Fine. Okay. I got it. I’ll go. But!”

“Just go, Claudine.” Diana giggled. “Go. I’ll be alright. Please? Trust me?”

“I- I do trust you!” Diana heard the girl murmur a few things to herself. “I do. Okay. I’ll go. You’ll be fine, okay?”

“I will.”

“Okay. Pinky promise.” Diana felt her face warm as she and Claudine did the childish gesture, but it made her smile, thinking of how sweet and innocent Claudine could still be at times.

“Pinky promise.”

“Call me or Weiss! Lunch together! Water!” She called over her shoulder, even as she walked away.

“I will!” Diana reassured. Really, Claudine was a worrywart. The girl still paused in the middle of the hall before taking the turn around the corridor, making sure Diana was really alright. Once she was satisfied, she disappeared from the older girl’s sight.

Diana spun on her heel, facing the sliding wood separating her from her knew life goal. This was it. She just needed to take a step in. With a deep breath, it was like a mask was dropped onto her.

Her eyes became blank and cold, her expression just as frozen, settled not in a frown nor a smile. Simply a fine line on her lips. Diana trod into the room, a switch within clearly flipped.

She hated it. This Diana Cavendish. This Diana was cold and calculative to a fault. This Diana had built many walls around herself because she’d known the terrors of the world, and the possibility of people only here to use her. She had to be careful. That’s what the Cavendish had said. That’s what Diana had eventually tasted for herself after many betrayals.

This was only a defense. Impregnable as it should be when dealing with the outside world.

...

But then... where was this defense when she’d first met Weiss and Claudine? It was practically non-existent.

Diana felt her expression soften, eyes warming the tiniest bit. Thinking about her sisters made her feel... fluffy... inside. She never thought she could feel such a thing. It was such an abstract concept to her, that when she’d heard it from other people in the past, she knew she scoffed at the idea.

The emotions she knew were pain, anger, pride, sadness, the occasional joy. Feelings such as ‘fluffiness’ and ‘softness’, she’d never really understood what they meant. She still didn’t.

But she smiled. At least she now knew.

//-//-//-//-//

Diana internally squirmed in her seat, under the burning scrutiny of fiery eyes that had been locked onto her ever since she entered the room. Even during the duration of orientations and introductions, the only time the girl had broken her stare was when it was her turn to give her name and basic information to the class, as well as while she excitedly responded to a lot of things their professor had said. Only during those times did she give the poor Cavendish room to breathe.

Then it was back to watching every moment of Diana in that room.

Why?

Diana had no clue.

Kagari Atsuko.

She seemed peppy, cheery. She was loud and active. She was so different from Diana. She was friendly- or so Diana had observed as she first arrived in the class. She smiled at everyone and greeted them good morning, and Diana had regretted catching her gaze that now refused to leave her form.

She never said anything, she hadn’t greeted Diana ‘hello’ or ‘good morning’ like she did the rest of their classmates.

She didn’t get her.

She didn’t understand why the girl kept looking at her... she didn’t understand why she kept sneaking glances back.

So she didn’t force herself to think about it anymore than she should.

She may or may not get involved with the woman from time to time, maybe for school work and such, but she didn’t see them getting along at all. She had no time nor reason to pursue friendships anyway.

Kagari Atsuko, whoever she was, was just going to be another passing figure in her academic life, Diana concluded.

An odd lass, she surmised.

Class ended promptly, the professor saying she found no need to discuss much since it was only the first day, and that the students should go out and explore the campus. Maybe they’d find inspiration to use in the upcoming days.

As she packed her things into her bag, Diana could feel that incessant gaze boring into her back, the pressure laid strongly on her.

She really wanted to just ignore it, but somehow she felt like that wouldn’t be possible. There was a chance that this girl would actually act on all her staring.

...or not?

Diana quirked a brow as the girl had averted her gaze once Diana met it, clumsily throwing her materials into her own backpack, closing it haphazardly before rushing down the steps between the rows of lecture desks. As the bag hopped off her back as she made those rough movements, Diana  bit her lip. She could just foresee something happening-

And it did.

The girl’s water bottle had somehow fallen out of her pack, making a clacking sound that surprised the owner as she quickly tripped over her feet and fell to the floor.

In a span of under a minute.

Diana rushed forward without hesitation, body moving on its own as she crouched by the fallen girl, helping her sit up before gathering the contents spilled from her bag after she’d made her glorious failure of an exit.

Diana worked quietly, handing the girl her things and looking her over for any signs of pain or injury. Upon seeing that she may as well be fine, she got up wordlessly, gave the girl a curt nod before going out the door.

Only to be followed by that Kagari girl, voice calling out behind her.

“W-w-w-wait!”

She waited. Something compelled her to do so. Turning around, she raised a curious brow.

“I- you...” The brunette tried, not really knowing what to say after all that. “Thank you.”  She murmured quietly, and Diana had met her eyes and found sincere rubies glimmering with something she was unfamiliar with. Something that had suddenly captured her, leaving her staring. “Miss Cavendish.”

At the sound of her name, she snapped out of the odd trance, nodding once more with a reply of, “You’re welcome. Now I should go-”

“Wait-!”

Again, Diana felt her feet root themselves in place, not allowing her to leave. “Yes?”

She watched as the girl opened and shut her mouth, forming words in her mind perhaps, then rethinking them over and over ‘til she looked like a fish out of water with the way she left Diana hanging.

“If you have nothing else to say, I should be on my way.” That sounded a bit too cold, Diana admitted to herself. However, this was her normal reaction to people she did not know and could not be bothered to know anyway.

This was fine. She told herself so.

So then why was she so expectant? For... something- anything- from this unfamiliar person that had spent the better half of their orientation day ogling her?

Diana just didn’t get it. She didn’t get herself.

Upon receiving no response, she sighed, turning around for the last time. This time she wouldn’t look back. She wouldn’t wait. “Good day.” She said as a final word, shoes tapping against the floor.

She’d leave. She’d walk away this time. She’d ignore the stare boring into her very soul. She would never interact with this girl anymore if she could help it. She’d push away these strange feelings, these curious thoughts of hers all in a mess just because of this strange girl.

Then she’d be fine.

School would just be her, her camera, and her sisters. That was enough for her.

She kept walking, nearing the corner of the hallway.

“Ever considered being a model, Miss Cavendish?!”

-And she stopped.

[“Ever considered being a model, Diana?”]

Her sister’s question during her enrollment replayed in her mind, Diana slightly in awe at the coincidence.

Diana struggled to find her voice as she remained frozen by the stairs. Kagari Atsuko quickly followed after her, standing a bit too close for Diana’s liking, staring so intently into her eyes.

Once she found her tongue, a weak question was the only thing she managed. “Wh-why do you ask?”

“Please. Be my model.”’

There was this sincerity in her odd request, this spell in her eyes; and for a moment, Diana thought of saying yes. Only for a moment. Regaining her bearings, Diana shook here head, no.

It just wasn’t possible. Her?

“Please.”

Diana’s brows furrowed at the continued request. In the first place, should this girl really be asking her course-mate that?

“But… Miss Kagari… we’re both photographers…”

“So?”

‘So?’ What did she mean by that?

“Does that have anything to do with being my model?”

“...yes?” For one, Diana would be needing her own model. She’d figured she could ask her sisters for this one favor.

Diana realized the girl might be asking for their future projects that the teacher had mentioned earlier in orientation. If this was her way of being diligent by scouting early, she was barking up the wrong tree.

“But you could still do it! I know a senior who previously did the same thing! Come on, please, Miss Cavendish?”

In the first place, why was this girl so dead set on having Diana model for her? Why was she pleading so endearingly, with her eyes hopeful and sparkling, making it hard for Diana to say no. So hard to say no.

“I…”

‘I’ll think about it?’

Wait. Was that what she wanted to say? No, impossible. She shouldn’t even think of that possibility in the first place. Just.... what was it that was going on with Diana.

This girl had no clue who she was. She didn’t know Diana nor her past, nor her... scars. It wasn’t just an embarrassing feeling, or simple apprehension, now that she pondered on the reason behind her response- or rather, lack of it.

It was shame. If Kagari Atsuko ever found out about Diana Cavendish, there was no way she’d actually keep asking, was there? To have Diana as her model. No, not her. Not someone as marred and tainted, scarred and ugly as her.

And Diana had her answer.

“I’m sorry... I’m only a photographer.”

//-//-//-//-//

Weiss glared at her desk, willing the dark coffee stain on it away. There was also some cream, possibly from a doughnut, smeared along the side of it. So early in the morning, and already she was experiencing levels of gross she’d very much rather not see.

“Youch! You sure got the bad draw for the seating assignment. Wonder who among these early birds did that though.” Weiss’ eyes traced up the finger pointing to the frosted mess on her desk, trying to meet the origin of the voice that popped up beside her, red-tipped brunette strands obstructing her vision from this stranger’s face. This made her realize.

“Um... aren’t you a little too close?”

“Hmm?”

The mop of two-toned hair swayed with the motions of her new companion, turning her head to face Weiss.

‘Silver. How... peculiar.’

Before she lost herself, completely entranced, Weiss backed away in her seat, tearing her eyes free of that magnetic gaze. “I- I said you’re too close!”

“Oh. Oh! Oh, my bad. Sorry. Just. I saw you frowning so early in the morning, like you were gonna murder someone or something, or your desk.” The girl scratched the back of her head sheepishly. ���I’m Ruby, by the way. Ruby Rose.”

“Miss Rose. Great. Well then, I’ll be looking for a way to... deal with this, so if you’d excuse me.” Weiss promptly rose from her seat, making a line for the door.

“Hey, that’s not very polite.” ‘Ruby’ called after Weiss. “I gave you my name, so why can’t I get yours?”

Weiss stopped in her tracks, casting a casual glance over her shoulder at the person who had gone and entered her personal bubble without much apprehension earlier, and admittedly, had piqued her interest.

Well. She was going to need some acquaintances to get through this class smoothly, after all. Hmm... but did it have to be her? Weiss pondered it. Maybe she could be of some use to Weiss.

With a small smirk, she considered her final options. She could just give her name... But where was the fun in that? They were classmates anyway.

So with a flip of her shoulder and a cheeky tone of voice,

“I’m sure you’ll learn soon enough.”

-She walked away.

//-//-//-//-//

Claudine stood outside the door of the classroom, hesitant about entering.

She was late.

She was late for classes because she had to make sure Diana was settled in and okay. Claudine had escorted Diana to her first class as some sort of precaution in case something happened to the girl on the way. She and Weiss had talked about it the night before school began, and decided it would be for the best. Just to be safe. So she’d taken the liberty to do this task as Weiss’ class started earlier than Diana’s and hers.

And she was glad to do it. Just that she might have taken a bit too long. Plus, it didn’t help that her classroom was on the other side of the building. Fortunately for her, she had swung by the faculty room first thing when they got to school to find her first period’s professor and inform her of the possibility that she’d be late. She was meticulous and sure like that.

But being late... wasn’t really the reason why she wasn’t too keen on entering the class, was it?

A deep breath.

She... should go in now.

With a simple, “excuse me”, and a knock on the front door, she slid it open to reveal herself to only the teacher who beckoned her in upon noticing Claudine.

If she took a step in now, what would greet her? Who would she see? Was she... ready for this inevitable reunion?

Her stomach churned.

Things were going to be different. She just knew it.

“Ah, yes, our final student.” Her professor’s voice took her out of her inner turmoil, adding to the dread she was feeling as she had no way out anymore. This was it. She had to face the stage and the people who stood on it. “She’s excused from being late because of some family circumstances, but we’re glad she could make it and complete our class, aren’t we students?”

Claudine thought the teacher was rather chipper. She seemed so happy so early in the morning. A totally different mood from Claudine.

She supposed she should just get on with it. Whatever happened, she’d deal with it later.

So she walked in, turning to the rest of the class, bowing in apology for being late.

... bowing to a certain group of people in apology for being a year late.

Claudine could clearly feel the eight pairs of extremely surprised eyes boring their scalding gazes into her. She wanted to address them and all the questions she knew swirled within them, but first things first. Formalities and introductions and all-

A resounding clatter of a seat, as it was pushed back suddenly, stole the room’s attention. A figure stood so abruptly, the handouts on the desk slipping off.

“Saijou…san.”

‘What a face you’re making...’ She chuckled to herself.

“Well, yes. I’m pleased you remember my name,” Claudine threw back with a bit of a tease, a sprinkle of playful haughtiness mixed in. She met the intense gaze with a fiery spirit of competition, like she always did; in a way, daring this person to say more, or to be her usual infuriating self.

But it seems she was just stunned.

Claudine raised a challenging brow, waiting for the spluttering mess to say something.

What she received was a gaping mouth, shock all over the woman’s expression, and a shy wave of a hand.

Then the mask of confident indifference she had donned melted into something much gentler as she looked into those Violet eyes she missed dreadfully.

“… Tendou Maya.”

//-//-//-//-//

Claudine felt pleasantly surprised that Aijo Karen could hold back any sort of emotion, at this point. She was very obviously buzzing in her seat in unfiltered tension and excitement, eyes frequently darting to where Claudine was. Hikari blatantly stared, and poor Mahiru tried to get both to calm down and pay attention to class orientation. Claudine found herself smiling the slightest bit at that.

Some things really didn’t change.

Maya, on the other hand hadn’t looked back at her once since their earlier reunion. While this could simply mean that she still kept her impeccable focus and professionalism that separated work and school from personal life, to Claudine, it was still their first interaction after a long time... She couldn’t help but feel disheartened.

Was she not pleased to see Claudine? Was it because... Claudine hadn’t kept in touch with everyone?  

Or was there something else that she didn’t know of?

//

Class could not end any quicker, but by the time that it did, Hikari and Karen were already making a beeline straight for her, as did the others- the others being the rest of her dorm mates and dearest friends. She was already bracing herself for the impending impact of these two jumping her, but before anyone else could touch her, Nana had sped her way past the pair, and engulfed Claudine in a near-bone-crushing hug.

“Kuro-chaaaan!” She wailed like a child, not completely out of character for Nana. “What happened to you all this time?!”

The flood gates of inquiry opened and rushed at Claudine who struggled to keep up with answering every query her friends had about the last year that she had been gone.

Warmth flooded her heart at the realization of many things. Among those was the fact that her friends didn’t seem mad at all. They had only been worried and hopeful for her well-being. Claudine’s heart was moved.

One thing that bothered her was that as the others fawned over her and asked her their endless questions, Maya just stood off to the side, not engaging with the rest of them. It unnerved Claudine. Maya was the one she was closest to, the one she thought she knew and understood the most.

So what was going on?

After everyone had calmed, satisfied with the brief explanation of Claudine’s life in Paris and why she’d lost contact with them all, she was surprised when everyone parted from her, creating a space to allow Maya and Claudine to clearly face each other. As if they were saying, ‘talk’.

Maya looked to be as shocked as she was. Claudine bit her lip nervously.

What would Maya do?

//-//-//-//-//

Tendou Maya knew she was a prideful woman. She was a confident woman. She was a skilled, talented, persevering woman.

What she was not was petty.

And yet, she couldn’t help but sulk the moment her mind had registered that Saijou Claudine was back. Back in Japan. Back in their circle of Seishou friends. Back to Maya.

That in itself was something she’d thought she’d rejoice about, having longed to see Claudine for many a sleepless night. The days that had gone by without so much a letter or a simple, ‘hello’ had torn her heart apart piece by piece, until she had somehow managed to convince herself that Claudine no longer cared for her... even if Maya still wanted to remain at her side.

Deep inside her, anxious pride told her that she should be mad. She should demand a reason from Claudine- although already given. Her bitterness hungered for a begging apology from Saijou Claudine who had forgotten all about Tendou Maya.

But having Claudine appear in front of her, realer than any of her worst dreams and most pleasant nightmares, and out of the unexpected blue, Maya struggled against the simple desire to give into her long-endured neediness and simply embrace Claudine and confirm that she was truly back.

“Maya-chan.” Nana had whispered, pushing her forward as she stumbled the first step before fixing her walk forward until she stood right in front of Claudine.

Claudine offered a hand out, a sense of deja vu washing over Maya as she took it, her own had shaking slightly.

Maya swallowed the lump in her throat, unable to fish for the right words in her mind that had melted into a puddle the moment Claudine gave her that sheepish, awkward, incredibly beautiful smile.

“Have you put on a little weight from all those potatoes, Tendou Maya?” She chuckled.

Claudine.

Maya was captured. She had grown even more beautiful, hadn’t she? This girl- no… they were women now weren’t they? Both Maya and the girl she knew as Saijou Claudine. They had become women in the short time they were apart.

But that wasn’t the only thing that had changed. Or rather, it was something that had finally surfaced so blatantly clear in their relationship; an aspect they had possibly always known but had pushed to the back of their minds as they had other priorities back then.

Maya knew that Claudine knew.

She knew they both realized it, and she could see it in Claudine’s eyes.

“I’ve missed you.” Maya murmured in the tiniest voice. She could see her friends’ smiles from the corner of her eyes, their grins growing wider as Claudine whispered her bashful reply.

“I’ve missed you too.”

And Maya knew it was love.

//-//-//-//-//

Claudine loved her friends. They were the most considerate people in the world. Maybe a little too considerate.

Claudine would have been fine spending time catching up with all of them, but it seemed as though they had caught onto the fact that Maya and Claudine wanted some private time to sort things out between themselves, and so were allowed time alone.

She swallowed down the lump forming in her throat, entirety suddenly full of butterflies in jitters. Being away from Maya for so long, not seeing her at all, unable to hear even her voice, it created this strange feeling of unknown- of an anxiety Claudine couldn’t describe.

Even if this was still Maya- dare she say her Maya-, Claudine could only wonder how much the girl could have changed without her by her side.

All those worries vanished like a mist in the rays of a smile as sunshine-y warm as Maya’s at this very moment. The cold fear in her heart melted away, and her heart beat strongly for a different reason now.

Maya’s eyes searched her own, and she found it difficult to form words. It was everything she could do to keep their gazes locked.

“I-”

“Will you stay by my side now?”

Her heart stopped.

Then ran so fast, Claudine was sure it would burst with all these feelings she knew could be nothing else but her undeniable attraction, and an emotion much deeper than that, towards Maya.

//-//-//-//-//

“Paris was amazing. It was like a dream that I had finally reached and made real.” Claudine began, as they settled on a bench at a deserted corner of the school’s vast courtyard. “At first it was so easy to tell you all of what had happened. The ups and the downs, the successes; the innumerable opportunities I had gotten... The classes were amazing. I learned so much.”

Maya took her hand, gently wrapping her own around it. She squeezed in her silent support, urging Claudine to continue.

“Then suddenly, everyone wanted me.”

Maya wanted to make a playful remark, a simple ‘My~ what a player’. However, there was something in Claudine’s expression that told her it would be better to refrain.

“I know you want to make a comment.” Claudine giggled against her other hand, giving Maya an eye smile that made her heart flutter painfully sweet. Claudine knew her so well.

“I did.” Maya admitted. Claudine nodded before leaning her head on Maya’s shoulder, eyes falling shut.

“You’d think it was all perfect.” Claudine whispered. “I thought it was what I wanted. All these jobs, the exposure, the experience. I thought I could handle it all.”

“But?”

“I was able to take it the first few months. I met so many people who were amazing, who were inspiring. Who had their dreams, goals and aspirations.” Claudine narrated. “But we were all apart. We had these grand views and desires. We had our individuality. That’s a marvelous thing, I know.” Claudine went on. “Even I left to be on my own... away from you all...”

Claudine had made a motion to separate herself from Maya, but Maya had quickly reached an arm over her shoulders, hand guiding Claudine’s head back onto her own.

“Stay.” She whispered, voice a little weak. She felt Claudine nod, and she sighed in relief.

She didn’t know why she did that, but a fear had lodged it’s way into her heart, one that replayed the emotions she had felt the first time Claudine had walked away from her. She dared not relive those again.

“Sorry.”

“It’s alright...” Maya murmured. “So? You thought you were all by yourself?” Maya continued for her. “But remember, we still work towards the same goal. We may have been apart, but that hasn’t changed. Not for me, at least. Didn’t you feel the same way?”

Maya felt that she’d be hurt if Claudine said no.

“I did. I do still.”

Maya felt relief wash over her as she received that reply. She was glad.

Her fingers began to gently tangle themselves in golden locks, playing with tufts of hair, occasionally massaging Claudine’s scalp. She felt the girl sigh and relax against her. Maya liked this. This feeling of comfort.

“So what was the problem?” Maya wanted to understand. She wanted to know what went on while Claudine was away. Why she had stopped contacting them, where she had gone, what she struggled with.

“Maybe it was too much for someone like me to handle. I might have over-estimated myself, Tendou Maya.” Claudine confessed, voice strained. It must have been something hard for her to admit. Maya nuzzled a kiss into her temple, disagreeing with her words.

“You’re Saijou Claudine. The most amazing performer I know. A top star.” She said with conviction.

“You’re the top star. You’re Tendou Maya.” Claudine sighed. “I’m... just a shadow lagging behind you-”

“Now you know that’s not true.” Maya cut her off, slightly angered at the mere implication that Claudine was anything less than her equal, and her partner. “That is not true. You have always been by my side, have you not? You have been the Saijou Claudine well-known for many of her works. The child prodigy, a star since birth!”

“And I was humbled upon meeting you.”

“You’re the one who was offered a full scholarship overseas!”

“I know you rejected it first!”

Maya’s breath caught in throat, words failing.

“I knew that you’d received the offer. When you said no, I didn’t understand. This was the chance of a lifetime. A season for growth. I believed it was. But we didn’t seem to think the same way. I was confused, Tendou Maya.  And so I went. If only to know why. I went and I tried... and then it all became too much.”

Claudine pulled away, allowing them both space to recollect themselves.

“I wanted to know how you could say no to such an offer. A bright future wanted you. And I went as only their second option. It... irked me. And so I wanted to prove that I could be just as good as you. That I could flourish even on my own.” Claudine spoke softly. “But I guess I was wrong. I wasn’t that strong. I became tired, I couldn’t manage all the things thrown my way. I didn’t know who to trust, who to go with, what to do anymore. And so I just... did. Everything.”

“Saijou-san...”

“That actually worked out quite well.” She chuckled, eyes lifeless as she recalled the downward spiral she lived those last few months in Paris. “I received multiple offers for university over there. Fully paid schooling. I gained what many yearned for, things others could only dream of attaining by turning off everything unneeded for the stage... or I thought they were unneeded.” Claudine looked at Maya with a held-back tears. “Then I saw that I was already alone.” Claudine laughed again, as sad as the last. “How odd, right? Haha, well that was that. We should talk about something else. How was senior year on your end?.”

Claudine was trying to wave it all off, smiling at Maya as if she wasn’t anxious and had been heartbroken.

“Tendou Maya?” The girl only stared at Claudine, not answering. “I’m sorry. My story must have been confusing. I would get it if you didn’t understand what I mean.”

But Maya understood. She understood it fully.

She remembered when they first met Yanagi Koharu, a like-minded genius as her. A girl who reflected the lonesomeness one dubbed as a ‘genius’ would experience. Maya remembered her own disregard for camaraderie back then. How she had, at most, only cooperated with others as they were mere stepping stones needed to reach the top. Her views of there being only one possible winner had been her driving force for perfection back then.

That was until Claudine opened her hand to her on the day of that evaluation to enter Seishou.

Then it all began to change for her.

Thanks to Saijou Claudine.

Maya had dedicated much time to repaying that favor. This moment was no exception.

If Claudine had felt alone then, she would never be from now on. Maya would make sure of it.

“Saijou-san-” “Maya-”

“Oh, you go first.” She had wanted to give Claudine some words of encouragement, of reassurance, but she seemed to have more to tell. It made her happy to see that Claudine had chosen to open her heart up so deeply to her. It was an honor that she’d gladly receive. Maya would listen to her, would understand her, and Maya would be there for her; she’d never allow Claudine to say she was ever alone again. “What is it, ma Claudine?”  

Maya had put on a welcoming smile, awaiting whatever else Claudine had for her to hear. However, Claudine seemed to have withdrawn after the interruption, a look of struggle on her features as no words came out of her parted lips.

“…”

“Ma Claudine? Is something the matter?”

“Actually… there’s something else I haven’t told everyone. And why I’m here.” She began, but then halted again, looking to the side.

Another difficult confession? Maya could only wonder. “You don’t have to force yourself to tell me.” She reassured, but kept her ears open just in case.

“But I want to tell you, Maya.” No Tendou. No honorific, just Maya.

And Maya listened.

“I had mentioned it, right? I had received offers to continue going to school there... I might have just went on, to be honest.”

“Yes. I was actually wondering about that. While I’m certainly glad you have returned, wouldn’t your chances have been brighter over there?”

Claudine nodded. “Objectively, I agree.” Maya understood that. “But... um... do you know about my family, Maya?”

“I’ve only heard as much as the others, I suppose, reluctant as I am to admit that.” She smiled weakly.

“Well, I don’t really make such a big deal about it anyway.” Claudine smiled back.

“We do all know that you love your parents dearly and often write home.”

“Yes. That’s true.” Claudine said. “In a sense it is.” She took a deep breath before allowing the next words to slip. “My papa, my father... or well, the man I actually consider as my father... is gone. Has been for a while. So it’s just me and my mom.”

“Claudine...”

Maya didn’t know what to say. She took both of Claudine’s hands in her own, thumbs brushing over her knuckles.

“It’s alright. We’ve already accepted it a long time ago. Maman and I... we miss him, yes. But we’re okay... or... I am, at least...” Claudine huffed, squeezing her eyes shut, a few tears spilling down her cheeks. “I came back because... I don’t know... when my mother will leave me as well...”

And Maya couldn’t take it. “I’m sorry, Ma Claudine.” Maya embraced her tight, whispering teary words onto her brow. “For all you’ve been through… and that I was never able to help you.”

“Idiote... it’s not your fault.” Claudine sunk into the hold, savoring the immediate warmth Maya provided her. They stayed like that a tender while, Maya allowing Claudine to express all her frustrations, grievances, and pain. She cried it all out with her.

“I’m sorry, Ma Claudine... I’m sorry.” She whispered against her hair in peppered kisses that sometimes made the girl cry even more.

“Mechante va... I told you it’s fine.” Claudine held onto Maya tighter, relishing in her comforting presence. “It’s fine...”

“Still... I could have been there for you sooner. I should have just kept reaching out. I should’ve followed you-! I should’ve bought a plane ticket and flew after you- No, I should have demanded another scholarship! Then we’d have been together-”

“Stop right there.” Claudine laughed through some sniffles, cupping Maya’s face with both cheeks and looking into her stunned eyes.  

Claudine really was beautiful, even as she cried.

“I-...” Maya waited, but what had seemed to be a planned retort, was set aside, Claudine simply shaking her head and smiling at Maya.

Really, Maya must look like a fool to her right now.

“An endearing fool, at least.” Claudine laughed some more at Maya’s shock at being read so easily. “A fool so willing to stay by my difficult self... All this time... willing and waiting.” Claudine sighed, touching her forehead to Maya’s.

Maya’s heart beat strong, a silly smile on her lips. Claudine was right. She was there for her. She always will be. And It wasn’t just Maya. She knew Claudine had many more people by her side. Both then and now.

“Maya?”

“Hmm?”

“Merci.”

Maya grinned, nuzzling her nose against Claudine’s.

“Je vous en prie, Ma Claudine.”

//

“Claudine?”

“Hmm?”

Claudine watched Maya purse her lips, hesitating a moment. Did she need something?

“What is it?”

“Earlier... you mentioned something... I was just curious. You don’t have to answer it or anything!” Maya clarified, a little panicked.

Claudine raised their joined hands, bringing the back of Maya’s to her lips in hopes of calming her. It seemed her plan backfired as Maya turned into more of a mess, if anything. It was cute.

“I- uh.. you see... father? You said...”

Claudine blinked. Then she understood.

“You said something about how your papa was the one you... saw as your father? And I didn’t quite... get that.”

Claudine had almost forgotten about that. Well there was nothing wrong with telling Maya about that. She’d learn eventually, right?

“Right. Um... I had said something about returning to my mother right?” Maya nodded. “But that wasn’t the sole reason. I... my papa isn’t quite my real father. My biological parent... was someone else.” Claudine sighed.

“I... see.” Maya seemed to be thinking hard about it.

“I received news about my mother and had wanted to find work here in Japan... and if I could, apply for a scholarship to keep studying, if possible. But then a letter came, saying that Maman was in the hospital, bills paid, and I was already enrolled in this school. Where all of you were. It was almost miraculous. A dream come true.”

Claudine prodded the crease that had formed on Maya’s forehead, giggling at how adorable she was being.

“Apparently it was, in a sense, a bribe. For me, and for a court that had held a trial against my ‘father’. I was angry, of course. I felt ashamed to be related to such a person, but... it was too good a deal to pass up.”

Claudine felt Maya squeeze her hand, concern written all over her face.

“And that’s it. How I ended up back here.” She smiled. “Thank you, Maya. For listening to all of that.” Claudine leaned forward to place a kiss on her cheek, enjoying the bright red glow of a rarely-seen, shy Tendou Maya.

“O-o-o-of course! A-anytime! You can talk to me anytime, Ma Claudine.” She stuttered out, her free hand touching the spot where Claudine’s lips had been.

Claudine felt her heart skip at the gesture. She already knew that Maya had realized it earlier as she had too;  and that there was something else they needed to talk about. However, she believed they could save that conversation for another day. Preferably, under better circumstances.

“Anyway.” Claudine caught Maya’s attention again, standing up to get ready to leave for the day. “It’s not all that bad.” She then remembered another important detail that she needed to fill Maya in on. “Actually, something good came out of it.”

“Oh? And what is that?” Maya smiled, taking Claudine’s offered hand as the girl helped her up.

“You see-”

“Claudine? Are you here- Oh, there you are!”

A voice cut in to their conversation, the attention of the pair redirected to the new arrival walking her way towards them.

“Thank goodness. I was just looking for you so we could pick up Diana since her classroom is the farthest from- oh.” The white-haired woman halted in her steps, at first only seeing Claudine, late in noticing that she wasn’t alone. “Am I… interrupting something?”

‘Such impeccable timing.’

Claudine didn’t respond to her, instead, she gestured with an open hand to Weiss in hopes this would help Maya process what she was about to say. She should really express her thanks to Weiss later for her amazing assistance. After all, show rather than tell because seeing is believing.

“Tendou Maya.”

The girl perked up, curiosity in her eyes, and some hints of confusion as well.

“It appears as though, as of recent…” Claudine awkwardly chanced a look back and forth between them. “...I’ve acquired myself a pair of sisters.”

…

“Oh.”

A/N: Future (?) Love-interests, Get! Also I will be exposing how Diana’s parents met in the future so calm your horses. Again, sorry this was super late. I promised it 2 weeks months ago but got slammed into a wall of life. Thank you for reading and for the support!

~Shintori Khazumi

[kazoo5480]

Emma woke up, the familiar view of the sun rising over the water and the city outside her window. She smiled; she would miss this view. Her body felt used and sore deep inside. She looked at Killian, asleep on his back, sound asleep.

She quietly tiptoed to the bathroom to brush her teeth and headed to the kitchen to pop in a K cup. She popped open her laptop and placed a delivery for boxes, bubble wrap, and tape.

She heard the water run and sat in the window seat looking down over the street, drinking her coffee. Killian walked out a moment later and looked around. “Hi. Did you sleep ok?” her soft voice rang out, and he noticed her sitting in the window.

He sat down next to her and took the coffee from her, taking a sip, and looked out at her view. The water, people below walking their dogs, runners jogging, men in suits, taxis honking. He smiled and looked at her.

Emma was looking at him curiously, her blonde curls shiny in the morning sun, tucked atop her head. She looked like an angel, he ran his hand over the curve of her cheek, and she smiled at him.

“What do we need to do today?” he asked, his voice still thick with sleep.

Emma smiled at him, his hair was a wreck sticking up at odd angles and she laughed and tried to smooth it. His eyes looked impossibly blue as he gazed at her, awaiting her answer.

“I ordered the packing supplies; it will be here a little later today. I thought we could explore a little” and he nodded yawning.

“Are you feeling, ok?” he asked her.

Her brows pulled together confused. “Uh-huh” and he slid his hand down her thigh to her ass.

“Here too?” he asked seriously, and she bit her lip and nodded.

“Was it ok that I did?” he asked, and she blushed and smiled at him.

“Have you ever…?” he trailed off, and she shook her head.

“Did you like it love?” he asked, and she blushed a deeper pink. “Swan? Don’t be shy my love” he asked her again.

“I did. But because it was you” she said squeaked out, and he smiled and kissed her forehead.

He got up and went to try and find a mug and coffee for himself. He started the machine, and Emma came into the kitchen leaning over the list on the counter, and he came up behind her caressing her gorgeous behind, as his coffee brewed.

“You know love, I would be happy to take you here whenever you want” he said kissing her neck and smirking into her skin, his hands lightly squeezing her ass.

She looked at him, “Have you done that before? With other women?” she asked.

His ears went red, “I, uh, a few times, but nothing like last night. I haven’t done that before with my hands” he said. Emma nodded, her cheeks pink.

He cupped her neck with his thumbs tracing over her jaw. “Emma, nothing I have done in my past even comes close to what we do love.”

She looked at him, and the blush crept down her neck to her chest. He wrapped his arms around her waist rubbing circles on her lower back, “Every time with you Emma, it feels like you’re sinking into my skin a little deeper every time. Sometimes I can’t even tell where I begin, and you end,”  she looked up at him in awe.

“I never tried it before. I bet it would hurt” she said quietly. “It’s not like you have a small dick either Jones,” she said and buried her face in his chest embarrassed.

He smiled against her hair, “Emma, I would never hurt you, or do something to hurt you in our bed love. If you wanted it, I would make sure you weren’t hurt at all” he murmured into her hair.

“Do you want that?” she asked him quietly.

He smiled, “I will take whatever you want, if that was a one-time thing last night, then I do not care in the slightest. But if you want me to fuck that gorgeous arse of yours, then I would absolutely love filling it” he smirked at her wickedly, and she rolled her eyes.

“Oh my god!” she said completely mortified. “Just answer me Killian!”

He nodded, “I would absolutely love to fuck your lovely arse, Emma. I love every inch of you, I don’t find it disgusting or a turnoff. It is you and me in our bed, there is nothing shameful about us in our bed, and wanting something from me, or I from you is nothing to be shameful over” he said kissing her forehead before he stepped to grab his coffee.

Emma felt like her face was on fire. “Is that something you enjoy? To be done to you I mean” she asked.

“I have never done it, so I can’t say I would or wouldn’t enjoy it. Is that something you want to try?” he asked her without any shame at all.

She eyed him, “Maybe. I’ll think about it, I would worry that I would hurt you.”

He nodded, “I have heard that prostate stimulation provides quite the release for men,” he said seriously and smiled at her.

“I could ask August,” she said.

“NO!” he all but shouted. “Our bedroom, our business. I love you, and I understand August is a package deal with you but no Swan. I do not want you to ask August about prostates or anything regarding my arse” he said, and she burst into laughter.

“Ok, ok. I won’t ask August how to give you a mind-blowing orgasm even though he would know” she said still giggling.

“Fuck, you’re adorable,” he said and kissed her. “I am incredibly lucky to have you, I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I am a right lucky bastard,” he said kissing her again before he sipped his coffee.

Emma looked at the clock, it was only nine. She walked down the hall and opened her closet and pulled down some boxes and bags and began looking through her drawers. August had cleaned out the majority of her dresser already, but the closet was still full.

She found her stickies and started walking through the rest of the apartment, Killian sitting in the window drinking his coffee still people watching. She placed stickies on pictures, her books. She stopped at her punching bag.

Killian walked over to her where she was looking. “Bring it” he said, and she looked at him curiously.

“Where will we put it? The loft isn’t some massive space” she said.

He circled her waist and placed his chin on her shoulder. “So, I will build you an area for all this stuff, in the back room of the shop, hell I will give you the office if you want it,” he said and kissed her neck.

“What about all this kitchen stuff?” she asked. “Well, bring the Keurig,” he said, and she laughed, “but I think we can donate the rest unless you want it, then we will donate mine,” he said. “Oh, bring your pasta pot,” he said.

“It’s cute that you think I own a pasta pot” and she laughed at him, and he chuckled.

“So, what do we need to bring?” he asked. She looked around. The art from my room and in here, my clothes, toiletries, I will leave cleaning supplies behind. We need to donate the kitchen stuff. Do you want the towels and linens, or should we just get new ones?” she trailed off.

Killian was grinning at her, “what?” she asked.

He shook his head, “nothing love. We can get new linens if you like, bathroom towels, whatever your heart desires. We can pick them out while we buy a new pasta pot” and she laughed.

She pulled up donation sites on her phone, “hey, there is a donation center a few blocks over, we can drop that stuff off last on our way back home” she said absentmindedly strolling around the room.

Killian’s heart somersaulted in his chest, she called Storybrooke home, she just did it without thinking about it. Her phone rang, she smiled and hit the speaker.

“Hey,” she said.

“Morning sunshine” August’s voice rang out. “Did you forgive Jones?” he asked.

She took him off speakerphone, “We talked, everything is fine. I can’t believe you told him to feed me” she said.

Whatever he said in response had Emma leaving the room. Killian was nervous, if he pissed off August, then there were going to be problems. He and Emma were a packaged deal, and Killian genuinely liked the man. He would never want to be at odds with him.

Emma came back in and handed him her phone “he wants to speak to you” she said and handed the phone to him.

“Morning August,” he said.

“Jones. I need a favor from you while you are in town. I need you to pick something up for me, and I will get it from you when I come see you guys.”

“What is it?” Killian asked, and Emma looked at him concerned.

“A gift for Emma, so you will need to ditch her to get it.”

“Ok, sure.” He said, and he shook his head at Emma.

“I will text you the details and let them know you’re coming. Text me when you are on your way there before you guys head out of the city” he said.

Killian nodded, “Sure mate. Hey before we donate all Emma’s kitchen, do you want anything?” he asked redirecting Emma’s attention.

“The Keurig” and Killian laughed.

“It’s already claimed, sorry” and August sighed “put me on speaker.”

“What do you want August?” Emma asked while she was pulling shoeboxes down.

“You should probably pull the menagerie of dildos out of your nightstand and give them some use Em” and cackled hanging up abruptly.

Emma’s face reddened, “what an asshole” she laughed.

Killian immediately went to her nightstand opening the drawer and his jaw dropped. “It’s like an arsenal of sex toys Swan,” he said pulling out one peculiarly shaped one.

Emma snatched it out of his hands, “I hate him” she said.

“Now, now Swan. Let’s not be so rash. There are a lot of items in this treasure chest that I do believe we can make use of love” he said still looking through it.

Emma laid face down on her bed, “I wish the floor would swallow me whole” she said muffled by the blankets.

Killian stopped, “Swan, have you ever used these with anyone?” and she looked up and shook her head.

“No, why?” she asked.

He nodded and leaned over her. “Good, we can keep them all then” and hooked his fingers under her shorts and pulled them down her legs. He grabbed the peculiar-shaped one and a tube of lubricant.

“I think we should test this one, make sure the batteries are still operational” he said smirking at her.

Emma’s pupils dilated, and she bit her lip. “You want to watch me?” she asked, and he nodded eagerly, his tongue darting out to wet his lips.

She lifted up pulling her tank top off and was completely bared to his gaze, her nipples hardening in the morning light that filtered through the windows.

Emma reached over grabbing the lube out of his hand, and took some of it, lubricating the longer end of it, and handed him something, he looked down at it curiously.

“It’s the remote,” she said, and he grinned wickedly at her.

“Now I like that very much,” he said totally turned on that he would control her pleasure.

“Want to help me warm up?” She asked coyly, her eyes practically glowing.

“With pleasure,” he said kissing her, guiding her to lay flat on her back. He placed open mouth kissing, dragging them down her neck sucking lightly.

Glancing up at her, her green eyes darkened in lust. He continued his descent and his tongue darted out to tease that perfect bundle of nerves as he kept his eyes on hers.

He inhaled the scent of her and licked a stripe up her cunt with the flat of his tongue, and she moaned. He grabbed the toy, using it to tease her entrance which earned him a louder moan from Emma’s parted lips. Emma took the toy from his hand and inserted it, he watched in fascination as it disappeared inside her.

“I want to watch you get off on watching me” she panted, and he raised his eyes back to hers. He grabbed the remote and leaned over her, sucking each nipple into his mouth wetly, before licking across her lips.

“Ready love?” and she nodded. He switched it on and heard the faint vibrating noise, and Emma’s hips bucked. Killian pulled his pants down and fisted his cock tightly. He swiped the precum leaking out of his tip and offered his finger to Emma sucked it into her mouth and released his digit with a smirk.

He swallowed thickly, “bloody hell” he croaked out.

Emma reached her hands up, kneading her breasts and pulling her nipples. He increased the speed on the toy by one, and she cried out, her thighs trembling. Killian was so turned on, he pumped and gripped himself hard, making sure to keep his eyes on Emma and not miss a single thing.

Her eyes were on his cock, watching as he rubbed himself. “Do you like watching me love?” he asked her in a strained voice, and she nodded.

“You’re the most glorious thing I have ever bloody seen my love,” he said, feeling his sac pull tightly. Killian was working himself up too quickly and slowed his pace despite wanting to blow his load all over her perfect tits.

He hit the remote two notches and Emma arched her back and neck, her blonde curls escaping their confine, and fanning out tangled over her dark pillow. She was biting down on her bottom lip watching him touch himself. 

He was regretting this plan, he wanted to feel Emma come all over his cock, he wanted to fill her up with his cum and be the reason she fell apart.

He stopped rubbing himself, he just lightly caressed the head of his cock, stroking his desire but not allowing himself a release. He turned the toy up another notch and Emma screamed, her hand reaching for him.

He knelt closer to her, licking into her mouth, plucking at her nipples, and her hands slid into his hair as her hips thrashed, her pleasure was coming too fast.

“Emma, I can’t” he growled and turned the toy off. She looked startled and he swiftly removed the toy and pulled her up on her knees and gently pushed her forward onto her hands, her ass in the air.

He rubbed her cheeks and slapped them lightly and she moaned. He grabbed the lube and smeared some on his fingers. He lined his cock up and surged forward, eliciting a cry from Emma.

“Love, can I touch you here?” he asked rubbing over her ass, she stilled for a moment and nodded.

He rubbed the lube over his fingers warming it and kept pumping into her. Emma felt his thumb caress her ass, and she willed herself to calm down. His thick cock dragging in and out of her, she was already so worked up, and she felt him push his thumb into her ass slowly. It was like an assault on all of her senses.

“Oh god” she cried, her nails gripping the sheets, and Killian’s fingers dug into her hip as he plunged into her at a punishing pace.

“Killian, I need you to slow down! Babe, I am going to come!”

“Grip me, Emma, clench that perfect cunt around my cock and take it all” he said.

She felt it coming, an onslaught of pleasure building faster and faster inside of her. His thumb in her ass made her feel deliciously full.

“God I can feel my cock inside your perfect cunt Em,” he pushed and pulled his thumb quicker but still gentle, and he changed the position of it. He could feel his cock through her thin wall, and his thumb made her cunt only feel tighter around him.

“Emma love” he growled out, and he rammed into her stilling his hips as he pumped his thump gently in and out of her ass, she screamed as her orgasm washed through her, her ass clenching his thumb, and her cunt gripping his dick so tightly that his orgasm spilled into her in long jets.

“Bloody hell,” he said, and Emma was breathing hard, her head on the bed, her arms had given out. He slid his thumb out slowly, and she moaned at the loss of it. He smirked at that.

He went to the bathroom and washed his hands, grabbing a cloth and wetting it to clean her up. He was gentle as he wiped her, her body jerked a little as he ran it over her clit and wiped between her thighs.

“Are you alright love?” he asked lying next to her, and she nodded. He rubbed her back lightly, as she came down from her high.

“Wow,” she said eyeing him, and he nodded.

“Did that hurt, love?” he asked her, and she shook her head, and he grinned.

“I felt like you were everywhere, I can’t describe it” she said biting her lip.

“Good,” he said and kissed her shoulder.

“Why did you take the toy out?” she asked him, her green eyes sparkling.

“Because I couldn’t handle watching you come from a toy, and not on my cock” he said darkly, and she giggled.

“You’re hopeless Jones. So should we toss the drawer?”

He looked horrified, “DEFINITELY NOT!” he lightly smacked her ass, and she laughed at him.

Emma rolled to her side, her breathing slowing down. She took a moment to sit herself up, thankful that he wiped her down, so she didn’t get everything dirty.

“Alright Jones, we had our fun. I need to see where the delivery guy is at with the boxes” she said, rolling up and throwing on a pretty sundress and some panties. He just sat there dazed by her, and she kneeled next to him.

“You done ogling, and ready to help?” she said kissing his cheek and he rolled onto his back and pulled her to his chest as she giggled, and he peppered her cheeks and lips with kisses.

“As you wish” and got up, throwing his pants and tee shirt back on. Emma shook her head at him and started pulling shoes out and stacking them. She pulled a pair of tall black suede boots out, and those caught his attention.

“Thigh-high boots love?” he said, mental images flooding his brain and he felt all the blood rush south.

Emma smirked at him, “If you don’t help pack Killian, we are never getting home” she said slapping him in his arm where she knew he wasn’t bruised.

“Oi, hitting the invalid? Bad form Swan” he said, and she rolled her eyes at him.

He knelt down next to her, “Go out with me tonight” he said. Emma looked at him with sparkling eyes and kissed him. “Okay,” she said.

Killian got up, and went through the apartment, removing all the artwork Emma had tagged and laying them carefully on the couch for wrapping. He popped into her room, “do you have spackle?” and she shook her head.

“We can get some while we are out” and the door buzzer rang. She hopped up and pulled open the door. A young man came in carrying large

rolls of bubble wrap, boxes, and packing tape. Killian watched the young man take in Emma’s appearance, and definitely her lack of bra. 

He cleared his throat, Emma looked at him confused and finished signing the receipt. The young man left quickly and threw Killian a sheepish look.

“What did I miss?” she asked him. He shrugged, “nothing of consequence” and grabbed the bubble wrap. Emma grabbed some boxes and began assembling them in her room. 

Packing her shoes, folding clothes, and she looked at the clock, it was nearly one. She went out to find Killian, and he was just finishing wrapping her photos.

“Let’s go get lunch,” she said, and he nodded.

He strolled toward her, “I need a shower. Care to join me?” he said running his hand down her arms.

She smiled, “Just a shower” and he nodded. “I can live with that for now” he said and led her to the bathroom.

Killian dressed in jeans a soft tee shirt and ballcap, and Emma came out of the bathroom with makeup on, and a white sundress that was to her feet, her hair braided. 

He swallowed thickly, the vision of her in a white dress doing something to him on a level he hadn’t experienced before.

She grabbed a purse, and her sunglasses, and turned toward him smiling. What?” she asked.

He shook his head, “Nothing love. You look terrific” he said.

Emma smiled up at him, “Come on, I know the perfect place to take you” she said.

They got to the lobby, and she whistled for a cab. Killian was surprised she could whistle that loudly, but nothing about her truly shocked him. Emma Swan was an absolute marvel, his marvelous treasure.

Emma directed the cabbie to “Seaport district please”, and Killian looked out the window smiling, looking out at the city breezing past them. She gave him an address and they arrived there shortly.

Emma swiped her card in the holder and thanked the man, leading Killian toward something resembling a seafood shack. “The barking Crab” he said laughing at the name and she nodded.

“I love their Mussels,” she said, and he nodded taking her hand and leading her inside.

They opted to sit outside next to the Channel on the patio. He looked around, taking it all in and Emma smiled watching him looking at every little thing. “DO you like it?” she asked.

He smiled at her, “I do. So, what’s good here?” he asked.

“Everything. But I don’t know what your plans for dinner are” she said.

“I was going to take us to a seafood place, but I don’t mind eating seafood all day and night, it is my favorite,” he said, and she nodded.

Their waitress appeared and Emma ordered beers for them and rattled off about 4 different items. Killian was distracted watching the boats and all the people walking along the waterway.

“I can see why you like it here,” he said still watching everything.

Emma squeezed his hand on the tabletop. “It’s been my home for a long time, but this will always be here, we can visit whenever we want. I want you to be home, ok?” she said, and he looked at her with an impish smile and nodded.

“I promise I will bring you back often love” and she smiled agreeing.

Killian was amazed at the order, mussels steamed in wine, crab legs, hunks of lobster with butter and garlic sauce, and some kind of delicious roasted potatoes. 

They ate and talked. Laughing, and pointing at people as they walked by, he gazed at her often, looking so carefree and happy, their jokes felt like inside jokes just between them.

Killian knew this was it, she was it for him. He listened as Emma told him a ridiculous story about August and an idea, he had to try digging for clams on a weekend trip they took once, and how he sliced his foot wide open on a razor clam, bleeding all over the sand.

He liked hearing her happy memories, he hoped this weekend would be one of many for them, minus their argument. Their Waitress offered to take a photo of them, their first together he thought smiling.

They finished up their lunch and walked along the waterway, and when four o’clock rolled around Emma hailed a cab to take them home.

He remembered he needed to get Augusts' package, and they did need spackle for the nail holes, so he made a small list and grabbed the green keys telling Emma he was running to the store for that. 

He dialed Augusts' cell, and he picked up immediately.

“This better be a friendly call Jones,” he said.

“I am running out, text me the address and I will pick up your stuff while I am out” Killian said.

“Ok, I will call and let them know you are coming. Ask to see Marco” he said.

“This isn’t anything illegal, is it?” Killian asked seriously.

August barked out a laugh, “no Jones. Just a gift for Em, but she can’t see it, so you need to pack it away where she won’t find it before her birthday” he said.

Killian smiled, “ok. Ill text you when I have it” he replied.

“You may see something there that you like too,” he said cryptically.

“I will text you later,” Killian said, and he heard a man in the background. “August is everything ok?” he asked.

“Yah, yah Jones. I will talk to you soon.” Killian heard someone distinctly call August “babe” before the phone cut out. Did August have someone that he was seeing? He shook the thought off, it was none of his business. 

He hailed a cab giving the address and was brought to a small shopfront.

Killian paid for the cab and stepped out, the front door of the shop open, and he smiled. A jewelry store, he shook his head and walked inside.

An older man was seated on a stool, glasses perched low on his nose, and he looked up noticing Killian. “You must be Jones,” he said with a slight accent.

 Killian nodded and extended his hand, “Killian Jones. August Booth sent me here” he said a little unsure.

The man nodded and got up disappearing into the back room of the store. He came out with a wrapped package setting it down in front of him.

It was not small, but too large for their suitcase, he would need to wrap it and hide it in a moving box, he thought.

Marco eyed him, “is there something else you might care to see Killian?” the man asked.

Killian looked up at him and scanned the store. “Maybe” and he turned to walk along with the cases. He stopped in front of the case, spotting something. 

His heart racing, blood pounding through him, “can I see that one” he pointed, and Marco smiled and nodded, opening the case, and bringing the tray out. He grabbed a velvet cloth, and Killian pointed.

Marco held it up, “I see you have exquisite taste my boy” and Killian swallowed. “May I?” and Marco handed it to him with the cloth wrapped around the base.

Killian looked down, it was perfect, he smiled. “Emma would be very lucky” he said quietly to Killian.

Killian swallowed. “Um, I am not sure, you see we haven’t been together with all that long, I don’t know if it would be a wise choice” he stammered.

Marco nodded and took it back from him. “How about I put this on hold, and remove it from the floor, I will give you 30 days. You can call me, and if you want it, I will take installments if you wish” he said knowingly.

Killian swallowed, “How much is it?” he asked.

“Forty. But for Emma, Thirty” Marco said taking it back and tucking it safely inside of a velvet box and setting it on the counter.

Killian swallowed, “Uh, yeah. Um, do you have a card I can take with me?” he asked, and Marco slid one to him.

“How about we look over here my boy” and Marco led Killian across to necklaces, and bracelets. He scanned the case, and Marco pulled out a few trays.

“Emma is simple, she doesn’t wear a lot of jewelry,” he said, and Marco nodded knowingly. “Do you know her?” Killian asked the man.

Marco smiled at him, “very well actually. August and she both worked here in their younger days” he said.

Killian smiled at that, “well, what do you think would be most appropriate?” he asked.

Marco lifted a pendant, it was a circle, on a gold chain. “Very simple” Marco said, “perfect for Emma,” he said. Killian knew she would like it, so he nodded, and Marco rang it up, and wrapped it for him. The box small enough to fit in his pocket.

“It was a pleasure my boy” Marco grinned and shook Killian’s hand.

“Thank you, I uh, I will be in touch. Just don’t mention it to August please” and Marco nodded.

Killian headed out, and Marco’s voice rang out “She would be very lucky” he smiled at Killian, and Killian nodded heading out of the store in a daze, with Augusts' package tucked under his arm. 

He hailed a cab rattling off an address to a hardware store near Emma’s apartment and thought about the ring the entire drive until the cab came to a stop.

He got out, and grabbed what they needed, and asked for a paper bag so he could stash Augusts' box in it without Emma spotting it. He shot a text off to August, and he didn’t respond as he made his way into Emma’s building.

Emma was laying on the couch out of his sight when he came in, and he quickly set the bag on the counter, noticing her books and photos all wrapped and boxed.

“Emma?” He called out, and she popped up scaring him.

“Hey, where have you been?” She asked smiling.  

“I went to the hardware store on my google app, talked to a nice old man for quite a while,” he said, it wasn’t a lie he thought.

Emma smiled at him, “Well the closet is packed, out here, and the bathroom except for a few things we need out for two days. Should we start loading the truck?” she asked, and he nodded.

Killian grabbed the paper bag and headed to the bedroom, ten boxes neatly labeled were stacked up, and he saw a few lefts. He quickly slid the present for Emma in their suitcase and took August’s wrapping it in bubble wrap and shoved it into one of the boxes.

Emma appeared in the doorway, “What time is our reservation?” she asked startling him.

“I made it for 8:00, I wasn’t sure how long this would take” and she nodded at him.

“How about you go grab the elevator, and I will start bringing these out to it, just hold it until they are all inside” he said, and she nodded slipping her sandals on.

He began lifting all the boxes out and depositing them in the elevator while Emma stood there holding it open, texting on her phone. 

He grabbed her photographs and carefully leaned them against the wall as they descended to the garage. Emma unlocked the car, and he began loading it.

“I will grab your bag last before we leave,” he said to her, and she nodded looking in the car.

“You were right, maybe I had more than I thought,” she said smiling and he put his arm around her neck pulling her close.

“Told you” and kissed her with a smacking kiss.

They headed back in, and Emma looked around her apartment. “You got spackle?��� she asked him, and he nodded, walking to the bedroom, and handed it to her. 

“Sit, I got it,” he said, and she laid on the couch on her phone while he walked through filling tiny nail holes.

“How long did you leave here for Swan?” he called out from the hallway. “Three years,” she said, and he was surprised. “Did August live in Boston too?” he asked.

“For two, not with me, but just a block away. Canada is the furthest he has ever been from me” she said.

Killian nodded and filled the last holes, the pink spackle already drying white in some spots. “So, your punching bag, our suitcase, and maybe one more box?” he asked her, and she scanned the room, making sure nothing was left.

“Yep, and the kitchen stuff for donation. I called for a pickup of that though while you were out, they will be here Monday morning” she said, and he nodded.

He collapsed in an armchair, and she smiled. “Thank you for your help” she said.

He smiled, “I would do this ten times if that were what it would take love” he said.

Emma laughed and nodded, getting up to head toward the bedroom. “Babe, what’s the name of the restaurant?” she called out to him.

“Mastro's Ocean Club,” he said glancing at the app on his phone. He heard Emma let out a whistle as she walked down the hall towards him. She plopped on his lap and kissed his cheek.

“That is very pricey sir,” she said. “We can go somewhere less expensive, that place is like Rockefeller expensive” and he smiled at her.

“Em, it is fine, we aren’t eating there every day, love. Let’s go get dressed up and have a fancy dinner” he said bopping her nose.

She frowned, “Did you bring a dinner jacket?” and he laughed, “I did actually. I looked it up and booked it before we left” and she looked surprised.

“Alrighty then!” She said laughing at him. She stayed curled up on his lap for a little while, until he shifted her.

“My legs are numb Swan,” he said kissing her hair.

She stretched out and rolled to the floor, the rug softening her fall. Killian laughed at her, and she smiled watching him rub the blood back into his legs. 

He rolled to the floor next to her and swept her hair back off her face, and leaned over her to kiss her.

“You taste like garlic,” he said, and she laughed.

“So do you, but I don’t mind” and they laid there making out like teenagers on the rug for a while. Killian finally rolled to the side and glanced at the clock. “You need time to get ready?” he asked her, and she nodded as she sat up.

“I am hopping in the shower,” he said, and she went to her closet looking at the choices she left out. She had two dresses that might suffice, it was a short black leather dress that she loved, and she had left out her tall black heels.

She heard Killian in the shower and turned on her curling wand, laying out all her makeup on her dresser.

She walked out to call August, and he picked up right away.

“Hey, sunshine,” he said.

“Hi. I miss you” she whined.

August laughed at her, “How is everything, all patched up?” he asked.

“Yep. We went to lunch, and we are going to dinner in a bit. What are you up to?” she asked as she flipped through her menu drawer, gathering them all up to toss.

“Ah, not much. I finished the wire fraud case, and I am having dinner with a friend myself” he said.

Emma dropped the menus, “Are you going on a date!” She asked excitedly and he laughed.

“You could say that,” he said cryptically.

“August! I want to know everything! Please?” she begged.

“His name is Scott, and this is our 4th or 5th date, right?” he called out and Emma nearly dropped the phone. “He is in your apartment with you, like right now!” she squealed.

August laughed, “You’re on speaker Em,” he said, “Be good.”

“Scott, what is your last name, and Hi, I’m Emma, and are you guys in a relationship?” She said quickly hearing August sigh.

A deep voice came out, “Hi Emma, I have heard a lot about you. I am Scott Wilson, I work in IT, and yes I like to think Auggie, and I are in a relationship” he said.

Emma was speechless and burst into laughter. “Auggie! OH MY GOD, You will never be August ever again! Thank you so much Scott!” she laughed, and August took her off speakerphone, “Why?!” he was chastising Scott who appeared to be laughing.

“No way duckling, you will never be calling me that, or I will disown you” he said.

“Aw Auggie you can’t give your sister back” she teased.

“I hate you,” he said without malice.

“I know Auggie, but it will be ok. So, when you come to see us, you will be bringing Scott too right?” she said practically bouncing in her seat.

She could practically hear Augusts' eyes roll through the phone, “Perhaps” he said. “Now go enjoy your dinner with Jones,” he said.

“Finnnnnnneeeee” She whined, “wait! I have a question” and she thought to Killian’s refusal of her to ask August anything bedroom-related.

“Actually, never mind, I got it” and August laughed.

“Love you,” he said.

“Bye Scott! Love you Auggie” she singsonged and he hung up on her.

She sat there laughing, and Killian came out in a towel, “What’s so funny love?”

Emma stood up, “August has a boyfriend! I just caught them; his name is Scott. I need my laptop” and she rushed toward her bed grabbing it, pulling up a website, and Killian watched her start typing in the man’s information.

“Em, come on love. Don’t run a check on him” and she glared at him. “Auggie did one on you, fair is fair” she shrugged, and Killian laughed shaking his head. “You two are completely mental.”

“Ah-ha! Got you!” she said and pulled his address, tax information, ID, and a whole slew of other things.

“OH MY GOD” she exclaimed, and Killian leaned down.

“What?” he asked, “Em this feels wrong love, the man deserves privacy.”

She kept looking and clicked. “He has a Facebook page!” She began looking through all his photos until Killian pushed the lid of her laptop down.

“Love, please go get ready and leave the man alone,” he said softly.

Emma rolled onto her back, and looked up at him pouting, “But” and Killian dropped his towel, leaning between her legs.

“I suggest you go get ready love, or I am going to keep you here in this bed, and your thoughts off the person in August's life, by force if I have to” and he smirked at her, licking the seam of her lips. She felt him harden against her leg, “Okay! Let me up!” he laughed and rolled off her.

She went into the bathroom and tried to get her thoughts on tonight, on Killian, and tonight. Tomorrow she wanted to take him to a ballgame at Fenway, as a surprise, and she needed to focus. She applied her makeup a little heavier than usual, and her hair perfectly curled.

She stepped out and Killian was out in the living room watching tv, and she noticed her laptop missing. She glanced at the clock and pulled out her surprise for him. She stepped into the bathroom with them and her dress.

She put her pretty black lace set up, and her garter belt. She carefully rolled up her thigh highs, clipping them into place, and took a look at herself. She smirked, he would not know what hit him she thought, and pulled her dress on, Zipping it up.

She came out and slid her heels on, and grabbed her favorite clutch, putting necessities in there. She strolled out to the living room where Killian was waiting for her, and his jaw dropped.

“Hi,” she said, and his Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed. “Wow” is all he could manage.

He walked toward her wrapping his arms around her waist and looked down at her shoes. “Always such impractical footwear,” he said smiling against her lips.

“I know, but I like these” and he smiled at her.

“you look good enough to eat love, and his fingertips skirted the edge of her dress. Emma quickly pushed his hands away, “Nope! Food Jones, you promised me a date” she said smirking and he nodded and grabbed his jacket off the hook by the door. “Do you need anything else before we leave?” and she shook her head pushing the elevator button.

Killian caged her against the wall with his arms, nuzzling her neck. “You are going to drive me absolutely mad,” he said lightly nipping her pulse point.

“That’s the point,” she said and pecked him quickly.

Emma whistled for a cab, and let Killian get in first. She didn’t want him catching a glimpse of her surprise for him, and grinned. When they arrived at the restaurant, he paid for the cab and led her inside, his hand warm on the small of her back, her blood pumping through her.

She had to try to not grin or react to his touch and keep herself presentable in a place like this. They were seated at their table and Killian chose a bottle of wine.

Emma smiled at him; he was really going all out to impress her. “You know I am a sure thing Jones, no need to break the bank,” she said sliding her fingers deliberately up and down her wine glass and looking at him watching the movement.

Killian swallowed, almost choking on his wine as he listened to her words. “You deserve a fancy night out Swan, wined, dined, maybe even sixty-nined if you play your cards right love,” he said smirking. What he was not expecting what to feel Emma’s foot stroke up his leg. He looked at her, trying to keep his face impassive, and she smirked mischievously.

He grabbed her ankle surprising her, “Careful love, you’re playing with fire” he said lowly, his cock stiff in his pants, and Emma blew him a kiss.

“I think I can handle that Jones,” she said, and he took a deep breath, trying to calm his dick down. The waiter by some merciful god appeared, and placed their plates before them, giving them the interruption, he needed. He wanted desperately to give her the necklace, but he would wait until dessert.

He looked down at his plate, and an artful arrangement of seafood sat before him, and he smiled at Emma. She looked a little overwhelmed by her plate of crab legs, and the crackers, they really were barking crab casual people with beers and laughter over silly jokes. He smiled at her, the thought warming his heart, and began to eat, smirking as Emma called the waiter over to crack the legs and bring them back.

He laughed at her, “Why on earth would you order that if you didn’t know how to crack them?” She smiled and shrugged, “in a place like this I assumed they would at least pre-crack them for me” and smiled again as the waiter placed her plate back down.

They talked about all kinds of things, they decided to paint the bedroom in the loft, Emma asked if there was room for a bench in his shower, and he nodded. They were making plans to travel away for weekends, and it was just surprisingly easy to picture.

The waiter cleared their plates, and Emma started to say something before she was handed a dessert menu. “I am happy we are doing this, I really am” she said, and he cocked an eyebrow confused. “Us, a life, I didn’t know I wanted it so badly, but I guess I just needed to find you,” she said, and her cheeks turned pink.

He smiled, and reached into his coat, “I got you something today” and he slid the velvet box towards her, her eyes widening. She looked at him curiously, and he nodded “go on, open it” and he noticed her hands shake slightly.

She popped open the lid, and she smiled big and wide. She got up out of her chair and leaned down to kiss him in front of the whole restaurant.

“I love you,” she said and kissed him one last time returning to her seat. She held the circle up and looked at it. “It is beautiful Killian, I love it” she said with a little awe in her voice.

He blushed and nodded.

“When did you find the time?” she asked, and his ears turned pink she noticed.

“When I went out today, I passed by a store that caught my eye and I just wanted to get you something” he said.

She unclasped it, and asked, “would you help me?” and he got up swiftly and clasped it for her.

The waiter stopped by and smiled at them, “Dessert?” and she nodded, “but please pack it to go,” she said, and the waiter took her order and scurried away.

Killian looked at her and she smiled, shrugging at him. “We can have dessert later” she said, and he grinned at her laughing. “Too right you are, my love.”

They made out like teenagers in the back of the cab, Emma kept pushing his hands away from the hem of her dress, and the cabbie was probably scandalized by their behavior.

They made it to the elevator before Killian dropped the dessert and pushed her against the wall of the elevator. He was finally able to slide his hands successfully up her dress. He stopped and pulled back, lifting her dress up, his pupils blown wide, and Emma bit her lip.

“Surprise,” she said, and he hoisted her over his shoulder as the elevator opened. He unlocked her door, practically sprinting to her room. He removed her shoes, dropping them along the hallway, and set her down on the soft carpet.

She turned away and he slid the zipper of her dress down, and she turned back to him. Her fingers sliding his coat off and unbuttoning his dress shirt. He toed his shoes off and tore his pants and socks off.

Emma pushed him to sit on the edge of the bed, and slowly removed her dress, her arms sliding out of each hole, and slowly peeling it down her until it dropped on the floor.

Killian’s eyes were nearly pitch black with desire, his tongue licking over his lips as he took in the sight of her surprise.

“Bloody Christ Emma, have you been wearing this all night?” he asked, and she bit her lip nodding.

Killian drank in the sight before him, she was a bloody goddess. Black sheer stockings, a lacy garter belt, and a matching bra and panty set he hadn’t seen before. He stood up and picked her up, her legs going around his waist, and he smiled as he laid her back on the bed.

He stood there looking at her perched on her elbows looking at him, waiting for him to make a move. He grabbed his pants, “Can I take a picture of you love?” she hesitated and nodded. He got the camera up and she tipped her head back and spread her legs. Snap, Snap, Snap.

He walked around the bed taking pictures of her at different angles. Emma smirked and laughed in some, he captured her perfectly.

“Killian stop!” she said pouting and he threw his phone to the floor and leaned over her.

“Sorry love, something so perfect needs to be captured” he said weaving his hand into her curls and kissing her deeply, angling her head with his hand.

He kissed down her neck, his hand snapping the garters against her skin, and she gasped at the sensation. He smirked against her skin doing it again, working his way down, kissing the tops of her breasts, sucking, and licking her soft skin.

Emma had never felt so desired in her entire life, it was an intoxicating feeling. His lips and tongue lavishing over her heated skin, desire pooling between her legs as he kissed his way further down her toward the apex of her thighs.

She gasped as he snapped the garter straps against her skin, surprising her. She felt his warm breath over her clit through the sheer panties, and his nose nuzzled against her. She moaned at the small contact.

“Gods you smell divine love” and he licked her through her panties. It was so much, and not enough. His hands rubbed up and down her legs, squeezing her skin and toying with her.

She was surprised when he unhooked the garter belt from her stockings, and slid her panties down, refastening the belts to her stockings. She smirked at him, “You want them on?”

He spread her thighs wider, bending her knees up on the bed, and lowered himself to just above her clit. “You look too delicious love, I am going to devour every inch of you” he said darkly, and he began lapping at her clit, his thumbs spreading her folds apart. Her head dropped back to the bed and her neck arched as he plunged his tongue inside her, fucking her with his mouth.

“Oh god” she moaned, her fingers scraping against his scalp, and he moaned against her cunt. He was drinking in every drop of her arousal; she was so wet, it was intoxicating. Her scent, her arousal, he felt drunk on her. He tucked two fingers inside her, continuing to lap at her, and curled them, thrusting, and rubbing her just right.

Emma squeezed her tits, pinching her nipples through the lace as Killian swiped over that spot with just the right amount of pressure. Her orgasm was rolling through her limbs, her veins crackling in anticipation as he sucked her clit into his mouth and she screamed, her hips bucking, her hands clenching the sheets as it tore through her with fury.

Killian brought her down gently and laid beside her. He pulled her above him, steadying her hips as he lowered her onto his thick length. Emma moaning deeply as he filled her up. She leaned back on one arm slightly, the angle allowing that last little bit of his cock to slip inside her.

“Fucking Christ Emma” he bit out, his tongue swiping over his lips, tasting her there. She began to move, to lift her hips, up and down his length fucking him with a hurried purpose. He leaned up, his arms under hers pulling her down on his cock hard and deep.

He groaned as he hit the bottom of her cunt, her walls so hot, and tight. She cried out, her nails digging into his skin, as she tried to keep her rhythm steady. His eyes nearly rolled back in his head when she squeezed him like a vice, sliding up and down him.

Killian gripped her hair and pulled her closer, pushing deeper inside of her. His lips bruising hers in hard kisses. “I am going to come Emma” he growled and bit down at the junction of her neck and shoulder” and she went faster, harder, and he could feel that spot deep inside her with the tip of his cock.

He held her tight, intent on bringing her with him when he felt her walls pulse around him, and he thrust up into her harder, and she gripped him as her body began to shake.

“Oh god” she screamed, and he let go, his cum filling her as he continued thrusting himself into her, emptying himself inside of her.

Emma gripped onto him as she came again, feeling every lash of cum hit her deep inside, she sagged against his sweaty chest. His head buried in her chest, his hands gripping her hips still. 

He pulled back to look at her, he pushed her sweaty curls off of her face and pulled her into a kiss. “I’m not done with you yet love,” he said lifting her off of him, flipping her onto her stomach.

He wrapped his arm under her stomach hauling her up to her knees and bent her forward. He dragged his hand through the cum leaking out of her, smearing it over her puckered hole.

“Emma, can I?” he asked.

She looked over her shoulder at him and nodded. He reached over and grabbed the tube of lube on the nightstand and warmed her up by using his finger. “Relax love, I won’t hurt you” and he felt the tight ring relax a fraction allowing him entry.

He slid his index finger in slowly, her back arched and she groaned. “It’s ok love, I will go slow, I promise Emma” and her head dipped down to the mattress.

He gently slid it in and out and squirted the lube over his dick, coating himself thickly, bringing his cock to full attention as he continued pushing his finger in and out. He squirted some over her ass, pushing it in with his finger, loosening her up, slipping in a second finger. She moaned at the entry.

Killian went slow, slightly scissoring his fingers, feeling her soft tissues relaxing. Emma was lightly rocking her hips into his hand, and he smiled. He knelt up and brought the tip of his dick to her hole, removing his fingers quickly and replacing them with the head of his cock.

Emma cried out softly at the different feeling, her mind in a million places, as she tried to focus on Killian’s reassuring coos. She felt the tip of his cock slip in, “oh god” she moaned biting her lip.

Killian rubbed her lower back with his hand, gently rocking himself into her ass gently, and she felt him inch in further. She felt him add more lube, spreading it around her, and he slid in further.

Killian looked down, watching as his dick slid further into her perfect ass. The tight muscles clenching him tightly, he bit down on his lip until the lube allowed him to slide in further. Emma moaned, “are you ok love” and she nodded.

“Good girl,” he said lovingly, and began rocking, sliding deeper with each soft thrust. He pushed a little harder, and her muscles gave way allowing him full entry. He went slow, and his eyes snapped shut as he slid all the way in.

He gripped her hip with his hand steadying her and used his clean one to reach around and rub her clit. Emma arched, her head tilting to the side, and a breathy moan escaping her swollen lips.

“Oh love, it’s so good. So soft, and tight love” he reassured her, keeping his pace steady and slow. His fingers rubbing her clit, teasing her lips, and her sensitive nub which was swollen. He rubbed his cum over her folds, and she cried out again with his next plunge.

He rocked against her ass, a little faster, his sac slapping against her clit with his thrust, the feeling of being buried inside her was bloody heaven. He kept going, keeping pace with his hand, and Emma lifted up onto her elbows, changing the angle, making it feel tighter.

He groaned her name, and Emma began rocking herself against him, the feeling so intense. Her arousal skyrocketing as his sac kept slapping at her clit with each thrust, his big cock stretching her ass, she felt so full. His hand rubbing her clit skillfully, playing her just right.

She felt another orgasm brewing in her belly, her core flooding with arousal as she looked back seeing the look on his face as he watched his cock going in and out of her ass. “Holy fuck” she cried, and she knew it was going to come fast and hard.

His cock slid in and out of her with ease now, and he felt a gush of arousal wash over his fingers inside her, her ass scorching hot and so fucking soft around him. “Em I am going to come with you love,” he said harshly, and he quickened the pace of his fingers inside her, and Emma began trembling.

“that’s it love, good girl, squeeze me Em,” he said, and she moaned. He pinched the lips of her clit, and she screamed again, her cunt gripping his fingers, walls pulsing, and her ass gripped him, and he saw a flash of white as his orgasm shot through him like a firework. He slowed his pace, as her ass milked every drop out of him.

He waited until she sagged, and slowly pulled out of her. He leaned back on his heels, Emma breathing heavy, her face on her arms on the bed, her ass in the air still. He swallowed as he took in the sight of him dripping out of both of her holes. Bloody Fuck she was going to be the death of him.

“I’ll be right back love” and stood feeling dizzy. He went to the shower turning it on warm, not hot, and set a towel on the bench over the cold tile. He washed his hands and grabbed a cloth to wipe her. She mewled as he wiped her gently.

He tied her hair up in a bun and took off the bra, and stockings. He bent to scoop her up and carried her to the shower. He set her on the bench gently and detached the showerhead, changing the setting to a softer setting, and knelt between her legs.

He looked at her, she was wrecked but so fucking beautiful. “Love, I am going to clean you up, ok?” and she looked at him, eyes glassy, and nodded with a small smile.

He grabbed the washcloth wetting and soaping it lightly and began washing her gently. She moaned slightly at the contact, but he kissed her forehead and kept going. He helped her to stand and cleaned her thoroughly, and held her, washing her whole body.

He grabbed a towel and gently dried her off, slipping her nightgown over her. He tucked her into her bed, and quickly showered himself, climbing into bed with her. Emma’s eyes were open, and she smiled sleepily at him.

He tucked her into his arms and kissed her.

“Are you alright my love?” he asked.

Emma looked at him “Wow” she said a giggled softly. He smirked, “so I didn’t hurt you?” and she shook her head. “It was just, wow,” she said turning her face into his chest.

“Love don’t be embarrassed if you enjoyed it. Never be ashamed of me loving you, or us making love in our bed” he said softly.

“It’s not something I would do all the time, but you didn’t hurt me. It was just completely different” she said sleepily.

He nodded, “I love you” and he nodded, curling her fingers into his chest hair, and fell asleep. He laid there thinking about what just happened and smiled. He never thought he would have this, loving someone so wholly, body, heart, all of it. 

He thought of the first time that he saw her, and let that memory guide him into sleep with Emma wrapped in his arms.

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