#the next morning is awkward to say the least but they do end up confessing to each other

[morimementa]

Gaz and König go out drinking with the rest of the 141. Despite his size, König is a complete lightweight and asks Gaz to walk him home so he doesn't run into a wall or some such. Gaz, all too eager to spend more time with him, agrees.

They get home nice and safe and König asks Gaz if he wants to crash on his sofa. He's drunk, but he's not too drunk to worry about his friend's safety. While Gaz is tipsily putting blankets on the sofa, he notices the other man gazing at him with something like awe.

"Something on my face?" Gaz tries to cut the tension with a joke.

König is sitting cross legged on the floor, swaying slightly. His expression shifts to one of intense consideration. Impulsively, Gaz reaches out and steadies him. They're face to face, no masks, just each other.

"Gaz..."

"Yeah?"

"Promise you'll hold me like this when I'm giving birth to our child?"

And before Gaz can fully process that, König's fallen asleep.

(I had an idea for the most out of pocket accidental confession and now I bestow it on all of you.)

[tragedybunny]

A Little More Than a Nibble - Astarion x F!Reader

Astarion wakes you up at camp looking for a late night snack. You both end up with something a little more. (Fluff, Angst)

Yes I'm on the Astarion train. How can you not love him?

This short is set before Astarion's act 2 confession

Something called to you from the dark, stirring you out of sleep. Fragments of the waking world brushed against your consciousness; a dying fire, a far off owl calling, a presence hovering over you. The cold influx of terror lasts only a moment as you realize the presence is not only familiar but expected at this point. “Are you awake darling?” Astarion’s voice exudes the beguiling charm that’s become so familiar to you, familiar enough you’ve started to catch the hint of artifice that lays behind it.

Sleep-heavy eyes drift open to find him kneeling down next to you, red eyes fixed on you. The deep slumber is hard to shake off and your answer is no more than a drowsy whisper. “I am now.”

“Oh apologies my sweet but I was just wondering if…” He lets the words hang for a moment, waiting for your mind to catch up, to finish the implication. Really though it could only be about one of two things since you’re the one in camp that’s been both fucking and feeding him. And with the ungodly hour, you can easily conclude which it is.

“No luck hunting?” He deserves at least a little teasing for waking you like this.

“Actually I was thinking about you and couldn’t get the taste of you off my tongue. Would you mind terribly if I had just a little taste, just a slight nibble?” Perhaps you’ve been too indulgent with him and he’s grown used to getting his way with you, a habit you really should put to an end. If only the mere suggestion of those teeth at your neck didn’t make you quiver with excitement.

Still, it won’t do to placidly let him have his way every time. “You say slight nibble, and I wake up woozy the next morning. I fail to see what I get out of this little arrangement.”

For a moment, you think you see the slightest hint of hurt at your refusal, before he swiftly resumes his flirtatious persona. “Why, you get my gratitude and affection. Both of which are undying, I might remind you.”

It’s not the honeyed words that convince you, it’s the ghost of an emotion, the possibility of vulnerability, that there’s something beneath the mask he shows everyone, even you. Not that you would really refuse, you’re too far gone for that. Life as the daughter of a noble house of Baldur’s Gate primed you for this, to fall for a man so wrong, and dangerous, and not at all anything you should want. Rebellion after years of complicity, years of forced perfection and crafted smiles, of doing everything expected of you. The Illithid ship had given you a terrible burden, but it had also been more freedom than you’d ever known in your life. Freedom that didn’t necessarily come with inbuilt wisdom. Silently, you throw back the covers, beckoning him into the bed roll beside you. With a satisfied smile, he gracefully slides in, body pressed against yours.

The first time you’d let him do this it had been awkward, sloppy almost, a fact explained by the later revelation you were his first. Now familiarity has led to comfort, intimacy of its own sort. Different than just sex, but no less thrilling. An arm around your waist, he buries his head into the crook of your neck, lips brushing up against it in a gentle kiss first that makes you shiver before the bite.

The sharp ice of those teeth piece your skin and drive into the blood flowing in your veins. Then you feel it, the echo of your blood flowing into his veins. It had frightened you the first time but now it sends a wave of bliss through you. An involuntary sigh escapes you and you know if his mouth wasn’t full, he’d be tormenting you for how much you enjoy it. Arms loop around his shoulders, pulling him tighter against you, as though you are begging for more. You are though aren’t you? You can’t get enough of this, of him.

Drifting away, you lose yourself in him, a sweet surrender to an inexorable pull. As promised though, he’s only taken a taste when he lets up, pulling away, and licking any drops from your skin. The control he’s starting to show is impressive, even if it leaves you yearning for the strange connection of his feeding. Knowing that he never lingers after any encounter between the two of you, you unwrap your arms which feel so much heavier now, letting him go. Unexpectedly, he remains, head now resting on your chest, forehead pressed to your cheek. “Not going to eat and run?”

“In such a hurry to be rid of me?” He murmurs, his face hidden so you don’t even have a chance of reading his expression.

You’re not naive, despite what the others might believe. There’s nothing more you expect beyond what already passes between the two of you. Even if you believe you could care for him, he’s not open to you that way. Still, even if the tone is nonchalant, you feel there’s a loneliness behind it he's not quite hiding all the way. “I didn’t say that.” He doesn’t ask directly to stay and you know he won’t, so you pull the covers over the two of you and put your arms back around him and without saying another word.

With a subtle shift, you feel him get near your throat once again before stopping himself. “Perhaps I should go.”

“You don’t have to, I trust you.” Tentatively, you reach a hand up and softly stroke it through his silver hair. First he tenses, and you wait for a reproach for being too tender with him, but none comes. A moment later and you feel the tension release and he relaxes again. Your eyes are heavy, your body desperately craving sleep, but you're afraid there will never be another moment like this, with him so close, and not pushing you away. So you fight to stay conscious, and keep your fingers moving gently as long as he allows it. Sleep comes to claim you again though, and just as the world fades around you, lips brush your collarbone and the arm around your waist holds a little tighter.

The dawn comes, and the camp stirs. When you find the empty space in your bed roll, you tell yourself your heart doesn’t break a little and get ready to get on with your day.

[chrisgotitall]

omg imagine like the very first time mike confesses his love to reader, long before you became a couple.

they are best friends and know each other since the filming of challengers. josh calls her in the middle of the night not knowing what to do ‘cause apparently they went out together, mike is drunk as hell and he keeps babbling about how he wants to go to her house right now. so josh suggests that he should drive him over at her place because he’s a mess. she agrees because he’s her friend of course. josh helps her put him under the shower and then he leaves. she showers him with cold water so he can sober up and he just accidentally blurts out that he is and has been madly in love with her.

she’s obviously in love with him too but assumes he’s not gonna remember any of this in the morning. so she just tucks him in her couch and let’s him sleep it off.

he actually remembers what he said the next day and they kind of address their feelings towards eachother and establish their relationship!

“I know but he’s gonna come to your place either way, by foot maybe and he’s not in the condition to walk at all” Josh says on the phone, trying to convince you into making Mike come over at your place.

“Fine, come over” you say, sighing.

Mike was apparently drunk and wanted to come to your place for some reason. You tried to say no cause it’s late and honestly it was your first free night in weeks.

You see the lights of Josh’s car so you go by the door and open it leaning against it while you see him walking behind Mike, who doesn’t look good at all.

“What’s going on?” you ask.

Mike sees you, “Hi”, he says.

“I don’t know… he’s kept telling me he wanted to come here since his third drink” Josh says, “I have to go tho… I got work tomorrow, is it okay if he crashes here?”

“Yeah, sure, go” you say. Of course Mike is your friend, it’s the least you can do.

You let him in.

“On the couch, come on” you guide him to your couch and he crashes onto it.

“What did you drink?” you ask him.

“First it was just gin tonics… that I got in with the shots… tequila” he says. He sounds awful. He has his head on the rester, eyes closed. You go get him a glass of water to begin washing down the alcohol.

“Here, drink something nice” you hand him the glass.

“Tequila was nice,” he says. Even if he’s drunk like this he always finds his way through a cheeky joke.

“You should take a very cold shower now, since you’re apparently crashing here” you offer, “Can you walk to the bathroom?”

“I guess” he gets up but noticing he isn’t stable on his feet you decide to walk him there.

You turn around so that he can undress himself and get in the shower but that turns out useless because when you turn again you remember your shower box is in clear glass so you can see everything. You try to look anywhere else but you also have to be there so that he doesn’t hurt himself in some way. So it gets a little awkward. You bring him a towel and hand it to him when he’s done.

He sits on the toilet with wet hair and only a towel around his waist. You look at him and almost laugh at his condition, he’s not usually the type to end up like this after a night out, he’s pretty decent in his ways.

You give him the largest baggy clothes you have but needless to say they look tight on him anyway, especially the sweatpants.

You prepare him the couch for the night, trying to make it as comfortable as possible. He sits on the couch and you sit next to him.

Then he puts his head on your legs and closes his eyes. You start caressing his hair.

“I’m so in love with you” he says.

That makes you freeze for a second. You try not to make it evident by still caressing his hair.

He then drifts off to sleep so that ends there. You try to put his head on the pillow and get up without waking him.

You get to your bedroom thinking about what he said. He didn’t mean it. It was just a way to say thank you. Sure, it was just that.

The morning after you wake up and prepare breakfast for the both of you. When he wakes up you decide to pretend he said nothing mostly because you were hoping he didn’t remember anything and for a moment it really seemed like he didn’t remember anything from last night.

He approaches you from behind and puts a hand on the counter.

“I meant what I said last night”

You freeze just like you did just a few hours prior. You refuse to look at him but you continue to clean up the kitchen counter even if there’s nothing to clean.

“Mike…” you start.

“I am in love with you” he simply says.

You turn towards him, “I got it and I’m not gonna pretend I don’t feel anything either, but-” you stop. And you can’t continue.

“But what?” he asks.

“What about our friendship?”

“It will just turn into something greater… We’ll always be friends either way” he says.

“What about our working schedules? They’re crazy, we’ll never f-”

“Now you’re just inventing things” he says, “Tell me you don’t feel anything and I’ll drop it”

You can’t tell him you don’t feel anything, you can’t lie to him. So instead, you just pull him into a kiss.

"Is that enough of a confirmation?" you say.

"I guess" he says and reconnects his lips with yours.

[clarisse0o]

Camp Wiegman-Part 15

Lucy Bronze x Ona Batlle

Alternative Universe : Military School

Words: 6k

Masterlist

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Monday, November 9; 6:05 AM - Ona and Alexia's Room

I'm making my bed while Alexia is changing. We've gotten into the habit of taking turns to be quicker. We only have fifteen minutes, after all.

"How was your weekend, anyway? You didn't complain much about being alone, which is surprising."

I smile, remembering what I did. It's no wonder I didn't complain. What a weekend I had! I'd love to share it with her, but Bronze would kill me if I did. She took me to a skate park on Saturday afternoon. I taught her how to skate. We came to the topic while chatting at McDonald's. She confessed she always wanted to learn but never had the chance. So, we went there, and I taught her the basics. It was funny to watch, even though I must admit she did really well for her first time. It was a pleasure to go out with her. It was a great day. I could never thank her enough for what she allowed me to do. I straighten up once I finish the bed.

"Because it was cool. Bronze stayed, so she kept me company," I say as we switch places.

"What's with that big bruise?" she asks, pointing at my thigh with wide eyes.

I look up, surprised to see her at the door. I've gotten used to leaving the door open while getting ready so we can talk. I didn't expect her to invade my privacy. It's the first time she's done that. My cheeks heat up, finding myself in just my underwear in front of her. I quickly pull up my pants that I was about to put on to cover my bare skin. She doesn't seem to notice my discomfort. I'm very modest. It already took a lot for me to let Bronze help me in the shower. Being seen in shorts is one thing, but definitely not in my underwear.

"Oh, um... I hit the corner of the desk."

"The corner of the desk?" she laughs. "Did you see how big it is?"

I shrug, swallowing a smile. I would have preferred she didn't see it to avoid such questions. Thanks, Bronze, for this awkward moment. Besides, it hurts like hell! I haven't stopped changing positions during the last two nights to keep my thigh from touching the mattress.

"It's okay, I'm putting ointment on it. It's already starting to go away."

"Why are you wearing your sports outfit? Did Bronze punish you again?"

"No. I just want to run after breakfast."

"What?" she laughs. "You, run? Where's the real Ona Batlle?" she asks, pretending to look for me around us.

"Shut up!" I laugh. "I just feel like it."

"My God! Where's the Ona who wanted to leave on the first day?"

"Still here!"

I put away my mascara, and we leave the bathroom. We exchange a knowing smile as we get into position. It's right when Bronze walks into the room. She scans the room before stopping in front of me, frowning. Alexia snickers next to me.

"Where's your uniform?" she asks me.

"Miss decided to take up jogging in the morning," Alexia giggles. "You really trained her well!"

"Shut up, Putellas!" I retort sharply.

"Language, Ona!"

I roll my eyes. She'll never change her attitude towards me. Always annoying for such little things. I glance at Alexia, who surprised me by addressing my supervisor. She usually tries to avoid her.

"No, seriously," Alexia continues. "Do you beat her to make her do this? She's got a huge bruise on her thigh! I doubt a piece of furniture could do that."

Bronze turns to me, raising an eyebrow. She must understand what she's talking about. She gives me a silly smile before turning to Alexia, crossing her arms.

"Oh really? How big?"

"At least this big!" Alexia gestures a circle on her own thigh with her hands.

"It must hurt a lot."

The bitch! She's mocking me! She must see my change in attitude because she gets serious and ends the conversation.

"Okay, you can go eat. We'll see each other later. Oh, and Ona," she calls as I head towards the door. "I run after lunch too, if you'd like some company," she offers.

"Alright, I guess."

We exchange a smile before I leave with Alexia. It doesn't take long for her to burst into laughter.

"Oh, damn! You should've seen your face!"

"Stop. It's not funny."

"Oh, yes it is!"

She puts her arm around my shoulders to keep from falling over, laughing so hard. I shake my head, looking up, exasperated by her behavior. I still let her contagious laughter get to me.

"You're really a lost cause, Putellas!"

"No more than you. We make a good pair!"

In high spirits, we head to the cafeteria. The meal goes as usual, except that I leave earlier. I don't know why, but I felt motivated today. I want to take care of myself, and besides, I discovered through Bronze's punishments that running helps clear my head. So, with my earphones and phone in my pocket, I head to the football field. Bronze wasn't lying about running. She's already there. Maybe she does this every morning. I used to wish she could be in my place during my punishments, but I regret it bitterly now. It's clear she has no endurance issues. She has a pace I'll never match. I approach her to join her. She stops with a slightly labored breath. Good God, it's nothing compared to mine. I can compare myself to an ox next to her.

"What got into you to want to run in the morning?"

"I don't know," I shrug. "I just felt like it," I say, taking my phone out of my pocket.

"Uh-uh. You know it's forbidden outside your room. Put it away if you don't want me to confiscate it."

"How about a little exception...?" I try.

"No. The rules remain the same."

I sigh, putting it back in my pocket. Oh well. At least I tried. I wouldn't want her to confiscate it since I use it every day.

"Well, are we going or are you chickening out?"

"Go ahead, I can't keep up with your pace."

"I intended to match yours. Come on, let's go!"

I start running without complaining. Here we go for my first jogging session. Bronze matches my pace, running alongside me. She even stops when I can't keep going.

"I'm slowing you down," I say between breaths.

"I run almost every day, Ona. One day like this won't change anything."

"You're really crazy!"

"In the meantime, I can run for ten minutes without stopping," she mocks.

"Tsss."

I much prefer the supportive supervisor over the one who mocks me. I catch my breath before straightening up.

"By the way, how's your bruise?"

"Oh, well I'm using your ointment."

"How did Alexia see it? It's pretty high on your thigh, isn't it?"

"Yeah. We were talking, and she came to the door when she was ready. I'm used to leaving the door open, so..." I shrug.

"Oh, I see," she smiles. "I thought you didn't like being seen in that position."

"I do, but she caught me off guard."

"Hmm," she smiles. "Alright, let's do one more lap, then we'll stop. You'll be late for class otherwise."

I nod, and we resume our run. Once this lap is done, we each head back to our rooms. I take a quick shower before putting on my uniform. I was quite fast, surprisingly. I still hurry to the school buildings when I see the time. I'm on the verge of being late. I take advantage of the empty halls, with no instructors around, to run. I reach my hallway just as I see my classroom door closing. Damn... There's a 99% chance I won't be let in. I still knock on the door.

"Miss Batlle, what a surprise," my teacher says sarcastically.

"Sorry for being late."

"Go apologize to the instructors. I'm not allowed to let you in."

I sigh heavily. Same story as always. I'm getting fed up. I feel like I'm the only one treated this way.

"Just admit you don't want to," I grumble. "It would be easier to let me in than to send me away!"

"Batlle!"

Oh no... Just what I needed. I look behind me, where Bronze is coming down the hall. I bite my lip, watching her approach. I haven't seen her like this in a long time. She has every right to be angry. I just raised my voice in the hall. At my teacher, no less. If there's one thing she can't stand, it's when I don't listen or disrespect the educators. He didn't respect me either, but I doubt she'll care about that. She reaches us and looks at us both in turn.

"What happened this time?"

"Late, as usual," my teacher explains. "You should teach her to be on time."

"But damn! You just closed the door!" I burst out, gesturing wildly. "You haven't even started your lesson yet! Would it really kill you to let me in?"

"Batlle!" my supervisor shouts.

"No, but Bronze, seriously!" I say, turning to her. "He's had a problem with me from the start!"

"Apologize."

"Excuse me!?" I ask, stunned.

"I've told you before not to speak to an educator like that. Now apologize."

I look at her for a moment. Her words were firm. She won't let me go until it happens because she hates it when I act like this. I feel like a defiant child, as she says. She crosses her arms impatiently. It's a lot to ask. I'm not sure I can do it. But I know she'll get mad if I don't. Deciding to be better is tough. I roll my eyes, turning to my teacher.

"Please excuse my behavior," I concede.

My teacher doesn't hide his surprise. He certainly didn't expect me to do it. If someone else had asked, I wouldn't have. He ignores me and looks at Bronze behind me.

"Well, you have quite an influence on her. You're the only one. »

"The least you could do is accept my apologies," I grumbled.

"Ona, that's enough."

"What? It's true!"

"Enough, I said!"

I averted my eyes from hers, which were very cold, not forgetting to mumble. After more than a month, I still felt impressed by her. I crossed my arms, not caring if anyone saw me pouting like a child. It was certain that I wouldn't listen to my teacher. If Bronze had any influence over me, it was only because she took the time to understand me.

"Fine, I'll take her with me."

I sighed as I heard her. I was going to be punished again and miss two hours of class. I wanted to get my weekend pass, but it was ruined from the first day.

"And to answer you, sir, it's called mutual respect. You should try it; it works quite well when it's reciprocal. It starts with accepting the apologies of a young girl who put her pride aside to offer them to you."

I was speechless. I wasn't the only one, it seemed. I never imagined she would defend me in such circumstances. My teacher barely nodded.

"Hopefully, it won't happen again. Thank you for taking her with you."

I bitterly laughed and turned around without waiting for Bronze. I knew the way to her office. I preferred to get ahead to calm down before saying things I would regret. At least I was glad she managed to shut that poor idiot up with just a few sentences. I still couldn't believe Bronze had taken my side. No one had done that for a long time. After all, I was the one who always caused trouble.

"Old coot, what a jerk," I muttered under my breath. "He won't get away with this."

"Ona," Bronze called out to me.

I stopped when I felt a pressure on my arm. I turned around to face my supervisor who had caught up with me.

"What?" I snapped. "I promise I was on time! He closed the door just as I arrived in the hallway. He hadn't even started his class yet; he could have let me in! But no, as usual, he greeted me with one of his inappropriate remarks and didn't even acknowledge my apologies. I was being nice, I'm really trying, but how can I manage when they all despise me and talk to me like that? I feel like the worst student! It's no wonder I get upset after that!"

"Calm down, will you?"

I caught my breath after this long monologue. I had vented easily again. I felt lighter after talking but also uncomfortable when I met her stern gaze. I couldn't blame her. I knew she had no choice but to take me with her. I just couldn't stand being disrespected anymore. I was tired of being put down everywhere despite my efforts.

"I really wanted to have a clean week so I could go home this weekend," I admitted, lowering my head. "It's already ruined because of that jerk teacher."

"Watch your language!" she reprimanded me. "You really need to stop talking like that. If you had let me get a word in instead of getting angry, I could have negotiated your entrance. But your behavior left me no choice but to take you with me."

"Sorry, it was too much for me," I sighed. "He really annoyed me. They always annoy me by reacting like that. It's like they think I'm worthless!"

"He's close to retirement, Ona," she chuckled. "It's normal for him to be strict about the rules. They have orders not to accept students after the door is closed. I know you're not worthless. You've proven that to me, and now it's your turn to prove it to them. You won't do that by playing their game."

I crossed my arms and puffed out my cheeks. I was sad that she was right. Others' opinions mattered to me. I had acted like an idiot. I had really wanted to surprise Joan by coming home this weekend. I wanted to make up for my last return, which had penalized him. I walked by her side as she resumed walking. She patted my shoulder amicably.

"There's no point in sulking. You'll think twice before acting next time. Now I need to find something for you to do for the next two hours."

I smiled slightly. It felt like she knew my schedule by heart. Well, it's not very complicated given the number of hours I've missed to spend time with her.

"If you stay out of trouble for the rest of the week, I'll support your efforts so you can go out this weekend. That way, I can also have my weekend."

"Oh, thank you... By the way, are you okay?"

"Am I okay? Yes, why?"

"No, I mean... Regarding the recent event in your life... You know..."

I tried to make her understand without saying it. I knew she didn't like talking about private matters in public places. You never know who might be around. If someone knew I was aware of her romantic situation, it wouldn't be good. She frowned before understanding.

"Oh! Oh yes, don't worry. In fact, I don't really have time to think about it with you and the other students," she admitted to me. "It's like it didn't even happen. I'll think about it during my first free weekend. I'm supposed to return her things that she left at my place."

"I thought you were living together."

"No, not at all, and she doesn't have the keys to my apartment either."

"Why? You must be old enough to live with someone, right?"

"Well, my job doesn't allow me to be home much. She asked me to move in with her, but I didn't want to. I prefer having a place of my own to go to after leaving here rather than always going to my girlfriend's place on weekends."

"I understand."

"Well, we have two hours to chat while going through my files. We have some organizing to do, so let's get to it."

I sighed at her motivation. Well, I couldn't complain because she was really lenient with her punishment. I could have been doing laps around the field instead of going to her office. She must still be behind schedule because of my detox, otherwise, she wouldn't be working on a Saturday morning.

"Hey, Luce."

"Don't call me that here," she scolded me with a stern look. "And Luce, seriously? Only my close friends call me that."

"Sorry," I giggled. "I thought it sounded nice. I just wanted to say thank you."

She simply smiled. It's not like me to thank people, so I was glad she didn't make one of her joking remarks. I wanted her to know I was grateful. After all, I owed her a lot. We arrived at her office, which was empty for once. It was very rare. It was even the first time I hadn't seen Ingrid here. Bronze let me settle into my place while she turned on the lights and opened the shutters.

"Ingrid's not here?"

"No, she has the day off," she replied, turning around. "Get up; you’re not going to sit for two hours," she said, pointing to the storage cabinets.

"I like Ingrid," I commented as I stood up. "She's quite nice, unlike you."

"If you prefer, I can have you scrub the toilets. Then you'll understand what being mean really is."

I giggled, not expecting such a reaction. It seemed my little joke didn't please her. But her reaction was worth it.

"Oh, don't take it like that, Bronze. I was joking! You're very nice, and you're my favorite instructor. I'm lucky to have you all to myself."

"Stop sucking up."

"It's not sucking up; it's the simple truth."

"Hmm," she replied, handing me a binder. "Get to work, Batlle."

"So, the last name is back?"

"Shut up and organize."

"Wow, I really upset the commander."

I stopped when I realized she wasn't playing anymore. She left me to manage while she turned on her computer. Well, it seemed I would be the only one doing the organizing. I grumbled as I got to work. I didn't mean to be mean. I hoped she didn't take it the wrong way. She only gave me attention after half an hour.

"Do you have plans this weekend for wanting to go home?"

"Sorry?"

"You said earlier that you wanted a clean week to get your weekend pass."

"Oh, not really. I want to make my sister happy as she's waiting for me patiently, and it's also for you."

"For me?" she asked, perplexed.

"Yes. With everything you've done for me, I want to show you that I can behave well. And you deserve a weekend after being here for two weeks because of me."

"I don't mind being here with you. You make me forget my disastrous life. Being stuck here means I don't have time to think about it."

"Your life is far from as disastrous as mine," I chuckled. "A breakup shouldn't put you in such a state. Personally, I'm already dreading the confrontation with my mother."

I turned around when I got no response. I found her staring at me without really showing any emotion. I started thinking about our conversation the other night, at the climbing wall. Maybe I judged her too quickly. She must also have her past and her reasons for not wanting to get attached to people. We might not be so different after all.

"You'll manage to get over your fear of attachment when you find the right person," I said.

"And you’re saying that? You're in the same situation as me, and I know you don't mean a word of it."

"Me? It's true that I don't mean a word of it," I chuckled. "I preferred drowning in drugs to escape at the time."

"That's not very smart."

« It allowed me to forget. Plus, it’s pretty cool to get high."

"I find it stupid. Drugs don't make life better. They just trap you in a world you think is happiness."

I wondered how we always ended up talking about one of my taboo subjects. I had just come out of detox. All my recent questions started haunting me again. I still didn't know how I ended up like this. I raised my head when I heard her chuckle. She stared straight into my eyes, unsettling me even more than I already was.

"You're such a coward, Batlle. As soon as someone mentions something that touches you deeply, you run away."

"Yes, I'm a coward! So what?" I snapped.

"Nothing, I just wanted to hear you say it."

She smiled in amusement. I didn't need her to add to my frustration. I hated talking about topics that hit close to home. It's not hard to understand, right?! She got up and walked towards me. I ignored her and went back to work. I was surprised to feel her hands on my shoulders.

"Relax, Ona," she said softly. "I just want you to understand that I don't want you to touch drugs again. You deserve much better than wallowing in your past. »Here is the English translation of the provided text:

"What do you know about it?" I replied, lowering my head to my feet. "You don't know what I've been through or what drove me to do it. Besides, I just came out of another withdrawal."

"Withdrawal that isn't your fault. I know it mustn't be easy for you. I'm not asking you to talk about it, but I want you to know that I'm here if you ever want to confide."

"What do you know about it not being my fault? I don't even know it myself! I don't remember anything from that night!" I shouted, angry at myself.

"Who says it wasn't me? Who says I won't relapse one day?!"

I blurt out the questions that deeply distress me. I have tears in my eyes. I'm so afraid of the answers. Even though I feel like I can resist, everything was called into question the moment I found myself in that bathroom with that elastic around my arm. I don't know if I'm to blame, and it scares me. I realize I'm sobbing only when Bronze's arm wraps around my shoulders. She pulls me closer, pressing me against her chest.

"Shh, calm down. Why didn't you tell me about this earlier? You can't doubt yourself like that. If you don't have confidence in yourself, know that I have confidence in you. You won't relapse, I guarantee it."

"You shouldn't," I said between sniffles. "The others are right about me. I'm just a worthless nobody."

"Hey, I forbid you to say that. Turn around and look at me."

I shook my head. There was no way I was letting her see me like this. She sighed and came around herself. She took my binder from my hands and put it back in its place. I closed my eyes as she wiped my tears away with her thumbs.

"I don't understand how a girl like you can undervalue herself so much."

I shrugged, not knowing what to say. I felt ashamed for breaking down like that in front of Bronze. She surprised me by pulling me into her arms. I clung desperately to her T-shirt, letting myself lean against her shoulder. I would have preferred to hide my true nature from her, but it's no longer possible to show her the strong girl that I'm not.

"Alright, Ona, let's make a deal, just between us."

I pulled back slightly after recovering from my emotions. How could she talk about a deal in such a situation? She smiled gently and wiped my eyes again with her thumbs.

"If you come back here even once in withdrawal, I promise you that I will forbid you from leaving the school. No more permissions, no more outings with classes, nothing. You can say goodbye to your little sister and your best friend until the end of the year. Am I clear?"

I blinked several times. Was she threatening me? I was in shock. Of course, she was threatening me. She's not known for having pity.

"I told you," she continued. "I trust you. If I'm making this deal, it's so you can prove to yourself that you can do it and prove to me that I'm not wrong. Anyway, if you come back in that state, I'll make you regret it so you'll learn the lesson once and for all."

"Okay... It's a deal. No more drugs..."

She held out her hand to finalize our deal, as we always did. I stared at it for a long time before shaking it without much conviction. I had no choice but to accept. I didn't understand why she was so determined to help me. I'm not worth it. She trusts me. It's up to me not to disappoint her. With everything she's doing for me, I don't have the right. I promised myself to change, and this is a big part of it.

"Give me a pile, I'll help you finish."

I swallowed my tears and weakly smiled at her, handing her my stack of papers. I grabbed a new one for myself. This girl really wants to change me. She only wants what's best for me. It's up to me to put in the effort and succeed.

Monday, November 9; 9:30 PM - Ona and Alexia's Room

It's the first time we're ending the evening in our room, and that's not a bad thing. I'm lying on my bed while Ale is on hers. The others are in the common room playing foosball. We didn't feel like joining, so we decided to come up after dinner.

"And this morning with Bronze? We haven't talked about it since. Was she very angry about your behavior this morning?"

I knew the subject of Bronze hadn't come up yet today. They always ask me for a debrief of my day with her when something happens. It's surprising she didn't ask earlier. Besides, she witnessed the scene, unlike the others. The story didn't spread too much this time because the boys weren't informed in advance for once.

"No, it's fine... We... We talked for a long time," I said hesitantly.

"Oh really?"

"Yeah."

"About what?"

"About how I feel like the teachers despise me and how it infuriates me every time. She told me to behave in a way that would change their minds."

"She didn't get angry?"

"No, not really. She was understanding. I just had to do some tidying up, that's all. She makes me do that all the time lately. I think I'm helping her catch up on what she missed because of my week of withdrawal."

"It seems like she's calmer with you compared to the beginning."

"Hum, I don't know. I'm calmer too."

"That's true."

I smiled, thinking back to the beginning. I've come a long way in a month. Never in my life would I have imagined crying or talking about such a taboo subject with Bronze. I feel like she's the only one who cares about me.

"I'm afraid I won't get permission to go out this weekend because of this morning," I confided.

"There's a good chance, given that Wiegman didn't like your behavior last week."

"Bronze said she would help me get out if I don't break any more rules. I hope she succeeds... I would like to go out..."

"Really? Surprising!"

"Yeah... I'm glad. It would do me good."

"It looks like it's not just you who's changing," she laughed.

"What do you mean?" I frowned.

"Bronze is changing too since you arrived. She would never have done that before! I feel like there's a strong bond forming between you two. I'm sure she really cares about you deep down, and it seems mutual."

"It's just that she's starting to figure me out. She knows where to hit to make me react and to hurt me too. It bothers me sometimes, but it's very effective."

"It's good if she's helping you. The most important thing is that it's effective. That's why we're here, after all," she shrugged. "You seem to have a lot of respect for her now, and that's good."

Oh yes, I do have a lot of respect for her. No one has ever stood up to me the way she does. Just for that, I take my hat off to her. She's also the only one who trusts me, as she has repeatedly told me. That means a lot to me. It makes me happy that at least one person on earth believes in me.

"So you're going home this weekend?" she changed the subject.

"I hope so... It would be great for my brother. I heard he's taken over my role at home," I laughed, shaking my head. "I was the one causing trouble, and now it's him because of my departure, which he probably can't stand."

"Seriously?" she laughed. "Mini Batlle is rebelling. He needs to be careful not to end up here later!"

"He's only six," I laughed. "He has time to get a grip."

"Only six?! I thought he was older! How come there's such an age gap?"

"He's just my half-brother. He's adorable. I feel guilty that he's becoming like this because of me. That's why I want to go home more often."

"Aww! But he must be so cute then! Don't you have a picture?"

"I should have one," I laughed.

I took my phone out of my drawer. I've become very independent of it since I got here. I don't really need it because I keep myself busy in other ways. I saw some messages from Mapi, but I ignored them. I'll reply later. In the meantime, I searched through my photos. I didn't have many, and most were with Joan or Mapi. I had done a massive cleanup before coming here. Alexia sat on my bed. I showed her several photos. There was one where Joan was on my back. Several photos scrolled by until we came across one where Mapi was with us on my bed. I took the opportunity to tell her that Mapi was my ex since she didn't know yet. She admitted that I had very good taste in girls.If Mapi knew, she'd brag about it. She kept commenting on each photo, making me laugh with most of her remarks.

"Who would have thought you had such a big heart for a little six-year-old boy."

"Hey, I'm not made of stone either!" I retorted. "But I admit he's undoubtedly my weakness."

"It shows in the photos. He looks adorable."

"I'll introduce him to you someday."

"That'll be tough, but I'm glad you imply that we'll stay in touch."

"Of course we'll stay in touch," I said, smiling.

This comment seemed to please her more than I had imagined. We talked a bit more about our classes before taking turns showering. We just managed to be ready for bed by curfew. It's become a routine now. I can finally close my eyes after this action-packed and emotional day.

4

[lewkwoodnco]

Hii I wanted to request Anthony Lockwood×fem!reader with Invisible string, where they're neighbours for years, and used to play together as children. When Lucy joins the agency, she becomes friends with the reader, so the reader starts to be more around their house. Then Anthony starts interacting with her more, and they become friends, but Anthony realises his falling for her, so he starts to become awkward and shy around her she notices it and confronts him about it, then he confesses.

Invisible String - Lockwood x Reader

A/N: fluffy fluffy, though there is like the baaarest hint of angst which is kind of brief as long as you dont dwell on it too long + most of it gets resolved hehe and its made up for in the happy happy ending! yay!! personally i imagine the song she's humming at the piano to be invisible string heheh wc 5.4k

Lucy is waiting by their garden gate impatiently. They weren't running late for their job, but it was chilly out and she wanted to get in a cab before it got much colder. Lockwood walks out soon enough, holding a letter, but he walks to the fence rather than the gate. Over the fence, there's a girl pulling on her gloves as she walks towards her own gate, but Lockwood waves her over.

"What's this? Another lawsuit?"

"Not for me, at least. Our mail got mixed up again."

"Ah. Thanks."

They talk about their week for a while. Lucy watches Lockwood's polished exterior melt as his body language becomes more casual and fluid. The girl pockets the letter and the two of them look at each other for a while. He lamely gestures to her outfit.

"You look nice. Going on a date?"

"Yeah, with this guy in my pottery class."

"That sounds nice. Have fun."

"Thanks. You stay safe."

"I'll try."

Lucy walks over, looking at Lockwood meaningfully while he stiffens reflexively. "Who's your friend?"

"We're just neighbours." The girl smiles pleasantly, but Lucy doesn't miss the way he carefully watches her. They introduce themselves to each other. They chat a little, and Lucy picks up on her good-natured teasing of Lockwood appreciatively.

"So you must have known Lockwood for a while now, right?"

"Try ever since I was born. Our parents got on so well that we used to have dinner together every other day. And that was excluding brunch on the weekends. Trust me, I've had enough playdates with him to last a lifetime."

"Lockwood! You've never mentioned her, not even once."

"Well, to be fair, that was all years ago. We've been a little busy for the, um, last decade or so." There's a silence.

"Oh, there was that summer..."

"Yeah."

"Hmm."

"That had been nice."

An uncomfortable prickling accompanies the silence this time. She finishes fiddling with her gloves and looks ready to walk away, but Lucy recognises the suppressed look in Lockwood's eyes and tries to salvage the situation.

"You should come over sometime. We're doing some spring cleaning tomorrow, if you want to join."

"Luce. Let's not burden Y/N with chores."

"No, no, that sounds nice. I'd love to help. Though Lockwood never struck me as the spring-cleaning type."

"He's being coerced. We're holding his favourite rapier hostage."

Her lips twitch as she slices the envelope open. "Well, I wouldn't want to keep you from your job. Be careful. Mum sends her love." She says the last part more to Lockwood, who smiles with a warmth Lucy had seen little of. He watches her walk out, skimming the letter, and it isn't until George joins them that he looks away.

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Their case is so exhausting and Holly piles so much work on him the next morning that he forgets that she's coming over. It isn't even until the afternoon that he realises she's there at all, when looking for someone to help him rip the stitches off some old curtains. He walks into one of the spare rooms, calling out for George, but he stops short when he sees an unfamiliar figure standing on the bed, peeling posters off the wall. She glances behind and he suddenly remembers the events of last evening.

"Oh - Y/N. Hello. Have you seen the others lately?"

"Lucy went out to get another scraper and I think George went down to the Archives. Holly just left for the post office."

"Oh. I see. Er, do you need help?" She turns around from the poster she was steadily peeling off, dropping it into the pile with satisfaction.

"Nope, that was last of them. Anything I can help you with?"

He hesitates, and she picks up on it.

"Lockwood, I don't have anything to do until Lucy comes home anyway. I don't mind, really."

He relents and she agrees to help immediately, poising to step off the bed. She pauses before making the step, looking at the floor nervously.

"...need help getting down?"

"No. Just...give me a minute." She tries to hold onto the bed's headboard but still suffers from some internal struggle in stepping down. The image triggers a decade-old dormant memory in him, of the time she had slipped from the picnic tabletop in her garden and twisted her ankle. Instinctively, he holds out a hand, which she grabs thankfully and is down so quick he doesn't even realise until she pulls her hand away. The feel of her fully-grown hand in his is a jarring yank back to the present.

"Still so afraid of heights?"

She shudders. "My ankle still twinges if I so much as think of making a small leap. Now, where are those curtains?"

They decide to occupy the couch in the living room, and it's a bit of a tight squeeze with the piles of linens towering around them, but they manage.

"So you take the seam ripper, like so," Lockwood fumbles with the comically small seam ripper but somehow slots it under a tiny stitch, "and you rip the seam. Just like that."

She rips the stitch on her curtain with greater efficiency than him. He looks mildly startled. She glances at the pile of curtains next to her, and then the one next to Lockwood.

"Looks like I'll be done with my pile first."

There's a pause as Lockwood processes her words and the glimmer of competition in her eyes, and then they both leap into action, tugging down yards and yards of fabric, painstakingly unravelling the seams stitch by stitch. It doesn't take long for them to start playing dirty. She tries to block Lockwood's vision by flapping the dusty curtains at him and he tries to slow her down by holding her curtains down. But by the time the rest return, they're too engrossed to sabotage each other so that Lucy finds them sitting in some weird contorted manner, ripping seams feverishly.

"I was only gone two hours! Both of you've done all that?"

She tries to shush Lucy, already feeling herself slow down as she tries to free up enough mental capacity to answer. She feels rather than hears Lockwood giggle in delight as he picks up his pace. Lucy shakes her head, walking out to the kitchen.

"Find me when you're done, I'm having tea." She groans, heavily enticed by the suggestion of biscuits and sweet tea after an afternoon of stringing her fingers to bits.

"Wait, wait, truce please, I want tea."

Lockwood reluctantly lets up, stretching under the sea of curtains around them. They part ways for the evening, taking breaks or helping out with other smaller projects, but they reconvene after dinner, though with significantly less fervour.

An hour or two past midnight, once his neck had started to ache too much, he looks over at Y/N, and realises she's fast asleep. He moves to shake her awake, but she looks so peaceful and alarmingly similar to the little girl he remembered her as that it gives him pause. Lockwood wasn't one for sentimental doting, but it felt nice to have a piece of his long-forgotten childhood in his home again, safe and warm.

He makes a quiet phone call to her parents before fetching a blanket for her. That night, the childhood memories he falls asleep to are warm and happy.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lucy wakes up from her nap in a delightfully warm haze. The house is quiet, likely because of everyone staying up late the previous night. She shuffles to the kitchen, but pauses when she hears a curious sound echoing in the hallway. She blearily follows it to the living room, where she sees Y/N and Lockwood sitting opposite each other at the coffee table, playing poker. She seemed to be trying her best to stop giggling, yet failing, while Lockwood berated her.

"Your poker face sucks, Y/N. I know more about your cards than I do mine."

She shakes with silent laughter, covering her face with her cards ashamedly as Lockwood joins in with the laughing. It's a weirdly surreal sight to see. Everntually, Lockwood's eye drifts and he spots Lucy standing in the doorway.

"Luce. Have a good nap?" Lucy grumbles some incoherent reply, pulling a biscuit out of the biscuit tin. She sits down and watches them shriek at each other (Lockwood was right, her poker face was downright terrible) as they finish the game, and Lucy can't help but smile over the idiots.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Where's Y/N?"

The first words out of Lockwood's mouth the next morning were arguably his most poorly-chosen yet, especially without any buffer from the relentless mocking of Lucy and George. One of them alone was bad enough, but with both of them joining forces, it made for a very weary breakfast.

"Cool it, she's my friend. Get your own."

"Then what does that make us, if not friends?"

"Neighbours." Lucy smiles innocently as Lockwood throws a dish towel at her.

The rest of breakfast passes up uneventfully, which makes the incident the first thing out of Lucy's mouth as soon as she steps through the door.

"Morning!"

"Lockwood missed you at breakfast this morning."

"Did not."

Between Lucy's smirk and Lockwood sullenly hiding in the shadowed hallway, she wasn't sure what to start with.

"Did too, he so wanted you to be there."

Lucy turns to Lockwood, daring him to contradict her. Holly steps out of the kitchen, straightening her pinafore, but doesn't pick up on the tension so she just smiles. His eyes dart between the three of them and some part of his body decides that panic is the best reaction of choice.

"DEPRAC wants to steal my papers," he says as some odd form of explanation, before disappearing into his room. Lucy snorts while Holly and her share a puzzled look.

"I think he's talking about our case report."

Whatever it was, it was being tucked away into his coat when she ran into him at the front door about ten minutes later. His smile is part grimace.

"Sorry about earlier." He stops talking, but looks like he wants to say more, so she patiently hovers. "About breakfast - I just feel bad for doing all this free labour, breakfast is the least I could offer-"

"Don't sweat it, I'm fine."

"Well, I'd feel a lot better if you popped by for a bun every now and then."

Her lips twitch. "Maybe I will."

There's a concerned look in his eye and his gaze that lasts a little too long to be comfortable, and it reminds her of the last time he looked at her like that. It had been near the tail end of the summer a few years back, late at night. She had been crying something awful on her front porch after a certain Noah Lewis had dumped her, and he was neighbourly enough to play a good samaritan in talking her through it.

It had started with a lot of unrestrained swearing and dragging of Noah Lewis' name through the mud as soon as she walked through the front gate, the kind that made her father peer out the window in alarm and then disappear back into the house. After a good quarter of an hour of this, her rage faded along with her energy, and she ended up crying embarrassingly on Lockwood's shoulder. "That's it," she had sobbed into his soft, forest green sweater that smelled like clean cotton. "I'm done with dating. It's the single life for me from now on." What flimsy grip she had managed over her emotions started to slip once more, as she burst into a new set of wails.

"Oh God, I'm going to die alone!" Lockwood rubbed comforting circles on her back as she clutched him tighter.

Looking back, she understood the smile on his face a little better, though a part of her still wanted to stay peeved at him for laughing at her misery. At least he had the decency to cold-shoulder Noah when he came around a few days later.

The memory occupies the back of her mind for the rest of the day, and it's still there when Lockwood returns. She doesn't realise it, but it makes her soften around him, though not noticeably so. By then, they've cleared up enough of the house to uncover the piano tucked away in the basement. Holly had spent the afternoon lovingly tuning it and polishing it up, but no one else seemed much interested in it.

After dinner, she sees Lockwood sitting at the piano, watching the keys as if he's too afraid to touch them. She joins him at the bench, taking in the sight of the glossy keys she could barely hear being played from her room when she was a child. Maybe that's what she's thinking about when she asks him to play something for her, and he obliges.

He plays a short piece that isn't extremely elaborate by any means, but it's beautiful and makes her want to rest her head on his shoulder. When he finishes, there's a short silence, and she tells him it was beautiful. She feels him smile against her head. Her fingers meander over the keys and she plays the occasional note as she hums some tune tucked away in the recesses of her mind. He picks up on it after a while, playing a more complete accompaniment to her stilted humming. She tilts her head where it rests on his shoulder to look at his face, and his hand slips on the note. She wishes to stay there forever.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Hey."

"Hey."

"Hey." The last one was from Lucy, and it earned her a reproving glare and there was this silent yet intense communication between the girls. It's the next day, and now they've started on the library, sifting through the masses of newspapers dating well back into the past century. Lockwood had just returned from helping George at the archives (all the dust and cleaning was making his allergies act up so he wasn't at peak performance, as much as hated to admit it). She finally looks away from Lucy with the air of washing her hands of her, looking up at a forgotten Lockwood.

"Your coat collar's turned up."

"He does that to look cool. And because you're here. Dunno if you've noticed, Lockwood, but the coat hanger's by the door."

"Ha-ha. I'm leaving for Satchell's soon. Just...wanted to see how you were getting on."

"Wanted to see how Y/N was getting on."

"No, no." But his voice is a little too high-pitched to be fully convincing, and Lucy bursts out laughing, and his annoyance evaporates his nervousness. "Just making sure you haven't bullied her to tears, Luce."

"I've been such an angel."

She traces the outline of Lockwood's coat with her gaze fondly. "I remember the morning you bought it." She leans conspiratorially towards Lucy. "Preened in front of me for a good ten minutes, shifting his weight around to look cool. He only stopped when he heard my dad coming out to get the paper."

"That's awfully patient of you. George and I just try to suffocate him when he gets too unbearable."

"Are - are you hearing this? Admission of assault."

'Oh hush, you big baby."

She smiles as she watches them bicker. Lockwood clutches his chest with an exaggeratedly injured look, and their eyes briefly meet. He looks away first.

"What can I say? When you're stuck with this...peacock of a neighbour, you're bound to be forced into being an adoring audience on more than one occasion. Comes in and disrupts my peaceful mornings."

"Someone had to appreciate it, and you're always up at the crack of dawn."

"So are you, but you don't sleep so it doesn't count."

Lockwood lets out an uncharacteristic bark of laughter. Lucy's eyes look like they're about to fall out of her head.

"Sue me for wanting to share first thing I bought with my hard-earned money with someone."

She chokes on her breath, barely holding herself back from a fit of giggles. Lucy looks as though Christmas had come early.

"Lockwood had a job? Like, a proper one?"

"Well, I don't know if I'd call it a job so much as a cosplay of being working class. But yes, he manned a frozen yogurt cart in the park a few summers back. First and last time i've seen him willingly sit out in the sun."

"Oh, please, at least I didn't spend my days making eyes at Noah Lewis."

She shrugs in mock ignorance in a way that Lockwood can't help but match her smile. For a while the only sounds that could be heard were of the girls shifting through the newspaper with inky fingertips, until Lockwood finally gets up to leave for the client meeting.

It's an uneventful trip and consultation, but looks promising enough in terms of commission. It's tedious enough to make him peckish for a mid-morning snack. When he returns, he walks into the kitchen to sneak a biscuit and finds her fiddling near the stove.

"Oh, hi. Lucy and I wanted some tea but I'm not quite sure I know how your kettle works..."

He fiddles with the plug a little, twisting the wire in ways that make her concerned for his safety, but eventually they hear the kettle hum cheerfully, and they silently wait for the water to boil. She fidgets, trying to make small talk.

"How's George's room coming along?"

"I told him to pick out his favourite biohazards. The rest would have to go."

The kettle starts to crackle louder now. She eyes it apprehensively but Lockwood doesn't seem to even register it.

"House looks...pretty much the same."

"Yeah."

"I like it."

"Thank you. But I'm glad we're doing this. The spring cleaning, I mean. Sometimes I wonder if it's too crowded."

"I like it. I think it's crowded with life."

He gives her a soft smile and when he looks at her, he's not as quick to look away as before. But then he remembers her outing last evening and carefully broaches the subject. After all, it had been a while since they talked about things like this, and she was by no means obligated to, but he tried.

"How was your...date?"

"Hmm? Oh, yes. It was alright. He's a nice guy. Patient. Down-to-earth Unlike someone I could mention."

Her teasing smile is back, and Lockwood feels as though a weight has been lifted off his shoulders. His features contract into a familiar melodramatic expression.

"I'm sorry I disrupted so many peaceful mornings."

A smile slides back onto his face as she scoffs and gives him a shove. "Very funny. You were plenty insufferable before your friends came along. You're lucky I wasn't as creative as them."

"Mm, so grateful."

More silence. "They seem nice, George and Lucy. I see why you spend so much time with them."

And not so much with me, she wanted to add, but she didn't want to cause unnecessary strife, so she just focused on keeping her tone light. But Lockwood still picked up on the subtle edge of bitternes.

"I thought you...moved on to other things in life. You don't stop to chat by the fence much anymore."

"You got so busy with your agency business. I didn't want to impose."

She glances at Lockwood's genuinely puzzled expression, his lips barely parted as she saw the cogs turning in his head, trying to reconcile the idea of their chats being an imposition. She feels awkward in a way she's never felt with him, even when it was just the fence in between the two of them. They went from close, to distant, to kind of close again for that one summer they were 16, and now...now she wasn't sure.

"I'm sorry I made you feel that way. I...I didn't mean to."

"Yeah, well...you can say hi more often. Or bye. If you wanted to." It was stupid; she knew she was being childish but she couldn't help it. Something still smarted inside of her when she saw the three of them traipsing off most nights, something she didn't quite understand.

"I always want to."

"Lockwood? You better not be withholding tea."

They get startled by Lucy's voice and take a step back. Lockwood fumbles as he pulls off the top of the cottage-shaped container, scooping out piles of teabags. "Look, plenty of tea. All the tea. Please don't tell Lucy."

She shakes her head, bemused, pouring water into their mugs just as Lucy walks in, narrowing her eyes suspiciously at Lockwood. Luckily, she gets distracted quickly enough and starts dumping sugar into her mug. She watches Lucy for a while until Lockwood fold his jacket over his arm, brushing her shoulder as he walks past.

"Hm?"

He stops by the door to the kitchen, a familiar easy smile on his face. He looks like home.

"Bye."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Why do you call him Lockwood? Surely you knew him when he was 'Anthony,' or - or was it 'Big A'? Please tell me it was 'Big A.'"

She had started to become a regular visitor at the breakfast table, which meant more time for Lucy to spend interrogating her on everything and anything about Lockwood. Even George had joined in briefly; it was too good of an opportunity to pass up for an enigma like Lockwood. All the while, he anxiously flitted around, on guard to brush off anything too incriminating.

He carries the kettle away, mildly peeved. "I think that's enough tea for you, Luce." Lucy makes a face behind his back and the girls share a muffled laugh.

"Oh, he hasn't been Anthony for ages." She smiles briefly, but gives Lucy's hand an intentional squeeze, her eyes asking Lucy to not press it. She doesn't realise how Lockwood has suddenly become much more interested in the paper only because she too is avoiding eye contact.

She remembers it like it was yesterday. Her parents had done their best to help Lockwood, but there was only so much they could legally do (not that it stopped her mother from sniffing disapprovingly at every inept social worker that walked up the garden path). It had been after Jessica's funeral, and for once they were both on the same side of the fence: sitting on the steps to the porch. He was wearing a suit that was a bit too big for him, not unlike his daily attire now, and the smell of burnt rubber hung in the air.

"I don't think I want to be Anthony anymore."

It was a decision that never confused her, not even for a minute. Anyone would have needed a reconstruction of identity after going through such traumatic experiences at an age as young as his. Adjusting to the change had been surprisingly smooth too; he didn't look much like Anthony after that day either. But it was bone-deep agony to watch time drip by, like lazy honey, and only being able to hope that he was getting happier.

Lucy picks up on the hint and starts asking George about the rooms they need to tackle today. Meanwhile, she walks past the kitchen window, nearly bumping into Lockwood. They breathe a reflexive apology and laugh lightly. Her eyes land on the angry red cut on his forehead.

"How's the-?"

"Oh, it's fine. Just a scrape. I've had worse."

"Aw, you poor baby."

Lockwood laughs weakly as she gently tugs at the skin near the cut, which at least seemed to be better than the previous night. When looks away she notices the pink tinge to the tips of his ears. She frowns at the slightly ajar window, closing it firmly. There still was a chill in the air from the frost that hadn't completely melted away yet.

True to his word, Lockwood comes home with a broken wrist a few days later. George is rather miffed and Lockwood insists that he's making it sound worse than it actually was, but that doesn't stop her from wincing when George claims he heard the snap of his bone from the floor below. Despite Lucy's insistence that he had survived much worse, she can't help but fret over him a little.

"I can pour my soup myself, you know."

"Yes, yes, you're a big strong man who needs no help. Now go sit down, I'll bring your toast." It might have been more convincing if she hadn't been absent-mindedly muttering, or even without the pat on his head, but he still took his seat at the table, not entirely unhappy. George had managed to wrestle him into his bed in the afternoon and his body finally succumbed to the beckoning of sleep, making him sleep through dinner. It was just the two of them in the kitchen, one anxiously watching the other sip their soup.

"Really, you didn't need to do this. It's no trouble on my wrist."

"Lockwood, the doctor said not to put any pressure on it. It is, by definition, trouble on your wrist."

He sighs, frowning at how she worries her bottom lip. "You're not...doing this out of guilt, or something, are you?"

She opens her mouth to deny it, to say how preposterous such a suggestion is, but her protests die on her lips. She takes a shaky breath.

"I was thinking about the days after...you know. How exhausted and lonely you must have been. How I didn't care enough to visit you more, to even cross that fence, unless it was to come running to you with my own silly problems."

"Y/N," he looks like he wants to smile but is trying not to for the benefit of the situation, and it rubs salt in her wound. "Of course you cared. You were just a kid, acting like kids do."

"I yelled at you about Noah when I was 16. 16."

"And I appreciated it. You gave me something more normal to be mad about. You made me feel like a teenager again." He reaches out and covers her hand with his uninjured one. "And I don't ever want you feeling like any of your problems is too tiny or insignificant to bother me with. I'm your neighbour, what else am I good for?"

She gives him a watery smile, feeling the tension that had been bunching around her temples all afternoon start to dissolve. He always knew just what to say, the ointment to every wound and scratch. He made it easier to live, easier to breathe.

"Wait, where's Lockwood?"

"Going down to Arif's."

"With a broken wrist?"

"He still has his left hand!" Lucy calls after her, but she's too busy scrambling for a pair of mittens and hurrying to the front door. Luckily, she catches him just as he's about to head out, and a smile cracks open on his face when he sees her.

"Everything alright?"

"You forgot your mittens."

He eyes the patterned woollens in her hands. "Y/N. I haven't worn mittens since I was...six, maybe."

"Obviously, since that's about how long they've been collecting dust in your old coat - which, by the way, is in no shape for the Salvation Army. You didn't set it on fire, did you?"

"Look, when it comes to fires, I may have an affinity for them but not necessa-"

"Fine. Just wear the mittens."

"I'll only be a minute! What's the worst that could happen?"

"Oh, yes, because a cold is exactly what you need on top of a snapped wrist and cut." She holds the mittens out expectantly, and he reluctantly takes them. They spend a few awkward minutes trying to figure out how to get them on without his cast getting in the way, and Lockwood nearly drops them when he gets startled by the brush of her fingertips on his palm, until she decisively puts them on his hands herself. When she looks up, his ears are tinged red again, as well as his nose.

"See, you're already getting cold. Are you sure I can't go to Arif's for you?"

They hear a scoff from behind, and turn to see George watching them. She looks at him questioningly but he ambles past her to the kitchen, muttering words under his breath she couldn't quite understand. Lockwood takes advantage of the pause in her fussing and steps out before she can continue protesting, but the sight of the mittens securely pulled over his fingers gives her some relief.

George turns his snigger into a poorly concealed cough.

"What now?"

"If you keep kissing his scrapes better, he'll throw himself off a cliff one of these days."

"George." Lucy admonishes him while she tries to settle the awkard swooping sensation in her chest.

"It's true and you know it."

Lucy nods awkwardly at her. "I mean...he's got a point."

When she thinks about it, it makes her feel funny in a way she can't deicide.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Later that evening, she's sitting on her porch, brooding, when Lockwood leans over the fence.

"Home so soon?"

"Thought I'd come here for some quiet thinking."

He nods affably, his flyaway hair gleaming in the setting sun. "You left your cards in the living room."

"Come on over," she says unexpectedly, possessed by a sudden desire to be close to him. It surprises her as much as him, but as she watches him walk out of his own gate, and strangely walk into her gate, the foreign sight reassures her with a distant sense of familiarity. She had been on so many crazy misadventures, but they all led her back to the same place: in his arms. Maybe the universe had grown hoarse from yelling at her to open her eyes to what was right in front of her.

He sits down next to her and hands her the cards. She looks at the quiet face of Anthony hiding inside the sallow face in front of hers, and marvels at how the same time that put her through hell as a child had somewhat healed his wounds. She puts them to the side and links her fingers in his, resting her head on his shoulder as their breath misted in the chill.

"Remember that summer at the yogurt shop?" She feels him relax against her as he hums in agreement. "You looked so fresh in your teal shirt."

"I wondered what you were doing, sitting under that tree all day. Was it really just to watch Noah all day?"

She shrugs. "Maybe. It was a weird sort of year. I had this restlessness in me...this desire to sit outside in the world and wait for things to start happening to me. For someone to find me and for my life to begin." She shifts, a ghost of a smile playing on her lips. "Speaking of Noah...did you know he got married last year?"

"Someone wanted to marry Noah Lewis?"

"You say things like that as if I wasn't ready to have his children just two years ago."

"To be fair, you weren't the brightest two years ago."

"Anyway, they're expecting a child. Him and his wife. I even sent him a baby shower gift."

"A gift? What, TNT?"

She laughs into his shoulder, and she can feel him metaphorically swelling with pride. And when she stops laughing, there is nothing to distract her from the dull ache in her heart, the string that tugged at it as it desperately reached for Lockwood's. Lockwood, who invigorated her spirit and quelled her anxieties, who was the balmy breeze on a warm summer evening, who smelt of a pleasantly sharp soap. She stumbled and fell a million times with all the wrong people in all the wrong places, but now she felt as though she were being reeled home by the invisible string that permanently and irrevocably tied her to him.

She looks up at the sky, a thousand different shades of blue, purple and pink. The temperature continues to drop, but with Lockwood's arm wrapped around her after a particularly vicious gust of wind, she feels warm enough. She murmurs into his neck and feels the hair at the back of his neck stand against her lips.

"Isn't it just so pretty to think...all along there was some invisible string," she inhales, "tying you...to…me."

[car-sounds]

Your Heartfelt Confession

Solomon x (GN)reader

1499 words

Summary: You misunderstand Solomon's intentions after a confession, and Asmo helps settle the issue.

Hurt/comfort

“Solomon, I love you.”

The two of you have been dating for a while, even so this was the first time either of you have said ‘I love you’ out loud before. 

You’ve known that was how you felt about Solomon for quite some time but the warmth of snuggling up against Solomon and the shimmer of the moonlight peeking through his blinds made you feel like this was the right moment.

He feels the same right?

The silence he’s giving you says otherwise.

He moves slightly away from you and remains silent. Your not sure what to do, leave?, apologise?, try and talk out the situation?, you want to do one of those but your body feels frozen in place and your lips unable to get a word out for fear of not being able to keep the tears welling up in your eyes from falling once you start talking.

Both of you just sit in silence while you're still awake, luckily you feel your eyelids start to get heavy so you can escape the tense awkwardness you started, at least for a little bit.

—

You slowly blick yourself awake. Still inside Solomon’s bed just alone. You still have to get to RAD so you get ready with the things you brought with you for staying over.

Simeon is already up “Good morning, MC.”

“Good morning. Is Solomon still here?.”

“No, he told me he needed to leave early. You were already planning to eat with us, right?. Breakfast will be done in a minute.”

“Oh, ok. Thanks.”

Him not being with you in the morning is certainly not a good sign. At this point you're already mourning your relationship.

You try to put on your best smile to try and keep the others from worrying, maybe if you focus on smiling wide enough you won’t have any time to think about how the man you have fallen head over heels in love with doesn’t feel the same. 

There is no way Simeon and Luke can’t see your upset, they’re angels after all. But even if they weren't, your emotions are extremely obvious right now. Trying to maintain a conversation without bursting into tears is proving difficult right now, the angels tried to ask what was bothering you but after a while of your obvious lies of ‘everythings alright’ and ‘Don’t worry it’s nothing’ they gave up hoping that giving you your time would help with things.

First class of the day happens to be with Solomon, your brain is fighting with itself attempting to decide what’s worse, him attending or not attending class. Pushing down your worries and stepping into the classroom you keep telling yourself.

‘Whatever happens, happens.’

Scanning the classroom you spot him, sitting in the spot next to yours like always. 

He’s already starting to approach you “How’s my adorable apprentice and lovely partner doing?” ending that sentence with a kiss on the cheek.

Every part of that greeting confused you,

I know last night wasn't a dream, it happened you’re sure it did.

“...”

“Sorry, darling. I had a few things that came up this morning and I didn’t want to wake you up to say goodbye. Hope you’re okay with that.”

“...”

“Are you still feeling a bit tired this morning?” 

Class was about to start and Solomon went ahead and dragged you to your seats.

All you could think was ‘What is happening!’ 

You know what happened last night was real, so why was he acting like it wasn't.

—

You can hardly form sentences with all that you’re feeling. The rest of the day is spent ignoring Solomon as much as possible while you wait to talk this out in private and with a clear mind.

“Hey, MC. Are you busy after class?”

“Why do you ask?”

“I was hoping to try Cafe Lament's new menu items with you.”

“Is that all?”

That pettiness in you can’t be contained, was this man really trying to plan a date with you just hours after completely ignoring your declaration of love for him.

“Huh? Yeah, why.”

“Sorry, I’m busy.”

Your tone was cold, but you couldn’t hold back from being upset. He’s allowed to not feel the same way as you, you know that but the fact he’s ignoring how you are feeling is what’s making you act this way.

You know the reasonable thing to do right now would be to try and talk with Solomon about what happened last night, but the thought of trying that sounded very overwhelming to you in your current state. Still you wanted to get this off your chest. The only person you thought to talk about this with was Asmo, he knew the both of you well and has given you plenty of good advice in the past. A couple of days ago, Asmo had mentioned that he had done a collaboration with Majolish and was going to get the prototypes some time  today, so safe to assume he went home. 

Once you finally make it back home and finish changing out of your uniform, you head to Asmo’s room, praying that he’s in there. Thankfully he is,he saw your expression and immediately knew you were upset. Before he could even ask what was wrong you bursted into tears. 

“Mc! What happened, hon?” He asked while pulling you into his room to give the two of you more privacy.

“Do you want to talk about it?” He guides you to the chair by his vanity and takes out some tissues.

“Yes,” you have to take a pause to give yourself enough time to form a coherent sentence “it’s about Solomon”

“Oh, honey. What happened?”

“It’s nothing too bad but…” Even trying to talk about what happened is bringing you tears. “I told him I loved him and he didn’t even reply. Worst part is he didn’t even acknowledge what had happened today”

“What do you mean ‘it’s nothing too bad’ he should know better than to do that to you!” Asmo kneels down next to you and holds your hands to comfort you before giving his solution “If you feel comfortable with it, then how about I talk to him for you. How does that sound?” 

“...I think that could work…I don’t really want to be there just in case it’s something I don’t want to hear.”

“Alright hon, I can ask to talk to him tomorrow. How about right now we try out the things made for my Majolish collaboration?” All you could respond with was a  nod to him and an attempt of  the most genuine smile you could muster.

---

All of yesterday’s pamper got you feeling a bit better, even so you still have your feelings of heartbreak weighing on you. Asmo’s gone out, he asked Solomon to talk with him, all you can do is pace around your room, waiting for whatever the conclusion will be. This could be the end of your relationship and all you could do was wait around. Why did you get Asmo to do this without you around, it’s making everything feel more out of your hands than it would have been with you there. Sure it would have still ended the same but at least you could interfere or something, but that also wouldn’t be ideal. He should get to say his decision without me trying to get what I want to say out loud. It’s only fair, right? 

Well, it’s too late to question what the better option would be. Your phone buzzes, it’s a text from Asmo. He says Solomon agreed that you two should have a talk with each other.

It’s agreed that Solomon is coming to the House of Lamentation to have this discussion in your room. It’s only going to take a few minutes for him to get here. 

---

It took a lot longer than you expected to hear a knock on your door. Asmo was standing behind him, he offered to stay to mediate the discussion but Solomon turned that down. Once the door was closed and you two were both seated on your bed Solomon starts speaking “MC, I’m sorry for how I handled what happened. It’s just that I’m worried about accepting that I’ve fallen in love with you. It has nothing to do with who you are, I just have lost everyone I’ve ever loved due to my immortality and it's just difficult for me to let people into my life and express how much I care about them. I do love you, MC. I hope you know that I mean it.”

At this point, tears are running down your face. Solomon and you chose to sit a little distant from each other when you first sat down but as soon as he’s done talking you lean in to hug him for some comfort. All you have to say is, “Are you sure?” 

“Yes, yes I’m sure. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Masterlist

[doeilovr]

[2:02 AM]

It was cold outside, you had your arms crossed in front of your chest in an attempt to feel at least a bit warmer.

You were waking down the street some time after midnight, the full moon and the stars were shining and you could hear waves crash softly in the distance.

Next to you, arm brushing yours every now and then, was your crush.

You've spent the entire summer with him, meeting for coffee in the mornings, going out for lunch, taking a swim or getting kind of drunk after work at night. It all happened at least once.

Another thing that happens at least once - having a crush. And so for this summer - for the first time in your life - you had a crush. And it was no other than Mark.

"So you will leave early tomorrow?"

Marks voice snapped you out of your thoughts.

"My friend is gonna take me to the airport at 12", you bit your lips.

This was your last night, the last time for you to see Mark for god knows how long. It hurt a bit.

"Ah, that's nice."

You hummed, feeling slightly awkward.

The thing about your crush on Mark was that Mark himself knew about it. You told him, you confessed.

And you talked it out, settling on being good friends, because Mark was still getting over a fairly recent heartbreak.

And you had cried days and nights. But it didn't matter anymore, you got over your pain and accepted the situation and Mark's decision. After all, what else could you have done.

"I think it's sad", Mark chuckled, "it's sad we're all leaving and this summer is ending."

You nodded, "yes I know."

You had almost reached your apartment, Mark having insisted on walking you home.

"I think we will probably not see each other for a while after tonight."

You glanced over at Mark and you weren't sure if it was because of the cold or if he was holding back tears, but he sniffled a few times.

"Do you still want to be in contact with me even after you leave?" Mark asked very carefully.

"What? Of course, I want to, if that's okay with you?" You looked at him, stopping in your tracks as you were now standing next to your front door.

"Yes me too", Mark smiled, "I would like that."

You smiled too.

"Alright, there we are, so, there is one more thing I want to say", Mark paused, stepped closer to you. "You are very lovely and I wish I could give you what you want and deserve. "

"Mark", you whispered. It hurt a bit.

Mark gave you a half smile, his eyes glistening. "But my heart is not well and before I can't fix it, I don't think I should give it away. You deserve a strong heart and all the love in the world."

Your eyes burned, "No, Mark. I just ask for you."

"Maybe when we meet again my heart will be fixed. And then, if you are still interested, we could try again."

Mark grabbed your hand and squeezed it.

You held back tears as you looked up at him. You understood it and altough you just asked for him to stay by your side, you understood that he needed space and time to heal.

There wasn't a lot you could say or wanted to say. Now you needed time, too.

You softly smiled. "Okay."

Mark smiled too and pulled you into a long hug. "I'll come visit you next month, as planned."

You stepped back and smiled widely. "I'll ask you again then. Is that okay?" Your eyes were sparkling with hope.

Mark chuckled softly. "Ask me again in a month, yes."

"Okay, I'll see you then", you waved at him and stepped back even further to where your door was. "Wait for me."

"I will", Mark nodded, watching you disappear inside your apartment building.

[leahseclipse]

Dar+ling (Emily Prentiss x f!reader)

Pairing: Emily Prentiss x fem!reader

Warnings: Nothing but an alarming amount of cuteness 🤭

Prompt: Person A finally confesses their feelings for B, who has wanted to do just the same for weeks

Summary: Emily finally gets the courage to confess their feelings to the reader, who has just wanted to do it too for a while.

Word Count: 1k

A/N: Doing this cute fic for @foxy-eva 's writing challenge 🥳🥳 congratulations for the 2k followers, I wish you lots of success for the future!!! (Btw this hasn't been beta'd lmao I literally wrote all of this on the Tumblr editor.......... 🫣)

It had always been absolutely no secret to everyone that Emily and I have always been quite close for the past few years, always hanging out after work, chatting for hours and hours in the break room, sitting a bit too long on each other's desks, and the list goes on and on.

We've never gone much farther than that. Not because we didn't want to, just because we didn't really talk about everything, the feelings matter, if we like each other as friends or not... It just never came up. I guess we didn't really think about it.

I've never dared to cross the line, I don't want things to end up awkward because I like her and she doesn't. But, what if she likes me too? For all I know, she could do, I don't see why not.

But, I've never asked her.

I really want to, though. The words are standing on the tip of my tongue whenever it's just the two of us, they're waiting to be said but... I don't let them out. I keep telling myself that I'll do it next time, but 'next time' ends up being delayed and on and on.

I just wish I could confess to her. Then I'd probably feel much better and everything would be fine. I really wish I could do it already. It's been weeks since I've been wanting to tell her.

I always stare at Emily's desk whether she's there or not, I just love to memorize every trait of her face, all the time. I can still imagine her sitting there even though she hasn't arrived to work yet.

I always look forward for the sound of the elevator, each morning. It might be my favorite sound after the sound of her voice. Elevator sounds being my favorite is a bit weird, but I like it because after that her arrival always follows.

And just when I turn my head, the elevator tings, and Emily is there. Her eyes meet mine and I wave at her quicky before standing up to walk up to her.

"Well someone's happy to see me today." Emily says as she opens her arms to hug me. We always sway from left to right, it's our thing.

"As always." I respond as we pull apart from each other and automatically start to walk towards our respective desks, even though she never sits at her chair first. She always goes for my desk, and I sit on my chair and look up at her in all of her beauty.

Even though we've seen each other yesterday, it's like we haven't talked in years. We chat for at least 30 minutes before realizing it's been that long.

I notice that she's been acting slightly different though, as if something has been on her mind. I wonder what happened, if I should ask about it or not while we talk.

I look around and notice that others have started to arrive. We greet them and slightly chat with them, and I start to think that it would be probably better if we moved somewhere else more private to talk.

"Hey, uh... Do you wanna go get some coffee in the break room? I haven't had any this morning and I'm starting to crave caffeine." I chuckle, and she smiles. She smiles.

We both walk away from the desk to the thankfully empty room, and I start to open up the cabinet where mugs are kept.

"Here, your mug." I say as I grab it and hand it to her, before I grab my own and close the cabinet.

"I'll pour it for you, here." She says and I set down my mug on the counter as she pours coffee in it.

"That's kind of you, thanks."

"You're welcome." She responds, and our eyes meet, just for a few seconds, then probably a bit more. It's like it's just the two of us, in a bubble, for a moment. Then she starts to chuckle, out of nowhere. It usually happens when we stare into each other's eyes for too long, I guess it's a nervous reaction. I smile to myself as she pours coffee for herself and sets the pot back on the holder.

We just stand there in silence as we drink our coffees, and neither of us seem to mind. Silent moments are precious too sometimes, I like them. Just standing by her is enough for me.

"Hey, uh..." She starts to talk but stops, as if she hesitates.

"Yeah?" I look at her but she has trouble to look at me. She seems nervous. "Is something wrong?"

"No, nothing bad. It's just... I've... Been thinking about something lately."

"What have you been thinking about?" I ask as we both set our empty mugs on the counter.

"You?"

"Me? What about?" I start to smile, out of nervousness.

"About the fact that I love you." I can see her exhaling a big breath after she tells the words, as if a weight has been lifted off her, and I think that I feel it too.

"You... You love me?"

"Yeah. I do."

"Well, it kinda turns out I do too." I say with a smile and she instantly seems relieved.

"You have no idea how bad I wished you did too."

"And you have no idea how long I've wanted to do this. It's been... Weeks."

"It's been way too long."

"Yeah." I say, before looking behind me to see if anyone else is near, but no one is. I can hear chatting nearby, everyone is probably too busy talking.

"Why did you-" Emily starts to ask, but I cut her off by pressing my lips to hers, just for a few seconds, because someone might come.

"You'll kiss me back tonight. They'll start looking for us any time now." I say after I pull away.

Emily is breathless as she puts her hands on my arms and says, "I might kiss you before, I'm known to be bad at waiting."

(Tell me what you thought about this fic here! ❤️ Don't hesitate to drop a request if you want ☺️)

Here's my masterlist if you want to check out more of my work!

[mssonepiece]

🩷High School Sweetheart🩷

🩷Chapter 2🩷

You'd Rather Not

Megumi x fem!Reader; Modern AU, no curses, cursed spirits or possession of cursed techniques; Reader and other characters are in college. Sorry about the typos in the texts messages.

3k+ Words

Previous//Next Chapter

~Checking iPhone after end of episode~

Nobara’s words brighten you up, something you truly needed at the end of this stressful day. You've been having a battle with yourself all day about whether you should text Megumi or not. Not even to confess but just to talk to him for a while about anything that comes to mind. Something has felt like it's been missing since the minute you woke up this morning.

Feeling like you should text Megumi before going to bed is ever-present, but confessing your feelings to him was not something you wanted to do at the moment. You miss your friend and lately things have been... weird to say the least. Talking to him over text everyday was something regular between the two of you and for the past few weeks, it seems like you have been avoiding each other. You're not sure what his excuse for not texting you is, maybe you've been so awkward that even he can feel it. But you’ve felt too put off by your own emotions and feelings towards him that avoiding him all together seems best.

Your head rolls back in annoyance followed by a sigh coming from the back of your throat. Unplugging your phone from the charger you keep in your kitchen, you take slow steps through the living to your bedroom. Turning off the tv and lights on your way there.

Your bedroom is dark but it comforts the sleepiness that is in control of your body. Placing your phone on the bedside table, you flop down on the mattress and pull your soft weighted comforter over yourself. The warmth lulls you to sleep within minutes of laying your head against the plush pillows.

Waking up the first thoughts in your head are the chats you had between your friends last night. You basically told all of them that you would tell Megumi how you feel, and finally put an end to this on-going crush. However, that did not happen yet another night. Tossing in bed to get comfortable again is futile, frustration shoots your body up-right and you grab your phone. Like instinct you open Instagram and scroll through the recommended page absentmindedly.

The burning feeling of tired limbs from standing in place for too long has you circling your body around to your sofa chair in the corner of the bedroom, and plopping yourself down in a comfortable position.

Almost three hours later you catch a glimpse of the time in the corner of your phone screen, it's 1:47pm already. Feeling like you've wasted the whole day you decide it's a good time to drag your body out of your warm spot on the chair to the cold hardwood floor. Your arms bend and stretch backwards as far as your joints will let them, needing to untighten your body after resting for so long. Hunger quickly took over your mind while you again stood in place in the middle of your bedroom, deciding what to do.

Dragging your feet across the floor boards to your dresser finally, you put your phone face down on top of it to look through and find a decent outfit to wear around the house. You don't have anything planned for today and your schedule is free. So there's no need to wear anything special or really to change at all, settling for a pair of loose jeans and shirt just in case anything comes up though. Putting on a pair of socks too before picking up your phone again and lounging on your living room couch. There's no new notifications since you've been scrolling through Instagram, so you opt for putting your phone down on the coffee table and finding something to do in your apartment. You look around the room for anything fun, eyes falling to the TV remote almost immediately. Reaching out for it and putting on a show that you aren't too interested in for now as background noise, then walking into the kitchen which needed some tidying up. You walk to the sink and crouch to open the cabinet, pulling out a spray bottle and grabbing a roll of paper towels once you're back up.

You have been trying to work on setting a schedule for yourself daily but so far it hasn't been as easy as you thought it would be. Everyday unfolds so differently so it's honestly hard for you to be planning out what to do with yourself every week. Cleaning is something you have to do living by yourself but it's not so bad since you are the only one making a mess, and it's never too bad in other rooms than your bedroom. You do your best taking plates, bowls, and cups out of your room when you are done so most of the mess ends up being clothes you run through trying to find an outfit you actually agree with. After wiping down the counters and sweeping the floor, you feel it's time to finally have some breakfast at 3:00pm. A bowl of Reese's cereal seems to do the job as the TV show you put on previously is starting to get interesting.

You're almost done with your bowl of cereal when you hear a knock at your front door, making your head snap in that direction. Wondering if you forgot something important that you had to do today but nothing comes to mind. Placing the bowl on the coffee table and jumping off the couch you walk up to the door and look through the peep-hole. Megumi stands there in the hallway looking down at the carpeted hallways -Even through the distorted glass he looks handsome- You turn the nob and hold the door open once you realize it's just him that was knocking on your door.

"Oh, Hey Megumi." You say kindly as he stands there in your doorway.

"Hey Y/n." He's faintly returning the smile that you're giving him.

"Whada ya doing here?" Your head tilts to the side watching him stay in place in the apartments hallway. His hands are clasped together in front of him and his hair is as messy as always.

"I was just bored and we haven't hung out in a while. I thought I could stop by for a bit, is that okay? Can I come in?" He unclasped his hands to gesture inside your apartment.

"Yeah of course, you can come in." Moving out of the way for Megumi, the height difference catches your eye as he passes your smaller frame. Butterflies flow in your stomach. A nervous laugh slips through your lips. How could you be around him when you act like this? "I was just watching The Regular Show but we can go out or do something else if you're not tryna stay here." You suggest while walking together to your couch. He takes a seat on the cushion next to where you were sitting a minute prior. You don't know this yourself but Megumi had taken note of your favorite spot to sit on your couch once you first moved in, along with many other things.

"No it's okay. I've been out way too much this week, I just want to relax. We can watch this. I put you on this show you know." He laughs, eyes already fixated on the tv screen.

"Cool. Do you want anything to eat while we watch?" You ask before you go to sit down next to him. He shakes his head and pats his hand on your usual spot, you oblige and plop down where you had been sitting before he showed up. Getting comfortable against his side without getting too close, you feel heat rise to your cheeks as his arm slightly rubs against your own. Your eyes drop to his hands, you wish that you could wrap your hand around his own and cuddle into his side but that's not something that friends do, is it? It wouldn't be normal for two friends to cuddle on the couch while watching a show they always watched together, right? You'd rather not mess up years of friendship when it is so fragile. You subconsciously inch your hand closer to his, unable to take your eyes away from tracing every detail of his hand. Megumi has always kept himself fit since you were all kids. He's had a routine at the gym ever since he's been eligible to go, going 1-2 times a week and it shows in his muscular body(He also has very good genetics...). You wish he would touch you with them, just a simple touch across the thigh or cheek would surely make your heart stop. Being friends with him so long has of course led to situations where you've had to hold his hand, and sit close to him before but there was nothing behind it. If there was then the feeling would be.. different. His skin against your own is distracting and lately you haven't been able to subside the thought of liking him so much. You mentally face palm at your thoughts. Having a crush on someone you're so close to is not as ideal as you thought it would be.

Megumi's boyish laugh at the show pulled your attention from your thoughts on his large hands to his gorgeous face. His green eyes darted from the tv screen to your own, the blush on your face creeping back. You smile and quickly look toward the tv screen to make it seem like you weren't just staring at him, but watch him through your peripherals to see how long he would look at you. Maybe if you could tell if he liked you or not then you would feel more comfortable expressing your feelings to him. His gaze returns to the TV shortly, shorter than you would have liked. Your eyes search for his, then his hands again. If he does like you then he's very good at keeping it secret. It's nothing new for him to keep to himself though. You would say that he is the most reserved friend you have, maybe the most reserved person you know at all. For him it's more about privacy than wanting to be a closed off asshole. Nobara seems to think the latter but you know how he is, it's easy when you can't ever keep your eyes off of him.

Megumi shifts his body to rest almost completely on his right side, the side closest to you, allowing your body to fall comfortably against his chest and pulling another nervous laugh from your own chest. Unsure whether to move or not, you plant your hand on his chest to help you sit up again. But his gaze down into your eyes freezes you in place.

"Where you going?" He asks with his hand placed on your waist to try and keep you where you were against him.

"Just slipped. Sorry." You laugh to ease the one-sided tension, he chuckles at you.

"It's okay." He reassures. You nod, relaxing into the couch with his arm around your waist. His hand quickly slides across your hip then back up. Butterflies stir up again when they shouldn't. You shouldn't see this as anything more than just relaxing with your good friend in your living room. You would do this together all the time when you were in elementary school and with other friends, so why is it that every time you hang out with Megumi now it feels so.. different?

A smile brightens your face when you look at him again, he returns it with a little less enthusiasm but it's still cute. "So you really liked this show I guess, it’s been on every time I come over."

"Really?" Thinking back now he's probably right. This made you both laugh, something you felt like you hadn't done together in ages.

"Yeah," He answers through a laugh. "It's a good show, I don't blame you. But I thought you only watched it when you came over to my dorm."

"Oh, well I've had nothing good to watch so I thought I'd try to catch up with you. It really is a good show." Megumi nods, keeping his eyes connected to yours while you speak.

"For real. You almost did too, damn. You might actually get all the funny jokes I tell all the time."

"Haha. You're so funny." You joke and playfully roll your eyes. Megumi scoffs and puts his attention back on the TV, making you laugh to yourself a little.

"I am." He whispers, then forms a small pout with his lips. You roll your eyes at his faux display of sadness, laughing when he slightly turns his chest away from yours to further his point. The hand resting on your waist pulling you in closer to him in his efforts.

"Yeah you are. But Yuji's funnier.." Another joke to jab at him pulls yet another wanted reaction from him. He snaps his head back towards you, holding eye contact with his jaw ajar. You can't help but laugh at the shock shown on Megumi's face. "I'm just kidding." You shout quickly but he's faster than you.

"WHAT?" His yell makes you laugh. "You think that singular brain cell is funnier than me?!" His comment and the concern on his face pulls more boisterous laughter from you.

“Oh my god,” You struggle out, trying to calm down and catch your breath. Megumi is fighting a smile with all his might.

“It’s not that funny y/n” He tries to defend himself. Your laughter continues to fill his ears, making it impossible for him to not smile and eventually laugh with you. You can tell he's annoyed with giving in by the way his head rolls to the side when he finally does smile. You think it’s cute how he is trying to seem hard and not laugh at your joke. But you know that he found it just as funny, and you know that he knows you don’t think Yuji is funnier. Yuji is a funny guy but his humor is a bit more… ‘kiddie’ most of the time, or has something to do with a movie none of our friend group has ever heard of. 

Megumi has been one of your closest friends out of the whole group, you two grew up together so you have hundreds of inside jokes and embarrassing memories. Everything seems to be funnier when you are experiencing it with Megumi even though he’s always kinda grim. 

When your guy's laughter finally dies down, you’re both focused on the show again for a while. Your mind starts to drift when you realize you’ve seen this episode before, you actually watched it at Megumi’s. The thought causes you to glance in his direction. He’s still as focused as before on the TV. You start to wonder how long he’ll stay over. Maybe he’ll spend the night if it’s late enough, but it’s still quite early. If you could find something that could distract you both until the late hours of the night then he would surely choose to sleepover than walk back to his small dorm room. Your apartment is much more spacious and relaxing. 

The whole reason you decided to move to an off-campus apartment just down the road and not a dorm room, was because you didn’t want to possibly share a room with a stranger or have no space. You knew that after college you wouldn’t be moving into your family home, so you needed enough room for all your belongings. You were able to find a one-bedroom one-bath that was perfect for you fairly quickly and knew you had to have it before your term started. Your parents helped with moving the large furniture like your bed and desk, then Megumi, Kirara, Kinji, and Inumaki helped you with moving the rest from your old apartment to the new one. They all like to visit often just to get away from the dorm life for a little bit. You love having them over, especially Megumi. However Kirara comes over the most because, as they say- I’ve been in college too long -and you always allow it because they are graduating soon, it’s their third year, meaning there’s just one more year of attending college together. After that then you’ll have to wait until you graduate to hang out as much as you do now. 

You can’t help but feel grateful that you and Megumi are around the same age and attend the same year. If he were any older than you would have one less year of meeting him between classes to go out around town. You’re lucky with how things are, it gives you plenty of time to hang out with Megumi which is what you usually do. Ever since your crush towards him decided to grow 1000x larger overnight two weeks ago, the two of you have been going on walks a lot less. It’s not like you didn’t like him before, you just didn’t feel the crush as deeply as you do now. You thought that if you kept your crush to yourself and pretended it didn’t exist then eventually it would go away. But it just seemed to get worse. You’re not sure if he thinks there’s something up or not since he hasn’t said anything about you declining to go out somewhere everytime and choosing to go back to your apartment instead, but you know how observant he is. 

Then again you know how reserved he is and he is not the type to push one of his friends to hang out with him. You still have a lot to learn about him. 

He shifts to the left, causing a gust of wind to chill your parallel side. “Sorry, my arms falling asleep.” Megumi explains to get you off his arm. You sit up quickly, feeling a bit awkward for resting against him so long that his arm fell asleep.

“Sorry.” A nervous smile and blush fills your face. Luckily your living room has grown dim due to the setting sun and lack of lights. Megumi makes eye contact, not helping the blush at all and tells you it's no worry, returning a smile. He put his arm down by his side so you sit back against the couch. Your body seems to move by itself, arms overlapping and thighs touching. Megumi doesn’t seem to mind while he has his full attention on the show that’s been playing for the past few hours. You however can't seem to think of anything else. 

Not long after his body tenses as he tries to grab his phone from his back pocket without sitting up. The movement is enough to grab your attention from the show, anticipating what he might say or do. You know that he’s probably going to say he has to go home now. Your body seems to slump on the couch looking for the warmth you felt a few minutes ago. Moments like this make your crush all the more of a burden. Asking him to spend the night would sound.. weird? He clears his throat like he’s about to talk, you look up to him. “It’s kinda late hm?” You try to smile at his words.

“Yeah.” You say through a fake laugh. He nods, you’re unsure whether he looks upset or not about having to leave. “Are you gonna head home now?”

“Yeah, but I wanna come over again soon.” Megumi finally sits up and puts his phone back in his pocket. You watch as he turns to stretch his arms and back, a pout shows on your face for a millisecond before he turns back around. You smile at him as he rests his head on his fist supported by his thigh. “Or maybe we could go somewhere?” He asks himself. “ Do you think it’s too cold for you to go out for a little while in this weather?” Holding eye contact with you, the words are hard to find. Your mind first races to ‘This is a date! He’s asking me on a date!’ but you know better. Megumi is not asking you on a date. He is asking you to hang out as friends like usual. 

“Um.. I should be fine if I dress warm. What day though?” Looking away as the words leave your mouth and returning when you finish your sentence. His lips jut out slightly as he thinks, eyes wandering the room.

“Tuesday?” His eyes falling back on yours. 

“Sure.” Your body shoots up right with mute excitement. That’s just two days away. “How cold is it gonna be? I’ll check the weather app.” Pulling out your phone and opening the app you see that it won’t be freezing but it will still be chilly. “It won’t be too bad, 37°(F).”

“Cool. I’ll come by after class. I know your last class gets out at 2, right?”

“Yeah” You nod, staring at teeth showing through his smile.

“Okay. Mine’s at 2:45 so I can come here and pick you up.” He almost sounds unsure about planning the day for you, but you wouldn’t mind if Megumi planned everyday for you for the rest of your life. You nod again, confirming his plan. “Good. Well..” He starts as he uses both hands to get off your couch. You follow shortly behind him, the two of you standing in silence. Megumi lets out a long breath that he’s been holding it in. 

“I’ll walk you out.” Trying to break the awkwardness you put your hand out gesturing to your front door.

“Alright. Thanks.” He laughs to himself as you start walking. You open it slowly, as if it would cause him to stay longer. He smiles once more before he’s saying his goodbye and turning down the hall. You’re not even sure if he saw you about to say goodbye too. The door closes in closer to your face than you thought you were standing, but you’re unable to move. Lost in a loop of thought. He kinda left in a hurry.

To Be Continued… Masterlist

Let me know if you want to be on the tag list!

Tag List~ @m00nglad3-mp3 @we-loveebony

[lythea-creation]

Hiba's Puppy - Hiba x fem reader (Part 2)

Part 1

warnings: none

word count: 912

-----------------

“Wait”, Hiba proposed with a slight chuckle. “That kinda sounds like a love confession.”

“You know what? Forget it”, I mumbled and turned to leave.

I had at least expected her to take me seriously. But apparently I did not know her as well as I had thought.

“It is?”, Hiba reassured. “(f/n), look, I ...”

“What is taking you guys so long? Are you okay?”, Tasneem interrupted her.

“Yeah”, I claimed and used Tasneem's appearance to flee.

Hiba had just been searching for a gentle way to let me down, which was absurd in itself. After all she was not one to take care of other people's feelings. So I must have seemed extremely vulnerable.

The rest of the evening was pretty uneventful as Tasneem had canceled the game after the call with Omar.

After playing some more games with less drama, we decided to go to bed. Now I was regretting settling my stuff right next to Hiba's because I had to lay down next to her after the awkward ending of our conversation.

I purposefully turned my back toward her to avoid looking at her.

But after a felt eternity I still was not able to fall asleep, the day spooking in my mind.

I almost cried out when a hand wrapped around my waist and pulled me closer. It could not be anyone else but Hiba.

I figured that she was asleep, but that quickly turned out wrong when she started whispering in my ear: “Hey, I know you're still awake. You've been ignoring me.”

I stayed silent.

“Why did you run away when Tasneem showed up?”, she inquired.

“We shouldn't talk about it here. What if anyone hears? It's already been bad enough for me”, I considered.

“They're fast asleep. Trust me”, Hiba proclaimed.

“What do you even want?”, I questioned.

“Finish our chat from earlier?”, she supposed. “I didn't get to say what I wanted.”

I could feel her breath on my ear and it was driving me crazy. Why did she have to be such a tease?

“Don't worry about it”, I assured her. “You don't have to let me down slowly.”

“I never intended to, anyway”, she noted. “I've been having my eyes on you for a while now, but I always thought you were with one of the boys.”

I could barely breathe at her words, struggling to process everything she was saying.

“So what do you say?”, she wondered.

I loosened her grip on my waist to turn around and face her. The sight of her was reminding me once again how stunning she was.

“You like me, too?”, I uttered, not sure if I could trust my mind right now.

Her eyes moved from my eyes to my lips. “Yeah”, she confirmed.

A bright smile captured myself, making her chuckle quietly, before she closed the gap between us to kiss me.

At first it was shy and hesitant, but it quickly turned more passionate and desperate as we had waited for so long.

When we parted again, Hiba was grinning at me, pulling me back into her arms.

The next morning I woke up in Hiba's arms. So it had not been a dream after all. I smiled at the memory of last night.

The others had already gotten up, leaving us behind to sleep in.

When I turned around to try regain the feeling in my arm I had apparently laid on for way too long, Hiba stirred awake as well.

“Who turned on the sun?”, she grumbled.

I could not help but laugh. “The others are probably eating all our breakfast”, I assumed.

“Don't care”, Hiba mumbled, burying her head in the crook of my neck.

Hiba was probably the worst morning person I knew. So I granted her a few more minutes before getting up.

“So you two have finally gotten out of bed as well”, Enas pointed out as soon as we entered the kitchen.

They were already finished with breakfast, just like I had figured.

“You two were so cute by the way”, Tasneem remarked grinning.

She pulled out her phone to show us a picture of us sleeping in each others arms.

“Give that to me”, Hiba demanded, snatching the phone out of Tasneem's hand before she could react.

“Hey, don't delete it”, she complained.

But Hiba had not deleted it. She had sent it to herself, which I only knew because I was able to get a peak.

Later that day the boys picked me up to hang out.

“You guys would be so dead if the night had turned out any different”, I enlightened them.

“What exactly are you talking about?”, Noor questioned.

“What do you think I'm talking about? Your stupid call! Do you have any idea how awkward that was?”, I ranted.

“Hey, don't make her angry!”, Yasser scolded him.

“Nah, you're all off the hook because Hiba's my girlfriend now”, I announced.

“She is? Congrats”, Safaa exclaimed and patted me on the shoulder. “Though I gotta say that I'm a bit jealous.”

“Watch what you're saying”, I warned him, but my serious attire was quickly replaced by laughing at his horrified expression.

No matter how much shit these guys were getting me into, I just could not be mad at them for long.

-------------------------

Since it was requested, here's part 2. I hope you all like it!

Tag List: @sunwoniie

[around1302]

XV. COMPLICATED FREAK

SPARE PARTS: a series (15/20)

EN ROUTE TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

(W) strong language, mention of drug use, sliight fingering

a/n a short one (only 2.8k) because i’ve just been so damn busy with work and uni. the next part will make up, i promise.

THIRD PERSON’S POV

Amelia and Charlie quickly discovered their only moments in complete solitude are early, early mornings on the bus. Amelia’s finally gotten used to the ass-crack of dawn starts, and with the promise of an uninterrupted hour with her best friend, she’s more than fine disrupting her beauty sleep to sneak out her and Niall’s usual hotel room.

Charlie suggested their time together be spent in her hotel room – where she doesn’t have to drag herself up and out at 4AM. Yet Amelia insisted if she wasn’t allowed to ride on the band’s glamorous bus, she’d at least gossip in it when she can.

This time, it’s about Niall. Specifically Amelia finally telling Niall she’s been let off from her job in London, and that this styling gig has essentially been her lifeline.

Niall wasn’t mad she lost her job. He could never be angry at her for something like that; he was only upset she didn’t tell him sooner. Charlie, however, ever the pessimist about their relationship (Amelia was hers before Niall fell for her at Charlie’s 18th) decided the only valuable solution is to,

“Break up. I’m just putting it out there.”

“You always put that out there. You said that when he stole my cereal that time.”

“And I still stand by that being a valid reason. Look, it wouldn’t be awkward. If anything, it would be better because–”

“We’re not breaking up. Now, distract me. How’s your crazy, insane love life I’m vicariously living through?”

Charlie’s heart plummets. That’s the last thing she wants to think about. For years, the most complicated aspect of her so called ‘love life’ was guy who wanted nothing romantically more than to occasionally fuck her. Now, after all this time, that same guy suddenly wants her and, well. Harry.

“It’s not crazy,” Charlie mumbles, not wholly convinced. “Except…” she chews at her lip, toying with the idea of saying it aloud for the first time.

After their last encounter, and the consequential waking up beside him for the first time, Charlie decided to bury herself deep into a cosy pit of denial. Which was quickly dug out when Harry smiled at her in rehearsals, and didn’t call her princess once during their last stop in Antwerp. It’s starting to get difficult to deny that something is going on.

“Except…?” Amelia prompts, pausing as she ties her short locks up.

Charlie heaves a sigh. Maybe saying it aloud would confirm its ridiculousness.

“I think Harry likes me.”

She expected a theatre-worthy gasp, a screech, even a thump across her arm. Any indication that Amelia finds the insinuation as insane as Charlie does. And, yet…

“Yeah, no shit.” Amelia scoffs. Scoffs.

Taken aback, Charlie frowns. “What?”

Amelia’s lips twitch, humour lacing her tone as she takes in her clearly oblivious best friend. She looks a picture of shock, a hint of betrayal even. Amelia’s no dummy, however. She knew the moment Charlie confessed to her and Louis about their whole deal that it would never end as simply as Charlie believed it would. 

“Look, remember when you came out to be in year eight?”

“... yeah?”

“Remember what I said to you?”

Despite it being nearly ten years ago, Charlie doesn’t have to wrack her brain for that memory. It’s crystal clear. After school, a thirteen year old Charlie wrung her hands on her purple bedding whilst trying to pluck up the courage to come out to her best friend who, well.

“You said you already knew.”

“Exactly.”

Charlie shakes her head. “What does that have to do with anything, though?”

“This is like that, Char. I knew years before you told me about your bisexuality.”

“What are you saying?”

“That it is so painfully obvious that Harry likes you, dude.”

“What the fuck?” Charlie grows defensive. Denial. “No it’s not.”

“Obvious to everyone but you, apparently.” Amelia mumbles under her breath, already spotting how quickly Charlie’s defence is going to spiral into a one sided argument.

“Oh shut up, it is not.” Charlie stands, wringing her hands (much like a younger version of herself) and beginning to pace while Amelia throws her head back – regretting ever saying anything. “Harry’s hated me for the last six years, he’s only acting a bit nicer because he’s banging me.”

Amelia puffs out an exhale, tipping her head back to watch Charlie go back and forth.

“What do little boys do when they have a playground crush?”

“That is bullshit misogyny fed to girls so they grow up thinking men being mean is a form of affection.”

“True… but it kinda applies here, babe.”

“Harry does not like me.” Charlie collapses back onto the sofa, sending a cushion flying.

“I thought you said he did?” Amelia lilts, amused.

“Well, I’ve changed my mind.”

Amelia chuckles lightly to herself, grabbing her phone and standing.

“Where are you going?” Charlie snaps, tone still accidentally stuck in rebuttal mode.

“It’s 5AM, I have to go to my shitty bus.” Amelia pushes her sunglasses onto her face, biting her bottom lip behind a wide smile. “See you in Amsterdam, hope you’re ready to get mashed out of your mind!” She calls as she leaves, shedding a ray of blinding light onto the bus before slamming the space back into silence.

Charlie grabs a pillow, and screams into it.

The bus journey to Amsterdam is just under two hours, but everyone heads straight to the beds upon boarding to get a few extra hours of kip before the day ahead: knowing full well the next few hours will consist of weed, weed, and more weed.

Charlie, however, is wide awake.

She’s never been one for naps, anyway, but her conversation with Amelia has her wracked. Sure, she was developing suspicions of her own. Hell, Harry practically admitted it in their bar argument in Paris. But she could tuck herself away safely in thinking she was simply overthinking everything; for Amelia to say it’s obvious is shit to the fan. 

So she leaves her bed, returning to the living area to grab a herbal tea and maybe get some piece of mind. She doesn’t want the guys’ day to be ruined by the drug inevitably heightening her anxiety.

Except the literal source of her worries is sat right there, on the very sofa her and Amelia were debriefing on, strumming Niall’s guitar and humming something softly to himself.

Charlie couldn’t completely identify why, but she nearly melts at the sight of him. Sweatpants and an accompanying black hoodie, his hair tied back into his usual bun par a few stray curls fighting their way to his nape, ringless fingers pressed against the guitar neck as he concentrates. Something about him being there eased her nausea, despite him also being the perpetrator. 

At the door opening and closing, Harry looks up, brows furrowed and pick between his teeth as his fingers and harmonising halts.

“Sorry,” Charlie quickly feels embarrassed, like she’s been caught out despite only being stood there for all of five seconds. “I just came out for some tea.”

Harry’s features soften, his own stomach flipping at the mere presence of her.

“Sure.” He starts to prop Niall’s guitar up, ever careful of the years old paint job the whole band were under strict instructions to not mess up, but Charlie wastes no time in rushing over to see what he was doing.

“Whatcha’ writing?”

“Nothing– hey,” Harry reaches for Charlie after she snatches the notebook on the coffee table, quickly turning her back to read it, “give that back.”

Harry’s stomach goes from flipping to sinking while he stands, towering over Charlie to try and grab the pages back – but she’s quick, hugging it to her chest as she rushes to stand on the sofa.

“If I’m going to be eventually singing this to thousands of people I want to know know if it’s shit before I’m up there.” Charlie teases, ignoring the way Harry tries to plead with his eyes to give it back. He crosses his arms, accepting his fate as Charlie lifts the pad up to the ceiling and reads it from above her. 

She got wrapped up in somebody else,

I'm wrapped up stuck in love with myself.

I never saw this coming around,

But I miss her skin on me now.

Huh, Charlie thinks, this isn’t as terrible as expected.

Tip of my tongue she's pulling my hair.

I do what she wants anywhere,

Back seat of the car and up in the air.

Charlie gulps. Up in the air?

Turned up too late one too many times,

Bad choice of words in my alibi.

Charlie begins to sink, the notebook coming down to a height Harry could easily grab it from, but he barely notices. He’s too busy studying Charlie’s face – trying to read her mind, worry bouncing from bone to bone. 

Sure, he didn’t say her name – but he knows she’s not stupid.

“Charlie–”

“This is good stuff, Harry,” Charlie doesn’t look up, her eyes glued on the words, heart thumping so hard against her ribs she’s sure it’s audible. “Rachel?”

Harry’s tongue pokes his cheek. Rachel?

“Charlie.” He deadpans, his voice heavy.

“What?” Charlie sniffs, straightening her back and trying to force humour into her tone as she finally looks at him. That makes her falter, but she keeps on the straight and narrow. “She’s a lovely girl. I’m sure she’d appreciate this… can we call it a love song? What’s this, tip of my tongue–”

“Quit being a dick.” Harry finally grabs the pad back, throwing it back onto the coffee table beside his pen and the pick he stole from Louis. Charlie jumps down from the sofa, hovering as Harry collapses on the opposing one, rubbing his face in his hands.

“It’s genuinely a good song,” Charlie kicks his feet, forcing him to look at her.

“You think?” Maybe she couldn’t tell it was about her, Harry starts to tell himself.

“Mhm,” Charlie flicks the kettle on by the small stove, ransaking the cupboards for the green tea she was bullied for bringing but is beyond grateful for now. “For the next album?”

If I pretend I didn’t clock something weird, Charlie thinks, then nothing weird happened.

Harry stands, Charlie’s back to him as she makes her tea. HIs eyes rake over her properly for the first time since she stepped in the room; she’d changed into sweats to try and nap, and his t-shirt – fuck, his t-shirt. He never wants it back.

Playing with fire, he grabs Charlie’s waist. She jolts at the contact, her breath catching in her throat, her gut tightening. But she doesn’t move. She lets him tuck his chin over her shoulder, watching her hands work to pour the water, to sugar the tea, to stir the bag.

The longer she lets him stay there, the bolder he gets.

Harry wraps his arms around her torso completely now, slightly rocking them as he nuzzles his head in the crook of her neck. Despite the touch being all too domestic, Charlie sinks into him – lets his fingers span her stomach, lets his lips graze her skin.

Although, “Harry, someone could walk in.”

“So?” He murmurs against her shoulder, his fingers trailing lower. Her breath hitches again.

“Harry…” She warns softly, but she doesn’t stop him.

His fingers tease the edge of her sweatpants over the material of his shirt, the one she wears without a second thought anymore, because ‘its comfy.’ He lifts the tee, grazing her bare abdomen, now. Fingers tracing the ANGEL tattoo that resides there.

“Is this okay?” He asks, lips closer to her ear now. Charlie closes her eyes, tilting her head back to his shoulder. She turns her head, eyes level with his lips – red and plump and so deliciously kissable – while nodding. 

Before his hand slips into her joggers, he leans his head down to catch her lips in a soft kiss. Nearly chaste, but with the way Charlie snakes her hand round to his nape to deepen it, that doesn’t last long and soon Harry’s fingers are sinking into Charlie’s pants.

She gasps into his mouth when his middle finger makes contact with her clit, tapping with a slowness that’s nearly agonising before circling harder, faster. Trying to keep quiet, Charlie bites her lip, letting her head fall onto his shoulder completely while she grips the counter with her free hand. Her fingers sink into the hair at the base of his neck, tugging his bun into a mess, but Harry wouldn’t notice a bullet right now.  

The door, however, might be an issue.

“Hey– oh shit.”

“Fuck,” Harry quickly moves away from Charlie, the two of them scampering to get decent again (the boner Harry was harbouring no longer hidden by Charlie’s back) while Liam turns, too. All three of them as flustered as the other.

“I’m, uh, shit, sorry,” Liam doesn’t know what to say, what to think. He’s not even certain he saw what he saw. His fingers rake his hair as he stands awkwardly by the door, unsure of whether to go back to the beds or stay stationary in this Hell.

“Liam, it’s fine, it’s our fault.” Charlie hurries to shake it off, to try and rationalise.

Harry’s still trying to find a way to hide his hard-on when Liam turns, settling for a cushion that only emphasises the issue. Liam’s eyes flicker to the obnoxious lips Charlie bought for the bus last tour that cover Harry’s groin. He squeezes his eyes shut, pinching the bridge of his nose. 

“We can explain.” Harry starts, uncertain of how to finish.

“I don’t… you don’t need to explain… I didn’t even really see any–”

“Harry and I are sleeping together.” Charlie blurts. Harry sends her a sideways glare as if to say what the fucking fuck?

Liam exhales sharply, hands on his hips now. “Right. Okay. Alright, that explains a lot, actually.”

“That… what? Why does everyone keep saying that?”

“Look,” Harry continues, “we’d appreciate it if you didn’t tell the guys. We just think it would complicate things, and–”

“Louis knows.”

“What?”

“I may as well get it out now,” Charlie folds and unfolds her arms, entering a space of panic. Harry throws his cushion away, erection long gone. “I told Amelia, obviously, and then she told Louis. Well, kind of. Turns out he did see us that one time.”

“Oh, great. So Niall knows, too, then.”

“No, she only told Louis. Amelia wouldn’t tell Niall.”

“Charlie, come on.” Harry cocks his head. Charlie glances at Liam for help, but he only shrugs. Who was she kidding?

“Shit,” Charlie murmurs. “Niall knows.”

“Wait, so,” Liam waves his arms about, “how long have you guys actually been fucking?”

The pair spoke at the same time.

“I don’t know.”

“Since London.”

“Since London?” Liam splutters. “You do realise how stupid this is, right?”

“Yes, but–”

“Why is it stupid?” Harry barks. 

“Because you guys hate each other, so when it inevitably goes wrong, the whole band’s fucked.”

“That’s not going to happen.” Harry defends, quickly enough to make Charlie frown at him.

“Could’ve sworn this door was sound proof." Tired brogue suddenly enters the scene, a sleepy Niall walking into the argument whilst rubbing his eyes. “What’s the fuss?”

Before Charlie or Harry have the chance to explain themselves, Liam steps into his role as appointed band-dad and accusingly points at the pair.

“Did you know about this?”

“About what?” Niall heads over to Charlie’s untouched tea, grabbing the mug and taking a sip before gagging at the fact it’s herbal, not English. Charlie rolls her eyes, taking back the cup. 

“Them!” Liam sounds like he’s going to implode.

“Oh, that? Yeah, Lia told me ages ago.” Niall confirms it. Amelia’s a fucking tattletale.

“Jesus, so everyone knows.” Harry groans into his hands, sinking onto the sofa. 

“What do you think to it all?” Liam asks Niall.

“The fuck’s going on out here? Mother’s meeting?” Louis joins the party now, and so Charlie collapses beside Harry in defeat.

"This is what we get for you being all 'so? who cares if anyone walks in?'" Charlie mutters to Harry.

"Fuck off, you were enjoying it." Harry mutters back.

It was to be expected, really. They would be caught out at some point, especially with how reckless they were. Fingered while making tea, really? If anything right now, she wants to yell at Harry. Then at herself for losing herself so easily in him.

“Just discussing how Charlie and Harry have apparently been banging since the beginning of tour.”

“Not the beginning beginning–”

“London is the beginning.” Liam cuts Charlie’s protests off.

“London? You didn’t tell me it was that far back.”

“I thought you said Amelia told Louis?” Harry turns to Charlie.

“Oh, fucking Hell!” Charlie explodes. “Yes, me and Harry have been sleeping together. So fucking what? I’ve seen you all snort cocaine off of the same stripper’s ass in Vegas at Louis’ 21st, there has been far worse done in this band so I’d appreciate it if we’d all just move on!”

“Jesus, Charlie.” Niall mumbles. “I didn’t do it off her ass.”

“Yeah, and she was actually a lovely lady–”

“I don’t care!” Charlie stands. “We all know, we all are shocked, now let’s get on with the fucking day. I’m going to bed.”

Just as Charlie braces the door to be slammed, she remembers one acute detail.

“And no one tell Zayn.”

taglist: @lilfreakjez @be-with-me-so-happily @sirtommyholland @tpwksm @b-reads-things @tiaamberxx @daphnesutton @mleestiles

[lindyloosims]

Chapter Three, Part Four:

"Hey Rox, how's the patient?" "Grumpy, angry, sad, frustrated…"

"Okay okay, I get it! So what did the doctor say?" "She's to stay off the ankle for at least a week! Which is a bummer as she has a lot of work to do on the diner, so that's put a real scupper on things!" Roxy sighed, a hint of resentment towards Dexter, "What possessed you Maloney?" "Huh?" Dexter feigned surprise, she was onto him! "Why did you tell Rob Lainie loved to dance? What was that all about?"

"It was just a joke!" Dex replied sheepishly. "Well it wasn't funny!" Roxy scolded him. "Some people just don't get my sense of humour…can I see her?" Dex looked down at the ground like a naughty school boy as Roxy huffed impatiently. "Okay, but don't annoy her! She's really down about this!"

"Hey freckles!" Dex greeted Lainie chirpily, but seeing her sad little face was like a knife to his heart. "Hey!" she replied half heartedly. "No worries, you'll be up and about in no time!" "I can be up right now, it's not that bad, but the doctor says it will be worse in the morning and I won't be able to walk!" "Is there anything I can do?"

"You could maybe get me a time machine and stop me from going on that date! Why did I dance with him? I can't dance! Of all the things to…just my luck huh?" Roxy hadn't told Lainie that Dex was responsible for her disastrous date?

Dex sat down beside Lainie and felt rather awkward. "You want me to…get you anything? Water, tea, some caramel coffee?" he laughed softly, remembering fondly the night she came to tell him off for making so much noise in her pyjamas…and how could he forget her little kitty cat slippers?

She didn't laugh back, she didn't even answer him. "Look, maybe I don't have a big blue box that can take the pain away and erase the past 24 hours but…I do have loads of DVDs and a heap of time on my hands so I'll go get them and grab us some corn for poppin' and we can just veg out! How does that sound eh?" "Okay!" she finally replied, "Thanks pretty boy, you're a sweetheart!"

When Dex came racing into the flat and grabbed up all his DVDs, Ash had told him to confess, tell her everything! And he was going to…but it just wouldn't come out of his mouth, "I really like you Lainie and that's why I sabotaged your date, I was insanely jealous!" As she rested her head on his lap and the movie ended, she let out a huge sigh. "Oh Dex, what am I going to do?" "What about freckles?" "About the diner? How am I ever going to open on Friday with my bum on the couch?"

Without thinking Dex blurted out, "I'll help you! I told you me and the guys can do stuff! Whatever you need!"

"Dexter I need a miracle! My walls and floor are done but I need to put in my counters, tables, chairs, install my kitchen! And I need to be there! It's never going to happen! I might as well give up now, Roxy was so right!"

"You'll be there even if I have to carry you around the place! It WILL happen freckles! I promise you this! We might not meet the deadline but it will open, Lainie's is going to be the best diner in Moonlight Falls! Trust me, I'm an artist!" and this time Lainie did laugh a little. "Thank you!" "It's what friends are for!" yes, friends who got you in that predicament in the first place. Roxy had thrown him a life line by not telling Lainie about his bad joke borne out of jealousy. He wasn't going to let it pass him by! He was going to make amends…

And chapter three is done! So Dexter's jealous actions had consequences, big ones! Lainie's progress on the diner has been somewhat halted! Will the boys manage to make the deadline for her? Or are her dreams going up in flames? Next time, it's all about second chances! Thanks for reading! ;o)

⏮️Previous/Next⏭️

[sheewolf85]

Who’s the Prettiest of Them All? Chapter 2: Resultion

This has been a long time coming. I wanted to write this right after the first chapter but of course life and (lack of) inspiration got in the way!

I hope you all enjoy a resolution to the drama that came before it.

Tags: Fellswap Paps (Mutt), Reader, Iris, forgiveness, mild sexual content

Read it on AO3

Or read it here!

The next morning was a little awkward as the three of you got up and went through your morning routines. Seeing the couch still made up for Mutt made your stomach churn. You wanted to sit down with him and talk, to explain why you had gotten so mad even if you still didn’t understand how you had managed to confuse yourself so badly.

Maybe it had been Iris’s wording. She’d called it a pageant. Did that really warrant you disregarding everything Mutt tried to say afterward?

No, it did not, and you made a promise to yourself that from this day forward, you would at least hear him out no matter what you thought of things. He’d proven himself time and time again, and you owed him that much.

You didn’t get a chance to talk to him before you had to leave for work. You made sure to give him the best kiss goodbye you could, to hopefully prove to him that you weren’t mad anymore. You were relieved to see his eye lights still form little hearts as you pulled back.

One thing you could say you appreciated about your job was that it kept you busy enough to get your mind off of personal dramas. Today was no exception, and by the time you clocked out for the day you were so ready to be back home with your little family.

Mutt wasn’t normally a chef, but every once in a while he’d have a simple dinner ready when you got home from work. You’d made sure to tell him he didn’t have to do that, that as long as he and Iris had decided what you were having you didn’t mind cooking with him.

But that didn’t mean you didn’t appreciate having it already done, and all you had to do was put your stuff down, take off your shoes, and enjoy a nice meal with your family.

It made you sad to see Iris picking at her dinner. You knew what was causing her sadness, and while you hoped you were wrong, you also knew you weren’t.

“Iris, honey, are you okay?” You asked, reaching out to gently rub at her little arm.

She shrugged, not looking up from her plate.

“she’s been a bit sad all day,” Mutt said softly. “we jus’ hung out, watched a coupla movies’n napped on the couch.”

You nodded. Somehow you had come to the conclusion that you and Mutt would talk later after Iris had gone to bed, but now you realized that she needed to hear what you had to say too. She needed to see that there was hope for you and Mutt.

“I think it was the word ‘pageant’ last night that got me,” you confessed, staring down at your plate. “I think somehow I let that word get bigger than it was, and I let these dark thoughts take over. Not just about pageants, but about my exes, about how you’ve been so good to me and Iris and how for a while now I’ve been so scared that one day you’re going to change your mind.”

You peeked over at Mutt to see him staring at you. You swallowed and kept going.

“It’s not fair. Not to you or to Iris. You’ve done nothing but prove how good a man you are, and I took one word and let it distort everything I know about you. You even tried to explain yourself, and again I was too scared to let history repeat itself that I forgot you’re not them. You’re not any of them, and I’m so sorry I couldn’t see that last night.”

Mutt reached out and took your hand, squeezed your fingers. “i know a li’l somethin’ ‘bout lettin’ dark thoughts take over,” he said softly.

Your vision was starting to blur from the tears building in your eyes. “I promise you, Mutt, I will hear you out from now on. I can do that for you, even if it does end up being something I disagree with.”

He nodded. “tha’s all i really ask’a ya, darlin’.” He lifted your hand and kissed your knuckles. “‘s far as me changin’ my mind? guess i jus’ gotta keep provin’ t’ya i ain’t goin’ nowhere.”

“Not ever?” Iris asked, her voice so small.

Mutt shook his head. “not ever, li’l flower. tha’s a promise.”

Iris slid down off her chair and held her arms out as she walked over to Mutt. He picked her up and held her tightly.

“i gotcha, little darlin’,” he said softly, leaning in to kiss her head. “papa puppy’s not leavin’ ya.”

Okay, that was too sweet.

“I love you, daddy,” she cried, sniffling.

Mutt’s jaw trembled. “love you too.”

You stood up, gesturing with a nod of your head for him to follow you to the living room. He did, carrying Iris in a tight embrace. The three of you sat together on the couch, cuddled up close enough to banish all the sadness and let only comfort and love in.

Dinner had only been half eaten and there were other chores that needed tending to, but you didn’t care. You would never give up a moment to soothe your daughter’s worries if you could help it.

The three of you stayed together on the couch for a few hours, talking quietly to each other. Iris told you a little bit about her day, about the movies she and Mutt had watched. Mutt confessed he actually liked Unicorn Parade, but that he’d been offended by the character of Mutt in The Last Guardian.

“jus’ cuz he’s a dog don’t mean he deserves tha name.”

Iris looked up at him. “He was a bad guy, too.”

You should your head in mock disgust. “How dare they tarnish such a name.”

A while later, after you and Iris started yawning, you figured it was probably time to start getting her ready for bed.

After bath and jammies, Mutt went in to read to her. You folded the sheets and blanket out on the couch as he did and got stuff put away so he’d know without any shadow of doubt where you wanted him to sleep tonight.

Mutt came out and smiled when he saw what you’d done, came up to you and took your hand.

“ready fer bed?” He asked.

“Something like that,” you said with a grin.

Making love with Mutt was never a dull experience, never had been, and this time was no exception. He always made your pleasure a priority, but this time you wanted to show him how much his meant to you, too. As you rode him, you hoped he could feel how much you loved him in every movement of your body.

Afterward, you laid next to him with his arms curled around you, and held on to his ribs as if he might try to leave if you didn’t.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” you asked.

He looked down at you. “what? ya didn’ hurt me darlin’. it’d take a lot more’n yer sexy ass on me ta hurt me.”

You snorted. “No, I meant…I meant are you sure you’re okay after last night.”

“ah. yeah, ‘m okay.” He rubbed your back and kissed your forehead. “i’ve been through a lotta shit’n my life, darlin’, both underground’n above it. yeah, it was rough seein’ ya get that upset, but you ain’t nothin’ like tha monsters in snowdin, back where i grew up. you don’ let someone sit’n wonder what they did wrong’r how ta fix it, ‘n’ ya sure don’ try ta get revenge even when yer wrong. might take a minute ta convince m’self yer really okay, but tha’s a me problem.”

You hummed and kissed his ribs. “Tell me if I can do anything to help.”

“you got it.” He kissed you again.

Satisfied that you’d made some good headway in fixing the damage you’d caused, you snuggled into Mutt once again to get some sleep.

[fire-emblem-drabbles]

Welcome, Morning Light

Pairing: Naesala x reader

Prompt: Naesala and summoner tease one another about who will confess first

Description: Somewhere along the line, you had come to view your time with Naesala (up in the sky, far from the comforting feel of the ground beneath you) as something... nice. You found yourself looking forward to the next time you got to fly, if only because it was a good excuse to spend more time with him.

Rating: sfw

Content warning: female reader (um that's it)

Word Count: 2980

Notes: Another commission for my beloved @furudolove! They wanted a continuation of their last Naesala com and who am I to deny them a happy ending? Both can be read as standalones I think but I'll link the first part <3

Part: One | Two

Summers sweet warmth had all but left Askr, leaving the evening cold and dark once more. Even fall, with its nostalgic winds and comforting crunch of leaves was just a memory now that winter had made its self welcome with snow and ice abound. Less daylight only seemed to bring more work, however, and with that you found that you were missing time you once got to spend with Naesala.

It was hard to come to terms with but… You loved spending time with him. You missed getting to fly with him, if only because it meant you got to be close with him, alone with him. There was simply no way around it… Somewhere along the line, you had fallen for King Kilvas. You suspected that he felt the same; despite the winter weather, despite all the work and chores and duties you had to attend to, he was always more that willing to take you in his arms and show you the grandeur of the world from the sky.

You could almost picture it now; the sight of the silent winter world below you and his welcoming blue gaze above you...

As much as you wanted that right now though, you had paperwork to do. So much paperwork. Much was already done, and yet there was more to do. Stacks upon stacks that had piled up because other things needed attending to quicker…

You can’t help but sigh, glancing up at the dark window and the dying embers of your fire. You must have been at this for a while if your fire was nearly out. Now that you were pulled from your work, you could actually feel the chill in the room too. You rub your weary eyes and groan as you stand. You prepare to toss some more logs on the embers before you hear a knock at the door. You turn in surprise and go to answer, but find that as you speak your voice doesn’t come. You blink and clear your throat to speak; before you can, the door opens.

“Naesala?” Your voice is cracked and horse, but that’s not the most concerning thing here.

“You’re awake?” He chuckled softly. “Well, this is awkward…” Despite saying that, he doesn’t seem too flustered as he welcomes himself into your room, closing the door beside him.

“What are you doing here?” Your voice slowly comes back to you, but there’s an undeniable grit to it.

“I usually wake up around this time to check on you.” He admits, looking to the side for a moment before back to you. “You’re usually asleep at your desk, with nothing but embers in your fireplace.” He huffs softly. “I’ve been putting you to bed and making sure you stay warm.” You blink in surprise at his admission, rubbing your tired eyes to make sure you weren’t dreaming.

“You have…?” You think you would remember being put to bed by him. Honestly though, you don’t remember going to bed lately. You always figured that you were just so tired that you forgot getting ready for bed. “For how long… and why?” You stare at him with tired eyes, and he sighs.

“Well if you really want to know…” It’s unlike him to be so quiet, so shy. Something is bothering him. “I missed our little evening excursions… I figured if I was waking up this early anyways, I may as well see if you were interested in going on one.”

“Early? What time is it?” You panic a moment, choosing to ignore (at least for the moment), everything else he said.

“It’s nearly 5 in the morning.” He chuckles at the look on your face. “Sun will be up soon, actually.” He muses.

“Oh man…” You shake your head, sitting on the edge of your bed. Naesala sits beside you, staying quiet a moment as you contemplate your actions as of late. Before long he inhales a deep breath, speaking softly to you.

“You need to stop overworking yourself, it’s not good for you.” An indignant huff leaves your lips at that, and you shake your head. Even if you had thoughts about being lectured by him, you choose instead to ignore them.

“I just don’t have enough time for everything I need to do.” A frown sets on your lips as you speak. “I hadn’t realized how hard I was pushing myself…” You curl your hands into the fabric of your bedspread, turning to Naesala and trying to shake the frown from your face. “Thank you for taking care of me. I’d probably be in even worse shape if you hadn’t been checking in on me like you have.” You admit sheepishly, eyes wandering from his own gaze as you speak.

“Don’t mention it.” Despite your embarrassment, his smile warms you up. You’re very happy he’s been looking after you, actually. It makes you think that maybe he might love you too. You’re not left long to indulge that thought though, as he speaks again. “Actually, if you wanted to make it up to me… Why don’t we go for that flight, see the sun rise together?” He suggests.

“Right this moment?” You shiver at the thought. Sure, your cloak was warm but it had to be colder up in the air then on the ground. It didn’t seem worth it; you reconsider, however as you see Naesala’s face fall and speak again, clearing your throat once more. “Well um… I mean if you keep me warm, I suppose it will be okay.” Naesala’s face lights up once more, and you can’t help but smile in return.

“You had me worried there for a second.” He laughs, but you can’t help but look at him confused. “Oh come on. Even this tired, you aren’t that dense. Why else would I be trying night after night to get some time alone with you?” You sputter a moment, thoughts reeling.

“And you didn’t try harder to get me alone then sneaking into my room every night?” You accuse right back. You stare at once another a moment before the two of you just end up giggling and laughing at one anothers antics.

“I want everything to be special. Is that so much to ask?” Your heart flutters as he says that. As he rises from your bed, he takes your hand, bringing you with him. “Now come on, we’ve got no time to waste.” He tugs you gently along, your heart pounding loudly in your chest. “If we miss this opportunity who knows the next time I can catch you awake this early.”

“Naesala, come on.” You say, if only because you can hardly think as he holds your hand. You instead laugh and smile as the two of you head outside to the cold. You stay close to him, welcoming both his warmth and his company.

“What, don’t act like you haven’t been waiting for this too.” His knowing grin has heat rising to your cheeks.

“Maybe I have. Or maybe I haven’t.” You hum in response, grinning right back at him. “I suppose there’s only one way to find out, isn’t there?” You saunter up to him and, acting far braver then you really feel, wrap your arms around his neck like you have to many times before. “Right now, I’m yours.” Your heart jumps in your throat as you speak the words. You wonder where all this courage is coming from as you look up at Naesala.

“Only for now?” Naesala chuckles as he brings his arms around your back and under your knees to support you. Your cuddled close to his chest now and it’s then you notice just how fast his heart is beating. It brings a mess of mixed emotions; comfort and joy, fear and anticipation. They dance around your stomach like butterflies in the spring. You can’t help but wonder what his pounding heart means for you. “Perhaps I’ll have to steal you away more often, then. I am a rather capable thief after all.” He grins at you and takes off into the air without hesitation.

You’ve never been able to get use to the sensation of getting into the air so you clutch yourself closer to him, unable to give a proper quip back. You can’t help but grow giddy as you feel the way his throat bobs, how his pace quickens more than it already was. Even with it the evidence piling up around you, you didn’t dare think that Naesala feels the same.

“Oh, are you?” You can’t help but want to egg him on, this electric feeling of teasing him, of being with him guiding your every move. “I’m not too sure about that one.” High up the air now, you begin to relax just a little. Content in knowing Naesala would keep you safe.

“Well, I’ve gone and stolen your heart, have I not?” He accuses boldly, still looking at the dark skyline ahead of the two of you. It sends a pang of anxiety and surprise through you and you somehow manage not to show that on your face, instead swallowing thickly as he speaks again. “You can’t hide how you feel from me, _____.”

“Says mister ‘I can only confess when the sun is rising’!” You counter. “In fact, I recall you saying you’ve come to my room for the past several nights just looking to get me alone to do such a thing!” You giggle softly.

“All I’m hearing is that you should have done so sooner, if you were so eager to be with me.” He shoots right back. You can see the grin playing on his lips, hear the wild beating of his heart.

“And all I hear is a man whose too afraid to confess first, instead hoping the lady in his arms might do it before him.” You laugh aloud, not meanly, but because you can hardly remain serious with such an argument at hand. “Tell me Naesala, are you scared you might get rejected?”

“I could ask you the same thing, dear summoner.” He spends you a pointed look. “You haven’t once made an attempt to confess to me, whereas I’ve spent all this time waiting for the perfect chance for you.” He counters but you can tell by his grin he’s teasing.

“If I were as lovesick as you seem to be the order would have fallen apart by now. Besides, seems to me you’ve had a grand time chasing me around for this.” You muse aloud. “I would hate to deny you the thrill of a chase.”

“Is that what this is?” He hums back. “If that’s the case then as far as prey goes, you’ve been caught rather easily.”

“Only if it’s you, Naesala.” You close your eyes in content. A moment of silence passes between the two of you, with only the sound of rushing wind and powerful wings to fill the space.

“Have my words made you fall silent dear summoner?” His voice is much more quite than the moment before. “I suppose that’s alright, our show is set to start soon anyways.”

“Is the sun rising already?” You peak an eye open. “I fear my exhaustion is catching up with me.” You stifle a yawn, making sure to cover your mouth as you do so. “That, or I’ve grown far too comfortable in your arms.”

“Is that truly a bad thing? To be held so close and comfortable by someone who holds you so dear?” His gaze is trained on the view of winter sun peaking over the mountains as he speaks.

“I suppose not. Not if it’s you.” You smile as you look that way as well. Your heart is fit to burst from it’s cage. You can feel anticipation well up inside you. Should you confess first? Or should you wait for him to find the right words to say?

You’re left to wonder as the two of you stay silent a long few minutes. Your feelings are full, overflowing even, and yet you can’t find it in you to speak, too afraid to ruin the moment. The sun doesn’t bring much warmth with it, and you find yourself moving closer to Naesala once more.

“This is quite the sight, though. Thank you for sharing it with me.” You swallow hard. It was now or never, say it aloud or--

“There’s something else I’d like to share, if that’s okay.” At the serious tone in his voice, you can’t help but look up at him. The morning light shone in his eyes is a far prettier sight then you were prepared for and you find yourself rather breathless as you reply.

“Of course.” You take a deep, fortifying breath.

“_____, my dear summoner…” His eyes narrow in a soft and dangerous way. You fear your heart may well burst from your chest.

“Naesala, my beloved…” You can’t help but cling closer to him in this moment. It’s just the two of you, so maybe, just maybe, you didn’t have to hide it any longer…

“I love you.” His voice is warm, his smile everything tender and kind in this world. He leans down, resting his forehead against yours.

“I love you too.” It feels so refreshing, so sweet to say. Wherein the moments before it felt so difficult, so scary and confusing, here and now with him it couldn’t be easier. The worlds flow from you as if you had said them to him a hundred times before. But, perhaps you had, in the way you clung so close to him or hid your face in his chest when the two of you took to the sky.

“Was that so hard?” He chuckles softly. You don’t even get annoyed with him, merely rolling your eyes in what can only be a loving way instead.

“I could say the same to you. Did everything go as planned?” You giggle, your noses brushing together as the two of you stay close in your precious world together.

“Mmm, not quite…” You can see mischief lingering in his gaze.

“Oh? How might I help you achieve them, then?” The corner of your lip upturns as well. Neither of you were very sly but it was still just as fun and exciting as the minutes before, dancing around your affections for one another. You suspect this would be quite common between the two of you, going forward.

Goodness, going forward? You really had just confessed to Naesala… and how right it felt.

“I think you know what to do…” He tilts his head to the side, and you pull him closer to you, tilting likewise and feeling his lips touch yours. The kiss is soft, sweet; he lingers on your lips and you find you don’t want to pull away either.

When the two of you part, it is like seeing one another anew. You have never loved him more than in this moment, have never been so charmed and so in awe of him. And he, too, has never loved you more; has never been so happy to have you in his arms, to be the man you have decided to share your sweet affection with…

“I love you Naesala.” You repeat for him, selfish in wanting him to hear him say the same to you once more.

“I love you too.” A soft laugh leave him after.

“Say it again.” You plead. “I’m afraid I’m already dreaming.” You admit sheepishly.

“I love you, I love you, I love you.” He is neither teasing nor conservative with his affections, freely sharing them with you in such a way to make your heart thump and cry in delight. “So long as you love me too, that is.”

“Of course, of course.” You laugh, so overcome with joy and love. “I adore you. Now that I’ve said it, I can’t seem to stop saying it.” You shake your head softly. “Forgive me my love.” Truly, it’s as if a switch has flipped in you.

“Perhaps I should get you to bed.” Naesala laughs as he speaks. “Though I can’t say I mind this side of you. It’s rather endearing.” You merely cling to him, closing your eyes and resting against his chest. His heart still beats fast. He may be as in much disbelief as you.

“Bed does sound nice…” You yawn once more. “But I want to stay with you now that you’ve taken me away from all my work and duties.”

“Ahh, but wouldn’t that be nice?” He laughs and you find him taking you away from the welcoming morning sun. “Rest is important though, dear summoner. Now more then ever I can’t have you pushing yourself too hard.”

“Suppose you’ll have to stay with me, to make sure I rest and don’t go back to doing my work.” You muse nonchalantly. You keep your eyes closed as you cuddle to him.

“I suppose so!” The joy in his voice so lovely to hear. “It would be a shame if you didn’t get the rest you needed, after all.” He evens his voice again as he speaks again.

“Mm hm…” You yawn once again, more than halfway back to sleep in his comfortable embrace. “If you let me go I’ll surly busy myself with reports and tactics and such things… best keep holding me even as we rest…” You mumble out.

“Of course. I’ll be sure you rest well, love.” You can’t stop smiling, even as you feel sleep coming to claim you. How funny, to think, you would come to love the sky because of how much you loved Naesala? You wouldn’t have it any other way, you supposed.

There was nowhere you’d rather be than in his arms, after all. Were that in the sky or otherwise-- so long as you were with Naesala.

[honeystwiggypeach]

Can you write about the Haikyuu boys putting up an ad for a roommate and because reader has a gender neutral name they think a guy is moving in. Maybe a strangers to friends to lovers kinda thing.

Osamu, Atsumu, Bokuto, Kenma, Matsukawa & Suna?

This is such a cute idea???? Like I live this so much!! But bestie I’m going to have to format this differently because of how many characters this is so like the first few paragraphs is what they’re all thinking when they put up the ad than it moved to characters!! Might not be the best

Tw-drinking fem reader cursing kissing?(drunk kissing in Kenma’s both parties are drunk)

He didn’t realize you weren’t a guy. It wasn’t easy to tell by your name but when a few pink things started to show up at the door it was pretty clear you weren’t a guy…

Osamu

He didn’t know that you were the one who signed up. I mean he obviously knew your name but he didn’t think it was you?

His favorite customer at the restaurant? His favorite regular? He definitely didn’t think it was you.

But when you showed up at the door unlocking the door to see him on the couch his eyes were wide, “Osamu?” You whisper and he nods.

Thus beginning the awkward tension obviously he’d flirted with you in the shop? But he didn’t think you’d end up being his roommate.

But only a few short months later, Atsumu is horrified to see you peck his cheek when he opens the door for you.

Atsumu

He thought he was going insane. When you’d walked in smiling at him softly.

He litteraly freaked out on Osamu who called you pretty.

“You can’t do that dude! She’s my roommate!!” He’s practically shouting.

“You do it all the time!” He shouts back.

He’s right but it’s different! You both know it’s different, you smile softly as you fill your cup with water giving Atsumu a little smile as he watches you go back to your room.

Bokuto

He thought he’d be ok with having a girl as a roommate that chattering on and on about you to all his friends was normal.

“Don’t you think you like her or something” Akaashi asks tiredly.

“Like her? As a friend yea!”

“No bo like as a person…you talk about her alot” he was right…

“Y/n!” Bokuto shouts as he walks into the apartment

You peek your head out the room smiling softly when you see bo, “I think I like you” he says panicked as you smile fondly.

“I like you too.” It’s a little whisper compared to his loud statement but still a confession that he’ll savor forever.

Kenma

He was sure he couldn’t care less about you, but the way you’d softly ask if he wanted you to make breakfast for him or how you’d tell him you made some extras.

“Don’t you think it’s like not just friend ship?” Kuroo asks, you’d had a class today and Kenma couldn’t help but chatter about you.

“What’re you talking about?” He mutters rolling his eyes.

“You know what I mean” and that thought wandered his mind the entire night.

And the next night and for the next six months.

Today however you’d asked him if he’d drink with you and of course he agreed.

“I think I like you” his cheeks were a bright red and he was giggling a bit.

You nodded, “I like you too” he giggled as he gave you a sloppy kiss before leaning against your shoulder.

Before you knew it, it was the next morning you’d had a hangover from hell but you were both holding onto each other as you woke up.

Matsukawa

He couldn’t give two shits, at least that’s what he thought until he was venting to Maki about how he thought you were just one of the best people he’d ever met.

“I think I like y/n” he mutters as Maki nods.

“Pretty obvious” he tells him.

“Like who?” You ask as you walk out of your room.

“No one” Issei shouts as Maki makes an ohhhh noise before slipping out the apartment.

“So…” you slip beside him into the couch, “I heard you like me”

“Oh yea? And where’s you hear that?”

“The one and the only” you punctuate your words with kisses peppered around his face before he’s softly kissing your lips.

Suna

He knew from the moment youd walked into the apartment that something was going to be a problem. Either you couldn’t coexist or something.

But he definitely didn’t think it would be that he developed a crush on you??

He thought that was fucking embarrassing, he couldn’t live with a girl without liking her?

Though apparently you were the same, “dude you know she likes you too right?” Osamu tells him his brows furrowed you’d just came in chattering about Suna and left before Suna came in chattering about you…

“She does?” He’s shocked.

“Talks about you like she does…”

And with that he was off running to tell you his feelings.

Let me know if you guys want more I love writing requests so much!!!

[my-insanity-is-an-artform]

I’ve had my plight over sky and warriors bassboosted and teased by several people now sky and wars wouldn’t do this to me they would just hold me in their arms and kiss it better <//3

.

. The the the there’s only one bed trope but its with those two,,,, man . They haven’t even confessed or started courting u yet and they’re already sharing a bed with u while having a crisis over having you so close to them and looking so cute

- bestie anon

THERE WAS ONLY ONE BED!!!!! (Bestie, you know me so well.)

It was late when the group stumbled into the inn and the look on the assistant's face was awkward when he said there was only three rooms available. Two of the rooms had two beds each while the third room had room for three in it.

It was decided that most of the group would share a bed while Time, who tried to argue but was still healing from freshly healed broken ribs, got a bed to himself.

You, Sky and Warriors were unanimously voted to take the last room amongst a few hidden smirks and grins.

But you were honestly so tired, you and Sky could barely keep your eyes open and the pair of you merely nodded.

Warriors led the way up to your room and hustled you inside, at which point Sky took a second to realise what he was seeing and jolted wide awake.

You, on the other hand, saw the large bed and gave a tired cheer. "Dibs on the middle."

"What?" Warriors said as he locked the door and then saw the thing that had brought Sky up short and was now looking panicked.

"Dibs on the middle. Everyone knows the middle is best spot." You said as you started to shed your layers, barely taking the time to lower your pack properly.

Warriors and Sky traded a glance.

"Perhaps..." You cut off Warriors with a flat glare.

"If you say 'sleep on the floor' I will drag you into the bed, kicking and screaming if I must." While you hadn't quite meant to phrase it like that, it did do the job of silencing any protests from either hero.

They averted their eyes and started to shed their own layers as you snuggled into the covers. You gave a low hum at the softness of the pillow and curled onto your side.

"Bed's nice. Must be the honeymoon suit or somethin'." You started drifting off, totally unaware of Warriors exhaling like he'd been punched and Sky having to sit down very quickly next to you.

They stared at you for a few minutes before you groaned and wiggled a hand out. "Get in. 's cold."

They traded looks then gingerly slipped under the covers.

Warriors was behind you, barely inches away from your back, while Sky was in front of you and you could feel his warmth.

You hummed lowly and gave a sleepy smile. "Night, guys." And drifted off.

They waited a few moments before Warriors cautiously peeked over you.

"...I'm not going to get a wink of sleep. You?"

Sky shook his head, eyes locked on your sleeping face.

"...Kinda thought we'd have confessed to them before we saw this." He said glancing at Warriors before returning to watch you.

They both watched you dream for a few minutes, stunned and panicking slightly, before Warriors cleared his throat.

"i know it's a useless thing, but perhaps we should at least try and get some sleep. We have a long day tomorrow."

He lowered himself back down onto the pillow and nearly groaned pitifully when he saw that your hair was just inches away, begging him to bury his face in it.

Sky was battling a similar problem as your face was just inches from his. Just how was he suppose to sleep like this?!

(The morning came and as it turned out, both heroes did manage to fall asleep as they were awoken by a grinning Wild and Twilight who had his eyebrow raised.

Somehow during the night, Warriors wound up pressed to your back and Sky had curled closer to cling to you.

All three of you had your limbs entwined and it was honestly hard to tell where each person began and ended.

Warriors and Sky nearly died when they saw the pictures later that day.

You, on the other hand, had a lovely sleep and wondered if the two would be down for cuddle piles again sometime soon.)