#the way he scoots closer to yamato

[rainisawriter]

Hi can I request an h&l fic where fujio finally gets the motorbike he wants and has become quite the happy menace. Then maybe something happens and now needs the someone maybe from sannoh (maybe cobra or Yamato or both) to talk him to calming down. Dunno how the transition of that will be but maybe because Yamato fixes bikes?? Or something?

Thanks in advance 🤗😘

So, uh… I don't think this is what you had in mind when you sent this request I'm so sorry, I have no idea what happened lmao The fic just kinda… got a life of its own and took off, I guess. I totally understand if you hate this and feel free to send this request again if you'd like me to attempt sticking closer to what you wanted T-T)/

Genre: Fluff, friendship

Word Count: 5,853

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“Oi!” Kiyoshi slammed his hands down on the table, his eyes sparkling as he looked between me and Yasushi. “I want to go to Kyomin Café!”

“Kyomin?” the blonde’s brow furrowed as he glanced at you only to receive a shrug in reply. “What the hell is that?”

“It’s a café,” you replied with a snicker. “Weren’t you listening?”

Yasushi rolled his eyes. “I know it’s a damn café, but what kind of café? I’ve never heard of it before.”

“It just opened up downtown,” grinned Kiyoshi as he sat down beside you, his body forcing you to scoot over so there was enough room.

“Downtown?” Yasushi and you exchanged a look and you frowned.

“That’s White Rascal’s territory. If they find a couple of Oya kids there, they’re not gonna be happy.”

The blonde scoffed, folding his arms over his chest. “Please, we can take them easily!”

“You can try if you want,” you replied with a scoff. “But you can count me out. I have no interest in going against those guys.”

“Coward.”

“Call me what you want. I’m not a child like you, I won’t be goaded into it.”

“Hah?!”

Kiyoshi pouted at us. “Please? I really wanna go but I don’t wanna go alone!”

“Why do you wanna go there so bad, huh?” questioned Yasushi, looking suspiciously at his best friend.

His cheeks tinted pink as he lowered his gaze to the table.

The corner of your lips twitched upward as you realized the reason. “There’s a cute girl there, huh.”

His eyes widened, snapping over to you as his cheeks darkened. “How did you know?”

“You only have two interests - cute girls and fighting.”

Yasushi scoffed in disbelief. “No way in hell am I going to some cafe just so you can try and get a girlfriend. I have better things to do.”

“What?” you quirked a brow at him. “You mean glaring at Fujio’s group because you can’t beat them? Sounds like a bucket of laughs.”

“I don’t have to take this abuse from you!”

“Yet you’re not leaving.”

He glared at you for a moment, trying to intimidate you, but you just grinned at him, knowing you were right.

“Please!” cried Kiyoshi as he shot up from his seat, hands pressing together above his head as he bowed.

“Come on, Yasu,” you sent him a look. “This is clearly important to him and it’ll make him happy.”

He didn’t look convinced, narrowed eyes falling on the taller male.

“Besides, if we don’t do this we’ll have to deal with his sulking for the next week.”

Yasushi’s eye twitched at the thought, a scowl on his lips. “Fine.”

Kiyoshi’s face lit up like a kid on Christmas morning. “Thank you!!” He threw his arms around the two of you, squishing you both to his body despite the table that separated you and the blonde.

“I already regret this,” muttered Yasushi.

You only sighed in agreement.

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Kyomin Café was located in the heart of White Rascal’s territory and it was packed to the brim with customers, all dressed fashionably in bright-colored clothing. The three of you stuck out like a sore thumb but no one paid you any mind aside from a few confused or dirty looks.

“This is so stupid,” muttered Yasushi as he glanced around the brightly lit interior. The walls were a faint pink, the floor marble white and the fluorescent lights bright enough to replace the sun itself.

The majority of the customers were female, so you could see why Kiyoshi wanted to come here. Unfortunately for him, he failed to consider why it was such a hotspot for girls.

“Welcome to Kyomin Café!” A tall, attractive young man appeared in front of you, a bright smile on his face and little hearts drawn on his right cheek. The name tag on his chest read Kiku. If he was put off by the appearance of you three, he didn’t show it at all. “Is it just the three of you?”

Yasushi was glaring at him, clearly put off by his friendly demeanor.

Kiyoshi was staring at him with his mouth open as he fought between feeling annoyed and envious.

You cleared your throat. “Yeah, that’s right.”

“I’ve got the perfect table for you! Please follow me.” He lead us to a table near the back of the cafe. It was square and painted white, pushed against the wall with three chairs surrounding it. “I’ll give you a moment to browse the menu. Back in a jiff!”

Yasushi scowled at his back. “I hate him.”

“You hate everyone, that’s not saying much,” you commented, picking up the brightly colored menu. It was full of sweets in pastel colors with cute names you wouldn’t be caught dead saying aloud.

Kiyoshi whimpered, lowering his head. “How can I compete with that?!”

“You can’t,” scoffed Yasushi, leaning back in his chair with his arms folded over his chest.

You kicked him hard under the table, glaring at him before motioning toward the defeated male.

He frowned, his hard demeanor falling the tiniest bit. He leaned forward, slapping Kiyoshi on the shoulder. “Hey, if they don’t choose you, then they’re dumbasses. So what if you’re not a pretty boy like that loser? Can he take a knife to the gut and keep fighting? No, he can’t! He would drop to the ground and cry like the loser he is.”

“You’re right…” He slowly lifted his head, his confidence slowly returning to him. “I’m twice the man he is!”

“Exactly!”

The girls sitting at the next table looked at the two weirdly before getting up and moving to a different table. You briefly wondered how long it would take before the three of you got banned from the cafe.

You rested your cheek against your hand, glancing to your left, eyes locking with one of the servers. Time seemed to freeze as the two of you stared at each other and it took a moment for recognition to flash through your mind.

It was Fujio. His usually slicked-back hair now sat against his forehead in waves, earrings dangling from his ears. He wore the cafe's uniform and tiny stars had been drawn onto the skin beneath his left eye.

His eyes widened in shock, panic clearly dancing within them. He stumbled back, nearly running into the guy who had seated you before he darted into the backroom. You had no idea why he was here but something told you he didn't want anyone at Oya to find out.

You glanced at your two best friends and frowned. You knew better than anyone that, if they found out, they would tease him mercilessly. The boys at Oya loved to gossip more than little old ladies enjoying Sunday tea so it would only be a matter of minutes before the whole of Oya knew.

"This shit looks gross," you stated, scowling at the menu. "My stomach already hurts. No way can I eat this sugary shit. Can we go now?"

"Hah?" Yasushi scowled at you. "You're the one who insisted that we come here for Kiyoshi. Now you wanna leave?"

You glanced around the room before leaning forward, lowering your voice. "My stomach really hurts, okay? You know how I get around big crowds.”

Kiyoshi frowned, concern written on his face as he leaned toward you. “Why is your stomach hurting? Are you sick?”

You shrugged a shoulder, looking at him pleadingly. “I don’t know, maybe. I think the ramen I ate this morning might have been expired.”

Yasushi scowled at this. “I just told you to throw that shit away!”

“I forgot.”

“You’re a hopeless idiot,” he huffed, standing up. “Let’s get out of here.”

Kiyoshi nodded, standing up and waiting for you to do the same. “Do you need me to carry you?”

“No, it’s not that bad. Thanks, though.”

“Where are you going?” Kiku approached us with a frown, head tilted to the side. “You haven’t even ordered yet. Is the menu not to your liking?”

“Piss off,” Yasushi huffed, glaring at the male as he walked past, making sure to bump his shoulder against Kiku’s. Kiyoshi also sent him a glare.

You glanced over your shoulder, locking eyes with Fujio again as he peered his head around the door. He was watching you nervously, his bottom lip between his teeth. He was clearly waiting for you to rat him out.

“Excuse me?” Kiku called out wearily, looking between you and the raven-haired male. “Do you know Hanaoka-san?”

“Nope,” you replied simply before turning back around and leaving the café. The boys were waiting for you, leaving an empty spot between them so they could walk on either side of you.

“We’re never doing that shit again,” huffed Yasushi. “What a waste.”

Kiyoshi’s shoulders slumped. “I’m sorry…”

You patted him on the shoulder. “Don’t worry too much, Kiyo. You’ll find a girlfriend one day.”

“I hope you’re right…”

“I’m always right.”

Yasushi snorted loudly, sending you a disbelieving look. “Like hell you are!”

You returned it with a blank look. “You should really stop being such a buzzkill, Yasu.”

“I am not a buzzkill! Right, Kiyoshi?”

Kiyoshi paused, looking between the two of you. His lips parted but, instead of answering, he turned on his heel and took off down the street.

“Yah! Get back here!” Yasushi cried, taking off after him.

You chuckled, shaking your head.

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“I’m hungry,” Yasushi complained, leaning back in his chair and staring up at the ceiling of the classroom.

“That sounds like a you problem,” you commented, not looking up from your phone.

He clicked his tongue in annoyance. “Oi, go with me to the vending machines.”

“Are you paying?”

He rolled his eyes as he stood up, stuffing his hands into his pockets. “Don’t I always?”

You followed him out into the hall, dodging students as they rushed past. It had been a few days since you saw Fujio at the café and you had the feeling he was avoiding you. Not that it mattered much since you guys weren’t friends, but you had to admit that you were curious. 

Was he having money problems? Did he get roped into it by someone else? The only one you knew who could work there was Tsukasa, but you doubted he would be willing to take the job. 

Speak of the devil and he shall appear.

Tsukasa was walking down the hall toward you, hands in his pockets. His eyes met yours for a moment before he looked away. You stepped to the side to walk past him but he went out of his way to bump his shoulder against yours. You realized why he had done so when he pressed a piece of paper into your hand.

“Sorry about that,” he smiled charmingly.

Yasushi scowled at him. “Watch where the hell you’re going, Takajo!”

“Right, right. Sorry,” he apologized again, his eyes flickering to your hand.

“Don’t worry about it,” you replied, sticking your hand into your pocket so Yasushi wouldn’t see the note.

“You should have punched him,” complained the blonde.

“It was an accident, keep your panties on.”

“I do not wear panties.”

“I hear they’re super comfortable for guys.”

“I’m going to kill you.”

“You’d be doing me a favor.”

The two of you stared each other down for a moment before grinning and cracking up.

“I’m gonna head to the bathroom,” you told him and he nodded.

“What do you want from the machine?”

“The usual.”

“Sure.”

You headed in the direction of the bathroom but kept walking when you reached it, glancing over your shoulder to make sure he wasn’t following you. You waited until you found an empty classroom before tugging the note from your pocket and reading it over.

'Meet me behind the school in 20 - H. F'

You hummed in interest, taking note of how pretty his handwriting was. Quite strange for a delinquent, but it somehow suited him. You considered going back to Yasushi and making up some lie about needing to go somewhere only to decide that it was easier just to go to the meeting. You could figure something out to tell him later.

Fujio was pacing under the large oak tree out back, his hand on his chin.

“Yo,” you called out, holding up the note when he looked over at you. “What’s up?”

He frowned at you, glancing at the note. “You didn’t tell Yasushi or Kiyoshi.”

“Did you want me to?” you inquired, quirking a brow.

“No!” he replied quickly. “No, I - I just figured you would."

"Not the first time you've been wrong, Hanaoka," you chuckled, trying to cut through some of the tension. It seemed to work as he grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "I am curious, though. Why are you working there?"

His eyes lightened up at this and he dug into his pocket to pull out a page ripped from a magazine. "Look!"

You took it from him curiously, eyes scanning the page. It was for a motorbike, the price set at *. "Ho~? Are you planning to go the way of Murayama-san?"

"Of course not!" His brow furrowed and he folded his arms over his chest. "I just really want one. Have you seen Sannoh riding around town? They look so cool! I bet it's really freeing, too, like you're flying!"

You watched him closely as he spoke, taking in the cheerful and excited look on his face. He seemed so happy, so carefree, unburdened by the weight of being an Oya leader. You had to admit, it was a good look on him.

"What?" He pouted, shifting nervously under your watchful gaze. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I think it's great that you have something you want and you're working hard for it," you told him honestly, handing the page back. "I hope you get it, Hanaoka."

"Thank you," he smiled softly before adding as an afterthought. "For everything."

"Sure. You don't have to worry, I won't tell anyone about your job. Later." You lifted your hand in a half wave before turning and heading back into the school. Your phone buzzed in your pocket and you didn't have to check the ID to know who it was.

"Yah!" Yasushi's voice was so loud on the other end that you had to pull the phone away from your ear. "Where the hell did you go? Did I buy this shit for my own health, huh?"

"Keep your panties on, I'm on my way."

"I told you I don't - no, screw you! I'm giving your snacks to Kiyoshi!"

"Don't you dare -" But he had already hung up the phone. "Motherfucker," You muttered, rushing down the hall.

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You stifled a yawn as you stepped into the café, the bright lights making you wince. It was dark outside but with all of the neon lights of the downtown district, it was as if the sun was still out. Even so, they couldn't compare to the overpowering fluorescents of the café. You couldn't help but feel as if it was completely ridiculous to have lights that bright.

Surely someone had to have complained, right? You glanced around at the customers, all of them young girls with stars in their eyes as they undressed the waiters with their hungry gazes. It made you shiver in disgust.

"Oh, you're back!"

Your gaze shifted to Kiku who smiled warmly at you. "Table for one."

"Your friends aren't with you?" he inquired curiously, glancing behind you.

"Wasn't really their kinda scene."

"Oh, I see," he giggled. "Follow me!"

Kiku led you to the same table you had been at a few days ago, promising to return soon. You still felt sick looking at the menu of pure sugar, but the iced hot chocolate looked appetizing. You made a mental note to ask if it was as sweet as everything else.

While waiting for the waiter to return, your eyes scanned the café but there was no sign of Fujio. You were sure he had been working tonight, but it was more of a hunch than hard fact.

Kiku returned a moment later. "Do you know what -"

"Is Hanaoka working tonight?" you interrupted him, not sparing him a glance. 

"He's supposed to be, but he's running late," pouted the male, his hand on his hip. "I was supposed to get off five minutes ago."

You hummed thoughtfully, wondering if he had gotten caught up in a fight or something on his way. You briefly worried that the White Rascals had found him and, for some reason, that made your heart clench up anxiously. It was a feeling you had only ever experienced when Yasu or Kiyo were in danger. Not just a fight, but genuine danger.

"I thought you said you didn't know -"

Fujio came rushing into the café, breathing heavily and his clothes askew. His eyes fell on Kiku and he hurried over, bowing with his hands pressed together in front of him.

"I'm so sorry, Kiku-san! I had a… family issue to deal with."

Kiku sighed dramatically, inspecting the black polish on his nails. "You're lucky the customers love you so much. In fact, this one was just asking about you."

Fujio's eyes fell on you before widening in surprise, his lips parted.

Kiku patted him on the shoulder. "Go get yourself together and get clocked in, yeah? My feet are killing me."

"Yes, sir!" He sent you one last look before rushing into the back.

"Do you mind waiting?" inquired Kiku with a kind smile. "If you do, I can take your order before clocking out."

"I've got nowhere to be," you replied.

"Awesome. I'll let Hanaoka-san know to come see you first," he winked before turning and leaving.

You turned your attention to the window beside you. There was a small alleyway there with a brick wall on the other side, nothing too interesting. There was a line of windows stretching across the cafe wall, though, so you could see people walking past on the street, as well as the neon lights flashing across the buildings.

Thunder rumbled softly overhead, sending the people scattering inside, not wanting to be caught in the rain in their party outfits. 

"Hey."

You glanced over as Fujio squatted down beside the table, a pad and pen in hand. "Late for work, huh? You're never gonna get your bike that way."

He pouted, folding his arms on the table. "It wasn't my fault! Those guys jumped me, I had to fight back."

You scanned his face for any sign of injury but saw none.

He realized this and gently patted his right side, only to wince in pain. "I made sure they didn't get my face. I'm pretty sure I'd get fired if I showed up with a busted lip."

"Not necessarily. Girls like them," you motioned around you with your hand. "They live for drama. All you have to do is tell them someone robbed you and they'll eat it up. Might even give you a bigger tip."

"I don't want to lie to them."

You clicked your tongue, leaning back in your chair. "Sometimes this world doesn't deserve honesty."

"I'd rather live in a world that does," he admitted, a soft smile on his face.

You frowned at this, eyes narrowed. You wanted to call him a fool, to tell him that he was being naïve, but you couldn't bring yourself to say it. Fujio was an honest guy through and through. He didn't hold back his intentions or lie about what he wanted, even if it would benefit him. 

That kind of person can be easy to take advantage of, to manipulate, and you didn't want that to happen to him. For whatever reason, you now felt protective over him. It was the same way you felt about Yasu and Kiyo yet… it was also different in a way you couldn't put your finger on.

"So," he broke the tense silence, clearing his throat. "What are you doing here?"

You hummed, tapping your fingers on the menu. "Well, I didn't get to try anything the last time I was here. I kept thinking about the iced hot chocolate."

"Oh, that's one of our more popular items!" He grinned. "Everyone says it's really good."

"Have you tried it?"

"I have and I really like it. Do you want one?"

"How sweet is it?" 

"I can make it as sweet as you want. Most people request the sweetest version but I tried it and it was gross," his nose wrinkled cutesy and you chuckled.

"Just lightly sweet, please."

"Of course!" He scribbled it down on his notepad before glancing up at you. "Anything else?"

"I'll see after I finish my drink."

"Okay, I'll have it out to you soon." Fujio stood up with a smile, turning to give your order to the guy making the drinks but he barely made it two steps before his name was being called.

"Hana-kun~!" A short girl with wavy blonde hair waved frantically at him, nearly bouncing in her seat when he turned to look at her. She pouted her glossy lips, batting her eyelashes. "I missed you!"

He smiled charmingly at her, no doubt having learned it from Tsukasa. "I'll be with you in a moment, Minnie."

As soon as he disappeared into the back, her eyes fell on you, narrowed in annoyance. She sized you up before scoffing, a smirk sliding onto her lips as she twirled a piece of hair around her finger. She clearly didn't think much of you but you didn't really care either way. You weren't here to please this random chick you didn't even know.

Her face lit up when he stepped into the room again, but it fell when he ignored her and came straight to you, carrying the drink you ordered.

"I made sure it's not too sweet for you. Go on, taste it." He watched you closely as you sipped the drink. "Well? I can have it remade if it's too much."

"It's perfect. Thanks, Hanaoka."

A grin slid across his face, rubbing the back of his neck. "Glad you like it. I'll leave you to it, then."

You hummed as he finally gave Minnie the attention she was seeking. She kept glancing over at you as if to rub it in your face, but you were paying her no mind, looking down at your phone. Yasushi had messaged in the group chat, asking where you were since he had gone to your house and couldn't find you.

-> Yasubaka: Oi, were u kidnapped or sumthin?

-> Kiyochan: Kisnapped?!

-> Kiyochan: kidnapped*

-> Yasubaka: pft, I feel sorry for the kidnappers

-> Yasubaka: they got no idea what theyre in for

-> Yasubaka: seriously where tf are u??

You scoffed at the two idiots but couldn't help smiling at their concern. No matter how much you annoyed each other, you were still family at the end of the day. You quickly messaged back saying you had gone on vacation before putting your phone on silent and slipping it back into your pocket. Fujio was running around the cafe, taking orders and entertaining the girls drooling over him. He continued to check on you, but you chose not to order anything else.

After an hour of consideration, you had made your choice.

You pulled out a wad of cash from your pocket, counting out how much was needed for the bill before adding a $20 tip. You glanced at Fujio, catching his eye. He was in the middle of taking someone's order so he couldn't come over, but that was fine. You knew he was gonna fight against the over-tipping and you were too tired to deal with it. You motioned toward the cash and he nodded before returning his attention to the customers.

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"What the hell?!" Fujio slapped his hand on your desk, eyes burning as they bore into your own.

Yasushi and Kiyoshi were, thankfully, not in the classroom, but several of their followers were. They knew of Fujio's strength, though, and hesitated to attack him. They just stared at him with wide eyes and open mouths, trying to decide the best course of action.

You quirked a brow at him. "Hello to you, too."

Fujio glanced at the other students before lowering his voice. "We need to talk!"

"No."

"No?"

"I know what you wanna talk about and I'm not interested."

"It's too much!"

"Don't care." You sent him a blank look before getting up and leaving the room, the raven-haired male hot on your heels.

"Take it back." Fujio grabbed your wrist, trying to stuff the bill into your hand but you clenched it into a fist, giving him a grin.

"I refuse."

"Why are you being so difficult?" he pouted.

"Why are you? Just take it, Hanaoka."

He bit his lip, seeming torn. "Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"A hundred percent sure?"

"Yes."

"A hundred million -"

"I'm going to punch you."

A smile slid onto his lips, his grip loosening around your wrist but not leaving it. "Thank you."

"Don't mention it. Seriously, don't," you warned him, but your smile betrayed you.

"I won't if you won't," he said softly, his eyes once again boring into your own. They were softer this time, filled with something you couldn't quite decipher.

"Deal," you replied softly, unable to tear your gaze from his. Were his eyes always that pretty?

"Senpai, is everything alright?"

You quickly stepped away, realizing just how close the two of you had been. Clearing your throat, you looked at the first year that followed YasuKiyo. "Yeah, it's fine. Come on, let's go."

You could feel Fujio's eyes on your back as you walked away, but you couldn't bring yourself to look at him.

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Over the next few months, you actively visited the café just to help Fujio with his bike fund. To be honest, the place wasn't terrible but you certainly regretted giving their food a try. As expected, it was full of sugar and made your stomach turn. How anyone could eat that drivel, you'd never know.

He continued to resist the extra tip each time but finally gave in when he realized you weren't planning on changing your mind anytime soon. Part of you was thankful for this while another part missed arguing with him about accepting it. With each visit, you felt yourself growing more attached to the male and it was starting to scare you.

Yasushi and Kiyoshi had also noticed the change in your demeanor, along with the constant disappearance acts you kept pulling. They knew something was up and, being the idiot brothers they were, they wouldn't drop the subject. Every time they saw you, they were demanding answers or glaring at you in a poor attempt to break you. Having to deal with them and the fact that you had no idea how you felt about Fujio now was annoying as hell.

Finally, you just started avoiding everyone just to get some peace and quiet.

There was a spot on the opposite side of the roof from where Fujio's crew hung out that no one used. Probably because the floor was super weak there and, honestly, was a death trap in the making. It was peaceful, though, so you found yourself hiding up there more times than not.

"Is that Fujio?"

"No way!"

Curious, you peered over the side of the roof, seeing the raven-haired male driving down the street on a shiny new bike. His smile was brighter than the fucking sun and it was obvious that he was pretty damn happy about finally getting his bike. He hopped off it as soon as he was in front of the school, showing it off to anyone who would look.

You snorted when one of the boys tried to touch it only to get a foot in the face and a scolding look from Fujio.

Seeing how happy he was to finally have the bike he had wanted for so long brought a smile to your face, but it also left a sour taste in your mouth. He didn't need you anymore, you realized. He was probably going to quit his job at the café since he had what he wanted.

It shouldn't have bothered you, but it did. It bothered you a lot, more than you were willing to admit out loud.

You rolled onto your back, hands behind your head as you stared up at the fluffy white clouds above you. 'I should be happy. Now I don't have to visit that damn café anymore. Yasu and Kiyo will finally get off my back, too. Not to mention how happy Hanaoka is. This is a good thing...'

You groaned, rolling onto your side and closing your eyes. "A good thing, huh..."

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You stifled a yawn as you walked down the street, heading home after a long day of fighting. For some reason, everyone and their grandma seemed to want to fight YasuKiyo and, by association, you. It was something you had grown used to after so many years, but it felt as if everyone came out of the trenches today.

Someone yelled your name from behind and you held back a groan, turning to see who wanted to fight you now. To your surprise, it was Tsukasa and Fujio. You said nothing as they approached, quirking a brow at the blonde as he was the one who had called for you.

"We need your help."

"My help?" you echoed, scratching your cheek. "What for?"

Tsukasa nudged the ravenette in the ribs and you finally turned your gaze to him. The sadness in his eyes made your heart clench up painfully, anxiety coursing through your system. He looked as if he wanted to cry, an expression you had never once seen on the male.

He took a step toward you, his lips trembling as he searched for the right words. "There was an accident..."

Tsukasa sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Do you have to be so dramatic? They're going to get the wrong idea if you say it like that."

"Oh," he frowned at his best friend before looking back at you. "My bike, she... she was hurt. Badly."

The blonde folded his arms over his chest. "A couple of the part-timers got ahold of the truck Seki used to drive and they didn't see his bike there."

"She didn't stand a chance!" Fujio cried, grabbing you by the shoulders. "Tsukasa said you could help. Is that true?!"

"Ah, well... I can't help -"

His head fell, grip tightening on your shoulders.

"- but I know someone who can."

His head shot up, hope in his watery eyes. "Really?!"

"We gotta go to Sannoh territory, though."

"I have to get back to Oya," said Tsukasa with a sigh. "They made a real mess with that damn truck. Can I leave him in your hands?"

"Yeah, I got him."

"Thank you," he smiled charmingly at you before giving Fujio a stern look. "Behave and don't cause them any problems. No fighting with Sannoh, got it?"

"You have no faith in me, Tsukasa," pouted Fujio.

"I wonder why..."

After parting ways with the blonde, you led Fujio toward Sannoh's territory, feeling nervous for a host of reasons. Despite Cobra and Murayama having long since squashed their beef, they were still wary of Oya. Probably more so now that Murayama had left. They were also super protective of you because of your cousin. By all accounts, it was a bad idea to bring Fujio here yet you didn't hesitate.

Fujio needed you and you loved it.

The metal door to Asahina garage was up and your cousin sitting inside eating some onigiri. There was a broken down bike off to the side and he had no doubt been working on it before taking a break.

Yamato glanced up when he heard you enter, his eyes widening when he realized it was you. He jumped up, throwing his arms around you and squeezing the life from your bones. "Oi, where the hell have you been, huh? I was beginning to think you forgot about your favorite cousin!"

"You're my only cousin," you grunted in annoyance, trying to shove the hulk of a man off of you. "And I was here like two weeks ago."

"To see Cobra!"

"And? Cobra is less annoying."

"Thank you."

You glanced at the stairs, seeing Cobra descending them with a bottle of water in his hand and a smile on his face. "You're here, too?"

"Don't sound too excited," he joked, but a serious expression came to his face when he spied the ravenette lingering behind you. "Who is he?"

Before you could say a thing, Fujio bowed at the hip and introduced himself with vigor. "Hanaoka Fujio!"

"He's my friend," you stressed, sending the two males a stern look. "And he needs help."

"We're not a charity case," scoffed Yamato, eyes narrowed at the boy.

"He needs his bike fixed," you explained, taking note of how your cousin's eyes lit up at the mention. "I'll pay for it if that'll make you happy."

"No!" chorused Yamato and Fujio, sending you a scowl.

You held your hands up in surrender, fighting back your smile. "You'll help, then?"

Yamato seemed to consider this for a moment before sighing. "Fine. Bring it to me and I'll see what I can do."

"Thank you so much!" cried Fujio, bowing to them again. His eyes weren't quite as dull now, regaining some of their usual happy shimmer.

"I'm not making any promises," muttered Yamato before returning to his snack.

You patted the ravenette on the arm before turning to leave the garage.

He walked at your side, a pep in his step. "Thank you for this. It really means a lot."

You hummed. "Don't think you're not paying me back for this."

A smile tugged at his lips and he nodded. "Of course! Whatever you want."

The words made you pause, brow furrowed at him. He made it a few more steps before realizing you had stopped. He glanced at you, tilting his head to the side. "What's wrong?"

"Do you mean it?" you questioned softly. "Anything I want?"

"Yeah," he nodded. "Did you have something in mind?"

"Yeah."

"What is it?"

You closed the distance, leaning closer until your face was just inches from his own. You knew exactly what you wanted.

Fujio swallowed hard, his cheeks tinting pink. "W-What are you -"

You leaned toward his ear. "You're buying me lunch for a month." And then you pulled back, walking away as if nothing happened.

Fujio's lips parted, face burning as he tried to wrap his mind around what had just happened.

You grinned back at him. "Oi, you comin' or what?"

He tried to get a hold of himself, ignoring his racing heart as he rushed to catch up with you.

━━━━━━༻☔༺━━━━━━

High&Low Masterlist.

WIPs.

[mizho-babe]

dare (jealous/sophia/service)

Jealous/Sophia/Service Word Count: 6,105 Summary: “Okay, Jealous…. we dare you, Sophia, and Service to kiss!” Jealous freezes, his stomach doing somersaults. He hadn’t expected this. His face feels hot, his heart pounding so loudly he’s sure everyone can hear it. He risks a glance at Service, who looks just as caught off guard. He looks forward at Sophia, and his blue eyes are just as wide and round. 

They are at a classmate’s house—a party celebrating the start of winter break. It also marked Jealous, Service, and Sophia’s midpoint through their first year of school, ever. For the rest of the kids in their class, it was simply the halfway point to finishing their first year of high school.

The host, a bubbly yet cunning girl, obviously envious of the transfer student Service for quickly stealing the spotlight as the most popular girl in class, had pointedly invited everyone in the class except for Service. But Service hadn’t minded. She just laughed—because that same afternoon, she got flooded with texts and DMs from classmates urging her to come anyway. And on top of that, Sophia and Jealous had been invited. Of course she was going to show up, especially if it meant dragging the two introverted boys out of their rooms for one night.

Jealous gets the feeling that Sophia didn’t want to come any more than he did, but he didn’t complain when Service rummaged through his closet, hunting for the perfect hoodie for the blond-haired boy to wear. 

“And Jealous, what are you wearing?” Service asked, flipping away a stray blue bang from her eye as she glanced up at him. Jealous was sitting on Sophia’s bed next to the blond, both of them captive to her impromptu styling session.

“Wearing?” Jealous echoed. He hadn’t planned on changing out of his school uniform. He wasn’t even sure he was going.

Sophia turned his head, round eyes catching Jealous’ tired ones. “Do you want to borrow a sweater of mine?”

“This one would be perfect!” Service took one of Sophia’s tops off a hanger at that very moment - a thin-knit, navy blue sweater - and tossed it into Jealous’ lap.

A seamless exchange, like it was scripted. Jealous couldn’t help but sometimes feel like he was in a play where only he didn’t know the lines, but Service and Sophia did. Sometimes he felt like a newborn, the way they effortlessly cared for him. Or like Rune, when Yamato surprised him with a melting ice cream waffle cone, his favorite.

Before he knew it, he was wearing Sophia’s sweater over his school pants, and they were two hours into the party. Most of the 14-year-olds were already tipsy in the crowded basement. Someone had managed to sneak a six-pack out of their parents’ cooler, dragging it through the cold. A few kids were trying (and failing) to crush the cans against their heads. Others were sipping the beers with exaggerated politeness, pretending to enjoy the taste. The lengths kids went to to look cool.

More kids bound in from outside, laughing, leaving the back door open too long and letting the cold winter air spill in. Jealous tucks his chin into the neck of the sweater. It smells of Sophia - like fresh linen mixed with boy. Jealous wonders if he himself has that same smell. He wonders if Sophia has ever smelled him and thought the same exact thing. 

Now, somehow, the group closes in, until all the classmates are sitting or leaning on the couches in a loose circle, and someone proposes - Truth - Or - Dare.

‘Cmon, Jealous,” Service giggles, standing behind him. She has one hand on each of Jealous’ shoulders, swaying the boy back and forth while he sits cross-legged in front of her. Her knee high socks are catching static in the carpet. Her foot brushes against his hip and he feels a zap of electricity. It makes him flinch. 

“Move over~,” she teases.

Jealous scoots a bit forward, closer to the center of the circle, so Service can sit beside him. Across from them, Sophia sits flanked by two girls who are talking his ear off. Like Service, Sophia is popular in class—but for opposite reasons. While Service quickly became everyone’s friend by simply being open and outgoing, Sophia’s quiet, calm personality drew people in just as effortlessly—especially girls.

He watches Sophia politely nod, occasionally offering a word or two, which only seems to make the girls lean closer to him. Jealous looks away, trying to ignore the familiar feeling bubbling in his chest. To escape, he turns to Service, but sees that a boy is now sitting on her other side, smiling and joking with her.

Just great.

He wishes they would all go away and leave the three of them alone. But at the same time, he understands why the other kids like them. It’s the same reasons he did, despite himself, on the very first day of school.

“Jealous!” Service had skipped up to him, wrapping him in a hug as if a day/century earlier he hadn’t sliced off their leader’s arm. “We’re going to be in the same class! Wanna share lunch?”

Sophia was behind her. Jealous’s head was buried into Service’s shoulder, but he could see the blond nod at Jealous. “Get in here, Sophia!” Service swiveled on her feet, dragging Jealous with her. Sophia silently placed his school bag on the ground before stepping forward and joining the hug.

Jealous was confused at how this happened—how they were all suddenly best friends when he hadn’t even spoken to them before. But between Service’s overeager bubbliness and Sophia’s tranquil silence, Jealous felt like he was being wrapped in a weighted blanket. It disarmed him immediately, and he ate lunch with them that day. And every day after that.

Now, he knows he might be overthinking it. Maybe he’s being too possessive, a clingy friend. Maybe Service and Sophia treat him the same way they treat everyone else. But he can’t shake the feeling that no, this was different. What the three of them had felt so seamless, so natural. It was the easiest web Jealous had ever been caught in. No way could others feel like this. No way could Sophia and Service make anyone else feel like this. 

“‘M’kay,” one of the classmates, a boy, says, leaning back with a smirk. “Let’s make it simple.” He points at his friend, another guy sitting two seats down from Service. “We’ll start with you.”

The first guy picks truth. He’s immediately asked if he really got caught making out with what’s-her-name in the gym stairwell back in June. He snickers and says yes. The rest of the party erupts in cheers and laughter, including Service, who throws in her own playful “Woo!” while clapping her hands. Someone throws an empty beer bottle at the kid to spin for the next player.

Jealous glances at Sophia and finds the blond already watching him. They share a small, knowing smile. It makes Jealous feel a little better, knowing Sophia thinks this is just as ridiculous as he does.

Three turns later, the bottle spins toward Service. A girl grins and points at her. “You’re next!”

Service taps her chin with a painted nail, pretending to deliberate. “Hmmm. Y’all are so boring! No one’s choosing dare!”

“Then you do it!” someone challenges her.

“Now ya have to, Service!” another voice chimes in.

The blue-haired girl giggles, tilting her head mischievously. “Fiiine. Whatcha got? Who wants to dare me?”

There’s a murmur of anticipation as everyone exchanges glances, the excitement in the room crackling like static electricity. Then, one of the boys, the same one who started the game, grins and speaks up. “Alright, I’ve got one. Service, I dare you… to kiss Sophia.”

The room goes dead silent for a beat, before breaking into murmurs and laughter. “That makes sense!” someone says. “They’re always hanging out anyway—bet they’re already dating.”

Jealous stiffens, his stomach twisting uncomfortably. He glances at Sophia, whose calm expression doesn’t waver. If he’s surprised, he doesn’t show it.

Service, however, just throws her head back and laughs. “You guys are too much!” she says. Her grin doesn’t falter. “Sophia and I? That’s what you’re going with?”

“Yes! C’mon, you gotta do it!” someone eggs her on.

The crowd’s chants of “Do it! Do it!” grow louder. Service glances at Sophia, who gives her a small shrug, as if to say, It’s up to you. Her gaze then flicks to Jealous for just a second—so brief, so fleeting, that he’s not sure if it even happened.

“Fine, fine!” Service finally says, with an exaggerated sigh. “A dare’s a dare, right?”

She doesn’t seem anxious at all. Jealous always liked that about her - how sure of herself she is, whether it’s dyeing her hair back to the same vivid blue it was when she was a dôji (it never worked) or for rolling up her uniform skirt, not caring that it landed her in detention almost every day.

But right now, Jealous is, well…. He doesn’t like it at all. And he doesn’t know why. His insides twist uncomfortably, as if his stomach is being tightly wound with thread, each loop pulling tighter and tighter. His eyes are locked on Service as she shifts forward, knees tucked under her. And worse, he sees Sophia move too, leaning forward slightly while still sitting cross-legged, calm and unbothered as always. 

What really gets him, though, is that their eyes never leave each other. They’re locked in a silent conversation, an exchange that Jealous can’t understand and isn’t a part of. It makes his chest ache in a way he can’t put into words. 

Then Service says something to Sophia, her lips curling into a one-sided smile. Sophia nods and murmurs something back, his voice so low that Jealous can’t make it out over the buzz of their classmates giggling and craning their necks for a better view. Then, the blue-haired girl leans forward, her hands pressed against the carpet for balance. The movement is fluid and confident, as if she’s done this a thousand times. Jealous wonders if she has - if they have. 

Her lips meet Sophia’s in a soft kiss, and the room erupts.

Sophia’s eyes flutter closed the instant their lips touch. His hands, which had been resting in his lap, shift awkwardly, one hesitating for a moment before settling lightly on Service’s arm. A few strands of her blue hair fall in front of her ears as she leans in even closer. Jealous loses the view entirely behind the curtain of her hair, but he can still see the subtle movement of their jaws as they kiss—deeply, unhesitatingly.

It’s the kind of kiss he’s only ever seen in his heart readings before, with Rune, with Yamato, never in real life.

The crowd is a cacophony of gasps, cheers, and laughter. “That’s hot!” a few of the guys yell, shaking each other’s shoulders and cackling like hyenas.

Jealous doesn’t laugh. He doesn’t even smile. He feels like a bystander to something that wasn’t meant for him to witness, like he’s intruding on a moment that belongs entirely to them. And he wishes he were a spider again, so he could spin himself into the corner of that moment, forever. He doesn’t understand why. He doesn’t know what to do with this gnawing feeling. It’s not jealousy in the way he’s felt it before; it’s deeper, more complicated, like a tide pulling him under.

Service pulls back with a grin, wiping at the corner of her mouth dramatically. “There. Happy now?” she says, her voice teasing as she throws a wink to the group. But Jealous sees her cheeks are tinged red and her lips are still wet, and he feels another wave of that feeling engulf him from head to toe. 

Sophia, meanwhile, remains still for a moment, his expression as calm as ever. He brushes a stray strand of blond hair from his face before glancing over at Jealous. For a fleeting second, their eyes meet, bookending the look Service gave him before. Jealous doesn’t know what to make of it. Is it an apology? Reassurance? Why does he want it to be both?

Jealous looks away quickly. Around him, the game continues, but it feels like white noise in the background. All he can think about is the way their eyes had locked, the way Sophia’s hand had lingered on Service’s arm and the way they’d kissed like no one else was in the room.

Service shifts back into her spot beside him and playfully shoves his shoulder. “How awkward did we look?” she teases, leaning into him with a laugh. She smells like vanilla and it makes Jealous close his eyes for a second longer than necessary when he blinks.

“You looked weird,” he mutters, his voice more blunt and quieter than he’d intended. He can feel her gaze on him, curious and a little amused, but he doesn’t look at her. He’s afraid she’ll see too much if he does.

Truth or Dare continues. Service broke the ice, and now more kids choose Dare. A boy is dared to shotgun a beer, and the attempt turns into a disaster. He chokes, sputtering foam everywhere, and the carpet ends up drenched. The room erupts into a mix of groans and laughter, kids teasing him as he sheepishly grabs a towel to clean up the mess. Another boy is dared to run around the block in his underwear. Amid shouts of protest, he finally agrees, stripping down to his boxers and dashing out the door. The group presses to the windows to watch him jog through the snowy street, arms crossed and teeth chattering, while everyone inside cheers and hollers.

But Jealous has long since stopped paying attention. His thoughts remain stuck on Service and Sophia, the kiss replaying in his mind on loop.

“Truth or dare?” A girl repeats, snapping him out of his haze.

Jealous blinks and looks up. He hadn’t noticed that the bottle had been spun again, and now it’s pointing directly at him. The room’s collective attention shifts to him, and the sudden spotlight makes his heart race. He swallows hard, realizing the game has been going for nearly an hour, and it’s finally his turn. He thinks he might be the last person to go.

“Uh…” Jealous stammers, glancing around nervously. Both options sound terrifying. Truth would mean opening himself up in front of everyone, potentially revealing something he doesn’t even understand about himself. Dare feels no better—an unpredictable gauntlet he can’t prepare for.

“Come on, Jealous!” someone calls out. “Truth or dare?”

He hesitates, his voice caught in his throat. He feels Service’s eyes on him. Sophia’s as well. Against his better judgment, the word tumbles out before he can stop it.

“Dare.”

The room seems surprised that Jealous, of all people, the quietest kid in class besides Sophia, would choose Dare, and everyone erupts into cheers, laughter, and claps, the energy surging back into full force. He immediately regrets it. His stomach twists as a few kids huddle together, whispering and giggling conspiratorially. He doesn’t like the way they glance back at him, like they’re plotting something.

Finally, one of them speaks up, their voice carrying a teasing lilt. “Okay, Jealous…. we dare you, Sophia, and Service to kiss!”

Jealous freezes, his stomach doing somersaults. He hadn’t expected this. His face feels hot, his heart pounding so loudly he’s sure everyone can hear it. He risks a glance at Service, who looks just as caught off guard. He looks forward at Sophia, and his blue eyes are just as wide and round. 

A lot of the other kids are also surprised. There is a heated debate in the room while Jealous internally freaks the hell out.

“Ewww, what??”

“Yeah, the three new kids!”

“How would that even work?”

“Not that hard, they just gotta go in at the same time!”

“Or take turns!”

“Have you tried it?”

“Of course not! I’ve only seen it - uh - online-”

Somehow, Jealous feels like this is meant to ridicule him. That’s where his mind goes first. They’d already made Service and Sophia kiss, and now they’re upping the ante, throwing him—the quiet, awkward one—into the mix. It’s like they’re saying, Look, let’s make the last kid squirm.

But then, just as he’s starting to drown in his own panic, he sees Sophia nod. He nods. “Sure. Why not?” 

Jealous’ eyes feel like they’re going to go bloodshot from how they snap open. He would never have expected Sophia to agree to something like - like this. He hadn’t even expected Sophia to go along with the first dare. Quiet Sophia—the only person besides Jealous who can sit in silence for hours, absorbed in a book or just existing—is fine with this? With kissing multiple people in one night - at the same time?

“A-Are you sure?” He hears Service stammer. He turns his head and she is looking back and forth between him and Sophia. It doesn’t escape him that she hadn’t reacted this way when she was dared to kiss Sophia earlier. That time, she’d laughed and shrugged it off. This time, though? She looks uneasy. His heart sinks.

But Jealous doesn’t want to look like a coward, even though he simultaneously wants to dash out of the party into the cold and lie facedown in the snow.

He swallows hard, trying to steady his voice, but it still comes out shakier than he’d like. “Let’s just… get this over with,” he mutters.

His legs feel stiff and unsteady as he forces himself to move forward on the carpet, inching closer to the center of the circle. His heart pounds so hard it’s like a hammer against his ribs, and the heat of so many eyes watching him makes his skin prickle.

He glances back over at Service. She’s now blushing—really blushing. The deep red spreading across her face is much more intense than the faint flush she’d had after kissing Sophia earlier. This raises Jealous’ anxiety more than anything. He doesn’t know if she’s blushing because she’s embarrassed or humiliated at the situation - maybe now that he’s involved she doesn’t want to? Finds it disgusting? But she also looks cute with her red cheeks and furrowed brows, biting her bottom lip - oh hell, his mind is a whole mess right now.

His racing thoughts come to an abrupt stop when he feels Service’s pointer finger wrapping gently around his thumb. Jealous’s eyes flit down to their hands, then back up to her red face. She isn’t looking at him—her gaze is fixed firmly on the pleats of her skirt—but the way she tugs his hand forward, urging him closer to her and Sophia, is deliberate.

The small gesture catches him so off guard that he lets her pull him, his body moving almost on autopilot.

It’s only when Sophia moves, scooting forward at last, and all three of their knees are touching, that it truly sinks in for Jealous: Oh. This is happening.

Sophia’s blue eyes flicker between Jealous and Service. Jealous can’t read him, can’t read either of them, and he wishes he could. 

He doesn’t expect Sophia to be the one to lean in first—and he’s leaning towards Jealous. He wasn’t sure how this three-way kiss was supposed to work, but he realized at that moment he had assumed that it would be a copy of Sophia and Service’s kiss, except somehow he would be in between them, like a ghost. 

Sophia tilts his body toward Jealous. Jealous barely registers it at first, but he catches the blond raise his hand out of the corner of his eye, and then feels the warmth as he places it on his cheek, his thumb brushing against the edge of his jaw. His other hand grazes Jealous’s knee, feather-light but enough to make his heart lurch violently.

This is overwhelming. Jealous thinks someone has laid tracks down in his chest and a bullet train is speeding right through him.

His eyes dart wildly, unable to settle on anything. He feels like his brain has short-circuited, like his body doesn’t know how to process what’s happening. Are his eyes rolling uncontrollably? It must look that way with how he keeps flicking his gaze from Sophia’s hand on his cheek, to the curve of his Adam’s apple peeking out against his sweater, to the soft, wispy strands of blond hair sticking out from behind his ear.

Jealous is acutely aware that this is all happening in less than five seconds, but it feels like an eternity. Longer than he’s lived as a dôji. Longer than he’s existed at all.

He suddenly decides to just go for it, get this over with, because the anxiety and the anticipation are too much for him, and he closes the distance between him and Sophia, pressing his lips against the blond’s.

Sophia’s lips are soft, and feel fuller than Jealous would expect. He smells less of fresh linen  and more like that boy smell. That’s right, he thinks hazily. I’m wearing his sweater, and I’m— His thoughts blur. The realization is dizzying, intoxicating in a way that Jealous doesn’t understand, and doesn’t want to. The last thing he sees is Sophia’s eyes close just as he does the same. He can feel Sophia’s breath against him, the faintest shift of his jaw as the blond leans in just a little more, his lips moving against Jealous’ like this is the most natural thing in the world.

Then, Jealous feels a hand on his shoulder. He freezes, unsure if it’s pulling him away or grounding him in place. The touch sends a jolt through him, and he’s suddenly aware of another presence, another warmth moving closer.

Service.

Jealous breaks the kiss instinctively, glancing toward her, his breath shallow and quick. She is leaning in now, her hand still resting on his shoulder as if to guide him—or steady herself. Her cheeks are flushed, her blue hair falling into her face, but her expression is surprisingly soft, almost hesitant. He had never seen that expression on her face before. 

“Jealous,” she murmurs, her voice barely audible over the hum of the room. Her fingers curl slightly against his shoulder, and he feels her shift closer, her knee moving in between his and Sophia’s.

Before Jealous can process what’s happening, Service tilts her head, leaning in toward him. Her lips hover just shy of his, her breath warm against his skin, and then they’re kissing—softly, tentatively, but with an energy that feels entirely different from the kiss he just shared with Sophia.

Service tastes faintly sweet, like the soda she’d been drinking earlier, and it tastes delicious and heady in its own way. Her hand slips from his shoulder to rest lightly against his chest, her touch gentle but firm enough to keep him in place. Jealous’s mind races, torn between the reality of what’s happening and the impossible way it makes him feel. Her lips are thinner than Sophia’s, and she’s kissing him with more force than he was. His breath catches when he feels her tongue graze against his bottom lip, and he opens his mouth, and now they’re really kissing. He feels her hand tighten into a loose hold around the fabric of his sweater.

Jealous feels a light, steady pressure against his cheek. Sophia’s hand is still there, cupping his face, holding him in place. The realization sends a jolt through Jealous - Sophia holding his face while Service’s hand is tangled in his sweater, a thread of touch connecting the three of them-, but before he can react, he feels Sophia guide his head gently forward.

Jealous’s eyes snap open just in time to see Sophia nudge between their faces. He pulls back a fraction from Service, and she lets out a barely audible moan at the loss of contact. The sound sends a shiver down Jealous’s spine, heat spreading through his chest and face.

Sophia places his free hand on Service��s cheek, his fingers brushing her hair as he draws her closer to him. Jealous watches, frozen, as their lips meet.  Now he’s watching them kiss again, just like before—except this time, he’s as close as humanly possible. He can see everything—the way Service’s fingers curl into Sophia’s sweater, the slight tilt of their heads, the way their breaths mingle between each kiss. It feels intimate in a way that makes Jealous’s stomach flip, but he doesn’t pull away. He can’t.

Service opens her eyes and glances at Jealous from the corner of her eye, a flicker of acknowledgment passing between them. Her gaze is teasing, as if she’s silently saying, You’re still part of this.

Jealous swallows hard, his pulse thrumming in his ears. He doesn’t think. He just leans back in, closing the small distance between the three of them. His lips find Service’s again, but this time Sophia is there too, their faces so close that their noses brush against one another.

For a moment, it’s all one overwhelming sensation—a tangle of lips, warmth, and breaths, the three of them impossibly close. Jealous feels the pressure of Sophia’s hand on his cheek again, guiding him, and the softness of Service’s touch on his chest. Their movements are hesitant but not awkward, exploratory but not rushed.

It’s fleeting, no longer than a few seconds, but it feels like an eternity. When they finally pull apart, the three of them stay close, their breaths mingling in the small space between them. Jealous’s heart pounds so hard it feels like it might break free from his chest.

Then Jealous blinks, and sound blips back in —sharp and overwhelming. The entire party is screaming, cheering, gasping.

“Holy shit, that actually happened!”

“Did anyone record that?”

“Yo, you three are wild!”

Jealous feels the weight of every eye on them, but it’s like he’s underwater. The noise is distant, muffled, not quite real. His mind is stuck on a loop, replaying what just happened—Sophia’s hand on his cheek, Service’s lips on his, the way all three of them fit together in that impossibly close, breathless moment. It’s like a film reel repeating over and over in his head, and he can’t shut it off.

He barely registers Service’s voice cutting through the chaos, bright and bubbly as always. “Yeah, yeah, if any of ya recorded that, I’m smashin’ your phone!” she laughs, her cheeks still flushed as she stands abruptly. She smooths down her skirt. “Be right back, don’t have too much fun without me,” she says before disappearing down the hallway toward the bathroom.

Jealous watches her go, feeling unmoored, like the ground has shifted beneath him. When he looks back at Sophia, the blond is staring down at his hands, which are folded neatly in his lap. His expression is calm, but there’s a tension in his shoulders that Jealous doesn’t usually see. His hands—just seconds ago, they’d been on Jealous’s face, on Service’s cheek—and now they’re still.

The party continues around them, kids shouting and laughing, spinning the bottle for the next dare. It’s all noise, nothing Jealous can focus on. His mind is too loud, his memories circling back to them—to Sophia, to Service, to the kiss. He can still feel it, still taste it, and he’s unable to complete a full thought because of it.

Before he knows it, people are grabbing their coats, calling out goodbyes, and heading out into the cold night. The energy in the room shifts as the party winds down, the earlier chaos fading into a quieter hum. Jealous realizes he hasn’t moved in what feels like hours, still sitting cross-legged on the floor, his heart pounding.

“Jealous.” Service’s voice startles him out of his haze. She’s standing over him with her hands on her hips, her blue hair slightly mussed from the evening’s events. She already has her blue puffer jacket on. “C’mon, let’s get going.”

He glances at Sophia, who’s already standing, shrugging on his own fuzzy coat. His face is neutral, but his movements are slower than usual, like he’s lost in thought. Jealous forces himself to his feet, his legs feeling like they’ve been asleep.

The three of them leave together, stepping out into the brisk night air. Snow crunches under their shoes, and their breaths puff out in visible clouds. It’s quiet now, the buzz of the party left behind, but the tension between them lingers, unspoken and heavy.

Service is walking ahead of the two boys, laughing, talking shit (“did you see her face when I walked in?”), filling them in some gossip about their classmates. 

Jealous keeps his eyes on the ground, his hands shoved deep into his coat pockets. The snow glitters under the streetlights, but he barely notices. His mind is looping back to the kiss—the kiss. The way Sophia’s hand had cupped his cheek. The way Service had pulled him closer. The warmth of their lips, the way time seemed to stretch and blur, making that fleeting moment feel infinite. 

Both him and Sophia abruptly bump into Service, and they both stumble back. She is facing them, hands on her hips, and she is laughing.

“Guys, seriously? I stopped talking mid-sentence a minute ago, and neither of you even noticed! And I stopped walking and you two just bulldozed right into me!” 

Jealous blinks again, his face heating up. Sophia looks just as surprised, his wide blue eyes snapping to Service, as if only now realizing they’d been moving at all.

Service wiggles her eyebrows at them, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. “You’re both still thinking about it, huh?”

Jealous realizes that they all were, all three were replaying the same moment in their heads. Sophia’s quiet calm and Service’s carefree laugh were hiding the same storm Jealous felt. 

“Yes,” Sophia says, breaking the silence. 

Service’s teasing grin falters. “Well, uh…” She scratches the back of her head, her blush barely visible under the streetlight. “Heh. Me too.”

Jealous’s heart lurches. He swallows hard, his voice coming out before he can stop himself. “...Sorry.”

Service and Sophia both turn to look at him.

“Sorry for what?” Service asks.

He hesitates, his gaze falling to the snow. He sees that behind them, three sets of footprints intermingled in the snow, leading to where they were currently standing. “Sorry I chose dare. I’m not sure what I was thinking.”

“It’s a game,” Sophia replies. “Don’t be sorry.”

Jealous lifts his eyes and finds Sophia looking at him, his calm gaze steady but searching, like he’s trying to figure something out.

“Yeah, don’t worry, it was all dumb fun.” Service shrugs, almost relieved, as if their conversation was sealing the memory off.

But even so, the three teenagers do not move, even when the cold winter wind blows, and it whips Jealous’ long dark ponytail out from under his coat’s hood.

Then, out of nowhere, Sophia speaks again. “Can we… do it again?”

The words hang in the air. Jealous’s breath catches, and he sees Service’s eyes widen in surprise. For a moment, no one moves. No one speaks.

Again?

Service is the first to recover, breaking into a nervous laugh. “You’re serious? Sophia wants to—wow, okay. That’s new.”

The blond cracks a shy half-smile before he turns to fully face Jealous, his calm blue eyes meeting the other boy’s gaze.

“Jealous,” Sophia asks quietly. “Do you want to?”

Jealous freezes. The question catches him completely off guard. The way Sophia asks—so casual, like it’s nothing out of the ordinary—only makes it feel bigger. To Jealous, all questions are loaded. They stay with him, lingering long after they’re spoken. This one is no different. It’s a question like Do you want to borrow my sweater or Wanna share lunch?

Jealous takes a moment to respond. But when he does, he answers truthfully.

“Yes… I do.”

Service tilts her head, studying Jealous, then glances at Sophia. Her expression softens, and she gives a small, tentative smile. “If we’re all thinking about it anyway… maybe we should.”

Another beat of silence passes before all three of them take a step toward each other—at the exact same time. It’s awkward, almost comical, and Service cracks up.

“Okay, okay,” she laughs. “Let’s not knock each other over.”

Jealous, though, is resolute this time. He hasn’t felt this sure, nor this confident in a long time. For the first time, he reaches his hand out and places a hand on the hood of Service’s jacket. The fabric is cold under his palm. He pauses there for a moment, as if testing the waters, before sliding his hand up to rest on the back of her head, his fingers gently brushing her hair.

In the faint glow of the lone streetlamp, he sees her blush again, the pink deepening across her cheeks. Her lips part slightly, and her usual smirk is replaced by something softer, more open.

At the same time, Jealous feels a warmth at his other hand. He looks down to see Sophia’s fingers intertwining with his. It sends a strange, pleasant shiver through him.

For a moment, all Jealous can hear is the sound of their breathing, mingling with the soft crunch of snow beneath their feet. The world around them feels muted, distant. It’s just the three of them now, standing close enough to feel each other’s warmth in the crisp night air.

He leans in first, closing the distance between him and Service. Her breath hitches slightly, but she doesn’t pull away. Their lips meet softly, tentatively, and Jealous is struck by how familiar it feels, yet entirely new. Her lips are warm, and he closes his eyes when he can taste the faint sweetness of soda still lingering there.

Then, almost as if choreographed - except this time, in a play that Jealous does feel like he knows the lines to - Sophia moves closer. Jealous feels his hand tighten around Sophia’s, and he doesn’t let go as the blond leans in. Sophia’s free hand rests gently on Service’s arm, and before Jealous can fully process it, the three of them are kissing—together this time, their faces so close that their noses brush and their breaths mix.

It’s a web of warmth, connection, and something Jealous can’t name. At some point, Jealous breaks away, his lips tingling, and lets Sophia and Service kiss. He watches them, transfixed, just as he had the previous two times. There’s something mesmerizing about the way they move together—Sophia’s slow pace, and Service’s more instinctive, responsive energy. He listens to Sophia’s breath catch and Service hum softly as she opens her mouth against his, their kiss deepening in a way that makes Jealous’s heart beat fast.

Sophia doesn’t stop as he gently moves his head to the right, his hand brushing against Jealous’s shoulder. And then, just as languidly, Sophia leans in and kisses Jealous.

It’s deliberate, slow, almost like Sophia is savoring it, as if he has all the time in the world. Jealous feels the same fullness in Sophia’s lips as before, the same steadiness, but now it feels different—more intentional, more knowing. Jealous lets his eyes flutter closed, the cold night air forgotten as the warmth of Sophia’s touch envelops him again.

When they finally pull apart, their faces linger close, their breaths visible in the cold air.No one moves, no one speaks. The moment stretches into a silence that feels heavy and light all at once.

Service is the first to break it, laughing softly as she looks between the two boys. “Well… um-”

“Don’t say it,” Jealous interrupts.

“Ah-hah, say what?”

“You were going to say ‘Well, that just happened.’” Sophia answers, his calm tone tinged with dry amusement. His usual composure is intact, but there’s a faint blush dusting his cheeks.

Service’s lips quirk into a lopsided grin as she glances between them.. “Maybe. So what? It did.”

Jealous sighs, the familiar awkwardness settling back into his body. But this time, it feels tempered, less sharp, softened by the shared warmth between them. He hesitates for a moment, then murmurs, “That was… my first kiss.”

“...Mine too.” Sophia nods.

“Wow, me three,” Service chimes in, her voice light with surprise before it breaks into a giggle. She presses her hands to her cheeks, her blue hair falling forward slightly. “None of us had kissed anyone before tonight?”

Sophia glances between Jealous and Service, his usual calmness giving way to something gentler, more thoughtful. “I’m glad,” he says quietly. “It was with you two.”

Service tilts her head, her grin softening into a genuine smile. “Yea?”

Jealous doesn’t know what to say, but there’s something oddly comforting about it—knowing this moment wasn’t just his, but all of theirs, to share. It makes him feel less alone.

The three of them linger there under the streetlamp, the night cold around them but their shared warmth holding it at bay.

[library-of-ohara]

anon asked: So many writers gathered at one place for a short time? That is so cool 😎 😎 😎 I hope you're having fun with this. I've enjoyed the few stories so far and I can't wait to see more. Which leads me to my request. May I pls ask for how Kiku, Denjiro and Yamato would react when they are traveling with their friend and at the hotel they find out it's not a room with two beds, but a queen size bed and there aren't any other rooms aviable? Thank you 😘 💖 Oh and here are some cookies for all of you 🍪 🍪 🍪

a/n: written by Lale (@childofblackmaria) <3 i loved this request because i'm down so bad for all three of them and also because all three of them are so TALL (Yamato being the smallest with a height of 263 cm) and imagining them trying to squeeze into a regual queen size bed... i giggled. guess queen size beds in the OP world are a big bigger, at least that's what i imagined while writing. thank you for the fun request and i hope you enjoy reading!

word count: 1.1k

🤍 there was only one bed w/ Kiku, Denjiro & Yamato + gn!reader

Kiku

Kiku and you actually don’t mind the bed situation, but almost get into a fight because both of you insist that the other one takes the bed

you give in when she draws her sword (no questions were asked why she is bringing her sword on a regular road trip, you just roll with it) and threatens you to take the damn bed

her smile is sweet but her eyes definitely say murder

you flop down on the bed and pat next to you, inviting her to join you

“see? there’s actually plenty of space for both of us. the blanket seems rather small though, so if you don’t mind some cuddling at night…”

she doesn’t, moreover, she initiates it

at first you freeze when she wraps her arms around you from behind, spooning you, then you let yourself sink deeper into her hug, enjoying the comfort of her warmth

you can’t fully relax though because whenever you close your eyes, you see the face of her brother, threatening you with a gun because how dare you touch his perfect little sister

your therapist will definitely hear about this

but for now you’re happy, turning around so you can look into her beautiful eyes in the dim bedroom light

you cup her face, your thumb brushing the soft skin of her cheeks as she smiles, a smile so pretty it feels like a stake straight through your heart

wow, you really are in love huh? why else would there be so many butterflies all of sudden? why does being in her arms feel the safest you have been?

the two of you have some soft and sweet pillow talk, too giggly to fall asleep, spilling secrets in the dark

only when you run out of words, you both scoot closer and closer, subtle but enough so your lips can find each other, sweet kisses fluttering all over your face, whispered confessions in your open mouth until the morning comes and you walk hand in hand out of that fateful hotel room

Denjiro

“oh well. you can have the bed, i don’t sleep that much during the night anyway.”

which is in fact, true. he naps often and everywhere because he’s usually up all night, robbing the rich and causing arson

tonight is no exception, just a little different from his usual shenanigans

Denjiro would probably bargain with the owners of the hotel first to get you both a big discount on the room since it’s not what you booked

you can hear him going full “i want to speak the manager” on the poor staff downstairs

he’ll come back in the room with a big grin and a bag full of cold hard cash, his fox eyes looking feisty

“let’s party”

he encourages you to go wild on the room service, ordering everything your heart desires as long as you get him some sake too

you still end up in the same bed together, watching reality tv shows all night while feeding each other the most delicious stuff the room service carried in on a dozen silver tablets

cuddled up against him, you can’t help but think that maybe sharing a bed with him isn’t that bad…?

and judging from the way he holds you close, dozing off every now and then, Denjiro seems to be comfortable too

you snuggle closer against him when he pulls you into his lap, your head resting against his broad chest, his arms wrapped around you

“want to order some dessert, too?”

his voice is close to your ear, sending warm shivers down your spine

you tilt your head back to look him in the eyes, returning the wide smile as you reach for his long blue hair that’s falling over his shoulders

“i think there’s something sweet in the room already that i want to taste…”

yes you kiss <3

Yamato

you both stand in front of the queen sized bed, hands on the hips as you both shrug at each other

you’re friends, right? no big deal sharing the same bed, friends do that all the time

still, you can’t deny that your heart is skipping a few beats by the thought of it

Yamato initiates a pillow fight when he notices the slight tension and accidentally knocks you out when a pillow hits you directly in the face

quickly grabs your soul leaving your body and stuffs it right back in

when you regain your consciousness again, Yamato is leaning over you, carefully dabbing your face with a cold towel, his worried face brightening up when he sees your eyes fluttering open again

he apologizes a thousand times on his knees (poor boy sometimes forgets how strong he is) and begs for forgiveness

he even offers to sleep in the bathtub tonight to make up for it, so you can enjoy the bed all for yourself

you can’t help but giggle from the thought of Yamato trying to fit all his long limbs into the tiny tub and you can see the relief on his face when he realizes that you’re not mad at him

“i accept your apology. to make up for it, you could let me lay in your lap and run your fingers through my hair…?”

guess three seconds of feeling brave really pay off because Yamato is so fast to jump into bed with you, building a tiny fort of pillows around you both before he pats into his lap, gesturing you to lay down

if you could purr, you would right now because Yamato’s fingers make you feel things

you’re chatting about all the things you want to do on your vacation but you can’t fully concentrate on the conversation because your heart is drumming so loud in your chest, you fear it might just jump out

only when you suggest to switch positions so you can pet Yamato too, your faces are coming awfully close to each other, your hands touching, and just like that the last remaining inch between your lips is gone as you sink into a deep kiss that takes your breath away

every time people ask how you two got together, the story will start with a “and there was only one bed”

[beneathstarryskies]

Don't Go Away Mad (Yamato x fem!reader)

Word Count: 2,307

Summary: Things between Yamato and y/n have been tense for a while. Yamato comes up with a rather unconventional way of handling it.

Warnings: brat taming, spanking, orgasm denial, oral sex, unprotected sex, creampie

A/N: I hope you all like it! Requests are open!

Yamato prides himself on being able to keep his cool even in the most complicated circumstances. Very few things manage to get under his skin, and he meticulously plans every detail of his missions. It is certainly one of his biggest strengths as an Anbu captain. Yamato is dependable.

However, he never planned on you and your uncanny ability to get under his skin. You are smart-mouthed and reckless. Every time he reprimands you for it, you pout. Walking behind him with your arms crossed, barely answering when he says something. Worst of all was the day he realized he finds this all utterly charming.

He finds himself wanting to cup your face and press a passionate kiss to your lips every time he sees you making that pouty face. When you’re not looking, he smirks at the sarcastic comments you make. Long after missions have ended and you’ve both returned to the village, he’ll think about the cute things you do.

One day, after a long mission that ended with you guys arguing all the way back to Konoha over you jumping the gun while trying to capture a rogue ninja, Yamato decides that enough is enough.

He goes to your apartment, intent on finally settling things between you. Whatever he has to do to understand why you’re so intent on getting under his skin, he’s willing to do. He just wants to figure out what it’s gonna take to make things work.

When you open the door to let him in, he can already see the look of defiance in your eyes. Something inside him snaps.

Yamato walks forward, kicking the door closed as he makes his way inside. He keeps walking until your back hits the wall. Yamato is looking down at you with his eyes narrowed, he’s almost pressing against you. His arm rests against the wall, and his knee is aligned between your legs. He’s pinning you against the wall.

“Why do you insist on acting like such a brat?” he growls.

You open your mouth, prepared to let out a retort. Yamato catches your words before they leave your mouth. His lips press against yours roughly. For a moment you’re so surprised you don’t kiss back, but then you sink into him. One of your hands clings onto his shirt while the other is spread against his muscular abdomen.

His teeth scrape against your bottom lip, eliciting a soft moan from you. His free hand cups your face, gently bringing your face even closer. His tongue slides along your lips until you part them, then he presses his tongue against yours. His hand trails along your face, coming to rest on your neck for a moment before reaching down to tug at your shirt. His hand slides under your shirt to feel your warm skin under his hands. Yamato pulls out of the kiss with a smirk on his reddened lips before he leans down to begin kissing your neck. You inhale deeply to try to catch your breath.

“Senpai,” you let out in a sigh. “I had no idea you felt this way.”

Your hips move forward, pressing as close to him as possible. The results weren’t intended, but they were wonderful. Your core drags along his thigh in your attempt to get closer, the friction sending sparks through you. His hands move up your shirt, cupping your breasts in his large warm hands. He massages them softly, his thumbs rubbing over your nipples. Your hips continue rutting against him until he pulls away to take your shirt off.

“You need to learn to behave,” he says before lowering his mouth to your breasts. He places soft kisses between them before taking one of your nipples in his mouth. His tongue circles and flicks against the bud until it’s hard in his mouth. Then he switches to the other one. You rut your hips against his thigh again. Yamato’s hands grip your hips to stop you.

It’s a blur when he picks you up, your legs automatically going around his waist. You hold onto his shoulders as he carries you towards the bedroom. He drops you onto the bed unceremoniously. He watches your tits jiggle as you bounce on the bed.

“I’m going to have you begging,” Yamato whispers as he crawls on top of you.

“That I’d like to see,” you retort.

He sits up between your knees, a determined look in his eyes you’ve only ever seen on missions. Quickly he does a wood-style jutsu that restrains your arms over your head. You can’t help but pout.

“How am I supposed to touch you?”

He smirks, “You’re not. Not until I decide you can.”

You watch with widened eyes as he pulls his shirt off, revealing to you a strong physique. Every inch of skin is taken in by your greedy eyes. There’s a sprinkling of light brown hair across his chest, then leading down his abdomen. A trail of hair leads into his pants. Your mouth waters, wanting more than anything to follow the trail underneath his clothes. He leans down to kiss you again before leaning back up. Your hands automatically strain forward, wanting to pull him back to you.

He quickly removes your pants, leaving you in just your panties. You’re stretched out before him, all bare and vulnerable. As he looks you over, he can’t decide where he wants to start. His hands soothe along your thighs before two fingers hook in the waistband of your panties, making quick work of yanking them off and tossing them aside.

His fingers slip between your wet labia, a satisfied smile replacing the smirk he’d previously worn.

“You’re so wet already,” he teases as his fingers dip into your entrance.

You bite your lip, hoping if you keep your smart comments to yourself he’d take mercy on you.

“You should respond when spoken to,” he scolds softly.

Two fingers sink into you, curving to hit just the right spot inside you. You moan, raising your hips against his hand.

“I’m sorry,” you whine.

“You better be,” he presses a soft kiss to your knee.

As two fingers pump in and out of you, he begins circling your clit with his thumb. Your hands strain against the wooden restraints as the heat begins pooling in your core. The muscles of your thighs tighten. Your head falls back against the pillow, eyes squeezing shut and your back arching as you inch closer to release. The walls of your pussy begin pulsing around Yamato’s fingers. Just as you’re tinkering on the edge of release, his fingers withdraw.

A whine falls from you. You raise your head to look at him, wondering if something was wrong. He palms himself through his pants as he looks you over, your body now flushed from being so close to the edge. Your eyes are filled with wanting.

“Yamato-”

“I told you, baby girl. I expect you to beg.”

You’re not desperate enough to stoop so low yet, so with a sigh, you lay your head back down on the pillow. He lowers himself between your legs, places soft kisses along your thighs as he inches towards your dripping pussy. His warm breath on your pussy draws your attention to him again. A fresh jolt of arousal hits you in the gut as you see your captain between your thighs. His arousal-filled eyes locking with yours as his tongue slides between your wet folds, tasting you for the first time. He presses your tongue against your clit, enjoying the surprised whimper that comes from you. His tongue begins flicking your clit at the same time he sinks two fingers into your entrance again. His eyes close as he focuses on building more and more pleasure inside of you.

He gets caught up in the taste of you on his tongue he almost forgets what his purpose is. You’re dangerously close to cumming. His name falling from your lips as your legs tighten around his head, he’s eating up the attention. You’re on the edge, so close it hurts. He lifts his head, bursting your bubble in the worst way.

“Fuck,” you groan.

“Such a dirty word out of such a pretty mouth,” he shakes his head as he sits on his knees. Your face is red and frustrated.

“Fuck you,” you spit.

He releases the restraints on your wrists, and you’re ready to reach for him until his strong hands roll you onto your stomach. He pulls you towards him until you’re sprawled across his lap.

“What are you do-” You’re silenced by a slap on your ass. Excitement jolts inside of you, juices drip out of your pussy.

“You’re going to learn to behave,” he says before he places another slap on your ass, this one was hard enough for you to jump a little. One more slap and he’s beginning to see a red spot. His fingers lower to tease your clit for a moment before retreating to spank you again.

“I want you to fuck me,” you whine.

His cock twitches against your abdomen, but he spanks you again. Then, he soothes his hand along the red spot left. You close your thighs a bit, embarrassed by how wet you are.

“P-p-please,” you whimper. “I don't think I can take it anymore.”

“Get up,” he says.

You eagerly move to be sitting in front of him. He stands up to pull off his pants. You gulp when his cock is released from his underwear because he’s so big. He’s already rock hard with a bead of precum leaking down the side. Your mouth waters as you watch him stroke himself.

“Show me how bad you want it,” his voice is deeper now, more graveled as the sexual tension in the air becomes unbearable.

You don’t hesitate for a second. You’re scooting to the edge of the bed, taking him in your hand to pump a few times before licking a stripe up his length. Yamato groans, his hips bucking against your mouth.

Your lips wrapped around the head, moaning at the bittersweet taste of him on your tongue. He gets a fistful of your hair as he guides you forward. His hips thrusting softly to meet you halfway.

“Oh, fuck,” he whispers. “That’s a good girl.”

Your pussy throbs at the praise. You can’t help but reach down to touch yourself as you take more of his length into your mouth. You sink your fingers inside yourself as you suck him off. He thrusts forward, bottoming out in your throat. His hand in your hair and his hips moving set the pace. You’re happy to be used. Anything to please him so he’ll finally pleasure you properly. Your fingers pump in and out of your soaking wet entrance. Tears sting your eyes from how unbearable the ache in your core is.

Yamato panics when he sees the tears streaming down your cheeks. He pulls his cock out of your mouth, his thumb wiping the tears away.

“Shit, baby, is this okay? What’s wrong?” he wraps his arms around you, pressing a soft kiss to your temple. “Fuck, princess, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

“You didn’t do anything wrong,” you move to straddle his lap. You kiss him softly, “I just want you so bad, I can’t take it anymore.”

Yamato reaches between you to take his cock in his hand. He guides it to your entrance. You sink onto him, letting out a deep sight as you do so. His thick cock stretches you out, making you feel more full than you’d ever experienced. He thrusts up into you, his mouth falling open as he moans your name. Your pussy is so hot and tight around him it almost hurts.

“Yamato,” you whimper as your hips begin rutting against him, meeting his thrusts. Your fingernails dig into his muscular back as you ride him. Any semblance of control from either of you disappears as you’re tumbling closer to cumming. You’re so scared he’s going to stop again. It’s almost like a race.

“Are you going to cum all over my cock?” he asks smugly.

“Please, Yamato, please,” you whine. Fresh tears prickle in your eyes. “I want to cum so bad.”

He grunts as your pussy throbs around him as though proving your point. You tug on his hair, making him look at you. In an instant, he’s flipped you over so he’s on top of you. Your legs are wrapped tightly around his waist to keep him deep inside of you. His pace is unrelenting as he keeps fucking you.

“Cum for me, baby girl,” he whispers against your ear.

His hand slips between you to rub your clit in quick, tight circles. You cry out his name when your orgasm washes over you, soaking his cock in your juices as he keeps fucking you. He fucks you through wave after wave of pleasure so intense it’s almost too much to handle. Your hands tug on his hair.

You’re just starting to come down from your high when you notice his thrusts becoming more erratic. He fists the sheets beside your head as he gets closer and closer.

“I’m gonna fill you up,” he mumbles before pressing a sloppy kiss on your lips.

True to his word, Yamato cums a few thrusts later. His orgasm releases in hot strings of cum, painting your walls with it as he empties every last drop into your tight cunt.

“If I knew you liked me so much, maybe I would’ve been nicer,” you joke after you’ve both caught your breath. He lifts his head to look at you. He looks gorgeous, all flushed and messy.

“I’m happy you didn’t,” Yamato laughs. “This was fun.”

“Mhm,” you smirk. “Maybe next time we’ll turn the tables.”

[sup-hoes-its-me]

Adore You (Yamato x Reader)

A/N: hi guys. Yamato is your secret admirer and you are desperate to find out who's been leaving all these gifts at your doorstep. Civilian reader. Will be two parts, and since i just found out i have the coronavirus and cant leave the house, i’ll be putting out the second part very soon.

Ps i headcanon that yamato would be very shy and awkward with his crush. i also think that when he is nervous he definitely has really sweaty hands. idk thats just the vibe i get from him lol. please enjoy.

Word count: 4500

Y/N walked down the street after a long day of working in the bakery, kneading dough and icing cakes and sweets. It was a great job, and she really enjoyed the company of the two elderly owners. In her arms was another small picnic basket filled with sourdoughs and garlic loaves and cinnamon raisin buns. Those leftovers served as her breakfast, lunch, and dinner most days and it saved a lot of money on groceries.

Sometimes, she gifted the bread to friends and family though, like tonight.

As she walked the bustling streets, people walking home from work for the night, she noticed a couple of familiar faces sitting in the windows of a nearby restaurant. Feeling a little social, she walked into the restaurant and turned the corner, walking through the tables and past other booths full of people talking and drinking. It was busy tonight in Konoha, everyone getting ready for the weekend.

She came to a stop beside their table, and shifted so her basket rested in the slight curve of her hip. With her free hand she waved to the men, a small smile gracing her lips.

“Kakashi, Yamato,” she chirped, “I saw you guys in the window on my way home from work and thought I’d stop in to say hello.”

“Y/N. What a pleasant surprise.” Kakashi hummed, peering over his glass of golden liquid at his friend, who he could tell was struggling to figure out what to say or do. Yamato wasn’t normally nervous; he was very cool headed. How else would he become such an important Anbu member? But around Y/N, this woman with flour dusted in her hair and the smell of cinnamon and chocolate on her clothes, he crumbled. Just that smell alone could make Yamato lose his composure. And Kakashi knew that very well. “As a matter of fact, we were just talking about you.”

Yamato coughed on his drink, covering his mouth with his arm to keep from spitting up on the table. Even if they were just talking about her, it was completely uncalled for for Kakashi to stab him in the back like that. He turned to face the young woman who looked down at him with curiosity in her eyes.

“Really? What about?” she questioned, raising a brow.

He averted his eyes to the table again where his hand rested clutching at the glass. “We were just discussing the bakery,” he explained sheepishly, a hand going to rub the back of his neck. He felt the stress coming on, and sweat was beginning to gather on his palms. He felt ill, and more importantly, upset with the friend sitting directly across from him, smirking under that damn mask.

What an evil bastard.

“Mind if I join you guys? I could definitely use a drink.” She motioned to the seat next to Yamato, and he scooted closer to the wall to make room for her. She made sure her basket was sealed and secure before reaching over the table to Kakashi. “Can you sit this next to you? I don’t wanna take up the whole table.”

“No problem.”

She slid into the seat beside Yamato, and he realized just how small their table really was. The chair was clearly made for one person, or maybe two small people. They were just inches away. He could literally feel the heat of her thigh beside his. He was losing his mind, he was sure of it. There was absolutely no reason to act or think this way just because of a woman, a little baker from the village. No reason. It was inappropriate.

He took a deep breath and sipped on his drink. Everything was cool. Y/N L/N was cool.

“What kind of goods are you bringing home tonight?” Yamato asked calmly.

“Uh, lets see. A sourdough loaf and a garlic rosemary loaf. Also, I have about eight cinnamon buns in there,” she listed off the top of her head, “Why? You wanna take some home with you, because that’s fine. I’m not gonna eat all of it.”

“No, not this time.”

“You, Kakashi?”

“Yeah, I’ll take whatever.” It was a free meal for the next day? How could he say no to that?

The waitress came around, and Y/N ordered a tall glass of some sweet drink, something she knew wouldn’t taste like shit but would get her all warm and cozy quick, fruit juice covering up the taste of poison. “So, what were you guys talking about before I came around? I didn’t mean to interrupt you.”

“It’s good you came around, actually. We could use a woman’s opinion here.” Yamato glared at Kakashi, pleading with everything he had for the copy nin to just leave it alone. Kakashi was set in his goals though, and pushed forward with what he was saying. “It’s about Tenzo.”

An even brighter smile grew on her lips, one full of mischief and curiosity. “Oohoho? I see. What’s got you men stuck?” She loved to gossip, it was just something so interesting in her mundane life. Surely, it wasn’t as interesting to shinobi who almost die all the time and always have something to do, but for a village girl who goes home every night to read and eat bread, and then go to work where she just makes and sells said bread, a bit of juicy personal information really intrigued her.

“It’s honestly not a big deal-”

“Our boy here, he’s got a crush.”

Her eyes widened and suddenly, she felt the urge to down even more of her drink. He was interested in someone? She never expected that. He was always so quiet and calm, and kept to himself. He didn’t seem like the type to ever care about someone in that way. She sighed, taking a long sip on her drink, which tasted like peaches and oranges. At least it was sweet enough to help her curb the impending sadness.

Maybe she was stupid for it, but she cared for Yamato. He was such a sweet and kind man, so earnest and gentle. He was everything good about her mornings, when he would walk in and ask for the same hot cross bun to start his day. He would smile and compliment the cake decorating she was working on, and tell her about his missions and what he had to do for the day.

Perhaps Y/N had the tiniest of crushes on Yamato. It was something she would never reveal to anyone else, but it was true. She couldn’t deny herself that fact.

Kakashi stared at the woman, gauging her reaction to the statement. From the way she immediately went to sip away half of the drink in her glass, and the way her shoulders curled in on themselves, he could guess how she was feeling. He wasn’t usually a fan of meddling in other people’s business, but he was beginning to feel tired of Yamato complaining day in and day out about how he could never get the girl or express his feelings. He was afraid of rejection, as sad as that might be.

He was just there to give them a push in the right direction.

“I see.”

“What do you think he should do? What do the civilian girls like?”

This crush was just another civilian. It would be one thing if he fell in love with a kunoichi, someone she would never be able to compete with, but the thought of him choosing another normal woman over her, the envy practically oozed from her pores. What did this other girl have that Y/N didn’t?

Y/N ordered another drink when the waitress walked by. And then another after she drank the second one. Might as well get more down and drown out these jealous thoughts.

Meanwhile, she listed off things that random women normally like when men do for them, things she didn't really care about like chocolates and asking them out to dinner and giving them stuffed animals. Boring things. Things they all already knew. Kakashi agreed that the advice was kinda bland, and he could have come up with that easily.

Yamato eyed her down nervously as she practically chugged the rest of her drink. The woman wasn’t a big drinker, just a couple innocent cocktails here or there, never with the intention of getting drunk.

“You okay, Y/N?”

“Yes, I’m perfectly fine,” she told him smoothly. “Anyway, I’m not done telling you all about us village girls.”

The third drink came by and she sighed, taking another long sip. At least it tasted good, that made it easy to drink and drink and drink.

“Maybe you should slow down.”

“Maybe you should worry about yourself. I’m grown. I can handle myself, Yamato.” He felt a pang in his chest at her sharp words, ones that he’d never really heard directed toward him. She scolded Kakashi on the daily for being a pervert, but only kind words met Yamato’s ears previously. “Anyway, about this girl. Have you tried getting her anything as a gift? The things I listed before? Love notes? That sorta thing?”

He shook his head. “Well, no. I haven’t tried anything yet.”

“That’s the thing about you, Tenzo. You’re so modest. If you want the girl, you need to go in and get her. You need to show her what she means to you, since you can’t bring yourself to just outright tell her.”

“The whole bold displays of affection aren’t my thing.”

She hummed, her head lolling from side to side as she twirled the straw of her drink in between her fingers. “Maybe you should try some roundabout approach since you’re so scared of rejection. Send her anonymous letters and gifts, give her little clues that it’s you and see how she reacts.”

“Like a secret admirer?"

“Exactly! That’s sooo romantic. I wish some guy would do that shit for me.”

Kakashi raised a brow. “Oh, really?”

“Of course. I’m almost 27 and I’ve never had a long lasting relationship. I just want some guy to really, I don’t know, just love me. Love who I am, not hook up with me for my body or-or only pretend to like me for coupons on bread,” she complained, quite loudly as well. “Fuck those guys and their bread discounts...”

“Y/N-”

“I’d suggest you do something like that for your crush. Make her feel like you really care about her mind and soul.” Y/N clutched her hand over her heart and squeezed the front of her dress. “So many men nowadays act like horny teenagers, and us ladies are sick of it.”

She really did not need to go into such detail, and Yamato could tell she was drinking too much. Y/N would never say these things aloud if she were completely in her right mind. He felt rude just sitting there letting her rant on and on, exposing her own feelings to the table. But at the same time, he was grateful to know what she wanted in a lover. She never really let on what her romantic life was like, other than single for the most part.

That is what he and Kakashi were discussing before she came around. He was desperate to sweep her off her feet and woo her, to make revealing his feelings easier. Kakashi told him to just go to the bakery and tell her right then and there, but that was just too bold. He wasn’t going to go in without a plan, it was irrational.

“Yamato, I’m telling you, if this woman rejects you, she’s fucking stupid. You’re a catch. You and Kashi over there, both of you could get any woman you want, and that’s a fact.” the woman waved her hand to emphasize her point, only to knock the rest of her fourth drink over into her lap, sticky syrup soaking into her apron and through to her skirt. “Oh man.”

“I think it’s time for you to head home, little miss Y/N,” Kakashi chimed in, “This is exactly why we don’t bring you to bars, you know.”

“Shush. I am fine.”

Yamato sighed, motioning with his hands for her to move to the edge of the seat. He rolled his eyes at her words, knowing she was talking out the ass. “Yeah, yeah. Just get up, Y/N. I’m taking you home.”

Both men were surprised when she lifted her hand and pushed him away from her. Her glare was intense, anger behind those eyes. “No! Not you. I want Kakashi to walk me home.” The man was taken aback by the harshness in her tone. She was normally calm tempered, but her head was spinning and she was obviously growing moody.

“That’s fine by me. Yamato, you’ll pick up the bill for us and uh, clean this mess, right?” Kakashi smirked as he slid out from the booth and picked up her bag of baked goods. She followed suit, climbing out of her seat and grabbing onto the shinobi’s arm tightly. He really couldn’t care any less about her nonsense. It had been so long since they became friends, he’d seen her in every mood imaginable, and much drunker than this. He’s walked her home more than a few times in their past years.

“Curse you, cheap-ass.”

“Gotta go.”

With that, the white haired man walked out the restaurant with a woman in tow. They lived in the same direction, so he started down the street as she stumbled after him, tripping occasionally on pebbles. He felt bad for his friend, really. But the answer was clear as day now. Y/N cared for Yamato a lot more than she let on. It was just up to one of them to make a move. He couldn't do everything for them.

She tripped along beside him, letting her head fall against his shoulder a few times. Her eyes slid up to the man’s masked face, and he felt her hands begin to quiver a bit around his arm, just a tiny bit, but it was still there. Those little, very-telling, tremors.

“What’s wrong, Y/N?” he asked gently, knowing she would immediately spill whatever was stuck on her mind.

“Kashi, why does Tenzo want some other village girl?” she questioned, her cheeks puffing out and her eyes getting watery with tears. “Why doesn’t he want me? I want him so badly, it hurts right here.” she placed her free hand over her stomach and gagged. “I might throw up, it hurts so much.”

“Trust me, it’s gonna be okay,” he hushed, a tiny smile on his lips. He didn’t want to reveal too much to her, but it was just so amusing pulling the strings like this. Two of his friends, one a subordinate and the other a sneaky baker, falling for each other right in front of him. With all the work piling up, this was definitely a refreshing take.

“Also, you shouldn't throw up. It'll burn your throat, you know.”

She nodded, and just clutched onto her stomach as they made their way down the narrow alleyways toward her small apartment. He unlocked the door for her when she struggled to fit the key into the tiny hole that blurred together with everything else. He was a good friend, she thought, and made a mental note to thank him next time she saw him. Well, she tried to make a mental note, but when her body hit the mattress in the corner of her small studio, she found herself drifting away.

__________

God, her head hurt so badly she thought her skull was cracking open right then and there, as she lifted her head from her pillow. Light shined in through the window only to make things worse than before. She looked around the room and noticed that her coat was hung up properly on the hook and her shoes were sitting by the door. Her basket rested atop her counter.

Most importantly, on her nightstand sat a glass of water and a couple pills, ready for her to take the moment she woke up. Kakashi or Yamato must have walked her home and put her to bed. They were very nice men, she enjoyed having them as friends, she just worried she had made a drunken fool of herself last night in front of them. She rarely drank heavily, for that reason. She couldn’t even remember what happened, just that she met them at the restaurant and then the rest fell empty in her mind, little images blending together until she couldn’t decipher a thing that happened. She was more than ashamed.

How could she lose control of herself so casually, she wondered. She never even wanted to drink, much less enough to give her this searing headache. Something must have happened last night that influenced her decisions. Maybe she had a drinking contest with Kakashi like that one time before. If so, that was completely uncalled for on the man’s part. He knew her tolerance.

Nevertheless, she needed to get ready for work. A hangover wasn’t enough to heed the workings of the bakery.

She took the pills, and threw off her covers, walking over to her counter to take out one of the cinnamon rolls, taking a big bite to curb her hunger pains. After taking a moment to compose herself, she got ready for work. If she was late, she knew the owners would be forgiving, but she still felt bad regardless. She was going to walk in looking like a complete disaster.

As she headed out her door that morning, she stumbled on something sitting right at the foot of her doorstep on the welcome mat. Resting there, in a tiny little ceramic pot, stood a bonsai tree, trimmed and cared for perfectly. Her eyes scanned the area for who could have set it there, but met only empty space.

Hesitantly, she picked it up and brought it into her home. There was no note attached, nothing to signal who’d given it to her. Just a little tree that she would put on her window sill. It was strange, she had to admit that, to receive an anonymous gift at such an hour. She’d have to ask her friends about it later on to see if one of them had given it to her, for reasons she didn’t know.

But as the days went by, and those days turned into weeks, she continued to receive gifts every few days. More tiny trees in pots, sometimes flowers in little glass vases. None of them at first had anything attached until the most recent piece which when she picked it up to take into her home, a folded piece of paper sat beneath the vase. She made sure to pick it and put it in her apron to read on her break when she went to work. She didn’t have the time when she woke up only about 20 minutes before she was due at her job.

She was more than grateful for the little garden she was accumulating on her window sill, the beautiful flowers and trees somehow surviving despite her little knowledge of taking care of them. She stopped by a flower store in town to get some fertilizer just to keep them alive. It would be a shame if they died since someone was being so kind as to give them to her.

With her boring life, the flowers brought a smile to her face and a warmth in her heart that she hadn’t felt before. Regardless of who was leaving the items there, she felt like she was important to someone. Some person was taking time out of their day to show they cared about her.

Truthfully, she’d be lying if she said she hadn’t wished it was Yamato leaving her gifts. She’d been attracted to the man for quite some time, ever since they met really. He was just so strong and brave, and awkward in a cute kind of way. He was truly the only man of her affections, and she could only dream she was the object of his as well.

It was more than unlikely though. He was a strong ninja of the leaf. The chances of someone that amazing wanting to be with someone as simple as the town baker were lower than she wanted to admit. He most likely had his eyes set on some gorgeous kunoichi like Shizune or Kurenai. Someone he could relate to, really.

It was embarrassing to even admit she had a crush on him. It made her feel so tiny and weak, knowing that she wasn’t his ideal.

So she pushed that thought from her mind. Yamato would never be interested in her, and he most certainly not the one leaving her little notes and plants.

What she did know was that this person was a shinobi. Maybe not Yamato, but they were definitely a shinobi. She set up a trap, at least one she thought a normal person would fall for. Right before her door, she set up a tiny trip wire made of floss at the perfect level for someone to pull loose when they walked up to leave a gift on her welcome mat. Her room was at the very end of the hallway, so there was no way anyone else except her secret admirer was the one to set off the trap. Any normal person without the high perception of a shinobi would set off the trap and she would be able to narrow down the results to a civilian.

Only, the morning after she set up the trip wire, when she opened her door, there sat another bouquet of flowers, as well as an untripped strip of floss.

This person had to be a shinobi. She concluded. It was the only explanation in her mind, desperate to find out who the mystery person was all this time.

As she walked the streets that afternoon after the store had closed, her eyes honed in on Yamato, who stood next to a vegetable stand picking up some groceries. Immediately, she turned on her heel and cornered him between the squash and the sweet potatoes.

“Yamato, I need to talk to you. It’s urgent. Do you mind?” she practically demanded, and his eyes widened. He did not expect such an abrupt conversation between them. He shifted awkwardly to rest his grocery bag in the crook of his elbow and lean on his left side, arms crossed over his chest.

He knew what she wanted to talk about. It was about those gifts that he had been giving her. It was just a matter of whether she had figured out it was him or not, that was the question. He was kinda hoping she didn’t know yet. He was not ready to face what came after the reveal, rejection or otherwise. He really hadn’t thought it that far out yet. How could he. Just thinking up love notes and what plants to give her next was more than enough to worry about.

But damn, when he looked down at her, hair dusted with flour from a days work, a smudge of cake batter still on her forearm, apron a complete mess, he wanted to cave and tell her everything. She was just so beautiful, so clumsily perfect he couldn’t help but lose his train of thought. He swore he’d never seen a woman more perfect than her, not even Naruto’s sexy jutsu could come close to this girl.

He found his ears heating up and no doubt turning red at the thoughts running through his mind, and he was quick to smother them down. He was not irrationally emotional. Hell, he was ANBU, he should be able to control his emotions down to a tee.

“Yes, Y/N?”

“I have a secret admirer, and I know they are a shinobi.”

He felt himself growing nervous. How had she deduced that? “Ah, that’s definitely exciting for you. How do you know it’s a shinobi?”

“I know because I set up a tripwire last night and the person didn’t set it off, so I know they are coordinated enough to avoid it. This isn’t just some random village boy. This is someone skilled.”

“Y/N, he could have very well just avoided the trap with his natural gait, don’t you think?” he tried to reason with her, try to get her off his trail. Admittedly, he thought she was quite clever for setting up the trap. When he walked over it the night before, he swore it was just a spider web. He didn’t even consider the possibility of a trap in his way.

If only he could throw her off his scent. He needed more time. He couldn’t confess to her now. It was too abrupt, too sudden. He would probably die.

“No, I’m convinced it’s a shinobi.”

Shit. “Well, what are you going to do now?”

She thought for a short moment on what she was going to say, tapping her foot on the ground beside her. Her eyes widened and she smiled at the thought that ran through her mind. Of course, it was so obvious. “The gifts come sporadically, so I know that the shinobi can’t leave gifts when they are on missions. Next time there is a long break in gifts, I will just ask around to figure out who has been on a mission for a while. Bam, I’ve got my answer. It’s foolproof.”

She really had thought this through more than him. She was too good, and he felt himself panicking. He had a weeklong mission in 3 days, and if she asked anyone, they would tell her it was him. He felt moisture gather up at his brow, and he internally cursed his situation. He had to find some way out of this mess without her figuring out it was him.

“Yeah, that could definitely work. I hope it all works out for you, Y/N,” he lied through his teeth.

“I know. I’m just smart like that, aren’t I?”

“You sure are,” he muttered, but honestly, he just wanted to go off and find Kakashi. He needed to talk to him. His eyes slid away from Y/N and he sighed. “I’ve got to go, but I’ll see you around, yeah?”

“Yeah, of course. Don’t forget to stop by before your next mission to get some of our special food pills, okay? I just made a new batch and you can try them free of charge. Anything for a fella as handsome as yourself.” She laughed, shifting her weight to press a hand to her hip.

Jeez. There was no good reason for her looking so adorable. Calling him handsome as well? It was all too much for his heart to handle. Needless to say, he felt like he was going to explode if he didn’t walk away right then. With that, he simply nodded before patting her shoulder. “Like I said, gotta go.”

“Oh, okay. See you around.”

“See you.”

He walked away quickly, heading in the direction of Kakashi’s apartment, knowing he just had to do something about the mess he was currently in, and ways to avoid the inevitable. His heart was racing so fast he thought he might be having a heart attack. How could he be swayed so easily by a pretty face. He had no idea, but he really wanted it to stop. For the sake of his sanity, he needed to learn to be calm around her.

He would tell her soon, get all this off his chest and share his true feelings. He just needed a bit more time.

[kakashis-formal-simp]

“Just stay in my arms” Kakashi x reader

Requested by @hxxjxx

I hope you like it ❤️❤️

Prompts: “Why are you awake”, “Please, just tell me how you feel”, “Don’t hold it in”, “Take a deep breath”, “You don’t have to go through this alone”

You were on a mission with Team Kakashi filling in Yamato's place while he was away. It was a terrible idea. You had just found out your boyfriend was cheating on you. Lucky, you didn’t love him, no, the relationship was only 3 months, but now you were rethinking everything. Were you not good enough for someone that they would seek out another? Dating him was terrible for your confidence. Your father always told you that no one would ever love you. You hadn’t ever believed it until recently. Deep in your thoughts, you failed to notice Kakashi.

“Why are you awake Y/n? It’s late,” Kakashi sat down next to you on the rooftop. You let out a small sign.

“I couldn’t sleep so I came up here,” you lied looking away from him. “Y/n, that didn’t sound very convincing, is there a reason why you can’t sleep?” You shook your head no. “Are you ok?” Kakashi’s voice didn’t hide his concern, “I’m peachy”.

“Y/n, look at me,” you ignored his request at first, but Kakashi moved your face softly. You watched his eye widen slightly as he saw your tears. “Y/n, you are not okay,”.

“I’m fine. I just got something in my eye,” you pulled away from his hands. “Y/n,” his voice was firm, “please, just tell me how you feel, ”.

“I found out my boyfriend was cheating on me before we left,” you brought your knees to your face. “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that,” Kakashi sighed, “I think I want to kill him” he mumbled after. “You...what?” You tilted your head to get a better angle as you were resting on your knees. “I said I want to kill him, Y/n, you shouldn’t dwell on that asshole, he doesn’t deserve you anyway,” You debated telling him the truth of the problem. “It’s not him cheating that bothers me,”.

“It’s not? Then what is it?” You watched him scoot closer, so you looked the other way. “It’s not all that important,”. “It is important, please, don’t hold it in. I won’t judge or anything. You’ve always been there for me and listened to my problems and I’ll always do the same for you,” he let out a small sigh, “even if you’ve never come to me with problems”. He was right, it wasn’t often you bothered him with stuff like this. “When I was little I was always told no one would ever love me, I didn’t use to think much of it but now I think it’s true. I didn't love him, but I didn’t mean enough for him to stay loyal. I just… I want someone to love me…but I’m not good enough for someone’s love, am I? I mean I certainly don’t have the looks or the personality. My laugh sounds awful and… and,” you started crying louder now, no more silent tears. Thinking over all of your insecurities and everything wrong in life you started to breathe harder about to go into an anxiety attack. “Y/n, take a deep breath. Everything’s going to be okay, I’m right here,” Kakashi pulled you closer and started whispering sweet things into your ear. Once he thought you were calmed down enough he began, “y/n, you are beautiful, you are loved, your laugh is amazing and brings butterflies to my stomach, your eyes sparkle more than any diamond, there is no reason for anybody to not love you. Anybody that pretends they don’t is because they are too scared you’re too perfect for them, and truthfully, you are too perfect for them. Everything about you is perfect, you may not see it but I do. You trust me with your life on missions, so please, trust me on this. You don’t have to go through this alone. I’m right here, and I’ll always be here. Whether you want me here or not,” Kakashi spoke every word softly. You opened your mouth to speak but couldn’t find any words. “You don’t have to talk, Y/n, just stay here in my arms okay? I’ll take care of you, I promise,” he sealed the promise with a kiss to your temple. You let out and soft and weak thank you. “Anytime, I’ll always be here,” he whispers and holds you tighter.

[kakakakashi]

Hokage’s Office: Under the Desk

100 Follower Celebration - Day 4

Kakashi Hatake x Reader || NSFW

Warnings: porn without plot, lots of oral, Kotetsu & Izumo are clueless, Yamato isn’t as clueless as Kakashi thinks he is, cursing, you know how these go

Word count: 2,007

A/N: I’m really glad y’all are enjoying these. I feel like it’s just the same story over and over, but like... Also, MY TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES ARE SOLVED! 

- 

Making out in the Hokage’s office was always a fun game. Making out in the Hokage’s office with the door still unlocked was playing with fire. You had no idea how you ended up grinding atop Kakashi in his desk chair, a mix of limbs tangled around each other, groping at any flesh you could reach. Your mixed panting the only real sound in the room other than your muffled groans against each others lips. Sweat began to gather on your brow while you swiveled your hips against the front of Kakashi’s pants, making him grow harder with each passing moment.

You had both been humping each other to the point where you’d begun to feel the beginning heat of orgasm, but that quickly changed when Kakashi’s eyes flew open. His heightened hearing had detected footsteps approaching the door. With catlike reflexes, his large hands grabbed you by the waist. He hoisted you off of him and placed you on the floor below his desk before he scooted his chair in to hide you. He’d just finished adjusting his mask over his nose when Kotetsu and Izumo entered the office.

From beneath the Hokage’s desk, you knew exactly who had entered the second you heard Kotetsu’s voice speak from the doorway. “Lord Sixth, we finished our shift and wanted to give you our border patrol report.”

You smirked to yourself when an idea popped into your head, your gaze landing in front of you on the tented fabric between Kakashi’s legs. Wasting no time, you unfastened his pants and freed his painfully hard erection. When he realized what you were about to do, despite present company, Kakashi couldn’t deny the arousal stirring in his gut. His member twitched slightly at the thought of your mouth around him in front of his subordinates, causing you to smirk below his desk. 

“Very well,” Kakashi hastily decided, “I’ll take the scroll, and you’re both dismissed!”

You chuckled internally when you positioned your lips just close enough to his pinkened, leaking head to make him feel your breath fanning across the sensitive tip. He should have come up with a more convincing dismissal, but at that moment, Kakashi’s brain was consumed in an aroused haze, well aware of what you were about to do.

“Lord Sixth, shouldn’t we review it before you dismiss us?” Izumo suggested after sharing a confused glance with Kotetsu.

In that exact moment, Kakashi felt the tip of your tongue place a kitten lick across his sensitive tip. His chest tightened when you repeated the action before your tongue switched to stroke along the vein beneath his hard, throbbing length. The sensation left him drawing in a slow inhale of breath. He tried to play it off to the pair of chunin as a sigh in agreement. However, in his mind, he was silently cursing the situation. Kakashi was tempted to scream, “You’re kidding me! They choose now to be thorough!”

You wrapped your lips around Kakashi and slid your awaiting mouth down his cock, relishing in the salty taste of every inch he offered your hollowed cheeks. Kakashi’s whole body twitched a bit when Izumo held out the scroll for the Hokage to receive, but neither of the chunin seemed to notice.

Pulling back your mouth from under the desk, you sucked Kakashi in again, now working your hand over what you couldn’t fit. You made sure to flatten your tongue when he filled you, and when you retreated, you flicked it against the tip the way that made his head spin.

As your pace gradually accelerated, Kakashi found himself staring at the now unrolled scroll before his eyes. The faster you bobbed your head, the closer he got to his release, and he couldn’t read the text in front of him even if he tried. Instead, he found himself simply pretending to read it while he tried to keep himself from bucking into your warm, wet mouth that left him spiraling towards his release.

Even though he hadn’t been staring at the scroll for long, the second Kakashi felt your nails scrape against the skin of his balls, he closed the paper and looked directly at Kotetsu and Izumo, stating, “Very well. Good job. You’re dismissed.”

His veins were filled with electricity, and he was sure he was going to blow while Kotetsu and Izumo bowed and exited the room. The second the door clicked shut, Kakashi leaned back enough to see you sucking his dick like your life depended on it, and a long groan escaped his throat at the sight. His hands tossed the scroll somewhere to the side before one of them took hold of your hair, shoving your face down on his cock so you were gagging.

You let out a whimper at the heavy feeling of Kakashi on your tongue and your throat, but you gladly took what he gave you.

“Don’t talk with your mouth full.” You could hear the smirk in his voice while his hips bucked into your awaiting mouth. Tears prickled in your eyes, but you attempted to fight them back while you choked on Kakashi’s dick.

However, your gag reflex came out once more, and that was the end for Kakashi. His balls tightened, and his cock twitched in your mouth, grunts and curses spilling from him while he emptied himself into your mouth.

You tried to swallow everything he gave you, but a little bit did dribble down your chin because of how messy he was. However, once he rode out his high, and you released his cock with a small pop, his thumb quickly wiped up the drop and patiently waited for you to part your lips again for him. When you did, he shoved his thumb in your mouth and you sucked it clean, moaning around the digit before releasing it like his cock.

“You’re gonna be the death of me,” he panted before a look filled his gaze, “Now… let me have a turn.”

“Kakashi, you don’t have t–”

“Just sit in the chair and shut up. I want my revenge.” He stood from his Hokage chair, fondly shaking his head at your antics. You rose from beneath his desk with a smirk to match his, and you plopped in his chair with a roll of your eyes.

Kakashi was on his knees before you could even retort, and he glanced up at you while his hands worked you out of your pants. You were a bit taken aback, but he quickly explained, “You know I can smell you, right? You’re fucking dripping, doll.”

You blushed a little at his words, but he had already moved on to shucking your pants to your ankles along with your underwear. He was gazing at your soaking folds like he’d just found heaven. Pulling down his mask to reveal flushed cheeks, he immediately spread you out to press a kiss against your cunt.

“Mine.” You barely managed to hear him growl it out, but it sent a shiver of pleasure straight to your core.

Your breath caught in your throat when he dove in between your legs, immediately licking a long stripe from your entrance to your clit, flattening his tongue at first until it flicked against your clit to circle the throbbing bud. You quickly grabbed the armrest on the chair, trying to keep yourself from gasping out at the sensation of Kakashi’s tongue.

He worked you just the way he knew you liked, first sucking on your clit and running his tongue everywhere he could, licking up everything you had to offer. The sensation was becoming too much, and you tried to back away, but he pulled you to the edge of the chair by your thighs, so his face was flush with your cunt. However, he decided to switch it up, moving from your clit, down to your entrance, circling the slick opening before his tongue caught in the center. He thrust his tongue inside you, causing you to let out a soft yelp.

It was short lived, though because just as quickly as he acted, he retreated. Just when you were about to ask what he was doing, he retreated under his desk, pulling the chair by the arms, so you were in the same position as before, but now the roles were reversed. Just in time too because the click of the door alerted you to another presence entering the room right as Kakashi resumed his task of slipping his tongue in your entrance.

Now, Yamato stepped into the room. “Lord Si– Oh, hello, Y/N.” He was obviously surprised to find you sitting in the Hokage’s chair. “Have you seen Kakashi senpai anywhere?”

“Nope! I was just waiting for him to get back.” Your high pitched voice came out more desperate than you’d intended, but you couldn’t help it with the way Kakashi’s tongue dragged in and out of you so deliciously that you were tempted to start humping his mouth. As soon as the excuse left your mouth, you knew it was a mistake. What if Yamato decided to stay and wait for Kakashi too?. He’d definitely catch on to your current predicament, and you’d never be able to look him in the eye again. Covering your tracks, your last shred of logic suggested, “He’s probably helping Naruto with something.”

That sounded better, and it was the best excuse you could come up with while Kakashi’s mouth was between your legs. He’d decided to switch his ministrations too, flattening his tongue across as much expanse as he could while dragging it back and forth.

The sensation had you gripping composure with white knuckles. Kakashi was truly pulling out all the stops to make you writhe. The blood pumping in your veins had you flushed and desperate. The heat of your orgasm growing with each stroke of the skilled tongue on your folds, well aware of how to abuse all of your weak spots.

“Okay,” Yamato drew you out of your pleasured haze when he spoke, “in that case, if you see him, please let me know. If you tell him I’m looking for him, he’ll hide.”

You would have laughed at the irony of the situation had the very man you spoke of not been pleasuring you beneath his very own desk. Besides, you were getting close, and if you had tried to laugh, it would have turned into a moan.

Instead, you opted to hiss out, “Will do!”

You thought you were in the clear, and you were extremely grateful. You could feel the quaking of your orgasm swelling deep inside you, your hearing partially blocked out with how good Kakashi was making you feel, but you fought your release since Yamato decided to speak again.

“By the way, are you alright? You look like you just ran a mile.”

You took a second to get ahold of your body, white hot pleasure burning you because of how close it was.

“Yeah, I’m fine! I just got back from training!” You overenthusiasticly explained before shooing him out with a hand, “Alright, see ya!”

Yamato took the hint and turned on his heel. As soon as his back was to you, your hand flew under the desk to grip at Kakashi’s silver hair, working your hips gently against his mouth that was now sucking hard on your clit while you writhed.

Just when the door closed behind Yamato, you finally allowed your release to consume you, your legs clamping around Kakashi while your body practically collapsed on itself. You back arched while your high hit you like a train, igniting every nerve in your body until you were burning with the white hot pleasure of your high. You couldn’t help the broken cry that escaped your lips while Kakashi continued abusing your throbbing cunt, working you through the ripples of bliss until your hips were twitching with overstimulation.

He pulled away with a wicked smile on his face while you panted, frantically trying to catch your breath.

[digitalworldbound]

day one: sibling shenanigans

this is a day late bc yesterday was my birthday. ive tried to edit this, but it's like pulling teeth oof. anyways, excited for takari week!

The Yagami’s air conditioner did little to fend off the sweltering August heat. Despite staying inside, Hikari felt like she was melting. Yamato and Takeru fared no better. Their father’s central air had erupted in a cloud of smoke in the night, the boys waking up sticky, sweaty, and flushed. They arrived at the Yagami’s thirty minutes later under the guise of a video game tournament, but Taichi laughed when he caught the pair arguing over who got to sit closer to the fan.

Hikari stretched herself across their worn couch, feet barely poking over the arm. Leftover air from the fan whispered over her flushed cheeks. Taichi, Takeru, and Yamato crammed themselves in front of her. It was obvious that their legs had gotten longer when the three of them had to fight for dominance underneath the coffee table.

Some snacks were spread out on the table, but the heat subdued even Taichi’s stomach. “Yamato, you miss more shots than a damn Stormtrooper. Takeru was wide open! He would have been an easy kill!” A mop of brown hair playfully shoved the boy beside him.

“If I wanted to support some talentless douchebags, I would have bought a Nickelback album.” Yamato smacked the nape of Taichi’s neck. “And besides,” Yamato paused, “If he was such an easy kill, then why weren’t you able to snipe him first?”

Hikari snickered, shoving a socked foot in her brother’s face. His cries of indignation were no match for Takeru’s and Yamato’s arms as the held him down to let Hikari continue her assault. “Onii-chan, only winnersget to trash talk.”

“You boys are terrible, turning my innocent sister against me.” He huffed. It took a moment to shove the brothers off, their sweaty skin clingy together. Takeru laughed before grabbing his controller. He cocked an eyebrow in challenge, “Best two out of three, eh, Taichi?”

The boy in question only rolled his eyes, shifting to he could stand. Takeru raked his fingers through his damp hair, “Unless our brave leader is scared.”

“It’s not that I’m scared, I just…have to use the bathroom is all.” Even Hikari could see through his flimsy excuse.

“Wow, I can’t believe my brother is a chicken.”

He smacked her forehead on his way out of the room, skillfully ignoring the way she stuck her tongue out in his direction.

Yamato rolled his eyes. Pushing his hands together, Takeru gagged at the sound of his brother’s knuckles popping. The older boy merely laughed, twisting his back to enhance Takeru’s unease. “Well, we might as well as take a break. It’s hard to play with just two people.”

Hikari’s head perked up. “I can play with you guys.”

Takeru and Yamato shared a look before their laughter spurred Hikari out of her state of relaxation. “Hey!” her indignation made the boys laugh even harder, nearly rolling over each other. She crossed her arms over her chests, poking the boys with her toe. “If you just want to twiddle your thumbs for the twenty minutes that Onii-chan will be in the bathroom, then be my guest.”

“Hikari, don’t be like that. I just don’t want to hurt your feelings when I win.” When he wasn’t fighting with her brother, Yamato was easily one of the more brazen Chosen. If the mood struck him right, he could even wind Koushiro up with his teasing.

She cocked an eyebrow, picking up her brother’s discarded controller. Takeru said nothing, but readied his player for battle. He had learned that of the two, Hikari was the more stubborn Yagami. There would be no changing her mind once it was made up. Scooting over, Yamato made room for Hikari between himself and his brother.

The round started; the brothers teamed up without a word. Within minutes, her avatar laid lifeless on the battlefield. Perfect.

“He told you so,” Takeru muttered underneath his breath. Hikari was unperturbed. “Can we try again? I just had to get a hang of the controls.”

With a poorly stifled laugh, Yamato busied himself with a bottle of water. He nudged Takeru under the table, shooting him a look Hikari had no trouble deciphering: It’s cute that she thinks she has chance.

“Why don’t we make it interesting with a little bet? Everyone bets a thousand yen, winner takes all.” She did her best to seem nonchalant, widening her eyes to lure them into a false sense of innocence. Like any good fish, they took the bait, hook, line, and sinker.

A wallet was pried from a pair of shorts, crumpled bills mingling with spilled popcorn. The brothers wore matching grins of victory. If only they weren’t so foolish.

Her sly smirk dissipated into feigned surprise as she deftly maneuvered around the battlefield, ignoring the way their jaws unhinged at her victory. Yamato grumbled as a wad of cash disappeared into Hikari’s pocket. She ignored his squinted eyes.

“Beginner’s luck,” she said.

“Bullshit. Double or nothing.” Takeru didn’t even glance in her direction. Jaw set, the next round started before Hikari could grab on to her controller. Playing dirty had never been his style, but she had a sinking suspicion that he had her figured out.

She didn’t have long until the boys figured out her ruse, so Hikari worked quickly. Navigating the battlefield with a suspiciously practiced ease, she discerned the boy’s hiding places. Though they had teamed up, they were no match for Hikari’s digital prowess.

It only took her five minutes to wipe them out. “Hmm, that wasn’t my personal best, but it’ll do.”

With a curse, Yamato slung his controller on the coffee table. “Of course you would kick ass in video games. What can’t you do, Hikari? Please, tell me, so that I might actually have a chance at being better than you at something.”

Takeru rolled his eyes as Hikari shrugged in nonchalance. It was as if tricking men had become merely a pastime as if it had become a form of passive income. And Takeru supposed it was as numbers were whispered under her breath as she counted out her winnings.

She glanced up briefly, raising an eyebrow at the brothers’ sullen expressions. “Aw, c’mon, don’t be that way. Practice makes perfect, remember?” Her grin was downright devious. With a leap, she pealed herself away from the floor.

Taichi emerged from the bathroom as his sister toed on her shoes in the doorway. “Where do you think you’re going?” He could see the money crumpled in her hand, the sagging shoulders of unwilling victims.

“Icecream! My treat.” With a wink, she was off.

[akaishinju]

@son-of-beast

Seducing, was it? Ah yes, because Kozuki Oden was very much well-known to be a premium charmer. Yamato unfortunately never had the pleasure of having a harem at age 15. Never too late...

Yamato scooted up to Ace in a totally inconspicuous way. "Hey handsome, do you want to join my Harem?"

GO IN MY INBOX AND TRY TO SEDUCE MY MUSE (NOT ACCEPTING ANYMORE)

He’s just enjoying himself, sharing his evening with Yamy once again. He loves to be around him, feeling definitely at ease, even if weird moments might pop out of nowhere. Sometimes Yamato completely cracks his head, throwing sentences or ideas which are completely crazy. And it appears that tonight... He’ll do it all over again. 

Ace peacefully begins to drink on his battle, when Yamato scoops himself closer, and drops that utterly strange proposition. Ace spits the booze like a lama would do, coughing as if he’s about to die, as he slams his hand against his chest to breathe normally. There are tears at the corner of his eyes, and his cheeks are entirely flushed, but mostly because he’s lacking the air. 

“What the hell, Yamy?” He coughs again, before it turns into a genuine laughter, completely out of control. “Your... Your what?!” 

[thefreckledone]

Pompeii Chapter 54

Sakura watched the changing colors of the leaves as she continued driving, enjoying the chance to zone out. There were so many things competing for her attention: her job, her roommates, the upcoming election; it was nice to have this time to herself. When she first started this commute, she’d seen it as a hassle, a waste of time.

Now?

Now it was the only chance Sakura had to think in peace and quiet.

She kept her thoughts light and loose, choosing not to ruminate on her anxieties and doubts. Instead, she completed her long drive home in easy, blissful silence.

Sakura climbed out of the car and grabbed a few packages from the back seat, smiling to herself. There was a secondhand store near the clinic where she worked and she had found quite a treasure trove. 

“Sakura!” Zaku exclaimed, hastily hopping down from the fourth floor of their home.

Sakura watched, not even flinching at the heavy thud. She was used to the reckless abandon with which her roommates maneuvered themselves, even though it drove the doctor within her absolutely insane. “Hey Zaku!” she greeted in turn, accepting the arm he threw over her shoulder without complaint. “How were things here?”

“Same old, same old,” Zaku replied. “A couple of fights broke out and were resolved pretty quickly. Ashura and Indra’s spar got a bit out of hand and they destroyed one of the walls. Yamato repaired it without problem, good as new.”

Sakura frowned slightly, brows puckering. “They don’t usually roughhouse so much.”

Sakura could feel Zaku’s shrug through the arm around her shoulders. “I think they got a bit antsy because you stayed at the clinic overnight. No one outright said anything but tensions were higher than usual today.”

Sakura shook her head. “There was an emergent case yesterday afternoon that lasted past clinic hours. By the time everything was stable, I was too tired to drive home safely.”

“I know,” Zaku said. “I’m not chastising you, Sakura. Though you do know that any of us would have been willing to come by and pick you up.”

Sakura snorted, ducking her head against his shoulder. “I’ve seen you drive. I don’t trust any of you behind the wheel of a vehicle. And I wasn’t in the right headspace for the less conventional methods of travel that each of you offer.” She paused, clearing her throat. “How are you, Dosu, and Kin doing?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, the news has picked up and started circulating stories of Orochimaru and his apparent activities. Are you concerned at all?”

Zaku rubbed at his neck, over the mark left on him by a childhood of experiments. “I don’t believe them. It’s just another tactic of fearmongering to try and score votes in the election. Orochimaru isn’t active. He can’t be. We’d know.”

Sakura watched him, wary. “You’re sure?”

“Sakura, the seal isn’t even active. Orochimaru isn’t active, at least in Pompeii. We’d know. Trust me.”

“I do,” Sakura replied, regarding him with sincerity.

Zaku hummed, dropping the matter to peer over her head instead. “So what’s this you got in your arms?” he asked, squeezing her slightly before releasing her fully. Zaku swept the stack of boxes away from her. “Parcheesi? Monopoly?” He sounded out the words with uncertainty, mangling the pronunciations. “Are these items of summoning from the other Planes? I have never heard of the entity Parcheesi, but the name is similar to those from the Plane of Limbo.”

Sakura paused, fighting to contain the peals of laughter that threatened to overwhelm her. She succumbed to the urge, releasing full-bodied, belly-aching laughter. Her legs wobbled and she leaned her weight against Zaku, trusting him. When she first met him, he was thin, malnourished, barely surviving off the land. Now, his limbs were strong and steady as he kept her propped up.

“Alright, I’ll bite; what are these things?” Zaku asked once Sakura reclaimed herself and took half of the games from him.

“These are board games,” Sakura said. “Tonight we will have all of the unhealthy snacks, play a ton of board games, and watch some terrible, hilarious horror movies. If we don’t wake up tomorrow with a sugar hangover then we did it wrong.”

“Ah, I have heard of these board games!” Zaku said, looking a mixture of proud and excited. “They play them sometimes in the shows I watch. Sakura, are we performing a friendship rite!”

Sakura giggled at his phrasing. “Well yes, I suppose you could call it that. Friendships rise and die on the board of Settlers of Catan.”

“Oh and we can get Sai to make kettle corn!” Zaku said, nudging Sakura toward their home. “C’mon, c’mon, let’s get started!”

Sakura chuckled, feeling the weight of her exhaustion and responsibilities melt away in the face of Zaku’s excitement. “Alright, alright. Lead the way, Zaku.”

He bounded away ahead of her, yelling out for the rest of their roommates. Sakura followed at a slower pace, unsurprised to find everyone situated in the common room by the time she arrived.

“So Zaku said something about ‘board games,’” Yamato said, standing to greet her and take the boxes from her hands. “I’m afraid I am not very familiar with the concept.”

“Huh,” Sakura murmured. “I thought you might be the only one who would. Did you not play board games with the Senju?”

Yamato shook his head, following Sakura as she headed into the pantry to rifle for snacks. “I wasn’t allowed to play with the Senju.” His mouth curled with disdain. “Hashirama and Tobirama did not want me to ‘spread Orochimaru’s perversions.’ I did observe the Senju play Sorry quite often. They enjoyed the irony of built-in insincere apologies.”

Sakura snorted, shaking her head. “Why does that not surprise me?” She turned to Yamato, assessing him for a moment before placing a hand on his arm. “I’m glad we will have a chance to make some better memories about board games tonight.”

Yamato’s frown eased into a soft smile as he regarded Sakura in turn. “I am forever thankful for whatever good fortune there is in this world that allowed my path to cross with yours.”

Sakura’s breath caught in her throat as she held Yamato’s gaze, the intensity of his eyes drawing her in. She leaned forward, hand tightening on his arm to brace herself. Yamato lifted his free hand, carding his fingers through her hair. Sakura rolled up onto her toes, pressing a kiss to his cheek. She pulled away, flushing at the awe she saw lingering in the depths of his eyes. Sakura cleared her throat, smoothing her hand down his chest as she broke eye contact. She didn’t think she could withstand everything she could and could not read in his gaze.

“You know that I’m thankful too, right?” Sakura said, desperate to make sure he understood. She knew how little he valued himself and she wanted him to know the truth. “This relationship goes two ways. Having you in my life...I could not imagine my life without you. You are so integral to where I am now; who I am. Your presence in my life is as much a blessing to me as mine is to yours.”

“Sakura,” Yamato said, voice thick as he caught her around the waist and drew her near. He ran his other hand through her hair, cupping the back of her head as he angled her face up to his. Sakura didn’t dare breathe as she held his eyes, entranced. “I-”

“Sakura!” Ashura called, voice reverberating through the pantry. “Where are you? Kin is cheating!”

“Am not!” Kin yelled back. “Sakura, Ashura is being an asshole!”

Sakura and Yamato stared at each other for a moment, silent, before bursting into laughter. They drew away from each other reluctantly and returned to gathering snacks. 

“I’ll be there in a moment!” Sakura shouted. “Try to resolve the situation like adults!”

“Fat chance of that,” Yamato said. “This bunch is more competitive and bloodthirsty than any of the Fae Courts, the Senju included.”

“Oh gods,” Sakura said, going pale.

Yamato watched her for a moment, snickering. “You didn’t think this through did you?”

“Listen, I’m a veteran of the Great Spoons War of `11; I’m used to competition.” Sakura chewed her lip. “I just didn’t contemplate giving beings who are used to actual war and battle a new method to flaunt their skills.” She pressed a hand to her forehead. “Oh boy.”

Yamato hip-checked her, grinning when she stumbled before righting herself. “We’ll have fun. Stop worrying.”

“Alright, alright,” Sakura sighed. “Time to face the music.”

0The board games actually go over better than Sakura expected. While there are moments when things get out of hand (i.e., Ashura setting Kin’s hair on fire; Dosu making everyone’s ears pop), everyone really enjoyed the games. Some enjoyed them a bit too much, but those who weren’t as into the games had the Harry Potter marathon to watch instead.

Sakura was sprawled out on her stomach on the floor, legs tangled with Indra’s as they played Settlers of Catan. Yamato was a surprisingly ruthless conqueror and Kin was a late blooming upstart who threatened to topple his reign. Sakura was just scrambling to stay relevant in the game. 

“This is not how the game of conquest plays out on the battlefield,” Indra said grumpily, scooting closer to Sakura.

“Really,” Sakura drawled. “It didn’t consist of rolling dice and earning sheep?”

Indra knocked his knee against her thigh. “I’m serious,” he said, though the joke eased the pucker of a pout from his face. “Conquest was all about strategy and meticulous planning. Not luck.”

“There was a little bit of luck involved,” Ashura chimed in from the table where he arm wrestled with Dosu. That had been a well-placed suggestion from Yamato to keep them from roughhousing.

Indra rolled his eyes. “Maybe for you, but mother and I actually planned out the conquest of Pompeii.”

Sakura rolled slightly, regarding Indra fully. “Conquest implies someone to conquer. Who was in Pompeii before you?”

“It wasn’t really a who,” Indra said. “In those days, the primordial forces were much more active. Their magics were young and vibrant and...alive perhaps? Not sentient by any means, but alive in its own fashion. The land defended itself from intruders. To live upon it, to be accepted by its magics, the land had to be conquered. So that is what we did.”

“You and the heroes who accompanied the Maiden,” Sakura said.

“Yes, my mother,” Indra replied, eyes softening as he reminiscenced.

“Did she...did she die in the conquest for Pompeii?” Sakura asked hesitantly, taking his hand.

“No,” Indra said, mouth firming in a scowl. He clung to her hand, folding his fingers through hers. “No, that came later. Pompeii was poisoned and turned upon its inhabitants. To save us, to save Pompeii, my mother made the most difficult choice, the final choice.” He sighed, squeezing her hand. “She didn’t even give us a chance to say goodbye. She knew we would’ve done everything in our power to stop her.”

“I’m so sorry Indra,” Sakura said, hearing the raw edge to his voice. Though it had been centuries, millenia even, since his mother’s passing, Sakura could tell he was nowhere near over it. “Death is always hard, especially when you aren’t allowed to say goodbye.”

Indra looked away, clearing his throat. “In any case, the conquest of Pompeii was a slow, steady build, a subtle masterpiece of tactics. Nothing like this drivel.”

“Catan isn’t ‘drivel.’ You’re just being a sore loser,” Kin said with a roll of her eyes.

Sakura felt Indra’s legs tense like he was preparing to pounce and she opened her mouth to deescalate the situation, when the doorbell rang.

Everyone turned to Sakura.

“Did any of you invite people over?” she asked, untangling herself from Indra to stand.

“Who would we have to invite?” Kin asked.

Sakura hummed, picking her way through the other bodies and scattered snacks toward the door. She wasn’t surprised when Sai sidled up behind her, offering silent support and protection should it be needed. Nevermind the fact that anyone with ill-intentions towards members of the home could not even enter the property.

Sakura checked the eyehole, blanching when she realized who was on the other side.

She hastily removed the charms and locks on the door, throwing it open to greet Tsunade.

“Sakura,” Tsunade greeted, crossing her arms. “May I come in?”

“I’ll step out,” Sakura said, nodding to Sai. He stepped back into the house, leaving Sakura alone with Tsunade. Sakura moved to lounge on the patio furniture, inviting Tsunade to join her. Tsunade took a seat gracefully, keeping her eyes trained on Sakura. “What brings you by this evening, Tsunade?”

“You’ve learned since you’ve arrived here,” Tsunade said.

“I beg your pardon,” Sakura replied, nonplussed by the non sequitur. 

“You’ve wised up to the schemes of others. Once, you would have invited me inside without hesitation. Now, you refuse to let outsiders in, preserving the natural protections erected by lack of invitation. It is wise.”

Sakura frowned, a pang ringing clear in her heart as she contemplated the woman she once was when she arrived in Pompeii. She missed parts of that woman, the kindnesses she could afford before all of the betrayals. But Sakura knew she couldn’t go back to who she once was and, truth be told, she did not wish to. “Pompeii changes people, Tsunade, as I am certain you well know. Why are you here this evening?”

Tsunade huffed a laugh, shaking her head. “Much more direct than when we first met. I’m not sure if I appreciate it or not.”

Sakura shrugged. “I care little for your appreciation. I have not the time to worry for the thoughts of others.”

“So I see,” Tsunade replied, something similar to respect threading through her tone. She sighed, turning her gaze to the open night sky. “In any case, I am here to ask a favor of you.”

Sakura hummed to indicate that she was listening.

“Have you been paying attention to the election?” Tsunade asked, keeping her eyes skyward.

“How could I not?” Sakura asked bitterly. “This emergency election is inadvertently the result of my fight with Kaguya.”

Tsunade laughed slightly. “I’m afraid you’re giving yourself a bit too much credit. Certainly, your battle in the forest was the impetus that removed Minato from office, but it was not the catalyst. Minato has a history of wanton negligence; it was only a matter of time before he was deposed.”

“Yet his supporters have submitted a new candidate in his place,” Sakura said, leaning back to regard the night sky as well. It was easier to speak such harsh truths while she contemplated something cool and distant. “And Itama seems to be gaining ground rapidly.”

“It is hard to displace the centuries of intrigue and politics that put the Senju at the top,” Tsunade said. “Even an incredible event like you striking down Kaguya is not enough to remove the claws of the Senju from their hold on Pompeii and its people.”

Sakura raised a hand to her throat, tracing over her scars there. “So, in your eyes, it was all for nought?”

“Not at all,” Tsunade said, startled as she redirected her eyes to Sakura. She cleared her throat, looking away again. “What you did...it changed the course of Pompeii, the course of history, irrevocably. Kaguya has lingered as a bad taste over the supernatural world for millennia. Sakura, you are the reason there is an influx of visitors and residents moving to Pompeii. You are the first God-Killer since the early years, when everything was chaos and destruction. There is no denying that your actions will have long lasting consequences.”

“You believe that Itama will win the race?” Sakura asked. “Despite the fact that he is such an obvious sock-puppet for his siblings?”

“Was not Minato the same?” Tsunade countered. “You were not here for his initial election, but I was. It was the exact same rhetoric that Itama now uses, the same fear-mongering that won him the seat in the first place. History repeats and the citizens of Pompeii are too myoptic to realize it.”

“So you think Itama will win,” Sakura said.

“It is a distinct possibility,” Tsunade replied. “It’s more likely than I would care to admit.”

“That’s why you’re here today,” Sakura said, satisfied that she figured it out.

“It is. Itama, despite all the evidence laid at the feet of Pompeii’s citizens, is a strong candidate. People take comfort in that which they know and they know already what they would receive with a Senju in charge.”

“You’re Senju yourself,” Sakura couldn’t help but point out. “Why not couch your election with your family name?”

“I’ve long been separated from the Senju name,” Tsunade replied. “I chose to pursue the path of witchery, turning my back on the Fae heritage that was mine by birthright. I could no more use the Senju name than you could.”

“So why approach me about the election?” Sakura asked. “I do not have a family name that holds any clout.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure of that,” Tsunade said with a smirk. “You may not hail from any known clan, but the title of ‘God-Killer’ holds more sway than you may think.”

“But that title isn’t even a sure thing,” Sakura said. “There are some who already doubt the events that unfolded in the woods.”

“They are fools,” Tsunade said. “And they will know. Soon.”

Sakura turned to stare at her. “What are you asking of me?”

“I would have you endorse me, explicitly and publicly,” Tsunade said. “Some of Pompeii has thrown your hat in the ring as a contender; your word is important to them. They will likely throw their vote behind whoever you yourself choose. To ensure that Itama does not take the mayorship, I need your support.”

Sakura swallowed. She had a feeling that this might have been what Tsunade was fishing for and yet… “I’m not sure I can,” Sakura said, caressing her scars. “I don’t want to get involved in this election. Tensions are so high...I do not know if I can withstand another battle.”

“You are already involved,” Tsunade said with a hard voice, unable to show sympathy. “Your toppling of Kaguya is what landed Minato out on his ass; your actions tipped the scale. The people of Pompeii are outraged in your name; you are a deciding factor in this election whether you like it or not.” Tsunade stood. “You may not wish to support me; hell, I’d understand if you don’t, but you must choose someone. You must endorse someone or it is probable that Pompeii will fall to Senju rule once more.” Tsunade’s lips twisted. “And I doubt you would care for the treatment you’d receive from them.”

Sakura watched as Tsunade took her leave, an acrid taste coating her tongue.

[vesperlionheart]

Pompeii 55

AO3 Link

It wasn’t the first time she had stayed up till 2 in the morning playing games, high as a kite on sugar and caffeine, and it wouldn’t be her last. As terrible as she felt, pulling herself up the stairs only to stumble onto her hands and knees the rest of the way, she couldn’t help the sleepy smile that tugged on her lips.

Sakura made it to her room and found her bathroom. She managed to right herself long enough to brush her teeth but not long enough to put away her toothbrush properly.

She’d get it in the morning.

Maybe.

Her bed was wide and soft with weighted blankets thick enough to get lost in, something Yamato and Sai had agreed on being a priority. Something about them being afraid of her not getting enough sleep?

Her brain was a mess. It was almost 3AM when she crawled across the mattress and felt the lump in her sheets. She poked at it and frowned when the lump moved, curling up tighter than before.

“Ashura,” Sakura whispered. She poked him again and he began to uncurl. “What are you doing in my bed, Ashura?”

“Tisss not your bed,” he mumbled into the blankets.

Sakura blinked and then glanced around, noticing the familiar decorations, lights, and photos on the walls. They were familiar, but they weren't hers .  

“Oh no, sorry. My bad. I-oh I used your toothbrush too.” She felt her face heat up in embarrassment.

Ashura blinked, looking up at her through the curtain of his messy bed hair, left unbound around his shoulders. “It’s okay. It’s you. I...don’t mind.”

“I’ll get you a new one.” Sakura turned around and started crawling away when a hand on her ankle stopped her. Before she could glance back Ashura had tugged her back into the pillows and she fell with a flop.

“Wa-wait, wait! Where are you going?” Ashura sat up and crawled towards her. “You’re leaving?”

“Yeah, I need to find my bed, silly,” she said.

“Why?”

Sakura sat up and scratched the side of her head. “Cause this isn’t my bed. I made a mistake.”

“Yeah, but you don’t have to leave. It’s the whole wrong floor and you’re tired. Plus its dark.”

“So?”

Ashura rolled his eyes and moved aside some pillows. Sakura noted the great number he filled his bed with and felt a small stab of envy. Maybe she needed more pillows because it felt nice to have so many to squish.

“Well if it’s dark you might make the same mistake but with someone else. You’re tired so just crash here for the night. I’ll be on my best behavior and look, I have the best pillows.”

“You do have good pillows.”

As if to prove his point Ashura found one to put into her hands. She turned it over and grinned at the illustration of a fluffy alpaca wrapped up in Christmas lights.  Ashura then held up his own pillow shaped like a cactus in a potted plant. The script at the bottom read ‘stuck on you’ in yellow cursive.

“I offered this one Zetsu but he said he didn’t need it. I don’t think he sleeps with pillows. It would be bad if you ended up in his bed.” Ashura leaned closer to whisper. “It’s a flower bed.”

Sakura snickered and hugged the pillow, still too tired to laugh as loud and full as she would normally for such a bad joke. Still, it was enough to get Ashura to smile.

“Fine, don’t mention this to the others though. They’d worry and next thing you know I’m getting escorted to bed each night like an invalid.” Sakura rolled her eyes at the thought.

“Don’t worry, I’m not mentioning this to any of the others. I don’t want them getting any funny ideas of their own,” he hummed.

Sakura pulled over a number of pillows and Ashura helped her assemble a nest for her before she snuggled in for the night. He had offered to cuddle with her but that only earned him a pillow shaped like Pikachu in the mouth.

“Can I at least hold your hand?” he whispered, laying down across from her, propped up on enough of his own pillows to see over her soft barricade.

Sakura slipped her hand out underneath one of the pillows and Ashura happily reached for it, making her chuckle.

“It’s just a hand,” she yawned. Her eyes slid shut and all the fog in her brain settled into something heavier. Within minutes she was asleep, hand still clasped with his.

“Not to me it isn’t.”

Ashura smiled to himself and squeezed her hand once more before turning over on his side and scooting as close to her wall of pillows as possible. He curled up and fell asleep watching her face.

-

When Sakura woke in the morning it was actually the afternoon. Ashura was gone, but a note was left on the pillow closest to her head. She picked it up and held it up to the light to read. Most of the room was dim with all the windows drawn shut with heavy curtains, save for one.

‘Got up and made breakfast for when you’re ready. Your secret is safe with me.’

She turned it over once she noticed writing on the back.

‘ Destroy this note when you’re done with it to erase evidence! ’

Sakura snorted and folded the small paper into her hand. He was hilarious. In the light of a new day her decision to sleep in the same bed as Ashura probably wasn’t the wisest, but she had been too tired to know any better last night. He had been such a gentleman about it too. No wonder she trusted him and his brother so deeply.

The same could be true for Sai and Yamato, though she wasn’t sure they would all necessarily trust each other. Indra and Ashura were always bickering with each other it seemed, and while Yamato and Sai were close with one  another, they antagonized fights out of their neighbors like it was an artform.

Sakura folded the note over again in her hand and sighed.

Getting up to her room was easy enough. It sounded like everyone was downstairs or out of the house, making the trip an uninterrupted one. Sakura took a shower on her own and dressed only to come out and hear the thunder of a mid day storm.

Her hair was wet, turning the fabric over her shoulders damp, but she left the towel behind. She pushed open the balcony doors and stepped out onto the patio where everything was dry in spite of the trickling rain.

More thunder rolled in the distance. Familiar thunder.  

“It wasn’t supposed to rain today,” she said glancing up, eyes narrowed. “Shit.”

A heartbeat later the light in front of her shattered into a rainbow of stray colors before coming together again in the transparent image of a body. It shivered with the rainfall behind it as its background, before solidifying in color. Pein was standing on her balcony railing in a white tee shirt, black distressed jeans, and bloody knuckles.  

“You can’t be here,” she said.

“I’m not.” Pein crouched down until they were nearly eye level with a good couple meters between them. “I’m just a reflection cast through the raindrops for you to see and interact with. I couldn’t touch a hair on your head if I wanted to.”

“Yeah, that’s on purpose.”

He regarded her a moment longer, form flickering with the unsteady medium. It was hard to make out details, but she saw the piercings and the quirk in the corner of his lips.  He was dressed the way she remembered him, with the flavor of anarchy and the aura of a punk oozing from every pore. He was a wild god and maybe a mad one too.

“I’m glad. You are acknowledging how dangerous these people can be.”

“You’re not mad about being one of the people blocked out?” she asked.

“I’m flattered,” he chuckled, eyes creasing in the corners as he watched her through his watery reflection. “You are in your rights to do all this.”  

“I know that.” Sakura almost reached for her neck but stopped herself. It was becoming a habit she needed to break. “What are you here for, Pein? It’s not just to see me.”

“It could be.”

Sakura leveled an unimpressed look his way.

“Clever girl. Yes, well,” he stood and turned to look out in the direction of Pompeii proper. “It’s getting pretty noisy around these parts. I’ve been away for a while and coming back, I was wondering if you knew about the whispers in your name.”

“Plenty of people have been dropping my name, that’s nothing for me to get worried about.”

“Not even the new arrivals? Pompeii is swelling with new magic like it hasn’t in centuries. You’re not concerned with the implications?”

“I take it from your tone I should be.”

Pein looked back at her and tilted his head to the side, watching her not unlike how a bird would watch something that sparkled in the light. His eyes were steadfast while the rest of him flickered with the water. But it didn’t scare her. Pein was terrifying and easily a terror of power with the ego to match, but she wasn’t afraid of him.

“I’ve been away too long, but my migration is at its end and I am here more fully. This mayoral race is not as simple as it presents itself to be. Do you feel the power in it?”

She shrugged. “I suppose that would be true for any shift in local government.”

Pein chuckled. “Not even close. It’s Pompeii , darling. What we allow to happen here will ripple out and touch the far corners of the world, like it or not. Are you going to stay inside and nurse your wounds forever?”

His words felt too much like Tsunade’s. Last night when she had stopped by to ask for Sakura’s support, Tsunade left Sakura with the impression that the time for hiding was over. It had been months since the fight and Sakura was still largely removed for Pompeii. The small events and celebrations went on and she stayed holed up in her house with her friends ignoring it all because that’s what was safest.

Sai told her about a drive in movie theater that just recently opened. It was a place that provided the cars for people to sit in, (as a good portion of Pompeii’s populace didn’t own a vehicle). The cars were a mismatched collection from all the different eras and ages that made the lot look colorful and vibrant if nothing else. The range of movies screened were just as varied. It sounded like tons of good fun. Yet Sakura hadn’t gone for the opening weekend or any other day after. She had never even seen the lot for herself.

Pompeii was her home but she was still hiding from it.

Sakura swallowed carefully and schooled her features back into something a bit more controlled. “I didn’t take you as the type to follow politics, Pein.”

He smirked in reply. “Never. I’m far more in favor of anarchy.”

“I think we’ve had enough of that to last us a while.”

“That? No, that wasn’t true anarchy. That was fear and tyranny; two things the fae in power know a bit too much about.”

“You have someone you’re supporting then?”

“We’ll see when the time comes. I’m sure I’d be able to bully my way through the squishy one just fine, but the other women are solid forces of nature. Anyone who runs a witch coven or leads a mafia family would have to have a spine.”

“Wait, Mafia? What do you mean by that?”

“Oh, I thought you might know considering how close you were to her right hand, but Mei Terumī took over the Kiri syndicate from Yagura some time ago. He’s the old face who fronts the operation but Mei is the true power. Water types tend to be matriarcal.”

Mei’s concern with Orochimaru made more sense. He had last been spotted on Kiri territories and the water he polluted had harmed more than just Kisame and Zabuza. Haku’s ordeal with Orochimaru was also something to consider. If she was worried about him, did that mean Mei Terumī knew something about Orochimaru that the rest of Pompeii didn’t?  Zaku hadn’t seemed concerned with the possibility, but what if… what if that was just naive thinking? What if they were wrong? What would the cost be?

“Do you think she has some valid concerns?” Sakura asked, glancing up.

“I’ve taken measures one way or another. It wouldn’t bother me.”

“That’s not an answer to my question, Pein.”

He shrugged. “Best I can do, love.”

“Is that all you came here to say?” Sakura asked, leaning back on her heels and crossing her arms over her chest. “I’m not as involved in this as you think I am. Coming over here was a waste of energy. It’s only a reflection you’re casting but to cross my barriers you have to be straining yourself. I find it hard to believe you didn’t come with some other ulterior motive.”  

“You have strong allies.” His smirk grew as he drew himself up to his full high, towering over her from atop the balcony railing. “But I’m still stronger. Don’t worry for me.”

“I’m not worried.”

“You’re breaking my heart.”

“You have a heart?”

Pein’s eyes went wide and his smirk split open into a full smile followed by a deep belly set laughter. Far off behind him the sky tumbled through another roll of thunder that seemed to go on forever. Lightning jumped from cloud to cloud but nothing reached for the ground.

“Oh darling, don’t tease me so,” Pein chuckled, holding one side of his face as he regarded her anew. Like before, his whole form flickered with the rain except for his eyes which were steady on her. “I’ve missed this far too much. You make all time feel like an eternity.”

“You’re a god, you have eternity.”

“Yes, but it’s awfully lonely.”

“Sucks.”

He chuckled. ”Maybe it’ll not be so bad if I see your face around a little bit more.”  

And then he was gone. Like he had never been there in the first place, the reflection cast through the water fell apart and Sakura was alone on her patio with wet hair and dry clothes watching the rain dry up and clouds recede back into the sky.

-

Sakura felt a little bit like her own mafia don as she stepped out of the car behind Ashura while Indra held the door open for her. It slammed shut behind her followed by either brother taking up a position at her left and right elbow, not exactly parallel and not exactly a full step behind either.

“I think it’s a little heavy handed,” Ashura said first.

“It’s practical,” Indra argued back.

Ashura scoffed. “More like tacky.”

“It’s not important,” Sakura sighed, interrupting the fight before it could start. “I would have walked into a crab-shack if that’s where we needed to go.”

“...Do they own one of those too?” Ashura asked after a moment.

Indra sighed but reached ahead to hold open the door for Sakura and his brother before following them into Poseidon's Cradle, an upscale seafood restaurant that was never as busy as it needed to be to survive as a legitimate business. It hadn’t taken Sai long at all to find out for Sakura where she could find Mei and the bulk of her Kiri people.

Stepping into the dim lobby there were a number of tanks along the walls filled with simple but colorful fish. The hostess at the front looked up and smiled, preparing a trio of menus before recognizing Sakura and going stiff.

“You…” The woman’s eyes were wide the way Saura recognized.

“Mei should be expecting us,” Sakura answered boldly, knowing it was a half truth. Mei no doubt knew the three of them were coming, but Sakura wasn’t sure if the don would actually know to expect such a bold introduction.

The hostess, Tsunami, nodded. “I-she hadn’t mentioned it to me, but if you want you can wait here-no in the lounge off to the side and I’ll come back to bring you to her when she’s ready.”  

Sakura followed Tsunami down a short hallway made out of glass walls lit from behind to make the rolling white waves painted down the length stand out all the more.

The hallway fed into a large lounge area with blush couches and chairs next to side tables, all facing the loft area. Sakura looked over the loft and saw what was probably the largest aquarium wall she had ever seen, stretching from the floor two stories down, to the loft ceiling. She saw a number of black tipped manta rays and sea turtles, but caught her breath when the speckled whale sharks drifted by.

“Stunning,” Indra hummed over her shoulder, watching the view beside her. He touched the small of her back and guided her into her seat while Ashura settled in ahead of her, grinning at the fever of large rays passing by.

Sakura felt a little numb as she watched the scenery. “Yes,” she softly agreed.

“One of the best views,” Indra murmured. But Sakura didn’t catch how his eyes were watching her instead of the tank, nor did she notice the way he seemed to shed his hard edges and grow soft for her-only for her.

He touched her shoulder and brushed a strand of pink curl back then moved away. Before sitting down on her opposite side Indra approached the railing and peered down, frowning at the scene below.

Sakura noticed his frown but it was Ashura who got up to ask. “What do you see?”

“Company.” Indra inclined his chin and sniffed. “Newcomers by the smell of it too. They still smell like the outside world.”

“There’s been a fair number of them,” Ashura said, watching the floor below them. “Where do you think they’re from. Looks like…”

“I only recognize the old man. His lineage is as old as it is notorious.”

“Someone to avoid?” Sakura asked, tearing her eyes away from the whales and sharks.

“For now.” Indra rejoined her side. “But if they are here it is not a pleasant sign. A is from the Raikage lineage, one nearly as long as ours.”

Ashura scoffed, leaving the railing to fall back into the seat beside Sakura’s. “Hardly!”

Indra rolled his eyes at his brother before facing Sakura. A conversation on inside voices would be had later but it would be as useful as holding water in a bucket without a bottom. Ashura was terrible at listening to his brother.

“Regardless, he’s sure to tangle with someone if he’s trying to move back into Pompeii. Like those from Kiri, A is the figurehead of his own…” Indra tilted his head to the side and smiled, pondering the word before speaking it aloud, “ family , so to speak.”

Mafia family.

“That doesn’t sound good.”

Ashura snorted behind his hand. “Nope. What’s worse, a long time ago one of the Raikages tried to move in on Kiri’s turf, but this was way back when there were other heads in power, and it was nas-tay . We weren't involved in any of it but you’d have to be blind to miss it.”

“With our limited awareness we were able to follow the order of events,” Indra clarified once he saw Sakura’s confused expression. “If they have returned and are bold enough to dine here, I don’t doubt they think they can start something new here.”

“As if Pompeii didn’t have enough of its own problems already,” Sakura sighed.

“It’s not your problem though,” Ashura said, reaching for her hand.

“And if it were,” Indra reached for her other, “we would take care of it without delay. Don’t forget who we are.”

She felt the warmth from both of them wrap her up like a hug. Sometimes she forgot the brothers were as ancient as they were powerful. Others might look on the set in awe, but all Sakura saw was a pair of brothers who never stopped arguing, except when it came to matters of her safety.  

“I know.”

Sakura opened her mouth to say more but caught herself when she saw the change in Indra’s eyes. They flashed red like an Uchiha’s and beside her Ashura went tense, turning around to glare in the same direction as his brother.

“Slow down, Shī.”

“They said there was a lounge around here somewhere.”

A pair of males emerged the first one with bright blond hair and fair skin to contrast his dark eyes, while the other was a head taller with dark skin, black eyes, and shaggy white blond hair.  

Emerging into the room the pair stopped short and Sakura saw the shorter one grin while his companion sighed, shoulders sagging.

“Not today, Shī,” the taller one exhaled under his breath.

The male named Shī just grinned and stepped forward, clearly ignoring his friend. “Can’t pass this up. I’ve been meaning to track down Pompeii’s last doctor.”

Ashura stood swiftly, blocking the way to Sakura while behind him Indra’s eyes twirled lazily, brilliant and deadly.

“That’s close enough,” Ashura said, keeping his hands loose at his sides.

“What a welcome,” Shī scoffed. “And here I was being friendly. I don’t mean anything mean by it. What do you think a doctor like me would do to a god killer?”

“Your face is an upsetting afront all on its own, so let’s not open that can of worms,” Ashura mocked with a smile.

“What a nasty man. It’s a public place. Let the professionals have a word why don’t you?”

“How about, no?”

“ Touchy . Good thing I don’t care about you or red eyes. Hey, god-killer, is there a reason the doctor position isn’t up for grabs? I’d like to find some employment but can’t sweet talk that Shizune lady.”

God killer? Is that how the newcomers saw her? She then caught onto the other subject of his comment.

“You’re a doctor?” Sakura echoed.

The blond grinned and cut a subtle glare at Ashura before nodding. “One of the best, of course. I want your old job since you’ve all but abandoned it. What do you say?”

“Shizune is in charge of the clinic. You shouldn’t need to talk to me about that.”

“Yeah, but I feel like I have to. The lady ain’t budging or taking help. It’s like she thinks you’re going to come back or something. At least set her straight.”

“I don’t think I’ve left anything unclear with her. If you want the job so badly maybe you should earn it on your own instead of looking for a backway in.”

His brows both raised. “You saying there is something like that? What a dirty implication. I knew Pompeii had fallen apart a bit, but...”

His words drifted off into a chuckle that made Sakura bristle. She didn’t like the way he twisted his words, or the way he insulted her home. Pompeii had been unpleasant at times, but it was her home. Hers.  

“This isn’t the time or place,” Indra cut in. “Leave before the consequences bite your Raikage in the ass.”

At the name drop Shī’s grin fell and the man beside him reached out to tug Shī back. The two shared a whisper before Shī nodded stiffly and turned back around to leave without another word. The taller man ran a hand through his hair and then nodded politely in their direction. “I apologize for his behavior. We won’t disturb you any more than this. We have the intention of making a peaceful move to Pompeii but Shī can be…. boisterous.”

“Does he know what boundaries are?” Ashura asked, tone flat.

“We’d like to call him a work in progress.” The man fixed his eyes on Sakura who had watched the whole exchange without shifting her expression once. “My name is Darui. Next time I’ll introduce myself properly, along with my family.”

He turned and left before Sakura could respond or share her name. Not that it mattered, it sounded like they knew enough about her already.  

“Interesting,” Sakura murmured, glancing back up at the tank. “I wonder how Mei is going to juggle keeping her family on top and the mayoral race.”

“You think she’ll stay in?” Ashura asked.

Sakura looked up but kept her lips together once she spotted the hostess Tsunami heading their way, looking a little frazzled. Sakura stood to greet her along with Indra.

“She’ll see you now. Le-let me take you to her table, this way,” said Tsunami.  

Tsunami led them down a new hallway and them up a set of floating stairs to the highest level where a number of waterfalls fell from the ceiling to curtain in a secluded nook. Mei reclined at the table, looking over an iPad set next to her empty plate. The table was large enough to accommodate six to seven other guest with ease and it was set with enough courses to fill as many plates.

“Please, sit my friends,” Mei said, finally glancing up from her ipad. “I’ve been looking forward to this, Sakura Haruno.”

“Not god killer?” Sakura asked, taking the seat offered to her at Mei’s right hand side.

A server made out of water emerged from the waterfall to set up Sakura’s dish with a number of pre cracked snow crab legs, lobster rolls, and steaming greens.

“Nothing so singular,” Mei laughed. “Please eat, my treat. I like to have a good faith meal with my guests before beginning talks. I’ve been looking forward to this date almost as much as the look on Yagura’s face when I tell him what he missed out on.”

Ashura snorted behind his hand, dodging the side eye his brother sent.

Sakura glanced across the table and saw Indra already pulling apart a lobster tail with his silverware while Ashura helped himself to a plate of sushi. She watched the brothers take a bite first before following their example. Mei’s table wasn’t enchanted or magic, which made sense.Yamato had once explained how fae’s tendency to trick or entice people with their food was an area of contention between the Senju clan and the Kiri. Members of the Kiri syndicate along with most other aquatic based locals saw food as a necessity and viewed those who enchanted meals as the lowest of the low.

A few bites in and Sakura began to melt. “It’s delicious,” she said, holding a napkin up to her lips. “Please pass on my compliments.”  

“Of course,” Mei laughed.  

A half hour later everyone was leaning back with full bellies while the water sprites cleaned away their dishes from the table. Once they were alone again Mei leaned forward onto the edge of the table.

“Can I guess why you’re here or would you like to tell me?” she asked Sakura.

“I think you want to guess.”

Mei’s grin grew. “You’re terribly cute and I’m weak for clever girls. No doubt Tsunade already visited you. Did you want to ask me about my platform?”

Sakura shook her head. “I’ve watched enough television to pick that out myself. But that’s not why I’m here. Besides, I don’t think you’re staying in the race.”

Mei blinked. “Oh?”

“You’re not as aggressive with the campaign and it would distract you from the rest of your family too much. With new and old faces alike moving into Pompeii, I’m sure you have your own priorities that hit closer to home.” Sakura watched Mei’s smile stretch. “How am I doing so far?”  

“Wonderfully,” Mei purred. “You’re wasted on this world my dear. Oh, what a clever, clever mind. Yes, I’m pulling out soon and throwing my vote behind Tsunade before the final heat. I’ve done what I set out to do and said what I needed to say.”

Sakura swallowed. “Orochimaru.”

Mei’s smile fell into something more reserved as she nodded and sat back. “We can be ruthless but that snake is cruel. In addition to my concerns with new neighbors, we’re hearing his whispers on the water again.”

“You’re sure?” Sakura asked, remembering Zaku’s comments.

Mei nodded. “If he’s not back now it’s only a matter of time before he fully manifests in Pompeii once more. We’re preparing ourselves for that.”  

“Your lands are where he was last seen. Yamato chased him here and then after that…” Sakura glanced across the table to where Indra and Ashura both sat. “No one wanted to believe he could come back.”

“We are a long lived people, or most of us are, but not immortal. We all have our own sunsets yet the white snake would seek to subvert the natural order entirely. His fear is understandable but not forgivable, not when he endangers my children,” Mei said, watching the waterfalls before turning her eyes back to Sakura. “I don’t have proof of his return, only my word and my feelings. Is this what you came for?”

“I have people in my family who I won’t see harmed by him ever again. If he’s coming back, I want to know,” Sakura answered.

Her words must have pleased Mei. The expression on the older woman’s face was subtle, but her single, visible eye, creased pleasingly. It was an expression Sakura recognized.

“We have an expression here in Kiri; family first. No matter what, family first. I can understand your resolve and will pray for the fates to favor you and your house. For me and my own, we will be mindful of his movements should they be witnessed. I am prepared to share this information with you in exchange for the same.”

“The same?” Sakura echoed.

“You have some of his poor cast offs in your family. Should they feel his magic, let us know.”

Sakura felt a shiver of unease in her spine. “To what end?”

“You weren't here the last time he made a mess so you wouldn’t understand, but your children, your friends and family, no matter who they were before, once their marks take over they become something else. You’re playing a dangerous game inviting them into your carefully warded home.”

The unease raced up and down her spine. “I won’t cast them out if that’s what you’re insinuating.”

Mei watched Sakura a moment longer before her shoulders sagged.

“Then make yourself ready for what is to come. I won’t judge you for your decision, but I can’t condone it in good faith. Orochimaru is a monster for what he has done to those people and you can not begin to understand the truth of it until-” Mei’s throat tightened and Sakura saw something odd flash in the woman’s single, visible eye. When she spoke again her voice was tight and sounded far off. “Until it’s your own child, wild in your arms, trying to tear your throat out. Make yourself ready, Sakura.”    

Far across Pompeii, on the opposite side of the town, Kin stood in front of her mirror, gripping the edge of the sink until her knuckles turned as white as porcelain. Her eyes were rimmed in red and her lashes were still wet as she willed the crawling black marks backwards, behind the broken seal once more.  

She wasn’t going to fall apart again.

Not again.

Never again.

[glasswingsndreamz]

Bet on Me (6)

Fandom: Naruto

Pairing: Yamato/Tenzo x Reader

AO3 Account:

Summary: Things are just starting to get back to normal. Yamato is doing his best to move on from his feelings for you but life has other plans.

Things hadn’t remained tense for very long. At least a week had passed since Yamato’s date and things were back to normal. Just the other night was a movie night.

Despite all this, Yamato’s thoughts were scrambling around as he decided what to do. Obviously trying to move on and date someone else wasn’t the right step. At least it wasn’t the first step he needed to take. He knew what it would take and yet he still found himself hesitating.

He needed to hear the rejection from you. To close off the possibility of a romantic relationship with you forever. He needed to hear from your lips that you could never consider him as anything more than a friend. That was the first thing he would have to do if he wanted to get over you once and for all. Because dating someone else had gone pretty poorly. Even if he were to try to date someone else he knew his thoughts would only return to you. It was unfair to both anyone he wanted to pursue a relationship with and himself. It was also wrong for you as well.

As Yamato contemplated how to go about this the lights went out. A few seconds later he heard the sound of thunder and then a crashing noise coming from outside of his room. Well that wasn’t good.

He quickly stood up from his desk chair. Slowly he made his way to his bedroom door, using his phone as a flashlight.

“[Y/N]! Are you okay?” he called out once he opened his door and exited his room. Cautiously he made his way to the living room where he thought you had been before.

“Yamato?” he heard you call out his name. He squinted as you held your phone light towards him, flashing directly in his face. He could now see that you were in the kitchen.

“Are you okay? What happened?” he asked.

“I dropped my glass of water.”

“Stay where you are. Don’t move. I don’t want you stepping on any glass,” he said as he made his way over to you. You obeyed, lowering your phone screen to the floor. Yamato also pointed his light towards the floor in front of you. Quickly he grabbed some equipment from a cabinet before returning to where you stood.

Crouching down he carefully swept up the glass around your feet, making sure to keep the glass far away from touching you.

“Okay I think you can step out of the way now. Make sure there isn’t any leftover glass where you step,” he said. You quickly obeyed, taking a wide step over where the glass had previously been and standing beside him. You continued to shine the light down on the floor before. It was very helpful in aiding him in sweeping up stray pieces of glass.

“Can you grab a paper bag or something for me to put this in?” he asked.

“Sure,” you searched the kitchen before finally finding a paper bag. Swiftly you returned to his side and held it wide open for him to dump the broken glass in. Finally he took the bag from your hands and gently placed it into the garbage can.

“Thank you for the help. I’m sorry for breaking the glass,” you said guiltily.

“Why are you apologizing? It was only an accident. A glass can be replaced easily we can go shopping for a new one some other time. I’m just glad you’re not hurt,” he said, examining you for any other signs of harm. At most you only seemed alarmed and anxious.

“Thank you,” you mumbled.

“Why don’t you stay here while I go find us some candles,” he said, moving to go find some. However, you grabbed at his shirt, stopping him.

“Wait,” your voice cracked. “I want to come with you.”

He stared at you worriedly for a moment, really taking his time to examine you. It almost seemed like you were afraid. Did you not like being alone in the dark like this? The moon was hidden behind dark clouds from the storm, keeping moonlight from shining through the window. Only a few flashes of lightning gave off light from the window. Regardless he didn’t question your request, instead nodding his head and gently grabbing your hand. First he grabbed a lighter from one of the kitchen cabinets before he carefully lead you out into the living room.

It took a bit of fumbling but he finally managed to find and light at least five candles. It wasn’t a lot of light but at least it was something. It gave off enough light that he no longer needed to use his phone as a flashlight in order to see.

Gently he lead you to the couch hand in hand until you two sat down. As soon as the two of you are seated he feels your body leaning against him.

“You can use me as a pillow if you’d like,” he suggested. You eagerly take him up on the offer as he scoots to the end of the couch. You rest your head on his lap, smiling tiredly up at him before turning onto your side.

“Thank you.”

“It’s no problem, [Y/N],” he said softly. He knows you’re more than grateful when he begins to play with your hair. With a gentle touch he runs his fingers through your hair. It’s a familiar and comforting gesture and he’s more than happy to help you relax. Whatever you need to help calm down and rid yourself of your anxieties.

In no time at all he notices your eyes are closed and your body rises and falls in a steady rhythm.

“Maybe you should change and go to bed,” he chuckled at how tired you were. You really were falling asleep on him huh?

You groaned loudly in response, rolling over to glare up at him.

“Come on. I’m sure you don’t want me waking you up later,” he teased, continuing to stroke your hair.

With a dramatic sigh you sat up and threw your legs over the couch. You stood up from your spot.

Patiently he watched as you shuffled forward before stopping and turning back towards him.

“W-would you please come with me?” you asked shyly, eyes facing downward.

“Oh sure,” Yamato was surprised by this request. Nonetheless he practically jumped from the couch to follow behind you.

He let you lead the way. Using your phone’s light, you made your way into your bedroom and let him inside.

Immediately he turned around, facing the door.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to wait outside?” his face heated at the thought of you changing in front of him. It didn’t even matter that his back was turned and that he wouldn’t be able to see you. It was just odd to think of you stripping your clothes with him in the room.

“Please stay here. I really don’t want to be alone right now. As long as you face away it’s fine,” you said. Yamato could hear that you were already pulling your clothes off. The sound of your shirt hitting the floor was clear in his ears. He stiffened in place, doing his best to think of literally anything but the fact that you were taking your clothes off with him in the room.

He remained perfectly still and silent as he heard you open up your dresser and rummage around for a pair of pajamas. He stayed in place until he felt your hand touch his back. He jumped in surprise, not expecting it.

“Yamato?” you spoke quietly, letting your hand fall to your side.

“Yeah?” he asked, hoping you wouldn’t notice how flushed his face was. He was thankful for the darkness in the room that hid his face from your closer examination.

“Would it be okay if you slept with me tonight,” you asked shyly.

Yamato blinked in surprise.

“Ugh I’m sorry. I know that’s really dumb to ask. We’re both adults here, but I really don’t want to be alone right now. I’m sorry to ask you for something stupid,” your voice rose as you rambled on. You flinched when you felt his hand gently rest on your shoulder in a reassuring way.

“No. It’s not stupid of you to ask me that. I’m not going to judge you for that. Everyone is afraid of something and I’m not going to make fun of you for that. Of course I’ll stay with you tonight. Could you let me get changed first though?” he said in a calming voice. In reality he was mentally scolding himself for giving in to his desires. It wasn’t going to help him get over his feelings by sharing a bed with you. This was not helping the situation at all!

“Yeah, of course,” you let out a deep breath. “Thank you.”

“Do you need to come with me or will you be alright on your own for a few minutes? I promise I’ll be quick,” he waited for your response. Although it was embarrassing to think about, he’d be more than willing to let you stay in the room with him while he changed if that’s what made you most comfortable.

“I’ll be fine for a little bit,” you didn’t sound so sure.

He hesitated to leave until you turned you changed your settings so that your phone’s screen was much brighter in the darkness. That was all the assurance he needed before he headed to his own room at a brisk pace. As quickly as possible he changed into pajama pants and a cozy black t-shirt before returning to your room.

When he returned he saw that you were already laying in your bed, all the way against the wall in order to leave room for him.

Quietly he walked over to your bed until he was standing in front of it.

“Are you really sure you want this?” he needed the confirmation. You nodded eagerly, pulling back the covers to let him join you.

Still he found himself hesitating. It was things like this that kept him from moving on in the first place. These actions that happened every once in a while that intensified his feelings and gave him hope that their might be something more. Only for his feelings to be crushed when you brought another person home.

He must be a masochist, he decided as he got under the covers beside you. Almost in an instant you were snuggled up against him. Yamato wasn’t sure his heart would be able to take this closeness as you nuzzled your face against his neck. He knew exactly how much you loved to cuddle. This was especially evident on movie nights when you two cuddle beneath many blankets. Now it only made his heart feel like bursting from pain and nervousness.

How was he ever going to fall asleep now?

[whatplanetdididial]

110. Soratoooo hehehhehwh ❤ u

I promised I’d get to these eventually! Here you go anon, I ❤ you too!!!

#110: “Quit stalling. Where’s your father?”

Type: Drabble-ish (I clearly don’t believe in brevity)Characters: Ishida Yamato, Takenouchi SoraRating: TWord count: ~890

Yamato’s palms were so sweaty ittook him four attempts to successfully open the door.

“Hey, Sora.”

“Hi, Yamato.”

She lingered briefly under thedoorway before entering the small apartment. Closing the door behind her,Yamato watched her swivel her head around as if she had never stepped foot init before. It offered him slight relief to know he wasn’t the only nervous one.

“May I take your jacket?”

Sora fiddled with the hem of hersleeve before gathering the resolve to unbutton her coat. In one sweepingmotion, she revealed an off-the-shoulder top that artfully showcased hercollarbone, and as Yamato’s eyes roamed up the expanse of her neck, he foundhimself debating whether he should hoist her into his room right then andthere.

But he was a gentleman, so hesmiled kindly instead.

“You look really nice today.”

She attempted to hide her face,but he could still see the pink stains dusting her cheeks.

“I thought you might like it,”Sora admitted shyly. She lifted her head ever so slightly to offer him a smallsmile of her own, and a wave of anticipation washed over him.

“Come on, let’s go sit down.”

Yamato led her over to the couchand sat a respectable distance away from her. He didn’t want to rush things, sohe took a stab at normal pleasantries.

“How was your morning?”

“Not too bad,” Sora repliedcordially. “Mother had me clean up around the house today, but I was allowed toplay music so that was nice.” She smiled broadly. “I finally got to listen toyour new album, I can tell you guys worked really hard on it!

Yamato turned red at the thoughtof Sora’s mother listening to his music. Hopefully she didn’t hate it.

“Thanks,” he said awkwardly,drumming his fingertips against his thigh absentmindedly. “It’s not great oranything, but I think it’s an improvement from our last one, so that’ssomething.”

Sora scooted closer to him andplaced a hand over his, stopping him in his tracks.

“I thought it was wonderful.”

Yamato felt a warmth coursethrough him that only she could stir, and he struggled to come up with anappropriate response. When he failed to think of one, he simply shrugged hisshoulders, silently cursing his inability to put his feelings into words.

As if reading his mind, Sora gavehis hand a light, reassuring squeeze before placing her arm back down to reston his leg. The gesture was innocent enough, but the shock it sent throughYamato awakened a primal urge to feel more of her. He paused before leaningforward to capture her lips in a quick, chaste kiss, and immediately pulled back,worried he had acted too brazenly.

The mischievous twinkle in hereye told him otherwise.

Yamato plunged forward again,this time not hesitating in the slightest. In no time they were lost a frenzyof hot, desperate touches; his fingers traced along her jaw line before makingtheir way down the curve of her neck. Her hands found the back of his head andtugged at his golden locks. Their tongues danced together until they were bothleft gasping for air.

And that’s when Yamato heard theturn of a key.

Jumping up immediately, Yamatohad barely enough time to throw Sora a panicked look before Takaishi Natsuko walked through the door.

“Mom!” he shouted, sprintingtowards the door to greet her before she could get a good look into the livingroom. “What a surprise, what are you doing here?”

“I don’t believe I need an excuseto check up on my son now, do I?” Natsuko asked while removing her shoes. “Isyour father here? I have a few things to drop off for him.”

Yamato opened his mouth toanswer, but was quickly silenced as his mother’s gaze shot right past him. Heturned just in time to see Sora round the corner, solemn and red-faced with herhands folded in front of her.

“Hello, Ms. Takaishi.”

He should have known better tothink that Sora might sneak off somewhere.

“Hi, dear, it’s good to see you,”Natsuko smiled politely, her eyes flitting between the two teenagers. “Yamato,can you go get Hiroaki please? I finally got around to bringing that book Isaid I’d let him borrow.”

“A book, huh? W-what’s it about?”Yamato stuttered.

“I’ll tell you as soon as you getyour father. There’s no sense in repeating myself twice, now is there?” shereplied with another subtle glance towards Sora.

“Heh, yeah you’re right,” headmitted anxiously. “Do you want anything to eat while you’re here, mom? I canwhip up something quick if you’re hungry.”

“Yamato, I’m fine. Is your fatherin the back? I can go get him myself, if you prefer.”

“Are you sure you don’t wantanything?” Yamato evaded again, heading over to the kitchen counter to avoid her stare. “I wasactually just about to cook us up–”

“Son, quit stalling. Where’s yourfather?”

The silence that followed wasdeafening and the tips of Yamato’s ears burned in shame. He looked at hismother imploringly hoping she’d spare him the embarrassment of being scolded infront of his girlfriend, but his plea fell on deaf ears.

“ISHIDA YAMATO, YOU ARE IN SO MUCHTROUBLE.

So much for today.

[onceandalwaysenglishmajor]

A Little Push

Fandom: Naruto Pairing: KakaYama Rating: T for some language Words: 3600 Summary: A drunk Yamato lets his feelings for Kakashi show a little too much, and Team 7 (Sakura, cough) makes it their mission to get them together… And chase off any challengers. Very parent trap-esque.

Inspiration for all the things drunk Yamato says from the lovely @jouissezduprintemps !

***

“Now if we’re going to do this, wew’re going to do it right. And that means we need a plan,” Sakura said. “This date has to be something special, to get Kakashi-sensi to see how wonderful Captain Yamato is. We need to have every detail thought out.” “How are we going to convince them to go on a date in the first place?” Sai asked. “According to my reading, there isn’t usually a third party involved in the process.” “We’ll need to invent an excuse. One of us will bring Kakashi-sensi, and the other one will bring Captain Yamato. We have the whole thing set up, get them into position, then bolt.” “That doesn’t sound like much of a plan,” Naruto said. Sakura glared at him. “It’s not, yet, numbskull. That’s why we’re here.” “I’ve done quite a bit of reading about how to plan a date,” Sai offered. Sakura stared him down. “Do I want to know why?” She asked. “Probably not,” Sai mumbled, a light blush covering his cheeks. “It’s got to be romantic,” Sakura said. “And something Kakashi would like,” Naruto added. “But what does he like other than reading Prevy Sage’s trashy novels?” “The date is definitely not going to involve those garbage books,” Sakura said firmly. “Dates usually start with dinner,” Sai said. “And end with sex, if they go well.” “Sai. Why?” Sakura asked. “Why do you have to go there?” “I was just relating what I learned,” Sai said, confused about what he’d done to irk Sakura this time. “The dog park!” Naruto interrupted. “What?” Sakura asked, shifting her attention away from Sai. “They could take Kakashi’s ninken to the dog park,” Naruto said. “That’s… Actually not too bad,” she admitted. “But more like a second or third date than a first date. We need something romatic, something special, to break the ice and make them see each other in a romantic light.” “Parasailing?” Naruto suggested. “Be realistic!” Sakura said. She smacked him on the back of the head. “Sai might be onto something with the dinner idea, then they could stroll through town, maybe take in a movie… It’s classic, I think it has some potential!” “We defer to your judgement,” Sai said. “I think that would be for the best,” Sakura said. ***

It took a couple weeks to put their plan into action, a short mission and Sakura’s exacting standards getting in the way. But they finally had a plan, all the details were in place, they just needed Yamato and Kakashi in thee right place at the right time. “Now Sai, remember, you’re going to tell Yamato that Kakashi is in the hospital and we need his help. Naruto, you’re going that Jiraiya gave you an Icha Icha manuscript. I’ll be setting up dinner. Understand?” The boys nodded. This was about the thirty-fifth time Sakura had been over The Plan with them.

“Sai, what are you doing? This is not the way to the hospital.” Sakura could hear Yamato protesting. “Please, Captain Yamato. Don’t get me in trouble with Sakura,” Sai pleaded. Sakura gritted her teeth. She had told him to do whatever it took to get Yamato here… “What the hell?” Yamato said as they stepped into the clearing. A single table, set for two, stood in the middle of the clearing. Sakura had taken great care with the presentation, from the flowers in the center of the table, to the candles, to the crisp tablecloth. “Please, sit down,” Sai said, smiling that not-quite-real smile of his. “Sai, we’re supposed to be going to the hospital,” Yamato said in his best tying-to-be-patient tone. Sakura stepped forward. “About that, Captain Yamato… You’re not really needed at the hospital. We, uh, we just wanted to do something nice for you…” Yamato’s whole frame sagged in relief. “So Kakashi isn’t hurt?” Sakura winced. Apparently that wasn’t the best ruse they could have used on Captain Yamaato, even if it was effective. “Um, no, sorry about that… Actually, he should be here any minute now.” Several shadow clones tore into the clearing, waving something book-shaped. Kakashi followed hotly, skidding to a stop in the clearing. “What the hell,” he said, looking around. “That’s exactly what I said, Senpai,” Yamato said. “Apparently they want to treat us.” The younger members of Team 7 grinned. Kakashi ran a hand through his messy silver hair. “I guess we can’t disappoint them, then.” He pulled out Yamato’s chair and sat down himself. Naruto brought out the first plate of food. “Did Sakura cook this?” Kakashi asked quietly. Naruto shook his head. “Nah, Sai did. Turns out he’s an all right cook.” “Should be safe to eat, then,” Kakashi whispered to Yamato. “What do you think the kids are up to?” Yamato asked his senpai. “Who knows?” Kakashi said, slipping a bite behind his mask in one practice movement. “But whatever it is, we might as well just go with it, huh?” “Might as well,” Yamato said with a sigh. “But do we really have to pretend they’re not giggling five feet away?” Kakashi shrugged. “It’s their night off too, if they want to be restrauntuers instead of ninja for a night, who am I to stop them?” Kakashi and Yamato left together, but Sakura wasn’t satisfied. “I don’t think they got it,” she said sadly. “They left together, isn’t that a good thing?” Naruto asked. “They left together but they didn’t leave together,” Sakura explained. “Sakura, that makes no sense!” Naruto argued. “You’re not listening to my tone,” Sakura huffed. “There’s a difference between leaving together and leaving together. Don’t you get it?” “No,” the boys chorused together. “I have so much work to do,” Sakura said. “Stick with me, boys, I’ll take care of you. But for now, we need another plan.”

***

“Sakura, your plan might have a problem,” Sai said, staying carefully out of his teammate’s range. She wasn’t upset, yet, but Sai knew she wouldn’t like his news. “Captain Yamato was eating at Ichiraku Ramen with Iruka,” Sai said. “They appeared to be having quite a good time.” Sakura bit her lip. “We can’t let him give up on Kakashi-sensi! He’s held on for so long!” Sakura said. “We’ll have to do something,” Sakura said decisively. “But if he wants to spend time with Iruka…” Sai said before Sakura interrupted him. “Captain Yamato’s had this unrequited love thing going on with Kakashi-sensi for years. We just can’t let him give up!” She paused, thinking. “We’ll have to find a way to send Iruka-sensi a message.” “Sakura, I don’t think this is a good idea,” Sai said. Sakura glared at him. “Remember what we talked about, Sai?” “That you deal with the emotions, and I follow your lead,” Sai repeated. “Very good,” Sakura said. “Sorry I’m late!” Naruto panted. “But Sakura, your plan might be in trouble! I saw Kakashi-sensi and Guy in the training fields, and they were like, hanging out. It was weird. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen Guy that still before…” Sakura threw her hands up in frustration. “Fine! We’ll deal with him too! But we will get Kakashi-sensi and Captain Yamato together!” Sai and Naruto carefully stepped away from Sakura. Her expression was terrifying. “Too?” Naruto asked. “What other problem do we have?” “Iruka,” Sai told him. They watched Sakura pace and mutter to herself. “I saw him having dinner with Captain Yamato. They seemed to be having a good time.” “But I like Iruka-sensi!” Naruto said. “He was always nice to me. Captain Yamato could do worse.” “That’s not the point!” Sakura yelled. Naruto and Sai both flinched. “She’s really set on this, isn’t she?” Naruto said in his best attempt at a whisper. Sai nodded. “Listen! I just want them to be happy, alright?” Sakura growled. “You heard the way Captain Yamato talked about Kakashi-sensi. They’re meant for each other. We just have to make them see that. And if that means scaring them away from Guy and Iruka and toward each other, well, that’s just what we’ll have to do, ok?” Sai and Naruto nodded. It was the safest response.

*** “Are we sure we want to do this?” Sai asked. “Is the ANBU operative wimping out on me?” Sakura asked. Sai didn’t say anything. It was often his best tactic for dealing with Sakura. “It’s so simple,” Sakura said. “You and Naruto are going to have your little water fight for the sake of your socialization, get Guy involved…” “Are you sure he’ll go for this?” Sai asked, somewhat against his better judgement. “It’s a ‘youthful activity’. He’ll be all about it. Get him involved, back to Naruto’s apartment for you all to dry off, I doctor up the jumpsuit, we send up off to the training grounds, and Kakashi-sensi’s hounds take of the rest. It’s simple.” It didn’t sound particularly simple to Sai, but he wasn’t about to argue with Sakura once she set her mind to something. She handed him a fully loaded squirt gun and a bucket of water balloons. “Now go have fun!” She said, shoving him into the street. Sai didn’t know about having ‘fun’, but he would fulfill his mission.

Sakura’s plan worked surprisingly well, Sai thought, following a drenched Naruto and Might Guy into Naruto’s tiny apartment. The green-clad ninja had joined in with gusto the moment the first water ballon hit him. NAruto disappeared into the bedroom and reemerged in dry clothes. He threw another dry set of clothes at Sai. “They should fit,” Naruto said. “Guy, I’m afraid I don’t have anything that would fit you… But I can dry your jumpsuit while you’re here,” he offered. Guy stripped to his boxers shamelessly, handing Naruto the dripping jumpsuit. Naruto tried not to wince as he took it. He held the offending garment away from his body as he walked to the tiny laundry room where Sakura was hiding. “Do your worst,” he muttered to her. Sakura’s grin was terrifying as she stuffed Guy’s jumpsuit into a carefully sealed container of raw hamburger. Guy had no problem lecturing on the power of youth and telling his captive audience about his own youthful adventures while he waited for his jump suit to dry. Naruto thought it might be worse than the time Pervy Sage made him read an Icha Icha manuscript. The dryer dinged and Naruto leapt up in the middle of one of Guy’s stories. “That would be your clothes!” He said, abandoning Sai in the living room. He wrinkled his nose as he took the warm spandex from Sakura. “This smells disgusting. No way this is going to work,” Naruto said. “Just take it!” Sakura hissed. Guy slipped the jumpsuit on without comment. “Well, I’m off to thee trading grounds to meet my rival! Nothing like challenging one’s rival after a morning of refreshing youthful activity!” Guy called as he left the apartment. Naruto slumped on the couch as the door slammed. “Let’s never do that again,” Naruto said, closing his eyes. “Guy’s enough to wear out even a hyperactive knucklehead like me.” Sakura emerged from her hiding place. “Why are you sitting down? Don’t you want to see how it turns out? We have to get down to the training fields!” Sakura said, pulling Naruto up by his ear. “Ow ow ow! What was that for? You didn’t spend the last hour listening to Guy’s stories about his youthful rivalries!” “We all have different jobs on a mission,” Sakura said. “Now come on! I don’t want to miss this!” Naruto groaned, but he stood up. “This better be worth it, Sakura.”

“We can’t let them see us,” Sakura said, leading the boys along the edge of the training field. “If we climb into this tree, we should be able to see everything without being detected.” “We didn’t have to rush,” Naruto grumbled. “You know Kakashi-sensi is always late.” He settled himself on a branch and closed his eyes. “Wake me up when it gets interesting.” “He’s here!” Sakura said, poking Naruto. “Wake up, you’ll want to see what happens!” “Yeah, yeah, whatever,” Naruto grumbled. But he focused his attention on the training field all the same. They watched as Kakashi tried to dodge Guy’s affectionate greeting, as they started sparring, and as Kakashi summoned the ninken. The usually well-behaved pack of ninja hounds went nuts. They attacked. Guy, trying to get mouthfuls of his jumpsuit. Guy ducked and dodged the pack of hounds with his usual good humor while Kakashi shouted. The dogs didn’t listen. The dogs chased Guy, and Kakashi chased the dogs. Naruto clutched his sides, barely managing to stay in the tree as he laughed. “See?” Sakura said. “I knew you wouldn’t want to miss this.” Kakashi finally stopped chasing his pack and undid the summoning jutsu. The ninken vanished, and Kakashi inspected the rips and tears in Guy’s jumpsuit. He visibly gagged when he got close enough to smell the meat-soaked jumpsuit. Guy waved him away. Sakura frowned. “We might want to avoid Kakashi-sensi for a while, in case he figures it out…” Sakura said, chewing her bottom lip. “But it had to be done.”

*** “I’m so glad to have Team 7’s help with these preparations,” Iruka said. “It takes a lot of preparation to take a whole class of first year academy students into the forest for a couple days.” Iruka smiled at them. Naruto shuffled uncomfortably. He liked Iruka, and wasn’t sure what Sakura was likely to do. “You can count on us, Iruka-sensi!” He said. Maybe he could talk Sakura out of any mischief… Naruto relaxed as they helped Iruka set up the camp site, checking out the area, making sure it would give the beginning ninjas a good taste of camping out for a mission without being likely to kill any of them. “A treat, isn’t it? Getting to sleep in tents?” Iruka said as they sat around the campfires. “I even brought air mattresses for tonight, as a treat.” He winked at team 7. “Don’t get too spoiled, though. I doubt your Captain or your sensi would thank me for that.” Iruka grinned across the campfire at Yamato and Kakashi. “One night won’t ruin them, eh?” “Probably not,” Yamato said, smiling back. Naruto glanced uneasily at Sakura. She hadn’t said anything, but he couldn’t help but feel uneasy.

“Psst, Sai, wake up,” Sakura whispered. “I need your help.” Sai crawled out of his tent. “What do you need?” He asked. Sakura’s grin was positively evil. “We’re going to push Iruka’s air mattress into the lake. Now, help me out. We need to do this slowly and carefully. He can’t wake up, and we can’t wake Naruto, either. He’s too close to Iruka. He wouldn’t like this.” “Is… Is this really a good idea?” Sai asked. “Don’t you wimp out on me too! We’ve gone too far with this plan to wimp out now,” Sakura growled. Sai decided it was in his best interest not to argue with her. It was a slow process, inching Iruka’s air mattress out of the tent, then down to the water’s edge, without waking him, Kakashi, Yamato, or Naruto. “Bon voyage,” Sakura whispered. Sai looked at her sideways, more terrified of the pink-haired kunoichi in that moment than ever before. An ear splitting shriek had Team 7 scrambling out of their tents. The sun was barely risen. A loud splash drew their attention to the lake. Iruka surfaced, spluttering. He focused the chakra in his feet, climbing out of the water. “What the hell,” Yamato said, looking at Kakashi out of the corner of his eye. “Not me this time,” Kakashi said. Sakura tried not to look too interested at the ‘this time’ comment. Kakashi turned suddenly, staring Team 7 down with his one visible eye. “Spill. What are you lot up to?” Yamato also focused his attention on them. Naruto shuffled uncomfortably. If anyone snapped under the pressure, it would be him. Naruto glanced at Sakura, and Kakashi followed the motion. “Well, well, looks like Sakura is the one who’s going to be answering my questions. Well? Explain.” What could she say? Sakura wondered. There had to be some answer that would satisfy Kakashi and still keep their true motives a secret. “Sakura. Stop. You know better than to lie to me,” Kakashi said, cutting through her thoughts. Sakura sighed in defeat. “Fine. We were trying to get you and Captain Yamato together.” Sakura crossed her arms over her chest. “You were WHAT,” Yamato asked. “You obviously love him,” Sakura said. “He was all you could talk about when you got drunk after that mission.” “You talk about me when you’re drunk?” Kakashi said obviously grinning under his mask. “Not the point right now, Senpai,” Yamato said, though his face was burning. “Your kids pushed Iruka into the lake.” “OUR kids, and technically they pushed an air mattress into the lake.” “Still not the point,” Yamato said. “Wait, did you do something to Guy as well?” Kakashi asked, turning his focus back to his team. “We might have soaked his jumpsuit in meat,” Sakura admitted. Kakashi’s eyebrows shot to his hair line. “That certainly explains the reaction of the ninken… But why? If you were trying to get us together, why would you target Guy and Iruka?” Yamato groaned. “Oh no. No, please tell me I’m wrong in this. They were competition, weren’t they?” Team 7 shuffled and stared at the ground. Yamato broke first, laughing so hard he had to rest his hand on his knees. Kakashi laughed too, tears streaming from his visible eye, one hand on Yamato’s shoulder for balance. “I think you broke them,” Sai said to Sakura. “Do we tell them?” Kakashi asked Yamato. “It’s more fun if we don’t,” Yamato said. “But who knows how much well-meaning damage they’ll cause?” “They’ve been together since Kakashi left the ANBU,” Iruka said. He stood dripping on the shore, hands on his hips. This set Yamato and Kakashi off again. Sakura looked back and forth between them and Iruka. “What,” she finally managed. “Oh yes,” Iruka said. “Back me up, unless you’d like to go swimming next.” His voice held just a touch of threat. “He’s right,” Yamato said. Kakashi nodded. “Oh my god,” Sakura said still in shock. “Way to go, Sakura!” Naruto burst out laughing. “You decided to set up two people who have been together longer than we’ve been alive!” He ducked as Sakura took a swing at him. Somehow Sai got pulled into the scuffle and the three younger ninja raced around the camp. “Well, looks like things are back to normal, then,” Yamato said with a sigh. “Should we break them up?” “Nah, let let them get it out of their system,” Kakashi said. “It’s good for morale. And we’ll have to remember that Sakura is a decent strategist, when she puts her mind to it.”

[jokessho]

[Update]: Seven plus one Chapter 2

Sorry for the long wait, but I wanted to get started on chapter three whist everyone was busy with Kyousei. As always, feedback is appreciated :)

Chapter 1 (Tumblr)

FFN

AO3

-o-o-o-o-o-

“Ugh.” Yamato groaned lightly, feeling an elbow in his side. Blearily, he opened his eyes, throwing a half-hearted glare at the brunet sleeping next to him. He scooted closer to the edge of the bed, turned onto his side, and closed his eyes.

Half an hour later he was awoken by Taichi kicking him in the ankle.

With a tired sigh, Yamato sat up, nudging Taichi further away; Yamato was sure he’d next wake up to falling off the bed if he ignored Taichi.

“Ngh.” Taichi mumbled.

Yamato prodded a bit more, until Taichi cracked open an eye.

“Wha?”

“Move.”

Taichi blinked both eyes open, taking in his location. “Oh.” He shifted back to his own half of the double bed, turning his back to Yamato.

Yamato, too, settled back down—only to wake up an hour later to Taichi’s breath on the back of his neck and Taichi’s arm squeezing his waist.

Eyes closed, Yamato let out a long, silent breath. He was tired, he was sick, his head felt like it was full of fluff, and he didn’t want to bother with fighting. Instead, he snuggled further into Taichi’s hold.

The next time Yamato woke up, it was to the familiar chime of his phone’s alarm going off. He reached up, slapping a hand over the patch of ground he normally kept his phone on. His eyes shot open in surprise as his hand met with a softness. He pushed himself to sit up, scanning his surroundings. A room.

“Ugh, shut up.”

Yamato’s eyes travelled to the young man lying face-down next to him.

What?

An irritated brown eye peeked up from the white pillow. “Are you turning that thing off or will I have to break it?”

“Ah, sorry.” Yamato dived for his phone on the floor. The chiming stopped.

“Thanks.” Taichi snuggled back into the pillow.

“Gods.” Yamato muttered, rubbing his face aggressively, before chuckling. “I completely forgot where I was for a moment. Scared the shit out of me.”

Taichi peeked up again, amusement replacing the earlier irritability.

The two held eye contact for a good minute before Yamato snapped out of it, realising he had to get to school. He jumped out of bed, digging through his duffle bag and extracting his uniform and toothbrush. He paused.

“Bathroom’s right across the hall.”

Yamato nodded his thanks, walking out of the room. No sooner had he entered the bathroom than Taichi barged in after him with a dark green towel.

“Here, if you want to take a shower.”

Yamato took the offered towel, eyes glued to his hands fiddling with it. “Thanks. For everything.”

Taichi just smiled, turning to head out of the bathroom. “It’s really not a problem and you should stop thinking it is.”

Upon the door closing, Yamato brought the towel up and pressed his face into it. The action did nothing to stop the smile from spreading across the blond’s face, but it did suck up a stray tear. His emotions really were all over the place these days…

Snapping to attention again at the realisation that he needed to hurry, Yamato quickly stripped and made his way into the shower cubicle. Once the initial cold burst of water was down the drain, Yamato stepped under the stream. It had been ten days since he’d last had a proper shower. That had been at Takeru’s house…

Brushing the thoughts away, Yamato made quick work of getting clean. He brushed his teeth whilst pulling on clothes, though the combination of tasks didn’t work quite as well as he had hoped.

Yamato looked himself over in the mirror, making sure he looked presentable enough for school, before pulling the door open. Taichi was standing on the other side, holding toast in his hand.

“Breakfast.” Taichi announced, offering the bread to the blond. “It’s not much, but it’s the best we have. Someone needs to go shopping...” The last part was said to the floor, but Yamato took note of it.

“I don’t usually eat breakfast…”

Taichi looked up, shoving the toast closer to Yamato’s face. “But normally you probably eat dinner. Last night you hardly ate, so now you will. Besides, Jou thinks you’re chronically ill since you’re so skinny.”

Yamato took the toast, nibbling on a corner, trying to stop his lip from trembling.

“Hey,” Taichi stepped closer, placing a soft hand on Yamato’s shoulder. “Sorry, I didn’t mean anything by it.”

Yamato shook his head vigorously, still fighting the tremble and tears.

“No, really, Yamato, I’m sorry. Is something wrong? With your health, I mean.”

Yamato shook his head again, swallowing thickly. “No.” His voice cracked, so he took a moment to compose it. “Sorry. No, I’m not ill; I just kind of stopped eating when dad got too—” He stopped again, drawing tight breaths.

With sympathy covering his face, Taichi wrapped his arms around the thin teen. “I’m sorry.” He felt Yamato shaking his head against the shoulder he was buried in. “Maybe you should stay home today. Are you even feeling better?”

Yamato took his time before answering: “Yeah, I feel fine.” He pulled back from Taichi, eyes closed. “Sorry, I need to get going. I don’t wanna be late.”

Taichi smiled. “Grab your bag and let’s head out. I’ll be walking you to school, since you probably don’t know how to get there from here.”

“Thanks.” Yamato mumbled, moving back into Taichi’s room for his book bag. He walked back out to Taichi’s grin, bag in one hand, toast in the other.

“Shall we?” Taichi asked.

“Yeah, let’s go.”

The pair stopped in the foyer to put on their shoes before stepping out of the house. Yamato got his first look at their neighbourhood. It was full of large houses, each fenced off from the other. The fences were too high to see over and had no gaps to see through, giving each house a sense of privacy. The road running in front of the houses was quiet and there was no separate sidewalk. It was probably rarely busy.

“It might take a while for you to recognise our house, so I can come pick you up from school, too, if you don’t mind.”

Yamato smiled at how Taichi had referred to it as their house.

“Yeah, that might be a good idea as we should probably go shopping. If no one else does it in the meantime.”

“Oh, yeah, I already forgot about that. And you should really be the one to go shopping, since you’ll be cooking.”

Mouth full of toast, Yamato only nodded in reply.

“That way leads to Arby’s, it’s the longer route, which goes along the main road.” Taichi pointed to the left. “You were staying at the park over that way, so you probably walked to school down this way.”

“Yeah, I recognise the road.” Yamato confirmed, looking around at the familiar bushes. He had finished his toast, quite grateful that Taichi had had the foresight to make him some.

“Did Jou mention he works at Arby’s and that’s how he knew you were at the park and knew to help you?”

Yamato’s attention snapped to Taichi. “No, he didn’t…” Yamato frowned. “I thought you said that he was a doctor.”

“Ah, well.” Taichi laughed nervously. “He’s not actually a doctor, but he did have to learn a lot of medical stuff to take the entrance exams. He quit that career path when his parents got mad at him for failing, but he still knows all the stuff he learnt.”

“Hn.” Yamato returned his attention to the road ahead. “I was under the impression that he tried again and got in.”

Taichi shrugged, grabbing a stick from on top of a brick wall. “Well, now you know.”

“Yeah.” Yamato threw a quick glance at Taichi before looking away. “What jobs have you done? And what will you be looking for?”

Taichi’s attention was on the stick in his hands; he was fiddling with it and breaking off pieces to drop onto the ground. “Well my last job was working as a cleaner for a few apartment buildings, but I quit because it was so early in the morning and the pay wasn’t that good.”

Yamato waited, watching Taichi pick at the stick from the corner of his eye. “So…?” Yamato prompted once it became clear that Taichi wasn’t going to elaborate on his own.

“Huh?”

“What are you looking for now?”

“Oh.” Taichi threw the stick into some bushes, placing his hands behind his head. “I was thinking of working at a café or something. The hours would be better and I would actually get to interact with people. Being a cleaner was lonely.”

The school came into view, grounds saturated with students. It was probably almost time for the bell to ring.

“Well,” Taichi said, dropping his hands to his sides and smiling at Yamato. “This is it. I’ll come pick you up later, so wait for me, okay?”

Yamato smiled and nodded. “Of course. See you later and thanks.”

“Don’t mention it.”

Taichi watched as Yamato entered the school grounds, joining the mass of students. Yet, the blond stood out from his darker peers, so Taichi was able to keep an eye on him until the blond head disappeared through the main doors.

Shoving his hands into the pockets of his shorts, Taichi started making his way back home. He really shouldn’t have quit his job so hastily; he should have started looking for a new one before letting his boss know he was leaving.

Their group of friends had been doing well money-wise when all the five adults had been working. But now that Taichi was unemployed, they would have to watch their expenses more. On top of that, it was the end of September so they would have to turn on the heating soon. And they had taken Yamato in. There was no way Taichi would ever regret helping the blond, but he was an extra expense…

Taichi entered the house, toeing off his shoes. He stopped short at whom he saw in the foyer. “Hikari. Where are you going?”

“Hi Taichi, welcome back.” Hikari smiled, slipping on her shoes. She tapped her left toe against the ground to adjust the shoe. “I’m off to the streets.”

“Hikari…” Taichi groaned, running a hand over his face. “You know I don’t like you begging.”

The small girl frowned. “We need the money and you know it.” Her face split into a mischievous grin. “Nobody can resist me.” And she was out the door.

Taichi groaned, walking further into the house.

“What’s up?”

Taichi looked up to see Jou watching him from the entrance of the kitchen on his left.

“Jou, I didn’t know you’d be up already.”

Jou shrugged a shoulder, sipping at his coffee. “Koushiro had a nightmare and he wanted me to check him over. He’s sleeping again and Hikari’s just gone out.”

“Yeah, I saw her.”

“Ah.” Jou acknowledged the grumpy tone, letting the subject drop. “Yamato was feeling better?”

Taichi stretched his arms above his head, walking into the kitchen, causing Jou to re-enter as well. “Yeah, I showed him the way to school and I’ll be picking him up, too, so we can go shopping.” Taichi reached into a cabinet, pulling out his own mug and filling it with the coffee Jou made. “I should have made him some coffee…”

Jou’s eyes widened. “He didn’t have breakfast? Why didn’t you feed him?!”

Taichi turned in surprise, almost spilling the milk he was adding to his coffee. “No, no, he ate. I made him some toast, but I didn’t think there would have been time to make coffee.”

Jou frowned. “We didn’t have anything more nutritious?”

“Nope, that’s why we’re going shopping later. Now if you’ll excuse me,” Taichi turned to leave the kitchen, coffee mug in hand. “I have to go hand out CVs.”

“Good luck.” Jou called after him.

Taichi walked into his room, setting the coffee on his desk. He pulled open the top drawer, extracting a thin folder; it contained the CVs he had printed out a few days ago. He checked them over whilst sipping on his coffee.

An hour later, he was showered, dressed smartly, and out the door. He had already dropped off a few CVs the past few days, but he wouldn’t stop until he had secured at least one job. His prospects weren’t very good, as he’d only completed the compulsory nine years of school, but he didn’t let that discourage him. His age was also usually more of a hindrance than an asset, but he wouldn’t be 18 forever.

Humming to himself, Taichi marched in through the doors of their local Arby’s. Jou might put in a good word for him here and he might be able to secure a cashier’s job, like the almost-med-student.

Two hours later found Taichi bored. He didn’t really want to go back home, seeing as Koushiro would probably be the only one there. No matter how long the two had known each other, Koushiro still wasn’t warming up to Taichi. According to Hikari, Taichi shouldn’t take it personally; Koushiro hadn’t had good experiences with males in the past, though even she didn’t know all the details.

Taichi sighed, walking into a park. It was around one in the afternoon, so he might as well have something to eat. He grinned to himself as he walked towards a vendor selling fish cakes; he couldn’t wait to try Yamato’s cooking. The blond’s modesty at his own cooking skills had Taichi’s expectations soaring.

After buying his fishcakes—four of them—he took a seat at one of the benches. He had applied for a park attendant job here. He was hoping to get it and be able to work outdoors and meet different people every day.

Different. Like Yamato.

Taichi chewed thoughtfully. Yamato was certainly an interesting character. He was kind of a mystery, but, at the same time, he was quite easy to read. Taichi had never met anyone like him, yet he felt like he had known Yamato a long time.

A yellowing leaf fell to the ground on Taichi’s left. He looked at it, then up at the tree it had come from. It was already late September. Fall would be upon them soon. How had Yamato planned on surviving the winter in the playground? He probably hadn’t even thought that far. Taichi was forced, again, to consider the possibility of Jou never having seen Yamato. Of Jou never having helped him. Taichi’s heart clenched at the thought.

Instead of dwelling on thoughts of ‘what if,’ Taichi stood and stretched. He threw the wooden sticks from the fishcakes into the bin nearby and shoved his hands into the pockets of his dark trousers. He would just wander around for a while.

Over an hour later, Taichi was back at Yamato’s school. There was still over an hour left until Yamato would be released, but Taichi had gotten tired of walking. He settled onto one of the benches on the school grounds, deciding to nap. The night had not been the most restful. Well, not until they had settled into each other’s embraces. Taichi blushed lightly at the memory.

At three thirty, the bells rang, signalling the end of the school day. They woke Taichi up from his nap. He spent the next ten minutes waking himself up and edging towards the main doors of the school building. He got some interested looks from some of the students, as they’d never seen him before.

At long last, a head of golden hair walked out. Yamato was alone. Grinning, Taichi moved to walk alongside the blond.

“How was school?”

Surprised, Yamato cast a quick glance at the brunet to his right and smiled. “It was good; interesting.”

Taichi’s eyebrows rose and he gave Yamato a speculative look, though the other missed it. With an amused shake of his head, Taichi let the topic drop. “Are you good to head straight for the supermarket or do you want to go home first?”

They paused at the gate, Taichi waiting for Yamato’s response, though he didn’t let it come, elaborating: “They’re in opposite directions from here.”

“Let’s go shopping, then. No point in making the same trip twice.”

Taichi nodded, leading the way. They spent most of the walk in silence, with Taichi observing the pale teen at his side.

“Are you feeling sick again?” Taichi asked as they made it to the store. He grabbed a shopping cart, pushing it through the automatic gates.

“I’m fine.” Came Yamato’s too-quick response.

Taichi snorted, parking the cart by some potatoes. “Unlikely, but there’s not much we can do about it right now.”

Yamato threw a glare Taichi’s way. “I’m fine.” He insisted, inspecting the prices of the vegetables. Since he wasn’t contributing to paying the expenses, he had decided to pick the cheap in-season vegetables.

“I’m still not going to believe you; you don’t look fine.”

“I am.”

Taichi just rolled his eyes, but dropped the subject, not wanting to annoy Yamato until he had decided he wanted to stay at Taichi’s permanently. Only then would the proper teasing start.

“What are you smirking at?” Yamato asked, bagging some potatoes.

“Nothing.” Taichi grinned. “Are we ready to move onto the meats yet?”

Yamato shot him a look that was halfway between annoyed and amused. “No.”

Taichi pouted, but stayed silent as Yamato picked out a few more vegetables, then motioned for Taichi to follow him into the next section. Apparently Taichi was in charge of pushing the shopping cart through the store. He didn’t mind, seeing as he wouldn’t be cooking, so he felt he had no say in what foods they’d buy. He’d trust Yamato’s judgement.

It took them an hour to be done with the shopping.

“Thank you for your patronage.” The overly cheerful cashier said as she handed Taichi the receipt.

“Thanks.” Taichi replied, rushing to help Yamato with the groceries. “Here, I’ll get them.”

“I’ve got these two, grab that one.” Yamato nodded his head to the third plastic bag, moving his bags away from Taichi’s reaching hands. “Taichi, I’ve got them, let go.” Yamato yanked the bags out of Taichi’s loose grip and marched towards the automatic doors.

“I can carry them all, it’s no problem.” Taichi assured, rushing after the blond with the last plastic bag hanging from his hand. His tanned hand reached for one of Yamato’s hands.

“Taichi!” Yamato hissed, noting that they were attracting quite a bit of attention. “I’ve got them.”

“But you’re still sick. And don’t think I didn’t notice!” Taichi added the latter bit before Yamato had time to protest. “You can carry one, but give the other to me. No, no, give me the heavier one.”

With a roll of his eyes, Yamato handed the heavier bag over. “Fine.”

Taichi grinned, though he refrained from gloating. Instead, he moved both plastic bags into one hand and dug into one of them, pulling out a slice of bread. Yamato frowned.

“What?” Taichi asked, before offering the slice of bread to Yamato. “You want?”

“No thanks.”

Taichi shrugged and bit off a corner. “Suit yourself, but I’m hungry.”

“Can’t you wait until we get home?” Yamato’s eyes were on the road ahead, but Taichi saw him roll them. The brunet just ginned.

“Did you eat anything at school?” Taichi questioned after a few more bites.

“Yeah.”

Taichi waited, but then gave an exasperated sigh, poking Yamato with his now bread-free hand. He then moved the other grocery bag to the empty hand. “Hasn’t your mother ever taught you how to hold a conversation and elaborate?”

Yamato threw a nasty glare his way, and Taichi blanched.

“Right, sorry.” Taichi mumbled, eyes falling to the ground. He had forgotten that Yamato apparently didn’t get along with his mother. Now probably wouldn’t be a good time to prod. “Anyway,” Taichi continued, as if he hadn’t just royally shoved his foot into his mouth. “What’d you have for lunch?”

“A sandwich.” Yamato stated, then remembered Taichi’s earlier comment and elaborated: “Chicken.”

Taichi rolled his eyes with a chuckle. “Wow, you’re getting good at this.”

Yamato’s next glare was ruined by the smile that crossed his face. “Shut up.”

“So what courses are you taking? I haven’t been to high school, so I don’t know what they offer. Is it just the usual of math and science and languages?” Taichi asked, changing the subject again.

“My school offers the general path, with all the usual courses, but I decided to take the vocational route that they offer, seeing as I’ll be looking to work after high school and… yeah.”

“Oh, right, so you’re not taking math or anything?”

Yamato shrugged, rubbing at the arm holding the groceries. “Well I am, but it’s different from what the others—the ones on the general route—are doing. It’s a bit different; I mean the math and the courses that I’m taking. It’s not—it’s the best route for me, considering…”

Taichi nodded. “Well, yeah, of course it’s the best route. You’ll probably manage to get the best job out of all of us; the highest-paying one, and you’ll probably have regular working hours, too. The rest of the guys have weird shifts.”

Yamato cast a quick glance at Taichi. “Will anyone be at home when we get there?” It felt a bit weird for him to be calling it ‘home,’ but calling it anything else would have been weirder. And quite possibly rude.

Taichi looked around, then at his hands, both full. “Probably not. I don’t know what time it is now, but Mimi was the last to leave for work and that was at four. Hikari and Koushiro are probably home, though most of the time you can’t tell; they spend most of their time upstairs in their room.”

Yamato hummed in reply, awkward about discussing the two youngest members of their household. He wondered if they’d ever get used to him.

“They share a room?” Yamato asked, trying to distract his negative thoughts.

“Yeah, we all do now that you’re sharing with me.” Taichi grinned, turning the corner to their small street. “Jou and Sora have the master bedroom. Mine was a study, but we got rid of all the bookshelves and stuff.”

Yamato nodded, holding the gate open for Taichi to pass through. He watched as Taichi placed one of his bags down and pulled out a set of keys. Taichi paused, staring at his hand.

“We need to get you a copy of the house key.” Taichi mused. He then shrugged and unlocked the door, grabbing the other bag and leading the way in.

The duo made their way to the kitchen, placing their bags down. Taichi fiddled with the keys in his hands, handing one over to Yamato.

“That’s the key to the back door, but it’ll do for now, until someone goes into the city and gets you a copy of the front door one.”

“Thanks.” Yamato got a warm feeling from the cold key. He was actually wanted here.

Taichi then spent the next few minutes showing Yamato which cupboards each item went into, getting the blond more acquainted with the kitchen.

“You want to get changed?” Taichi asked once they were done putting the groceries away.

“Oh, sure.” Yamato said, looking down at his uniform. When living at the playground, he had worn his uniform until going to sleep. It wasn’t the most comfortable outfit, so, now that he had the chance, he might as well change out of it early.

Taichi grinned, leading the way to their room. “I have some clothes that you can wear. And keep. We really need to get you some new stuff soon, though.”

“There’s really no rush.” Yamato assured, walking into the room behind Taichi. “I’ve survived with what I have thus far, so I’ll survive until I get a job.”

Taichi paused in his digging of the drawers. “I don’t know if you should get a job just yet…” He glanced at Yamato’s about-to-protest face and hastened to add: “I mean, you’re still in school, looking to graduate to a good job, so it might be too much to get one now. Plus, you’ll be doing most of the chores around here, so it’s enough on one plate. I think.”

Yamato contemplated this. Taichi did have good points; it was already September, so he only had about half a year of school left. He’d be graduating next spring and be able to properly focus on getting a job then. It’s not like anyone would want to hire a diploma-less student for half a year anyway… But would he be alright as a freeloader until then? He cringed at the idea; it wasn’t like him to take advantage of others’ kindness.

“You’ll be graduating soon, so it’s not like you’d be jobless for that long. Besides, you’re not guaranteed a part-time job as a student. And you’d probably be quitting it by next spring, so no one would want to hire you for such a short period of time.”

Had Taichi read his mind?

Taichi handed over some clothes. “It really isn’t a problem if you don’t work for half a year.”

With a long sigh, Yamato took the clothes. “I suppose you’re right. And thanks for the clothes.”

“It’s no problem.” Taichi grinned again, before allowing Yamato some privacy. Only, he came back just as Yamato was unbuttoning his shirt.

“Hey.” Yamato stated flatly.

Taichi just gave him a sheepish grin, going over to a paper bag sitting on the desk. “Sorry, but I almost forgot to give this to you.” He held the bag to Yamato. “I was out earlier, handing out CVs, and wanted to get you a welcoming present.”

Speechless, Yamato took the offered bag and pulled out a dark blue bundle of clothing. He unravelled it, revealing an apron.

“Since you’ll be doing most of the cooking, and I don’t think Sora’s red apron would look as good on you.”

Yamato blushed at the thoughtfulness of the present, ducking his head down. “Thanks.”

“Sure.” Taichi replied, rubbing at the back of his neck. “I’ll just leave you to get dressed now.”

“Wait.” Taichi did, looking at Yamato questioningly. “Sorry, but can you go ask Hikari and Koushiro if they want a snack, please? I could make one, since we probably won’t have dinner for a few hours yet.”

“Sure.” Taichi repeated and was out the door.

Yamato smiled, continuing to change into the loose-fitting cargo pants and dark grey t-shirt.

Taichi came down the stairs on Yamato’s right, just as the blond left the bedroom.

“They’ll have popcorn.”

Yamato paused. “I’m sorry, what?”

Taichi went ahead, walking towards the kitchen, calling over his shoulder: “Hikari and Koushiro just want some popcorn as a snack.”

Muttering to himself and shaking his head, Yamato followed, throwing his new apron over his head. “Do we even have popcorn?” He asked, walking into the kitchen.

Taichi turned away from one of the cupboards, grinning with a packet of popcorn in hand. “Of course we do. It’s about the only snack those two can be trusted to make by themselves.”

Taichi turned to the microwave—a hand-me-down from their previous neighbour—and shoved the packet in, pressing a few buttons. The microwave hummed to itself, soon accompanied by pops.

Yamato spent a few moments watching Taichi watch the spinning popcorn bag, then moved to the laundry room, to the left of the kitchen. He opened the closet in the corner, pulling out a few cleaning supplies. He’d noted the living room could do with dusting.

“What are you doing?” Taichi asked, poking his head into the room.

Yamato showed him the duster and some cloths. “I was thinking of cleaning a bit before starting on dinner.”

Taichi made a face before pulling out and into the kitchen. “Jou will be mad at me if I don’t tell you to rest.”

“I’ll let him know you said that.” Yamato replied, walking past the kitchen and into the living room.

Taichi rolled his eyes as he emptied the popcorn into two bowls. He grabbed both and made his way to the living room, setting one of the bowls onto the low coffee table they had.

“At least eat something. Did you eat at school?”

Yamato paused his dusting, throwing Taichi a concerned look. “Is there something wrong with your memory? We already had this discussion.”

Taichi blinked, other bowl in hand. “We d—Oh! We did! I remember.” He laughed to himself, making his way to the stairs and to his sister’s room.

Yamato grabbed a handful of popcorn, munching on it with one hand, whilst the other continued to dust. There weren’t a lot of items in the living room, but the walls and shelves were quite dirty. Not that Yamato was surprised; he saw how hectic things were in this household. Many people under one roof always equalled a mess. Cleaning had been easy when it was just him and his—

Maybe he should vacuum a bit, too, seeing as everyone would be eating on the floor. It wouldn’t do for them to get themselves dirty.

“Alright?” Taichi entered the living room again. He flopped down on the floor, grabbing some popcorn and eyeing Yamato. “Too much dust?” He asked, referring to Yamato’s watery eyes.

“It’s not that bad.” Yamato mumbled, wiping down an empty shelf on the wall. “With you living here, I’m surprised it’s not worse.”

“Hey!”

Yamato just smirked, glad for the distraction. He lifted the duster over his head, standing on his toes, reaching for the corner of the ceiling. He flicked at the cobwebs for a bit, then a bit more. He finally managed to get the silk stuck to the microfibers. Yamato smiled in triumph, letting his arm and heels drop. The sudden movement made his vision black around the edges and he swayed, hand moving to steady himself against the wall.

Taichi was at Yamato’s side in an instant, both hands on the blond’s shoulders.

“You okay?”

Yamato took a steadying breath and gave Taichi a smile. “Yeah, I’m good.”

Taichi let out a breath and let his hands drop. Then he gave Yamato a flat look. “I thought I told you to rest.”

Yamato chuckled, moving towards the next corner. “I thought that was Jou?”

“Well Jou’s not here.” Taichi replied, yanking the duster from Yamato’s hands. He received an indignant ‘oi!’ in protest, but ignored it. “You’re done cleaning for now. Don’t you have something less straining to do?”

Yamato glared at Taichi for a few minutes before realising that the brunet would not relent. With a heavy sigh, Yamato moved towards their bedroom. “Might as well do my homework, then.”

Taichi smiled, taking the duster back to the laundry room.

Yamato spent the next hour on the living room floor, working on his homework and trying to avoid the popcorn Taichi was throwing at him.

“Right.” Yamato stood, dusting the popcorn off his clothes, then frowning at the mess on the floor. He looked at Taichi with the same frown. “You do realise that I’ll have to clean this up, don’t you?”

Taichi waved him off, standing as well. “Tomorrow or something; it can wait and you’re in no shape to be doing anything strenuous.”

Yamato rolled his eyes, but didn’t bother saying anything. He walked into the kitchen, intent on starting dinner. Jou and Sora would be arriving within the hour, so he wanted dinner ready for them. He would have to clean most of the popcorn, too, before they got home.

Taichi spent a few minutes watching Yamato measure the rice into the cooker and prepare the pork they’d bought. It was quite boring, so he sighed and walked into the laundry room. He pulled out a broom and dustpan, frowning at them.

“Where are you going?” Yamato asked from his position at the hob, as Taichi made his way past the kitchen.

“Cleaning up the popcorn, since I know you’d do it anyway, even though I told you not to. And Jou told you not to.” Taichi sounded like he was dreading the menial task, amusing Yamato to no end.

“Thanks.”

Taichi busied himself with sweeping the popcorn for a few minutes, before depositing them into the bin. He put the supplies away and made his way up the stairs. He came up to a hallway with two doors on the left side, one straight down the hall, and one to the right at the far end. He knocked on the first door to his left.

“Yes?” Hikari called. Taichi walked in. “Oh, Taichi. Is dinner ready?”

The room contained less furniture than Taichi’s: just two single beds on opposite walls and a wardrobe. Hikari and Koushiro were sitting on the floor in the space between the beds.

“Not yet, but could you two come down and socialise a bit? Yamato thinks you don’t like him…”

Hikari and Koushiro exchanged saddened looks.

“We don’t mean for him to feel like that.” Hikari stated, still looking at Koushiro. “But you know how we tend to be.”

“I know, but Yamato’s new and he’ll be staying with us, so you two should get to know him a bit. He’s friendly.” Taichi added the last comment for Koushiro’s benefit, as the teen was still wary around people. Koushiro had revealed that his first foster family had not taken Koushiro’s condition well. Punishments were mentioned.

“Okay.” Hikari acquiesced, bringing Taichi out of his musings. “We’ll be down in a bit.”

Taichi smiled his thanks before leaving the room. Upon reaching the main floor, he realised he heard voices coming from the kitchen; Jou must be home. Sure enough, as he entered the kitchen, he was greeted by the dark-haired male. Yamato was busy chopping carrots, whilst a pot gently brewed to his left.

Out of curiosity, Taichi peeked into the pot: onion, what smelled like garlic and ginger, and the pork. Yamato stepped up and added the carrots under Taichi’s nose.

“Curry?” Taichi asked as the blond poured in some water.

“Yep.” Yamato answered, distracted, as he turned up the heat. He then started chopping the peeled potatoes.

“Yamato?” Jou questioned, walking back into the kitchen. Taichi hadn’t even realised he had left. “Did you check your temperature after school?”

“No.” Again a distracted answer.

“He insisted he was fine.” Taichi elaborated, knowing how bad the blond was at it. “But then he almost passed out when trying to clean. I got him to do his homework instead, though.” Taichi hastened to add the last part, as Jou wasn’t looking very happy.

“You really should have stayed at home.” Jou said with a sigh.

“I was fine in school.” Yamato threw a glare at Taichi. “And whilst cleaning.”

Taichi put his hands up in front of himself, watching as Yamato returned to preparing the roux. “Just calling it as I saw it.”

“Now, now.” Jou placated. “The point is really for you to take it easy, Yamato. Sure, you might be better, but you still need to be careful.”

Yamato gave Jou a quick smile, then checked on the boiling pot. Satisfied, he turned around, leaning on the counter. “I promise I’ll take it easy; all I really do in school is sit around, anyway.”

“Still,” Jou said, giving Yamato a pat on the shoulder. “Take it easy at home too. There’s no need to feel like you need to earn your place here.”

Yamato’s face reddened, but he was spared having to answer by Hikari and Koushiro walking in.

“Hey.” Hikari said cheerfully, unaware of the atmosphere in the room.

The three males greeted the two in return.

“Dinner smells great!” The young girl walked further into the kitchen, eyeing the covered pot. “What are we having?”

Yamato cleared his throat lightly before answering: “Pork curry. Hope that’s okay with you.”

Hikari grinned. “Sounds great! In fact,” she turned to Koushiro, who was still standing by the door. “It’s Koushiro’s favourite.”

Yamato’s eyes met Koushiro’s and the former smiled. “I’m glad to hear that. I hope it lives up to your expectations.”

Koushiro gave a small smile in return, but didn’t say anything.

The corners of Yamato’s mouth were still turned slightly upwards as he checked on the potatoes, making sure they were tender enough. He turned off the heat and added the roux and a dash of soy sauce, mixing the sauce thoroughly.

“I’m home.” Sora called from the entrance.

“Perfect timing;” Taichi called back. “Dinner’s ready.”

“Has everyone washed up?” Sora asked, poking her head into the kitchen. She took Koushiro’s hand, leading him towards the bathroom. Hikari and Jou followed, whilst Taichi shoved his hands under the kitchen tap.

“She’s such as mum, you’ll soon realise.”

“Isn’t that a good thing?” Yamato removed his apron, joining Taichi at the kitchen sink.

“Oh, I wasn’t complaining.” Taichi flicked some water at Yamato’s face. “Though sometimes it’s annoying.”

Yamato finished washing his hands and returned the flick of water. Taichi made a noise of protest and went for the tap again, but was interrupted by a stern:

“Boys.”

Said boys turned to face Sora, apologetic looks on their faces. She had her hands on her hips with a giggling Hikari behind her. Jou was shaking his head in amusement, whilst Koushiro seemed clueless.

“See?” Taichi whispered as he pulled out plates. Yamato just chuckled, spooning out curry and rice for everyone.

They settled around the freshly cleaned coffee table, making light chatter about their days. Jou had had a few dissatisfied customers who had made wrong orders, then complained that Jou had gotten the orders wrong. Of course, the customer was always right, so Jou had apologised and fixed the meals.

Sora was working at a restaurant-bar, where she mainly mixed drinks, but today they’d been understaffed, so she had had to waitress as well.

After dinner, Hikari and Koushiro volunteered to do the dishes, allowing the elders to get some much needed downtime. Or at least, that’s what Taichi had been hoping for.

“We should really change those sheets now.” Yamato noted upon entering their shared room.

Taichi groaned.

[thetaikamiya]

Digimon OTP Week: 08/22 & 08/23: College AU

((Hitting the wall mentally, so I apologize if the quality dips on this one, and if it’s too short.))

Frankly it was all a bit too much for her. She was relieved to get admitted to upper education, and to the University of Tokyo to boot, but she never had shown any signs of all the stress getting to her. Today was that very day. When Hikari tried to wake up, she felt an immense feeling of pure exhaustion, far worse than the sleepless days and nights of studying and testing she had faced, and somehow even worse than her worst nights of sleep in the Digital World. Normally Hikari would be sure to wake up when Tailmon would call for her, but today she had no desire or energy to get up. “Hikari, c’mon, you have classes to go to!” Tailmon was about to keep trying to motivate her, but she spotted the rather concerning glazed over look on Hikari’s face first.

“Hikari...maybe today’s a good day for a gooooood looooooong cat-nap.” Hikari, clearly on auto-pilot, didn’t even bat an eye as she shoved her books and supplies into her bag and walked out without locking the door or saying good bye to Tailmon. “I should reach Taichi. He’d want to help out.” Tailmon angrily rolled her eyes when she realized there was no way she could reach him from the room. “Maybe Daisuke or Takeru would be easier to find? Miyako and Takeru at least are in the same school.” With that, Tailmon was off on the hunt for friends to help Hikari snap out of her state. Hikari was, surprisingly and concernedly an expert at auto-pilot in her own life, with none of the staff or her classmates catching on. This would have either impressed Hikari, or depressed her further, if she was consciously present.  It took until her last class of the day to be even gently tugged back to reality, thanks to Miyako sitting by her best friend, as per usual. “Oof! I am so not looking forward to the exam next week! I’ve studied, I’ve taken breaks, and I’m even trying to get a study session together and...” Contrary to the belief of those that didn’t know her, Miyako was very good at noticing when Hikari was in a slump, especially after they were in sync for Jogress Digivolutions. “Hey, Hikari, is something the matter?” Miyako whispered, gently to show her concern and care, and quietly so only the tow of them could hear it. Hikari slowly turned her head to look at Miyako, and whether it was the blood-shot eyes, the bags underneath her eyes or the all too fake half smile didn’t matter, Miyako knew Hikari was either going to slide into Dark Ocean levels of depression, or have a breakdown of sorts. “Hikari, we can take the exam later. I’ll tell the professor that my sister is going to give birth during that day and that you’re a mid-wife or something.”

Miyako looked around for Takeru, and would have made eye contact, were he not seeing just how poorly Hikari was holding up. Once he saw this, he got up and grabbed his things to move over to sit on the other side of Hikari. Before Miyako could break through and before Takeru could get half way to where his friends were, the professor dropped what had to be the worst timed sentence the two Digidestined had ever heard. “Due to a family emergency, I have to administer the examination this afternoon.” It was at that moment the facade collapsed. Reality hit Hikari just as the very moment of Wizardmon’s sacrifice. Memories of the deaths, the stress, all of the stress came crashing into Hikari, and she had no time to prepare. What was supposed to be a few deep and calming breaths were more so hyperventilating wheezes. She couldn’t face this. Not all of this and certainly not all at once. Hikari stood up and ran from her seat as fast as she had ever ran, and was out the door in an instant. Takeru, already speeding up, dropped everything and ran out after her, with Miyako having to dig her hands into her desk to avoid running out after them and drawing more attention to Hikari than she already had had.

Takeru caught up to Hikari where she had her bicycle chained in, and crouched and sat on his heels to be at eye level with her while she fumbled around with the padlock. “Hikari?” “...gotta go, I’ll just go home, I can’t do this, I can’t do this, I can’t..” Takeru impulsively wrapped his hand around hers and took a deep breath. “Hikari...Please.” Hikari started to tear up, and shook her head in some fruitless attempt to get her head cleared up. “Hikari, you’ve always been there to listen to me and my problems. You’ve been there when I’ve had the worst...and best, moments of my life. You helped me to be happy being me, and not just “Yamato’s little brother”.” He slowly held his free hand out, waiting to see if Hikari wanted to hold his hand or not. “Takeru, I can’t do this. I can’t be the perfect student, the perfect sister, the perfect...” Takeru shook his head. “No, you can’t be perfect. Not like that.” Hikari had fought with these fears before, but it had been years since she faced them, giving her anxieties time to come back stronger than ever. “Why do I keep falling into the same problems?” This time, Hikari held Takeru’s hands, and scooted to be closer to him on the ground. “Because...you’re human. Remember Taichi being reluctant to fight when the infection was a concern? Or when Jyou put his academics before the fight? All of us have things that will always trip us up.” Takeru noticed Hikari’s breathing was normalizing, and continued onward. “In fact, a very cute and kind girl once told me that when we mess up, it’s who helps us, and how we get back up that matters. We all trip. But we choose how we get back up.” Hikari finally smiled a little, knowing this “cute and kind girl” was herself, and enjoying Takeru’s light and flirty teasing. “Takeru...I need to scale back on all of my commitments. Have some breathing room, you know?” Takeru nodded, focusing entirely on Hikari. “You know Miyako and I are here for you, and Daisuke and Taich...” “Takeru...I just need you to be here with me, okay? I can do this, and I can get back to doing well in classes, but I’d like it if you’d be here with me for at least today.” Takeru processed her words as she slowly stood up, making sure Takeru was standing up as well, due to the two still holding hands. Before Takeru could make a joke, Hikari gently kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you.” Takeru had no idea what to do in this situation. Normally he was the one catching Hikari off guard, but at last, the roles were reversed. “Hikari? I’m here. And as long as you need me, or want me to be, I will be here.” “To be honest, I’d be happier if we went back to my place and just relaxed today. One test missed out of thousands won’t kill me academically.” That moment was when Miyako arrived, with Ken right behind her. “Guys!” Miyako then noticed their hand-holding and Hikari and Takeru side by side. “GUYS!? NO WAY” “Miyako, just because they...” “I think so, don’t you Takeru?” Takeru’s face lit up like it did when he got his partner back. “Definitely!” “AWESOME!!! WAIT, RIGHT!” Miyako pulled out a paper. “So Ken came in after you two left, and he and I went up the professor. Turns out, he’s happy to let you two slide through on this one, no negative grade impact!” “He said we all need a mental rest day, and kept saying how you two are amazing students so he didn’t...” “Takeru, mind if Miyako and Ken join us?” Takeru, hearing Hikari whisper while Ken told them about their professor, grinned as he did whenever he’d flirtatiously joke with Hikari. “What, you want a double date?” Hikari, well aware Takeru was excited to see it as such, returned the snarky smile and whispered “Of course.” To Hikari, it was a relief to know that even when her mind would lie and tear her down, she would always have hope. And she would have Takeru there with her.