#the way i always panic when he starts sneezing

[cattewife]

had a moment this weekend where i'm in the car with a couple i know and he starts sneezing (he sneezes in 3-5 fits almost always), and we all bless him after the first one, and after the second his wife goes "you're not getting any more." y'all i DIED

[reiderwriter]

Okay, I just wanted to start off and say I love your stories. They're always so good. You've reblogged one of my stories a while, and I actually squealed and scared the crap out of my friend. But yeah, I live you and your stories 💖💖💖

So I read your one story of Spencer being a soon-to-be dad, and I really like the idea of seeing Spencer and reader as actual parents just feeling the emotions. I thought something based around their daughter (because Spencer's a girl dad) hitting a milestone like walking, talking, or something even bigger like the first day of school. I don't know if that makes sense, but either way, I hope you like it!

A/N: I love the idea of new-dad Spencer. He deserves a loving family and a baby so much 😭 I combined this request with one of the prompts for @imagining-in-the-margins Kid Fic challenge which you can find the details for here! ❤️

Warnings: none, just fluff.

Masterlist

You never thought leaving to go for a spa day would be one of the hardest things you'd have to do in your life, but here you were. 

In the ten months since you'd given birth to your daughter, you'd been stressed, lacking in sleep, leaking fluids from places that you forgot could have fluids leak from, and you'd been totally, irreversibly, head over heels in love. 

Both with the tiny little gremlin you'd given birth to, and with the man that you watched become a father. 

Spencer Reid was a great dad. 

He'd had a fair amount of anxiety leading up to the birth, worrying about every detail, talking to geneticists, driving you to and from each check up or attending via video call if he was on a case. After she was born, he helped out as best he could. 

For a man who had delivered a baby before and was absolutely great with his teammates' kids, he couldn't hold her for the first week without an intense look of panic crossing his features.

“Y/N, what happens if I drop her?” 

“Y/N, she sneezed. What if I got her sick?”

“Y/N, she fell asleep, I can't move.” 

A genius with an IQ of 187 slashed to 60 in front of a pretty girl. His tiny daughter had him thrown through a loop he got seriously stuck in. 

He was still helpful, and he got used to all his new duties and tasks within a week, but watching those cute clueless expressions pass over his face now and then endeared you to him that much more. 

He knew everything, but he had to learn this right there with you. 

So yes, leaving for a relaxing spa visit was hard. 

Spencer had been on a case for the last four days, his first since your daughter had arrived and the official end to his paternity leave. You'd been happy to see him get back to it, in all honesty. Spencer’s job, his research, and his work at the FBI were like muscles he needed to stretch. It wasn't that he couldn't live without them, but there would always be a part of him that felt stiff or unsure of himself without the possibilities of a case to unravel or some theorizing to do. 

You were slightly panicked at the thought of being alone with your daughter for four days, but you managed. With a phone call home every single night where he asked you about every single thing your little bundle of joy had done outside of his watchful gaze. 

Now, it was your turn. 

Spencer had insisted on it upon returning from his case. He got four nights of relative peace after 20 months of waking up with the baby, sleeping with the baby, napping when the baby napped, carrying the baby around when it became evident that she was desperately scared of not being the center of attention. 

He came back with a spring in his step, and the deep desire to see you get a solid night's rest the way he'd been able to. 

You'd tried shooting him down, multiple times, to no reward. 

“Spencer, you didn't exactly just up and go off gallivanting. You were working.”

“I was working, and I still got more rest than you. I really needed that sleep and time away, Y/N, and I think you do, too. Now, please, go away,” he'd pulled you into his arms when you'd put the baby down that night to reveal his brilliant plans. 

“Just for the night. Go away for a lovely overnight break. Not indefinitely. I love you.” His panicked confession at the end sent you into giggles, that with a few well times kisses had you reluctantly agreeing to the girls trip he'd planned you. 

The BAU girls had been roped into accompanying you on the trip, which honestly meant that he'd be getting status updates any time he asked for one. 

JJ, Penelope, Emily, and Tara were all going to strong arm you into the car if need be to carry you off to the nearest 5(ish) star Hotel and Spa. 

And that's exactly what happened. 

The man had even packed the bag for you to send you off, had made you breakfast in bed and had run to every sound your daughter had made from dusk until dawn so you didn't have to lift a finger. 

“Y/N, you're resting today.”

“But-” 

“No. No buts. Just rest.”

“At least let me hold her for a second to say goodbye.” He blinked at you for a few seconds before his stubbornly helpful face turned softer, and he quickly handed your daughter back for a small cuddle. 

With a lingering hug, you told your daughter - who absolutely did not care one bit that you would be wandering out of the house soon enough - that you'd be back in the morning, kissed your husband on the lips, and were swiftly kidnapped by JJ and Emily. 

To your credit, you lasted two whole hours before breaking down. 

The drive to the hotel was quick and peaceful, and it felt nice to breathe in the fresh air without having to also check for various baby smells. 

You checked in fast, and all gathered in the in-hotel restaurant for brunch and mimosas, and then it hit you. Another mother walked in with a stroller, and you were blubbering. 

Your bottom lip wobbled, and the rest of the world ceased to exist as you gave in to the emotions. 

You knew, of course, that you were going to have to leave your daughter at some point. It wasn't healthy for either of you to have attachment issues, and you didn't want to hinder your daughters development by sticking too close - but that didn't mean you didn't miss her. 

JJ noticed your watery eyes first. “Oh no, I know that look,” she smiled over her drink, taking a sip. 

“What? What look?” You said, but giving yourself massively away with a good sniff and watery blink. 

“You lasted longer than I did. I couldn't go half an hour without turning my car around and heading back to Henry, and I swear it was only worse with Michael.” 

You giggled a bit as you wiped your eyes. 

“Do you think… do you think we could go back? Just for a little bit. I just want to check on them.”

The women passed a look between them and then nodded back at you, obviously having expected this. 

“Actually, we didn't book any spa treatments until the afternoon. We had a feeling something like this would happen,” Tara smiled at you, and you snorted in surprise as you dabbed away your tears with a handkerchief. 

“We are laying some ground rules though,” Emily said, a stern tone fighting the playful smile on her face. 

“We can peak through a window, but we're not going in. And we're not going to call ahead and let Spencer know. The kid needs to know you feel confident in his parenting skills, and if he's just got the baby settled and you come back in, it won't be easy to calm her down again.”

“You drive a hard bargain,” you said, but you were already halfway to the car by the time you could finish the sentence. 

The girls pulled up a block away and let you walk calmly back to your front door. 

You'd since agreed to a time limit and not to unlock the door. Emily went ahead to scope out the house, communicating with JJ on the phone who was holding your hand to stop you from wringing them. 

You'd never been a part of the BAU, but somehow you felt like a team member on a case getting ready to stake out a target. 

When Emily gave you the signal, the rest of the girls gave you space, and you ducked down to peer into your ground floor window. 

Spencer was on his stomach with your daughter, and they were having what seemed like a riveting conversation. 

“And so then I obviously got tongue-tied. Like I said, Daddy isn't good at talking to people, let alone beautiful women like Mommy.” 

“Be be be da.”

“Exactly. I really embarrassed myself, actually. I went up to her and said ‘do you have a number?’ and she was so confused.”

“Ba!” 

“Yeah, she sounded like that, too. I kept talking more and more, and she couldn't understand what I meant. She thought I was asking about her age at one point. I was just getting redder and redder, and then she grabbed my hand and led me to a seat at the back of the bookshop because she thought I was sick.”

He smiled down at the infant again, still babbling to herself.

“I was sick, of course, but it was just love sickness. I still am.” 

The tears that you'd delicately wiped away earlier came back hot and heavy now as you resisted the urge to crawl through the window to your precious family. 

Spencer was telling your daughter the story of how he first asked you out, near disastrously, and from the sounds of it, he wasn't done telling stories. 

“I really love your Mommy, you know. She's wonderful.”

“Mmmm,”

“See, you think so too. Everyone thinks so.” 

“Mmmma” 

“Yes, your Mama. You’re just like her, everyone loves you, too.” 

“Mama.”

You heard Spencer's breath hitch as you closed a hand over your mouth to stop a shocked squeal from coming out. 

“T-That's right. Mama. One more time, say mama.”

“Mama,” the little baby squealed in delight, reacting to her fathers utter joy. 

“You're speaking. One more time, Mama.”

“Mama!” 

“Your mama is going to be so mad,” Spencer whispered, grabbing his daughter up in one more careful hug and kissing her face as she giggled delightfully. “We need to keep this a secret. Tomorrow, you'll have you say your first word in front of her, and we'll both act surprised, okay? Promise?”

The gargle he got in response was enough to have your shoulders shaking as the others extricated you from your own front lawn. 

Back in the car, you broke down into giggles and tears, shoulders rising and falling in sobs and laughter intermittently. 

“Is this a total psychotic break or just a symptom of seeing Spencer as a dad?” Penelope asked, nudging you with her elbow as you tried to regain your composure.

“It's… whew, it's okay. We can go back now.” 

“You sure?” JJ asked from the driver's seat, and you nodded once again.

“Yeah. I'm fine now. I'm really good.” 

The women all offered you similar smiles as you drove away, blissful and content. 

[boyfhee]

JAKE BF HEADCANONS

g fluff w kissing if that counts, very slightly suggestive fem reader wc 1.2k note calling my jaketuals requested

rewind to when you guys are just friends, he still has your standards raised to the heaven

your friends ask why you don't have a crush and you're like, i have sim jaeyun, and it has it's own pros and cons because half of the time, people assume you two are dating

the other half, it's you wishing you two were dating

basically, he's prefect!!!! always texts you good morning and good night, reminds you to drink water and take care of yourself. if you're sick or unwell, he's at your door with your favourite snacks before you even know it

AND IT ONLY GETS WORSE WHEN YOU TWO START DATING!!!!! the clingiest boyfriend ever, and he's so sweet, always greets you with kisses and hugs

he PANICS when you get sick like nurse more : on

you have to force him to stop kissing you because you don't want him to get sick as well and he gets so pouty ?? he's sulking at you from a distance

still ends up kissing you and says you two are meant to be when you both get sick together with the most lovesick smile ( insert a sneeze )

BACK HUGS, he always sneaks up and wraps his arms around you from behind, planting kisses on your cheeks, all the way down to your neck

melts when you giggle as he does that :‹ your voice is music to his ears and you laughter is soty ( his words, not mine ) does silly things to make you laugh especially when you're feeling down because if you're sad then he's sad :(

you guys will have to cuddle at least twice a day it's an unwritten rule. he says every second not spent with you poses harm to his health

but in reality, he just likes having you close to him, nuzzling his face in your neck and shoulders, brushing his lips against your skin while his hands are caressing your waist

whispers compliments to you when you both cuddle :›

“you're the prettiest girl i've ever seen,” “i'm so lucky to have to, angel” “god, you're so perfect, i want to kiss you all over”

he's so crazy about you. . .like even jay knows how you like your drinks and your go to order at your favourite cafe :/ basically jake talks about you 24/7 to his members like a madman

LITERALLY SULKS WHEN HE MISSES YOU!!!! like catch him lying lazily on the couch with a frown, looking at his phone screen because he didn't get to talk to your before the stage

but when you face time him, he literally goes :D like the brightest smile ever on his face ㅠㅠ you're his good luck charm!!!!

when you visit their practice, he sneaks out with you to hangout but everyone knows you two are probably making out in a corner or something

hands on your thighs whenever you're sitting next to him, especially when he's driving

you end up on his lap and god, he loves to kiss your neck when you're on his lap

talking about kisses and making out. . .he gets so flustered when his lips get stained by your lipstick

LIKE CATCH HIM BLUSHING??? but also he teases you and tries to play it cool

“aw, look at you jake, you’re blushing,” “so what, huh? you were even redder when i was kissing you,” “pretty sure i can get those reactions out of you again, angel,”

sharing earphones with jake is a love language and you both just smile at each other with your hands intertwined together listening to your shared playlist

one would think he likes searching up new songs out of his profession but actually, it's because he wants to find songs that you would like, would try out new genres especially the one that fit your taste and gets so smiley when you tell him that you liked one of the songs he recommended

like you actually like the song he recommended??? you're adding it to your fav songs playlist??? he's getting on his knees and proposing

sometimes, he even sends you the samples of the group's upcoming songs knowing he's legally not allowed to do so

KISS SELFIES omfg jake has crazy mirror selfies but the kiss selfies especially the mirror ones are the craziest

hates to be away from you so when he's on trip, catching him text you all day

“the sky reminds me of you today,” [ attachment : one image of the sky with silly doodles ] “i miss you, my love,” “next time, you’re coming on the tour with us,”

gets kinda insane. . .like the withdrawal symptoms are getting to him

once again, his members are tired of him talking about you

like sunoo is asking which cap he should get and jake is looking at him with the :o face, holding to bucket hats asking which one would look better on you

their opinion doesn't matter because gets both of them, he just likes buying gifts for you, no matter how big or small they are

you may or may not know this but jake takes so many candid pictures of you, and most of them are when you're snuggling into him while sleeping, or busy cooking something or when you're watching your favourite tv so ever so attentively

has a quarter life crisis every three to five business while picking which pic of yours should go as his wallpaper next because you look gorgeous in all of them

calls you layla's mom and of course he's layla's dad so you both are married and parents, or so he says

jake has his whole life planned with you like that man is more delusional than you think, but it's also because he sees you at every single point in his future, he's more than sure about the two of you

ALSO he wakes you up in the cutest way

like forehead and cheek kisses while he pulls you closer, whispering the sweetest good morning to you ( you are NOT waking up lmfao )

knows cuddling you while trying to wake up is going to make you sleep more but he can't help it, you look too cute for him to not cuddle with you early in the morning

helps you make breakfast, it's like a tradition to cook together, and then he feeds you as an excuse for you to taste his dishes

when he's feeling a little flirty he will cage you between his arms, against the counter and will lean in really close— but he doesn't kiss you. you can feel his warm breath on your lips and you can feel his lips brush ever so softly against yours but he does not kiss you

and when he does, the breakfast is long forgotten— because you're sitting on the counter with him standing between your legs and his hands on your waist, he's kissing you like you're going to disappear the next minute, savouring every single feeling

basically, kisses with jake start as fluttering giggles and soft traces of his lips against yours but they leave you breathless in just a few minutes

sends you random videos and memes, also when you two are watching the same dramas, he texts you his live reactions

“omfg i need them to get together” “they’re so cute . me and who,” “THYE KISSED OHMYGODSDSKJFH IM CROYGIN OTP FR” “now i want to kiss you too im coming over,”

IM TELLING YOU aquarium dates are his favourites

gets so giddy looking at the fishes, but he's mostly staring at you and enjoying your reactions

buys promise rings on your first anniversary and loves staring at your ring when you two are holding hands

also kisses your hands especially above your ring, he just can't believe he gets to call you his

listens to you so attentively and tucks your hair behind your ear because it's distracting, and goes '???' when you get flustered and pause all of a sudden

you have his all his pcs and enhypen's signed albums because gf privileges with jake are real

one time, you were lucky enough to get a fan call with him and boy spend the whole time professing his love to you

overall an outstanding bf, highly recommended

[dwobbitfromtheshire]

I'm taking a break from my regularly scheduled fic to bring you this awkward and silly ficlet.

Robin loves Eddie, much like an annoying younger sister would, and she wanted to get him this really awesome ring for his birthday. She supposed she could have asked him for his ring size, but then that would have been too easy. So, she's here with Steve, in Eddie's new bedroom, to steal one of his rings.

"I feel like there are other ways to do this," Steve said.

"This is my plan," Robin said. "Shh!"

"There's no one here, Robin," Steve hissed. "This is so stupid. Hurry."

"I'm trying. He doesn't keep his rings in a jewelry box like a normal person," Robin said.

"Would you really want Eddie to be normal?" Steve asked.

"Nah," she said, smiling fondly. "I love that weirdo."

Suddenly, there was the sound of van tires squealing out side.

"Oh, fuck!" Robin cursed.

"Hurry it up!" Steve said, snapping his fingers.

The sound of Eddie making his way up the stairs heightened their panic.

"Fuck!" Eddie cursed and they jumped. "I forgot my pretzels."

The sound of him leaving caused them to sigh in relief. Steve motioned for her to hurry up. Robin let out a quiet screech when they heard the sounds of his footsteps. She raised her hands when she found the ring, and she rushed to Eddie's little balcony that was just outside his window. Steve followed her.

"No!" She whispered. "There's no room! Hide in the closet!"

"Why don't you hide in the closet?" Steve hissed at her.

"Oh, yeah, a lesbian in a closet? Very funny, Steve," Robin hissed.

"Actually, there's something that I wanted to tell you about me - ," Steve started to say.

"No time," she said and closed the window, catching Steve’s shirt in the process.

He tugged and tugged, but it wouldn't budge. Robin couldn't get the window back open. Meanwhile, Eddie's footsteps were getting closer.

"Robin!"

"Just slip out of your shirt, close the curtains, and hide in the closet!" Robin

Steve cursed at her, slipped out of his shirt, and closed the curtains. Meanwhile, Robin was balanced on this very small balcony. Did they really have to give the Munsons a two story house? She could hear the sound of Eddie coming into the bedroom, struggling to carry what sounds like several bags of pretzels. She rolled her eyes when she heard him toss them on his bed.

"Now, to work on my campaign," Eddie said and cackled until a loud sneeze came from his closet. "Okay. . .but wait, now I have to kick the shit out of whoever is hiding in the closet. Bet it's Dustin, always trying to sneak a peak at my notes - Oh helloooo, big boy. You know, my birthday isn't for another couple of weeks."

"I know, I got excited. I wanted to give you your gift early," Steve said.

"Well, happy birthday to me. Correct me if I'm wrong, but is my birthday gift you?" Eddie asked.

Robin's eyes widened. No fucking way.

". . .yes."

Oh, holy shit. That's what Steve had been trying to tell her, and she. . . She practically shoved him into a fucking closet. Jesus. Suddenly, she heard the sound of loud moaning. Oh, they were kissing. Oh, she hoped they were kissing. Shit, she was going to have to listen to this, wasn't she? She was going to have to listen as her best friend lost his guy virginity. The sound of the pretzels being pushed off the bed made her wince. She was screwed, just like Steve was about to be.

"Wait, Eddie," Steve said. "You should know that you're the first guy that I've been with ever. Until I met you, I didn't even know I could like guys. I thought it was one or the other. I never thought it could be both."

Oh, Steve. Robin held a hand to her mouth, struggling not to say anything.

"Baby, I promise to be as gentle with you as you want me to be," Eddie said.

"The thing is that I think I got so excited about being with you that I think I forgot to be nervous. Now, I'm nervous and worried that I'm going to screw things up. In the past, I kind of rushed it in this department, and I just . . . ," Steve said.

"Want to take things slow?" Eddie asked in amusement. "Of course, I'll take anything that you can give me. You know why?"

"Why?"

"Because I love you, silly," Eddie said.

"I love you too, Eddie," Steve said, and she could tell her friend's voice was thick with emotion.

Tears filled her eyes. Fuck. She loved Eddie even more now.

"You just have to have to answer me one thing," Eddie said. "Why is your shirt hanging in the window? You didn't close the curtains all the way."

"Uh, I got nervous and panicked, then my shirt got stuck," Steve replied.

"Oh, yeah, that window is tricky. I have been meaning to fix it," Eddie said. "Let me get that."

"Wait!"

Robin froze, eyes wide as she heard Eddie come close to the window. A moment later, the window was opened, and Steve’s shirt was free.

'Tada!" Eddie exclaimed and then popped his head out the window. "Oh, hey, Robin."

He pulled his head back in again. There was a pause, and then Eddie's head was out the window once more. He stared at her, blinking.

"Coo! Coo!" Robin panicked.

[scarletgray]

Soukoku fic 5+1 Things

sskk if you squint

(this is my first fic ever 😭 i dont have a title for this so suggestions are welcome!)

5. Comfort

The sheep took good care of him. They taught him many things. They taught him how to read and write. They told him about different types of food. How to talk to people. How to play rock, paper, scissors and how to shoot a gun. They were the first people in his life whatever miserable way it started. The sheep would always be a part of him and he would carry them with him no matter where he went or who he was. But the most important thing they taught him, he thinks, is how to comfort someone when they're upset.

He remembers the day a stray cat Yuan had picked up and brought back died. It had upset Chuuya greatly too. But he had known it would happen. The small, dirty white kitten they couldn't take care of when they could barely take care of themselves was bound to die. He remembers yuan sobbing in the corner of their rackety hideout. She wouldn't eat for days. Chuuya was starting to panic. So he did what he does best. He went up to her and told her exactly what was on his mind.

"Hey..." he said, cringing at the sorry attempt of a soft voice.

"Hey listen I know you're upset but will you please stop crying and eat something. You'll get sick." he said, mouth twisting downwards.

Yuan had stopped crying then, looking up at him with her tear streamed face. Chuuya really wished he could take her pain away.

"Is this your way of comforting me?" she asked incredulously.

Comfort? He hadn't known what she meant. He didn't know how else to say it. He had no other way of showing his concern.

After seeing the confused look on his face she let out a little laugh. Chuuya jumped at the sound.

"You look like a puppy tilting your head like that" she smiled, still teary eyed.

Chuuya scowled at that, though secretly happy she was smiling again.

"What else was I s'posed to say?" he mumbled, kicking at the ground lightly.

Yuan smiled at him. It was a sad smile. And then Chuuya thinks that for the rest of his life, he'll never forget the look on Yuan's face and what she said next.

"You don't have to say anything." she had said.

Then she stood up and walked towards him. Gently, she started pulling his hands out of his pockets. He tensed, but let her guide his arms around her abdomen and then slowly wrapped her arms around him too.

"What are you doing?" he asked, blushing at the proximity. The touch of another human felt foreign to him, even after so many years with the sheep.

"This is called a hug." she giggled, "It's how you comfort someone when they're sad."

"Oh." he mumbled, warmth spreading through his chest. "But I'm supposed to be comforting you?"

She hugged him harder. Urging him to tighten his arms around her too. He felt as if he was floating. He looked down to see if he accidentally activated his ability but was met with the sight of yuan's feet on the ground. Huh.

"I know chuuya is sad too." She whispered quietly. "Doesn't this make you feel better?"

Chuuya was taken aback. Had he been sad the kitten had died? He thought of it now, and how adorable it had been. How the tiny mewing had all the kids laughing. How everyone had still been fighting over a name for it when it fell ill. Yes. He was sad too. He just didn't express it as strongly as Yuan did.

"Yeah. Yeah it does. I'm sorry Yuan." he said, burying his face in her pink hair. He felt a prickling sensation in his eyes. Is this how it felt to be held? Chuuya never wanted to let go.

She backed away from him first.

"Next time you want to comfort someone and you don't know what to say, hug them. It will make them feel better."

And just like that Chuuya was left with a life lesson. When someone is sad you should give them a hug.

4. Fever

Chuuya wasn't sick.

He sneezed. Again. And then three more times.

Okay maybe he was sick. How could he have let this happen? He had rarely ever gotten sick back when he was living in the streets with the sheep. He was always healthy and at the top of his game. Was the mafia making him too lazy? He rarely did stuff on his own now that he had subordinates kissing the ground he walked on. Seriously, what was up with that? Ane-san said it's because they respect him and look up to him. Dazai said it's just because he's young and an easy mark to climb ranks with. He won't believe anything that the bastard tells him, but he can't quite agree with Ane-san either. Why would anyone wanna stay by his side? He winced, all that thinking was making his head hurt.

Speaking of Ane-san, he was walking down the hallway to her office when suddenly his head started spinning and his vision blurred. He quickly jerked his hand out grabbing the wall to keep his balance. The pain doubled, it was like someone was drumming a hammer against his skull. His eyes hurt.

“Chuuya?”

Oh shit. Ane-san was standing right in front of him. When did she get here? Chuuya looked up at her, squinting. He was met with the sight of her worried face.

“Lad are you alright?” She asked, frowning.

“Uh...” Chuuya couldn't form a coherent sentence. He couldn't move his body the way he wanted to. “Um…” he mumbled, unable to say anything else.

Kouyou’s face mellowed out. She bent forward lifting his face up with one hand and tilting his hat back with the other before softly pressing her lips against his forehead.

Chuuya froze. What was she doing? He tried to take a deep breath that ended up with him inhaling her scent. She smelled sweet, like green tea and flowers. All of a sudden, he started to feel really sleepy. Chuuya felt his legs give out, just before he could eat the floor, Kouyou pulled him into her arms.

“You have a fever lad” she stated, clicking her tongue.

Fever? Oh right. He was sick.

“Sorry” he mumbled against her yukata, feeling oddly guilty for being this weak.

“Nonsense. Nothing to apologize for child,” She replied, slowly walking him towards her office.

She laid him down on the couch as soon as they entered. Chuuya closed his eyes. He could hear Kouyou moving around. The sound of clinking metal from a kettle and the click of a tea cup in a saucer slowly lulled him off to sleep…

“Lad…” said a faraway voice.

Chuuya woke up with a jolt and a hand on his shoulder gently pulling him upright. It felt like he had been asleep for eternity. He groggily opened his eyes. Ane-san was standing in front of him with a tea cup in her hand. She passed it to him.

“Drink this,” she said, patting his shoulder.

“Thank you” he mumbled. Bringing the cup to his lips and drinking the warm concoction. He had no idea what it was but it smelled soothing and immediately dulled the ache in his bones.

He continued taking small sips until he finished the drink. Kouyou took the cup out of his hands, putting it down somewhere behind her before turning back around and pressing her lips against his forehead. There. She did it again.

“You're still warm,” she hummed.

“What are you doing?” he questioned, still drowsy and confused. Why did she keep giving him forehead kisses?

Kouyou gave him a small smile.

“I'm checking your temperature, don't you know this is the best way to check?”

No. Chuuya did not know. He thought everyone checked it with their hand? He frowned, he still didn't know a lot of things huh.

He heard a laugh. He looked up, baffled. Did Ane-san just laugh?

Kouyou was hiding her face behind her fan but Chuuya could see the mirth in her eyes.

“You are so cute.” She said, pinching his cheek.

“What was that for?” Chuuya squawked, embarrassment making his cheeks heat up.

“Nothing nothing” she tutted, patting his shoulder again. “Go home lad, and get some rest.”

“But-”

“No buts. Go home, that's an order. And don't come back until your fever is gone. I'll be coming in to check every day.”

“You don't have to do that” he muttered, “Okay okay fine I'll rest,” he said childishly. He wasn't used to taking breaks.

He thanked Ane-san again, grabbing his hat from the couch and turning to leave. Being sick was so troublesome. But at least he got something good out of it.

Now he knows how to check someone for a fever.

3. Kiss it better

Dazai was having a bad day.

Which wasn't unusual. But today was an exceptionally bad day. He had been forced to go on another annoying mission by Mori-san that resulted in him getting stabbed in his side. It hurt. Dazai hated pain.

He sighed, wincing when the movement hurt his side even more. What else did he expect from useless subordinates who never carry his plans out correctly. It was times like this that he missed Chuuya. He never gets as much as a scratch when he has Chuuya guarding him like the protective dog that he is. Dazai started grinning to himself. Maybe he'll go check on Chuuya today. And annoy him so much he'll start his high pitched squeaking that's supposed to sound threatening. Ah yes, that'll distract him from the excruciating pain he was pretending to ignore.

Dazai started daydreaming about what kind of insults he'll use on the slug today, imagining Chuuya’s reaction to every single one. He zoned out a little too much and bumped into something tiny.

“Chuuya!!” he beamed, looking down knowing who it was immediately. There was only one person in the world who was so small.

Chuuya's unimpressed face was staring back at him.

“Watch where you're going bastard,” Chuuya snarled, sidestepping him and heading towards wherever he was trying to go. Now that just won't do, Dazai thought to himself.

“Apologies, I didn't see you there, you see I don't have a microscope with me, my mistake!” Dazai said cheekily and waited.

“What the fuck did you just say?!?!” Chuuya screeched, turning around and grabbing his collar. “I'm not that small shithead!”

There it was. Dazai started giggling. Chuuya's reaction never failed to amuse him.

“It's not my fault Chuuya is so tiny I can't see him,” Dazai jeered.

“Shut the fuck up I don't have time for this” Chuuya shoved him, hard.

Dazai doubled over wheezing. Okay maybe making the chibi angry wasn't such a good idea. Chuuya had pushed him exactly where he had gotten stabbed. Which, by the way, really, really, hurt. He could feel the blood starting to soak his bandages. Ugh he'd just wrapped them up too.

“Oi Dazai?” Chuuya's worried voice pulled him out of his internal grumbling.

Dazai peered up at him. Chuuya's worried face was really cute. Yes that's right. Dazai Osamu thought The Gravity Manipulator, Most Dangerous Ability User, and former King of the Sheep Nakahara Chuuya was very, very cute.

Dazai had long accepted the fact that he liked Chuuya. From the moment he saw him, buried in rubble, and a boot planted on his chest. He had felt something in his hollow heart. Chuuya made him feel human. Made whatever small, cold heart of his burn with affection. Dazai could not escape it, nor did he want to. He let it consume him, he drowned in it. Being with Chuuya was like being on fire. He'd never admit it of course, but he was sure it was quite obvious. However, the mafia was no place for love. So he'd keep those feelings to himself. Besides, if he'd had to take a guess, from the look on Chuuya's face right now, he'd say the slug might have a thing or two for him too.

“Shit you're bleeding.” said Chuuya, grabbing him and pulling him close. “Why the fuck didn't you say anything idiot”

“I didn't think Chuuya would hit me,” he whined.

“You asked for it, asshole” Chuuya grumbled.

“Chuuya's mean” Dazai pouted, “I'm bleeding because of Chuuya and he's bullying me”

“You're the bully” he retorted, and then without warning, lifted Dazai into his arms bridal style.

“Wha- What are you doing!? Stupid slug put me down!” Dazai yelped. He could feel his cheeks warming up. Stupid chibikko, how dare he manhandle dazai when he's so much bigger than him!

“I will,” Chuuya nodded, “In the infirmary.”

“Hatrack” he taunted, putting his arms around Chuuya's neck in a futile attempt to strangle him. Chuuya kept walking infuriatingly unaffected.

“Mackerel”

“Petite Mafia”

“Waste of bandages”

“Double black small”

“LAY OFF OF MY SIZE JACKASS I'M 17 I'M STILL GROWING!!”

“That's what Chuuya said when we were 15 and yet you didn't grow an inch.”

“I did and you know it!”

Their banter was cut short when they arrived at the infirmary. Chuuya unceremoniously dropping him on one of the beds.

“Ouch! Chuuya's such a brute!” Dazai complained.

“Hold still shitty Dazai,” Chuuya responded.

Chuuya started pulling his coat back and lifting his shirt, inspecting the blood soaked bandages.

“I'm taking these off.” he said and then looked at Dazai as if waiting for his permission. Ah, his dog really was so cute.

Dazai didn't say anything, leaning back on his arms, giving Chuuya the space to unwind the bandages. Chuuya nodded in silent understanding, and softly began to unwrap the blood stained strips, careful not to agitate the wound. Dazai knew he felt guilty for opening the wound, and took it as his responsibility to patch it up again. That's just who Chuuya was. A boy with a heart too big for his tiny body. It was one of things he loved about him.

Chuuya worked in silence. With full focus, tongue peeking out of the corner of his mouth. Dazai watched him working so seriously, wrapping the bandages like his life depended on it, and he couldn't help a little chuckle that escaped him.

“The fuck are you laughing about” Chuuya grunted.

“Nothing.” said Dazai tilting his head to the side with a smile as he started humming a tune and kicking his feet, feeling content.

Chuuya raised a brow. “Do you have a fever?” he asked, then out of the blue, pressed his lips against Dazai's forehead.

What. the. hell.

Dazai shrieked. Why was Chuuya suddenly kissing him!?!? Chuuya's lips were soft and warm against his skin. The touch burning his entire face. He could feel the blood rushing up to his head. He started feeling faint. Oh maybe that was the blood loss.

“What are you doing?!?” Dazai squeaked.

Chuuya looked at him confused, “Checking your temperature obviously? You're burning up dumbass.”

“And that's how you check!?”

“Duh. Ane-san told me it's the best way.” Chuuya stated like it was common sense.

“And you believed her?”

“Yes…?” Chuuya said slowly, as if it was the simplest thing in the world .

Now because Dazai is a genius it took him only 3 seconds to figure out what was going on. Then he grinned maniacally.

“I see,” he said, “Chuuya's really stupid.”

“The fuck is that supposed to mean!?” Chuuya growled, then suddenly started smiling, “What you didn't know that huh? I wouldn't expect you to.” he stated smugly.

“Yes yes I didn't,” Dazai said. Chuuya started pulling away from him. Yeah no, Dazai just could not let this opportunity go to waste.

“Wait, where are you going? Aren't you gonna kiss it better?” he cooed, innocently.

“What the fuck are you on about now”

Dazai was trying to hold it in, he really was.

“Doesn't Chuuya know you're supposed to kiss it better?” He said, “It hurts and it's Chuuya's fault!”

“What kinda fucking rule is that?” Chuuya asked incredulously.

“Of course Chuuya doesn't know,” he sighed dramatically, “When your partner gets hurt you're supposed to kiss them better.”

“No?” Chuuya didn't know anything about this!

“I understand,” he nodded, trying not to laugh out loud, “It's only natural Chuuya doesn't know about this after all he's just a teeny tiny dog with an even tinier brain-”

He was cut off as Chuuya swooped down and kissed his cheek soundly, exhaling softly against his face before pulling back.

Dazai exe. has stopped working.

Chuuya was staring at him, cheeks furiously red and frowning cutely. “Like that?”

Dazai couldn't take it anymore. He burst out laughing, doubling over, giggles racking his frame. Tears started gathering in the corner of his eyes.

“The- The wound! N-Not my face!” he wheezed between the laughter.

He didn't think Chuuya could blush any harder but he was proven wrong as Chuuya's entire face turned red. Chuuya started shaking with anger or embarrassment he couldn't tell but it was a sight to see.

“You lying piece of shit!!” Chuuya screamed and started shaking him back and forth while trying to strangle him.

“Wait! Wait! I wasn't lying,” Dazai said, wiping the corner of his eyes, “It's the truth, it doesn't hurt anymore,” And it was the truth. The wound didn't hurt one bit. He felt no pain at all. His insides were all giddy. Chuuya really was the best medicine.

“Whatever, fuck you Dazai,” Chuuya huffed, “Now go home and heal properly and stay the fuck out of my way.”

“Chibi wait,”

“Fucking what.”

“You know you're not supposed to do this with anyone else right? Only your partner.” Dazai had to make sure Chuuya wouldn't go around kissing everyone's wounds better. He wouldn't put it past him. He couldn't believe how gullible the slug was!

“I know that!” Chuuya yelled, slamming the door on the way out.

Dazai sat there for a long time, daydreaming about all the ways he could get hurt in missions and all the kisses that would be his reward.

2. Hold hands

Chuuya knocked on the double doors two times before letting himself in the boss's office. He barely set a foot in before placing a hand on his hat and ducking to dodge the flying shoe that whizzed past his head.

“Stupid Rintarou, I hate you!”

Chuuya sighed. Today was going to be a long day.

“Boss, I'm here.” Chuuya spoke, his voice getting ignored.

“You always do this! I said I wanna go eat sweets. I don't want to go shopping for stupid clothes!” Elise cried, flapping her arms around.

“But Elise-chan, just one store please, I promise we'll go for sweets after~” Mori whined pathetically. Chuuya coughed, loudly.

“Oh Chuuya-kun you're here,” Mori said, immediately reverting to a serious demeanor.

“Yes boss.”

“Chuuya!” Elise noticed him now as well. “I'll just go with him.”

Oh no.

“But Elise-chan I called Chuuya here today for an important job.”

“I don't care, I want to go with Chuuya now!” She declared.

“But-”

“Shut up Rintarou! I'm going with Chuuya,” She turned towards him pleading, “You'll take me won't you Chuuya?”

“Ummm” He looked at the boss, who seemed conflicted. Mori glanced at Elise from the corner of his eye. She stuck her tongue out at him. Eventually Mori sighed and reclined against his chair.

“I guess it can't be helped,” he said, “Please take care of her for the day Chuuya-kun.”

Chuuya sighed internally. “As you wish,” he answered, bowing down.

“Yay!!” Elise cheered, running up to his side, “Let's go” she demanded, grabbing his coat and pulling him towards the doors.

___________

The sky was clear, a gentle breeze swaying through Yokohama city. Well, at least it was a nice day out, Chuuya thought to himself. Elise was skipping beside him, arms swinging and humming a melody to herself.

They were walking towards the shop Elise wanted to try out when they saw a huge crowd in the way. Chuuya paused. Even though he had forgone his hat and cloak, he could still be recognized. If an enemy identified them there'd be trouble. He turned towards Elise.

“Alright stay close, let's be careful just in case.”

Elise simply held her hand out to him.

“What?” he said

She rolled her eyes, “Hold my hand, you're always supposed to hold hands when going through a crowd.”

He didn't know that. Damn it! He still had a lot to learn.

“Of course,” he said, taking her hand and pushing through the crowd. As he was walking he noticed two girls, hands clasped together and they made their way through. Chuuya had thought it was just for kids but apparently not. There were two other friends, one holding on to the sleeve of the other. It made sense to hold hands so they wouldn't lose each other. It was safer too.

He spent the entire day buying sweets for Elise. He could have sworn they went to every dessert store in the city. It ended up being a relaxing but tiring day for him. When he fell into his bed that evening he thought of all the people that he saw holding hands today. When he learned something new he always noticed it everywhere around him.

You're supposed to hold hands in crowded areas huh.

1. Your one and only

Chuuya wanted to go home.

He'd been gone for too long. He'd been sent abroad for a mission direct orders from the boss. He didn't think it would take that long but he'd been here for months. Waking up in France with a beautiful view outside his window was nice enough but he missed Yokohama. He missed Ane-san. Heck he even missed that shitty Dazai. And that was saying something. He couldn't stop the longing he felt increase with every passing day. He missed home.

He was looking forward to going back. Any day now, he'd get a call from the boss telling him to return. Suddenly someone slammed the door of his hotel room open. A subordinate stood there panting. “Chuuya-san! We've received orders to return to Yokohama immediately!”

Chuuya frowned, feeling uneasy. Why didn't the Boss or Ane-san call him? Immediately? Not that he wasn't happy to return; it just felt so sudden.

“Get the plane ready, we'll leave in 3 hours.”

“Yes sir” he bowed before running back out.

Chuuya sat back down on the chair and looked out the window. He'd better start packing. He couldn't shake the feeling of something wrong but at the same time he felt relieved. He was finally going back home.

___________

Chuuya landed in Yokohama at 1:45 A.M. He walked out of the airport slowly. He had been tense the whole flight. He took a deep breath. The air smelt like the sea and city dust. He allowed himself to relax a little.

He started thinking about what he'd want to do first. He could sleep for 2 days straight. Except he wouldn't even get 8 hours of rest before Dazai would barge into his apartment to raid his fridge and start whining about how annoying Akutagawa is. He snorted at the thought. Even after all his complaints and harsh words Chuuya knew he was fond of the kid. He frowned as his thoughts took a dark turn. What if that Bastard messed up his wine collection?!? Or put slime in all of his jacket pockets?! He shuddered, fearing for his wardrobe. He wanted to go to his apartment immediately.

His thoughts were interrupted by a beep and a buzzing sensation in his pocket. He pulled out his phone to see an incoming call from an unknown number. Weird. He answered the call, bringing it up to his ear.

“Hello?”

There was no answer. He could hear someone breathing on the other side. He waited.

“Oi,'' he tried again. Still nothing. Damn scam callers. Just as he was about to end the call he heard a faint whisper.

“Chuuya.”

Chuuya pressed the phone back to his ear recognizing the voice instantly, “Dazai? Why didn't you answer shithead?”

“Chuuya,” Dazai repeated softly. Why did he sound like that?

“Oi what's wrong?” Chuuya frowned. He was starting to get worried. Dazai sounded so tired.

“Does Chuuya know you only have one partner for the rest of your life?” Dazai said suddenly.

What? Where did that come from? No whiny annoying greetings? No wailing about how he hoped the plane crashed on the way here? Did Dazai even know he was back? “What do you mean shitty Dazai?”

“Like Verlaine and Randou-san,” Dazai clarified, as if that made this bizarre conversation make any more sense, “Even after they betrayed each other and thought the other died, they still call themselves partners.”

That was true. Even now that Randou-san was gone, Aniki still always spoke so fondly about him. Chuuya saw the look on Verlaine's face when he talked about him, and he could see how miserably he missed his partner. And he had remembered the way Randou-san had fought valiantly against him. He knew they had something special between them. Something not even death could take away.

“Yeah so? What of it?”

“Chuuya will be mine forever right?”

Now Chuuya was really started to freak out. He tried to tell himself it meant nothing, and that this was just another one of Dazai's shenanigans.

“What did I do to deserve such a shitty partner for life?” he sighed teasingly.

He heard Dazai suck in a breath as if he'd taken a punch to the gut. Then he heard a small laugh alongside, “Too bad, Chuuya's stuck with me forever.”

“Curse my luck,” he clicked his tongue, but the worry was starting to build up and he started flexing his hands in his gloves trying to calm down. Before he could ask what the fuck was going on Dazai's voice crackled through the phone.

“Goodbye Chuuya.” Dazai breathed.

Goodbye? Why did Dazai sound like he was dying? Why wasn't anyone telling Chuuya anything?!?

“Wait-”

The phone started beeping signaling the call had ended. Chuuya felt frustration take a hold of him. He smashed the buttons of his phone calling back on the number.

“The number you have dialed does not exist please try again later.” the machine replied automatically.

“Fuck!” Chuuya was about to try again when he received a message that made the blood freeze in his veins.

Dazai Osamu has turned traitor to the Port Mafia

He shook his head. No it couldn't be. He was just talking with the bastard for heaven's sake! He needed answers. He left his luggage right there as he activated his ability and shot towards Port Mafia Headquarters in a blur of black and red. He landed with a crash outside within seconds. A few guards stationed outside jumped before they recognized him and opened the doors.

Chuuya took the elevator up to the top floor. He didn't knock. He slammed the doors open and entered to the sight of Mori and Kouyou conversing quietly.

“What the hell is going on?” he asked as calmly as he could.

Kouyou replied, “Dazai has been missing for 2 weeks. We've ascertained that he has betrayed the Port Mafia.”

“Dazai?” Chuuya raised a brow. “Dazai Osamu youngest Port Mafia executive? That's hilarious.”

Kouyou shook her head, “It's true.”

Mori turned his eerie gaze towards him, “Chuuya-kun you know Dazai-kun best, you are his partner after all, do you have any idea where he could be hiding?”

Chuuya thought of the stupid suicidal bastard. Idiot enough to betray the Port Mafia. Yes he knew where he was. Chuuya always did. Like the Boss said, he was his partner.

“Chuuya will be mine forever right?” Stupid fucking asshole. Chuuya would kill him the next time he saw him.

“No Boss,” he replied. Then laughed “So that bastard left huh? Good riddance.” he turned to leave. “If you'll excuse me boss I'm a little tired from running here like a dog and I left my stuff at the airport, I'd like to go home with your permission.”

“Of course, of course take the day off tomorrow too, oh and Chuuya-kun?”

He looked back, “Yes?”

“Kouyou here tried to call you as soon as you landed but your number was busy.” Mori said accusingly, gaze so sharp Chuuya felt it could cut him.

“Scam.” Chuuya said without a thought. Mori looked like he didn't believe him. Chuuya held his gaze.

“Alright, you're free to go,” Mori said, still staring at Chuuya as if he could taste the lie.

He bent his head respectfully, leaving the room.

___________

Chuuya reached home at around 3 am, dropping his luggage on the floor and face planting on the couch. He was exhausted, yet he couldn't bring himself to sleep. He sighed, getting up and grabbing his keys as he left the building, heading towards the parking lot. His mind was reeling with a million questions. Why did Dazai leave? Exactly what had happened while Chuuya was gone? A late drive would calm him down.

Chuuya hit the unlock button on his key when his car exploded with a flash and an ear cracking boom, the force making his body fly backwards. He immediately used his ability to land safely, but let himself fall down as soon as his feet hit the ground.

Fuck it he should've stayed in France.

+1

Atsushi sat in his chair patiently waiting for the Port Mafia representative to show up. After fighting together to save Yokohama for years, the relationship between the Port Mafia and the Agency were never better. What had started with a simple truce had turned into a trusting partnership with members often coming together for joint missions. He didn't know who was coming in today. He hoped it wasn't Akutagawa.

Someone knocked on the door and Atsushi jumped up, opening the door at once. Chuuya was standing on the other side.

“Ah good morning Chuuya-san,” he said.

Chuuya lifted a brow, smirking he said, “You sound disappointed. Were you expecting someone else?”

“No!” Atsushi yelped, blushing. Really? Was it that obvious? “I wasn't expecting Akutagawa!” Atsushi defended himself.

“I never said who.”

“Oh.” Atsushi wanted to crawl into a hole.

Chuuya chuckled, “Don't worry kid, I think he wanted to be here too. He told me to say hi or I think it went something like “I'll kill you next time fool” I can't be too sure.”

“Chuuya!” Dazai yelled excitedly from somewhere behind him.

Atsushi saw Chuuya’s face turn to a look of disgust faster than anything. It was incredible really. Dazai pulled up to his side smiling mischievously.

“Why hello there chibi I almost didn't see you,” Oh dear, here we go again. “Say, did the slug get smaller?” Dazai cooed sweetly.

A vein twitched on Chuuya's forehead.

“I'm not in the mood for your games today asshole.” Chuuya sneered, shoving past him to hand some papers to Kunikida, nodding in greeting.

Dazai pouted, “Chibi is no fun.”

Atsushi shook his head fondly, silently glad that Chuuya-san decided to act like the bigger person today and not smash a chair over Dazai-san's head. That would've disturbed Kyouka-chan. Atsushi frowned, eyes going to where she was resting on the couch. She had come in with him today despite feeling sluggish. Atsushi felt ashamed for not having realized she was sick. Yosano had given her a pill and banned her to the couch. Chuuya seemed to have noticed her there as he walked towards her.

“What’s wrong Kyouka-chan?” he inquired, gently patting her head.

Kyouka slowly opened her eyes, “Chuuya-nii?” she mumbled.

“She's sick,” Dazai answered for her, walking towards them, “Little Kyouka-chan doesn't know when to rest hmm? Just like a certain chibi.”

“Fuck off,” Chuuya muttered and then bent down, softly pushing her bangs out of the way and pressing his mouth to her forehead. Atsushi's jaw dropped while Kyouka just leaned forward, completely unaffected.

He couldn't help himself, “Chuuya-san! what are you doing??” he whisper screamed.

Chuuya looked at him unimpressed, “Checking her for a fever obviously,” he deadpanned “She's alright thankfully.”

“That's right Atsushi-kun don't you know that's the best way to check?” Dazai-san added, smiling impishly.

It's really not. Atsushi wanted to counter but when he saw the devilish sparkle in Dazai-san’s eyes, he told himself not to question it.

Chuuya gave Kyouka a brotherly headbutt before walking towards Atsushi. “Guess it's just you and me then huh.” he said.

Right. Since Atsushi and Kyouka were the ones assigned to the mission today. It would be Atsushi's first time on a mission alone with Chuuya. He was kind of nervous. Dazai-san, perceptive as ever, noticed this.

“I can come along,” Dazai offered cheerfully.

“Absolutely the fuck not,” Chuuya replied with zero hesitation, “The kid and I can handle it we don't need your useless ass getting in the way.”

“But Kyouka-chan was supposed to go with you, it's a three person mission!” Dazai whined.

“Combat abilities are required and you're a weak piece of shit,” Chuuya stated mercilessly “Face it mackerel we're better off without you.”

“Not true and you know it, my strategies will make it easier to finish the job.”

Chuuya couldn't argue with that. He settled for glaring at him instead. Atsushi watched Dazai stare Chuuya down with a smug smirk. Atsushi knew that they were known as the most fearsome duo in all of Japan. He could imagine Akutagawa ranting about how lucky he was to go on a mission with The Double Black.

Chuuya sighed. He looked like he was about to give in when Kenji walked in the room.

“Oh hello Chuuya-san!”

At the sound of Kenji's voice, Chuuya visibly brightened up, turning away from Dazai.

“Hey kid.” he smiled going over to greet Kenji. The mafioso clearly had a favorite here at the agency. Well, Kenji was everyone's favorite.

“What were you guys talking about?” Kenji asked.

Chuuya sighed, pointing towards Dazai “This idiot wants to go with us on the mission instead of Kyouka-chan.”

“Chibi is the idiot,” Dazai sniffed.

“Ah that mission” Kenji nodded.

Recently a group of strong ability users started terrorizing Yokohama. Atsushi thought it was a dumb move since the city was under both the Port Mafia and the Armed Detective Agency's protection. No one stood a chance. Yet they were doing some significant damage and were able to take down some of the Mafia members. Hence, the decision to send the higher ups on a joint mission.

“I think it's alright since Kyouka-chan was supposed to go with you guys,” Kenji piped up, “Besides Dazai-san is actually super smart so he'll be helpful!”

“How right you are Kenji-kun!” Dazai beamed shoving Chuuya aside to pat him on the head, “Finally someone who appreciates me.” Dazai shook his head in mock despair.

“Fucking fine whatever lets go,” Chuuya said, sending a glare in Dazai's direction, “And if you get it the way I'm gonna kill you.”

“Please,” Dazai scoffed, “It's going to be a piece of cake.”

___________

It was a disaster.

“I'm going to fucking kill you.” Chuuya hissed, while pressing down on the gaping wound on Dazai's stomach.

Meanwhile, Atsushi was trying not to have a panic attack. Dazai-san had taken a bad hit. He takes it back. These people were not foolish. They were insanely strong. A dozen ability users, two of them with long range attacks through inanimate objects somewhat like Chuuya's ability, and Dazai was unable to nullify the attack. A huge shard of metal struck him straight in the gut while Chuuya had been too busy guarding their backs. Atsushi hated himself at that moment. He should've been fast enough to stop it. He should've protected Dazai. All that training just for-

Dazai let out a small giggle, making Atsushi's mind go blank.

“Are you fucking laughing right now?” Chuuya asked furiously, “Is this fucking funny?”

“It's kind of funny,” Dazai coughed wetly, blood spilling from his lips. A series of gunshots started hitting the pillar they had taken cover behind. Chuuya let out a string of curse words.

“Chuuya I have to tell you something before I die.” Dazai wheezed out.

“Shut the fuck up.” Chuuya replied with a voice as calm as a raging storm.

“Don't die Dazai-san!” Atsushi cried. He was so close to bawling. He couldn't fathom Dazai-san just dying like this.

“He's not dying you idiot,” Chuuya slapped the back of his head.

“Don't be mean to Atsushi-kun!” Dazai coughed out with another spurt of blood.

“I THOUGHT I TOLD YOU TO SHUT THE FUCK UP.”

Atsushi started feeling hysterical. What the fuck was going on here.

“Kid!” Chuuya yelled, pulling Atsushi out of his mind, tugging him with one hand with the rest of his body still protectively curled over Dazai, “Fucking focus!”

“I'm sor-”

“Fuck that, hold on to this waste of bandages,” Chuuya cut off with a curse as another bang sounded behind them, shaking the ground, “I'm going to kill every single one of those fuckers.” Chuuya whispered darkly.

Dazai let out another wheeze. It sounded a lot like the word “hot” but Atsushi is going to ignore that.

Chuuya cradled Dazai in his arms before passing him to Atsushi, “Hurts,” Dazai let out in a small voice.

For a second Chuuya's eyes softened and his face turned so loving Atsushi wanted to close his eyes. Then Chuuya bent down close to Dazai's face, rubbing their foreheads together before whispering, ever so sweetly, “If you die, I'm going to gut you like a fish.” Then he let go of Dazai and stepped out behind the pillar, glowing red with his ability.

Atsushi broke out in cold sweat as he heard bones crunching, and violent screams coming from the enemies that got to experience the rage of Nakahara Chuuya.

Dazai sighed lovingly in Atsushi's arms.

Atsushi never wanted to work with them again.

___________

The next day, Atsushi was back at the Agency glad that the fiasco was over. It turns out they didn't really need Atsushi or Dazai. They didn't need anyone actually. Chuuya was enough to absolutely demolish any enemy that dared to threaten the peace in Yokohama.

He walked towards Yosano’s office, wanting to check in on Dazai. He had taken a fatal blow but thanks to Chuuya completely obliterating the enemy in seconds, they'd made it safely back in time for Dazai to get treated. As he got closer to the door he heard yelling. Oh right. Chuuya had not left Dazai's side since then. It was the next day though. Does that mean he'd slept over? Atsushi once again decided not to think about this. He knocked on the door twice before stepping in.

“Umm,” Atsushi tried, “I brought some medicine.”

“Ouch! Ouch! Chuuya it hurts!!”

“It wouldn't hurt if you stopped trying to move you stupid shit!”

“Chuuya's being mean!”

“Chuuya will fucking kill you if you don't shut up and lay back down!”

Dazai pouted. Watering his eyes and batting his impossibly long lashes, he turned his big doe eyes towards Chuuya, making that dreaded, kicked puppy face.

“Chuu it hurts a lot.” Dazai whimpered, “Kiss it better?”

Atsushi winced waiting for the inevitable outcry of “Shut the fuck up that's fucking disgusting!” coupled with a slap that would surely end Dazai-san's life for good this time but what happened next was something he could'nt have conjured up even in his most wildest dreams.

Chuuya sighed, exasperated. “Fucking baby,” he mumbled.

And then, he tucked Dazai's hair behind one ear, pressed his gloved hand to his cheek and pulled him forward so lovingly Atsushi's eyes hurt from watching. He tried to look away, but stood there frozen as Chuuya kissed Dazai's cheek, staying against it for a few seconds with his eyes closed and then nuzzling against his face before pulling away.

“There are you fucking happy?”

The sound of glass shattering made Chuuya and Dazai whip their heads to see Atsushi standing at the door with his mouth agape and the medicine bottle cracked into splinters on the floor.

Atsushi met his mentor's eyes only to have his mind completely blue screen at the flushed and giddy look on his face. He'd never seen Dazai look so, well, alive before. They stared at each other before Chuuya broke the silence.

“What the fuck kid, you wasted the medicine!”

“You!” Atsushi couldn't ignore this any longer, “You- You just kissed Dazai-san!”

Chuuya looked annoyed, “He was in pain, dumbass.”

“SO YOU KISSED HIM?!?!”

“What the fuck are you so spooked about?” Chuuya said, raising his brows.

“THAT'S NOT NORMAL!”

“Yes it is.” Dazai interrupted, "Atsushi-kun don't you know you're supposed to kiss wounds better?”

“HE DIDN'T EVEN KISS THE WOUND?!?!”

“Shut up both of you.” Chuuya snapped.

“Are you guys dating?!?!” Atsushi screamed.

“NO” they both yelled in unison.

Atsushi eyed them suspiciously. Yeah there was definitely something going on. He watched Dazai pull on a long strand of Chuuya's hair to bring his attention back to himself. Chuuya slapped it away. Dazai pouted and held his hand to his chest mournfully. Chuuya grabbed said hand and kissed the back of it. Rubbing the red stinging mark he'd inflicted himself with his thumb. Dazai giggled.

On second thought, he didn't want anything to do with this.

“Okay uh.. I'll take my leave then! Goodbye Dazai-san, get well soon!” Atsushi rushed out before running out the room and slamming the door shut.

Dazai hummed amusingly. He moved his hand to slip his ring finger inside Chuuya's glove.

“Chuuya, we've been partners for 7 years and you know what they say after having spent so much time together you have to get married.”

“Oh really?”

“Yes, it's only natural.”

Chuuya looked at him, unimpressed. “You really think I'm that gullible, you stupid mackerel?”

“You have no idea,” Dazai muttered under his breath.

“What was that?”

“Nothing!”

Chuuya sighed dramatically, shaking his head. Seriously, with the way the chibi acted you would think he was 80 years old. Dazai started thinking of other ways he could convince Chuuya to be his dog forever. If he could trick him into signing those marriage papers nothing could come between them! Maybe he should just forge Chuuya's signature…

“Stop thinking of stupid shit!” Chuuya slapped the back of his head.

“Chuuya doesn't know me well at all, I was thinking of something very serious!”

“No you weren't, that's not your serious thinking face,” Chuuya stated plainly, as if it didn't just make Dazai's heart skip a beat. How dare Chuuya say the most romantic things so nonchalantly! Dazai wanted to swoon. Gross.

“Chibikkooooo, you have to!” he whined.

Chuuya let out an annoyed breath, and Dazai knew he'd won, “Fine, you stupid waste of bandages, I suppose if we have to.”

Dazai internally cheered. Outwardly, he put the papers in front of Chuuya. “Sign here.”

“WHY THE FUCK DO YOU HAVE THESE?”

“Stupid chibi, I'm always prepared.”

Chuuya looked at him. The man who destroys his apartment for shits and giggles, makes fun of his hats, hates dogs (seriously, what a monster) and makes his life actual hell. The same man who saved him from the sheep when they turned against him, and gave him a home when he had nowhere else to go. Who acts like he's heartless but cares so much more than anyone could imagine. Someone who's so smart yet dumb enough to think Chuuya actually falls for his stupid lies. The ridiculous man who just pulled marriage papers out of his ass the second his proposal was a success.

Chuuya had half a mind to tell the mackerel he wasn't 15 anymore, that he knew what he was up to but one look at those stupid, big, beautiful brown eyes, sparkling with joy at having thought he tricked him, he decided to play along. Oh how he'd burn the world for this idiot.

And so, Chuuya signs the papers. And wears a ring under his gloves where no one can see it. And lets a mackerel live in his house and dump his precious wine down the sink. He really is the most gullible person on earth.

[mieeaahhh]

A really looonngggg list of the most useless and boring all for the game head-cannons

Characters:

Neil Josten

He has those two crooked teeth at the sides of his mouth that look like ‘fangs’ and big two front teeth (me too, me too😔)

Wears caps backwards like a freak loser weirdo

He doesn’t care much about facial piercings but he ends up getting a few more ear piercings after awhile (and then he got a tongue piercing because someone told him he wouldn’t)

Regularly walks into glass doors and poles by accident and tries to play it off and act cool when really he just looks like an absolute dumbass

Sneezes like an old man

He wakes up from nightmares sometimes thinking his legs are gone and panics before realising that he’s okay and that he’s safe

Curly mullet curly mullet curly mullet curly mullet

His mum did his ear piercings for him as another way to change his appearance

Once woke up from a nightmare and punched Andrew instead of Andrew waking up from a nightmare and punching him. Andrew had never woken up so confused in his life and Neil burst out laughing while apologising and he immediately forgot about what his nightmare was about

Andrew Minyard

Once he starts relaxing more while sleeping in the same bed as Neil he starts sleep talking and it’s always about something ridiculous or completely random

I’ve said this so many times but idc. Andrew didn’t have any piercings until he moved in with Aaron and Nicky because Aaron has piercings and Andrew thought they were cool

Is good at baking and enjoys it but if you held a gun to his head and told him to cook dinner the gun would go off

When he was a kid he was really into space and constellations and sometimes he’ll point them out while on the roof with Neil

Covers his mouth with his hand or turns his face away when he laughs

He has Arfid? I think that’s what it’s called

Hides away whenever he’s sick because as a child people have gotten angry at him for being sick as it was ‘inconvenient’.

Aaron Minyard

Has slight claustrophobia from when Andrew locked him inside the bathroom. It’s not that bad most of the time but sometimes if the door gets stuck for a second or he’s in a small room for too long then he silently freaks out (he also hates going inside lifts)

Was really big on dinosaurs as a kid. his favourite teddy was a little terradactyl (idfk how to spell it I’ve been trying for ten minutes😭) and he still keeps it under his pillow

Gives the most nastiest looks to people without even realising

Mumbles to himself a lot about the things he’s doing like a narrator

The type of person to not know where their glasses are when they are on top of their head

Whenever he does something that makes him think the person he’s with will get angry with him he either freezes or makes himself smaller

Aaron has a weird thing with being perceived and will often stop doing something (like reading or whatever) if someone sees him/walks in until they go away.

Kevin Day

He’s autistic but only got diagnosed when he was in the foxes (like a few months or so after Wymack finding out he’s his dad and stuff)

Scared if butterflies the same way people are scared of wasps and bees

Sleeps face down and snores really loudly but is in denial about it

He has a keyring that he carries around with him everywhere because he was going to give it to Jean but never got the chance and now he feels it’s a bit late to do it now

Has the most beautiful handwriting

Nicky Hemmick

Really long eyelashes

Had a really bad and embarrassing emo phase that he refuses to talk about but one time the twins found old photos of it and framed them to mess with him

Tongue and smiley piercing

He’s in a the family group chat Erik has with his family

Opening up about his personal problems is hard for him. He thinks that if he’s upset about something then people will get annoyed with him and he’s scared of being an inconvenience

Renee Walker

Dyes her hair to match the holidays

She’s transgender mtf

The first time she died her hair was after she was adopted by Stephanie. She messed it up and Stephanie had walked in on her trying to fix it and offered to help her. It was one of the first things they really did together as mother and daughter

She always stands with her hands clasped together either in-front or behind her

She always has unique/fun hair-clips in her hair

Allison Reynolds

When she’s anxious about something she kinda just rubs her hands together or rubs them across her neck or legs repetitively

She LOVESSS shopping but always enjoys it more when someone is with her (it normally ends up being Neil, Seth or Renee)

Hips + bellybutton pierced🙌

When she was a kid she refused to wear anything but princess dress costumes and tiaras for like two years

A lot of her clothes/accessories or glittery or shimmery but she actually hates glitter because of how inconveniently messy it is

Kisses peoples cheeks to greet them

Matt Boyd

He’s the type of hugger that lifts up whoever it is he’s hugging (Aaron, Dan and Neil are victims of unexpectedly being lifted of the ground and seeing their life flash before their eyes)

Will, has and still does break it down to Brittney spear’s whenever she comes on

He has a tattoo on his hand on a flower and a tattoo on his shoulder of his exy number

He wanted to get both his eyebrows pierced but chickened out after getting the first one done

His favourite animal is a crocodile and has been since he was a little boy. His childhood toy was a teddy crocodile that he still keeps on his bed

Dan Wilds

The foxes all got Wymack a Father’s Day mug with their names signed on it once. It was Dans idea and it was a moustache on the bottom of it

She LOVES maximalist gold jewellery and is covered in it most of the time

During and after her time with the foxes she keeps in touch with her old work sisters and does secret Santa with them every year

Nose freckles nose freckles nose freckles

The teams ‘bonding’ activities are normally planned by her

Seth Gordan

He has dyslexia but is in denial about it and pretends he doesn’t know what dyslexia is💀

He is absolutely COVERED in freckles

He’s wanted to be a professional Exy player since he was a kid and it’s always what he’d tell people he was going to be before he joined the foxes. He lost hope in becoming one after signing with the team (kinda canon lmao?)

He looks the most like his father out of all his siblings

David Wymack

Proper BAWLED his eyes out at Dan and Matts wedding. It was the first time any of the foxes had seen him cry and they thought it was hilarious

Doesn’t know how to work a phone and holds it far away from his face like an old lady to read messages

Has a moustache🫡🤤😍🥰😘

Had an eyebrow piercing as a teenager but took it out YEARS ago

Abby Winfield

Was like super goth as a teenager

Has a tongue piercing and is a FAKE BLONDE🫵

Her only friend growing up was Betsy

Has a raspy voice🤤🤤

Betsy Dobson

Her style is very colourful and maximalist. She wears funky jewellery, crazy accessories and patterned tights, etc

She enjoys crocheting from time to time

She had a crush on Abby when they were in school with each other

Jeremy Knox

Big front teeth like a rabbit

Cries during sad movies. Like full on heaving sobs

Was very very shy as a kid and didn’t have many friends before the Trojans

He’s never really been aloud to do do things like dying his hair, dressing how he wants, going out more than a day a week if he was lucky, getting piercings etc etc so he’s honestly kind of afraid of being himself and a part of him still doesn’t really know who he is

Frecklesssss

A haver of the OCD🫡

Really bad at hiding his facial expressions. If you’re annoying him you WILL know about it but he won’t know that you know🧍

Jean Moreau

Moles EVERYWHERE

Sometimes he has days so bad that he struggles to even drink water because it feels like he’s choking

He’s very fidgety. Never sitting still for too long and whenever he’s holding something he’s always playing around with it in his hands. He fidgets very subtlety as he can though because he doesn’t want people to notice it

His favourite films are the buddy’s films

Absolutely SUCKS at any kind of game, board games, card games, video games etc he’s ridiculously bad at them

The toaster gives him a fright every single time it pops. Even when he pops it himself with the button

Resting sad face

Katelyn Mackenzie

She’s one of the cheerleaders that get thrown up in the air (I don’t know anything about cheerleading it isn’t really a thing where I live)

Her hair is really really curly and long

She’s the oldest sibling of four and the youngest is adopted

She’s always been quite popular amongst her peers growing up because of how kind, helpful and friendly she was but she’s never really had a best friend until the vixens (I like to think her best friend is a really goth girl in the cheer team)

Her part time job as a teenager was babysitting and she LOVED it

She’s 5,11

Groups:

The Monsters

They have a group-chat but they don’t really use it

Have all just fallen asleep in the car outside of Eden’s instead of driving home by accident a lot

They don’t take photos with each other but Nicky has taken sooooo many sneaky photos of them all

When Robin joins the foxes and eventually joins the monsters they all treat her as if she’s their little sister and her parents have invited them all for tea/dinner a few times

Kevin and Aaron are the only ones that can’t drive

Had a karaoke night once and have all agreed to never ever speak of it again

Once Andrew sorts his shit out Katelyn joins them in their outings sometimes

The upperclassmen

Go out for dinner together quite a lot

Were all bridesmaids/groomsmen at each-others weddings

They’ve got a group chat that is still used years after graduation even though they are all busy with their own lives now

They do those hangout things when they all make a PowerPoints about whatever they want and present it to each other etc yk?

They all have matching tattoos of their exy numbers

On the anniversary of Seth's death, the foxes and Wymack gather at Abby's place to have dinner together. They don't really talk about him but they leave one seat empty.

The floozies

They have BBQS together a lot

All have some sort of matching thing like a bracelet or t-shirt I just can’t think of what it would be lol

Cat and Laila have a photo wall/photo album full of photos of them all

They are always helping Jean have fun experiencing things he never got the chance too. He probably won’t tell them directly but he appreciates their patience

Kevin being obsessed with them is a bit of an inside joke of theirs. “Hey guys do you think I look okay in this?” “No but u know who would!” “If you say Kevin I’m punching you in the fucking face” (???) idk how else to demonstrate that LMAO

Love love love having sleepovers at Cat and Lailas

The Vixens

They were all weary of Katelyn’s boyfriend being Aaron grumpy loser pants Minyard but they eventually warmed up to him

When Melissa/Marissa(?) first joined the vixens after being in the foxes she struggled fitting in with everyone. Katelyn was the first friend she made on the team

Most of them are probably the nicest people you will meet in Palmetto and couldn’t care less about the foxes but a lot of them absolutely despise the foxes and want nothing to do with them

Katelyn has her own little group of friends in the vixens who Aaron eventually joined and is now the main source of their gossip (he mainly bitches about Neil and Andrew)

They all absolutely ADORE Robin

Relationships/couples (cannon and not lol):

Andrew and Neil

Andrew runs cold and has to sleep like he’s hibernating for the winter while Neil runs hot and needs a fan (Andrew hates the fan. It is enemy #1)

The cats were Andrews ‘idea’. (He found them outside and took them home without saying anything)

Neil has had to carry drunk andrew a few times because Andrew likes being difficult

The team all have AT LEAST one photo of them sleeping together . On the couch, in the bus, in their bed, ON THE ROOF? They all have one

Andrew enjoys shopping and has a wardrobe full to the brim with clothes. Neil just wears Andrews clothes most of the time

Andrew sits on Neil’s lap more than Neil sits on his but Neil LOVES holding Andrew’s hand

They bake together sometimes but it usually just ends up with them throwing flour at each-other (poor Andrews completely black outfits)

They both actually get ‘flustered’ quite easily around each-other but with Neil it’s literally Impossible to tell. Andrews entire face goes red but that’s IT

Andrew paints Neil’s nails sometimes when he’s bored (it’s obviously black nail varnish too)

Andrew let’s Neil pin his hands,eventually, enjoying being safe in his hold

Aaron and Katelyn

Katelyn is the big spoon🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

Katelyn enjoys baking but Aaron doesn’t so he is always just sitting on the counter and watching her bake

Aaron is a lot quieter/more insecure than Katelyn is so she’ll often be the one in control of the conversation whether it’s just them two or a group of people but Aaron is a lot more comfortable being himself when he’s with just her (Their a Sunshine and rain cloud basically🙄)

Katelyn’s parents ADORE Aaron

Aaron buys flowers for Katelyn every single time he comes over to see her. When they get a home together he buys her new flowers every week

Katelyn is a big kisser while Aaron is a big hugger

Katelyn always kisses Aaron repeatedly on the face when she’s trying out new lipstick (leaving him covered in lipstick marks how adorbs and lovely)

They are both very physically affectionate with eachother

Katelyn takes 0.5 photos of Aaron all the time trust

Dan and Matt

Matching pajamas🙏🙌🗣️

Randy absolutely loves Dan and is constantly going on about how lucky her son is and how beautiful Dan is etc etc

Matt is the type of guy to wear a t-shirt covered in pictures of dans face at the club or a “I <3 my GF” shirt

They do face masks together during movie nights

Matt absolutely WORSHIPS Dan and it’s so painfully sweet it causes tooth aches

They go on a date once a week after graduation

Wymack walked Dan down the isle at their wedding and was absolutely SOBBING while dancing was giggling at him

Matt doesn’t know how to tie a tie because he’s got hashtag daddy issues so Dan usually does it for him

Always touching somehow. Shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand etc

Seth and Allison

He liked her bossing him around👁️👁️

Sometimes when they were bored Seth would try do Alison’s makeup and she wasn’t aloud to help him and it always ended up with them cry laughing

Allison would help Seth shave his head when it got too long for him

Allison had Seth saved as “wife🏳️‍🌈” in her contacts LMFAO

After he died the foxes photo wall had a photo of him put up with his name and birth to death dates. Allison is the one who picked the photo

Allison always manhandled Seth into doing his skincare and eyebrows etc because she was NOT going to have a scruff as a boyfriend (he secretly enjoyed it)

He liked it when she scratched his back because of her long fake nails

She was the first real girlfriend Seth had (and the last)

Allison and Renee

Allison helps Renee dye her hair when Andrew isn’t around to help (sometimes they both help her at the same time)

Renee is silently a little shy around Allison and gets flustered at all the compliments and praise Allison gives her (Allison is head over heels and is very very much flustered but she can’t let people know that🙄🙄)

^They are basically just very awkwardly sweet with eachother

Allison always ricks Renee’s hair behind her ears

They go on picnic dates a lot during summer and spring

Renee fell first, Allison fell harder🫡

Stephanie is the embarrassing type of mother that’s always teasing her kid about their crush and she most definitely teased Renee about Allison

Renee makes homemade valentines gifts and Allison gets expensive valentines gifts

Allison loves Renee playing with her hair

Renee enjoys taking off Allison makeup for her at the end of the day and always kisses the tip of her nose when she’s done (taking the fake eyelashes off is her favourite part LMAO)

Allison has gone to church with Renee and Stephanie a few times during Christmas

Allison always kisses Renee’s wing tattoo

Renee reads before bed a lot and Allison falls asleep listening to her sometimes

Renee and Allison and Seth (hear me out I’m begging)

Renee and Seth are both dating Allison but they are not dating each-other 🙅‍♀️🙅‍♀️

They are both very playful competitive when it comes to Allison and she thinks it’s hilariously sweet

They have a groupchat named “Renee is cooler” and Seth is a dumbass who doesn’t know how to change the name

After Seth died Allison and Renee stopped dating for a while. Allison needed some time to herself and Renee was okay with that

Renee and Seth are low-key best friends (obviously! they have the same girlfriend) but pretend to be enemies in a way that’s like almost as if they are at war against each-others kingdom LMAO

They all go on dates together but they also take turns going on dates

Seth helped allison help dye Renee’s hair once and accidentally got the dye in his and Allison hair. He was never aloud to help again

Allison sleeps in the middle and they rotate the spooning lmao. One night Seth spoons Allison while Allison spoons Renee and another night it’ll be the other way around. Sometimes they are both just curled into Allison 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

Stephanie loves both Allison and Seth and often invited them over for dinner

They all had matching banquet outfits

Jeremy and Jean

Jeremy kisses jeans moles/Beauty marks and Jean kisses Jeremy’s freckles

They sleep facing each-other and so close that they are basically kissing 🙄

Jeremy likes playing with jeans hands when they cuddle and kisses his finger tips

Jeremy screams and runs from bugs while Jean picks them up and puts them outside

Nicky and Eric

At their wedding Nicky was walked down the aisle by Erik’s dad

Their first date was an aquarium date and it was also Nicky’s first time going to an aquarium

They have matching build-a-bears

When Nicky first moved back to take in the twins he and Erik called almost every single night. Nicky was so tired sometimes that he’d fall asleep while Erik was speaking

Nicky only taught the twins basic greetings and manners in German so that when they meet Erik they could at least greet each other but the twins learnt it fluently in their own time without Nicky knowing

Abby and Wymack

They got legally married but instead of a wedding they had a dinner party at their house

They cook together almost every night (Abby is cooking and Wymack is TRYING to cook)

They go on a date every Friday night if they can

They are both very private about their relationship and keep to themselves instead of parading their love around for everyone to see

Abby helps Wymack shave most of the time because he #sucks

They have a daughter together sometime in the future (probably wouldn’t happen but idc😒) and Kevin is her best friend. He buys presents and spoils her whenever he comes to visit

She also absolutely adores Dan and Matt

Katelyn and Aaron and Kevin

Aaron and Katelyn are messy sleepers and move around A LOT so Kevin has woken up from being kicked in the face or something an ridiculous amount of times

Aaron kisses Kevin’s hands and Katelyn’s head/hair a lot, Kevin kisses Aaron’s forehead and katelyns shoulders a lot, then Katelyn kisses Aaron’s cheeks and Kevin’s forehead a lot

Katelyn and Aaron wear eachother and Kevin’s clothes a lot but Kevin barely wears theirs because most of it’s too small for him

Katelyn taught them both how to plait hair and sometimes when they are bored she’ll sit on the floor infront of them while they plait one side each and whoever does the best plait wins

They had a shared playlist but Kevin was banned from adding songs to it because his music taste is bad

Cat and Laila

Bicker like an old married couple

Matching outfits AND hair for banquets but Laila has really long hair and cat has short hair so they are not always FULLY matching hairstyles

Just have a lot of matching things like pajamas and jewellery etc

Sometimes when it’s just them home they play music and slow dance in the kitchen/sitting room quietly

Cat is an ‘organised mess’ kinda person while laila is just a messy person

Friendships/Family:

Katelyn and Neil

Bully Aaron every chance they get bro trust🙏 “look at him” “ikr what a nerd” “I can hear you both😐”

Katelyn is just messing around but Neil is probably actually bullying him LMFAO

Dressed up as each other for Halloween once without telling anybody and gave the twins whip lash

Neil helps her with maths and will help Aaron too if he’s there but Aaron is actually good at maths so he doesn’t need it most of the time

Katelyn was watching when Marissa was asking for Neil’s number because she was the one that told her to ‘go for it!’ And when Marissa got back Katelyn was in tears laughing

They have a secret hand shake that is unnecessarily complicated

Katelyn has bright ginger hair while Neil (cannonicly) had Auburn/dark ginger hair

Aaron and Matt

Aaron was a little awkward about their slowly forming friendship and often tried pushing Matt away but Matt was a little oblivious to it

Randy loved Aaron and always tells Matt to invite him over for the holidays

Whenever Aaron has a nightmare he doesn’t like sleeping by himself and has woken up next to Matt many times because Matt told him he can just sleep in his bed if it makes him feel better

They get really competitive with each other over video games

They play fight/tackle eachother at the most random times and Matt usually wins

Matt had a pair of Spider-Man pajama bottoms and Aaron has a pair of Batman pajama bottoms (Matt bought them)

Matt was the best man at Aaron and Katelyn’s wedding

Matt is Aaron’s first ever best friend

Neil and Matt

Matt gets Neil into playing video games with him sometimes and Neil is wayyyyy better than Matt so he regrets ever letting Neil have a go

There is a photo taped to the photo wall of Neil sitting on matts shoudlers with the biggest smile on his face because he’s laughing and doing this 💪😆💪 LMAO matts doing 💪😁 because he has to hold Neil with his other hand

Matt always holds his hand up high when giving Neil a high five so Neil has to jump to high five him back

Andrew and Neil are the designated babysitters for the team (when they aren’t working obviously) and matt and dans son is constantly copying them and the things they say

Matt insists on them having ‘bro nights’ at least once a week

Matt is Andreils biggest fan

They have a bromance so strong you’d think their actually inlove with each other sometimes, Dan thinks it’s hilarious (Andrew does too but they can’t know that🙄🙄)

Dan, Allison, Renee (+Katelyn!)

Renee, Allison and Dan have girls nights and slumber parties sometimes and after awhile they start inviting Katelyn

When Renee was re-dying her hair once Allison asked her to put pink and black underneath the blonde but she only kept it for a year (Mcbing Allison🫡)

Allison and Katelyn gossip like nobody ever could, they know everything and everyone bro

Dressed up as the powerpuff girls for Halloween once

Aaron, Andrew and Nicky

Nicky was the one that bought Andrew his armbands. Nicky took them shopping for some extra things like clothes and school supplies etc before they went home and Andrew picked them up, Nicky saw him looking at them and told him he can get them if he wants (Nicky never knew why Andrew wanted them until thanksgiving)

Nicky cut the twins hair for them up until the left collage. To begin with it was just Aaron’s hair he did but eventually Andrew trusted him enough for him to cut his too (I don’t think Andrew would like a hairdressers due to a stranger having to touch him and I just think Aaron would hate getting his hair cut)

They had movie nights together before collage every now and again but didn’t have the time for them once they joined the foxes. One night, after the books take place, Nicky asked if the wanted to have one and they ended up meeting in Aaron’s dorm to watch it. Aaron fell asleep against Nicky’s shoulder and while Andrew fell asleep last at the other side of their make shift sofa bed thing

Aaron and Nicky met once or twice when they were little but Aaron doesn’t remember

They have a groupchat and Nicky has the twins contacts saved as ‘thing 1’ and ‘thing 2’

A part of Nicky was upset Andrew never told him he was gay and at some point he asked him if it was because he felt like he couldn’t and Andrew looked him up and down and asked if he was being serious LMAO

Aarons had glasses since he was little but Andrew only got his after moving in with Nicky

Aaron and Andrew eventually just end up sharing most of their clothes either each other after awhile

andrew and aaron both have a very contagious laugh if you’re lucky enough to hear it

Allison, Renee, Neil and Andrew

DOUBLE DATES GUYS TRUST🙏🙏🙏 I think Renee and Allison are more of a dinner date kind of couple while Neil are a staying in or like going on a drive type of couple so they all agree on something that they would all like. a small café or something yk?

Andrew doesn’t gossip but will slide Allison information he’s heard, Renee doesn’t gossip and doesn’t particularly enjoy listening to it, Neil doesn’t gossip but he’ll listen if Allison is, Allison loves gossip and looses her mind when she’s with them

Renee and Andrew have a video of neil and Allison doing karaoke and dancing while drunk in the dorms but nobody else knows about them (not even Neil and Allison)

Allison and Andrew are the best gift givers on the team🫡

Allison put glam makeup on Neil once for fun and the look and Andrews face had them in stitched laughing

I think it would be cute if Allison and Renee adopted a daughter in the future and she would LOVE Andrew and Neil and always want them to ‘come over and play’

^^^Andrew always lets her get away with everything. “Do you want some..?” “My mums said I can’t have sweets before dinner😞” “well they aren’t here right now and I say you can”

Allison and Andrew eventually end up becoming somewhat friends after awhile and she paints his nails for him a lot because she claims he’s ’bad at it’

Neil and Allison

She drags him along for shopping sprees a lot and often ends up buying him clothes even though he has the money for his own

^^^when she and Andrew get closer, there will be a few times she’ll be looking, pick something up and go “you’re buying this for Andrew” and shove it into Neil’s hands

She and Neil have matching skincare headbands/hair-clips

Allison made all Neil’s social media accounts and showed him how to change things like his profile info and how to post. All he’s ever EVER posted is a selfie he has with Allison, a picture of Andrew + the cats and a group photo of the foxes

^^^something similar to this (yes I know that’s the Yellowjackets cats but just imagine it’s the foxes instead LMAO)

She used him as a model when making clothes sometimes (she used Renee as one too🤭🤭)

she made him try do her makeup once and he put the fake eyelashes on her eyebrows

[wordy-little-witch]

Transfemme Buggy who never realized until a certain disease is transmitted and spread on an island she and her crew visits.

Blackboard and his ilk had been there before, and Buggy had just so happened to show up within a week of the other leaving. Damages were minimal overall but the marks of their presence was there, everywhere, in the pale faces, the new graves, the sickness and fear.

It was a typical stop, supplies and information gathered in equal measure. Tasks delegated, Buggy is among a group chatting up the locals, and that layer of ignorance self consciousness is there, as it always is, when eyes catch on the captain's visage, but way that Buggy is being watched changes between one minute and the next. Someone comes into the shop, a young woman at a glance, who sneezes. Buggy doesn't think much on it, a charming smile and offered handkerchief the only response. The gazes go from wary, warming up to them, to suddenly wild and fearful and there's a shout and-

Buggy chokes on air, feeling the moment something latches in his lungs. His Devil Fruit is useful in ways few can fathom, in ways he cannot explain, but the introduction of something Foreign and Unapproved is a feeling the jester knows well, one which is often a mere reflex to Chop off of his cells, but this one adheres, latches, and Buggy can feel it seep and spread and-

Between one moment and the next, Buggy blinks past the sudden vertigo, genome shuffled and reverted and inverted until the swimming in his vision pauses, Cabaji's wide, panicked face swirling into focus. The blue haired pirate squints, confused tilts a dizzy head, and then freezes at the ambient wave over sensitive Haki, terror and guilt and panic which chokes and screams and wails.

Buggy moves to stand and freezes.

He looks down.

That is... definitely new.

A gloved hand touches his chest, the breasts straining under the striped top. "Huh," the clown captain says after a moment. "I did not have 'Sudden Sex Change' on my 1565 bingo card."

There's laughter, and Buggy preens a little as the negative emotions begin bleeding off, replaced by cautious amusement. Once tempers have calmed enough, there's a moment of questioning, where clarity is sought and then relatively received.

It's a change, certainly, and one which is yet another echo of Teach's group having been on that island. Buggy isn't upset - it isn't their fault after all, the town is just as hit by this as he is - but he is.... contemplative about it.

The crew is overall relatively calm about it. Gender equality is something Buggy does enforces heavily on the crew, assigned sex at birth or otherwise. Barring a few others, some more well renowned than most, the Buggy Pirates are the most progressive and open minded of pirates.

So after a quick explanation, things are back to business as usual - and Buggy is happy about it, obviously, the respect is there and it's perfect, the normalcy is fine.

It's the way he feels that throws a wrench in it all.

It takes a while to realize, because it's There, but it's just beneath the surface.

It starts when Buggy puts on a little weight.

All in all, that's not a big deal - but to Buggy who has a long standing problem with food and eating, it's notable. It's not uncomfortable. It's not like there's an Issue with eating or bodily image issues, it's the lack of time, of desire, of enjoyment in it. Buggy had always been on the slimmer side, never packing on muscle the way of the men and women in his life early on. Buggy was built slim and willowy, no less strong but less visibly jacked. It suited him just fine, that method of muscle, suited to aerials, to agility and speed. It fit and Buggy was adaptable.

Only now, Buggy isn't as preoccupied. There's less of a desperate, cloying need to fill his every waking moment with tasks and duties and activities. It's subtle. It's the slightest of shifts. It starts when he gains a little weight.

Then it becomes casual comments from the crew. "You look so healthy," some say warmly. "You look happy." And Buggy is. Buggy IS happy. And Buggy feels healthy. And it's strange, so strange, and it's wonderful and confusing and amazing, and it all comes to a head as things do with Buggy by sheer happenstance.

They dock at an island. Buggy and Alvida are restocking on makeup. A clerk calls them "ladies". Buggy waves it off, both the butterflies and the referral, and then that same clerk responds to a question the captain asked with a warm "yes, ma'am, absolutely"

And Buggy is having a realization in a small cosmetic shop on a tiny no-name island in the New World.

As they leave, she catches Alvida's sleeve and he - she - asks a question. "Could I... be a woman?"

And Alvida, sweet Alvida, blunt and brutally honest Alvida, snorts. "Fuck if I know. If you want to, sure, but your body doesn't determine that. If you're a woman," she pokes her friend in the chest, above the clown's heart, "then this is all that needs to be a woman. Is it?"

And Buggy breathes shakily. "I... yes. Yes? Yeah. I. I think so."

"Then you're a woman. Now come on, sister, we still need to find a foundation for me."

Buggy comes out to the crew casually though not without nerves. They get back and she just drops it with all the finesse of a bull in a China shop. "Surprise, it's a girl! And by it, I mean me."

The only response for a moment is silence, then someone asks about pronouns. And Buggy is bathed in the cacophony of her crew screeching their happiness for her, thanking her for trusting them, singing her praises, and she's a puddle, truly, she is melting into a pirate puddle.

Accepting it makes things fall into place a little easier. She's comfortable in this body in a way she never was before. The center of gravity fell in a more natural way to her senses, lower and steadier. She isn't any less strong, and she's not at all interested in the stick-thin-sensational body type, though more power to people who rock it. She is herself, and she never expected to be all that different. She's still got the musculature of an aerialist, the corded muscle of a knife fighter, no amount of hormone changes will take away that. She distributes the weight differently like this, filling her clothes in a way that looks and feels better to her. It's like she was assembling a puzzle in her heart, blindfolded, and she never knew a piece was missing until it fell into her hand, knocking the rest into place like a domino effect. Unexpected but undeniable, she was happy.

She felt beautiful in a way that she never had before, she felt more confident, more at home, more at ease in this skin of hers now that it finally was molded into a better form.

And with that contentment came freedom that she hadn't had the time for in what felt like eternity.

Freedom to experiment, to train, to explore. She felt better, so she could be better, could do better, and so she became better.

And the Seas quaked as a result.

[kalinysu]

𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐄. — Akaza x F!Reader

𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: You were a normal human, a little sick as well. You had issues walking and needed nightly doses of medicine to help you get better. One day, you had went out into the nearby forest to pick some berries late at night. You met a man named Akaza, and the next thing you knew, you had woken up in a place that looked to be someone’s home.

𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: Abusive behavior, Stockholms syndrome, kidnapping, dark themes.

𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬: I got this idea from a story on a otome game I used to play all of the time. Just a little modified and differently written.

You had been sitting in the forest for a while now, picking the little red berries off of the bush you sat next to and placing them in the basket beside you. You weren’t supposed to be outside, and especially not this late, but you needed some fresh air. You had stumbled and struggled to get over to the spot due to your illness, but with time you eventually made it without being spotted.

When you were about to get up and head inside, you found yourself not being able to get up and walk. Maybe it was cause by the position you were sitting in, but you couldn’t stand. And the nights cold air made your cough worse. You had began to cough and sneeze more frequently, until you heard approaching footsteps.

At first, Akaza planned to just ignore your frail figure almost laying on the ground. He despised the weak, and would have never even stopped to look at you if you didn’t speak to him. “U-uhm..” You stuttered, unsure of how to ask for help. Though when he turned around, you both looked equally stunned. He was a demon, definitely. You could see his fangs in his slightly opened mouth, and he didn’t look human at all. For him, those pink eyes and black hair of yours had set something off within him. You looked exactly like his late wife.

You were unable to speak or move, your whole body trembling as he approached you. Your eyes fixated on his every move, wondering if he was going to hurt you or not. You let out a small squeak as he lifted you up from the ground. “M-my home— it’s back over that way…” You said, weakly pointing in the direction of your village. He looked where you were pointing, then looking back down at you in his arms. He simply ignored your request of taking you back home. You wanted to fight back, to protest against him taking you but soon enough, everything went black.

You woke up to the sound of shifting beside you, followed by a pattern of uneasy breathing. When you noticed the pink haired demon beside you once again, you gasped, immediately sitting up. His yellow eyes had been fixated on you most likely the whole entire time you were asleep. “Please, lay back down darling.” He said, placing his hand against your chest and pushing you back down into a laying position. “Don’t worry about a thing, i’ve even retrieved your medicine for you.” He said, placing a hand on your head and gently stroking your hair. You flinched at his touch, but you were so frozen in fear that you could hardly even think straight.

“N-no I.. I need to go back home.” You said, trying to get up but he wasn’t very willing to let you do so. “Home? This is your home, my love.” He said, wrapping his arms around you and holding you close. “M-my friends and family…” — “You don’t need friends. You have me anyways. And we can start our own family.” He said, only causing you to panic even more. He seemed pleased with the thought of having a family, but you were scared. He was a demon, you barely knew him and you were still sick.

“There’s nothing good back at that village of yours. Nobody strong enough as I am to protect you from demons. You have nothing to worry about. As long as you obey and listen to me, you’ll always be safe.” He said, placing a kiss on your forehead. His words were reassuring, but the last sentence frightened you a bit. You were safe from others, but were you safe from him? What would he do if you disobeyed him? You were a little afraid to find out. You stayed silent, looking away from him, which is when you noticed your clothes were changed. You were wearing a pink kimono, with a white circle pattern. It faded into a snowflake pattern at the bottoms. You began to grow more and more nervous. Has he really seen your body? You were trembling by now.

“There’s no need to be afraid, I already told you.” He said, sitting up and getting up out of bed. He walked around to your side and helped you sit up. He then carefully lifted you into his arms and sat you down on the cushion in front of the vanity. “Stay here, i’ll be back soon.” He said, gently patting you on the head before leaving the room. You could move, but just barely. Not enough energy to be able to get out of the room.

But it didn’t hurt to try. Your shakily stood up, taking a few shaky steps towards the door. But when you opened it, you ended up falling. Or so you though. When you looked up, you saw Akaza once again. He did not look happy to see you trying to leave only a minute after he told you not too. You were ruining his idea of the perfect wife. His old wife, Koyuki, never tried to escape him. Naturally, he was a little pissed. Shoving you back into the room, causing you to fall. He walked in fully and shut the door behind him, placing down the hair pins he had grabbed onto the vanity.

You were quite shaken, a little afraid to even make eye contact with him. When he walked over to you and grabbed your arm, you couldn’t help but let out a small whimper, tears beginning to well up in your eyes. He forced you to sit back on the cushion, forcefully wiping your eyes before your tears fell. “Don’t you dare cry.” He said, hearing your sniffles. He simply ignored your whimpers, working on your hair. “See? I already told you. If you listen to me, you won’t get hurt. Just don’t upset me.” He said, giving you a small smile and wiping away your tears. “Don’t cry.” He said. Shakily, your nodded, trying your best to hold back your tears.

Over time, you had began to lose hope in ever leaving, and began to rely more and more on Akaza. Anytime you wanted to leave the room, he’d accompany you, always having at least one hand on you if not both. He never let you out of his sight, and of course that meant he’s seen every inch of your body.

You were attached to him now. You couldn’t go for even five minutes without his touch, you need him near you at all time. He was pleased with the outcome, loving the way you relied on him for everything. Sometimes, if you ruined the perfect wife image he had, he’d either physically hurt you, or simply leave you in the room on your own over night to teach you a lesson, forcing you into the mold of a woman who was long passed. Until you were practically her, and he was ecstatic about it.

You were happy as well, him hurting you or leaving you was very rare. He had also stopped calling “Koyuki”, and allowed you to pick your own kimonos and hairpins. He allowed you to be yourself when it came to appearance sometimes, but you had to keep your personality exactly the same or there would be consequences.

He was even happier when you were able to walk normally, and your illness was starting to go away. Though sometimes he did threaten to get rid of your medicine if you tried to escape. Last night, you needed help finding something but Akaza was on a mission. When he returned and you weren’t in the room, he was livid. He didn’t let you explain, and immediately put it as you trying to escape, even though you were just looking for him. He hurt you badly, and left you on your own. This was only the second time he left you, and it was for way longer too. So naturally when he left, you sobbed for hours.

When morning came, you had woke up to the sound of the door opening. “A-..Akaza?” You called out to him from in bed when you noticed he was finally back after leaving you over night. You were quick to get out of bed and hug him tightly, just as he expected.

“Good morning, love. Did you learn your lesson?” He asked, not giving you any physical attention until he was sure you weren’t going to mess up again. You nodded in response. “I thought about it all last night.. I won’t do it again, I promise.” You said. He smiled, placing a hand on your head with a small chuckle.

“Good girl.”

[roguesnezblog]

Another attempt at another fic. Demetrius is fun to mess with, this time I tried something longer. 1771 words for this one! And this will be a part 1! When I get to part 2 I'll start a series for the masterpost. I'm having fun doing the writing. Although if theres any errors please tell me!

Demetrius had always been a figure of strength and authority. His presence alone was enough to command respect for most, and he rarely found himself flustered or shaken. A pillar of strength for the Velen, and to a lot of people who relied on him. He was the type of man to hate exposing a vulnerability, like an exposed nerve. And, unfortunately for him, In the Velen Empire spring has arrived and the air became thick with the golden haze of pollen, Demetrius found himself facing an unrelenting battle: allergies.

The people around him were bustling with activity, the floral trees that surrounded as they nestled their camp within a clearing in the Kingswood forest were in full bloom, their pollen swirling in the warm breeze. As Demetrius strode through the narrow paths between tents, his long strides powerful and purposeful, his mind was hardly focused on work. Instead, his thoughts were fixated on:

Don't sneeze. Not here. Not in front of anyone.

He was trying to make his way through the busy crowds to get out of the populated area and find somewhere secluded to deal with this growing ache.

The itch in his nose had started subtly enough this morning—a gentle tickle that was easy to ignore at first. But the more he breathed in the pollen-laden air, the more the tickle grew. His massive nostrils flared slightly, and his brow furrowed in frustration it almost made him pause in his walk. Each step seemed to stir more into the air from the dry grass and humid air around him, making his nose twitch involuntarily. Unlike the noses of mere mortals, the olfactory organs of a storm giant were hyper-sensitive, a unique trait that rendered him particularly vulnerable to the onslaught of allergens swirling in the air.

The gentle breeze carried the sweet, fragrant scent of wildflowers, which should have been soothing but only exacerbated his torment. His nostrils flared wide, making him panic and quickly snap his hand up to crush at them, under his fingers they were fluttering and flickering as if fighting profusely to break free, but every breath igniting a fresh wave of irritation deep within. The droning sensation danced along the delicate membranes of his sinuses as if bouncing around inside the cavernous muscles. The pressure was building like tiny lightning bolts were striking within.

Ahead of him stood Erlo, his commander and a high-ranking general in the Velen Empire’s army who was a centaur, gilded in the ceremonial armor once would expect from a person of such high status, and very intricately made to suit that of the build of a centaur too. Erlo was a stern man, sharp-eyed and direct, his presence a constant reminder of the discipline required in their ranks but he had an annoying habit of negging those who don't do as he says. Demetrius barely could say he respected him he was usually dismissive, and sarcastic in his presence, Erlo feared him, he smelled it often, but today, he was struggling to focus on anything Erlo said at all.

“Demetrius,” Erlo’s voice cut through the air, clear and commanding. “We need your strength for the next operation. The rest of the generals are expecting a report from you tomorrow morning, and—are you even listening?”

Demetrius blinked, trying to force his attention back to the conversation. He could feel the prickling in his nose growing more insistent, teasing at the edges of his control. Don't sneeze. His thoughts were consumed with that single focus, making it almost impossible to process anything Erlo was saying.

“Er…Hh!…” A soft, reflexive hitch escaped him, and he quickly raised a hand to cover his mouth and infuriating nose, hoping to quell it before it escalated. His chest tightened, the throbbing spreading through his nasal passages, it was sharper and more insistent than before almost enough to make his eyes water. Perhaps attempting to talk just triggered the muscles to contract. But the last thing he needed was to unleash one of his thunderous sneezes in the middle of the courtyard, with dozens of soldiers and officials around.

“Demetrius?” Erlo repeated, his eyes narrowing slightly as he noticed something was a little off. “Are you alright?”

“F…Fine,” He spat quickly, a bit desperate not to induce anything else from his quickly inflaming nose but relented and spoke, just to shut him up.

"I'm fidne…" Demetrius rumbled, his deep voice thick with congestion, despite his attempts to keep it steady. He let his hand drop. His eyes were squinted from the burning behind them, and his nose twitched again, the reaction was not giving him a moments peace.

He could feel the sneeze brewing, clawing at him, but he held it back with every ounce of strength he had. Erlo, unaware of the suffering raging inside Demetrius, continued speaking, his words blending into the background as Demetrius’s mind became singularly focused on preventing what felt inevitable. The pollen seemed to cling to the interiors of his flesh, swirling into his wide, dilating and glistening wet nares, making it nearly impossible to focus on anything but the unbearable itching.

Don't sneeze. Don't sneeze.

His nostrils flared again, flickered, wide, strained, shivering with anticipation then eased. He could feel the sneeze hovering right at the edge, waiting to explode, but he clenched his jaw, willing it down. His muscles tensed under his skin.

Erlo raised an eyebrow, stopping a moment in his explanations of unwanted zombies showing up west near Lowestoft, clearly noticing Demetrius’s increasing discomfort.

“Demetrius?” he asked, his tone less commanding and more curious now.

Demetrius nodded quickly, not trusting his voice. His massive chest shuddered as he gulped, throat dry, trying to hold back the sneeze that threatened to erupt at any moment. But Erlo wasn't finished…

“… Right. As I was saying—” Erlo continued, though now his words were little more than a distant hum in Demetrius's ears. Wait, he wasn't done?? Demetrius could almost roll his eyes in exasperation.

Don't sneeze. Don't sneeze.

The words echoed in Demetrius's mind, his entire focus consumed by the effort to suppress. Yet he could feel the pollen tickling every part of him, now buzzing through the uniquely large organ, each short breath drawing in more despite his attempts not to.

His world was getting blurry, but he tried not to dip out of the focus he was forcing. The giant clenched his fists, gritting his teeth so tightly his jaw ached. Each time his chest alarmed him by a sudden jolt and expanded he tried to swallow it down, and for a moment, he thought he might lose the battle. But somehow, he managed to hold it in. He had to cover his face once more during all this as his nose was twitching so violently beneath a hand he thought he looked ridiculous and he refused to put down. His nostrils flared, his muscles tensed and then it passed, the sneeze didn’t come and this scourge cycled.

When Erlo finally finished speaking, Demetrius could only manage a curt nod, praying the conversation wouldn’t continue.

He knew he hadn’t heard a single word his commander had said.

He moved on quickly soon as Erlo uttered "I will see you later" not even bothering saying goodbye to him or courtesy's and perhaps missing that detail... -----------------------------------------------

Demetrius had moved his way out of the camp and stood at the edge of the forest, away from the bustle of soldiers and strategists, desperate for a moment of solitude. The sun filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground, but the beauty of the forest did little to distract him from the relentless irritation in his nose. His large nasal passages swelled angrily beneath his skin, a painful protest against the pollen that filled the air, leaving him in a constant state of discomfort.

He couldn't hold out, he just wanted to get out one, one and then done, just for some relief. The persistent titillation of the one thing that was a giant's most delicate feature was like a prickling fire that danced along the flesh inside like it was teasing him.

He sat, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath in an effort to induce the relief he so desperately craved. He needed to let it out. It wasn't long after that his massive nostrils flared tremendously, as if yearning for mercy and craving stimulation, fluttering agape in response to the overwhelming urge that ripped through him.

“Hheh… hheh—!” His broad, large nose crumbled at the bridge, excited for the expulsion of the damn irritations.

But just before he could give in to the sensation, he heard the hurried footsteps of a soldier approaching from the camp. Demetrius’s frustration grew as he turned slightly, trying to mask his struggle and choked it down, coughing and gagging a moment before snarling. The last thing he wanted was to be seen in such a vulnerable state.

“Sir!” the soldier called, urgency lacing his voice. “They need you in the war tent! Commander Erlo is waiting for your presence!”

The intrusion shattered his concentration, the tickling spiraling out of his control, ebbing and pulsing like a rubber band snapping. Demetrius could feel his annoyance boiling beneath the surface.

“I’ll be there in a moment,” he said dryly, trying to sound authoritative even as his voice came out thick with congestion.

The soldier hesitated for a moment, clearly unsure of how to proceed.

“But they really need you—”

“I said, I’ll be there!” Demetrius snapped, trying to keep his voice steady and a growl escaping him, shaking the trees and the air itself. The soldier fled, frightened by the loud venom laced spit from the giant and stumbled clumsily back to the camp.

He turned away, hoping to gather himself enough to endure this.

“Hh… Hehd!…”

It's as if his face was melting, he tried to hold it back, to regain some semblance of command over it, but the more he fought against it, the stronger the muscles tightened and argued. His face contorted with the effort and his nose wriggled profusely as if complaining it couldn't get its release. He pinched his nostrils shut, in an attempt to quell this chaos, but all that did was send shockwaves coursing through him. He shuddered, static buzzing around him making his hair float upward.

There was a brief and pregnant pause, but it held long enough for Demetrius to let go of the held breath, exhaling slowly through his mouth. He could feel the pulsing, demanding attention and fruition, but he couldn’t afford to linger.

With a heavy sigh, Demetrius straightened up, knowing he had to return. He couldn’t afford to appear weak or distracted, even if the pollen continued to mock him from every corner of the camp. He took a second, steeling himself, and set off toward the war tent.

[skele-bunny]

ngl I could've sworn ud mentioned phantom having kits at some point(idk WHEN or WHERE but I could've sworn there was SOMETHING) so I was. Looking to ask for more and found the phantom/aether instead and Had To Know :3

now im just thinking of what adjustments would be made for phantom,,,, sure tour wouldn't last the whole pregnancy but he's little, they'd have to tailor stuff probably. and then DEW??? I'm assuming ?? In the fics where dew had calida, bc zephyr was present, it was during popestar tour, so there was NOTHIN to hide that baby, unless she was just rlly far back and close to the spine for him.

Ooo you might be thinking of Phantom/Dew/Swiss' baby Starlight!! (Also, note, not the same timeline for Calida and Comet! Two whole seperate timelines /info)

Ohh yeah it'd be much different then Dew's whole thing 😭 guy had NO way of hiding, tight ass uniform until he got upgraded to one of Zeph's uniforms, his bass was his only thing but even that didn't help all the time LMAO. Terzo tried his best okay 🫡 give my man his props wjekdk /silly Dewdrop was a runt, so while she was pretty far back and hidden and he didn't have much of a bump, it was still obvious the further he got until 8 months

Dew essentially took the entire back of the bus, even after Calida was born. They still had a tour to do. And there was orders that they couldn't just cancel, so now they're in a panic of what exactly to do. Dew doesn't feel safe at ALL leaving Calida with someone. So, a quick call, and Special is there. For "interviews", of course. He's hanging out in the green room the entire time, and during intermission Dew is right there. It's only a week like that before he's able to just curl in the nest with her and finally, FINALLY heal up. He's been bleeding nonstop from the constant strain, and finally started letting the others help him out.

Dew had a pretty rough and traumatic pregnancy & birth, but he doesn't regret how anything went one bit. His little sunshine is worth every single second of it.

Now, Phantom would've been taken care of more properly. They know more, there's more studies being carried out, more accessibility services for the ministry. It's a different era! Plus, he has a bigger pack with more diversity and similar instincts. Rain, Aurora, and Cumulus would be their biggest comforts. When they needs a good cry? Those 3. When he needs reassurance he'll be a good parent? Those 3. Just wants to be dotted and loved on? Those 3.

Mountain and Dew are his safe guards and their voice when he can't find it. One of the stagehands got irritated at Phantom bc he "wasn't doing anything and just standing around holding cords", and Mountain just glared so hard and quite literally told them to shut the fuck up. Picked Phantom up, sat him on his drum throne, and kept working.

Just like Dew would've been, he's not allowed to carry heavy items any more so they're stuck on cord duty, stick bag, and the softer percussion items. Not allowed to be alone, either. Slipped one time and that was already too many. Usually has someone accompany him to the bathroom, out and about in town, he just... Can't be alone. Honestly? It helps Phantom, too. Not only for safety but they feel better that someone is always there.

He's given permission for naps during set up once he's finished, and a lot of sitting breaks! Also like Dew, Phantom's anatomy is tiny. Aether wants them on bed rest as much as possible as he's a high risk essentially. So during shows you'll see him sitting on the steps or on Swiss' platform! He totally keeps up their silly antics the best he can that doesn't pose a risk!

Definitely tailoring, and has to have cooling pads placed in his uniform before performances as he gets super sick from the heat.

Silly thought I had midway writing this: Magick surges are still there and progressively gets worse the more he's along.

Phantom sneezes, and his guitar strings just break instantly.

Maybe they're crying really hard and sets off more light flickering before just shutting off their equipment completely.

Maybe a little rage fit because he's mad at themself, or just something that set them off, and Cirrus' phone short circuits and the screen cracks.

Pray for Aether. /Silly /aff

[hermit-lover]

Hellooo I’ve come again to ask for another request since yours are still open!! :)) I can’t remember if I wrote this already but I loved the platonic xisuma oneshot you wrote and was gonna ask for another one but this time X asking Boatem to babysit the reader for the day and the reader and Boatem Crew getting into lots of shenanigans!! : DD thank you and have a good day/night!!

-🪨

Boatem Babysitters

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Character: Boatem x Child!Reader

Type: Series blurb (3) (3.3k)

Theme: Fluff, platonic

Summary: When Xisuma is needed off-world, its up to Boatem to keep you safe and entertained. Lets just say their better at one aspect than other.

TW: Mentions of respawn mechanic, panic, jokes about kidnapping

A/N: Lovely to have you back 🪨 (Rock anon) :D. Boatem is not childproof at all, this is a horrible idea X, but some good shenanigans.

The sun was bright in the sky, hot rays basking your shoulders and cheeks. Squinting against the onslaught you toddled after your dad, following the familiar green armor. His hand tucked safely around yours. It always annoyed you that you couldn't feel all his skin this way, but the smooth cold press of the armor was welcome in the heat.

"You remember what I told you?" Dad asks suddenly, pausing before a strange splay of houses, with a pole of boats going into a large hole. The houses were mismatched but somehow felt woven together. The start to a large-chair? of rocks, what seems to be a mountain range, a factory? and a couple of homey looking houses. The scenery almost completely distracted you from the question, but you managed a response.

"Course!" You chirp back, eager to run around this new territory and touch EVERYTHING. A stern but gentle squeeze of your hand reminds you where you should be focusing.

"Can you repeat it?" He asks, quirking an eyebrow underneath his purple tinted visor. You've always wanted to try on his helmet, but he says its to delicate to play with. You sigh, dramatically.

"Behave, follow any orders they give, don't run away, don't eat food off the ground, and avoid nighttime and dark spaces." You recall the words he had engrained into you from the moment you had started getting other babysitters. Speaking of, the prospect of seeing the funny cat man, the bird, and the mustache man excited you. They had never babysat before!!! Maybe you could get away with not following some rules! Papa K was always quite strict when it came to enforcing things. Dad sighs, letting some tension drop from his shoulders and letting go of your hand.

"Good now-" He's cut of by the sound of rockets, and his head turns to follow the sound. Excitement rushes through you suddenly, and you cant hell but crane your neck to look for the source. A black blur swoops down, and lands clumsily onto the grass. Straightening out almost as if flustered.

"Sorry if I'm late! I got really into building and-" Its the mustache man!!! His posh accent contrasts dads own, and he sounds so fancy- paired with his suit- you want to have a tea party with him!!

"Your alright." Dad assures, "I was just going over the rules." He nudges you gently towards the mustache man. "Kiddo, this is Mumbo, Mumbo this is my kid."

Mumbo- but you prefer mustache, nearly stumbles over himself to offer you a handshake. Sort of silly, you think, because kids don't do handshakes, but it makes you feel special. His fingers are long, and very gentle and he shakes your hand softly. Theres a weird red stain on his palm, and when he pulls away you realize theres some on your own hand. Curiously, you sniff it- then sneeze harshly as dust infiltrates your nose.

"Ah- sorry!" He's wiping his hands down the front of his jacket now, smearing the red dust onto the black suit coat. You giggle at his antics. He flushes. "I-um Impulse and Grian should be here soon." He informs both you and Dad, but the words are instantly lost on you.

"What's your base?" You ask, tilting your head and trying your best to coax him with puppy eyes. Mumbo crumbles immediately.

"Uh well-" He turns to point at a weird...tree Gollum? Holding a van? "Thats my starter base- the tree is called Tereesa." That pulls a giggle from you. Tereesa- like tree- a smart name. He smiles, eyes crinkling and creating a sort of sparkle you enjoy. "-And that's the beginning to my mega base!" He's pointing to the big weird chair, but before you can ask-

"I'm here!" A loud voice announces behind you. You jump, spinning around and nearly crashing into Mumbo. Instantly hands clasp your shoulders to stop your decent. The voice belonged to the bird! Golden hair and bright red feathers glitter in the sun- he probably didn't need rockets to fly- which explained how he was so quiet.

"About time!" Dad scolds him, "I was waiting for at least two of you to be here- sure Mumbo could probably handle it but I like more eyes."

"Sorry X." The bird rubs the back of his neck, smiling sheepishly. "Well im here now! and so you can skaddle off to whatever important admin business and we!-" He leans towards you and Mumbo, nudging you with his elbow. "Will have a great time."

Dad pauses only a moment, squinting at the pair suspiciously before sighing and shaking his head.

"You better keep 'em safe- alright?" He asks, and the pair enthusiastically nod. "Okay- good bye hug." Dad opens his arms and you throw yourself in, nuzzling into his armor. A wave of sadness passes over you- and you lean back with puppy dog eyes.

"Do you have to leave?" You ask, his eyebrows furrow, but his eyes stay impossibly soft.

"I'm sorry Kiddo, I told you I'll be back before sundown." He reassures you, reaching forwards to pat you on the head. "Love you." He smiles.

"Love you too!" You respond enthusiastically, finally letting go and letting him stand. He pulls up his communicator- and is gone in a flash. The momentary silence is deafening.

"Sooooooooo..." The bird starts, "What do you want to do?" hmmm, what DO you want to do? You consider your options. You could....see their bases?

"Show me around?" You request, turning to face the pair. The bird looks enthused and Mumbo smiles as well.

"Course!- though thinking about it, maybe we should avoid the Boatem hole-" Mumbo trails off, thinking hard.

"Yes. We absolutely should avoid throwing Xisumavoid's child into the void." Another voice agrees from behind you- WHATS WITH IT AND PEOPLE APPROACHING FROM BEHIND???

You spin around, nearly knocking into the bird and Mumbo, who catch you again. This sight is very different- not the cat man but a new person! He has a yellow top hat, odd yellow suit, and a HUUGGGEEE purple bowtie. You almost want to ask if he got dressed in the dark!- but his eyes shine with amusement and affection, and his stance is casual. He smiles at you, offering you a handshake.

"Impulse- Wonderful to meet you." You reach for it immediately, his much larger hand easily grasping yours. Its warm and surprisingly smooth- but something odd presses between your palms-

You pull away and find a small hard candy in your hand. A gasp pulls from your throat before you realize it. Candy!!!! He gave you candy!!! Instantly he moves up the list of 'favorite people'.

"Oh c'mon Impulse thats a cheap move- buying favor with candy?" Bird man sounds disappointed, but you honestly couldn't care less. Impulse holds up his hands in surrender.

"If it works it works." and it works indeed.

"Thank you Mr.Impulse!" You chirp, remembering your manners before cramming the candy into your mouth. It's sweet and smooth, coating your tongue in mouth watering goodness. It's a flavor you can't quite place, but you don't care, its amazing. He chuckles, seeming amused by your reaction.

"Theres more where they came from." Impulse winks, and Mumbo stifles a laugh. His gaze snaps to the offending spoon. "What?"

"Sorry its just- your offering candy to a child you just met-" Mumbo breaks off into giggles and you gasp in realization. Your eyes widen and you stare at Impulse, gaping.

"Dad told me not to accept candy from strangers!!" You squeak, shuffling to frantically hide behind the pair.

"No no-" Impulse seems slightly panicked now, "I'm babysitting you just like those two- Xisuma trusts me." You just glare out from your spot behind Mumbo. He sighs, "Look, do you even know the bird's name?"

Hmmm....

oh.

"No...I guess I don't..." You squint at the bright red bird now, who squawks and glares at Impulse, before turning sheepishly around.

"I'm Grian." He offers a hand, its smaller then Mumbo's and Impulse's, but has a pointed claws extending from his nails. Your slightly worried he may hurt you- but hes extra careful to avoid that. Then, he spins around to face Impulse. "Now they know!" he declares, making the other shake his head fondly and approach.

"So whats the plan with activities?" Impulse asks, and you break into a grin.

"Show me your bases!!" You bounce on your toes, looking at the mismatched group excitedly. Nods all around.

"Mumbo's first!" Grian decides, grabbing said mans hand, and your own, to pull you towards the structure. Admittedly from afar it seemed quite cute- but as you approach...

Its large claws and gaping maw hang over you- its shadow completely consuming you and your small group. Instinctively, as Grian pulls you closer, you start to slow, tucking behind the cozy looking red sweater. The creature- Tereesa, as you learnt, stares down at you. Its beady eyes dig into your soul. Shivers run down your spine. Grian is talking, but the words are muddled compared to your heartbeat in your ears.

You jolt as a hand is delicately places on your shoulder.

"It's okay. It's just a build, it cant hurt you." Mumbo's voice is low, his grip tightening only a moment before releasing. The tension releases from your shoulders- right- just a fake tree.

"So what do you think?" Grian spins around with flourish, seemingly happy to take the role as tour guide. You fumble- having not payed attention.

"Its cool!" You nod, hoping your convincing enough "Sorta scary." he nods, too enthralled to notice anything wrong- but Impulse laughs under his breath.

"Next we should go see Scar's!" Grian declares, the other two nodding along. But this begs the question-

"Who's Scar?" You ask, Grian looks offended- but Impulse cuts him off.

"I think you call him 'Cat man?'" He tilts his head, watching to make sure it's correct. You gasp- of course!! Jellie!!! You bounce excitedly.

"Yea! I wanna see Jellie!!"

"Oh- so you know his cats name but not his?" Impulse laughs, nearly knocking off his top hat as he leans back. You glare, crossing your arms.

"He never told me his name! And Jellie likes me so I like her and want to know her name!" You defend immediately- and its true!! When Jellie had escaped she had spent her afternoon basking in the sun on your lap while you colored outside. When the cat man had found you two he was so frazzled he didn't introduce himself! Now you'll remember. "Can we go see Jellie??" "Of course!" Grian chirps, butting in. "I'm sure Scar will be delighted to show her off- she's practically his prized possession!" His wings flare out- but he catches himself. "Right-can't fly-" He murmurs, offering you his hand. You eagerly accept, threading your fingers together, then sticking your other hand out. You fumble. You have two hands...but there's three people! What happens now? Mumbo steps forwards, accepting your hand, and, seemingly sensing your distress, offers his other hand to Impulse. Who shakes his head, but accepts. Now satisfied, you tug the line forwards. Scar's base turns out to be the series of houses, a winding path beginning to be strung amongst the homey, pointed roof houses. The color pallet of reds, browns, blues and grey blends into a pleasant environment of peace and warmth. The roofs in particular catch your eye- copper! It was easy to find, but apparently really annoying to make the nice blue Scar had. There was so much of it! Scar must be super cool!! Thankfully- instead of sneaking up on you like the others- you notice Scar immeditly. He to wore a top hat, but his was a lovely shade of red compared to Impulse's bright yellow. A matching suit, and monocle. What's with people and dressing so fancy here? Then, just as you had noticed him, he notices you. "Well hello there!" He calls, waving with the hand not on his cane. Not wanting to let go of any hands, you tug forwards. Your group shuffles towards him as he strides to meet you. "What's with this little entourage-hm? Getting up to some mischief?" The words are accusatory, but the sparkle in his eye and gentle smile tells you that even if it was the case, he wouldn't be mad. "No Mr. Scar, we're here to see Jellie!" You inform him, practically vibrating with excitement. "I like your base! Lots of blue copper!" "Thank you, thank you." His infectious smile grows at the compliment, and blush dusts his cheeks. "And it would be my absolute pleasure to present lady Jellie-" He bows, gesturing into the very house he exited from. Peering inside- you spot her! Fluff curled up on a plush couch just inside. Unable to help yourself you squeal, letting go of your new friends to dash inside- minding to wipe your shoes to not track mud onto the carpet. At the commotion, she lifts her head, blinking sleepily.

"Hi Jellie- remember me?" You blink back, grinning at the small creature. She perks, letting out a long thrill. You reach a hand to cart if through her soft fur- giggling when she presses into the touch eagerly. Her wide green eyes watch you contently, pupils wide and comfortable. Scar always took such good care of her- her fur was free from tangles, and she smelt vaguely of flowers. You pet behind her ears, and enjoy the purrs that vibrate her small body. "She likes you a lot." Scar's voice rumbles behind you, gentle enough to not startle. It's almost reminiscent of Jellies purring with the sheer amount of fondness it's laced with. "I like her a lot." You respond, craning you neck to glance at the fancy man. He grins widely at you. "Are you planning to spend all your time here cuddling Jellie?- Not that I'd object to it, certainly makes our job easier." Ah so he was told. You hum, genuinely considering it. You liked Jellie a lot! But...there was more bases...so many cool things to see... "Sorry Jellie, but I think I want to keep exploring." You tell the cat, watching her watch you. She meows, and you'd like to think she's saying 'Go have fun!' With that you stand, turning and offering your hand to Scar. "Okay- I want to see Impulse's base now" Scar's hand is warm, calloused and scarred skin odd against your own, but he's so careful and sturdy in a way that's distinctly him. You don't mind. The group is still waiting, stopping their conversations at the sight of you and Scar. Then, you notice another problem. You had two hands, as did Mumbo, Grian, and Impulse- but due to Scar's cane he could only hold one hand! and if he was holding yours- he couldn't hold someone else's! But...you didnt want to NOT hold his hand.... Before you can worry any longer Grian accepts your hand, taking Mumbo's, and then Mumbo holds Impulse's. The line is a lot more uneven this way...but it solves your problem! "So you said you wanted to see Impulse's base, but I think we should stop at Pearls before- she'll want to say hi!" Scar informs you, and you nod along. Pearl..thats such a pretty name! Maybe..

"Is her base the purple one?" You ask, and Scar nods. Excitement sparks, its such a good color!! "That's a great idea Scar." Mumbo adds, making the other man beam. "Hey- I'm the tour guide!" Grian objects, "Maybe I'll just avoid Pearl's base completely in protest!" "Well that wouldn't be very nice!" A new voice cuts in, and you realize abruptly you were basically already there. Their bases were so close together!! You squint for the new person, and find a lady leaning against the fence of her porch, watching the group with a smile. "Hi!" You greet, waving your hand, still clasped with Scar's. Your toothy smile clearly catches on, and she grins back. "Heya Kiddo!" Skipping her steps, she effortlessly strides to you. "Want a tour?" Its clearly mostly to annoy Grian- but you cant help the excitement. "Yea!!!" You nod enthusiastically, and he huffs, releasing your hand to allow you accept Pearls. Her hand is soft, but still bore the marks of tons of building- like Scar or Papa K's. As she gently guides you to her garden you decide you like it. The garden is a wide range of flowers all in bloom, purples, reds, yellows, blues, pinks- every color imaginable!! You want to touch them- but the fear of breaking the delicate blossoms holds you back. Pearl begins to name them, pointing to each and explaining a bit about them. Her voice is soothing, but carries and energy to keep you from falling asleep. As the sun beats overhead, and the gentle breeze ruffles your hair, you cant picture a more perfect day- A loud yelp makes you jump. You spin around, terror clutching you for a moment. Your original group had wandered a bit, until lingering around the large tower of boats and pit. Impulse, Mumbo, and Grian. Where was Scar? Horror clutches you as you notice his hat at the edge of the hole- and you lunge forwards before you can think. Your legs carry you quickly, and you skitter to a stop, landing harshly on your knees. Reaching to pick up the hat and peer in. Did he fall in? Was he okay? Why wasn't anyone doing anything? When your unable to see him down the hole, you lean further, peering into the dark depths below. Further...just a touch more- The ground under your left hand crumbles- and the sudden lack of support sends you forwards- For a second you feel weightless, fear clouding your mind and tears springing to your eyes- Wind whips by- Then your abruptly caught- slight pain pulling in your shoulders at their newfound strain. "I've got you-" A voice growls, labor clear. Your tucked into a chest- immediately burring into the soft material- and your brought to the surface. The grass under your feet has never felt more reliving. Knees buckling, you bring your savior down with you. "You're okay." A hand pats your head, the voice rumbling the chest you were clinging to. "You're safe."

Slowly, your heart slows, and the tears fade, while your limbs still shake- confidence begins to dribble back. Eventually, you lean back, blinking up at the person who caught you- Grian. His eyebrows are drawn into a worried expression, but he smiles upon seeing your face. "That was scary, huh?" you nod in agreement, sniffling. "Where is Scar?" You ask, still caring despite the shock of the event. Grian chuckles, clearly still recovering himself. "Don't worry, he's okay- he's back home." "B-but why was his hat here?" You ask, now searching for the offending garment. "Uh- well- Xisuma can explain later." He promises, seeming to awkwardly avoid the topic. Not want to cause any more stir, you simply nod, vowing to remember to ask later. Mumbo appears in your vision, and offers a hand. You take it, letting him basically pull you to your feet. The rest of your group lingers nearby, clearly wanting to approach, but also wanting to give you space. They all apologize, check in to make sure your okay- and Impulse gives you more candy. Then, a small warping noise. You gasp, spinning excitedly to see him. Dad stands right where he left, having just warped back from where he was. He spots you as well- and you waste no time in launching yourself at him. "DAD!" You squeal, letting your self burry into his chestplate. You wish it was the soft material of his shirt- but when he hugs back you deem it okay for now. "Hey kiddo!" He greets, voice tired, but warm. "How was your day with Boatem?" "I nearly fell into a big hole!" "You What."

[deadite-central]

I've said this before, but Marineford either is the funniest experience or the most gut wrenching experience you could be going through. And the second you get to those gut wrenching moments, they just DON'T STOP

Luffy is still deadset on saving Ace, as he has been for the past two arcs, when we learn about how his brother was genuienly suicidal from back when he was a child, because of what the people around him said about Roger. And now, his family, whether it be the WB pirates or Luffy, will never give up on him, which makes him realize he wants to live. There are obvious parallels to be drawn to Ennies Lobby Robin, both characters realizing that they don't want to die because of the support they have from their family/nakama, which is why it pisses me off so much to see Garp continue to sit on his ass when he hears this, later even fighting Luffy, because he's so caught up in being a marine.

And yet, despite all the hardships, Luffy manages to get to Ace. Manages to save him, and we get one of the coolest team up duos in this entire series, something we have been waiting for since alabasta. It gives you that glimmer of hope, especially if you're reading/watching the series for the first time, that everything will be alright.

Just to completely rip that hope from you in the next few scenes. For a bit of context about me, when I first watched the anime, I was spoiled that Ace died, however, not when, and because I've seen screnshots of him in Wano, I concluded that it was at that point. I was caught completely off guard by this.

And this time, knowing that it was coming, I wasn't shocked, but that inevitability of this is what crushed me. Ace's death was an avoidable tragedy, but a realistic one. He's still young, he should get to make mistakes, and yet, this is where trying to defend his father’s honor, and his brother's life leads him. And when I got to that "Thank you for loving me” panel, man it hurt. He finally knows how loved he was. He dies with a smile on his face. And hell, that just destroys me.

Unfortunetly, that's not the end of things going from bad to worse, as Blackbeard appears with the most vile people he could find in Impel Down, leading to Whitebeard's death, and the taking of his devil fruit, which hey Oda when are you planning toexplain Blackbeard's power more.

Whitebeard's death is an hounorable one, and while it still hurts, there's no way he could have went out in a different way. He defitenlty wasn't anything to sneeze at. And of course, besides the meme factor, "The One Piece is real!" will always be iconic

If you haven't had enough of Akainu being a bastard, when Koby starts hearing everybody's voices, driving him to a panic attack and screaming if any of this makes sense, Akainu's reaction is to attack a sixteen year old marine. Thank the lord, Shanks shows up and finally puts an end to this bloodshed, that the marines will see as a win, despite screwing up on every single possible plane. Because in the end, the side who wins is the side that dictates how the moment will be written about

[whiskey-bumblebee]

Hold Me Closer

Pairing: Aaron Hotchner x Fem!Reader

Word Count: ~2000

Warnings: mentions of sickness (common cold), reader uses she/her pronouns, hotch briefly kinkshames panty-sniffers

Your foresight has always been startling to Hotch.

You're walking, hand in hand, across a small bridge when you pull away to sneeze into the crook of your elbow.

Aaron raises his eyebrows at you, silently asking if you're okay. You know that if you indicated you weren't, he'd step up to bat against that sneeze. How exactly, you weren't sure, but he'd find a way.

"I'm going to be sick by tomorrow morning," You say plainly.

"How can you possibly-"

"I just know," You reply, conspicuously not taking Aaron's hand again. "And I'm not going to get you sick, so keep your distance," You're smiling, but he knows you're serious.

___

Sure enough, the next morning, Aaron wakes up to the sound of you packing some clothes into a duffel bag. He panics at first.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm sick," You reply, and he hears it in your voice. Your nose is congested, your throat scratchy.

"So you're moving out?"

He snuggles deeper under the covers, relishing the last few minutes of comfort before a long day of death and paperwork.

"I'm just going to stay in the spare room," You explain. "I'll still use the kitchen and whatever, it's just a cold, but I don't think we should sleep together until I'm better."

It's the first time you've been sick during your relationship with Aaron, and he's surprised how seriously you're taking it.

"Honey, you know I don't mind catching whatever you've got," He explains lovingly. "Let me take care of you."

You stop wrestling with the bag's zip for a moment and look over at him.

"This is only a little bit about you," You start, choosing your words carefully. "I don't want to get you sick because then you'll have to take time off. If you take time off, people might literally die. And then that's on me."

"I'm not sure I follow your logic," He says slowly. "That's a big burden you're putting on yourself, honey."

You shrug. "Just promise me you'll take care of yourself? I know you might not agree, but it matters to me."

There's a sad expression on his face, but he nods. "Alright. Can I hug you before I leave for work?"

You're hesitant.

"I promise I'll take a hot shower right after. Blast all the germs right off me."

In truth, you were easily convinced. You loved Aaron, and you loved touching him. It would be hard not to hold him until you fully recovered.

"Okay," You murmur, and he springs out of bed like a man 30 years younger.

You tuck your face into his body, and let his strong arms encircle you. He doesn't kiss the side of your head, like he normally does. It's a lovely, warm moment, and all is right in the world. You take a deep breath, inhaling his scent and hoping it sticks in your lungs all week.

"Okay," He whispers. "I'm going to take a shower. If you want to join me, I won't ask any questions."

He pulls away, and his boyish smile almost gets the best of you. He's like a magnet.

"I'm going to be strong," You reply, kneeling down to pick up the duffel so you can take it into the spare room. Aaron tosses you your silk pillow once you have a free hand.

"Don't forget this," He teases. "Every princess needs her satin pillow."

"It's silk," You stress. "And you bought this for me, remember?"

He looks at you, smiling.

"What?" You ask.

"I love you," He replies. "I know it's funny to say, but I'll miss you. Even if you're just in the next room over."

"I love you too, and we can talk through the wall," You affirm. "And if you get really desperate," You glance pointedly at your laundry hamper. "You can always take a pair of my-"

Aaron's nose crinkles at that, and he shakes his head. "No thanks. Too many unsubs..."

You nod, not needing him to elaborate further. "Okay, now please get out."

He holds up his hands playfully, but does as you ask, heading to the ensuite bathroom.

"Do you need your toothbrush?"

You almost laugh at how hard it is to disentangle yourself from the life you both share, even if it's only for a week, and a distance of approximately three metres.

"Yeah," You reply. "I'll come and get it when you're done."

___

"You look like your cat got hit by a car," Rossi says, pulling Aaron aside. "What the hell happened?"

Hotch frowns. "Me and my partner are long distance this week."

Penelope, somehow, manages to overhear that, and within seconds, is just beside the two men. "Where did she go? She didn't mention anything to me." She looks a little dejected.

"Private conversation, Garcia," Rossi interjects, gesturing for her to close the door.

"It's alright, Dave," Aaron replies. "She moved into the spare bedroom."

Rossi laughs a little. "The spare bedroom?"

Aaron's frown deepens. "She's sick, and she said she didn't want to risk me catching her cold."

It's almost as if little pink cartoon hearts flutter around Penelope's head, and she smiles widely. "That's so sweet."

"So no sex?" Derek asks.

"When did you get here?" Aaron asks exasperatedly, glancing around the corner where he and Rossi were standing. To his surprise, the whole team had gathered to eavesdrop. Aaron rolls his eyes.

"Back to work, everyone. And please, no more prying into my private life. I'm sure you wouldn't want me looking into yours either."

The team disperses at that, returning to their desks in the bullpen.

"The spare bedroom?" Rossi repeats, this time in a whisper.

"What's the longest you ever went without seeing your wife?" Aaron replied.

"I've been separated from Diane for-"

"Not separated," Aaron clarified, his jaw clenched. "Apart."

Rossi gives up and shrugs. "I didn't love any of them like you love her, Hotch."

"She's a saint," Aaron murmurs. "I don't know-"

"-What you did to deserve her, okay loverboy, back to kill-y kill-y stabby stabby." Rossi steers him by the shoulders for a few steps until Aaron brushes him off. "Otherwise you might as well be with her at home."

___

Five long days pass. It's torture, for Aaron to hear you coughing through the wall at night. Every now and again, he hears your footsteps and tries to imagine you walking to and from the bathroom, or to and from the kitchen. He tries to imagine what your hair looks like, what you're wearing.

He sits beside the wall every night at 9.

"I love you," He says, just loud enough for it to carry through the plaster.

"I love you too."

"How are you feeling?"

"Almost there," You reply. "I'm just so cold."

"Have you got the heater running? I could start a fire?"

Your laugh is muffled, but he'd recognize the sound anywhere.

"I have the heater running."

You both go to your separate beds, and hours pass. Aaron sleeps uneasily without you beside him. His phone vibrates with a text and he looks at the screen immediately.

< I'm really cold. Could you bring me one of the spare blankets?

He thinks for a moment.

He walks over to the linen cupboard in the hallway, and pulls out your favourite blanket for movie nights. You almost always fell asleep when you were under it. It had a pleasant weight, and it was certainly warm.

He also puts on a surgical mask, looping the elastics around his ears and squeezing the wire to fit his prominent nose.

He knocks twice, and you call out weakly.

He opens the door and takes a single step inside. You don't move, so he walks over to the bed to drape the blanket over you. You're lying in the position you always sleep in when he spoons you, and he can't help himself. He slips into bed behind you, dropping the blanket on the foot of the bed.

"Hey," He murmurs, expecting you to chide him.

"Hey," You murmur back.

"Is this okay?"

You nod. "Pass me a mask?"

He takes one from the stack on your bedside table and passes it over your shoulder. You fit it to your face. His body is warm against yours, and you can't help but snuggle into him, making sure your face isn't facing his. You click into place just as you always have.

"Can I stay?" He whispers.

"Until I fall asleep?" You bargain.

"Okay," He replies.

And for the first time ever, he hopes that you have a long, sleepless night ahead of you.

[training4theapocalypse]

A Nest of Vipers Ch5. (Cormac McLaggen x Original Female Character - Slytherin)

Rating: Explicit 18+

Word Count: 4.6K

Warnings / Tags: ANGST, Tragic romance

Summary: If her brother is brave enough to ask one of the Gryffindors to Slughorn's Christmas party, surely Una can work up the courage to do the same? Or has Sabine been right all along?

A/N: No smut in this chapter just some angst and everyone being cagey with their feelings lol. Also this diverges from the canon timeline just a little - Katie Bell isn’t cursed by the necklace until after Christmas.

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Chapter 5: Suffocate

A winter chill was in the air as Una and Graham Montague walked up the steps to the owlery, their shoes crunching on frosty fallen leaves on the stone staircase. Una wrinkled her nose when Graham opened the door at the top of the tower and they were greeted with the stench of owl droppings and hay.

“I’ve been laying the groundwork and dropping some serious hints that I need a new broom for Christmas,” said Graham as he tied their letters to one of the school tawny owls who was sticking its leg out in a serious, professional sort of way.

“I can’t believe this is the first time you’ve written to them all term,” said Una. This was typical of Graham. He was their golden boy - what did it matter to their parents if he didn’t write for months? Their beloved Quidditch Captain son who could do no wrong. Una, on the other hand, had to constantly fight for their approval. 

She knew she should probably resent him for it, and yet…

“What am I going to write about? I’m not brilliant like you. I’ve not done anything worth writing about.”

There it was. Even if her parents didn’t give a damn, her little brother was always so proud of her. And he let her know it. She loved him more than anything. Although Sabine and Meredith were a close second. And, if she was being honest, third respectively.

“They’d love to hear from you, Graham. They’d want to know that your panic attacks have gotten much better lately.” Graham frowned and pretended to busy himself with the fastenings on the letters. “And Father would be really pleased that Slughorn invited you to his Christmas party after doing so well in Potions.”

“Oh, so you just send them a list of achievements every other week? Sure - that’s nothing to do with trying to get a good Christmas present.”

“Well,” smirked Una leaning against the window sill. “I’m not saying it doesn’t help.”

“Right, off you go then,” Graham told the owl who ruffled its feathers against the icy breeze, spread its wings and took flight across the Hogwarts grounds, carrying the siblings’ letters. They stood for a moment watching the silhouette of the owl disappearing into the sky across the lake.

“So, who are you going to the party with?” asked Una, looking up at him and thinking of his fellow Slytherin sixth years. As much as she didn’t like to think about her brother’s dating life, she would rather he wasn’t going out with someone who was a simpering pushover like Pansy Parkinson or a knucklehead like Millicent Bullstrode.

“Eh, I dunno…” He said, pushing a gloved hand back through his auburn hair. “I was thinking maybe Katie Bell?”

“What?” She knew that name from her lessons.

“She’s in the year above me.” He cleared his throat. 

Una blinked a few times as his hazel eyes, so similar to her own, refused to meet hers.

“Yeah, I know she is because that’s my year, you dolt. But she’s in Gryffindor.”

“Oh, don’t you start too. It’s a different house, not another planet.”

“Your friends giving you a hard time then?”

He snorted. “Like you wouldn’t believe.”

“And it doesn’t… bother you?”

“What? That she’s a Gryffindor?”

“No, that Draco and the others are giving you a hard time.”

“Yeah, well, what are they gonna do about it?” He drew himself up to his full height. He was tall - even taller than his friends Crabbe and Goyle - she supposed they were probably too intimidated by him to try and put a stop to it.

“Well… good for you,” said Una. 

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. I like that you don’t care what they think.”

“What about you?” he asked, pulling his scarf tighter against the cold air coming through the giant open windows.

“It’s fine by me, I don’t care who you go out with.” That wasn’t strictly true but it was better than him dating one of the Slytherin sixth years who were always sucking up to her, Sabine and Meredith.

“I meant who are you going with?”

“Oh.” Una and Blaise had already arranged to go with each other as friends. That way she could sneak off with McLaggen and he could attempt to get to know Ginny Weasley better, despite Una’s contempt for the latter. “Blaise.”

“What?!” His exclamation startled her slightly. “Una, you can’t go with Blaise.”

“Who are you to tell me who I can’t -”

“Not like that. Una, please. I’m begging you. Don’t go with Blaise.”

She was taken aback by this. Blaise was in Slytherin. By all accounts, he was a perfectly suitable match for her. “Why not?”

“Because he’s my mate. I mean, I can put up with them slagging me off for who I go out with but I don’t want to hear about Blaise with his hands all over my -” He pretended to retch. “I can’t have my sister going out with -” He retched again. “one of my friends.”

She frowned.

“Don’t give me that look. I mean…” He looked out the window again with a pained expression. “I suppose if you really like him, I could make peace with it. As long as y’know, you don’t start snogging each other in front of me.”

“It’s not that we like each other. It’s just that neither of us had anyone else to go with,” said Una carefully.

“Come off it.” Graham rolled his eyes and walked over to the owlery door. “I mean - they reign it in in front of me because they know I’d kill them - but I know from my mates that you’re not that ugly. I’m sure you’d have your choice of poor, unwitting souls. Like a dementor.”

“Oh ha-ha. It’s more of a quality problem than a quantity one - have you seen the trolls in our common room?”

“Well, maybe you should broaden your horizons. I’m not saying you have to go out with a Gryffindor but people in other houses exist, you know.”

Una sighed heavily as the owlery door shut behind her. She couldn’t believe she was taking dating advice from her brother - and what’s more, he was right. 

“What’s that sigh for?”

“I wish I could be like you. Sabine and Meredith would kill me if I went with someone from Gryffindor. The three of us have a reputation to protect.”

“What does a reputation mean, really? What other people think of you? Maybe they’re not good friends if they care more about what other people think than being happy.” They paused at the bottom of the stairs. “I’m serious, Una. Fuck them. Go out with who you like… As long as it’s not Blaise or Draco.” He paused for a moment and (as if to make sure he was covering all his bases) added. “Or Crabbe, Goyle or Theo.”

Una laughed but as they walked back to the castle she couldn’t help but think about how complicated this was becoming. Why couldn’t things just be simple? Surely she could just be honest with her friends and go with who she really liked.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Una, Sabine and Meredith sat in front of the fire in the Slytherin common room. The atmosphere was stiff like they were the only three mourners at a very poorly attended funeral. Una had to remind herself that they weren’t actually grieving, that she had simply broken the news she was going to Slughorn’s party with Cormac McLaggen. 

“I can’t believe you’d do this to my brother either,” Sabine sniped, breaking the silence. “Who’s he supposed to go with now?”

“The party is almost two weeks away. Blaise has plenty of time to find another date. Besides, Graham doesn’t want me to go with one of his friends.” 

“I think,” Sabine said coolly. “I think you should find somewhere else to sit.”

Una snorted in disbelief. “Sab, come on-” 

“Don’t ‘Sab’ me. I’m not having you cosying up with the Gryffindors all day and then coming crawling back to us. We stick together. The three of us. And only us.”

“You can’t be serious.” Sabine only raised a perfectly manicured eyebrow in response and continued to look into the fire, the light bouncing off her high, dark cheekbones as she stared stonily. “Doesn’t Meredith get a say?” Una scoffed and looked at Meredith who was attempting to make herself as small as she could in her leather armchair. “Well?”

“I agree with Sabine,” Meredith said quietly.

“Unbelievable.” Una stood up and her temper rose with it. “Are you really going to be that spineless, Meredith?” Meredith simply looked at her shoes. “And you,” she turned her glare to Sabine. “You only want me to go out with someone you can keep a close eye on.”

“I know what’s good for you.”

“What’s good for you, you mean. You’d rather the three of us were single than Meredith or I had a boyfriend before you.”

“You bitch,” hissed Sabine and Una knew she had touched a nerve. Sabine might have experience but Una knew her inside out. Sabine had never had a boyfriend for more than a few weeks. 

Cormac’s earlier teasing of Una swam to the forefront of her mind: ‘It was easy to pretend you didn’t exist since you have such a terrible personality’

If Una had a terrible personality, Sabine’s was diabolical.

Sabine pressed on. “It’s nothing to do with who I am or aren’t dating. You know for a fact that you going out with a Gryffindor ruins the whole dynamic.”

“The dynamic?” Una laughed so shrilly that Pansy Parkinson and her friends looked over from their seats at the window alcove. “What dynamic is that? The one where you’re in charge and Meredith and I go along with whatever you say?”

“No, the dynamic where we don’t have the same kind of power when one of us splits off from the group to chum up with those blundering idiots in Gryffindor.”

“Then don’t split us up. It’s you who’s making a big deal about me asking Cormac to some party!”

It was Sabine’s turn to laugh. “Wait, hold on a second. He hasn’t even asked you yet?”

“So? What does it matter if he hasn’t?”

“I saw him scowling at you in Snape’s lesson the other day when you asked about the Cruciatus Curse. He doesn’t even like you. Sure, maybe he’s trying to fuck you but there’s no way he actually wants to date you.”

It was a knife in Una’s stomach. Sabine knew Una just as well as Una knew her. She had an intimate knowledge of Una’s deepest insecurities and her attempt to wound her was working.

“Well, maybe I don’t care if that’s what he wants.”

Sabine laughed again and it stung like venom in the wound. “As if. You’re going to catch feelings.”

“You really think I’m that easily manipulated?”

“Actually I do, Una. Because without us, what are you? A goody-two-shoes virgin and a loser.”

Una knew arguing back was only giving Sabine more ammunition but she couldn’t help it. The smug smirk on Sabine’s face told her that Sabine knew just how deeply she’d cut her. “He doesn’t care who my friends are. He likes me.”

“He likes the idea of fucking you. Wait until he finds out you’ve got as much experience as a twelve-year-old.”

Una could feel tears welling in her eyes and she was furious with her own emotions for betraying her. She wanted to tell them that actually, she did have experience. And that Cormac didn’t even mind when she didn’t. “He’s not like that.”

“They’re all like that,” Sabine said seriously. She held out her pinky finger. Their special signal. “Last chance, Una.” When she looked at Una her expression softened. “I just worry about you.”

Una looked at the pinky finger extended in front of her but didn’t link it. “You’re wrong.”

“I don’t want you to prove me right. Don’t ask him.”

“Why not?”

Una gave Meredith one last pleading look but Meredith just shook her head.

“If you make a fool of yourself it looks bad for all of us.”

Sabine pressed her pinky right into Una’s breastbone. 

“I’m not a fool. And you’re a bad friend if you don’t want me to be happy.”

“You’d be happier without getting involved with him,” said Sabine. “I swear, Una. You’re setting yourself up to get hurt.”

Una thought hard. Thought about when Cormac told her he wanted to bend her over and fuck her like the mean little bully she was. Thought about the way he was as keen as she was to keep it a secret.

She barely knew him. He barely knew her. And maybe Sabine was right - what he did know he didn’t seem to like. Even if he did want to fuck her.

And asking him to Slughorn’s Christmas party would probably end in rejection and hurt.

She looked down at the pinky pressed into her sternum and locked her own around it. Sabine squeezed it with satisfaction.

“You’re right. I - I don’t know what I was thinking.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As the Gryffindor Quidditch Team made their way back to the common room, Cormac McLaggen and Katie Bell lingered at the back of the group with their brooms slung over their shoulders.

“What a waste of time,” he groaned. 

“Cheer up. You’re still technically on the team,” said Katie.

“Technically, yes. But in actuality that means spending a perfectly good Saturday afternoon sitting on the sidelines watching Weasley make an arse of himself.” Cormac grumbled as he adjusted his broom. He was in a bad mood and what was worse was that he still hadn’t found a date for Slughorn’s Party.

He knew why he was putting it off and resented himself for it. He had sort of hoped that after spending the evening in the Prefects’ bathroom with Una a few weeks ago that maybe - just maybe - she’d have a change of heart about not wanting to be seen with him anywhere.

But that wasn’t looking likely.

For the past couple of weeks, their only contact had consisted of sitting too closely in Transfiguration when they could get away with it and discreet brushes of their fingers when they passed in the corridor. Just last week he had dared to squeeze a handful of her backside as he walked by her in the Great Hall which she had met with a scathing look and the tiniest jerk of her head towards Sabine and Meredith. 

Then, he hadn’t expected his heart to sink the way it did when she’d told him casually in Transfiguration that she was going to Slughorn’s with Blaise Zabini. Cormac thought they were well suited - both Slytherins, slight and statuesque. He felt like a lumbering giant when he walked past Blaise the next day.

He needed a date. And fast.

“Katie, you don’t fancy going to Slughorn’s Party with me, do you?”

Katie stopped in her tracks. “What?”

“Just as friends, I mean.”

“Thank God,” she laughed and they resumed their ascent of the moving staircase.

“Alright, don’t sound too relieved or anything.”

“You know what I mean.”

“No, I do. I just thought that since you’re not going you might -“

“I am too going,” said Katie defensively.

“What? You’re going to Slughorn’s?” asked Cormac. “You never told me that.”

“I don’t tell you everything,” Katie said. “But yeah, I’m going with the Slytherin Quidditch Captain. Graham.”

Cormac furrowed his brow. “Wait -”

“Una Montague’s brother,” she reminded him.

“What? Why’d you say it like that? I barely know her.”

It was easy to forget Graham and Una were siblings. They were different, that was for sure. Graham was taller, broader and with much hairier arms than Una - not that Cormac was complaining that they didn’t share those traits. 

Katie looked at him blankly. “Because you mentioned you sit next to her Transfiguration?”

“Oh. Yeah. Right.” 

“He’s kind of sweet, actually,” said Katie quickly. “Not as bad as the rest.”

His memory was jogged by this. “Hold on, didn’t he grab your head instead of the quaffle during a match once?”

To Cormac’s surprise, Katie gave him a girlish smile that he’d never seen before. “That’s what he said when he asked me to Slughorn’s Party. He said he wanted to make it up to me. ‘Baubles’,” she added, pushing through the portrait of the Fat Lady and stepping over the threshold of the common room.

“I dunno, Katie. Carmichael warned me about him,” he said.

“What’s going on?” said Katie. “First you’re getting defensive when I mentioned Una and now you’re telling me Carmichael is warning you about her brother. Why?”

“Nothing’s going on,” Cormac insisted, thinking about Una’s scalding look when he tried to touch her when she was near the other Vipers. She’d be furious if he told anyone about them. So furious, she probably wouldn’t want to have sex with him - and he was determined to at least do that again, even if they weren’t going to the party together.

“Are you into her?”

“No, Katie. I just sit next to her in one class.” He did trust Katie but he was becoming extremely conscious of the fact they were having this conversation in the busy common room where anyone could overhear.

“Is this why you haven’t asked anyone to Slughorn’s? Are you trying to work up the courage to ask her or something?”

“No. And she’s going with Zabini anyway.”

“Sabine?”

“Blaise.”

“Hmm… you seem to know an awful lot about who she’s going with for someone who isn’t interested.”

“It just came up in Transfiguration.”

“How did it come up?”

He dragged his hand down his face in exasperation. Katie could be so infuriatingly tenacious. “It just did. Let it go.”

“So you’re not going alone in the hopes she ditches Blaise for you?”

“No! I just asked you didn’t I?”

“As a friend.”

“Yeah, because Slughorn’s Christmas party is only two days away and I still don’t have anyone to go with.”

“Cormac?” said a voice from behind them. Katie and Cormac whipped around to see Hermione Granger standing with a book under her arm. “Sorry, I couldn’t help overhearing. Did you say you were looking for a date for Slughorn’s party?”

Now, this was interesting. Hermione was pretty, he supposed, even if she did look slightly stressed out and frazzled right now. But she had never shown the slightest interest in him before, in fact, it was quite the opposite when he had made eyes at her during Slug Club.

“Yes,” said Cormac with relief. He was proving Katie wrong before her eyes. “Are you? Do you want to go together?”

Hermione nodded. He wondered if this would make Una jealous. Hermione was, after all, a shoo-in to be Una’s successor as Head Girl. And she had gone to the Yule Ball with Viktor Krum - that had to mean something, right?

“You mean like, as a date though, right? Not as friends?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Oh, I would love to go with you as a date, Cormac,” she replied very loudly, looking over his shoulder at the rest of the Quidditch team heading to their dormitories and tucking her bushy hair behind her ear.

“Excellent,” said Cormac, clapping Hermione on the shoulder and walking backwards towards the boys’ dormitory. “You’ll wear something hot though, right?”

“Cormac!” said Katie, aghast.

“What?” asked Cormac. He was thinking about how Una would mock him if he turned up with a date who clearly didn’t look like she’d made any effort to be there with him. But judging from Katie’s horrified expression, he’d said the wrong thing. “I just meant, y’know, at the Yule Ball - you looked great. I’m looking forward to seeing you dressed up again.”

“Ignore him,” said Katie, rolling her eyes as Hermione looked offended. Cormac shrugged and turned to go upstairs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In the last Transfiguration lesson before the end of term, Professor McGonagall seemed to have let her hair down slightly and had allowed the seventh-years to spend their lesson practising whatever they wanted. And so, Cormac continued his attempts to silently master the Avis spell while Una sat in front of a mirror, transfiguring her eyebrows into different colours.

“You know, I might keep them like this for Slughorn’s party tomorrow night,” said Una, admiring her emerald green eyebrows in the mirror. “They match my dress.” 

Cormac turned in his seat to face her as she smirked at him expectantly.

“Blaise would love that, I’m sure.” 

“He won’t care.”

“Nice to know he’s not superficial. That’s a good quality to have in a boyfriend.”

Una snorted. “What are you on about?”

“Well… you’ve barely spoken to me since you told me you were going to Slughorn’s with Blaise.”

“That’s not -” Una hesitated before continuing. “That’s not why I haven’t been speaking to you. Sabine and Meredith are sort of… on my case.”

“They’ve always been on your case.”

“More than usual.” Una held up her mirror to her face and pointed her wand at her eyebrows. Cormac had a feeling she was hiding her face so she wouldn’t need to look at him. “I told them I was thinking about asking you.”

“You - you did? What did they say?”

“Oh they were really supportive,” said Una sarcastically, as they both watched her eyebrows resume their usual colour. “Asked if you had any friends for them too - do you think Carmichael would be interested?”

Cormac put down his wand. “What did they really say?”

“It didn’t go down well. But -” Una pursed her lips thoughtfully. “- does it matter what they think?”

“To me? No.”

“Should we, then? Go together, I mean? I know it’s only tomorrow but Blaise won’t care. We’re just going as friends.”

Friends? Shit. 

“Una, I can’t. I’ve said I’d go with someone else - I can’t ditch her the day before.”

“Who?”

“Hermione Granger,” he said and Una scoffed. “What’s wrong with that?”

“Well, you were trying to hit on her at the dinner party a couple of weeks ago, so, what, you’re dating her?”

“How was I supposed to know you were going with Blaise as friends?”

She looked at him incredulously. “I thought that was the plan? We’d find someone else to go with and we’d sneak off somewhere together later?”

“We can still do that,” he said, feeling a little desperate now his plan was backfiring.

“Cormac, I’m not…” She sighed. “I’m not gonna be some bit on the side for you while you’re actively dating. You can’t have it both ways.”

That was exceptionally unfair. “Me? Una, I’m doing this at your request. You want to keep it a secret. You want to go to the party with someone else. It’s you who can’t have it both ways.”

He was expecting a venomous argument but she just looked disappointed. Which was worse.

“You’re right. I’m sorry.”

He certainly hadn’t expected her to apologise. He felt his defences drop.

“Come on, Unes. I’m not dating her. I was scrambling for a last-second date and she overheard. That’s all it is.”

“And what’s this?” asked Una. “Like… between us?”

“What do you want it to be?” He tilted his head. “Una, I like you a lot but if you’re that worried about Sabine and Meredith, we can keep it a secret. I don’t care.”

“You like me? You never told me that.”

“Didn’t I?”

“No. You said you didn’t dislike me.”

“That’s the same thing.”

“Even though Carmichael says I’m evil?”

Cormac grinned. “Well, you are evil. I’m just into it.” He didn't really think Una was evil. A little mean with a twisted sense of humour, sure, but she had a soft side that most people didn't realise existed. He couldn't ever imagine her purposefully harming someone.

She laughed at this for a second then her expression shifted slightly. “And you don’t care that I’ve got about as much experience as a twelve-year-old?”

“Well, that’s not true anymore, is it?” He shrugged his shoulders. “And it’s great, actually. It’s the one thing I’m better at than you.”

“Shut up,” she said, although she looked relieved. It was oddly adorable. Usually so quick-witted and sneering, it was nice when she let him peer behind the curtain and see that she had real, human emotions.

“You’re gonna need a lot of practice to catch up,” he said with a cocky grin, and he was glad when she hit his shoulder because he knew it meant she wasn’t upset with him anymore.

The bell rang and Cormac and Una filed out of the class behind the others. 

“I’ll see you tomorrow then?” he asked and she nodded. Then Una did something she’d never done before. She stood on her tiptoes in the busy corridor and kissed his cheek.

“See you later,” Una said and off she went, giving him a quick smile over her shoulder before disappearing through a hidden passageway behind a tapestry.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After Arithmancy, Una went along the second-floor corridor to the nearest bathroom. It was cold and dank in here - she knew why Filch avoided cleaning this one. She looked at her reflection in the streaky mirror as she dried her hands. She too usually steered clear of this bathroom if she could because - 

“I know something you don’t know,” sang Moaning Myrtle, rising from the air above the stall behind her. Una glanced her out of the corner of her eye in the mirror as she pulled out her lipgloss.

“Oh, I’m sure there are plenty of things I don’t know, Myrtle. How to scare away every boy in school, for instance?”

“Funny you should say that… Did you know that boy you’re seeing is taking someone else to the Christmas party?”

“Oh, no,” said Una mockingly applying her lipgloss. “What a terrible shock.”

“I heard Hermione Granger and Ginny Weasley talking all about it in here.”

“Did you now?” said Una, feigning disinterest as she pouted at herself and fixed her hair.

“Yes, although she’s not looking forward to it. He sounds awful. I can see why you’re both interested in each other.”

Una smirked at her own reflection. Good. She was glad Hermione wasn’t particularly keen on their date.

Myrtle continued. “I overheard them talking about what a chauvinist he is. Apparently, he told her to wear something sexy to the party. Can you believe it?”

Una’s smirk faltered as the pit of her stomach dropped. She tried to recover quickly by pressing her lips together but from the gleeful expression on Myrtle’s face, she’d seen it. Myrtle floated over to sit on the sink next to her but Una kept her eyes firmly on her own reflection.

“Said he was really looking forward to seeing her all dressed up. Gosh, he must really like her.”

Una carefully put her lipgloss back in her bag. So much for ‘only asking Hermione because she overheard’. So Cormac McLaggen was a liar - plain and simple. And Sabine was right. By putting herself out there and telling him how she felt, she had only set herself up to get hurt.

“Is that why you told me not to tell anyone? Are you sleeping with someone else’s boyfriend?” asked Myrtle in a would-be innocent voice.

Una pulled out her wand and pointed it at Myrtle’s throat. “Langlock!” she spat and watched Myrle’s eyes bulge as her tongue rolled back down her throat. “Engorgio!”

Myrtle clutched her throat as her tongue swelled up.

“Now, if you were alive, you’d suffocate,” whispered Una, watching Myrtle’s ghostly face turn less and less opaque. Her neck bulged as her tongue continued to grow. “But what happens if a dead person chokes on their own tongue, I wonder?”

Una didn’t bother to find out. She turned around and strode out of the bathroom, her heels clicking across the wet stone floor as Myrle gagged behind her. 

Chapter 6: Slughorn's Party

[deadbydangit]

Hi! If you’re open to taking requests right now could I please ask for how bubba, Jeff, and vittorio would take care of their sick s/o? Tysm!! <3

I can absolutely do that. I'm sorry it's been taking me so long to get to requests. I've been anxious, tired, and kind of depressed. But I'll keep trying to bring everyone at least one thing every day.

Taking Care of a Sick Reader

Jeff, Vittorio, Cannibal

Jeff Johanson

Jeff is a very vigilant person.

He's always been that way.

So when the first sign of you being sick appears, he knows.

You just sneezed though.

"You sneezed three times. Every time that happens you start to get sick."

And he's right.

As an artist and musician, he's trained himself to pick up on tiny little details.

First off, straight to bed.

If you're in the middle of something, he'll finish it for you.

No: ifs, ands, or buts.

You're in bed.

At least when you're sick, you get to have his amazing soup that he only gives you when you're sick.

It's his way of creating a silver lining.

He isn't big on medicines though.

Jeff was in a bad crowd, he had seen people get addicted to drugs from the littlest things.

He just doesn't want to risk that in you.

Instead, he'll go more homeopathic.

You'll be better pretty quick too.

It doesn't matter how much you coughed and sneezed, he won't get sick.

It's like he has super powers.

"I don't have super powers, I just can't be sick. Otherwise, I couldn't be there for you."

Vittorio Toscano

During his time, a cold could mean a death sentence.

So, even if he doesn't show it, he's very worried.

Vittorio is really good at hiding that worry though.

He doesn't want you to panic.

That would only make things so much worse.

Some of the other survivors might have to catch him up on modern medical knowledge.

Once he's assured that you aren't going to die, then he'll be much more helpful.

He'll insist on doing everything for you.

Even carrying you.

Everywhere.

Even if you don't need it.

He doesn't really understand that you don't need that.

Or he does, and just wants to be your hero.

Modern medicine is far from what he knew; pills and other drugs aren't common knowledge to him.

What is common is plants.

He'll be working together with Claudette to use herbs to make you feel better.

It tastes terrible.

But it does have you feeling better.

He doesn't get sick either.

He knows to wash his hands and give you some distance.

"Now that you are feeling well again, I can safely hold you."

Cannibal

This boy is surprisingly calm.

You'd expect him to panic or not know what to do.

But he's very calm.

He had a big family.

Big.

And he would usually take on a very motherly role.

He's taken care of everyone in his family with sicknesses at least once in their life, usually more.

Bubba is super good with helping you when you're sick.

He might not seem like it, but he's very tender and affectionate when he wants to be.

He isn't a fan of showing that side of him to the rest of the world though.

It's only reserved for you.

He might try and cook you some soup.

Do not eat that soup.

Seriously.

Don't eat it.

To spare his feelings, just say that your stomach hurts too much to eat.

He's very gullible.

He knows it's important that you drink plenty of water and get plenty of rest.

He'll frequently check on you throughout the day too.

You'll never have an empty water glass, nor will you never have enough blankets.

He knows exactly what you need, and how much of it you need.

And, as much of a pushover he may be, you aren't getting or doing anything that will make you feel worse.

Your job is to lay in bed and get better.

His job is to take care of you.

And he takes that role very seriously.

[gemcatx]

Because Hazbro won't bring back Hanazuki, I'll take matters into my own hands. This goes to my girl Hana-Z and will do her justice!

Chapter 1

Once upon a moon, on the vibrant and colorful world where Hanazuki's moon resided, a peculiar incident occurred. Hanazuki, the spirited moonflower known for her lively personality, found herself unable to leave her bed. The hemkas, her adorable and mischievous companions, tried their best to rouse her from her slumber. But no matter how much they hopped and tugged at her, Hanazuki remained still, her petals drooping with a sense of uncharacteristic lethargy.

Sensing something was amiss, the hemkas scurried out of the moonflower's cozy house, chirping and chittering in a frantic frenzy. Their urgent cries reached the ears of Maroshi's flochis, who, much like the hemkas, possessed the ability to understand their language. As the flochis listened to the distressed hemkas, panic spread among them. It seemed that the hemkas' words conveyed a message of impending danger, but the moonflowers, including Maroshi, Kiyoshi, and Kiazuki, were unable to comprehend the exact meaning. They could only sense the gravity of the situation from the body language and tone of their little critters.

Chapter 2

Worry and concern filled the air, enveloping the moonflower friends in an aura of uncertainty. They had never witnessed such a state in Hanazuki before.

Maroshi, his voice dripping with a laid-back surfer vibe, looked at his fellow moonflowers, Kiyoshi and Kiazuki, with a furrowed brow. "Man, this ain't like Hanazuki at all. She's always the one brightening up our days, and now she's stuck in bed? bummer..."

"I can't believe Hanazuki's feeling so down. She's always been the one to lift our spirits," Kiyoshi murmured, gently caressing Hanazuki's drooping petals. "We need to find a way to help her, and fast." He added, his petals turning lime green as he panicked internally...mostly.

Kiazuki, known for her fiery and determined nature, crossed her arms and scowled. "We can't just stand around moping. We have to do something! Let's start by asking, Sleepy-what's his name, and that diamond guy" she said, throwing her arms up and looking away; not really caring enough to remember Sleepy Unicorn and Dazzlessence Jones's name.

Hanazuki then groaned as she turned in her bed and began to stir awake. "oh, hey, she's ok!"Maroshi exclaimed, relieved to see Hanazuki stirring. "What took you so long?" he said, his face lighting up. His eyes twinkled in the moonlight as he chuckled. "You scared the bejeezus outta us back there."

The moonflower sighed deeply. "Maroshi, she's still NOT ok. what's going on, Hanazuki?" Kiyoshi asked, worry lacing his tone. Her petals flashed a dim gray as she tried to get up but gave up "I don't know...but I think talking to Dazz and Sleepy is a good idea" she said in a hoarse voice before sneezing violently. the force made her petals flop up for a moment before coming back down. Maroshi chuckled at the cute sight. Kiyoshi shot him a disapproving glare. Maroshi shrugged "it's cute" he said in his usual laidback fashion.

As the moonflower friends gathered their determination, they set off in search of Dazzlessence Jones, the diamond sheriff of safety

Chapter 3

The shimmering gem was doing his own thing when Kiazuki grabbed his hand "Hanazuki, help, now".

He turned his attention to Kiazuki's urgent plea. With a smooth voice that resonated like a melody, he asked, "What seems to be the trouble, Kiazuki?"

Kiazuki's fiery determination burned in her eyes as she explained, "It's Hanazuki, Dazz. She's not herself. She's stuck in bed, and her petals are all droopy and gray. We need your help."

Dazzlessence Jones, with a raised sparkling eyebrow, gazed at Kiazuki with a mix of curiosity and concern. "A sick moonflower? That's quite rare, indee-he-he-hed~" he sang, his smooth voice resonating like a mesmerizing melody. However, his tone was serious, showing his genuine interest in the matter. Though his unconventional singing might puzzle some, his talent was undeniable.

"I wish I could help, but I've never been in this situation. it is truly, heart-break-ing~ and de-moti-vating~" he continued, his tone reflecting the anguish in his eyes. "...uh-huh. well, this was a waste of time. let's go find that unicorn" Kiazuki said dismissively, as if she hadn't heard any of his words.

Kiyoshi looked at Dazzlessence apologetically "sorry about her. can you keep an eye on Hanazuki?"

"I'll try my hardest~ and protect her with my liiife~" he responded with a smile.

To be continued...