#they actually watch it together tears in their eyes

[woewriting]

cold to the touch

pairing: wednesday addams | reader summary: after visiting the other side afterwards almost being killed by the pilgrim, wednesday addams catches the attention of someone who's a bit curious about the girl who escaped death. word count: 8494 warnings: mdni, +18 only! no pronouns used, contains nsfw content.

masterlist

The rumors of a new transferred student filled the hallways of Nevermore, gossips about what kind of creature had just moved in. Everyone had a different theory, the glass-like eyes reminded Bianca of her own, the mermaids. The black-painted, sharp nails were a werewolf thing, Enid thought to herself as she eyed you from afar. The locks of your hair, hidden by the black beanie made it look like you were hiding something… snaky underneath it. But what caught the attention of everyone was the black and white suit that covered your body, similar to the one Wednesday Addams wears. The lack of color in your vests were enough to draw everyone’s attention, although, your beauty and the mystery around what you were, was an extra reason for the Addams girl to close the book in her hands and pay a small attention to your details, away from the crowd.

Following the tall woman, you stood by her side at the entrance to the courtyard. Everyone’s eyes on you.

“Attention, Nevermore, I’d like to introduce to you all our new student. I’m sure you’re gonna make her feel welcome during her journey in our school, isn’t that correct?”

Some heads nodded at the woman’s statement, others simply turned around and ignored their surroundings, a messy chatter growing louder and louder. The director touched your shoulder with a gentle smile before walking away, leaving you by yourself.

As you looked around the new faces you’d have to get used to, you noticed how things were different since the last time you’d actually been on earth wearing your human form. It’s been what, 3 years? Maybe a bit more… your memory failing to recap the last years, they were a messy and confusing blur. Ever since you became Death, your memories from your human life were slowly being erased as you kept on living as the undying creature, responsible for harvesting souls as they walked to you on the other side of the veil, waiting for your hand to touch their chest so they could rest in peace.

At first, your heart would break when they realized they were no longer allowed to live with the living ones, when they had to walk away and leave their loved ones behind and accept their destiny, waiting for their rebirth.

You had the same expression on your face when you saw your lifeless body on the hospital bed, surrounded by doctors that tried everything in their power to bring you back. You stood there for minutes, crying as you felt farther and farther from your human life, taking steps back until everything around you turned into a white forest, with long trees that swung with the cold breeze, you felt nostalgia as you walked around the empty garden, as if you had returned home after a long trip. It was warm, like watching the sunrise at the beach, the soft sound of waves crashing down the white sand, the birds chirping around you with a calming melody, and the breeze… so light and refreshing, ready to embrace you in your new life as a new day rose in front of your eyes.

Taking a deep breath, you opened your eyes, the white forest turned into a beach with a few waves crashing at your feet, the pinkish sky painted with a few clouds in shapes of things you loved when you were alive.

That’s when it hit you, like a punch in the stomach you fell to your knees, the tears dropping from your face onto the clear blue water, mixing in together as your new life was being written in the sand. You were alone, but something inside you was saying to look around, to look for her. She would help you to start over. She would guide you until you were to move on your own. But she would never leave you alone.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” A soft voice came from behind you.

You looked over your shoulder, feeling the warm water hit your legs.

A woman was standing a few steps away from where you kneeled down. She had her eyes closed, enjoying the early breeze of the morning as the sun turned the sky into a yellowish tone with a few splashes of light blue.

She was beautiful.

“What do I do now?” You ask as you brushed off the tears that still insisted on falling down your cheeks. “Where do I go?”

When her eyes opened, your heart missed a beat. It had no color in them, yet you could still see the universe in the bright white color, they were glowing as she stared down at you, reaching her hand out to help you up to your feet.

“Oh, honey.” She smiled. “You’re not going anywhere.”

“Aren’t you an angel?”

The woman in white, silky dress, laughed. Even the way she laughed was angelical and beautiful, you couldn’t help but smile at the heavenly view in front of you.

“I am an angel, but not the one you’re thinking of.” Her hand was soft against yours as she pulled you closer. Her other hand brushing your hair off your face. “I am Death, but I am not here to take your soul, I’m here to guide you on your new journey. When you wake up, you’ll be me. Your eyes will see every single particle of the universe around you. You will hear every heartbeat of those living around you. And when their time comes, you will be the one to embrace their souls as they leave this world.”

“You want me to become… death? You want me to kill people?”

She shook her head, hearing the missing beat your heart took as fear filled your body. Her hand rested on your chest, calming the racing organ.

“You won’t kill anyone, sweetheart, you only take the souls that will walk to you. You will become a beacon for those leaving the living world. You will help them to leave that life behind so they can move forward to their new one. It’s your duty to ease their fears, to leave all their anger, their sorrows, their pain, behind.”

“What about those who loved them?”

Deep down, Death knew your question was a personal one for you. She looked at the waves crashing over your shoulders.

“Death will come for everyone, love. It’s a hurtful, but necessary evil. Death exists to teach others that life will end, there’s nothing you can do to stop that from happening. I am here so that others can live their lives to the fullest, cherishing every moment with their loved ones, finding beauty in the small things, learning and enjoying the simplest things you can ever lay your hands on. This is yours.”

Turning around, you allowed yourself to close your eyes and take a deep breath.

Even though you felt like you couldn’t walk away from the life you had, you couldn’t jump back into your lifeless body that was still laying in that hospital bed. In the back of your head, you could still hear the machines attached to your chest.

 She was right.

Death was a lesson.

And everyone should learn about it so they can live without fear.

When a new wave crashed at your feet, a warmth embraced your body, lifting you from the ground as the air kept you floating. When you opened your eyes, you were still floating, but this time, cold and salty water surrounded you. You coughed a few times as you swam back to the shore.

It was the same beach; it had the same yellowish sky and the same rocks on its side. The water was not warm and the sand wasn’t as white as before, but you knew that after this moment, nothing would be the same anymore.

Your rebirth as the angel of Death was a few years ago, just when you had turned 18 years old. When you woke up, the memories of your loved ones had been erased, their faces disappearing like smoke in thin air. You didn’t remember much about your life as a human being, the only thing you could remember came after her, the beautiful angel with white eyes that carried the whole universe in them that touched your chest and embraced you in a warm hug.

And now, scanning the young faces, you were looking for a specific one, the reason why you abandoned your comfortable home to come here, the human side of your world. You’d never forget the brownish eyes surrounded by adorable freckles you saw months ago. You’d seen that face before, but the one with blonde hair didn’t carry the same attitude the one with black braids did. She was unique, and she hadn’t left your mind ever since.

Wednesday Addams… the girl that survived death and saved the small town of Jericho from an evil spirit in her last year of high-school. Your eyes looked for her, careful and sharp, paying attention to every single detail of the faces in front you, absorbing all the information you could.

Apparently, the girl was nowhere to be seen or heard. She was either really good at hiding or she wasn’t even there with the other students. You looked for another familiar face, easily finding the blonde girl sitting by the water fountain.

Enid smiled big at you, wrapping her arms around your body in a welcoming hug.

“Welcome to Nevermore!” Her voice was a high-pitched tone, nothing annoying but definitely louder than you were used to. “Are you going to high school or getting ready for college like us?” Her hand motioned to the small group sitting at the rock made structure.

“Do I look young enough to still be in high school?” You asked in a joking way.

“Well, you do look young,” She laughed, but judging by your uniform, she could’ve known you were no longer a teenager. “But it’s nice to have a new student in our class, we’ve been seeing the same faces for a really long time. The last time someone joined Nevermore, it was a mess… but we’re all good now, no danger at sight!”

Your eyes glowed at her saying, “I heard about that. A small girl saved this place, isn’t that right?”

Enid got closer to you, whispering in your ear. “Don’t call Wends small, she will kill you in your sleep. Don’t call her Wends too or she will kill me and I’m not ready to die.”

“Trust me, I’m not ready to die either.” You smiled.

➖

The days in Nevermore Academy were starting to become dull and annoying, causing you to flee out of the gates that surrounded the big buildings at night just to lay on top a big tree’s branches, watching the universe with your white eyes, witnessing the death of a supernova millions of years away from where you were, or even the birth of a new galaxy. It was in those moments that you were happy to be what you were meant to be. To this day, you don’t know much about why you were the chosen one, why the angel of Death had chosen you to be the next one wearing that ring.

Staring at it, the silvery ring on your left hand, you swear you saw it moving around your finger, shining like a small star. You had your theories on what that glow meant, but you were too lazy to go after the reason why it did that every now and then. You would wait for all the answers to fall from heaven into your lap, like an encyclopedia.

You took a closer look to the universe over the dark sky before jumping down, a few dry leaves cracking under your shoes.

“How did you get up there?” Turning around as you heard the monotone voice, you saw Wednesday coming out from behind a tree a few steps away from you.

“I climbed.” You easily lied. “I didn’t hear you.”

“I’m a very quiet girl, I can sneak into your dorm and you won’t even notice I was there.”

“Have you ever broken into my room?”

“Why would I break into your room?” The girl always had a serious expression on her pretty face. It was like Wednesday Addams couldn’t feel a thing.

You shrugged, “You said it first.”

“It was an example.” She explained. “I’m sorry if I made it seem like I would do such a disrespectful action like breaking into your room. If I wanted to be in your room, I’d knock on the door.”

When you took a step closer, she took two steps back.

Wednesday was always a step back from everyone, even from those that she’s closer with, like Enid and Bianca. In the 3 months you were in Nevermore, you had never seen a single soul touch the black-haired girl, the only thing that was allowed to touch her was, well… Thing, the severed hand that would linger around her shoulder that still made your brain itch. What was Thing, anyway? Only one from the many secrets hidden behind the black and white girl.

“Well, if you ever need me for anything, I will be in my room.”

Turning on your heels to leave and return to the dorm's aisle, you heard the dry leaves cracking under her heavy boots.

“Why do you always climb that tree?” Despite the not-caring-like personality, Wednesday was a very curious girl, and she wanted to know everything about you.

Who the new girl was and what was she? Your human body could be a part of any outcast group in Nevermore Academy and not knowing what it was, was slowly driving her crazy.

“I like to watch the stars.” You answered honestly, walking to the Academy with the Addams following behind you. “What about you? Why were you hiding?”

“I was hiding from you.” The confession made you turn around, hands in the pockets of your jacket. “Isn’t that obvious?”

Instead of stopping on her tracks when you did, she allowed herself to come a bit closer, still keeping a safe distance. From this distance, you could smell her fainted perfume; it smelled so different from when you smelled it in her dorm when you would visit Enid to talk about music and trivial things that still made you feel like a human being, even if your heart wasn’t beating anymore.

“Are you stalking me, princess?”

“Call me princess again and I will easily break into your dorm and kill you in your sleep.” You let out a breathy laugh at the threatening tone in her voice. Adorable, you thought to yourself. “And yes, I want to know what you are.”

“What I am?” You asked with curiosity.

“Yes, that’s what everyone wants to know. Don’t you hear the gossip around the Academy?”

“I do.” After all, you could hear almost everything that surrounded you. As a newly angel of Death, the heartbeats would be a distraction when trying to listen to their voices, but you were getting the hang of it. “But why would anyone care about what I am? What if I am… a simple human being?’

“The last human being that stepped inside the walls of the school was a homicide maniac that tried to kill me and all the others outcast. I’d say it’s a terrible choice of place to stay.”

“I like the danger.”

“Should I kill you then? To prevent you from killing us?”

“I’d like to see you try, princess.”

Wednesday didn’t even notice how close to her you were until your hot breath hit her lips as you leaned into her personal space. Unlike before, the Addams didn’t flinch, instead, she lifted her chin and looked at you with furrowed eyebrows, never blinking.

For some reason, when looking into your eyes, Wednesday could see something else other than the pleasure in irritating her in them, she could see life in its most beautiful way. The more she kept her eyes locked on yours, the more she could see; it was like you had the entire universe trapped in them. It was at that moment she knew you weren’t human.

➖

After the small encounter you had with Wednesday at the woods behind the academy, somehow, you two became something like colleagues but not closer enough to be considered friends. The small girl had learned how to tolerate your presence as you lingered around her dorm, and now, you were getting closer and closer to find out all of her secrets, it was closer enough for Enid to leave her roommate alone with you, something she’d never done before, to attend tonight’s dance. Now, you were laying on her bed, head hanging off the comfortable mattress, staring at the back of Wednesday’s body as she kept on tapping the loud keyboards of her writing machine.

You sighed, loud. Addams did the same, her shoulders raising and falling with the deep breath she took.

“You’re an annoying creature.” She commented, still focused on the keys she had to click on, trying not to type a mistake as she had done to the previous five paper balls that were piling in the trash can near her desk.

“I’m bored.”

“Why didn’t you go to the party with Enid?”

“Why didn’t you?”

You sat correctly on the bed, crossing your legs.

“Last time I went to a party it rained blood, it was red paint, actually. After that disappointing event, I swore to never attend a party again.”

The silence around the room was a comfortable one, the only thing you could hear was the loud, mechanical sound of her writing machine and the calming beats of her heart.

Listening to her heart beats had become commonplace, you would stop anything you were doing just to listen to the tranquil sound. It didn’t matter if you were in the same room or if you were across the Ophelia Hall, on the other side of the building, you’d easily catch the unique sound.

“I’m hungry,” you whined like a small kid. “let’s go find something to eat.”

“I’m not hungry.”

“But I am, and believe it or not, your company is not the worst.”

The mechanical sound stopped as Wednesdays turned to face you.

“I’ll pretend that didn’t offend me.” Before standing up, the girl removed the white page filled with words in black ink and placed in her drawer, on top of the others, words facing down. You remained sitting on the same spot, looking at her with doe eyes. “Are you waiting for me to take your hand and lead you down to the kitchen?”

You stretched out your hand to her, waiting. But the Addams would never do such a dangerous thing, despite the urge she felt in touching you sometimes, she felt drawn to you ever since the meeting you had in the woods during that cold night. The urge was still a mystery to her, but Wednesday always considered it was more of an urge to punch you every time you opened your mouth.

“Alright. Lead the way, miss Addams.” The other rolled her eyes.

As you walked down the hallways of Nevermore, you could hear the muffled songs and happy screams coming from the saloon where the party took place. It was a silly celebration for the first snow or something, something you didn’t care enough to celebrate, and neither did the girl that walked three steps ahead of you in complete silence. The light of the almost full moon crashing through the big windows and bathing your skin as you crossed the buildings in search for food. Not that you needed to eat, but still found pleasure in such a simple thing.

Wednesday led you to the kitchen, a few steps away from the ballroom, the music playing a bit louder inside your head now.

The girl waited patiently as you searched the pantry closet for something sweet. You knew that principal Weems always hid her chocolates and candies in the kitchen of the Academy, a place where the students were not allowed in. And now, you were in a forbidden place looking for something that didn’t belong to you, to satiate a silly desire that you barely felt in your stomach. Your body would crave random things from time to time, the longer you’d wear your human body, the stronger those urges would get.

“Can’t you get something from the table?” Behind you, there was a big counter filled with food that was being served to the ones that attended the party, but nothing you actually wanted to eat at the moment.

Tiptoeing, you tried to reach the top shelf of the pantry room. “I want chocolate, and I know Weems keeps hers in here. I saw her hiding them a few nights ago when I was going to the woods.”

“I will never understand the craving for things sweet like chocolate. It’s too sweet to enjoy.”

“Even semi-sweet chocolates?”

The girl pondered for a second as she watched you stretch out, whimpers coming out of your mouth as you kept trying to reach the high place. Was she really having small talk with you while you tried to steal the principal’s candies? It surely was something new to her, and, surprisingly, it was easy to do it with you.

“Those aren’t as repulsive, but it still isn’t something I crave in the middle of the night.”

You laughed, the tip of your finger recognizing the packaged at the end of the shelf, but before you could actually grab it in your hands, you heard familiar footsteps approaching, the sound of clicking heels on the wooden floor got louder and louder to you as principal Weems got closer to where you and Wednesday were. The human was so absorbed in your motions that she barely had the time to process your hand on her waist, pulling her body against yours and closing the door behind her.

Wednesday’s eyes shot wide open as she felt your hand covering her mouth, stopping her from making any sound, whilst your other arm wrapped around her waist to keep her closer to you in the small and dark space. When she heard the principal’s voice coming just from outside the pantry room, she stopped fighting against your hold and patiently waited for the voices to cease.

You gulped, the smell of her perfume and newly closeness distracting you from trying to listen to Weems’ and the cook’s heartbeat. All you could hear was hers, beating so erratically you could feel it in her back, pressed against your chest.

Looking over her shoulder, her eyes found yours, white taking over and galaxies shining in them.

What the fuck were you?

Once the footsteps moved away and out of the area your ability allowed you to hear, your hand uncovered her mouth and you let out a deep sigh, feeling your lungs burn. She turned in your arm to face you. Only then you noticed you still had your arm wrapped around her thin waist, but that didn’t seem like something that was bothering the girl.

“That was a close one.” You joked, trying to ease the tension that surrounded you two.

“Why is my touch not killing you?” Addams roamed her hands all over your chest, arms and face as if she was trying to find a spot where her curse would be the end of you. She wasn’t trying to kill you though; she was curious as to why you hadn’t dropped dead against the shelfs of the small space.

“You can’t kill what’s already dead, Wednesday.” You replied, humorously, enjoying the way her nails occasionally scratched the skin of your neck and chest because of the open buttons of your blouse.

“And I am the one they call ‘dramatic’.” She stopped touching you, taking a step back. “What are you?”

“I’m Death.”

“If you call yourself ‘death, destroyer of the world’, I will torture you and proceed to use a blind knife to slowly tear your limbs apart to feed it to the werewolves on the full moon tomorrow.”

“I’m not that cool, but I am Death. Death as in the angel, Death.” You explained calmly. “You’re a curious little thing, when I saw your cute face on the veil, I knew I had to get to know you.”

“Do not call me ‘a little thing’ or ‘cute’ ever again. Those words are sickening to my ears.”

Raising your hands, you smiled, leaning against the shelfs behind you, the chocolate forgotten on the top one. Wednesday crossed her arms, eyes traveling up and down your body, carefully studying the body that carried the most powerful being to ever walk the earth. And it was inside of… you. An annoying being that loved pet-names, pop music and disgustingly sweet candies, who would never leave her alone even if she’d threaten you with every terrible torture method she had in her vocabulary.

“Are you afraid of me?” You ask as her eyes analyzed your features, white color taking over your eyes as if on command.

The girl tilted her head, curious like a little kid that discovered a new, colorful animal in her backyard.

“Why would I be afraid of such an amazing creature such as yourself?” The words slipped easily, without giving much attention to its meaning. She wanted to know more about what was hidden under the undying body in front of her.

“You think I’m amazing, Addams?”

Wednesday rolled her eyes, the annoyance growing bigger inside her. She was curious about what you are, but the arrogant tone you always carried around in your voice was something she could not bear for a long time.

“You do amaze me, if I’m being honest. I didn’t know angels could walk the earth.”

You shrugged. “I’m the only one that can come and go any time without breaking the balance of the universe. If others come, there will be chaos.”

“You said you saw my ‘cute’ face on the other side,” her voice choked at the endearment. “When was that?”

“A couple months ago, when that pilgrim almost killed you.” You start, taking an opened package of candy from your jacket’s pocket. Wednesday looked at you with an unbelievable look in her eyes at that; you had sweets with you the whole time and still tried to steal some more? A menace, indeed. “I’ve seen your ancestor, Goody, a few times. Even though you two are very similar, she’s not you.”

“How’s that?”

You chewed a few sour candies before answering.

“She doesn’t have that ‘I’m going to murder you in the most horrible way you could ever imagine’, look in her eyes, you do. And you have no idea how beautiful it looks on you.”

Wednesday seemed satisfied with your words, softening her posture and accepting the sour candy you offered to her.

For some reason, for her, it was hard to be away from you, something kept drawing her in; maybe it was the curious side of hers in wanting to know everything she could about everything, or maybe it was your charm. Or the fact that you could touch her, it was a different, new feeling; being touched, that is.

“Give me your hand.” She reached out her hand, waiting for yours to rest on top of hers. You licked the sourly sugar from your fingertips before whipping them in your pants, finally doing as she said. “I can’t believe you’re the most powerful creature in the universe.” She mumbled like an old, grumpy lady. Hesitantly, she traced the lines on the palm of your hands, surprised at how warm your skin was. You were a dead creature after all, weren’t you? You watched with mesmerized eyes as she touched your forearms under the fabric of your blouse. She tilted her head up, eyes shining as she kept touching you with a light-feather touch.

“You’ve never touched anyone before?”

She shook her head, your voice lower and soft for some reason.

“Mother taught me to never allow someone to touch me, or to touch someone that wasn’t an Addams. It’s a curse placed on our family.”

“Who did it?”

“I’m not sure, mother doesn’t talk about this. And father is not allowed to. All I’ve been told is that it was a jealousy curse coming from someone in the school from when my parents were still students in Nevermore.” She shrugged. “My parents have been through a lot of resentment, it’s outlandish, if I’m being honest.”

“And how does it feel?”

Her eyes found yours, “Like a spider crawling up my fingers. It tickles.” It was a weird feeling, but still something she could get used to with time. “How old are you?”

“You should never ask a lady her age, Miss Addams. You, coming from such a fancy and well-mannered family should know that.”

“I’m starting to regret holding your hand in mine and not stabbing it.”

The silly threat got you laughing. Still, her fingers were tracing random lines in your forearm.

“I died when I turned 18 in a car accident.” You started, trying as hard as you could to remember those days. “This was… 5 years ago, maybe? I can’t remember much of it, my old life.” you specified. “All I remember is waking up at the beach. I’m not much older than you, I’m taller though.”

“I'm running out of offenses about how annoying you are. Death should be scary, not an irritating girl.”

“Should I wear a dark robe, listen to heavy metal and carry a reaping hook around?”

“It’s not about how you dress; it’s about how you act.”

You blinked a few times, pulling your hand from hers. “I guess I don’t want to lose the human part of me, it’s all that’s left.”

For the first time since you two met, Wednesday saw something different in your eyes before you turned your back to her. She saw a glimpse of sadness in the place it used to be filled with life.

Tiptoeing once again, you reached the package from the top shelf, waving it in front of you like a happy little kid.

“We can go now.”

For the first time in that chaotic night, you saw a flash of smile in her face.

➖

Even with headphones on and music blasting in your ears, you could hear the sound you loved the most getting louder as Wednesday crossed the hallways in her heavy boots, coming in the direction of your room. You jumped from your bed, taking the headphones off and placing them on the bedside table, opening the door before the girl could even raise her hand to knock, you asked with glowing eyes and sly smile:

“Can I help you, Miss Addams?”

“How did you know I was here?” Her dead eyes narrowed in your direction, eyeing you up and down. It was the first time she’d see you in your pajamas.

“I know when you’re around because I know the sound of your heart.”

You winked to the girl standing in the hallway, leaning on the door frame. That caught her off guard, eyes leaving yours to scan around your room.

It was definitely not what she had in mind, who would’ve thought that death is into pop and not soul-sucking type of music? Her eyes grew wider at the posters of girls glued to the brick wall.

After the pantry encounter and shocking revelation about who you were, Wednesday would often come to you with the most random, yet interesting questions a person could ask. You’d sit in the woods at night and watch the stars as she asked you if a supernova had occurred, or if it was raining on other planets. She’d ask with wide eyes if you could see life outside of Earth and would get annoyed when you refused to answer, creating a mystery that she would try hard to figure it out by the loose words you’d say.

Sometimes, she’d touch your arm like a kid to see if you’d still survive her curse every time you annoyed her. When she was feeling bold and in a good mood, her fingers would trace your skin in a soft touch as you fell asleep while watching the stars, comfortable in each other’s presence. As the days passed by, she’d find out your abilities and put them to test, walking to her dorm and asking if you could still hear her; after a couple minutes, you’d show up on her balcony to answer.

An amazing creature you were, indeed.

“You and Enid have the same music taste, a bitter mix of loud noises.” She commented in the same tone she always had in her voice.

You shrugged, crossing your arms. “I know, we talk a lot about it.”

In fact, even though you came to Nevermore to find the beautiful girl that somehow escaped you, you and the werewolf with pink hair became somewhat friends. Maybe it was a core memory from your life as a human-being, something that being friends with Enid would prevent it from drifting away from you; something you were not ready to let go yet. Something that kept you warm inside.

“Can I come in?”

With a nod of your head, Wednesday walked past you and stood in the middle of the room, eyes still analyzing her surroundings. That was the first time she’d been in your dorm even after the newly closeness you had, unlike you, who would visit hers almost every day to talk to her roommate and take away all the quietness she needed to work on her writing.

“So, did you like it?”

“Pardon?”

“My room. Is it what you imagined it would be like?”

Wednesday blinked once before turning to you. “Quite the opposite. I never thought Death would be a fan of KPOP to the point of having a collection of albums. Do you even speak Korean?”

“I don’t need to speak Korean to feel something.” You joke, taking a few steps towards the black and white girl. “And I do like ‘soul-sucking’ and ‘I hate myself’ type of music as well, they just don’t have cool posters to hang on the wall or photocards to collect.” As if you had read her mind, you explained.

“Fair enough.” She uncrossed her arms, lifting her head to face you as you got closer, a good inch taller than her. “But I didn’t come here to talk about music, I can do that with Enid if I ever wish to have a headache.”

“Ouch.”

“I’m sorry, it wasn’t my intention to offend you.”

You laugh, poking her shoulder. “I wasn’t offended, but my music taste is a lot better than Enid’s.”

“How’s that if you both listen to the same genres of music?”

The Addams girl was genuinely curious, outside of the classical world that filled her earphones and cello lessons, she didn’t have a clue about it. To her, it all had the same sound: noise. It was a messy and loud mix of words and instruments that she could not guess a single one of, almost impossible to appreciate for more than a couple minutes.

Her head was starting to hurt just from remembering some of the songs Enid would play while getting ready for classes early in the morning, even the birds that used to chirp outside the balcony window had disappeared.

“You see, there’s a lot of music styles inside of the KPOP world.” You start, loving the way Wednesday was close to you, attentively listening to you explain something she didn’t care at all. “For example: the songs BTS make today aren’t the same as the ones they made when they debuted. And BTS isn’t the same as Seventeen. And Seventeen is far from sounding the same as Dreamcatcher. And so it goes. It’s a big world, with different ways to produce music.”

“That’s interesting, indeed. But to my ears, it’s all noise. I have yet to learn how to tolerate it.” You smiled. Even though it was something the Addams wasn’t a fan of, she’d still try to tolerate it if it meant something to Enid, and to you. “Still, I didn’t come here to learn about music. I wanted to ask you something.”

“I’m all ears, princess.” Wednesday closed her eyes, taking a deep breath at the nickname you addressed her; you bit your bottom lip, catching the loud beat of her heart that was there every time you’d annoy her. “You don’t like being called ‘princess’. Do you, princess?”

“Keep calling me that and I will not hesitate on burning all of your album’s collection.”

A smirk tugged at the corner of your lips. Wednesday really was something else, she wasn’t afraid of you, you knew that, but to threaten you, even with something so small like burning a few pieces of paper with pretty people printed on them, that was a courage that many wouldn’t have around you knowing that you, literally, had their lives in the palm of your hand.

She was fascinating to your eyes.

Just as you were to hers. The girl wouldn’t admit out loud, but she wanted to cut you open and study whatever made you being what, or who, you were. The detective side of hers screaming in the back of her brain.

But, right now, she wanted to cut open something else, and only you could help her.

“You said you needed help… With what, exactly, love?”

Choosing to ignore the endearing nickname, she took a step forward. You mirrored her.

“I want you to touch me.”

“I’m sorry?”

Your head turned slightly at her words as if you were trying to have a clearer hearing of her voice even though you were one small step away from each other. From this distance, you could hear the blood traveling on her veins.

Wednesday took a deep breath, wondering if you really didn’t understand her or if you were, as always, joking around.

“I want you to touch me. What part of that did you not understand?”

“I just wanted to confirm, sweetheart.” You smiled. “It’s not every day that I get asked to touch something so beautiful and unique like yourself.”

The praise got to her, a small twinge of pain spreading on her stomach. A good type of pain.

“I wasn’t asking.”

You took the last step forward after her last words when you noticed she was stuck in the same spot, your finger tracing her jawline in a ghostly-like touch. Wednesday closed her eyes, goosebumps all over her body. It was weird and it tickled, but the warmth of your skin on hers was something she could tolerate.

Wednesday would always touch you, but you never touched her. It was the second time someone touched her and didn’t drop dead in a second, so she leaned into the caress. You bit your lower lip, leaning closer to her, whispering against her slightly open lips.

“Can I kiss you?” The words hit her like a flaming arrow.

Wednesday wasn’t the type to anticipate anything, her anxiety was always under her control, but having you, asking such delicate question, looking at her with soft eyes filled with stars, made her heart beat like crazy.

“You can.”

The arrow, shot with extreme precision, went through her body when your lips touched, spreading fire on her veins. It was her first kiss; you were her first kiss.

Gently, your hand reached her face, holding her in place as you deepened the kiss, sighing against her. The Addams closed her eyes, giving into your touch. Unsure what to do, her hands grabbed the soft fabric of your shirt, feeling the warmth that emanated from your body.

It was a funny thing to feel, Death being a hot body while Wednesday was cold to the touch. When your heart beat against hers, she melted against your embrace.

When you pulled back, a very small, satisfied smile drew on the corner of her lips. Her eyes shot open, a black glow shining on them.

“Was that your first kiss?” Your voice was nothing but a whisper, so low and soft that if you two weren’t glued to each other, the Addams wouldn’t have heard. She nodded. “How far do you wanna go tonight?”

“I’ll tell you when to stop.” Wednesday breathed out, licking her lips. “Now, can we do that again?”

“As many times as you want, princess.”

When you kissed her again, it wasn’t soft or calm, it turned rough, needy, with her nails scratching the back of your neck as she pulled you closer, hugging your body with an urge she’d never felt before. You were the first person outside the Addams family that could touch her, and she would enjoy every single minute of it, it didn’t matter if she seemed desperate or needy, right now, all she craved was your hands on her body, bruising the untouched skin.

Pulling her up, Wednesday wrapped her legs around your waist as you easily walked towards your bed, sitting down with her on your lap. The kiss was sloppy, wet and the way she was whimpering against your mouth was turning your head upside down. Kissing her was a lot different than you had ever imagined. When you pulled away to breath, a string of saliva connected your lips.

“Why did you stop?” Her voice came out as a lowly whisper, and she was soft against your body.

“I want to make sure you really want this; this whole touch thing is new to you. I don’t want to overwhelm you.” Your hand found the skin of her back under the shirt she wore to sleep, feeling the goosebumps as you roamed them up and down.

“I appreciate the concern,” Wednesday gulped hard. “but I can take it. I can take you.”

So you kissed her again, harder and deeper, deliciously moving your tongue on hers, allowing her to take control of that situation. Her hands found your hair, fingers pulling at the softness and making them a mess as you turned on your knees, laying her against the mattress of your bed.

The muffled sounds escaping her mouth became louder as your hands found her thigh, even over the fabric of her sleeping pants it felt nice to have someone touching her there, squeezing the flesh as you moved up, playing with the elastic of it. The tip of your fingers easily trespassing.

“It turns me on so badly knowing that I’m the only one that can touch you.” The confession got her head spinning, the blood rushing in her veins all the way up her cheeks, red color giving life to the pale skin. 

With your lips pressed against hers, you moved the kiss to her jawline, down to her neck. You could feel the blood flowing in her veins when your tongue licked her jugular before biting that spot, a soft moan escaping her parted lips, fingers locked in your hair as she pulled you impossibly closer, legs wrapping around your waist.

Wednesday’s hand moved down to your waist, lifting your shirt in a silent request for you to remove the useless fabric, she wanted to feel every centimeter of your warm skin. You were, unexplainable, burning under her fingerprints when you fixed your posture, removing the pajama and throwing it on the floor. The brunette licked her lips at the sight of you, black painted nails scratching your belly in her curious movements, a flash of bothersome in your eyes at the slight burning feeling.

Sitting up with you on her lap, Wednesday kissed alongside your neck, biting the collarbone, a purplish dot where her mouth previously was. She was aggressive with her mouth and you were loving it.

Despite being the first time she ever got to touch someone like that, Wednesday knew what she was doing with her mouth, and with her hands. The cold fingertips curiously moving down your spine and resting on your lower back, digging into the soft skin and making your hips moving against hers. 

“Do that again.” Once more, she wasn’t asking. She was demanding with a breathy voice that could’ve easily stolen a few years of your immortal life, forcing you to repeat the move with her bare hands. 

One of your hands was firm on the back of her neck while the other rested on the wooden headboard, applying the pressure you wanted to use on her, but couldn’t. Her small body could easily break under your touch. 

“I think…” You breathed out, letting your head fall back when her kisses moved to your neck. “I think we should switch positions, love.”

“You don’t think I can do this?” 

“Oh, I know you can.” You choked a laugh. “But this is your first time, I want to focus on you, princess. I want to make you feel good. I’ve been touched before.”

The innocent mention of her not being your first — like you were going to be hers — turned a key inside her that made her sink her teeths in the crook of your neck. A painful muffle scaping your throat, the twinge of pain spreading in your veins. 

“I really don’t want to think of others touching you right now.” Wednesday whispered as she licked the wounded skin. “Tonight, you’re mine.”

“That’s fair, Addams.” Swallowing hard, you pulled back, making her look at you. Her eyes were darker than usual, swallowed by the pleasure of having you gridding on her lap. You leaned in, capturing her lips in a slow kiss, distracting her with your tongue as you slowly pressure her down the mattress again, trying to fix yourself in between her legs. The Addams pushed her hips towards you. “Someone’s anxious.”

“Shut up.” She tried pulling you down with the heels of her feet, but you were stronger than her — even without using the strength of being Death gave you. “Why are you doing this?”

“This?”

“Just…touch me. I’m bothered.”

“Bothered?”

There you were once again, the little jerk that liked to tease her about everything. She knew you knew exactly what she meant with that word and, on other occasions, she would’ve played along and delayed her answer, but right now, with the annoying slick in between her legs, she went straight to the point. 

“Just fuck me already.” 

You smiled against her, biting on her lower lip.

“That’s a polite princess.” One of your hands travelled down her body, ignoring what you soon would give your undivided attention to, to rest in between her legs. When your finger pressed down the wet patch on her pants, your eyes flashed in white. “No underwear, Wednesday?”

“I didn't want anything making it harder for you to touch me.” She confessed, licking her lips and tasting the remains of yours. “But, clearly, I wasn't counting with you making it hard.”

The Addams rolled her hips against your fingers and, even through the fabric of her pajama, it still felt ten thousand times better than when she touched herself in the darkness of her room. 

You could feel how wet she was for you. How ready she was for you. 

Hooking your fingers in the elastic waistband, you pulled down her pants. Wednesday finished kicking the useless thing somewhere around your dorm, now resting along with your shirt. 

Unlike you thought she would be, the Addams wasn’t shy under your gaze, no… she had a satisfied smile. Her ego boosting at the way you licked your lips at the sight of her dripping cunt.  

Your hand travelled up her leg, the ghostly touch making her shiver and move anxiously. The closer your fingertips got to her inner thighs, the wetter she got. Literally dripping onto your sheets. She was desperate for you. 

Leaning down on your elbows, you were fast to collect that single drop, moaning at the bittersweet taste. You looked up, finding the black eyes focused on your mouth when your tongue slided against her, savoring her in a slow, torturous lick that seemed to last forever. 

“You taste so fucking good, Wednesday.” You whispered, turning your face to kiss her inner thigh. 

“Then why isn't your tongue inside me already?” The Addams was annoyed and impatient, you could tell by the way her hands moved from gripping the sheets to gripping your hair, trying to pull you closer. She groaned, rolling her eyes. “I despise you.”

Your sly smile didn’t last long as she gathered strength to push your face against her cunt, and you finally gave her what she wanted. 

Wednesday’s lips parted as a quiet breath escaped them, lost in the thick air that surrounded your  bedroom. Her fingers tangled in your hair, tugging and pulling at the soft strands as your tongue moved in different directions, sometimes slow and sometimes fast, moving up and down her slit and kissing her cunt. Her juice dripping down your chin as your digit brushed over her clitoris, circling the swollen bundle of nerves carefully before pushing her bigger lips together with your thumb and index finger, creating more pressure when your tongue flickered on her clit. 

She nearly screamed when you kept doing that, your other hand resting on her belly, fingers intertwining as she squeezed your head with her legs. Luckily, you didn’t need to breathe. 

Your eyes fluttered shuttered for a few seconds as you focused on what you were doing, but when her hips pushed up and her fingers crushed yours, your eyes shot open in the whitest tone Wednesday ever saw. It was pure, magical, like the explosion of a supernova.  

The fingers that touched her turned into a soft caress, your slicky lips kissing around her reddened cunt, patiently waiting for her to come down from her high. 

Wednesday’s eyes were closed, the stars that once were in yours, now shone behind her closed lids. She never thought she’d be able to see the stars like that, with someone in between her legs, licking her clean. 

“Are you okay?” You asked in a low-pitched tone, climbing her body with kisses. 

“Is it always like that?” The Addams asked with a dry mouth, closing her legs as she still felt the spasms of her sensitive nerve. You laid next to her, chin resting on her shoulder. 

You shrugged. 

“It should be.” Your reply was simple. “Did you like it?”

“I can still see stars on the roof of your terribly decorated room. Yes, I did like it.”

“Good.” You let out a laugh, resting your face in the palm of your hand, while the other, once again moved on her inner thigh, finding its way in between the closed muscles. “Because we’re not done yet.”

[clarkeybabey]

Please can you write something about clarkey loving a cuddle and the boys come home and tease him 🙈🙈

❝ cuddle up to me ❞

# playlist; watch you sleep. - girl in red, cuddle up - the beach boys, LOVE - kendrick lamar ft. zecari

# word count; 1.2k

# note; I love writing fluff but I always feel so repetitive idk ?! 😝

George had finally convinced you to start going out for drinks with his friends again. The last time you joined them on a night out, you mistakenly read them Zayn Malik fanfiction you'd written well over ten years prior and posted to Wattpad, which they have yet to let you live down and you still have no recollection of.

After two hours of chatting with them about nothing and everything all at once, you couldn't help but recoil into him, your social battery was dangerously low. Despite how fresh your relationship still is, your boyfriend was quick to notice, excusing the two of you, saying something about Max wanting to film the pod early the next morning amidst goodbyes on your way out the door.

As you distance yourself from the bustling bar, he turns towards you with a knowing grin. His arm reaches out effortlessly and finds its way around your shoulders. His cool gaze meets yours as he softly asks, "You holding up okay, love?" You nod with a hum, your smile mirroring his, leaning into him as you reach up to lace your fingers together.

The two of you walk back to his flat in comfortable silence, London's side streets are quiet and almost peaceful. When you make your way into his building he unwraps himself from you slightly only to fish his keys from the pocket of his jeans though he keeps a protective grip on your waist as he unlocks the door.

Now that he's got it open, he steps aside patting your hip in a motion to get you inside ahead of him. He watches you walk stealing shameless glances at your figure as you struggle a bit with your shoes, he tears his eyes away as you straighten quickly distracting himself by hanging his coat on the rack and dropping his keys in the bowl next to the door.

Whilst he kicks off his shoes haphazardly you shed your jacket as well, holding it out to him with a smile, "Hang mine up too, please?"

"Yes ma'am," he nods, you thank him, heading off to the kitchen for some water. You step up onto your toes your shirt lifting with your arms snagging a glass, he comes up behind you, his cold hands meeting the now-exposed skin of your stomach making you jump, goosebumps rising on your skin.

"Y'scared me and your hands are freezing," you whine wiggling out of his grasp, filling your cup from the fridge, and side-eyeing him as he steps toward you again.

"But I just wanna cuddle, you can't deprive me like this," he throws his head back dramatically making you scoff. "We walked home practically glued together, darling."

George takes a deep breath and shakes his head frantically, continuing his fit, "'s just not enough," he sniffs wiping his eyes and fanning himself, making you roll yours. He follows close behind like a puppy as you cross through the dining room into the living room, pulling the throw blanket off the back of the couch, and reach out for him, "C'mon y'big baby."

And he does, basically jumping on top of you, and you fall back into the festive throw pillows. He tucks his head into the crook of your neck, his beard tickling you a bit.

Your fingers twirl the curls at the nape of his neck, "I missed you today," he mumbles against your skin, making the column of your throat vibrate with his words. "Missed you too, so much," you pause, thinking back to what had been said earlier, "You don't actually have to do podcast stuff tomorrow right?"

He can't help but chuckle at how nervous you sound, "Don't be silly, you know my Sundays are reserved for us," he'd be lying if he said he didn't feel your heartbeat jump in speed at his reassurance, but he doesn't acknowledge it.

More comfortable silence envelopes the two of you, as your breathing slows, unintentionally synchronized, he drifts off to the sound of soft breaths escaping your agape lips.

A drunk Chris and an even more drunk Arthur fumble into the apartment, completely oblivious to their sleeping friends, that is until Arthur attempts to make his way into the sitting room in search of George, his charger has miraculously disappeared from his bedroom once again.

As you come into his field of view, he's tapping through his phone, his fingers tingling and oddly heavy, in search of his camera.

You wake to a quick flash of light, followed by the sound of a picture being taken, making you groan a bit louder than intended. "Piss off," you don't bother opening your eyes, that is until you realize you can't exactly turn away from the flash because of the dead weight of the man on top of you.

He begins to stir at the sudden, jerk of movement beneath him, your shouting, the sound of a flurry more of photos being taken, and Arthur's drunken wheezing has Chris emerging from the kitchen, clapping a hand over his mouth, to suppress his obnoxious laughter. George turns in the direction of the noise, blinking the sleep from his eyes, "Hello, sleeping beauty," His friends' phones in hand and giggles make him sigh against your chest.

Chris nearly falls over, bumping into the wall as both of you raise a hand, flipping off them and the videos you're almost positive at least one of them is taking, "You two are so cute," Arthur coos, jutting out his bottom lip.

"Stuff like this won't happen to you if you lot are this annoying in the presence of a woman," you shoot back, making Chris clutch his chest, mouth open in shock, "you know, that's really offensive, one direction fanfiction won't help you out either," he crosses his arms, looking pleased with himself.

Your eyes widen, and you laugh dryly "You leave them out of this. Do I need to remind you how you looked before that perm?" George snorts and Arthur's phone is long since in his pocket, deciding he didn't need his ego bruised like his roommate. Chris raises his hands, laughing uncontrollably, his head dropping in defeat "No, please, no."

"Now goodnight, boys," your voice is jokingly stern, but when they don't move in the slightest you nod your head in the direction of their bedrooms, "Yes, Mother," Arthur sighs, a faux frown present on his face as he shoves Chris ahead of him. "She such a bully," You hear Chris mutter, their conversation fades as they make their way across the flat. The only sound was their doors clicking shut, followed by coveted silence.

You lay there still and quiet praying they don't come back out and when they don't you speak up: "Why don't we get in bed, too?" He nods, standing from where he had you trapped beneath him, taking your hand and helping you get up as well.

George grins broadly, his smile as bright as ever, and says, "You humbling my friends is so hot." You can't help but laugh and shake your head at his words. Without another thought, you grab his wrist firmly and start pulling him in the direction of his bed, eager to give in to the exhaustion the day had caused.

[tbyfandoms]

I Smell Snow | Joe Burrow x Reader

Pairing: joe burrow x f!reader

Word Count: 1.7k

Summary: the first cincinnati snowfall of the season leads to a night full of magic and love

Warnings: literally a single swear word if you can even call it that

Masterlist/Request Form | Ask/Tell/Request

A/N: my first ever published joe fic! this is literally such a self indulgent fic, I won’t lie. it spawned after I was standing outside and it started snowing and then the next day I watched ‘love actually’. plus couple that with my love for ‘gilmore girls’ quotes and needless to say, this is a big ball of fluff. even if it’s not the best fic, I love it, and I hope you all do as well :) <3

When you step outside into the crisp air, a smile breaks out across your face. The sky is a soft grey, a color you'd otherwise dread if not for the time of year, and the sight alone causes excitement to stir within you.

You've been waiting for this since the moment the temperatures started dropping. The weather is of course unpredictable and you can never truly trust what the weatherman says on the news, but you're sure of it this time. You'd swear up and down you could feel it coming.

It's going to snow.

The click of the handle turning on the patio door tears your eyes away from the sky, and instead of soft grey, your eyes are now met with a soft blue color. The color of your boyfriend's eyes. A color you could get lost in if given the opportunity.

"Hey," you say softly as Joe steps outside and tries to piece together in his head what it is that has your undivided attention out here. He got the pool covered months ago and all the furniture is tucked away into different corners of the patio. He doesn't see any deer or other animals out in the yard either. There's nothing of interest and yet Joe understands that knowing you, it's gotta be something, and the thought alone has him amused.

"Hey, baby. Whatcha doin' out here?" You shrug your shoulders a bit, a tinge of pink coating your cheeks due to something else entirely than the cold.

"I smell snow," you whisper. A phrase you've come to love and use religiously when it is that time of year. You know it might seem stupid to some people, but you genuinely feel like you can always tell when it's going to snow. Weather reporting it or not. It's s silly thing between you and your friends, but somehow you're never wrong.

When you first started dating Joe it was during the spring. The snow had long since melted and the chill in the air was long gone. You've mentioned in passing before your little inside joke, but never once have you said it to him before. Saying it out loud to him has you feeling a little silly, but the look on his face quickly extinguishes it.

Joe's eyes are crinkled at the corners, his smile taking up half his face, and his perfect white teeth are on full display as a deep chuckle escapes him.

"Do you now?" The Bengals quarterback teases as he takes a few more steps towards you. As he does so, you bask in the sight of him. Your boyfriend looks so cute and cosy in his hoodie, sweatpants, and beanie. All Bengals branded, of course. Joe Burrow is nothing if not proud of his city and his team. You feel the same about him and all he's accomplished.

"I do, Burrow. And the minute that first snowflake hits the ground, I'll be telling you I told you so." You nod your head in finality before lightly giggling and turning your head back up to the sky.

Joe gazes fondly at you as he takes in every inch of your body. There you are, this beautiful girl standing before him, not having a care in the world besides knowing whether or not it's going to snow. He thinks you're ridiculous in the most loving way possible, and that's when it hits him. That's what this is; love.

The two of you have only been dating for just under a year, but the Cincinnati resident has never been more sure about anything else in his life (besides maybe football) than he is about how he feels for you. About how seriously he cares for you and wants you in his life for years to come.

Joe Burrow is completely and utterly in love with you.

A sharp intake of breath leaves the man's lips, but it's mixed in with yours as you gasp up at the sky and watch as a single snowflake drifts slowly towards your face. At first it's just one and then suddenly it's dozens of little flakes flurrying around you.

A bemused laugh shakes your body and you nearly squeal at the sight. There's always been something so magical about snow to you. You don't know whether it's the nostalgic child-like wonder and excitement of it all or if it's something else entirely, but you've never quite been able to shake it. You're not sure you'd ever want to, really.

"Joe," you start, awe completely evident in your tone as you lightly flit your eyes to your boyfriend and then back to the sky. "Look at this! It's so pretty, I can't believe I was—"

"I love you." The blonde's confession slices through the air and suddenly it feels like nothing else matters in this moment, not even the snow you were so desperate to see because—

"What?" You question, wondering if you just imagined what Joe had said. Surely you misheard him, but part of you hopes to God you didn't.

"I love the way you care so deeply for everyone. I love the way you support me and my career completely and yet still keep that fierce independence and confidence in yourself and your own career. I love that you don't let anyone or anything get in the way of your dreams, but yet you still stay kind through it all. I love the way you've accepted me and all my stubbornness no matter how irritating it may be at times. I love how smart, funny, beautiful, and a million other adjectives I could continue to list, you are." A laugh slips past your lips and it's in this moment you realize tears have begun to trickle down your cheeks, mingling with the soft snowflakes that have landed there. "But most importantly, I love you, Y/N. Completely and unconditionally, I am in love with you. And I know we haven't been together for that long, but I'm hoping that just maybe you feel the same."

Wasting no time, you practically jump the few feet it takes you to reach your boyfriend and immediately wrap your arms around his neck, his warmth engulfing you instantly as he holds onto you.

"I love you too, Joey," you smile as you pull back and lock eyes with those pale blues from earlier. As the sky begins to darken, you revel in the way his eyes shine as they reflect the patio lights. You'd debate with anyone that Joe's eyes rival the stars themselves. He'd definitely say the same about yours.

A beat passes, the two of you so wrapped in each other's presence and revelations that most definitely have now altered the courses of your lives. The thought of falling so deeply in love with someone the way you have with Joe both terrifies and excites you, and all you know for sure is that you're in this for as long as he'll have you. Something tells you though that that's going to be a very long time, and you wouldn't want it any other way.

Joe reaches up and cups your cheek in his palm, his thumb swiping over your cheekbone and brushing away a few snowflakes that have settled there. It doesn't take long for him to lean in. Dying to connect his lips with yours and craving the way you taste.

His lips mold perfectly with yours, the way they have for all these months and the way you're sure they will for months to come. As the first Cincinnati snow of the season continues to fall, you smile into Joe's mouth as you feel the flakes begin to melt between you. The warmth of your lips fighting off any of the cold trying to reach you.

You're sure you'll feel the effects of ice cold water seeping into your skin later, but right now all you can focus on is the man before you and how happy you are to have found him.

Joe pulls back and you nearly giggle at the sight of him. The tip of his nose and his cheeks are a bright pink, and you're sure if he wasn't wearing his hat that his ears would appear the same. Even though he looks like the happiest man alive right now, you can tell he's cold. Although you can admire the snow for how it looks and how it makes you feel inside, it doesn't always make you feel the greatest on the outside, especially after a long period of time.

You decide now is a good a time as any to head back inside. You're confident the first fall of snow lived up to all the hype and then some.

"C'mon, let's go inside and warm up. I think I've had enough of the snow...for now," you chuckle.

"Thank God," Joe breathes out before bringing his hands up and rubbing them together, trying to create some warmth between them. "I know you love this stuff, but I won't lie, I'm freezing my ass off."

The two of you laugh as Joe leads you back inside through the patio door. The familiar click of the door handle echoes behind you and you hum in satisfaction as the cold gets shut out and the warmth of Joe's house welcomes you with open arms.

"Hey, freezing or not, you have to admit the snow is pretty magical." Joe watches as you begin to take off your jacket, a bit of snow that clung to you falling to the ground. Some of it is still in your hair, slowly melting away, but the sight of it makes his heart swell. The snow glistens, almost sparkles, and all it does is add to your beauty in his eyes. You're so blissfully unaware of it all too, and it only makes Joe fall for you that much more.

"I think I'm gonna have to agree with you on that one, sweetheart," he replies, genuinely believing it.

Magic snow powers or not, Joe adored seeing you in awe like that tonight. He can't wait for many more instances like it, and who knows? Maybe during next year's first snowfall, he might be on one knee, confessing his love for you in a different way.

[elssero]

꩜ enlightenment

i.midoriya

⋆ ˚｡⋆ 01 2k words.

next, masterlist.

11:58am.

if izuku hasn’t been nervous the entire morning then he definitely is now, it feels like he’s standing on the edge of a diving board, his heart raceing, beating faster than usual, a tightness in his chest.

in two minutes exactly his long awaited test results will be emailed to him by his professor, to say he’s dreading it is an understatement. the class is english, and although not his major, it’s a class that izuku needs to do well in, or at least pass.

however going by his previous results that’s appearing to be easier said than done.

he sits on the edge of his chair, his leg bouncing uncontrollably as he stares at his computer. his hands are clasped tightly together, his knuckles pale from the pressure. every few moments, he wipes his palms on his pants, only for them to become clammy again.

izuku’s mind is a whirlwind of scenarios as it often is, flipping between hope and dread, each possibility more vivid than the last. his lips press into a thin line, then part slightly as he mutters something to himself, maybe a prayer or just a reassurance. he glances at the clock, then at the computer again, his heart thudding in his ears. when the notification finally comes, his breath catches, his hand trembling as he reaches to open it.

fail.

the email reads kind, he can tell his professor is attempting to soften the blow. excuses about his stupid mistakes or skills that just need more development, but izuku can’t tear his eye away from the result- disappointment.

he skims through the rest of the email, finding nothing of note until the last paragraph in which his professor suggests that maybe, a tutor could actually do izuku some good, followed by what appears to be the email of a fellow student of his.

he doesn’t fight the sigh that is let out in response, this isn’t the first time the idea of a tutor has been brung up to izuku. looking at his results for this english tests during his first semester would tell you that he definitely needs one.

maybe it’s a confidence thing, or maybe it’s the fact he’s never had a tutor before, but izuku is terrified- to the extent he’s been dodging his tutors suggestion of a tutor for weeks.

he doesn’t need one- he just needs to put some extra work in- why is he even taking english in the first place? it’s not like he needs to know the history of shakespeare for a mechanical engineering degree??

extra classes are a waste of time anyway.

regardless of his little temper tantrum- izuku knows in the back of his mind that this extra curricular would look great on his degree, and he’s spent far too many hours studying to just give in now.

12:14pm.

“you remember that boy that keeps refusing your tutoring? he failed another test today.”

shaking your head in disappointment you take ur report from your bag and hand it to mr yamada before you respond- “did you offer him my tutoring again?”

“yes- i even sent him your email address over in the hopes he gets drunk one night and begs you to tutor him. honestly it’s like he doesn’t want to pass”

there’s an exasperated look on your professors face amidst the giggle he lets out at the idea of his student drunk, you’ve spent enough time with him to know that this kid is stressing him out- it’s clear how much he cares about his students, something in which you admire about him.

“keep pestering him- i’m sure he’ll come around”

“i’m not so sure- midoriya is extremely stubborn, even though he doesn’t seem it- asking for help can be difficult for some kids.” you swear you watch your professors eyes flick up to your own, you get the feeling he may be alluding to something more than midoriya here.

you shake your head anyway, a small smile on your face. you’ve spent so much time in professor yamada’s office this year you’d be as well setting up camp there- it’s a silly thought.

you think back to midoriya, and what you know- or don’t know about him.

he’s a mechanical engineering student, taking english as an extra class to fill out his timetable and he’s definitely struggling. you can’t blame him- it’s not for everyone.

however he appears to be extremely and entirely against tutoring? your not taking it personally, as the boy doesn’t know who you are, but you can’t help this weird feeling in your chest- that you want to help him.

you can’t explain it, not at all. you’ve never met this boy, the only details about him you know are recounts from your shared professor, but you can’t help this internal need to want to teach him, for him to do well.

It doesn’t come as a surprise to either you or mr yamada when midoriya ignores the suggestion of tutoring in his response email, instead giving his professor a quick thanks for his grade and wishing him a good weekend.

at least he’s polite.

your time with your professor ends quickly after that, quickly bidding him goodbye with the promise of seeing him on monday before your on your way. midoriya is out of your mind by the time your off campus.

11:42pm

It’s the second friday of the month, which means that tonight midoriya will spend almost his entire weekend stuck in this stupid gas station.

living in a college town means he can expect the groups of young adults walking in any second- either already extremely drunk or looking to buy the means to get there.

he doesn’t hate his job- no definitely not. He likes the night shifts during the weeks, it’s quiet, and lonely, and he has the entire place to himself the whole night. it’s the weekend shifts that midoriya dislikes- pity he’s forced to work at least one every two weeks.

a ring of the door can be heard from the other side of the store than him, he can see the group of people from the cameras next to the till. the group looks around his age, if not a little older, two men in dark clothing with coloured hair- a cheerful blonde girl, and another, quieter girl walking hand in hand with her.

midoriya can’t see much of their faces, but he can tell the quieter one is pretty right of the bat- he straightens himself up a little, maybe a little too eagerly.

he watches as the group walk around the stalls, grabbing snacks with alcohol and cigarettes- the tall one with the dark hair is very particular about his narcotics.

when they finally get to the till midoriya can smell the weed immediately- particularly from the men of the group. they’re being shushed as they approach the counter, being told to stay back as the pretty one continues forward to pay for their haul.

“hi- uh sorry about my friends- they’re a little out of it right now.”

izuku is even more enamoured by you as you get close to him- tired eyes and a slight smile- he doesn’t think he’s ever seen anyone more beautiful.

“uh- yeah it’s fine” he doesn’t say anything more- instead he stands stiff, eyes locked into yours, it’s not until your eyes make a quick look down to your basket of items that he remembers he’s at work- and that he has a job to do.

“oh sorry- let me ring you up quickly”

he’s trying to go as fast as he can- but his nerves are bubbling and he feels like an idiot for being so affected by one pretty girl. your making small talk with him, asking about his shift and when he gets off, he’s trying to answer the best he can.

“can I see some id please?” you have no problems taking out your id- handing it to izuku without a second thought, allowing him time to get your name, he forgets to even check that your above age until the very last second.

“uh- nice name.” he swallows immediately after saying it-

“oh! thank you-“ you pause, taking a moment to look down at his name card, probably so you return the favour. he curses that the nicknames that his work put in place for ‘safety.’

“uh- deku? thank you, your name is…” stupid, he thinks, it’s childish and idiotic. “pretty cute actually.”

that puts him at a standstill- it’s not even his real name but your compliment makes him freeze.

“well um- thank you for the service, enjoy your shift deku.”

your out the door with your friends before he can even answer- he doesn’t get a number, or a social media handle. Just an engrained image of your face and a name.

a name that read way to familiar- has he heard of you before?

it doesn’t matter anyway- he’ll probably never see you again after tonight, unless you take another late night trip to the gas station, izuku kinda hopes that you will.

it’s while now until another customer comes in, and even longer until the next, izuku has his headphones in in order to pass the time and it’s working pretty well. he can’t help himself but start to think back to school, finding himself hovering over the email his professor had sent him earlier.

would having a tutor really be that bad? maybe it’ll end up really helping him? he just needs to pass english this year and he doesn’t have to do it ever again, he can get through a few months of this right?

he opens the email after a long debate, still undecided on his decision to finally accept the offering of tutoring when the email attached catches his eye.

it’s a name- no it’s your name- the pretty girl with the weird friends name.

this has to be a sign- right? or maybe it’s a bad idea to only begin tutoring because you think the girl that’ll be tutoring you is pretty- maybe he should count his blessings that you don’t already think he’s some loser who’s failing english- maybe he should reject the tutor completely, or ask for someone different??

he doesn’t know- but he does know that he thinks your maybe the most beautiful girl he’s ever seen, and that you smiled at him, and you called his name cute- and he’s writing up a draft email to send to his professor that he’s finally came around to the idea of being tutored.

it’s fine- it’ll all be fine- and if it doesn’t work out then he’ll drop out of university and work in this stupid gas station his entire life.

really it’s far too late to send this email now-its entirely unprofessional. but izuku is so worried that he’ll pussy out tomorrow morning than he sends it anyway, at nearly 1am.

he wishes he was surprised when his professor emails him back within 10 minutes- seemingly ecstatic about the idea of izuku finally coming around- that he won’t regret it- he’s sure that this will do him a lot of good- he’ll be passing with flying colours in no time.

maybe this wasn’t a good idea- he’ll just have to wait and see. but izuku now has a chance to have any conversation with you, and that’s all that matters.

taglist: @rueclfer @crimsonrubie @lovernatashaa

[chrissv4mp]

𐙚 I'D RATHER DIE ALONE, TOGETHER

(really random scenario... bear with me cus this is terrible 💔)

Smoke surrounded you. The smell of it made you cough, and you took in what you thought would be your last breath of fresh air. The fire was all around you, burning each and every leaf off of all the trees in the valley. There was no escape. Fire was catching onto the dead grass a few inches away from the trail, and it was relentless in its pace.

You couldn't do anything but sit and stare as the flames grew higher and higher. As the heat began to consume your body, beads of sweat started to form on your face. Everybody was gone before you could even process the words that came from out of Billie's mouth, and then, suddenly, you were alone. All by yourself. Surrounded by mountains of flames and ashes.

Where was everyone? Why did the people, who you considered your closest friends, run away and not even take a glance back to see if you were following? Your head feels light, so you release your breath, bursting out into a fit of coughs as you choke on your spit. Another deep breath, but this one is almost full of polluted air. More coughs, your hand bunching up the fabric of your shirt in an attempt to ground yourself.

"Y/N," a familiar voice calls out your name, muffled by the roaring sounds of the flames about to consume your whole, but you still hear it. How could you not? It was the voice of your girl. And as you turn, you're met with the sight of your girlfriends concerned face. It's Billie, "Y/N." She calls again, and this time, hee voice is much clearer. She motions you over with her hand, the other holding her shirt up to her nose as a makeshift mask.

But you can't move. The fear coursing through your veins is almost paralyzing, and the only thing you can do is stare once again. Your mind runs with the fact that Billie was the only one to come and find you. You weren't looking for her. But she found you. She found you. Her eyes sparked with worry, glassy and full of fear for both her life and yours. She couldn't have you dying like this.

"Do you wanna die alone?," She asks, and it almost makes you fearful that she'll leave again. But, she stays, coughing quietly as she cautiously steps closer. Like she's scared that you'll run off into the flames because she really didn't know why you just stayed. She reaches her hand out, "Or watch it all burn down together?" The words ring in your ears, her voice becoming a blur of syllables.

Her fingers lace into yours, and that's when it hits. Billie had actually maneuvered her way through the hot flames, jeopardizing her own life, in an attempt to possibly save your own. Your thumb runs across the top of her hand, soothing both of your nerves as her eyes land on yours, "I'd rather try to hold onto you,"

"Forever." You finish. The corners of your mouth curve into a small smile despite your life-threatening situation. You can see the smoke surrounding your bodies, and tears threaten to spill from your eyes, but you stay strong. Billie sees right through you, though. How could she not after being by your side for this long? She drops the fabric of her shirt, finally breathing in the polluted air just to pull you into a hug.

A hug that she thought she'd never be able to give you again. Her eyes shut, breathing in your scent and getting the faintest bit of your perfume. She whispers sweet things into your ear as you both rock back and forth slowly, crying softly into each other's shoulders, "I love you. I'm not letting go." She mutters, kissing your cheek and cupping your face so that you could look each other in the eyes, "I'd rather die alone, together."

𐙚 tags : @mseilishmwah @sophloveswomen @mxqdii @livvydunneness @vyntagess @afteraftercare @wiidfi0wer33 @loving1dsworld @tan1shere @fallingforfalll @cierraonline @dandelions4us @scarlittt @ifwdominicfike @slxtarchive @stonerfromlesbos @bilsdillldough @47lake @hopingforgoodblogs @karaeilishh @mybluebossanova @hopelessfawn @zayluvss @meliciousmel13

[chxrry-lv]

승한 - Baby bump - - — -> J.SC

Synopsis -> Sungchan sees your small baby bump.

Paring-> Caring-husband!Sungchan x Pregnant!FemReader.

Warning-> none!

DESC - ✿︑︒⚬∙︓·⠄ ~ This is my only account!! any other account that has my work! Please don’t be afraid to P.M me and help take it down.. ✿︑︒⚬∙︓·. All works under - #✶.riize

Wc - 573 - click here

“Sungchan? Where are you?" You called out as you came downstairs.

"In the kitchen, baby," He yelled back to you before he put his phone down and turned around to wait for you to enter, a smile of anticipation on his face as he did so.

You entered the room and he opened his arms for a hug.

"There's my babies. How are you feeling today?"

He asked as you hugged him before his lips brushed lovingly against your head.

"Not too bad. I think the morning sickness is finally passing. I don't feel bad anymore."

"That's great to hear!" He happily said. "Are you hungry then? I can make you something."

"In a minute, if that's okay. I just want to sit down for a second."

He nodded and watched you stretch your arms out over your head.

As you did so, your shirt raised just a tiny bit and a gasp left his lips as soon as she saw something she hadn't seen before.

"What?" You asked as soon as you heard him gasp.

"Nothing bad." He quickly assured. "The opposite, actually."

He stepped closer to you and lifted your shirt a little again before he saw it once more...

Your bump.

It was so little but she could see it there and as he placed his hand against it, she could feel it.

He smiled from ear to ear as you stared down at him, your eyes just as bright and full of amazement, just like hers.

"It's so cute!" He giggled. "It's so tiny but I can see it. Our baby is in there!"

"That's insane!" You said before putting your hand over hers.

"Hello in there," he spoke against your little bump, his lips brushing against your soft skin.

"It's your mom and dad here! We love you so much and we can't believe you're starting to grow so much. You're going to get so much bigger and then we'll get to meet you!"

You grinned and brushed your fingers through his hair as you listened to her speak to the bump.

"We see you! Now, how long until we get to feel you?" He wondered before kissing your bump a few more times. "I'm anticipating that first kick.”

“Please don't do it unless both of us are here to feel it, okay? I can't wait to meet you. I love you so much and I'm so happy to see you growing!"

He looked up at you and you saw tears in her eyes.

"Don't cry, baby," You chuckled.

"I'm just so happy. I get to spend the rest of my life with you, the love of my life, and we're having a baby together. It's felt real until now because I've heard their little heartbeat and I've seen them on the screen at the ultrasounds but you have the cutest little bump... it's just beautiful. I'm so happy."

"Me too." You smiled through your own tears of happiness before kissing his lips lovingly.

You brushed your hand across your bump with a happy chuckle.

"Not much longer until you're in the world. Just a few more months. You keep growing and stay safe and sound, baby. Your mom and dad will always be here to love and support you."

Sungchan put his hand over yours once more before kissing your shoulder softly, both of you feeling as if you could just burst from the happiness you felt.

©chxrry-lv

[stayteezdreams]

Ghost of Christmas Past

Plot: Due to circumstances neither of you could control, you and your first love were forced apart, never to see each other again. Or so you thought. Until one Christmas, years later, when fate decided to cross your paths again.

Pairing: Kim Hongjoong x Gn!Reader *no specific age is mentioned but the reader and Hongjoong are referenced to be within the 26-29 age range.

Warnings: Shitty parents, mainly shitty father. Both on Hongjoong's side and readers side, but Hongjoong's father gets better in the end.

Words: 4.5k

With all the strength you had, you tried to pull yourself away from your father's grip. You needed to get to Hongjoong, you knew you couldn't stop them from taking him away, but you needed to try.

At the least, you needed to say goodbye. To tell him you loved him one more time.

Seeing him being forced into his father’s car, your chest ached painfully as tears poured from your eyes.

"Hongjoong!"

As Hongjoong struggled with the man forcing him out of his home, his head snapped in your direction at the sound of your voice.

You were trying to get away from your father, who was holding you back. Your eyes were desperate, as tears streamed down your face.

Hongjoong pushed the man in front of him as he called out to you. "Y/n!"

"Hongjoong!"

Almost getting away, but being pulled back again, he cursed at the man, "Let me go! Y/n!"

As Hongjoong was forced into the car, he pushed and kicked, calling out for you again and again. His eyes burned as his heart broke. The car sped away, and he could do nothing but press against the window as he got one last look at you as you finally slipped from your father’s grip and you ran after his car.

You chased after the car until your lungs burned and your legs gave out. Watching as it disappeared, taking Hongjoong with it. His desperate pleading eyes from the back window being the last time you saw him.

As your alarm blared, your eyes shot open, the memory of Hongjoong being torn away from you fading as you rubbed your eyes. A familiar ache sat in your chest as you let out a sigh and turned off your alarm.

Sitting up on your elbows you thought back on your dream, well, it was more of a memory. In your dreams a few things often changed, sometimes your mother was there, sometimes Hongjoong broke free from the bodyguard and ran towards you, but never reached you. Sometimes you caught up with the car, but Hongjoong was no longer inside.

This time, it was almost exactly as you remember, though it had been nearly ten years since it actually happened, so it was all a bit fuzzy, though the pain of the moment forever remained.

Climbing out of bed you wondered why you dreamt of it, of Hongjoong. Maybe because it was nearing Christmas. It was around this time of year that he was taken away. You had a lot of plans for that Christmas, but you were torn apart instead.

As you slowly made your way through your morning routine, you couldn't help but relive the past. Your dream bringing forward the familiar ache of heartbreak.

You and Hongjoong were like a modern-day Romeo and Juliet, with a little less death of course.

Your parents hated each other, well, your fathers hated each other, your mothers were just along for the ride.

You and Hongjoong were taught from a young age that you were rivals, enemies, that you were to never be in the same circle. But that didn't last long. The second the two of you were able to think for yourselves, you realized just how stupid their rivalry was. Based solely on business and money.

In Middle School, you and Hongjoong ended up bonding over your annoyance at your parents. It turned into a friendship, which turned into a relationship a short time later.

By the time you were in High School, you and Hongjoong were in love, planning to run away together as soon as you were old enough. To live your lives together, away from your father's control.

Your relationship was held a secret until your third year of High School, when one of your fathers’ colleagues saw you together on a date. Once your father found out, all hell broke loose. You were forced to change schools, but that didn't keep you apart.

So lost in their own rivalry and hatred for one another, Hongjoong's father, when learning that you two would not be easy to separate, and growing more irritated with your father’s anger, decided to send Hongjoong away to attend school abroad.

That was the day you lost him once and for all.

One day, Hongjoong and his friend Seonghwa went back to his house after school. They were blind-sided when they arrived, finding all of Hongjoong's possessions packed up.

After learning what was happening, Hongjoong told Seonghwa to come get you. He wasn't sure he would be able to stop his father from sending him away. But if he failed, he needed to see you, he needed you to know he wasn't giving in without a fight. That he didn't want to leave you. He knew it would be his father's intention to make you think he left you.

You tried to get to his house to see him in time, but your father chased after you, stopping you just before you got there. So, all you saw was Hongjoong being shoved into a car and whisked away to who knows where.

For months you hoped you would see him again, find out where he was so you could call him, write him a letter, anything to get in contact. But your father's made sure no information about Hongjoong got to you.

Eventually, your father made a deal with another company and got transferred to another city. So, your whole life was packed up, and whether you wanted to or not, you were forced to leave the one place Hongjoong would know where to find you.

You spent hours trying to find where he ended up. Finally contacting Seonghwa, but learning his father even kept him in the dark. So, you never found him. Eventually, as time passed, the heartbreak faded into a dull heaviness in your heart.

When you eventually moved back to Seoul on your own, you found yourself outside of Hongjoong's childhood home. You weren't sure what you were really doing there. Nothing good could come of it. But you thought, maybe, just maybe, Hongjoong might be there.

But he wasn't.

The man living there ended up coming out to see what you wanted after he saw you staring up at his house from the road. He informed you that the family that had lived there before had moved a few years earlier, to where he had no idea.

Without any hope left, you gave up on ever seeing Hongjoong again. But Hongjoong was, and would always be, your first love. And whether you knew it was there or not, the hope that you might cross paths again one day would remain with you forever.

You had been in relationships since then, but none ever lasted very long. Even though you were an adult now, and knew your relationship with Hongjoong was founded out of childhood friendship and bonding, you didn't ever doubt, had you not been separated, you would have been together forever.

Stirring your coffee, you smiled softly as you looked out at the cold winter sky. Ever since you moved back here after college you had been alone. Your father remained harsh and mean, your mother uncaring. So, you spent most Christmases alone.

A familiar sense of melancholy and loneliness rested in your chest as you finally shook yourself from your thoughts to get ready for the day. Getting dressed; your eyes kept drifting to a red scarf in your closet. Giving in, you pulled it from its hangar and wrapped it around your neck. You ran your hands over it as you smiled at the memory it came with.

A scarf given to you by Hongjoong during the first Christmas you were dating. Yours and Hongjoong's initials were embroidered onto the ends. You wondered if he still had the matching one, he got himself.

Did he still think of you? Did he try to find you?

You sighed as you allowed the melancholic nostalgia to take over, knowing it would sit with you all day, just as it always did when you thought of Hongjoong.

As Hongjoong walked down the once familiar streets of the city, he felt an odd sense of melancholy. Many of the buildings and shops he knew were changed or demolished. The faces he once saw every day were replaced by strangers.

Stopping by the park he used to frequent; he looked around with a nostalgic warmth washing over him. He smiled as he saw the snow-covered roses. The snow was sudden, catching everyone, even the flowers by surprise.

He wasn't sure why, but they reminded him of you.

Beautiful, bright, but repressed under something so cold.

A melancholic yearning filled his chest as he thought of you.

A couple years after he was sent abroad, his father began to relax in his stubbornness. Maybe it was because he was aging, or the way Hongjoong shut him out after he sent him away, but he started to regret hurting him.

After he saw how heartbroken Hongjoong was, how distant he became after he lost you, he finally saw he was wrong. He apologized for forcing the two of you apart. For forcing a petty rivalry that went too far onto the two of you.

As a way to make amends, Hongjoong was allowed to return home when he wished. But unfortunately for him, it was still too late. You were gone. Your father whisked you away one summer, moving you to another city, and ending the connected rivalry between your families.

By the time Hongjoong's father found out where you were moved too, another way to try and make amends, you were gone. You had moved out of your family’s home and gone off on your own to only God knew where.

As sad as this made Hongjoong, he was also glad. Glad you were able to escape, glad you were able to be brave enough to leave. You deserved to be free. He only wished you found happiness along the way, even if it meant he wasn't a part of it.

Recently, he got a job back here in his hometown. Even though his family moved out of his childhood home some years ago, the area still felt like home.

Though he had no idea where you ended up, he had a hope that one day he might run into you on the streets you used to stroll down together.

You might not have any feelings left for him, you might be in a relationship, you might even be married. But he still hoped that he would find you again, if only to learn that you were happy. That would be enough for him.

No matter who he dated or for how long, you seemed to be the only one who would ever hold his heart. And he knew it would remain with you forever.

As Hongjoong looked across the park, his breath caught. He must be imagining it. It must be because he was thinking of you so much that he imagined it.

Even with this thought, Hongjoong's legs moved without hesitation. The hair color, the height, the scarf, the scarf. His quickened pace turned into a run as the figure disappeared into the crowd of passerby’s.

Your name was on the tip of his tongue, desperate to be called out, but forced into silence out of doubt. His eyes darted from figure to figure, but you were nowhere in sight.

He let out a shaky sigh filled with an ache he didn't know he still held so deeply.

"Y/n." Your name left his lips like a fading dream he was desperate to cling to.

It wasn't you. It was just his imagination. You weren’t here.

Taking a few deep breaths as he tried to get rid of the painful ache in his chest, he crossed the road, aware his eyes were still searching for you, though he knew you weren't there.

Absentmindedly he grabbed onto the embroidered scarf around his neck, gripping the soft fabric tightly as he walked down the sidewalk. Not knowing that if he had just looked back one more time, a familiar face would be turning back at that exact moment.

A tingle on the back of your neck told you to look, though you weren't sure for what. You had the most peculiar sensation that there was someone behind you, someone you knew. You turned expecting to see a friend or coworker, someone whose familiar presence you sensed. But none of the faces behind you seemed familiar.

Furrowing your brow, your eyes cast over the people walking around you, your eyes lingering on one figure for a moment longer than the others.

Shaking your head and deciding it was nothing, you turned back and continued to head to work, forgetting about the feeling almost as quickly as it crept up.

No matter how hard he tried to distract himself, Hongjoong's thoughts kept finding their way back to you. So lost in these thoughts, he continuously zoned out instead of working.

Jumping as someone smacked his shoulder, his eyes met Seonghwa's as he chuckled. "Why are you so distracted today?”

Hongjoong sighed as he spun back and forth in his chair, "I thought I say Y/n earlier, but I think I just imagined it."

Seonghwa let out a soft sigh, the memory of the day you last saw each other passing through his mind. He was just an onlooker, a friend with no power to intervene, but the scene hurt him. He knew how in love the two of you were, seeing you forced apart stuck with him all these years. Ever since he and Hongjoong agreed to work together here in their hometown, he knew Hongjoong had been looking for you.

He wished he knew where you ended up, but it was a mystery to him as well. "Are you sure you imagined it?"

Hongjoong leaned his head back, "I think so. I was thinking about them right before it happened. And I didn't see their face, I think they just reminded me of Y/n."

Seonghwa nodded softly as he gently patted Hongjoong's knee, "You're still in love with them, aren't you?"

Hongjoong looked back at Seonghwa and nodded, "We never had an ending. We were forced apart, the pain of that never allowed the feelings to die naturally. I can't help but hold onto them."

"Who knows, maybe Y/n will make their way back home one day. You did." Seonghwa said somewhat passively, not sure if the comment would help or not. He turned back to his own work, leaving Hongjoong to wonder if you hadn't already returned.

You stretched as you finally finished work, looking out at the soft falling snow. Taking out your phone to order an Uber, you hesitated before putting your phone back in your pocket. You would walk home. A walk in the snow might do you some good.

Your feet took you down a once familiar path as you set your eyes on the park you used to frequent. The slide and swings were covered in snow, no children in sight. It was out of the way, the opposite direction of where you lived, but you frequented this path on purpose many times. Just to remind yourself of the past.

The sky was a dark grey, the sun hidden behind sheets of clouds and snow. Kicking the snow from one of the swings, you sat down, swaying gently as you looked around the park.

You and Hongjoong had come here often in the past, it was your hide out spot to be together in secret. Youd bring snacks and stare up at the sky for hours.

'Why am I thinking about him so much today?'

You had an odd feeling in your gut ever since you had woken up from your dream this morning. Assuming it would fade you continued on with your day, but it only got heavier. Did something happen to him? Was your connection still so deep that you felt it?

Your wandering thoughts caused the pit in your gut to grow as you began making yourself worry about something you couldn't know the answer to. Sighing as you looked around, your eyes paused on the snow-covered roses. You smiled at the sight, finding it both sad and beautiful.

Hearing footsteps crunching in the snow, you began to look for the source of the sound, your heart leaping as a voice called out right as you spotted the person approaching you.

"Y/n."

He hadn't imagined it, it was you.

After work, Hongjoong declined Seonghwa's offer for a ride home, deciding he wanted to walk back home for some reason.

Wanting to walk through the park again, maybe to bring back some fond memories of you. The last thing he was expecting was to actually see you.

But there you were, sitting on the same swings the two of you used to frequent years ago. Your scarf wrapped tightly around your neck as you swayed gently back and forth.

As he approached you, his heart was pounding so heavily he feared it might stop all together. You were older, obviously, but he could tell it was you from a mile away. You were the same, you were Y/n, his Y/n.

Your name left his mouth like an unspoken secret desperate to be told. "Y/n."

How was it possible? How could he be here? Right now, at the same time as you? Was it really him? Of course it was, he looked the same. It couldn't be anyone else.

"Hongjoong?" His name was barely audible, but just loud enough that the sound of it made his heart jolt painfully in his chest. He had dreamt of hearing you say his name again for so long.

Suddenly, standing from the swing, your heart was beating wildly as your stomach fluttered nervously. The two of you stared at each other, as if afraid you might disappear with the slightest movement.

"How- Why are you- What?" Your voice was bewildered as you tried to put together what was happening.

Was this why you were thinking of him so much today? Could you feel that he was close by? That he was here. Was that even possible?

He took a tentative step towards you, his breath shaky. "I thought I saw you earlier today, but I convinced myself I imagined it, but you're here. You're right here."

He seemed just as perplexed as you, as if seeing you was the last thing he expected, but far from the last thing he wanted.

Thinking back to earlier in the day when you felt as though someone was looking at you, you wondered if that was what you felt. Had he been so close without you knowing?

"How long have you been back?"

You asked, nervously filling the silence as a thousand questions and words filled your brain.

"A couple weeks. You?"

"A few years."

He let out a sigh, he should have come back sooner.

His eyes scanned over you as familiar emotions washed over him again. He let out a soft chuckle as he couldn't help but grin. He met your eyes, and you saw them shining a bit brighter as so many emotions passed through them.

"You look good. Are you? Doing good, I mean?"

You nodded softly, letting a smile form on your face as well. "I'm..." you hesitated, even after all this time you felt like you couldn't lie to him, you never could. But you should. This wasn't the same anymore, was it? "I'm good."

Hongjoong's heart dropped at this. The tone of your voice so familiar to the childhood sweetheart that hid all their hardships as to not worry him.

His smile turned sad as he walked closer to you, stopping a few feet away. "Liar."

Taken aback by the sudden familiarity of his reaction you let out a sharp chuckle before covering your mouth. His smile turned into a grin again as his heart fluttered. Your smile was something he feared he would never see again.

Before you could speak, his arms were suddenly engulfing you. You caught your breath as you froze in his embrace.

As the smell of his cologne washed over you, you felt a familiar warmth and comfort you had long since forgotten.

"I missed you." His voice was soft, but burdened with emotions you felt the familiar sting of.

It had been ten years, but he still felt like home.

Slowly, you wrapped your arms around him, tears stinging your eyes as you whispered back. "I missed you too."

Hongjoong felt a heavy weight in his chest disappear as he tightened his arms around you. He finally found you again, he finally found his way home.

You weren't sure how long you stood there in each other's arms before you finally pulled away from each other. You swallowed nervously as he stared at you, studying your features.

He placed his gloved hands on your cheeks as he wiped away a stray tear. "We have so much to talk about."

You nodded in agreement, excited that so many questions could finally be answered.

"I have a question first though." He said softly and you rose your brow. "You aren't dating anyone are you?"

You paused for a second before you laughed. That was not what you were expecting his first question to be. You shook your head. "No, I'm not."

He grinned, a familiar mischievous twinkle you used to swoon over. "Good." Taking your hand in his he squeezed it before he met your eyes again. "Come with me."

Taking the lead, he led you out of the park and down the street. Even though you didn't know where he was taking you, you didn't care. In the past you would have let him lead you to hell and gladly follow him, and you learned quickly, those feelings hadn't really changed at all.

Sitting at Hongjoong's kitchen counter, you held your hand up, "Okay so, basically, your dad felt bad about what he did and let you come back home, but by then I was gone. Then, he tried to find me, and when he did, I was already gone again. And then by the time I came back here, you had left again??"

Hongjoong nodded and you let out a soft sigh as you spun your mug of cocoa around in your hands. "I wonder how many other times we missed each other that we don't know about." You mumbled and Hongjoong huffed softly as he sat back down in the chair beside you.

“Considering what happened today, probably a lot.”

You chuckled, "It's like fate was playing with us."

As you took a sip of your drink, Hongjoong admired you. You were still you, he was still him, it still felt the same, though the feelings in his heart weren't so childish anymore.

You and Hongjoong had spent the last couple of hours talking about what happened since the day he was sent away. And just as quickly as you met again, any awkwardness between you seemed to fade away.

Leaning back in your chair you let out a soft sigh, "I'm glad your father changed. He always seemed to love you but had such a weird way of holding it against you."

Hongjoong nodded with a soft smile, glad too, that his relationship with his father had changed for the better. He couldn’t help but wonder how he would react to learning the two of you had been reunited.

"What about your father? What's he like now?"

You shrugged, "No idea. When I chose to go to university for what I wanted instead of what he wanted, he basically disowned me. The last time I talked to him was about a year ago, and all he said to me was 'Don't spend all your time with friends, do your job since you were so determined to leave for it.'" You scoffed after you mimicked your dad’s tone.

Hongjoong frowned at this, "And your mother?"

"She texts me occasionally asking how I am, but I don't know how much she actually cares. I was in the hospital a couple months ago and when I told her she just told me to be careful not to miss too much work."

Hongjoong sat up quicky, "You were in the hospital, why? What happened? Are you okay now?"

You stared at him with mild shock before you laughed and waved your hands, "I'm fine! I just had a really bad fever and passed out at work."

His eyes widened even more, "'You just had a fever and passed out'? 'Just?!' That's not fine!"

You laughed again before you felt a sudden wave of emotion causing you to look away from him. You giggled softly, and Hongjoong heard a hint of sadness behind it.

"You needed me, and I wasn't here."

You looked back at him with a questioning gaze, and he looked at you with a sense of guilt.

"I was the only one who made sure you took care of yourself. You always get so caught up in what you are doing and trying to be what your parents told you to be, that you forget about your own health. And your parents still don't give a damn. You needed me, I'm sorry."

You tilted your head as you smiled softly at him, "It wasn't your fault Hongjoong. And besides, it was just one bad moment. I'm a lot better at taking care of myself, you'd be proud of me!"

His frown became a smile at this. Reaching out he gently caressed your face. "I am. I'm proud that you didn't let them tear you down. That you didn't give into your father's wishes. That you took your own path even if you were alone on it."

Turning in his chair so he was facing you, he gently grabbed your legs and turned you to face him as well.

"But you aren't alone anymore. I'm here now. And if you want me, I'll stay. I'll be by your side again. There's nothing that could take me away from you now."

Memories of Hongjoong leaving flashed through your mind. Mixtures of hurt, relief, heartbreak and joy washing over you.

"Of course I want that Hongjoong. You were my first love, my home, and those feelings never went anywhere. They were still here, in my heart. They were just staying dormant until we found each other again."

He cupped your face again as he smiled, his voice was a soft whisper "My first love. My only love. I'll stay with you forever this time."

You felt tightness in your chest as your eyes brimmed with tears. "Promise?"

Leaning closer, he nodded softly as he whispered "I promise" just before his lips met yours in a kiss both of you had been waiting ten years for.

No matter how long you would have had to wait, ten years, twenty, fifty, your heart would always belong to Hongjoong. Even if the wait was painful and long, fate was kind enough to bring you back together. And nothing would separate you again.

xx End xx

I'm pretty happy with how this one came out, even if I couldn't get it down exactly how I wanted.

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[lexirosewrites]

O!Steve & B!Robin as childhood friends!! Not Nancy Wheeler Friendly bc this is from a protective Robin POV & I needed drama & No Upside Down AU

They meet when Robin skips 4th grade & become friends when they're paired together for a project. Steve is a Henderson bc his mom divorced his sire Richard Harrington & Steve didn't want to b a Harrington anymore he wanted to have his mom's maiden name. He & his mom moved to Hawkins the week before school started.

Steve is chubby & a boy omega (which is rare especially in Hawkins Elementary where only two other boys in the grades below r omegas) which makes him different & he's not very good at reading aloud but he still gets some of the best scores on their social studies or history lessons & his scent is still muted like the kids younger than them. So he isn't popular but he isn't overtly bullied but he is largely ignored by the kids w more social capital.

So he & Robin bond abt being treated as outcasts. They quickly become best friends & spend as much time together outside of school as they can except every other Sunday bc Steve's mom drives a few towns away in Roane County to the nearest Episcopal church.

Robin was raised Buddhist bc her mom is a child of Vietnamese immigrants & her dad was an anti-war protester (especially after he gets drafted into Vietnam, causing him to lose his left leg). The Buckleys celebrate a vague Christmas tht they treat more like Yule with Father Winter instead of Santa, presents still happen but Robin is expected to choose a few of her gifts to give to a nearby domestic violence shelter where some kids stay.

Then high school starts. Steve has his first heat the summer before & so his scent matures to smell like baked apples w honey. He loses a bit of the baby fat, his face gets clearer of acne he'd developed in 7th grade, & his hair is noticeably more shiny. This means Steve is suddenly the subject of new attention by some of the beta boys & alphas of Hawkins High. It all makes Steve uncomfortable so Robin stops trimming her nails & even files them sharper when at home. She shows off her newly sharp nails when she scratches up the arms of an alpha senior who wasn't taking Steve's polite refusals as an answer, tearing up their jacket sleeves, & even ripping a big hole in the bottom of their backpack so all their things tumbled out.

After tht word spread quickly tht Steve Henderson had a guard, Robin Buckley. So the attention turned from a rush to a trickle.

A!Tommy Hagan tries harassing Steve in their sophomore year & calling it courting but Robin tells B!Carol Perkins tht Tommy is trying to cheat on her & together they scratch Tommy so deeply he gets scars. Sophomore year is also when Steve begins babysitting for extra cash. He starts w his little cousin Dustin, then the Sinclairs hire him every other Saturday night, & the list grows till Steve is having Robin help him keep a planner just to keep track of his babysitting gigs.

Then junior year brings abt a Steve who is the uncontested prettiest omega in school & the attention gets worse. Except now ppl know to try to get Robin's approval. She doesn't make it easy & this weeds out the ppl who only wanted a chance to say they'd popped Steve's cherry.

This works till A!Nancy Wheeler sets her sights on Steve. Nancy does practically every task Robin gives her w minimal complaints, so Robin gives Nancy the chance to actually court Steve. Except it quickly becomes clear to Robin tht Nancy didn't seem all tht interested in learning more abt steve outside of who he was in the schools social ladder. Robin would watch how Nancy flaunted their relationship to others to establish a growing social status but would then make eyes at B!Jonathan Byers, The Creep as others called him.

When O!Will Byers goes missing (later being found kidnapped by his father) & B!Barb runs away while the town is focused on tht, Nancy becomes more & more disinterested in Steve. Apparently insisting to Steve tht Barb was her best friend & tht she would've told Nancy if she was going to run away. Robin snorts when Steve tells her this bc it was obvious to Robin their friendship was a one way street of Nancy getting what she wanted.

So of course Nancy embarrasses herself & Steve at Tina's Halloween party the next year, after a year of growing colder towards Steve & leading him on & insisting to them both tht Jonathan is just a friend. Of course Nancy runs off w Byers after the whisper of a lead on where Barb had gone reaches her ears, of course she comes back smelling like Byers in a way tht made it clear she'd had sex w him & only then breaking up w Steve & worst of all is how Steve doesn't get angry with Nancy or Jonathan.

It all gets more annoying when Steve is newly single & knot headed A!Billy Hargrove tries approaching Steve when no one else is around. He never offers to exclusively court Steve & he never approaches Robin abt it either. He just follows Steve to secluded corners of the school or town & makes comments when no one is around to hear him.

Eventually they graduate, Robin decides to put off going away for college opting instead to take classes part time at the Roane County Community College w Steve. Billy Hargrove races out of town after he beats his father in the Hargroves front lawn, Mr Hargrove leaves town soon after but his wife & step daughter the Mayfields stay in Hawkins. Robin only learns most of this thanks to Steve being Max's babysitter now

for two weeks of the summer Nancy tries to court Steve again, claiming she'd changed but this is after Jonathan Byers learns tht Nancy hadn't broken up w Steve till after their fruitless attempt to convince Barb to come home led to them sleeping together & so he breaks up w her unable to believe she'd hurt Steve in the way his own father had hurt his mom

They get jobs at the mall in the food court. Then the larger parent company of their employer Scoops Ahoy gets shut down by the government for tax evasion & tax fraud & a whole list of illegal labor practices so they find new jobs at the Cinema-plex in the same mall. Then the mall burns down bc the construction was cheap & several safety regulations were blatantly ignored. So they find another job they can work together. This time at Family Video, after an interview w Keith (whose parents own the small strip mall where the laundromat & the arcade & video store r located) wherein Robin said her favorite movie was a German silent film she knew Keith would know nothing abt & Steve equally stumped Keith w a samurai movie tht Robin knew didn't circulate in the US, Ms Henderson had gotten the VHS of the movie shipped to Hawkins through friends in the UK.

Time went on, they took their classes at the small community college, Steve still babysat here & there, & the platonic soulmates were even apartment hunting in their free time. Settling on the relatively affordable rent of a 2 bed trailer in Forest Hills.

That's where Eddie Munson pops into their lives. Apparently he'd met Steve once or twice when Steve had come by to babysit Max. Now tht the pair lived so close by Munson he took to being a welcome committee. A couple of months of living in the trailer park, hanging out w Eddie who had begun working at the local mechanics instead of racing out of town like Hargrove, & buying the odd joint from the alpha at an obviously reduced price. Munson made his move & approached Robin on a day tht she was working without Steve.

The alpha was visibly nervous but determined & he didn't even shrink away when Robin glared him down for 5 minutes in silence. So she sighed & gave him a random task tht she knew Steve would like to see. This went on & on, Eddie growing closer w Steve & when Steve told Robin he wanted to b courted by their neighbor she delivered the news to Eddie w her best friend right behind her.

The pair courted for 2 years before Steve sat her down & told her he was pregnant just abt 2 months along & tht he & Eddie were going to exchange bites before the due date & tht they wanted to move in together. Robin was silent bc they were supposed to leave for Portland tht spring, so tht she could attend college & Steve could get a cosmetology license, they were supposed to remain together into their old age. She didn't even realize tht she'd nearly gone into a srs beta drop till it was the next morning & she was being held by Steve in his nest.

Over breakfast sandwiches in bed Steve explained tht she had dropped before Steve could tell her tht if she approved Eddie was going to drive to Portland two weeks before they planned to leave & get a 3 bedroom apartment set up. If she didnt approve Eddie was still going to drive there early but just find an apartment for stobin & another apartment for himself. They talked for hours abt how Steve didn't want to b best friends w anyone except Robin & his alpha, how Robin had been scared for awhile abt Steve leaving her, & it ended w them having a movie night where they ordered Eddie to pick up a pizza & sodas & the biggest order of chicken tenders possible

7 months later after a home birth in Portland Oregon, Robin cried when she got to meet her best friends twin babies & learned tht they'd named the youngest of the baby girls Janis Robin Munson while the older twin was Joan Cathy Munson (Cathy was Eddie's mom's name & coincidentally grandma Henderson's name)

& Aunty Robin became the Munson pups favorite babysitter 🥰

Robin being protective of omega Steve is always so lovely💕💕💕

[enwoso]

FINDING HOME — katie’s mccabe x caitlin foord

twelve days of christmas | day 9

based on this request

the smell of a cinnamon candle drifted through the small kitchen but caitlin barely noticed. she was sat perched on a stool at the counter staring at the bright light of her laptop which displayed three open tabs: flights to sydney and flights to dublin. each one seeming to mocking their incapability to make a decision.

katie leaned against the doorwar, clad in thick hoodie and shorts even though it was cold in the streets of london, her amrs folded across her chest. her blue eyes, the kind that could see straight through caitlins soul, were clouded with irritation. "i don't get why this is so hard" katie's voice sharper than caitlin was used to.

caitlin winced, "cause it is hard. we are choosing between two entire countries, it's not exactly a decision we make in a split second-" 

"well it ain't about the countries though. its about ya family, or ma family.. or-" katie trailed off biting her lip as she took a step further into the kitchen. she didn't have to finish the sentence, cailtin knew already what she was thinking: or neither.

the two hadn't been together for long this being their second christmas as a couple, last year making the decision to spend it apart but after agreeing that this christmas wasn't going to be spent in the same way. this was going to be their first christmas together, a chance to start blending their traditions, their families, their lives. but instead of feeling excitement, they both felt like they were stuck in quicksand.

"right, so lets break it down" Caitlin said, forcing a calm tone which was far from how she currently felt. "australia is warm so we could spend christmas at the beach, plus i know my parents are already planning a huge barbecue."

she watched as katie nodded slowly, as her jaw slowly tightened, "and i guess my family's roast dinner in ireland doesn't matter?" as katies words leeft her lips caitlin felt her stomach twist. 

"of course it matters! but its not just about what our families want, i mean we could always just stay in london. spend christmas here just the two of us" caitlin shrugged as she lowered her laptop meaning katie's gaze. 

"neutral ground" katie repeated flatly as small chuckle fell from her lips, "sure cause nothin' says 'merry christmas' like runnin' away from the people we love" 

caitlin flinched at the harshness of katies words but they were laced with hurt but caitlin could hear the truth underneath. it wasn't just about geography, it was about compromise and sacrifice. choosing whose feelings mattered more.

"maybe we should.. do christmas separate again this year-" caitlin muttered, the words tasting like ash in her mouth. instantly regretting her words as soon as they slipped from her lips.

watching as katie's head snapped up meeting caitlin's gaze once again, "are ya bein' serious?"

"i don't know, maybe.. if it means we don't have to fight about this anymore!"

for a moment the only sound in the room was the soft ticking of the kitchen clock as caitlin's eyes glistened, tears ready to spill, as she quickly looked away but not before katie saw the teas threatening to spill. 

"i don't believe this-" katie whispered, "you actually think spendin' christmas apart is the solution?" katie was in pure disbelief at what she was hearing especially after the two had made a promise to one another that they were going to find a way, even through all the barriers to be able to spend christmas together. 

cailtin's chest tighened with guilt as she opened her mouth to respond but no words came out, feeling the absence of katie before she had even left the room. the irish women spinning on her heels and walking out the room muttering something caitlin couldn't understand.

caitlin didn't sleep that night, she lay awake staring at the ceiling as the argument replayed over and over in her mind. katie hadn't come to bed. the two being stubborn and had spoken a word to each other since the argument in the kitchen over where to spend christmas.

so when caitlin finally crept down the stairs and into the living room at dawn finding her girlfriend curled up on the couch a think blanket wrapped around her as she hugged tightly onto one of the cushions. caitlin's heart ached just at the sight.

knealing down beside katie as she brushed a strand of dark hair from her face. "i'm sorry, i'll fix this. i promise" 

mid-morning rolled around and caitlin was sat at the kitchen table, nursing a mug of tea her phone in her hand as she scrolled. her eyes were puffy but her expression was calm. katie who was now awake, slid into the chair across from her, holding her own mug.

"i've been thinking" katie began her voice raspy but still her thick irish accent peeked through steadily, "i've been selfish. i keep talkin' about how hard a decision it is for me and haven't really though about us. i'm sorry" caitlin put her phone down as she listened, humming along signalling for katie to carry on.

"i want us to spend christmas with your family this year" katie said as her words spilled out in a rush, "i know it means a lot to you and i want to be there for you, and for them."

caitlin blinked, clearly taken aback. not expecting those words from the irish women. "b-but what about your family? and ireland?"

"they'll understand. my parents will miss me, sure, but they know im buildin' a life with you now and besides i can call them on christmas, we can visit them next year" katie shrugged, talking as if she had planned this months ago and had thought of every possibility going, well but one.

caitlin sat for a few moments, not saying anything instead just processing what katie had just said. but then slowly a smile broke across her face.

"really? you'd do that" she asked as her voice reached barely above a whisper. katie reaching across the table and taking caitlin's hand in hers. "of course, i love you"

caitlin squeezed her hand tightly as tears welled up again - but this time they were happy tears. "you know" caitlin began a small mischievous smile appearing on her face. "its not too late to compromise"

caitlin;s smile widened as she nodded before continuing, "australia for christmas, ireland for new year. its only fair" 

katie only laughed as she moved from the otherside of the table to plant a kiss on caitlins lips pulling away with a small giggle her heart swelling with relief and love, "deal"

sometimes, home wasn't a place. it was a person.

[brookediamonds]

piece by piece, he collected me up | Axel Kovačević x fem! reader

based off this request

summary: as sam's little sister you were always stuck in the shadow of her when it came to academics, karate, and love. when you were offered a scholarship to train in Hong Kong, you took the chance to venture out and create you're own legacy.

Wc: 2.8k warnings: daddy issues (kind of), none, fluff

not my gif

It started when your sister showed interest in practicing karate again. You never gave up on the sport, karate was your outlet to the life around you.

Growing up, your older sister was always the one with the better grades, better friends, better relationship with your parents. She even had the better love life.

You loved your sister, but when she expressed wanting to join you in karate, you couldn't help but fake a smile and hold back your tears., ignoring the tightening in your chest. Now she would have the only little attention your dad paid to you.

At the last All Valley tournament when you and Miguel Diaz won in your divisions, there was a surprise second prize that came along with your 1st place trophy.

It was a scholarship to train in Hong Kong with the number one dojo in the entire world. Your parents were hesitant to let you go, but you had convinced them this was a once in a lifetime chance and it's all you could ever hope for.

So you went. You've spent the last two years learning and achieving a whole new level of fighting that you would never have imagined. The Iron Dragons had taught you endurance, discipline, and combat.

Sensei Wolf took a special liking towards you, you had come from a dense only mindset and with your years of experience, you gave his two star pupils, Zara and Axel, a run for their money.

The first few months were extremely hard and difficult to adjust to Sensei Wolf's lessons, but once Zara and Axel got to know you, they finally understood your intentions and no longer saw you as a threat.

Zara showed you mercy after overhearing a call between you and Sam. Your sister was ecstatic her and Miguel had reconnected and that they had kept The All Valley up and going.

Your teammate knew what it was like to live in the shadows of others, it was why she always wanted to be the best. She took you under her wing and broke down the soft side in you, using your defensive moves mix in with your new offense.

And when she caught you checking out the tall blue eyed boy a few times after practice, she made it her life's mission to make sure you and Axel ended up together.

Which you did.

Fast forward to the present, you and Axel had just finished watching a movie at a local theater, and sat together at an ice cream shop enjoying a mint chocolate chip cone.

"You're hogging it," you pout at your boyfriend who held the frozen treat up to his lips.

"It is your fault you make me like this," Axel grins taking another lick of the green substance. You rolled your eyes with a small smile knowing you had indeed introduced him to sweets.

He handed you the cone using his now free hand to wrap an arm around the back of your seat and leaned back, softly running his fingers through your loose hair.

As you and Axel began talking about the movie you saw, your phone suddenly lit up with Sam's face indicating she was FaceTiming you.

With the time zone differences, it was hard to call your family so anytime they reached out, you took the call.

"I'll be right back," you say handing your ice cream cone to the boy next to you. "Don't finish it!"

"I can not promise that," he says making you shove him playfully. Grabbing your phone, you walk over to a secluded corner in the shop and answer the call.

"Hey Sammy," you smile at your sister. She has her phone propped up on her vanity as she did her make up, her pink romper letting you know she was getting ready to go out for the night.

"(Y/n)!" She squeals setting her palette down. "Did you like the movie?"

"Yeah it was actually-"

"I have some exciting news!" Your hyperactive sibling cuts you off. "Miyagi-Do qualified for the Sekai Taikai!"

Your smile fell instantly at her announcement. They were going to Barcelona?

"Oh, that's great!" You put on an enthusiastic attitude. "Dad must be so excited."

"He is! In fact," Sam picked her phone up. "We were brainstorming and thinking we should save you a spot on our team-"

"What?" You cut her off flabbergasted at what she was implying. "You're not saying you want me to join Miyagi-Do for the tournament right?"

She goes quiet, her eyes searching the screen to see you looking back at her annoyed.

"Well, yeah, with you we'd be an unbeatable team," she says. She's looking at you with anticipation, hoping you'll drop the dojo you've grown at.

"No," you respond flatly.

"No?" Sam repeats furrowing her eyebrows in confusion. You licked your lips stating your ground.

"Don't hold a spot for me," you discourage their idea. "Congratulations on making it to the tournament, but you guys did it without me, you can do it again."

Sam is quick to rebuttal and beg you to reconsider but you didn't even entertain the idea of joining them.

"I have to go, but we'll talk later, I love you," you hang up hastily, and hold your phone to your chest.

You couldn't believe the proposition you just heard. You worked your ass to get to where you were, and once again it's being taken from you.

Sauntering back to your table, Axel sat in the same seat waiting for you with a new cone.

"I ate your ice cream so I got new one," he says cutely cracking a smile on your face.

"Thank you," you exhale plopping down next to him. Axel is quick to notice your change in mood, the way you sighed and leaned your head on his shoulder let him know something is wrong.

"How is your sister?" He asks rubbing the side of your arm soothingly.

You pondered if you should tell him about your family's idea, not wanting to give him to think you'd consider switching sides.

"She's good..." you trail off nibbling at your dessert. You feel Axel staring at the side of your face, he brings his hand up to tuck your hair behind your ear making you look over at him.

"What is bothering you, my love?" He asks sweetly his low voice making your stomach turn. He knew you all too well.

"Their dojo is going to the Sekai Taikai," you say bummed out. "I love my family, but I wanted just this one thing to myself."

Axel nods, placing his hand over your free one sitting on the table.

"Selfish, I know," you acknowledge avoiding his gaze, finishing off your cone.

"You are anything but selfish," Axel corrects you. "Do not make self small because family over looks you."

"Oh they see me alright," you snort placing your elbow on the table, leaning your head in your hand. "They want me to join them for the tournament."

"Are you going to?" He quizzes you.

"Absolutely not," you shook your head. "You're stuck with me, Kovačević."

The Croatian boy chuckled, relieved you would stay with the team that's taken you in. Axel knew how you had to fight for you father's attention and how much you so badly wanted his approval in life.

Especially in karate.

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

The next few months had flown by, you had trained everyday for hours on end working with Axel and Zara to sharpen your instincts, and skills.

Sensei Wolf had also selected you to be his captain for the girls division to which Zara had praised you on. You'll never forget what she told you that day:

"It's not about where you started, it's about where you finish. This isn't about proving them wrong about your abilities. This is about proving to yourself that you belong here."

It was finally time for the Sekai Taikai, you walked proudly with your green uniform, and white captain's head band tied around your head.

When you came face to face with the people you hadn't seen in over two years, it felt like no time had passed. You resisted the urge to drop your cold demeanor and run across the matt to embrace your dad and sister.

Regardless of your history, you still missed them.

It was when all teams were required to attend the aquarium, you were able to talk to Sam.

"Hey little sis," Sam greets you when your team enters the aquatic building. She's quick to envelope you in a hug, almost knocking you back.

"Hey," you smile softly accepting her affection.

"You look amazing!" she pulls back from you, examining you head to toe. One thing you always loved about Sam; she never had a bad thing to say about you.

"So do you," you return the compliment.

"(Y/n)!" Miguel and Robby approach you both.

The last time you had seen the two boys, Miguel had just won the All Valley and Robby began training again with your dad.

"Hey, big brothers," you teased them, greeting both with a hug. When Sam had told you their parents were expecting together, you laughed at the irony of the whole situation.

"You look good," Robby commented his green eyes scanning over you.

"I said that!" Sam agreed giddly, elbowing him.

"What kind of workouts do they have you doing over there?" Miguel asked faking suspicion.

Rolling your eyes at their remarks, you crossed your arms over your chest.

"Where's your boyfriend? I wanna meet him!" Sam inquires exciting at meeting your first ever love interest.

"You have a boyfriend?" Robby reiterates.

"Don't sound so surprised," you respond sarcastically.

"No- I just mean you never showed interest in anyone back home, I thought you were a lone wolf kind of girl," he attempts to lighten the situation.

"Right," you said narrowing your eyes. Looking around for an auburn haired boy, you spot Axel standing along with Zara on the side.

He catches your eyes on him, making you wave him down. Zara follows along with him, wanting to meet your old team as well.

"Guys, this is my boyfriend Axel," you gesture to the tall Croatian boy next to you, "and this is my friend, well teammate, Zara."

"Hey," Miguel and Robby nod at your two teammates giving them a closed mouth smile.

"This is Sam, Miguel, and Robby," you introduce your home people to your new people.

"Hi," Zara says with a small grin, eyes never leaving Robby's making you chuckle.

"(Y/n)'s talked so much about you," Sam says to Axel. "I'm glad we could all finally meet."

"Yes, and especially before competition," Axel says smoothly making you shake your head.

"So who are your captains?" Zara spoke up wanting to get on the topic of the tournament.

"Robby and I are the captains," Sam smiles. You couldn't control the way your eyebrows lifted up in surprise, you really thought Miguel would be wearing the white headband.

"Don't look so surprised," Robby throws back at you playfully.

"What about you guys?" Miguels questions.

"Me and her," Axel smirks pulling you into him by your hip.

"Wow," your sister blinks, her voice slightly nervous. "That's great!"

"She earned it," Zara says a hint of smugness behind her voice. She wanted to make sure your old team knew they were in for a challenge.

Before anyone could say anything else, the teams are called forward so pictures can be taken.

—————————————————————————

The first day of the tournament was a breeze. For your team of course. This wasn't your first Sekai Taikai, you had gone with the Iron Dragons last year and won first place.

Miyagi-Do however, struggled.

You’d never forget the look of shock on their faces when it came down to The Iron Dragons and Cobra Kai during the 'Captain's War' event.

You and Axel made Kwon and Tory look defenseless by how fast you took them down together. From the way Sam had described you, Tory was expecting a petite off balance fighter when in reality you moved with grace and packed a punch with every hit.

When your eyes met your dad's you saw a look of fright. It almost made you upset, because if you won would he have the same look instead of being happy for you?

Looking down at an awe-struck Tory, you introduce yourself.

"Nice to officially meet you," you smirk down at her. "Welcome to Barcelona."

From the corner of your eye, you see Sam and Miguel share a look of concern with each other. They had no idea what they were in for.

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

Your team was dominating the tournament, The Iron Dragons had remained in 1st place through out the next few days. Luckily, you didn't match up with Miyagi-Do.

Until now.

It was the tag-team event, if they lost they would go against Cobra Kai who lost their 1st round.

"How are you feeling?" Axel questions you as the two of you warmed up together.

"Like I'm ready to kick ass," you respond confidently.

"That's my girl," he grins walking up to you. As the two of you share a sweet kiss, you suddenly hear someone coughing behind you.

Your dad stood behind you, a stern look on his face.

"Is this the Axel, you've been talking about?" Your dad approaches you slowly.

"In the flesh," you grin looking up at your tall beau. Axel stood wearily, unsure how to feel about meeting your dad.

He knew the issues you had developed from lack of attention from your dad, it made him just a little bitter inside because you were sweet like candy and tough as nails when it came to fighting, you should be the center of his universe.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Daniel LaRusso," your dad extends his hand for Axel. Your boyfriend takes his hand, shaking it firmly.

"Axel," he says shortly nodding his head. "Good to meet you."

"Thank you for taking care of my girl here," your dad runs a hand over the back of your head, smiling down at you.

"It is an honor," Axel states making you blush. "But if I am being honest, she takes care of me."

Before you, Axel didn't see a day of relaxation or know what the taste of your favorite ice cream was. He trained, went to school, slept, repeat.

You taught him the balance of life and karate. He had never known what it was to have fun and enjoy the small things in life before you came along.

He was forever grateful you were sent to him.

"Well, I just thought I'd come over here to meet your guy, and to wish you luck," your dad said turning to you.

"And to you," you wish him as well.

"Don't hold back on us out there," your dad jokes.

"We won't," you promise, a smile decorated on your face.

Your dad sends you the bow of respect to which you and Axel both reciprocate.

"Still feeling good?" Axel turns to you as you watch your dad walk over to your sister. They both glance your way making you grumble.

"Oh yeah," you nod feeling that fire light beneath your feet. "I'm ready."

Both teams lined up in the taped circle, the ref standing outside of it to watch for points.

Axel was first to stand in the ring, Hawk going up against him first. Hawk attacked first, Axel easily blocking his kicks and landing a point when he struck him behind his head.

"Shit," you hear Johnny mutter.

As you discussed, Axel tagged Zara in, leaving you last as the element of surprise.

Demetri was tagged next, making you scoff. Zara ate kids like him for lunch. She does it swiftly, and quickly, Demetri is taken by surprise by her aggressive approach, unable to block her punch to his chest.

As the skinny lanky boy tagged your sister in, Zara walked over to you slapping your hand.

"It's your time now," she says looking directly at you before stepping in your place next to Axel.

You're nervous, swallowing the lump in the back of your throat. You hadn't sparred with Sam in over seven years, much less fought.

"Aggressive, LaRusso!" Johnny yells, making your eyes narrow.

You could be aggressive too.

Sam comes at you, thinking you'd defend the way you were taught, but you block her kick with both arms and push back, making her stumble on to the ground.

She stares up at you wide eyed, and stands up before you can move towards her. This time you came at her. She blocked off your two kicks, but while her arms were up you took the opportunity to fall on one knee and kick her side earning your team the last and final point.

"Point! The Iron Dragons win 3 to 0!"

Your dojo surrounds you patting your back and chanting excitedly, Axel lifting you off the ground to twirl you around in his arms. Laughing, he sets you back down, a giant smile on your face at your victory.

"Congratulations," your dad's voice pops up from behind you.

You turn to face him, Sam standing by his side a look of uneasiness on her.

"Thanks," you respond unsure if you were allowed to spread your happiness about the face that you had won.

"You did great out there," Sam acknowledges, genuinely speaking. "You're gonna win this tournament."

"Think so?" You ask hope lingering in your voice.

"I know so," she confirms giving you a small smile. The both of you fall into step, wrapping each other up in a hug.

Regardless of how this ended, you knew Sam would always be in your corner.

Your sister walks away, leaving you and your dad alone.

"You've grown into such an amazing fighter, (Y/n)," your dad breathes out. "I can't even comprehend what I've seen from you these last few days. Mr. Miyagi would be proud."

Your mouth fell open at his words. To bring up his mentor and say that even his idol would approve of you? It hit home.

"Thank you, dad," you whimper, tears gathering in your eyes. "That means a lot."

"I was worried about you moving away from us, but I see how happy you are here, with them," your dad motions to the people behind you. "They really look out for you."

Twisting your head, you see Axel and Zara looking over at you making your smile fondly at your friend and boyfriend.

"Just don't forget about your other family, me, mom, Sam, and Anthony," your old sensei reminds you. "We'll be there when you're ready to come back to us."

You nod understanding that even though you may have felt left out for so long, you were still his daughter. He still worried about his 2nd born, that went across the world from him and thinks about you and your well being everyday.

You had the text and voicemails to prove it.

"I know, dad," you respond softly. He pulls you in his arms, hugging you tightly like the night before you left on the airplane that took you to Hong Kong.

"And this Axel kid better treat you right, or else," your dad warns you.

You laugh pulling away from him.

"He's a perfect gentlemen," you attempt to comfort your parent. "He also knows I can kick his ass if he isn't."

"That's definetly true," your dad chuckles.

After you and your dad say your goodbyes for the day, you head over to your boyfriend.

"Everything go okay?" Axel asks concerned they may have been upset of their loss.

"Better than okay," you assure your co-captain. He lets out a sigh of relief at your relaxed demeanor, letting him know you were fine.

You reached for his hands, intertwining your fingers together.

"Thank you for looking out for me," you say staring up at the blue eye boy adoringly. Axel can't help but step forward coming chest to chest with you.

"I will always do my best to look out for you," he states before leaning down to capture your lips with his.

Your heart melts in you chest at his words, the love continuing to grown for the man that held you high on his list of priorities.

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

(a/n: i hope this was okay, and that there was was enough axel x reader idk i don't feel this was my best. i have more request im working on, so more coming! i think i really wanted to dive deep into the reader!larusso part so i took my time in that department.)

(ps. sam better not get any hate on this post, she is my favorite character in the series, don't pmo.)

[aforestescape]

i’m not a fan of writing about the 141 as actual soldiers but i am in the mood for some good ole fashioned despair so

simon/141 x reader, assumed to be a mole + the aftermath

content includes: gn!reader, no pronouns used, very brief descriptions of torture, panic attacks, memory loss from trauma

waking up in the hospital felt like the closest thing to heaven you could find. the silent noise of electricity and beeping of monitors next to your bed. the dimmed lights revealing a slate white ceiling as your blurry eyes adjusted to the feeling of being awake. your body felt numb, the drugs running through your system to keep you from feeling all the marks of torture you had endured.

you let out a shaky breath, blinking as you gained your faculties. your mind drawing a blank on what you were doing here until you heard a rustle of noise in the room. you tried to sit up, wincing and hand coming to lay against the bandaged injury on your side. eyes darting over to where your mind was whispering for you to look. trying to remind and warn you of horrors you couldn’t piece together until you came in contact with a skull-faced balaclava.

the peace draining from your body as you grew tense. loud beeping noises of the monitors feeling light years away as your mind focused on the fear coursing through your veins. the horror of wanting to die as the people you grew to see as family cut you down. piece by piece.

your mind reeling and loud in your ears to remind you of everything you’d been through in the past week? two or three? how long were you kept in that room? tied up to a chair and left to wait for your torture to resume. the sick twisted light you swore you saw in eyes you loved as you screamed in pain. sobbing and begging for it to stop.

mind trying to come up with a reason for the betrayal you were facing as your team took turns to get information from you.

no one could blame you when you fell off the face of the earth. not knowing if you were still alive, if you could call anything after what happened living.

or

you didn’t understand why your fingers were trembling. you tried to take a deep breath, get them to stop but it only made them shake more. your breaths uneven and labored with every passing second. the sound of the machine hooked up to your heart rate beeping incessantly in the dull, out of reach corner of your mind. along with reality that seemed to warp and bend to the shuffle of fabric in the corner of your room.

you looked up, eyes easily finding brown ones you were long used to. a familiar pair that once gave you solace through the storm now had your chest squeezing tight. eyes widened to saucers as you felt your breaths pant out faster and faster. your gaze still stuck on brown that used to be so much warmer to you, now cold and hollowed. pain ringing through them as they watched you.

you could distantly hear the sounds of voices and the beeping getting louder yet somehow faded. dulled by the rushing distortions howling in your ears. your trembling hands clutching onto the thin white cotton blanket as you try to ground yourself.

it was just a panic attack, you’ll be fine you tell yourself. mind scrambling to catch up. trying to seek out an answer to what was making your body shake and fear lick up your spine. it was those eyes, that’s what you knew. but a strange thought to have when they were connected to someone you adored. someone you looked up to and admired as a superior to your station.

so why were you so afraid? you could feel yourself hyperventilating, felt like you might pass out from a lack of oxygen before a figure cut through your eyes path. colorful scrubs of different nurses and a massive shadow moving behind them out the door.

you could hear a little easier, breathe a little better as the world stopped spinning around you in the stationary space of your hospital bed. you blinked through a daze, finally noticing how wet your face was. salty tears ready to dry and leave an itchy reminder behind.

a reminder, that’s what you needed. what was it that you were forgetting? were you even missing something? you weren’t sure how long you’d been in the hospital. couldn’t remember how you’d ended up here in the first place. your last few memories were pools of honey brown. swimming inside them, getting lost in the labyrinth as it leads you closer and closer to a beast you couldn't ignore. couldn't subdue the large, inhumane creature that blocked trespassers.

why are you swimming? how did you ever get so lost that you trusted a spirit, a ghost in sheep's clothing? you winded in pain trying to recall what it was. eyes closing on a breath, a flicker of three more sets of eyes staring back into your mind.

i wrote this on my birthday (all the way back in august mind you) but my beta reader forced me to told me i should write more🙄so that's what the second bits for

as someone who’s experienced lost memory from trauma i tried to reflect that a bit in this

---

i haven't been into writing anything but poetry lately. as a "damn my bad" for not posting for two months ill be posting something lighter right after this.

[psychoticallykind]

Jegumas Day Twenty - Baking

563 words

@noblehouseofgay

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

He’d added too many chocolate chips.

Too many chocolate chips, and now everything was off, and he’d messed up the measurements again -

“Breathe,” Regulus reminded him. “James. It’s okay. It doesn’t have to be perfect.”

“But I -”

“Did nothing wrong,” Regulus finished for him. He pulled him away from the counter, gently pushing him into one of the kitchen chairs. Then he stood in front of him, between his knees, and put his hands on James’s shoulders. “You’re stressing this way too much. It’s just cookies.”

“It’s not just the cookies,” James denied. “It’s everything. I’m messing up everything - I made the wrong cake and had to start over, I got the wrong kind of milk and we had to go back to the store, and now there are too many chocolate chips and the cookies are going to be ruined.”

Regulus rubbed at his shoulders. “Jamie. You aren’t ruining anything. I promise.” He tipped James’s chin up, carefully wiping away tears that James hadn’t realized were falling. “You made an extra cake and it looks amazing. The milk wasn’t a big deal, and it wasn’t all your fault. We went shopping together, remember? And we can make as many cookies as we need to. These can be extra-chocolate, Remus will be thrilled. And then we can make a normal batch. Everything is okay. Nothing’s ruined.”

James nodded, trying to believe it. “Right.”

“Baking is not supposed to be stressful,” Regulus told him. “It’s supposed to be fun. Right? That’s what you told me.”

“Yeah,” he agreed. “It is. I’m having fun.”

“You’re in tears, actually.”

“Well, those are - they don’t matter,” James protested. “I’m having fun.”

Regulus gave him a look. “Are you?”

James made a face, crinkling up his nose. “They could be happy tears.”

“They could be,” Regulus said agreeably. “Or they could be ‘I’ve convinced myself that I have to give everyone the perfect Christmas and now I’m extraordinarily stressed out’ tears.”

James laughed. “Or that.”

“Or that,” Regulus agreed. He met James’s eyes, light blue against hazel. “It doesn’t have to be perfect.” He leaned forward, voice lower like he was telling a secret. “You don’t have to be perfect. Remember?”

James closed his eyes, leaning forward to rest his head on Regulus’s chest. “Ugh.”

“Yeah, I know.” Regulus massaged gently at his scalp. “Do you want to take a break? We can watch a movie.”

James shook his head, still hidden from sight. “I have to finish the cookies.”

“I’ll put them on the pan, you set the timer and pick a movie. No more baking tonight.”

He sort of wanted to argue. He’d be off schedule if he didn’t finish the baking tonight.

But he also still felt like crying over chocolate chips, so maybe this was a good call. “Okay.”

Regulus pulled him back, searching his expression. “Okay?”

James nodded, turning his head to press a kiss to the inside of Regulus’s wrist. “Thank you.”

“Always.” Regulus leaned forward, pressing a soft kiss to his nose, and his forehead, and then - briefly - his lips.

James was smiling by the time he set the timer. And then - after Regulus ushered him out of the kitchen - he went to pick a movie.

It was okay. Nothing had to be perfect.

He could forget about baking for a little while.

[concretecultist]

The Vulture and The Finch

summary: a short story where the finch trusts the vulture, leading to a gut-wrenching betrayal.

word count: i have no idea actually but it is short.

warnings: angst, no happy ending, betrayal

A/N: Inspired by the song Birds by the Sea by BANKS. im back and im here fo bring the heartache.

“You never sang for me,”

Fighting the tears in your eyes was something you found yourself doing more often these days than not. His outfits were the same, but he wasn’t. How did this much time pass? You felt so lost, you stand alone now and the one person you wanted to stand by you forever… now stands with someone else.

“Y/N… what did you call me here for?” He has a right to ask this question. You haven’t spoken in almost two years. All the rumors you heard have become too much to bear, it was gutting you to even think about any of it being true. But seeing the five o’clock shadow and the ring on his left hand was answer enough.

“Heard you’re living with a girl by the sea,” You tried to smile, tried to choke out laughter to seem supportive but it all just sounded strangled; gurgled as if you’re drowning.

You stare out at the waves, aching with the knowledge that Noah always knew you wanted to settle down by the water as it was your safe space. You could cry while sitting on the shore, sharing something in common with the water that greeted you, the salt in your tears mimicking the crashing of the waves, releasing your pain. The wind that whisked past you whispered in your ears with each gust, ‘this too shall pass’.

It all feels like a lie now.

He said he’d never leave you. With all the warnings your mutual friends were giving you, you shouldn’t have believed him, especially because every time he said it, he said it by the door.

Subtle foreshadowing.

Was it because you broke the ancient superstition to never buy your lover shoes unless you want them to walk right out of your life? Perhaps it was the time you bought him the watch he wanted, bringing forth the bad omen on yourself, giving you no choice but to countdown how much time you had left together.

How rich that he’s wearing that very watch now.

“Heard she’s have a little baby now, how sweet”

He’s taken your dreams, your visions, just to fashion them to fit his current life. A piece of you has been stolen, it has kept you up at night more times you can count while he sleeps ever so peacefully.

“You don’t get to speak on my family,” His voice was void of any patience. He’s not even sure why he entertained you to come out here.

It’s sad really, the thought of Noah was always accompanied by birds, flying around you two as they sang their tune, but he never sang for you. His refusal should have been sign enough, he knew the type of love you desired and his defiance was a display of the deprivation.

“I should have listened to everyone when they told me not to fall for you, fuck! Even your own best friend warned me! He always told me you’d never change your ways but he was wrong. You did! I just wasn’t worthy, apparently,”

“Y/N, I have a wife and our child to get back to. I’m not here to debate my choices with you!”

“Then why did you come?!,” spinning around to take in the sight of him. He always had tired eyes but they only seemed more exhausted as they ran over your features. You weren’t sure if it was due to him preparing for a child… or if it was the fact he always found you mentally and emotionally taxing; that any energy he spent dealing with you was quickly depleted.

“Because I felt bad for you!,” his own expression was an indication of his involuntary slip up, however, he figured he might as well drive the sword deeper, “I came here because I still ask Nicholas about you and he tells me you’re not doing well. I know it’s my fault but what can I do now, Y/N? I’m married- I have a daughter on the way, I-,”

“So you take my plans and execute them with another girl? Yes. That sure shows your sympathy for me, Sebastian!”

“What is the point in all this?,”

The million dollar question. You asked yourself this all the way over here. No answer you came up with sounded good enough and you know no matter what answer you give, he will find pitiful.

“Closure, I guess,” You shrugged, wrapping your cardigan tighter around you as you turn back to the sea. Standing ankle deep in the water, wishing to be carried away in the ebb and flow. You hated how he could easily make you cry.

“You took the life I wanted for us both and you gave to someone else,” now there was venom on your tongue, “You were my songbird… y-you were supposed to bring love and joy but come to find out you’re a fucking vulture hiding in the skin of a finch. You mimicked me until the hunger of your own selfishness took over! You picked at me and picked until you were full and sated then you left my fucking carcass to rot and you think you deserve the peace? The clear conscience that you have?!,”

You really didn’t mean to break. You came here to ask how he was and to congratulate him on his new life, but the more you think about it- you didn’t want to do that anymore. He took the heart of a hopeless romantic and squeezed it dry right in front of you. How do you congratulate that? When he drained the blood from you just to pump it into the life he has today, making it full and youthful?

It’s sickening, actually.

You turned once more to look at him and swallowed thickly.

“You are the bad omen in my life. There was no black cat, no broken mirror, no walking under a ladder. Just a 6’3 bloodsucker who carefully chooses his next conduit to drain until he gets what he wants,”

You began to walk past him, just wanting to leave. That want was quickly diminished when you come to an immediate halt, feeling his hand wrap around your forearm, the coolness of his ring seeping through a hole in your cardigan brought a type of burning you’ve never experienced.

“That’s not fair,” he hissed, eyes strong and dead set on yours, surprised with you snatching your arm out of his grasp.

“No, what’s not fair is Nicholas telling me you’re naming your daughter after the name I was going to give our child!,” you push him away, a fire burning under your flesh, the complete opposite of the cool air that rushed between the two of you, “What’s not fair is you giving your wife my dream home!,”

Another push.

“What’s not fair is you making me believe that what you have now could have been with me,”

Another one.

“What’s not fair is you leaving me in the middle of the night while I cried for you and never turning back!,”

Another.

“What’s not fair is you dedicating songs to your wife and all I ever fucking got was a half assed unreleased verse on a usb!”

One more.

“What’s not fucking fair, Noah!! Is you watching me fall in love with you knowing you never felt the same way. That I was just a place holder until the girl you truly wanted, wanted you back!!!”

Next thing you know he’s stumbling and falling into the crashing waves, sea foam in his hair and salt water burning his eyes.

“You can have it! Have my life!,” you bellow, watching as he tries to pull himself together.

“You’re the one that has to live the rest of your life knowing you’re so empty that you have to siphon others to feel joy, to feel anything!,” you take a few steps toward him, pointing a finger with so much anger it could kill, “You have nothing left to siphon from me, so good luck trying to figure everything else out on your own,”

“Y/N,” he just sat there, head hanging low while his arms rest on his knees.

You had nothing left to say, nothing left to hear, so you had no reason to stay.

“Y/N!,”

The sand sinking with each step, forcing you to use your arms, your anger promoting the momentum.

“Y/N! Fuck!,”

His voice became quieter the more distance you made.

His facade will crumble.

And you’ll find your birds by the sea. Reminding yourself over and over that you’ll get what you deserve out of this life.

“Someone will sing for me”

————————————————

I know it’s quick and short but I really missed writing and this is to help me get back into it after the long and unexpected hiatus!! Thank you all for your support and patience!!!🩵

tags: @dravenskye @babs-96 @tech-depression-inventory @magnificentstrawberryomen @mrscevans @tinyfairies @mxddymay @themorticians-world @rainy-darling @darknightstarryeyes @thisbicc @lilhobgobbler @lovethe-void @cind6547 @flowery-mess @widowsofchaos @abiomens @amelia-acero @collapsedglasshouses @poppy-in-the-woods @rostoken @dkxxm @fadingintothegrey @blairboo @lacy1986

[starsfic]

Monkie Kid prompt:

Nezha discusses his sacrifice against the dragon king with MK after the events of the pillar

(He seems like the right person to talk to about this with MK)

Anon: nezha seeing mk was yet another prophecy child of chaos, that would sacrifice himself for his family sake. He wishes he'd have listened to the group sooner, maybe they could of avoided that heartbreaking outcome had he just helped them from the beginning

Nezha’s death had never been discussed in the family since their welcome to the celestial court.

Some part of it may have been because they all had different things to do and stayed far from each other. Nezha had certainly made sure he was never really alone with Li Jing since then. It may have also been because that was what had been expected of him. Nezha had shamed the family, put their home at risk, and enraged the gods. 

If killing himself would deal with the problem…

Nezha absently wondered if, at least he and his brothers talked about it, he would stop having nightmares about it.

Qi Xiaotian was ready to have nightmares, he could tell.

In the aftermath of whatever happened at the pillar, Sun Wukong and his little band had gathered at the pig’s noodle shop. Nezha hung outside, unsure whether to knock or just go away. The windows were open, allowing him a peek inside the building.

Most of the mortals were talking, doing this and that, setting up the table or making food. A fresh pot of tea was being poured by the demon with the cat, Mo, who seemed content to just sit and watch, right next to Qi Xiaotian.

He was the only one sitting and seemed to be by himself, despite the room being filled with people. As Nezha watched, he could see at least one person look at him, try to smile, and look away, wiping away tears. Wukong looked visibly haunted as he cut and diced vegetables and fruits, wearing a loose hanfu Nezha hadn’t seen him wear in years. 

It only made the guilt in his chest sour even more.

Nezha crept to the door carefully and pushed the bamboo aside. His eyes met Xiaotian, who gave a start. “Nezha?”

It was enough for everyone to whirl around, teeth bared. He immediately held up his hands at the sight of Wukong and the knife. He knew, logically, that his friend-not-friend would never actually stab him, but Wukong’s glamor on his eyes was dropped and he was clearly upset and the logical thing at that to do was put his hands up. “Can I speak with you? In private?”

“No,” the pig said as Xiaotian said “Sure.”

“Kid-”

“If he does anything, you’ll probably hear,” Xiaotian said, standing up and picking up Mo. “I promise, I’m not going to do something stupid.”

Nezha’s mouth went dry at the words.

…It was more than he ever got.

Xiaotian walked out and led him to the mouth of an alleyway next to the shop. Mo squeezed his way out of his arms and settled on his shoulder, meowing at Nezha until he pet him. “I thought you were in Heaven already,” the mortal man said. “What brings you around?”

“You should go to therapy.”

The minute he said it, he was tempted to bang his head against the nearest wall. It was there, it was just a step away. He didn’t even give a hello! Xiaotian blinked, gaping at him. “Excuse me?”

“I- You should go to therapy,” Nezha said, deciding to dig down. “I…I’m starting therapy because when you offered to sacrifice yourself, I agreed with you.” He felt his hands clenched. “If I was in your place, I would have done it without a thought.”

“Then why do you make it sound like it’s a bad thing?” Xiaotian asked, not unkindly. “It’s the world.”

“Sometimes the world isn’t enough,” Nezha said, his thoughts scrambling together. “I killed myself to save my village.” Xiaotian’s eyes went wide, but he didn’t look surprised. It was, after all, an important part of his story, right next to the slaying of Ao Bing. “I thought, when I was resurrected, that I would be at peace or at least determined.” There was no regret, even now, and Nezha knew that wasn’t normal.

Xiaotian blinked. “But you just felt tired,” he guessed, drawing attention to the grey under his eyes.

“Yes,” Nezha nodded. Some urge seized him and he reached up, squeezing Xiaotian’s other shoulder. Mo reached out to sniff it. “You and I are a lot alike. I…worry that we may be similar in this as well. So, please.”

The warmth of the home seemed to increase.

“For the people who love you, take care of yourself.”

[intheticklecloset]

My Hero Academia Coffee Shots #181-190

A collection of the MHA Coffee Shots I've done, complied for the sake of ease. These are all stand-alone stories. Many are from various seasonal events.

~~~

181) Lee Bakugou, Ler Deku

“DEHEHEHEHEHEKU YOU FUHUHUHUHUHUCK!!” Bakugou roared with laughter, struggling and kicking to no avail as his friend hovered over him, fingers deep in his upper ribs. “THE MOHOHOHOHOHOVIE ISN’T OHOHOHOHOHOVER!!”

Deku giggled. “You weren’t even watching it anyway!”

“LIKE HEHEHEHEHEHELL I WASN’T!!”

A particular dig into one of the blonde’s weak spots made him kick out in retaliation, catching the bowl of popcorn the greenette had placed – safely, he thought – on top of the coffee table and sending the kernels flying everywhere, showering down on them like rain.

They had, until moments before, been watching a popular anime-turned-live action movie together to unwind a little and start learning how to be proper friends again, but not even halfway through Bakugou had started to nod off, so Deku poked him playfully to keep him alert, and well…

“AHEHEHAHAHAHAHAHA STAHAHAHAHAHAP!!” the blonde screamed, clamping his arms to his sides far too late to actually protect himself. His head was thrown back and a giant smile on his face as he cackled.

Deku giggled along with him, continuing to press and knead into that sweet spot between his ribs and armpits, enjoying himself very much despite the change in activity. Usually he was on the receiving end of this kind of treatment from Bakugou; it always felt nice to turn the tables on him when he could.

“GEHEHEHEHEHET OFF OF ME YOU SOHOHOHOHOHON OF A—!!”

“Language~” Deku warned teasingly, daring to lift his friend’s shirt enough to expose his tummy and blow a quick raspberry against the skin.

Bakugou went rigid, laughing so hard he went silent, wheezing out what giggles he could before taking a deep breath and rolling over to look up at the smaller boy, mirthful tears in his eyes. “Plehehehehease,” he begged, holding up a hand in surrender. “No mohohohohohore, Izuku!”

Deku grinned but did as he was asked and sat back, letting his friend sit up and catch his breath.

After a moment of regaining his bearings, Bakugou glanced around and muttered, “The fuck happened to the popcorn?”

“You kicked the bowl.”

“And whose fault is that?”

Deku shrugged, still smiling. “Not my fault you’re so ticklish, Kacchan.”

Bakugou had him pinned to the ground and begging for mercy through his own hysterical laughter in three seconds flat.

*

182) Lee Deku, Ler Kaminari

It was quiet out here.

Deku lay with his eyes closed, soaking in the ambient sound of grass and trees rustling in the warm evening breeze, the occasional cricket chirping. His life had become so chaotic recently, it was difficult to find a moment of silence to simply be with his thoughts.

Inside the dorms, the others were busy setting up for an all-night movie marathon – one that Deku fully intended to join and was looking forward to – but before that, he’d just…needed a minute. He’d observed the twinkling stars for a while, contemplating Shigaraki and All For One and the giant battle that was looming on the horizon sooner than any of them would like to admit. It had been a wonderful respite, but he knew that someone would be coming to get him any time now. In fact, he was surprised he hadn’t heard from anyone already. They wouldn’t have started without him, right?

“Tickle attack!” someone shouted, startling Deku out of his reverie, but not soon enough for him to avoid said someone pinning his folded arms behind his head to the ground and scribbling wildly into his armpits.

“EEEK!! Ehehehahahahahahaha wahahahahahahait!” he cried, bursting into happy giggles quite freely, though his body instinctively squirmed and kicked at the feeling. It had been so long since he’d been tickled at all, let alone surprise attacked like this – he loved it already, and he didn’t even know who was behind it yet.

“Gotcha, Midoriya! Whatcha doing, huh? Stargazing?”

It didn’t take him long to place the teasing voice.

“Kahahahahahaminariehehehehehehe!” he squealed, his helpless position only adding to his ticklishness. “Ahahahahahaha, plehehehehehehease!”

The blonde grinned down at him, sparks flying between his fingertips. “Oh? You want the full tickle treatment, huh, Midoriya?”

Deku couldn’t help but squeal in panicked excitement. “Nononono, not thahahahahahat, please – DEHEHEHEHEHENKI!!”

Above him, Kaminari giggled along with him for a few moments as he activated his quirk just enough to add an extra ticklish jolt to his system, making Deku laugh so hard he went silent, shaking his head and kicking his legs in defeat.

“All right, all right – I think you get the message.” The blonde climbed off of him and ruffled his hair. “It’s movie time, bro! Let’s go! We’re starting in five!”

By the time Deku had recovered, Kaminari was back in the dorms.

The greenette grinned and took off after him.

It was movie time!

*

183) Lee Bakugou, Ler Kirishima

Kirishima watched Bakugou for a full minute before saying something. He’d fully expected the blonde to either give up or find another way, but when neither of those happened the redhead said, “You know there’s a stool, right?”

Bakugou whirled around, surprised but trying to mask it with a scowl. “I don’t need it! I’m not short!”

“Didn’t say you were.” Kirishima smirked. “But I think it would make whatever you’re trying to do a little easier.”

The blonde gave him a scathing look and waved at the frozen waffles sitting on the counter beside the fridge. “The hell does it look like I’m doing?”

“Trying and failing to make breakfast, if I had to guess.”

“Tch.” Bakugou turned his back to him and resumed reaching for the toaster that sat on top of the fridge in their dorm’s kitchen. “Screw you, spiky hair. I don’t need a damn stool.”

Again, Kirishima stood there watching him struggle, although this time his friend kept glancing over his shoulder, fully aware he had an audience now. Knowing arguing was useless, the redhead shrugged and continued his stride into the kitchen, pretending to just let Bakugou do what he wanted.

Until he got right up behind him, scribbling his fingers into the blonde’s exposed armpits.

“GAH!!” Bakugou screeched, bringing his arms down so hard he jammed his elbow on the fridge handle in transit. “Asshole, stohohohohop it!”

“You’re in the way,” Kirishima replied playfully and reasonably. “Some of us actually want to get started with our day. I need orange juice.”

“Juhuhuhuhuhust ask me to mohohohohohove, then, idihihihihiot!” Bakugou cackled, squirming and wriggling uselessly as his redheaded friend continued to dig into his weak spot. “Gahahahahaha, quihihihihihit it alreheheheheady!”

Smirking, Kiri did as he was asked and let up, allowing his friend to collapse against the counter to catch his breath. Acting completely unbothered, he opened the fridge, retrieved the orange juice – they’d have to restock, he noticed – and set it on the counter beside the waffles. Then he moved the stool that was sitting on the other side of the fridge around to the front and stepped up on it, reaching to retrieve the toaster.

Bakugou struck, as Kiri knew he would, but only to find the redhead’s skin was hardened and un-tickle-able.

“Jerk! What, you can tickle me but I can’t tickle you back?” the blonde grumbled as Kiri set the toaster down and turned to grin at him.

“Not when you’re being this stubborn,” he teased, raising wiggling fingers to him again. “I think someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.”

“Kiri, don’t you d-AHAHAHAHAHARE!!”

They got to their breakfasts…eventually.

*

184) Lee Dabi, Ler Hawks

Dabi’s first reaction was to tense up when he felt someone come up behind him. In his line of work, it was always dangerous to be snuck up on. But the touch that followed was gentle – arms wrapped around his middle and feathered wings encircled him like a protective cocoon – and then the villain found himself relaxing into the only person he’d ever let his guard down for.

“Gotta quit doing that,” he muttered halfheartedly, closing his eyes with content upon feeling his partner’s face press into his back.

Hawks’ chuckle was soft. “Nah.” He held him in silence for a long minute, then said, “Something’s up with you.”

“It’s not.”

“It is.” The hero hugged him closer. “Won’t you tell me about it?”

Dabi rolled his eyes. How did his boyfriend always know when something was off? It was unfair. He could almost never read him in return.

Which is probably why Hawks’ next words startled him so much.

“Tell me, or I’ll have to tickle you.”

The villain tensed a second time, but he didn’t try to run. Not yet. “There’s nothing the matter – h-hehehey!”

“I warned you.” Hawks’ voice was warm and playful, and his fingers gently tracing up and down Dabi’s skin were very, very ticklish.

“D-Dohohon’t, you stuhuhuhupid bird – shit!” The brunette bit back a snort when his boyfriend squeezed his hips, making him jerk in surprise. He tried to dart forward and away, but Hawks was strong, and he still had the feathery cocoon to deal with, which now felt more like a coffin with the way the feathers were twitching, eager to join in.

“Tell meeee~” Hawks sang annoyingly, purposely brushing his weapons along his partner’s neck and ears, his arms.

“I hahahahahate you – fuck, okay, okahahahahay!” Dabi relented quickly, a tweak to his ribs the final straw. “Stop already, you ass! I’ll talk, okay?”

Hawks snuggled into him again. “That was surprisingly easy. Did you want to tell me but just needed a little encouragement? Hmm?”

“Shut—”

“You wanted me to tickle it out of you, Daaabi?”

The villain’s resolve quickly snapped back into place as he broke free of his boyfriend and turned with a playful snarl. “You know what? Screw that!”

He tackled Hawks to the ground, and soon enough it was the hero who was being tickled into submission instead.

They could talk about the other stuff later.

*

185) Lee Todoroki, Ler Kaminari

“Ooh, Toshi, look! Look at that giant leaf pile!”

Although he wasn’t Toshi – Deku’s nickname for his boyfriend Shinsou – Todoroki turned and glanced at where he was pointing anyway, as did the other two boys with them.

“Yo, that’s gigantic! How long do you think it took them to do that?” Kaminari asked in awe.

Deku was beaming from ear to ear, tugging at his boyfriend’s hand. “Come on, Toshi! Let’s jump in it!”

Shinsou gave his partner a soft smile. “Knock yourself out, babe. I’m good.”

But Deku was having none of that. In the next instant he’d used his super strength to pick Shinsou up and race toward the pile, ignoring his halfhearted protests as he leaped into the air and sent them both crashing into the dry leaves, disappearing from view completely for how many there were.

Todoroki watched on in fascination, surprised when after a moment, Shoji came up beside him and said, “No one will think twice if you want to do it too, you know.”

“Oh. It’s…not that, it’s just…” Todoroki averted his gaze as the lovebirds clambered out of the leaves, laughing and play wrestling. He always hated admitting that he hadn’t done something that normal kids would have done growing up. “I’ve…never…”

Kaminari overheard and turned to smile at him. “Dude, all the more reason to go for it! Come on, you’ll never find a pile of leaves more fitting. They’re begging to be jumped in!”

“I…I don’t know. Aren’t I kind of old for that?”

“Are you saying we’re all old? Those two just did it. You can, too!” Kaminari skipped over to him and started nudging him toward the leaves from behind. “Come onnn, you know you wanna~”

He did want to. He felt oddly giddy at the thought of abandoning his façade and just jumping in without a care in the world. But…

“Ah! N-Nohohohoho, hey! Don’t tihihihihickle me!” he suddenly found himself giggling, Kami’s fingers curling into his ribs from behind as he pushed him onward. “Ehehehehehehe, Kahahahaminari!”

“Jump, jump, jump!” the electric teen began to chant, joined swiftly by Shoji and finally Shinsou and Deku as they caught on to what was happening.

Todoroki squealed at one more purposeful tickle to his sides, then finally took off at a sprint and launched himself into the leaves.

It was prickly and damp and smelled of dying foliage, but as Todoroki emerged back into the fresh fall air, grinning from ear to ear, he couldn’t help but feel it was the most comforting thing in the world.

He’d be picking leaves out of his hair for the rest of the afternoon.

Totally worth it.

*

186) Lee Kirishima, Ler Mina

“M-Mihihihihina! Wahahahahait, I’ll screhehehehehew it up!” Kirishima whined through his giggles, squirming in place as she dug into his sides from behind, holding him firmly but not firmly enough that he couldn’t get away if he wanted to.

“Whaaaat? I’m just motivating you!” she teased, propping her chin on his shoulder as she tickled, grinning at his trembling and snickering form. “You did the eyes just fine. Now he needs a biiiiiig smile!”

Kiri clenched the carving tools harder in his hands as he arched his back, trying desperately not to accidentally hurt either one of them. “Plehehehehehehease!”

“Quit being a wimp, spiky hair,” Bakugou grumbled from across the circle, smirking knowingly at him. “You can’t fool any of us, you know.”

“Yeah, man, you love a challenge! Especially when it’s a tickly one~” Kaminari added, sparking his fingertips and making their redheaded friend cackle even more.

The five of them were sat in a circle together, each with a pumpkin to carve for Halloween. Mina and Bakugou both had white pumpkins while the rest had the typical orange ones, and speedy worker that she was, Mina was already finished with hers. Hence her scooting over to Kirishima and daring him to try and carve the rest of his pumpkin while she distracted him.

He had yet to try and move his tools back to the task at hand, though.

“Come on, Kiri~” she teased into his ear. “Give him a big, ticklish smile, yeah?”

He jolted when her fingertips grazed his ribs. “Whyyyyy?!”

Sero chuckled from the opposite side of him and set his tools down, curling his fingers teasingly. “I can always give you an extra boost if she’s not giving you enough motivation.”

“Nonono! I gohohohohot it, I got it!” Kiri screeched, finally raising trembling hands to his pumpkin, hardly daring to try and make the first carving. He just knew he was going to mess it up. He could always do another one later if he needed to, but…

“Yeeeep!” he squealed when she found his ribs again, digging into his pumpkin canvas accidentally, making a wide line from just beneath its eyes to nearly the bottom of it. “Mihihihihihina!”

“Uh-oh! Guess you’ll have to make a laughing pumpkin now!” she giggled, wrapping her arms around his waist and dragging him away from the task at hand, all pretenses out the window. “Here, let me inspire you some more!”

“Mihihihihina – wait, no, guhuhuhuhuhuys!” Kirishima shrieked with elated panic when Sero, Kaminari, and Bakugou all dove for his now prone form as well. “Waitwaitwait, this isn’t fahahahahahair! GUHUHUHUHUHUHUYS!!”

When it was all over, everyone agreed that Kirishima’s pumpkin came out looking the best.

*

187) Lee Bakugou, Ler Todoroki

The body behind him shivered, then snuggled closer to Todoroki instinctively. The half-and-half boy realized he was lying on his left side; therefore Bakugou wasn’t able to warm up like he usually did when they cuddled together.

Wordlessly, Todoroki rolled over so they were facing each other and wrapped his left arm around the blonde’s bare shoulders, hugging him close and warming up that half to help stave off the cold.

Bakugou relaxed almost immediately. Todoroki smiled gently at him, his eyes catching on the open window behind his boyfriend, allowing a cool night air to seep through. They really should close that; it was getting too cold overnight to keep it open anymore.

“Thanks, Shoto,” Bakugou murmured, curling in on himself as he cuddled closer to Todoroki, making his boyfriend’s heart expand with undying affection and happiness.

“Anytime,” Todoroki replied in a soft whisper, taking in his sleepy partner’s face. The flutter of his eyelashes, the slope of his nose, the cut of his jaw…the peppermint hero could never get enough of him. He loved every part of his grumpy partner, especially when he was smiling and snuggly like he was now.

Absently, he trailed a finger from the back of Bakugou’s neck to his shoulder blades and finally his spine, making the blonde let out a small gasp and arch into him, eyes cracking open in weak protest. “Shoto.”

“Can I?” Todoroki asked, suddenly overwhelmed with the desire to tease him, to warm him up in a different way. “Please?”

Bakugou locked eyes with him for a long moment, then sighed and covered his face with his hands as he muttered, “Fine.”

Todoroki beamed and dragged his fingers around to Bakugou’s side, gently scribbling along his lower ribs and belly. His boyfriend squirmed but tried not to roll away, reluctant giggles spilling over his lips in a sleepy cascade.

Then, remembering the way he’d shivered and gotten them into this position, the heterochromatic boy got an evil idea. He smirked, sneaking his right hand into the fray, dragging ice-cold fingernails down Bakugou’s chest to his belly while still pinching his ribs with the left hand.

 Bakugou gasped in surprise and rolled onto his back, but Todoroki followed him quickly, lying on top of him to keep him still while alternating warm and cold tickles to his bare torso. The blonde snorted and squeaked. “Stohohohohohop, you jeheheheheheherk! I’m cohohohohohold!”

Todoroki pressed a quick kiss to his lips and whispered, “Not for long~”

*

188) Lee Deku, Ler Shinsou

If you’d asked Deku how he managed to lose his boyfriend in a pet store of all places, he would have pouted and proclaimed that it was Shinsou’s fault for wandering off in the first place. Yet here he was, diligently scouring the aisles for his partner and continuously coming up short. Dogs, cats, birds, fish, rodents – he went through them all, but there was no sign of the purple-haired boy anywhere.

Then suddenly, Deku saw him! All the way in the back at the adoptables section – the last place he should have been. The greenette hurried over to stand beside him, but Shinsou barely looked his way as he approached, his eyes focused on something behind one of the glasses, looking completely and utterly in love.

Deku was only a little bit jealous.

“What are you staring at?” the smaller boy finally asked, trying and failing to see what had captured his attention.

“I’m staring into the void,” Shinsou murmured, unmoving and unblinking.

Deku felt a pang of concern. Was his boyfriend okay? He was almost…hypnotized.

Then he saw a pair of eyes blink, and he understood.

“Oh, there’s a cat in there,” he said.

“This beautiful baby is not just a cat. He is my soulmate.”

“Hey!”

“Look at his little face!”

Deku had to admit the cat was adorable, but just to mess with his partner, he mused, “You know, I’ve heard that black cats are bad luck—”

Shinsou whirled on him, aghast. “Don’t you dare say that!”

At first Deku panicked – he’d only meant it as a joke – but then he saw the wicked glint in Shinsou’s eyes moments before there were hands around his waist, thumbs dangerously close to his hips.

“Take that back,” the purple-haired boy warned.

Deku glanced at the cat, then back at his partner. “T-They’re not really bad luck.”

“Now, help me find someone to fill out the adoption papers.”

“Toshi, you can’t bring a cat back to the dohohohohohohorms! Hey!” Deku squealed, slapping a hand over his mouth as he succumbed to his giggles while Shinsou mercilessly drilled his thumbs into his hip bones right there in public. “Nohohohohoho! Someone will seehehehehehehehee!”

“We’re adopting him.”

“We cahahahahahan’t!”

“This cat and I were meant to be together. The red string of fate has bound us.”

“I’m beheheheheheheing upstahahahahahaged by a cahahahahahat?!” Deku whined, squirming and pushing uselessly. “Shihihihihihihihihinsou!”

They didn’t go home with a cat that day…but only because Deku promised to let Shinsou do a lot more than just tickle him in return.

*

189) Lee Deku, Ler All Might

Deku was lost in a world of laughter so intense he had entirely forgotten why he’d been so worked up just a minute ago. He squealed and squirmed as All Might loomed above him, tickling the ever-loving snot out of his ribs and sides.

“I seem to recall you having an especially bad spot, Midoriya,” the former pro hero mused playfully, grinning down at him. “Where was it again?”

“Nohohohohohohoho!” Deku whined through his giggles, both trying to roll out of his mentor’s lap and not getting anywhere at all thanks to his strong grip. Despite all the man had lost, he still had muscle enough to keep the hero in training in his place.

All Might smirked at his protégé, satisfied that he’d been able to erase his anxieties at least for the moment. The boy had come to him worrying about yet another aspect of the looming war ahead, and as soon as he’d invited him to sit on the couch with him, the master had struck, grabbing Deku and lying him down so his torso was in his lap, primed for a good tickling. It was obvious he’d needed it, and it had been a while since All Might had decided to play around with him in this way. It was overdue for both of them.

Now Deku’s flushed face and happy smile made All Might grin victoriously. The boy looked like a strawberry, and he hadn’t even gotten to the main event yet.

“Where was that spot, Midoriya?” he teased, dancing all around it on purpose. He knew full well where it was; it was just fun to mess with him like this. “You know I’ll find it eventually.”

“Ehehehehehehehe! Plehehehehehehehease, All Mihihihihihihight!” Deku whined, though his efforts to get away were minimal at best.

“Was it here?” All Might teased, pinching his bottom ribs and making him squeak. “Or…here?” A skittering along his belly, which forced Deku to snort on an excited cackle, one foot kicking the air to alleviate the sensations. “Orrrr…maybe it was here?” Finally All Might pinched his hip, and Deku flailed so hard he nearly sat straight up again.

All Might quickly overpowered him, grabbing his wrists and pinning them above Deku on the seat cushion beside him, using his other hand to scribble and dig ruthlessly into the boy’s weak spot.

“GAHAHAHAHAHAHA ALL MIHIHIHIHIHIHIHIGHT!!” Deku screamed, tossing his head back as throes of laughter spilled out of him faster than he could keep up with. He struggled and kicked, but it did him no good. Or perhaps, he didn’t want it to. “PLEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEASE!!”

“Please what?”

“IT TIHIHIHIHIHIHIHIHICKLES!!”

Exactly as he’d thought. Deku didn’t want this to stop. He’d needed this just as much as the hero had suspected.

“Does it? Well, then.” All Might found himself curling his fingers in a little more, drawing another scream of hysterical laughter from his student. “I must be doing something right.”

*

190) Lee Kaminari, Ler Shinsou

“Come on, Shin!” Kaminari said, tugging on his partner’s hand to drag him outside into the snowy morning. “These snow angels won’t make themselves!”

Shinsou allowed himself – begrudgingly – to be pulled into the cold air, bundled up in his coat and scarf. He loved the blonde’s enthusiasm, but… “How can you be so excited about this? Snow is just frozen water, and you don’t like water because of your quirk, right?”

“But snow is so pretty and fun! And you can make snowmen out of snow; you can’t do anything like that with water unless you freeze it.”

“What happened to snow angels?”

“I’m doing those first.” Kaminari grinned and pulled Shinsou even harder. “Come onnnn, you know you wanna make them with me!”

Shinsou opened his mouth to protest, but at that moment his boyfriend stumbled off the edge of the patio step – now hidden under the snow – and went tumbling, taking the violet-haired boy with him. They landed in a heap, one on top of the other, and were instantly met with just how freezing cold it really was out here.

“Are you okay?” Kaminari asked, laughing as he splayed his arms out to the sides to immediately start making the wings of his first angel right then and there.

Shinsou stared at him incredulously, then went for the only tickle spot he could easily reach under all these layers of clothes – the blonde’s knees. “You did that on purpose!”

“Eeeek! I did nohohohohohohot! Shinsou!” Kami squealed, his hands flying down to try and stop his partner, effectively messing up the masterpiece he was attempting to create in the snow. “Dohohon’t! It tihihihihihihickles!”

“Does it? I couldn’t tell,” Shinsou teased, smirking. “But you deserve it! I wasn’t ready to jump into the snow yet, and you dragged me down into this freezing hell with you!”

“I’m sohohohohorry – ACK!! Waitwaitwait not underneheheheheheath! BAHAHAHAHABE!!” Kami tossed his head back and shrieked as Shinsou found the weak spots along the backs of his knees, making him collapse in laughter, giving up on his angel – and on escaping – entirely. “EHEHEHEHE PLEHEHEHEHEHEASE!!”

Shinsou grinned at him. “You know, maybe this wasn’t such a bad idea after all~”

[yourladyem]

Christmas hadn't been easy for Lydia for years. Her parent's divorce, her own divorce, losing Richard, losing her family, and now Astrid wasn't going to be home for Christmas this year. She wasn't exactly in the festive mood this year even with her husband trying everything he could to cheer her up. She just wasn't into it. It wasn't his fault. He was the best thing that happened to her since Astrid, even if she didn't admit at times (decades actually). But he was. He was most excited because they finally got to spend Christmas together. She was excited too in some ways.

But as hard as she tried, she just couldn't get into it. She stopped in her tracks and looked around at her unfamiliar surroundings. She'd somehow wandered into the middle of the forest and came to its edge. The trees were beautiful. Perfectly powered with snow on each limb. She thought about heading back, but her gut told her to push on a little farther.

She passed the final set of trees aligning her path, coming across a clearing blanketed in snow and stood the most striking Christmas tree she'd ever seen.

White and silver silk ribbons intertwined between the snowy limbs that were decorated with black, white, and red ornaments. Each displaying its own unique design and not one was like the other.

One in particular caught her eye. She reached out to touch its delicate features. A black orb painted with red and white swirls, and pearl-like droplets.

"It's beautiful." She whispered. Her ghostly breath danced against the black glass.

"That's exactly what I said about you, Honey."

Her husband, now human, popped out from behind the tree with a flawless charming grin.

"What the -?" She looked back at the tree.

"You did this?"

"Of course." He shrugged. "Who else, Babe?"

"Why?"

He cocked his head with a playful smirk, "Really? After all of this time?"

He handed her a small red floor. The same flower he gave her over twenty Christmases ago when she sat on that bench on their tenth "anniversary" year.

A bride should always have a bouquet. He said.

She always knew he'd be there no matter how alone she felt as the years passed.

"I know it hasn't been easy but I'm still here. I love you, Lydia."

She burst into tears, throwing her arms around him.

"Oh, it's ok, Honey. I'm right here." He rubbed her back, tucking her head under his chin. "Like I said, I've always been right here." He kissed her forehead. "I know."

He happily held her for a moment, enjoying their solitude in the wintery air. He shook her a little.

"Hey, I got something for you."

She smiled and snuggled into him a little more. She didn't want to let him go.

"I'm not going anywhere."

"You promise?"

"When have I ever broken that promise?"

She pursed her lips, "... Never."

He unlocked her arms around his waist. He placed one of her hands on top of his shoulder and held the other in his.

We started dancing. He twirled her a time or two as light snow began to fall. Its pure white essence sparkled against her dark hair like white gems of royalty. But that's what she was to him—his Gothic Royal. He pulled her back into his arms and kissed her.

"Merry Christmas, Honey."

"Thank you, Sweetheart. You know, this is the best Christmas I've had in a long time."

"I know."

She lightly rolled her eyes, "Of course, you know."

"But you know what the best part about this is?" His lips barely kissed hers again.

"What?"

A small chime filled the air. He kissed her again as her world disappeared. The sound of birds chirping caught her attention. Her eyes fluttered a couple of times, and she found her husband sound asleep next to her. She felt his warm hand resting on her side. Yeah, it was the best part. She slid closer to him, softly caressing his chest with her nails.

"Merry Christmas, Sweetheart. Thank you." She placed a gentle kiss against his lips and tucked herself under his chin.

A proud smile formed when he momentarily opened his eyes, watching her drift back to a peaceful slumber.

He looked just past her to see the small red flower standing tall in its black crystal vase with red and white swirls and pearl-like droplets.

"You're welcome. Merry Christmas, Lydia. I love you."

And happily went back to sleep.