#this is gonna be nothing but fluff

[galactaknightyaoi]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GALACTA KNIGHT!!!! And congratulations to Meta Knight for experiencing the Cain Instinct for the first time.

Galacta Knight, as you might've been able to tell already, is one of my favorite characters, and KSSU is one of my favorite games (the original SS was my introduction to Kirby!) so I wanted to go all out. Happy day, old man. I pray for at least 20 more years.

Oh, and don't worry! He's not upset about the cake smash, he thinks it's funny. And he got back at him.

As for the in-universe explanation for there being 16 candles in his cake?

... 500+ didn't fit in safely.

The birthday boy and his family were just a bit too flammable.

[babiigirly]

Lucifer's Wedding Night w/ A Shy MC — Obey Me!

Genre: Fluff, Mildly Suggestive

Pairings: Lucifer x Shy MC (pronounces used are they/them/their)

CW: mildly suggestive content?

Thinking about Lucifer with a shy MC who's nervous 24/7, constantly worrying about their appearance and their behavior, imagining situations that haven't even happened yet but they're already planning what to say and do or how to avoid it, and is basically like his younger brother Levi when it comes to nervousness, shyness, and anxiety.

But! We're talking about the wedding night between Lucifer and shy MC.

It would be so funny how MC malfunctions the entire wedding ceremony and reception because all they could think about is what they would do once they're alone in the bedroom with Lucifer.

What should they do?

What are they going to say?

How can they avoid it?

When the whole event is over and it's time for the wedding night, MC just goes "Oh hahahah I need to fix myself first, hold on a minute!" and proceeds to panic inside the bathroom.

Then they go out and say "Are you hungry? No? Well I am, let me just whip something up real quick!" and begins eating a bunch of random snacks that came out of nowhere.

"Let's watch a movie!" while nervously watching the most random and boring show about whatever is on the TV.

Lucifer sees through this and plays along. He knows them and their shyness well enough that he decided to marry them.

However, it's been like 3 hours since their honeymoon started and these are the only things that happened.

Eventually, Lucifer initiates everything by giving a sudden kiss on their lips.

The rest is up to your imagination.

[hairmetal666]

Nothing Else Matters plays softly from the little cassette player Steve keeps next to the fridge. Eddie walks in and immediately pulls Steve into his arms, slow dances him around the kitchen.

The song ends and they laugh, wrestle around. There's something about the brightness in Eddie's big eyes, the blush across his cheekbones that gives Steve butterflies, has warmth gathering deep in his stomach.

They're not together.

But for the first time Steve realizes maybe there's a reason he hasn't gone on more than a first date since 1989.

[sukunas-princess]

Co-worker!Kotarou, who only got this cushy part-time corporate gig because Tetsuro put in a good word for him.

Co-worker!Kotarou, who wants to do his best and show Tetsuro that he won’t regret it, but he’s just hopelessly clumsy and always in the way somehow. You can’t help but think that Tetsuro is playing some grand prank on you by giving Kotarou to you. This man can barely answer the phone correctly. How will he ever learn how to be a proper administrative assistant for you?

Co-worker!Kotarou, who shoots straight up from his desk when you arrive every morning, and then trails behind you, just like a happy pup. He fills you in on everything he’s done so far (before he got to work. God knows he isn’t useful at work), and then proceeds to read you your messages – if you can call them that. Most are just scribbles about how the voice sounded because he forgot to ask for a name.

Co-worker!Kotarou, who gets a little too curious about you and wants to know what you do outside of work, and then jokingly asks you if you even know how to have fun.

Co-worker!Kotarou, who stares at you blankly when you tell him you most certainly have fun, and when he asks you to give examples, you snap at him to get back to his desk.

Co-worker!Kotarou, who has disturbed your precious breaks more than once by running into your corner office and claiming he has broken the copier. He’s a sight to behold with his button-down shirt no longer buttoned, the tight white t-shirt underneath fighting with honor to stay on as he babbles about how “It’s out of paper” or “It’s out of toner” or it’s out of blah blah blah.

You now lock your door for your breaks.

Co-worker!Kotarou, who presses Tetsuro for information about you on his lunch breaks. Tetsuro laughs when Kotarou pouts and says that he doesn't understand what he did, but you always look so mad at him. Tetsuro assures him that that's just who you are - no nonsense at work, but your resting bitch face certainly isn't doing you any favors. He gently reminds Kotarou that "not everyone is an open book like you, dude" but to "work hard, and they'll appreciate it. Just don't be so... you in the meantime".

So Co-worker!Kotarou, who tries not to be so… well, him. He does his very best to make you proud – writing down actual names and numbers when he takes a message, fixing the copier by himself, and busting his butt so he's two steps ahead of you with whatever you need.

Co-worker!Kotarou, who is in the middle of typing up your agenda for tomorrow when you peek your head out and call for him. And when he asks what you need, you pause for a moment before softly telling him, “Nothing. Just… Good job”.

(And Co-worker!Kotarou, who can’t help but let out a little fist pump once you’re out of sight.)

Co-worker!Kotarou, who brings in donuts for the whole office one morning (charged onto one of Tetsuro’s credit cards, of course), and is crestfallen when you politely decline taking one of them. He's noticed you look a little sad lately, and he wanted to make your day better with a tasty treat at the very least.

Co-worker!Kotarou, who is trying sooooooooo hard not to be nosy, but he can't help but overhear you constantly arguing with someone over the phone nowadays, and it's definitely not with a client.

Co-worker!Kotarou, who hears little rumblings through the office that you're no longer in a relationship, and that things are about to get rough if everyone doesn't stay in line.

So Co-worker!Kotarou, who comes in a full two hours before you now, preparing everything in order to make your day as smooth as possible. It's none of his business what happened between you and your ex, but he wants to help any way he can.

Co-worker!Kotarou, who continues to bring in breakfast once a week for the office (still charged to Tetsuro’s credit card), and has a sweet treat for you completely separate from the rest. He’s hell bent on finding out what kind of pastry you enjoy most, since it's clearly not donuts. And even if you don’t like it, hopefully you laughed at the dad joke he left beside it.

Co-worker!Kotarou, who attempts to cheer you up one evening - offering to stay late, or to beat your ex-lover up, or to go buy junk food down at the corner store and you can just rant to him while you eat it all.

Co-worker!Kotarou, who gets a little bit of a smile out of you with that last one.

Co-worker!Kotarou, who genuinely says “Seriously. If you need anything, I’m here. I wouldn’t be a very good assistant if I wasn’t.”

Co-worker!Kotarou, who's laughter is so contagious when you answer, “You’re a terrible fucking assistant, Kotarou” that you can’t help but laugh too.

Co-worker!Kotarou, who feels a little spark as you both just continue to smile at each other. These past couple months have been difficult, to say the least. He would be a liar if he said he hadn't gotten a huge, fat crush on you the moment he was introduced to you.

But Co-worker!Kotarou, who's spark flickers for a moment before being snuffed out completely, because now isn't a time for confessions. You just got out of a relationship. You're fragile, and he would feel like a complete ass if he took advantage of you.

So Co-worker!Kotarou, who wishes you goodnight instead, and heads home.

Co-worker!Kotarou, who gets ready for bed, wondering what would have happened if he had made a move. How would your lips feel against his? How would it feel to hold you so impossibly close, like he's been longing to?

Co-worker!Kotarou, who shakes his head and tells himself out loud to "Let it go. Don't do this to yourself." before he climbs into bed.

Co-worker!Kotarou, who is almost asleep when he feels his phone vibrate, but checks it anyways.

Co-worker!Kotarou, who reads, “I lied that day when I said I didn’t want a donut. They’re my favorite.”

Co-worker!Kotarou, who has to read the message three times, because at first he thinks he's hallucinating, and the second time, he thinks it's a weird trap.

Co-worker!Kotarou, who takes forever and a half to do it, but eventually texts back, "Any particular kind?"

Co-worker!Kotarou, who lets out a little giggle when he reads, "Any is fine." and then right below it, "Good night."

Co-worker!Kotarou, who's feet kick around a little bit before he puts his phone back down, and allows himself to be whisked away by daydreams of you, falling asleep with a big smile on his face.

And last but not least, Co-worker Kotarou, who is late to work the next morning, because he was asking the girl behind the counter if there was any possible way she could put a smiley face on the donut.

© all writing owned by sukunas-princess. do not copy, translate, plagiarize, share outside of tumblr, etc. heart divider by @/roseschoices. support banner made by me, sukunas-princess.

[valewritessss]

Can someone give me well written fluffy Percabeth fics I feel like I’ve read the majority of them already and I don’t want to open another tab to add on to the 107 tabs I have.

Edit: THANK YOU SO MUCH TO THOSE WHO GAVE ME RECS PEOPLE NEVER ACTUALLY ANSWER

[giggly-squiggily]

Hi hello I work this weekend and I'm beyond over it but here's a quick tododeku dabble cause the new episode made me ugly cry and Lee!Todoroki makes me feel better <3

CW: Foot Tickles, very very mild suggestive humor

Todoroki was going to die. No, really- he was!

Hiding in the first closet he found, he held his breath in wait- his heart racing a mile a minute. It was so loud he was sure his pursuer was using it to track him.

The thought alone was nearly enough to make him laugh- he bit his lip to keep down the giggles.

“Shooootooo!” The voice was close. Todoroki straightened up, freezing all over with his hands clamped to his lips. He heard footsteps coming closer, the sound of soft laughter muffled by the door. When they suddenly stopped, he nearly gasped.

Then, they kept on walking.

Todoroki didn’t move- stiff as a statue as he waited. He waited until he couldn’t hear the footsteps any longer, until the anticipation in his bones yielded enough to return feeling to his limbs. Then, and only then did he open the door and look.

The dorm hall was empty. The background was filled with sounds of his fellow classmates in various rooms going about their day. He listened for a moment longer.

Nothing. The coast seemed to be clear. He dashed out as silently as he could, running for the safety of his room-

Something slithered around his ankle. Black Whip- Midoriya’s additional quirk. He was down and out in seconds.

“Nooo!” He cried out, already laughing as he was dragged across the floor. “Don’t! Please! Have mercy on me!”

“Mercy is for the weak!” Midoriya cried back, his villain facade fading with his own giggles as Todoroki clawed at the floor. The whole gesture reminded him of a reluctant cat. “Beg all you want- you belong to me now!”

“That doesn’t sound too bad thou-AHH!” Todoroki let out a shriek when he was finally within Midoriya’s reach, his boyfriend scoping up his ankle with ease. “Waahhahit nohohohot thahahhat!”

“Huh?” Do that” you said?” He cooed, slowly dragging his fingers against Todoroki’s socked sole. “Eager aren’t we? If you wanted me to tickle you this bad, you could have just stayed put! Very well then- tickle tickle tickle!”

Todoroki could only thrash about on the floor, his laughter taking a new pitch as he struggled to grab at Midoriya’s hands. “Dohohohoohn’t yoohhoohu dhahahahare! Gehahahahahha, cohohohome ohohohohn!” He let out a small squeal when Midoriya focused on a particularly bad spot along the base of his toes, nearly making him slam his head into the floor with how much he squirmed. “Mihihihidoriya, pleahhahahahase!”

“Hehe, you look like a fish! It’s like I’m wrangling in the catch of the day!” The green haired hero laughed as he took a seat, Todoroki’s foot still trapped in his grasp as he watched the other flail and cackle. Seeing him smiling so suddenly gave him a terrible idea.

“Somewhere, beyond the sea,” He began to sing.

“DOOHOHOOHN’T YOOHOHOHOU DAHHAHAHRE!” Todoroki cackled, pounding the ground beneath him as he struggled between hiding his flushed face or kicking at the other with his free foot. “HHAHAHHAHVE MEHEHEHRCY!”

“Someone is waiting for meeee~” Deku drew out the notes as he skittered his fingers up his boyfriend’s foot with a flourish, melting at the hiccupy laughs he produced. “And I forgot the rest of the wooooords~” He gave the trapped foot within his grasp one last tickle before releasing him, crawling up his tired frame and coming to a stop at his exhausted but oh so lovely smile. “Something something, I love you. That’s how the song goes, right?”

“Eheheheheh..hehehee..suhuhure. Let’s go with thahaht..” Todoroki groaned, running a hand through his messy bangs as he struggled for composure. When he could finally catch a breath, he glared halfheartedly up at his smiling boyfriend. “You’re terrible- who hooks someone in with their quirk and tickles their feet like that?”

“I do!” Midoriya laughed openly, making Todoroki giggle as well. “I should go fishing more often- I caught myself one heck of a beauty!”

“So you did. Bet you can’t wait to show off to the guys what you reeled in.”

“Heck no- they can go eat fish sticks out of the freezer. I already told you- you’re all mine.” Midoriya leaned in, kissing him slowly and gently- just the way he liked it. Todoroki could feel his heart racing, warmth spreading through his core and making his toes curl. Oh how he loved the way Midoriya kissed him.

“We should go somewhere. Before someone interrupts.” He somehow managed to gasp out when they pulled away- his brain and lips suddenly working far slower than he’d like.

“Sure. Your room or mine?” When did Midoriya get this bold? He could feel his entire face burn brightly at the question, worsening when the little bastard smiled knowingly. “You’re so pretty when you blush, Shoto.”

“I’m gonna dump ice down your back if you keep acting up.” Todoroki threatened, once again unable to hold on to any real glare as he was swept off his feet, carried away to whichever room Midoriya picked. “You’re lucky I love you- else I’d turn you into a human ice sculpture.”

The green haired teen merely leaned in and kissed him again, that warm feeling coming back like a cozy blanket on a chilly day. “I love you too.”

Thanks for reading! :D

[stylesispunk]

"Nothing's gonna hurt you, baby"

Detective!Javier peña x f!reader

Prologue | next chapter | series masterlist

summary: You were kidnapped one winter night, but you have no memories of the incident or the person who took you. A year later, a homicide leads Javier Peña to your door, seeking help. He soon learns that he must protect the woman he loves.

chapter warnings: mentions of kidnapping, death, angst. The story doesn't follow the plot from narcos, but the use of Javier as the main lead in this story. No proofread

w.c: 4,5k

a/n: the first chapter of this fic is here! I really want to be careful with this one in the process of writing and stuff because I'm trying not to feel pressured. Reblogs and comments are always appreciated, please let me know what you think!! Remember if you want to be taglisted, you can tell me <3.

masterlist

dividers by @/saradika

Thump.

Chest raising slowly, in short breaths that made your heart ram against your ribcage.

Thump.

The blood pounded in your ears. Your hands shook. Your legs tingled. Your vision blurred, casting shadows of gray colors around your head, threatening to hurt.

Thump.

Breathe, breathe, breathe.

You closed your eyes tight, taking a long, slow, deep breath, then lifted your gaze, meeting the eyes of the detective sitting in front of you, looking around your house as if you would be able to find some answers tied to that unfortunate event that had happened to you a year ago.

Poor woman, he must have thought as he looked at your poor, weak woman.

You studied him—the way his nose crunched as he lost deep in thought, writing down things in his journal or whatever the hell he brought with him. His moustache over his lip, the creases of his soft-toned skin, and his dark brown eyes that had just met your gaze again.

Javier’s heart stopped beating for a second, feeling a strange feeling against his ribcage, stealing the air from his lungs. It must be sympathy; the turmoil was evident in your eyes. He had seen that same look from horror countless times before, but yours was different.

To him.

"What does it have to do with me?” You asked, avoiding his intense stare. Just the mere name of what he had told you made your hands tremble.

“I just told you. “He answered with a calmness that made your blood boil. As if it were just a routine question of your day.

“No,” you spat. “I’m just trying to heal from that, and you came here asking me things I’m not able to remember and I don’t want to." Your voice got cut by a small sob.

It was a deep scar, something you were too afraid to remember, something that had made you lose an entire year of life, stealing memories from your story you would never meet.

“He left a note for you; that means he knows you’re in this city and that you may be in danger.”

Javier's expression softened as he watched your emotional outburst, his heart aching with empathy for the pain you were experiencing. He knew that he had touched a raw nerve, dredging up memories and emotions that you had fought so hard to bury.

“I can’t go through all that again,” you whispered, closing your palms with so much pressure that you could feel the skin getting ripped by your nails.

The warm touch of Javier’s palms over your hands stopped you in short as you lifted your gaze again to look at him again. His own hands reached out instinctively to grasp yours, preventing you from inflicting further harm on yourself. He could feel the tension in your fingers, the pressure building as you struggled to contain the emotions raging within you.

"I understand," he said gently, his voice a soothing presence in the midst of your turmoil. "I know that this must be incredibly difficult for you, but as a detective, I’m asking you to let me protect you.”

Did he just say, “Let me protect you”?

“What if I don’t want to?” You asked carefully.

Javier's gaze softened as he listened to your question, his heart heavy with the weight of your pain and uncertainty. He had spoken the words without hesitation, driven by a deep-seated instinct to shield you from harm, but he understood that his offer of protection might not be what you wanted or needed.

"If you don't want me to protect you, I won't force you," he replied gently, his voice tinged with understanding.

Your hands were burning under his gentle touch, and his eyes were diesel to your own gaze. You both could feel the intensity of the electricity running through your veins as you connected somehow.

Despite the pain and uncertainty that still lingered within you, there was a flicker of hope igniting in your heart, ignited by his dark pools looking at you.

Both of you were awfully quiet, maybe so lost in the intensity of your touch over each other's skin that you didn't hear the door closing off. Your best friend, Alice, had just arrived from her running session.

Her eyes widened in surprise as she took in the sight of Javier holding your hands, his gaze locked with yours in a moment of quiet connection. There was a furrow of concern between her brows as she glanced between the two of you, silently urging you to explain the unexpected presence of the detective in your living room.

You could feel the weight of her scrutiny as you struggled to find the right words to explain the situation. Javier, too, seemed to sense the tension in the air, his grip on your hands tightening slightly as he prepared himself to face the questions that were sure to come.

Taking a deep breath, you turned to Alice, your voice faltering slightly as you began to speak. "Alice, this is Detective Javier," you said, your words coming out in a rush. "He's here to help me with...”

Your explanation hung in the air, as you didn’t know how to keep explaining the presence of Javier, but Alice's expression softened with understanding as she nodded, her eyes flickering with concern as she glanced back and forth between you and Javier.

“I’m Alice Wilson; I’m her best friend, by the way,” she introduced herself to Javier.

“Javier Peña,” he said, shaking hands with the girl.

There was a brief pause after the greetings, but Javier cut it off in a second. “Could I talk to you for a second?” he asked Alice, not without looking at you as if asking for permission.

You nodded, walking out of the living room towards the kitchen. You placed the palm of your hands over the kitchen counter, and you gripped the borders with strong force, trying to stop the hammer from beating your brain. You had tried; you had tried so hard to make an effort and remember what had happened that night and the whole year that came after, but you simply couldn’t; you were waiting for it to go away to a dark sea of monsters where your nightmares rest.

But what if the death of that woman was your fault?

You didn’t want your life to be tainted by the ghost of your worst fears, from your captor.

Your heart started beating so loudly against your ribcage that you felt Alice and Javier would be able to hear it.

"Hey,” a voice banished the monster lurking in your thoughts away. His voice did.

You turned around, timidly facing him. You couldn’t take your eyes away from his figure once you did. There was something about him that you weren’t able to decipher yet.

“I’m heading out,” he informed.

"Okay," you replied, your voice barely above a whisper.

He nodded, pursing his lips as he contemplated what he was about to say: “If... If you change your mind about it, please call me. I let my number with your friend.”

You nodded, and Javier graced a small smile on his lips. "Please, take care," he said, praying that that person wouldn’t find you.

As he made his way towards the door, you couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at the thought of him leaving. Despite your initial reluctance to accept his help, you had come to rely on his brief presence, as if something invisible were pulling you towards him.

“Handsome, isn’t he?” Alice broke your bubble of thoughts.

"Are you thinking about calling him?" You asked, jealously flickering at the thought of him with your friend.

“Me?" She chuckled. "If someone stole his heart, it was you."

"I don't know about that," you replied, trying to sound nonchalant as you turned away from the door. "He's just doing his job, after all."

Alice raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Maybe," she said, her tone teasing. "But I saw the way he looked at you. There was something there, whether you want to admit it or not."

You felt it too, but you didn’t feel ready to admit it.

As Javier was walking towards his car, his phone started ringing.

Murphy.

With a sigh, he looked behind him towards your house, then answered his phone.

"What happened?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern as he braced himself for whatever news Murphy had to deliver.

On the other end of the line, Murphy's voice crackled with urgency. "A girl," he said quickly. "Around twenty-five, she missed her friend’s party; she found herself unlived in the morning.”

Javier's heart skipped a beat at the news, cursing at the sky or whoever was allowing this to happen.

"Where?" he asked, his voice firm with determination. "Give me the details, and I'll be there as soon as possible."

Javier ended the call and hurried towards his car, gazing at your house for the last time, and as soon as he drove towards the scene of the crime, his thoughts kept drifting back to you, hoping against hope that he could bring an end to the nightmare that had plagued your life for far too long.

He couldn’t bear the thought of you being in danger.

"Denisse Around twenty-five, she missed her friend’s party; she found her friend like this in the morning,” Steve explained.

Javier couldn’t take his eyes off the victim, who was lying still on her bed, dressed in a white gown with flowers on her lap. She seemed to be at peace, resting, as if her life would have been taken by a crazy bastard who wanted to reach you.

You were the only thought in his mind.

This girl, again, looked like you—the features on her face, the hair.

“Javier”

He came back from his own thoughts, lifting his gaze at Lauren, who was wearing a worried expression on her face.

“What?” he asked simply.

“I asked, What had happened to you? You seemed lost.”

“I met the girl. The one from Boston.” His voice felt heavy. "It's just... too much of a coincidence."

Lauren's expression softened with understanding as she placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I know," she said softly. "But we'll figure this out, Javier. We'll find the truth, no matter what."

“No, you don’t understand; he is trying to capture her image on these girls.”

“And what did she say?” Steve asked, confused at his partner's demeanor.

“She doesn’t remember.”

“It's a shame; I'm sure that if she could remember. It would help us close his case and stop the crimes.” Steve said

“No shit" Javier said, angry. He was furious at everyone and at himself, so he walked away from the scene of the crime.

As Javier stormed away from the scene of the crime, Lauren hurried after him, her concern evident in every step she took. She caught up to him just as he reached his car, her brow furrowed with worry.

"Javier, wait," she called out, her voice soft but urgent. "What's wrong? Why did you speak to Steve like that?"

Javier paused, his hands gripping the material of his shirt. He struggled to contain his emotions. He knew that he had lashed out unfairly at his partner, but the frustration and anger boiling within him were too overwhelming to ignore.

"I'm sorry, Lauren," he said, his voice strained with emotion. "I just... I can't shake the feeling that we're missing something crucial here. These girls—they're not just random victims. He's targeting them for a reason, and I can't help but feel like it's all connected to her."

Lauren nodded understandingly, her eyes filled with empathy as she placed a gentle hand on Javier's arm. “I know”

Matthew gazed at his partner, trying to find reassurance in her words and in her presence, as he had always felt since he had met her, but his thoughts and worst nightmares were drifting to you.

He didn’t confess, but his biggest fear was that you would be the next victim on the list.

“You aren’t hungry." Alice, who was sitting next to her, had not eaten anything either; being too scared that something bad could possibly happen to her friend was too much to bear.

You shook your head slightly. “I can’t stop thinking.”

"No,” Alice said, touching your arm.

“There is another girl who has died.” You tried to explain, “It’s my

“Don’t even say that,” Alice interrupted. “I know it’s not easy for you to try to erase what has happened.” She held her gaze on yours for a moment.

“Alice”

“Why don’t you lie down and try to rest?” She suggested that worry was creeping up on her.

“I can’t sleep,” you replied, sad at the thought that you would never be happy again.

“I’ll give you a pill, but please rest,” she said, delicately brushing her fingertips on your naked arms.

She helped her up: “Come on, you’re going to take a warm shower, and then you’re going to go to bed, and I’ll bring you the pill, and you’ll try to sleep.”

You nodded without protesting, allowing your friend to look after you, at least for today.

But then the doorbell stopped the both of you from taking another step. Your body tensed up, and Alice, noticing the movements, walked towards the door, peeking through the peephole before opening it.

Who could it be at this time?

“It's Javier,” she announced before opening the door.

There he was, Javier Peña, standing next to the door with a wide smile on his face. “Excuse me for showing up at this hour, but I need to talk to you,” he said, looking at you, who had not taken your eyes off him since Alice had opened the door. The light illuminating the porch and the shine emanating from his brown eyes made you feel like you were naked under his stare.

His hair was messy, and some curls fell over his forehead. Your eyes traveled down over his jawline towards his neck. A little further down, a bit of dark, curly hair peeked through the white shirt he was wearing.

The trance that Isabella seemed to have fallen into faded when she heard her friend's voice. “Come in, detective.”

“Thank you.”

Isabella continued without saying a word, just a couple of steps away from him.

“Well, I’ll be in the kitchen,” she said, turning around and disappearing from the room while her lips curled into a mischievous smile.

“Do you want to have a coffee?” You asked, getting nervous; your hands were starting to sweat.

“No, thank you,” he said, trying to ignore the butterflies in his stomach at seeing you again.

“Take a seat,” you indicated.

Javier looked at you as you sat on the edge of the couch. He didn’t know what to do or say, so finally he ended up sitting next to you. He followed his instincts.

No one spoke, and the silence became increasingly heated and tense. Javier stretched his arm over the back of the couch, and his finger almost touched your hair. He wondered what it would feel like to feel the softness of the hair under his fingertips.

On the other hand, your bare knee brushed against the rough fabric of his jeans. Your soft friction caused a wave of intense sensations in you that rose to your throat. Then you looked at him, and Javier could barely contain the urgency to cup your face and kiss all the fears away.

He must concentrate on his work while thinking about protecting you.

“I wanted to see how you were doing; I guess you already know.”

You nodded; however, you tried to process what his words meant. She knew that, perhaps, it was just part of her job as a detective. After all, it was one of her duties to look after the well-being of the people, but the way he looked at her while she was complaining about her made her think otherwise. He was worried about her and her safety, worried about what might happen to her, and he had come to her house in the middle of the night to check on her.

“I can’t stop thinking everything is my fault. I’m destroyed; the crimes, my kidnapping, that person, you.”

“Me?”

“Yes, you want things from me, and I don't know if I can give them to you. You came into my life, telling me you need my help to stop a murder and asking me to remember things I can’t and would rather not.”

“I'm sorry; I've never wanted to pressure you.”

“I know you're sorry, and you're just trying to do your job.”

“Believe me, I would never have wanted you to be involved in all this, but unfortunately, there is someone else out there who wants just the opposite.” He was dying to hug you and taste those lips that moved restlessly from side to side while you listened to him. Try the taste of your mouth and get drunk with it until he loses his mind.

You could feel it too—the magnetic pull between the two of you. You needed to move away from him and put a little distance between you. You could feel the stare of his intense brown eyes on your back. You ran your hand over your neck, and your pulse accelerated. What Javier caused was something new, a feeling you had never experienced before, clouding all your senses. You could feel it in your trembling legs.

“It’s late.” You spoke.

“I know; I don’t know why I came here,” he responded, smiling.

“I'll walk you to the door.” He walked past you, and, for a second, you thought he would stop you and kiss you passionately. But it wasn't like that. You went out with him to the porch and tried to appear as calm as possible. "See you."

As Javier walked towards his car, you felt a sudden surge of desperation wash over you. The magnetic pull between the two of you was undeniable, and you found yourself longing for his presence, craving the comfort that he seemed to offer despite the chaos surrounding your life.

"Javier," you called out, your voice barely above a whisper.

He turned back towards you, his gaze searching yours for a moment before he spoke. "Yes?"

You hesitated for a moment, unsure if you should voice the sudden impulse that had taken hold of you. But then, with a deep breath, you found the courage to speak.

"Could you... take me to a bar?" You asked, the words tumbling out before you could stop them. "Just to relax, you know?"

Javier's expression softened at your request, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. But deep down, he knew this wasn’t correct. “Of course," he replied, his voice gentle. "I'd be happy to, but you must tell Alice first; I don’t want her to worry about you.”

You put a smile on your lips and nodded.

The bar was dimly lit, with a low hum of conversation filling the air. Javier found a quiet corner booth for the two of you, away from the hustle and bustle of the crowded bar, in disguise as if he were your protector, and he was doing his job somehow. As you settled into your seats, you couldn't help but feel a sense of relaxation wash over you. You were grateful for the chance to escape the chaos in your mind for a second.

"What can I get you?" Javier asked, gesturing towards the menu on the table.

You glanced over the options, and the weight of your recent experiences was still heavy on your mind. "Just a glass of wine, please," you replied softly.

Javier nodded, signaling to the bartender as he ordered your drinks. As you waited for them to arrive, you couldn't help but steal glances at Javier, his presence comforting and reassuring in the dimly lit bar.

"Thank you for bringing me here," you said, breaking the comfortable silence between you. "I needed this."

Javier smiled, his gaze warm as he met yours. He could feel his heart beating faster at the sight of you under the lights, looking so ethereal. He didn’t know if love felt like this, but the feeling was like this; it terrified him. It terrified him to think about what he would do for you.

The bartender returned with your drinks, setting them down on the table with a soft clink of glass. You took a sip of your wine, the rich taste soothing against your parched throat. As you savored the moment, you couldn't shake the feeling of Javier's eyes on you.

"I'm sorry if I've been too forward," Javier said suddenly, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "I just... I want to help in any way I can."

I care about you.

You shook your head, reaching out to place a reassuring hand on his arm. "I want to help you with the case.”

Javier's eyes widened in surprise at your words, a flicker of hope dancing in their depths. "You do?" he asked, his voice laced with a mixture of astonishment and gratitude. "Are you sure?"

You nodded, a determined expression settling on your features. "Yes," you replied firmly. "I want to remember. I want to help put an end to all of this."

A sense of relief washed over Javier at your words, a weight lifting from his shoulders at the thought of your cooperation in the investigation. "Thank you," he said sincerely, his voice filled with gratitude. "I'll do everything I can to help you remember."

As you continued to talk, Javier mentioned the idea of finding a hypnotist who could help you unlock your memories. "There's a hypnotist, I know," he said, his voice hopeful. "He's helped other people in similar situations before. Maybe he can help you too."

You considered his suggestion for a moment; the prospect of uncovering the truth was both daunting and enticing. But deep down, you knew it was the right decision. "Let's do it," you said finally, a sense of determination coursing through your veins. "I'm ready to face whatever memories may come, but please be patient with me.”

"Of course," he replied gently, his voice filled with reassurance. "I'll be right there beside you every step of the way, supporting you through it all."

Back at your house, on the porch, with his jacket around your shoulders, your body felt heavier, as if it were tightening your throat, hurting from the words dancing around waiting to come out.

One day, his presence became a drug you wanted to try.

One day, your presence was bathing in sunlight on his skin.

But you were a victim, and he was a detective playing with becoming a hero; he clearly wasn't. It was all for you, all for the desire to be your

Was he becoming obsessed with the idea of you just as the person following your track, threatening to snatch the wings of an angel from your back?

Javier couldn't stop thinking if you could perceive him as a pervert, as the thoughts of your ethereal company made him think about, or the words he would whisper in your ear for only you to hear.

Would you see him as your protector?

"Javier," you broke the silence with your voice and soothing melody, which he could listen to for the rest of his life. You tried to take his jacket off your shoulder, but he stopped you.

“Keep it. This isn't the last time you'll see me.”

You graced a smile at him, and Javier felt he could be used to face the death, and he had come to peace with it, but you? He wasn't ready for what he was becoming because of you; he wasn't ready for the possibility of you slipping away from his fingers and losing you to a monster. He didn't know how to love someone or how to take care of someone who wasn't him, yet you seemed to have turned his world upside down.

He was scared of changing, scared of your hold over him, and scared of your captor because you feared him.

“See you,” you said.

“See you,” he also said, leaning to press a kiss on your cheek. “Take care.” 

The small kiss lingered like a gentle caress, leaving a warm path and spreading through your entire being.

You kept quiet, completely still, while looking at how Javier walked toward his car. You leaned against the door, looking up at the sky, before going back inside the house again.

A silhouette mingled among the shadows that the same moon capriciously drew that night. No one perceived it, and no one heard the name that silhouette whispered.

daisy, daisy, daisy.

The next day at the office, everything felt smooth; there wasn’t another victim to cry for, but still, there was no information or indication they could use to find the murderer, and that was an issue. He was becoming obsessed with a case he needed to solve for his own sake.

“Did you sleep badly?" Lauren asked while looking through some details of the case.

Javier massaged his neck with smooth movements, but nothing was able to calm the pain that pricked insistently in his muscles. After seeing you last night, he couldn’t find a way to go back to sleep.

“This pain is killing me a bit.”

"You should relax a bit," Lauren said, sitting down. She tucked her hair behind her ears.

As if it were easy, he thought.

“News?” he asked, but his expectations were killed once he looked at his partner, wearing a resigned expression on her face. “Nothing important; there are no footprints found; we have no evidence, nor am I a suspect.”

“What about cameras?” Javier asked, exasperated.

"No,” but her partner didn’t seem happy with the answer. “Come on, Javi. Don’t let this case take the best of you.”

“I know, when we solve this case, I’ll go to Italy or something, but now just let’s focus on it, please.”

Lauren nodded, walking back to her office and continuing to work. Once in a while, she lifted her gaze, and he looked focused on the screen on his laptop with sad eyes adorning his features.

She was about to get up from her seat, go over to him, and caress his shoulders to show him her support and to show him she was there, but at that moment the door opened violently, and you entered his office as if you were running from some danger.

Javier jumped out of his chair. He was perplexed to see you in such a state.

"Javi,” you said, throwing yourself desperately into his arms.

Javier's heart skipped a beat at the way you whispered "javi", at the urgency in your voice and the way you had thrown yourself into his arms. Concern flooded his expression as he held you close, instinctively wanting to protect you from whatever danger had caused you to seek refuge in his office.

“Javier, he was at my house." You took a moment to catch your breath, the fear still evident in your gaze as you recounted the events that had led you here. "He was at my house," you repeated, your voice trembling with emotion.

It was all happening again.

tags: @christinamadsen @romanarose (if you want to be removed, you can tell me 🥺)

[moonilit]

Mer Jote x phoenix Joshua out of the discord rambling lol

[v7lgar]

had a vampire sirius hogwarts au fic in my docs and gonna start posting it in a few hours bcuz why not

[vanmarkus]

Moodboard Monday/Tidbit Tuesday 🎿

Since I already posted the mood boards for the other two Christmas fics, it's only fair to show you this one as well.

“Sounds like a plan.” Buck gave him a brilliant smile and it made something soft and gooey shift in Eddie’s stomach. There was just something about standing here under the warm yellow light of the kitchen lamp, while it was still dark outside, every sound muted by a thick layer of snow. It was almost like there was no one else in the entire world right now; only Eddie and Buck, staring at each other with half-formed smiles over the brims of their mugs, sipping on hot coffee and making plans for the day. It felt as if the darkness could hide whatever happened, whatever that soft gooey feeling was; it was the secret of the warm light and the soft snow.

tags under the cut 💛

I was tagged by @hippolotamus @theotherbuckley @thewolvesof1998 @jamespearce9-1-1 @daffi-990 and @exhuastedpigeon thank you my dears 💛

✨totally no pressure tagging: @malewifediaz @spagheddiediaz @jeeyuns @ladydorian05 @disasterbuckdiaz @jesuisici33 @steadfastsaturnsrings @eowon @heartshapedvows @nmcggg @rainbow-nerdss @watchyourbuck @eddiebabygirldiaz @fortheloveofbuddie @evanbegins

[exasperatedoctopus]

Me, watching season one Julian crash and burn after shooting his shot with Dax Every. Single. Episode:

[chaosduckies]

Restoration (Chapter 5)

And in this instance, all chaos ensues. With a little bit of comfort, fearplay, and a backstory dump because why not.

Word Count: 8.9k

CW: Death, description of a dead body, fear, trigger warnings, anxiety, and panic attacks.

5-Nathan 

It was cold. Too cold. 

I looked down, seeing that my dad’s jacket was wrapped loosely around my skinny and frail frame. My breath shaky, the floor cold and hard. A dim, flickering light shone above me, offering no sense of relief. Body trembling, I wrapped around myself for any sort of warmth. Where was mom? 

A quick look around, and there were thick, metal bars encasing me in whatever cage I was trapped in. Not again. 

My breathing quickened, hyperventilating. I snuggled closer to my dad’s torn-up jacket, hoping for this nightmare to go away. Was I here again? Was nothing real? Was I just dreaming for so long? Is my mom… Nononono. Bloody tears started stinging my eyes. I can’t do this anymore. 

My stomach growled from hunger. When was the last time I ate? Doesn’t matter. They wouldn’t give me anything anyways. At least unless they wanted to keep me in a condition where I could still be alive. 

I sniffled, silently crying to myself. My body hurts so much. So many fresh cuts I felt on my back it stung every time the fabric from the jacket pressed on it. My arms were covered in dirt and mud. My head felt dizzy from the loss of blood. Or maybe I was in shock from the pain. I felt so weak that I could barely move my limbs to get comfortable. Not there was such a thing when you’re used as a stress toy for others. Some for entertainment.  

The light above me suddenly went out. Leaving me in a dark room. Cold. Alone. With nothing but my own silent cries. Where were my parents? Did they do something to them? Why weren’t they here with me? That didn’t matter though. If they had them, there was nothing I could do. 

There were agonizing whisperers all around me. Taunting me. I covered my ears, not feeding into their lies. Looking up just once, I saw my dad’s dead body. A cold, heartless, body laid before me. With whatever energy and strength I had left, I crawled over, tears falling faster and blurring my vision. I remembered how they threw him right in front of my mother and I after they mercilessly murdered him. The way I was too shocked for words. The way my mother crumbled in front of me, crying on his lifeless chest. I remember being so scared at how they easily killed him with not so much as a struggle. Just went lifeless with a pinch of their fingers. 

I cried and I cried upon seeing his dead body again. Why did this happen? I hugged his limp body, hoping that would bring him back. 

“Quit crying you annoying you little pest.” 

Something dragged me away, my face being scraped along with concrete floor and still reaching for my dad, who was only getting further away. I screamed, still crying and blood falling down from my head.  

——————————

I woke up in a cold sweat, sitting up and breathing heavily. Looking around, I found my room just the way I left it the night before. Laying in my bed, my backpack up against the wall, and seeing the stuffed teddy bear my dad had bought me all those years ago still right beside me. I quickly grabbed it and held it close, tears escaping my eyes. This was all mom and I had left of him, and mom let me have it. 

“Honey? Everything okay in there? You sounded like you were crying.” My mom came in, her voice soft and sweet like always. She stopped at the doorway, seeing me holding the bear close and my eyes watery from tears. She smiled softly, sitting down next to me, “What’s wrong sweetie?” 

I sniffled, wiping away loose tears and letting new ones escape, “Just… Just a bad dream.” I waited for her to give me a hug, but I knew she wouldn’t. Not because she didn’t want to, but because she was traumatized. Everything they did made her scared of anyone touching her. Including me. I hated what they did to us.

“It’ll be okay, Nate. Nothing bad will happen to you ever again, okay? Your father loved you so much,” She planted a soft kiss on my cheek, and stood up, “Now, come get some breakfast! I made your favorite.” And I couldn’t help but wonder how she never talks about dad. 

——————————

It was Friday, which meant that today was the day I was actually going over to Ryker’s. I wasn’t too excited, but I’ve grown used to Ryker just like Lucky had said the other day. Not too much though. I’ve been expressing myself just a little bit more. Laughing whenever he would ramble on about things that he hated, liked. He would ask me questions to try and get to know me a little better. I’ve learned to be some-what comfortable around him. That doesn’t mean that I wasn’t scared though. I was still scared of his hands… scared every time they moves closer to me or when it seemed like they were closing in on me when they weren’t. Otherwise, it was getting just the slightest bit better. 

Yesterday, Ryker told me that he had a lot of siblings. Not just two or three, but five. How he deals with that? I have zero idea. Especially when Lucky was a human. Upon hearing the news, I nearly had a panic attack, but he told me it wasn’t too much to worry about. He also mentioned that he had a little sister that was human, which meant that there were four giants. Who they were? I have zero idea, and I was scared to find out, but I was just glad he was telling me this so I could be prepared. I bought a little panda stuffed animal for his little sister yesterday just to make a good impression and since I couldn’t really get presents for giants… This was the only way I knew how to seem like I wasn’t just the weak human everyone knows I am. 

As I made my way through the halls, people were staring at me. For what reason? I didn’t know. I didn’t know any of these people. Was I wearing something weird? I just had on a hoodie and some regular jeans. Was it the way my body trembled as I thought about everything that could go wrong during my time at Ryker’s? Or the way I tripped over my own two feet every five minutes. It was embarrassing but I couldn’t really help it. I was nervous about later today. What they would all think about me. I don’t even know who these people are. 

I walked into the classroom, seeing the same chaos as the other days and stayed close to the walls. Everything was going to be okay. Just stick With Ryker and Lucky and I won’t have to do anything too crazy. Hopefully. Just meet three other giants without passing out or thinking of what they could do to me. Who was I kidding? Something was bound to go wrong. Horribly wrong. I mean, what if they just keep me there against my will? That they were just lying to trap me in another cage? There goes my overthinking again. And it wasn’t entirely wrong. 

Ryker was sitting down at our usual desk on his phone. I climbed into the elevator, noticing that he looked a lot more tired than usual. Not just because he had bags under his eyes either. More like he was physically tired too. I felt bad, but what could I do? I was only human. 

Today felt like a good day. Sort of. Besides the nightmare I had this morning, but that can just stay between my mom and I. My grip around my bag tightened as I took the first couple steps onto his desk. For some reason it felt like something heavy was on top of me, holding me down. More precisely my back. My gaze fell to the ground as I slowly turned to look up and saw a hand reaching for me. I blinked, scooting backwards and nearly falling on my butt. There was no hand. Just Ryker’s confused and sympathetic face. Just overthinking things, Nathan. I told myself as I stood back up. 

“Everything alright?” Ryker had asked, shoving his phone back into his pocket. I nodded my head, biting the side of my cheek. That hand wasn’t real… What was going on with me? No, it’s just from that nightmare I had. Nothing was wrong. That heavy feeling on my back never went away though, and it made it hard for me to move any closer to Ryker’s hand. 

My body remembers how badly they tortured me. The scars on my back were burning, making me jolt up and take a few deep breaths. If I hadn’t had that stupid nightmare everything would have been okay. I would’ve had a normal day and maybe, just maybe, I would be able to survive being away from home for a couple hours. I wouldn’t have been overreacting like now. 

I forced my body to take the few shaky steps forward, falling on my face as usual when I stepped onto Ryker’s hand. I really have to figure out how to get on without giving myself a bruise. Not just for my sake either. Ryker didn’t say anything today, but he wore a worried expression until he made it to his first class. 

During lunch, Ryker had put a show on his phone. The same one we started watching yesterday. He always claims that if I don’t want to watch it I didn’t have to, but I always did. Not just because the show was actually really good, but mostly because I have fun listening to him complain about some of the characters. Even if I can’t say anything about them either. I mostly agree with everything he says anyways though. 

The rest of the day went by fast. By the time I knew it, it was already the last period of the day and nothing super eventful had happened. Surprising since this was a high school and something always happens. But no. Not today. At least that’s what I thought before this period. 

When we walked into the classroom, the projector was on. Not super abnormal, but what scared me more was what video she was playing for us today. The recent riot that happened just last night. I’ve always hated seeing these things. Someone always injured, and I hated seeing it. It keeps reminding me of my dad. 

“So for today I was going to give you all a test,” The whole class groaned besides Ryker and I, who’s eyes were glued to the screen, “-but since there was a certain… mishap yesterday, I’ll just ask you questions throughout the video as your test grade this week. If you get uncomfortable, please exit the classroom.”

Mrs. Kay turned off the lights and played the video from a police officers view.The camera was shaky and people were yelling right outside of a building. Did I know which one? No. This wasn’t on the human side of the city. It kind of looked like a club or party place or something like that. 

I gulped, unconsciously scooting backwards, bringing my knees close to my chest. I remember my mom telling me about this when she came home last night. That there were five people who were injured, and two of them had died from their injuries. Was I about to watch how they died? No, they couldn’t show that at school, right? 

The officers tried to get the people out of the way and hold them off. The signs reading, “Humans have no place!” And, “Down with their hierarchy!” 

The weird thing about it was that everyone there looked so angry. They were all grown men. None of them looked like mature adults. It looked like they just wanted to kill. Just like the people who captured us… I couldn’t watch anymore as I heard the insane screams and yells coming from the crowd in the video. I wrapped my arms around my knees and buried my head. This was the only way I knew how to ignore things around me. I guess it didn’t help that the room was dark just like in my nightmare. 

The video ended with ten minutes until the bell. I took a few shaky breaths before turning around to face Ryker. He looked kind of shocked before asking me a question, “Are you okay? Seriously, I’m genuinely worried.” I nodded my head, lying. What was I supposed to do? Just admit that I really don’t think I can handle being around so many people? That I was terrified of just being around Ryker for too long? I get anxious and my mind gets fuzzy sometimes so it’s a good thing that he lets me have breaks during lunch and his seventh period. Otherwise I’d be all kinds of stressed. 

“Well, tonight we were gonna watch a movie if you wanna stay for that. You don’t have to of course. I’ll take you home before then.” He had offered, an encouraging smile on his face. A movie did sound good… and my mom has been working all night lately. I’ll jus tell her I’ll be coming home late. What could another two hours do? We were just going to be sitting at a couch watching a movie. It’s not like anyone will be focused on me more than the movie either. 

I nodded my head, agreeing to watch the movie with him, and I couldn’t help but notice how he silently cheered. Like it was an accomplishment that I wanted to stay there for longer than necessary. If I were being honest, I just didn’t want to be at home by myself anymore. It gets lonely. Really lonely. And quiet. 

So far, everything was good. He was just walking along the concrete path that had accommodations for humans on the side that was furthest from the road. Mostly because humans also live on the giant side of town. Me? I’ve never been. How could I when I was still afraid? Somehow, Ryker made that a little easier today. Or maybe that was because I knew I wouldn’t get trampled on the instant I took a step as long as I was in his hand. 

Thoughts clouded my mind. Like, what if his siblings don’t like me? What if his parents don’t? What if I’m just a pest like everyone thinks I am? What if his siblings don’t think I’m a nice person and do something to me? What if I’m just grabbed by one of them? 

“Nathan? You’re trembling again.” Ryker stated worriedly. I muttered a sorry under my breath, for some reason expecting him to hear that. I just calmed myself down, sitting comfortably in the middle of Ryker’s palm. I was used to this. Lucky was right. 

“Are you nervous?” He asked with a slight chuckle, taking a turn and waiting for the signal on the traffic light to say he could walk along with two other adults that look like they were just going to take the bus. I nodded my head to his question. Nervous, anxious, stressed, all the bad things and so much more. 

“It’ll be fine. They’ll love you. Plus, you don’t have to deal with anyone but me for another hour before they come. Jasmine has a club meeting afterschool and has to watch Isabelle and Angela before she comes home with both of them, and Lucky goes practically no where without Dylan, so he waits for Dylan to finish whatever sport he has practice for.” Ryker explained, sighing like it was a lot to keep up with. It sounded like it honestly. I could never have to watch over that many siblings. How do his parents even handle it? It seemed so chaotic. With six kids? I’d honestly be crying nearly every night. 

Ryker went silent for a while, thinking about what to bring up before he took another turn down a busy part of the street. There were people everywhere trying to catch a bus, or just waiting to be picked up by a car. It didn’t help that there was a popular coffee shop on the corner that had tons of people crowding all around. I nearly passed out from the amount of people. I looked to the human sidewalk, seeing that there were still so many of them walking like there wasn’t just an entire crowd directly above them. I shuddered thinking about how easily Ryker could drop me right about now. But he didn’t. Effortlessly dodging the crowds of people and getting to a calmer portion of the street. 

“You’re fine with pizza for dinner, right?” Ryker brought up randomly, taking another turn and getting to a neighborhood with huge houses. That was such a random question, but I nodded my head. I was fine with pizza. If I was up to the task of putting any kind of food into my body. 

He walked up to one of the houses one the very edge of the road. It had a huge backyard with a pool in the back, flowers and plants that look like they were about to wilt from the cold front that was coming next week. When Ryker opened the door, there was a huge living room with two L-shaped couches, photos of what seemed to be his family, which was a lot. But it looked like it was and old picture. There were picture frames of what looked to be Ryker’s parents on their wedding day sitting on the little cabinet by the hallway. It was dimly lit since the curtains were covering the windows, and the tv sat right in the middle of the living room sitting on a stand that had a couple movies laying around. I also noticed that there were little human-sized pathways that led to almost any counter and cabinet in the house. All coming from one human sized door that was in the hallway. 

This place was really big. Not even counting the second floor where the carpeted stairs led up to. I guess you did need a big house if you had six kids. I’m surprised the place isn’t a mess. How do his parents manage all of this? I know I’ve brought it up a billion times but I’m genuinely confused. Honestly with how big this place is it made me feel unusually small and uncomfortable. Not that I don’t already feel that way at school, but still. It nearly made me dizzy. 

“And welcome to my house. It may look big, but when you have five other people living with you it gets crowded.” Ryker introduced, taking us down the hallway and to the farthest door on the right. His room? Most likely. 

He set his backpack down up against his bed. I looked around, not knowing that he was watching me. His walls were covered in what looked like hand-drawn posters and paintings. Including one picture frame of himself by the door. His desk was up against the wall by his bed, with a lamp, a laptop sitting in the middle, and a couple of pens and markers. A bookshelf lined right next to the window that would have peeked outside if he didn’t have the curtains closed. But wow did he have a lot of books.  

“It’s not all that exciting, right?” He laughed. I jumped, not realizing that I was still looking around for anything else to focus on. Was it rude to look around? I wouldn’t think so as long as I wasn’t snooping through his things like some creep. Not that I could anyways. 

“Sorry, you’re probably tired of me holding you.” He walked over to the human-sized door in the hallway, slightly tilting his hand to make it easier for me to get off. I admit, it was getting a little overwhelmed, but it’s nothing I couldn’t handle. Plus, he could’ve been holding me in a fist or just shoving me in a pocket so I wasn’t about to complain. 

“Make yourself comfortable. I’ll be in the kitchen when you want to come out.” He smiled, standing up to his terrifying height and gesturing towards the kitchen. So he wasn’t just going to keep me around him constantly? I feel like he would have to do that with Lucky and Angela. So he just doesn’t? How do they function in this house? 

I walked in through the door, being met with a tiny human-sized house. Maybe just like a little house that has the necessities. Kitchen, two bedrooms that were down the hall with the door closed, bathroom, laundry. There wasn’t all that much space, so that made me wonder if Lucky and Angela slept in here. 

Setting my bag by the door, I gave myself a quick tour, but never opened the bedroom doors. I didn’t want to be in someone else’s business. But overall, they kept this place pretty clean. But what I liked most about this little space is that it blocked off everything big. It gave me a sense of peace and comfort with being around so much. Maybe that’s what they use this for other than giving basic needs? I don’t know. I’m not the one living with giants.  

I took around five minutes to compose myself to be willing to be around Ryker for another couple hours without having an anxiety attack. That was including his other siblings who probably don’t even know I exist. I didn’t know if they would want to talk or interact with me. Preferably not but I didn’t want to be rude. 

Ryker was sitting down on one of the stools before I walked over, not really knowing how to get up there. So was this like the library where I didn’t know how to get his attention? Still, it was a little nerve-racking to see so big so close. I wasn’t used to craning my neck just to see barely to his shoulders. I frowned. How was I supposed to do this? If I can’t even get his attention how would I even be able to stay around for another… six hours? 

My eyes landed on one of the little elevators that looked like the ones at school, except there was no gate blocking you from falling out. Just railing that you hold on tightly to. My eyes darted back and forth from the elevator and Ryker, who was now holding his head up with one arm. This was terrifying. I was still recovering from being played around with like some toy. But, if I was going to get better at this, I guess I could take baby steps. 

———Ryker——— 

I stared at my phone, wondering what we would even do for the next hour and a half. I’m sure Nathan doesn’t even want to be here, and I think it’s a crazy idea that Mrs. Kay even forced him to come, but he was doing just fine as of right now. Watching him look around my room was surprising since I was so sure that he would have wanted to be away from all of that. Instead, he actually looked so interested. Much like when I annoy him by talking about the most random things. I would have thought he had ignored me half the time if he hadn’t ever reacted. I talk too much.

What do I do now though? Usually when I’m home alone I finish up whatever homework I have and take a shower before everyone uses up all of the hot water. The thing with that is I didn’t want to leave Nathan alone. Mom always said it was rude to leave guests all alone with nothing to do, and I didn’t really have a plan for the day. Just watch a movie later when everyone was here and try my best to keep Nathan from running off like that day in the cafeteria. 

Next thing I know, there he was, stumbling out of the elevator dad had to install so Lucky could get around on his own. I shoved my phone in my pocket, still trying to figure out what he’d want to do. It’s going to be hard to guess when he doesn’t talk, but I’ll figure out a way. Hopefully. Why was I freaking out about having someone over again? I forgot. 

Nathan sat down on the left side of me. Kind of like he was waiting for me to do something. What was I supposed to do? I hadn’t really thought this far. I pretty much expected him to stay in that room the entire time seeing as I knew he didn’t like being held or even being around me. Yeah. I noticed how he flinches anytime my fingers get a little too close, or how he moves away anytime I was too close to him. I never questioned it, but my guess was that he’s never been around giants. Or at least all too much. Maybe he was from the country, or maybe he just stayed away his entire life, but it was pretty noticeable. I wouldn’t be surprised if people there told stories either. Whatever his parents told him as well. 

“Did you want to do something? We could just finish that episode from lunch. If you wanted.” I really hoped that he would give me a verbal answer because I didn’t want him to be bored here or do something he didn’t want to. Nathan just nodded, agreeing to everything I say. What was I supposed to tell the little guy though? It’s not like I knew why he just agreed to whatever. 

“You sure?” He nodded his head again, fidgeting with his hands. Something was wrong, but I wasn’t about to make things even more awkward between us. Even though I really wanted to help with whatever was going on. It wasn’t my place to dive into his personal life. Not unless he trusted me enough. 

I put on the episode we were watching during lunch and watched it with him. I feel like I should make us some popcorn but I think we only have enough for whatever movie they wanted to watch tonight. Maybe a snack then? I mean it’s only for a little while. It couldn’t hurt to grab something. Especially when I know he at least hasn’t eaten lunch. Nathan never complains or leaves though. 

I grabbed a granola bar from the pantry, breaking off a tiny piece for him that was still really big but he can just tear off an even tinier piece. I can’t exactly grab any human-sized food and Lucky and Angela don’t seem to mind when I do this. 

Nathan flinched, looking back from me to the piece I was holding out for him. What else was I supposed to do though? He just shook his head, offering a nervous smile practically saying, “No thank you.” But in a sweet voice. Why doesn’t he like me helping? I’ve wondered that for a while. 

“I’m not entirely certain, but I’m pretty sure you haven’t eaten anything since breakfast today,” I started, still holding out the piece for him to grab, “Plus, I don’t know if you think I’m going to judge you or something, but I’m not like those sadistic jerks from the other day.” I laughed, trying to lighten the mood. I was guessing it worked when he genuinely smiled tore a small piece off. I’ve never seen him smile unless he was laughing at something I had said. 

——————————

The day continued on with me complaining about most of the people from the show and seeing Nathan laugh when I would get mad or make a comment. It was nice knowing that he wasn’t as timid or afraid when we first met. Or that we could have fun even when it was only me talking. Most of the time we weren’t even paying attention to the show, just having a one-sided conversations. 

I heard the door being unlocked, checking the time to see that it was already going to be six in the afternoon. An hour later than when they should have been home. Everyone should be here in a little bit. I grabbed my phone, ordered the pizza that had a wait time of about forty minutes, and watch all hell get unleashed. 

———Nathan———

It was fun hanging out with Ryker. I mean sure there were times when I would get a little nervous about certain things, or when his hands moved a bit too close to me, but otherwise it was fun just listening to him complain about how “Dramatic” these characters were. Sure, they definitely were, but it’s not even a true story. 

Everything was going great before I had head the front door open. I knew this would have happened eventually, but it felt so sudden. It seemed like everything in my body was trying its hardest to make me get up and run away, but I couldn’t do that. I’ve already done so good so far, so why not keep it going for another couple hours. I’m surprised my mom hasn’t called me either. Was everything okay? I’ll call her in a little bit. 

“Sorry we’re late! We stopped by the fast staton to grab some more popcorn and snacks since someone didn’t go grocery shopping.” It was a loud, unfamiliar voice. Ryker’s younger brother? I had no idea. 

“It’s not my fault they scheduled a practice yesterday! I’ll go tomorrow so you can stop being such a baby.” A feminine voice that did not under any circumstance sound all too happy at the moment. 

A shiver ran down my spine as Ryker let out a sigh, muttering an apology to me before running over to where all the voices were. I couldn’t see sine there was a wall blocking my view. I was too scared to go down on the floor because they wouldn’t even know I would be there without looking down. Not the best option at the moment, but I didn’t want to stay on the counter. Not that I had a choice. 

I tuned out whatever they were talking about in the other room, and soon enough Ryker came back holding two bags that were filled with drinks and snacks. I hadn’t even noticed Lucky was with him until he called my name and Ryker just laughed, letting him down. I really wish he hadn’t made it obvious that I was here. I was just hoping no one would really notice me in all honesty. 

“So how were the two hours of torture with Ry? Grueling, exhausting?” He joked around with me, setting a bag of his own down to help me up. I chuckled a bit, shaking my head, “It was fun…” The quietest whisper I could manage. 

Lucky rolled his eyes laughing, “Wanna help me put these away for later? You are staying for movie night, right?” I nodded my head, following him into the elevator and walking in through the same human-sized door from before. Except this time the lamps were automatically turned on and you could see light under both of the bedroom doors. One was a dark blue and the other a light pink. Now I could tell who’s was who’s 

I opened the bag, seeing a mini box of popcorn packets plus some boxes of candy and gummy bears which I was guessing were Angela’s. 

“Oh yeah, we didn’t know what kind you liked so we just grabbed whatever.” Lucky had said, putting away the box of popcorn and grabbing a couple drinks, stuffing them in the fridge. 

“‘We’?”  

“Hm? Oh yeah. Everyone knows you’re here. Dylan, Angela, and I picked out some snacks that you might like. Jasmine and Isabelle helped out with drinks. It was a team effort really.” Lucky shrugged his shoulders. Oh. Now that just made me feel so much more worse. They all picked out something for me and I only had a present for Angela? That seemed unfair, but how could I have even bought them anything if… never mind. It’ll be okay. Though, I don’t like this news that everyone knew I was here. It kind of made me even more anxious and scared at the same time. 

I helped put some of the candy boxes in the cabinets, while also doing a secret task of locating all of the ingredients for brownies, which they surprisingly did have. So I could just make them while they were all getting ready for the movie and I could sneak these in. Who knows, maybe I could actually make a good first impression? 

“You… d-don’t mind if I make something… right?” I asked Lucky cautiously. He shook his head with a smile, “Go for it.” He leaned against the counter as I grabbed a bowl and some other things. I would make cookies but they didn’t have chocolate chips. 

I was about to pour the mix into a pan to bake before I heard voices outside that sounded like the one girl that didn’t sound too happy, and another one that sounded like she was a kid. 

“Okay. Go tell Lucky to set your shower up, Angel.” Wow. She sounded nothing like she did before. But I guess that was a good thing. Now I didn’t have to worry as much. Nope. Still worried. 

The human sized door opened, revealing a little girl who had curly, black hair that was to her shoulders and wearing a Dora The Explorer backpack. I was guessing this was Angela. So was she adopted too? I wouldn’t be surprised. 

“Luckyyy. Jasmine told me to tell you to set my shower.” She ran up to Lucky, her arms out like she wanted a hug. Which Lucky happily gave to her. I quickly finished pouring the batter in and shoved it in the oven before Lucky caught onto what I was making. He was already asking questions. 

“Alright, just give me a second.” Lucky left the room while Angela stumbled into her room and came back out without her back pack and ran up to me, “What’s your name?” Lucky in the background smiled and gave me a thumbs up while grabbing some clothes for her.  

“Nathan. And you’re Angela?” I laughed, looking to my backpack. I still had that stuffed animal to give her. But would she even like it? Because I was afraid if she didn’t she might tell everyone else and then I’d all be on their bad side which would be the exact opposite of what I wanted. I was trying to make friends here because apparently everyone thinks they can help me. 

“Cool!” She excitedly hugged me, and I couldn’t help but jump at the sudden embrace. It felt warm. And nice. Even if this was coming from some little kid who was only in, what, kindergarten? I hesitantly hugged her back, seeing as she just giggled and let go. I forgot how much I missed physical contact. 

“Hey, your brother, Ryker, told me about you. Soooo I bought you a little gift.” I reached for my bag, pulling out the little panda stuffed animal. She gasped, grabbing the stuffed animal from my hands and hugging it tightly in her arms. 

“I’m gonna name her… Livvy! Thank you!” She giggled, running over to her room as I noticed Lucky smiling by the doorway like I had just done some kind of surprising act. Was I not supposed to get her anything? She seemed to love it. Especially with the way she named it so fast. Livvy was a nice name though. 

Angela was taking a bath, and Lucky hadn’t stopped teasing me about the panda. But otherwise everything was going great. What I had thought would be a big mistake was actually a great success. 

“You bought her something and not me? Favoritism is apparently a thing.” Lucky teased as I waited for the brownies to be done. Just another five minutes but I doubt lucky wouldn’t let me hear the end of it. 

“Not favoritism. Plus, I’m making something for both of you right now.” I laughed softly, taking out my phone and not seeing anything from my mom. It’s been almost four hours… Maybe now I should call her? Yeah. I quickly called her, hearing it ring a couple times before she finally picked up sounding tired and out of breath. 

“Everything all right sweetie?” She asked, catching her breath. 

“Oh um, y-yeah. I was just calling to see if you were okay.” Lucky left the room, mouthing to me that he’ll be right back while pointing to his room and I nodded. 

“Oh yes! I’m sorry, Honey. I meant to call earlier but it’s just so busy right now. I’ve been running around the place like a lunatic,” She laughed, “How’s everything going? Are you coming home by nine?” 

“It’s going good. Nothing too crazy. Also, they wanted me to stay a while longer for a movie. Is that okay? I should be home around ten.” 

“That’s great! Of course you can stay a little while longer. Just make sure to eat something, okay? I’ve got to go, but I love you so much, be safe, love you.” There was a lot of confusion in the background on her side of the call before she hung up. 

The timer for the brownies went off as soon as she did. I took them out, letting them cool down before cutting them into even slices. I just hoped they would like them. Or that they didn’t mind that I did this. Would they? That wold not be good if I wasn’t supposed to do that. We’ll find out when I get out of here. I had no idea what they were doing, but I heard Ryker talking to someone. Most likely the girl from before. 

“Boo.” I physically jumped, nearly falling over. Lucky snuck behind me, snickering the entire time as he tried his hardest to catch his breath. That was a bit much. I may or may not have overreacted. Probably the latter seeing as I was still visibly trembling. It took me a couple breaths to get back to normal, but it was alright afterward. 

Lucky snagged a brownie from the pan before they entirely cooled down, burning his mouth as he bit into it. We were both laughing as I grabbed a cold water to give to him. Just to keep the heat down. I wasn’t a medical expert like my mom on these things. 

“So worth it,” Lucky had cheered before taking another bite, “These are amazing. Where’d you learn to bake like this?” He happily took another bite. Did I really have to answer that question? What was I even supposed to say? ‘Oh yeah I learned how to bake from a mental hospital.’ I can’t just say that! I can’t say school either, and my mom doesn’t like baking so if he ever met her… 

“A secret.” I nervously laughed. Truth is, they used to teach me how to cook and bake in the mental hospital before I came here. I would just tweak the recipes a bit to make them tastier. Like more brown sugar in cookies to make them taste more sweet. Or add a little of coffee in brownies to make it taste like there’s more chocolate. Just a little things here and there. It keeps me calm instead of being scared like I was right now. 

“Angel will love these. So would Ryker if he could eat them. He has a sweet tooth.” Lucky grabbed another one from the pan shrugging his shoulders. Maybe I’ll just give Ryker the recipe then? It seemed like the best option honestly. I didn’t mind if he had it either. As long as I could pay him back for everything he’s done up to this point. I was actually having a great time here. Even if I haven’t been around anyone new besides Angela. 

After Angela was done with her bath, Lucky rushed me out the door where it was actually kind of quiet. Maybe because no one besides Ryker and another younger girl were in the living room. Angela went back inside the room to quickly grab something, which was Livvy, before slowly running over to the girl who was sitting down in the middle of the carpet wearing a pair of purple sweatpants and an over-sized shirt. She looked a older than Angela, and of course taller since she was a giant. He hair was a just a little bit wet as we she was playing with little building blocks. 

“Isabelleeee. Whatcha building?” Angela ran over, walking around what seemed to be the base of whatever Isabelle was building. I had no idea, but I was terrified. Giants were one thing when they were an adult, but kids had always scared me the most. I still remember being forced to be put in those over-sized clothes while also being thrown around like some rag doll. So yeah, I think I have a pretty valid reason to be terrified and currently hiding behind Lucky. 

“What’s wrong?” Lucky had asked, turning around and taking me out of view as I everything in my body threatened to shut down this very moment. Was that what Isabelle would do to me? Make me some kind of doll to play with? A pet. I shuddered, remembering all those times I came back to my parents with black bruises all over my body. Bleeding sometimes. 

“You’re… scared of Isabelle?” Lucky had asked, looking at what I was staring at. Isabelle was giggling with Angela as they finished building whatever it was they were making, but those images wouldn’t leave my mind. It won’t happen here, right? They won’t let anything happen? 

“Wait. That’s why you ran away that day! You’re scared of giants!” Lucky whisper yelled, trying to get me back to reality. I really did try to calm myself down. Really, really hard. It did end up working, but at a cost. Lucky figured out why I ran. Why I was so terrified to be around giants. Why I couldn’t even talk around them. He wouldn’t tell though, right? He will. 

“D-don’t tell th-them. I-I’m trying to get used to it.” I stuttered in as quiet a voice as I could manage. Lucky gave a smile, “I wasn’t planning on it. I kind of figured it out the first time you ran away.” 

I wasn’t really expecting that. I thought he was going to go around screaming that I was some kind of scaredy cat. That would be embarrassing I might just drop out of school so I didn’t have to deal with him constantly teasing me. I’m glad it didn’t come to that. 

Lucky told me to keep my eyes on the ground as he guided me to wherever we were going. I wasn’t really paying attention, but I’m pretty sure it was towards Ryker. Not that I minded. He was the one I was the most used to anyways. Stick to the plan. Stay with Ryker and Lucky. Nothing bad could go wrong. 

“Ry!” Lucky yelled for his attention. Ryker yawned, letting a hand down as Lucky climbed on, helping me up seeing as I was much weaker and short than himself. I was grateful for the help, but also confused at the sudden change. Why was he helping me instead of making fun of me? It seemed so unreal. 

“Did you need something?” Ryker asked, yawning again while offering his hand on the arm of the couch. He really looked like he needed some sleep. I stepped off his hand, but Lucky stayed on. Ryker raised an eyebrow while Lucky stuck his tongue out. Was this like some kind of sibling telepathy going on? I don’t know. But obviously Ryker was the one to give in first, letting Lucky onto his shoulder while holding his head up with one of his hands and closing his eyes. How could Lucky do that? I couldn’t be that close. I’d freak out. 

“When are we gonna start the movie?” Lucky had asked, making himself comfortable. I was alright with just sitting here. Even if it was an insane height away from the ground. I just have to ignore that part. 

“When I feel like it.” Ryker responded, a smirk on his face as Lucky playfully kicked him. Yup. I would not have the courage to do that. Even if I knew that Ryker wouldn’t care. Since he obviously doesn’t. But they were siblings. It’s different. Ryker and I were only friends. At least that’s what I’d like to think we are. 

Another person walked into the living room. He was tall with light brown hair like mine, wearing a long-sleeve t-shirt with some grey sweatpants. I was guessing his name was Dylan? I’ve heard his name being thrown around once or twice. I was piecing together who was who. There were a lot of people to memorize. It was weird how he has so many siblings and I had none. No… weird wasn’t the word for it. More like it was… nice? Amazing? I’ll figure it out eventually. 

“So we’re just waiting on Jasmine then?” Dylan groaned taking a seat on the other side of the couch, turning on the tv and putting on Bluey, to which the two girls happily grabbed a blanket and snuggled up with each other to watch it. Wow. That was oddly sweet. 

“Yeah.” Ryker replied, holding his hand out for Lucky. He happily climbed on as Ryker passed him on to Dylan. They had teased each other for a good while before Dylan had glanced in my direction, flashing a smile. No doubt there that Lucky had told him something. I did a sad little wave before hearing them go back to the teasing. I looked back to Ryker, who just seemed out of it. I had no idea what had happened while I was in that other room, but obviously he’s been tired all day. The weird part is that no one here seemed to really question him. Was he okay? Was I making him do something he didn’t want to do? Was I the problem? 

I really hate my overthinking. 

A couple minutes later, a girl had walked in wearing a sweater and a tank top with her hair in a wet bun. I was guessing that one was Jasmine. The only name left on the board. Ryker pulled out his phone, checking whatever before standing up and walking over to his room. Leaving me alone with everyone. It’s just for a couple minutes. What could happen? Nothing. Hopefully. 

What was only a couple minutes stretched on for what seemed like hours. Jasmine was now sitting on the floor next to Isabelle, watching Bluey with them. Dylan and Lucky were playing a game on their phones. I felt pretty naked at the moment and I couldn’t exactly get down from here without help. 

I stood up, looking for a way down and sadly not finding any. I made my way back to where I was, seeing Ryker come back with some money in hand and, as if on cue, a knock on the door. Right. Pizza. I wasn’t all too hungry honestly, but I already know my mom would get really mad at me if she found out I didn’t eat. 

Everyone had started moving all at once, making my anxiety grow. Ryker set the boxes on the coffee table in the middle, opening it up and handing out plates for everyone. 

“So we’re all fine watching Up, right?” Ryker asked, putting the disc in and standing up. I had instinctively scooted all the way back into the back of the couch. A safe distance from everyone. 

Everyone answered Ryker with a yes, while he left one more time. Probably for the popcorn. I was guessing he left with Lucky too since Dylan wasn’t talking or laughing at the moment. So I was really left alone now. I paid more attention to the movie playing, trying to ignore that I was just left alone with people I barely even knew. Please be back soon. I told myself. Just to prevent me from having a panic attack at the moment. 

Ryker walked back in the room with a bowl of popcorn, and carrying Lucky in his other hand. He sat back down next to me, flashing a smile before offering a hand. I climbed on, never so happy to be in a giant’s hand before. What? I didn’t know anyone here besides Lucky and Ryker. What would I do if they just wanted to talk to me? I wouldn’t be able to. Then they’d really be questioning me. Then they’d be mad at me… 

Ryker set me down on the coffee table where Angela and Lucky both were. I was guessing he wanted me to eat too. Weird. He’s the complete opposite of my captors. 

I only ate one slice, but at least it was something. Lucky told me to grab another since I was already extremely skinny, but I didn’t. I was honestly having a pretty nice time. I mean, without having to interact with any of his other siblings was nice, but I’m pretty sure Dylan was going to ask or introduce himself to me soon. Jasmine I didn’t know, and Isabelle was a different story, but if I can manage it without talking, then that’d be great. 

I checked my phone for the time, reading nine thirty. We were barely halfway through the movie. I did say ‘around’ though. Plus, my mom doesn’t get home till around midnight. I’d say I still had time. At least that’s what I thought before she had called me. 

“Mom?” I whispered, standing up and walking away from Lucky. 

“Honey, are you still at your friends house?” She had asked, sounding very, very serious. She’s never sounded like that unless something bad happened. This can’t be good. 

“Y-yes. Why?” Ryker glance in my direction, looking from me to the tv and offering a hand and pointed to the hallway. I climbed on, wondering why he was going through all this work for me. But, at the moment, I was more focused on what my mom was freaking out about. 

“Okay, honey, this is going to sound crazy, but can you ask your friend if you can stay the night?” The world stopped as she said the words. This was crazy. I wasn’t expecting that. What happened? Why didn’t she want me to go home? Seriously. Ryker open the door to his room, and turned on a dim lamp, setting me down on the desk. 

“W-why?” My voice was a little shaky, but otherwise soft and clear. Ryker couldn’t hear what I was saying anyways. 

“There’s another riot happening and I don’t want you anywhere near it. So could you please ask to stay the night? I don’t want to see you hurt.” There was a big commotion happening wherever she was at. 

I glanced up to Ryker, who had a worried face on, “S-sure, Mom.” 

“Thank you. I love you, please be safe.” 

She hung up again. Oh. This was bad. Really, really bad. Now I had to stay here? Overnight? Does she realize what she’s going to make me do? This was crazy. Could I even do this? I didn’t know. What happens when they say no? What if they just kick me out? Leave me outside while there’s a crazy mob that wants to practically murder humans? What happens then? What if- 

“Everything… okay?” Ryker softly asked me. Physically? Yes. Mentally? No. I couldn’t even talk to him. How would he even reply if I couldn’t even bring it up to him? I’d just have to force myself. Even if I didn’t want to stay here. Even if he says no. 

I took a deep breath, preparing myself, “Th-there’s a-a-a riot… a-and my mom d-doesn’t want me t-to go home. Sh-she wants me t-t-t-…” I winced, seeing that his full attention was on me, “T-to stay h-here overnight. I-Is that… O-okay?” I flinched, waiting for some kind of laugh to come out, or some kind of punishment for asking him anything like that. But nothing came. 

“Of course? You think I’d say no?” He nervously asked, “Is your mom okay though? You looked kind of worried.” He asked. I nodded, feeling drained from they day. 

“That’s good. But, yeah, of course you can stay here. I’ll just tell Lucky to get you a blanket and some things. Sound good?” He smiled softly. I smiled back, my knees nearly giving out on me, “Thank you.” 

His palm was laid out flat, but I still had a hard time climbing on without help. That went much better than expected. It’s just that my brain makes everything so much more worse than it needs to be. I’m really grateful that things never go according to my brain. So glad. So, I did the exact opposite of what my mind had been telling me the past two weeks. 

I hugged Ryker’s thumb (Or what I could of his thumb), trying to hide the tears that escaped my eyes. Maybe it really was time to give life one more chance.

—————————

And here’s the long awaited chapter!

If you couldn’t already tell by reading, I absolutely love the trope where one partner has a ton of siblings and the other is an only child. Sooo that’s where all of the siblings come in!

We’re almost at the part I can’t wait to write, so trust me when I say there will be more interactions for Nathan and Ryker. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions either! I love answering!

Thanks you for reading! Love you guys ❤️

[jadewritesficshere]

The boy is mine (Jade's edition)

Eddie Munson x Reader

Summary: Eddie has a plan for a romantic night, but things go awry (2k words)

Contents: Anxiety, Eddie is self deprecating, hurt/comfort (kinda), no gendered terms for reader except mention that their hand is smaller then Eddie's and reader is called beautiful, a literal fire (please look up fire safety), fluff

A/N: So I saw this the first day it was posted and I thought it was a fun idea and saved the prompt by @carolmunson. I've been writing this for a bit,, but like I have had such bad mental fog and generalized pain recently I have been having a hard time focusing...I think I kind of misinterpreted the rules a bit...so here is sad lump of a contribution. Call me Stitch the way I am telling myself "it may be little and broken but still good".

18+ only

The night had started well, at least Eddie thought it had. He promised you a romantic night in. He even prepped for it.

Eddie rented sappy love movies, getting advice by Harrington and Buckley surprisingly. Harrington stated flowers were the way to go, but then started arguing with Buckley. While entertaining, Eddie learned more about the languages of romance from Buckley then he did about romantic gifts. But he wrote down to get flowers.

So he watched the movies. And Eddie was high paid a lot of attention and basically learned to make a grand speech. Big pour out your heart moment. Which, he felt he always talked your ear off, so he could totally do.

Eddie then read those magazines all the cheerleaders gossiped and giggled over. He didn't learn much except some tips for the best kiss. Cup the person's cheek and lean in slowly. Build the suspense. Eddie could do that.

Give you flowers. Make a speech. Cup your cheek as he kisses you. Eddie had this in the bag! Each point written in his little notebook.

And then the reality of you coming to his trailer hit him when you called to confirm the date was still on that morning. He hung up the phone after flirting a bit and looked around his house. Nerves flooded his system as he looked at it with the perspective of an outsider. He didn't want it to look bad. And it was, well, it wasn't bad but definitely could be cleaner.

So Eddie had vacuumed and dusted the entire trailer. Tossed empty pizza boxes in the trash. Sprayed some cologne around the trailer to cover the scent of weed, then cursed himself for using the expensive cologne when there was a bottle of air freshener in the bathroom.

Had picked up his clothes scattered across his room and shoved them all, clean and dirty, into the closet. Had made sure his bed had more then one pillow, grabbing spare throw pillows and tossing them towards the headboard. Even if he didn't think there was a chance you would enter his bedroom tonight, he wanted to be prepared.

Eddie had even started dinner before you arrived. An easy roast that Wayne had made hundreds of times. Thrown meat, potatoes, onions, and carrots into the pot, seasoned it and thrown it all in the oven.

It was newer, this thing between you, and he wanted to get it all right. You'd been friends for years, just recently evolved into dating. It was easy to hold your hand and throw an arm around your shoulder before, stealing those small intimate moments and pretending it meant something more. But now it does mean more. Truly, it always had, but neither of you had said anything. Because like usual, Eddie was the coward and ran.

He spent what felt like minutes (it had been hours) looking back at the notes, the plan. He had even sketched some pictures of you and him as he studied. Gave himself some sweet new tattoos and piercings and muscles while you had hearts around your head. By the time he stopped rereading the same points over and over again, he realized you would be there within the hour.

And he already failed the first point, flowers. It had completely spaced him what with the studying, but he had other things he had been wanting to give you so he figured he could wing it. He rehearsed everything in his mind, having various conversations with you. He would take your coat, be charming as ever, and you would fall for him even more then you already had.

But the plan immediately left his mind when you had arrived. Eddie could feel his face flush as his eyes trailed up and down your figure. All the rushing thoughts in his head suddenly stopped. All he could think was Damn, how'd I get so lucky?

"You're beautiful." Eddie mumbled in awe as you had shrugged off your coat. And then you smiled and Eddie realized he had messed up the plan. He thought he had went through every variable but he hadn't. It wasn't you that was going to fall more in love with him tonight, but Eddie was going to fall more in love with you.

Eddie twirled a piece of hair around his finger, unable to meet your eyes. His heart was beating wildly in his chest and his palms were begin to sweat. He couldn't help but shift from foot to foot. "Oh I uh....got you something," Eddie smiled and turned to leave before hesitating and motioning to the couch," You can uh sit...or stand, standing is good too! I'll be right back."

Eddie cursed himself the whole time he walked away because of how stupid he was. He could stage elaborate campaigns but couldn't seem to form a single sentence in your presence. Eddie grabbed the gift off his dresser and inhaled slowly, mentally yelling at himself to be cool for once in his life.

And faltered in his steps.

Because you were sat on the couch. Not just on the edge of the cushion like those who he dealt to who couldn't wait to get out of his presence. No, you were fully relaxed into the cushion. You looked comfortable. You looked like you belonged.

And Eddie couldn't squash the butterflies that took flight in his stomach. And he sat on the cushion next to you, fighting the urge to wrap you in his arms and hold you close.

"I got you this," Eddie declared as he handed you a rock. A small, smooth stone that fit in the palm of your hand. Your mouth parted but no words came out. Eddie bit his lip as you slowly turned the stone over in your hands, staring at it.

"I saw it and I thought, well, I thought of you and it matches your eyes and-" Eddie huffed out a laugh and shook his head," Sorry, it's stupid just give it back."

Eddie moved to grab it out of your hand but you slapped at his arm and clenched the stone in your hand. "No, it's mine!" You held your hand to your chest and glared at him. "It's stupid," Eddie looked down. "It is not." "It is!"

"Are you serious? If you don't stop we're gonna have a problem. This is the most thoughtful thing anyone has ever done for me." You beamed at him. Joy and adoration written clearly across your face. Eddie slowly grinned back as you dared to open your palm and look at the stone again. "My precious," you wiggled your eyebrows at him, making him bark out a laugh as he relaxed.

"Let's save a ring for a later date." He joked, even as his mind raced. You quoted Lord of the Rings! You were sitting on his couch holding a rock he thought was the same shade as your eyes and you liked it!! He was done for. Completely head over heels fallen for you. Said he would never marry yet here he was planning his vows and everything.

"Seriously, Eddie, this is so sweet." Your hand grasped his. Your hand was smaller then his, fitting perfectly. Fingers interlocked hesitantly and then more surely. Eddie's eyes fell to your lips. Your tongue darted out slightly and wet them. And he started to lean in.

The air was thick, and not just with the tension, the anticipation. Your lips were milliseconds to coming in contact with his when Eddie's nose twitched as he caught a familiar scent. Your lips landed on Eddie's cheek as he turned so quickly to face the kitchen he gave himself whiplash.

Thick smoke started to waft out of the room. "Oh fuck!" He jumped up as the smoke detector finally started doing its job and screeched out an annoying beep. Eddie ran into the kitchen with you hot on his heels.

Eddie opened the oven door, smoke billowing out," SHITshitshit-" Eddie cursed as he slammed the door shut, coughing slightly. Your hand reached past him to shut off the oven before darting over to the window and throwing it open.

Eddie's eyes darted to the sink below the window. Stop, drop, and roll- wait no that was if you were on fire. But water beats fire in almost every scenario, right? Except oil, shit did he add oil? No, he didn't add anything except the food and the seasoning so it should all be good right?

"Stand back!" Eddie yells over the screeching alarm. Grabbing the pot holders, he throws the oven door open. Smoke billows past him as he makes a mad dash for the pot, grasping the handles and throwing it in the sink. He throws the faucet on, water pouring over the burnt food and pot.

Steam billows up with smoke, mingling in the air before flowing out the window. A hissing sound from the cool water hitting the hot pot fills the air. You fan the flames towards the open window. "Oh fuck." You cough as your eyes fill with tears from the smoke. Eddie winces as flurried apologies fall from his lips.

The pot, not on fire at least, starts to lessen up on producing smoke. Eddie deems it safe to leave and grabs your hand, dragging you outside. His hands on your shoulders guide you to sit on the steps as you continue to intermittently cough. Eddie rushes back into the kitchen, double checking that the oven was off, and quickly grabs a mug holding it under the still running faucet.

Eddie rushes back outside to you, almost missing the step and face planting. And wouldn't that have been the icing on the cake. Would that make Eddie or the embarrassment of faceplanting be the vanilla frosting? Who even created that saying? Cake was good and this was not good. Eddie shook his head of these thoughts as he sank down on the step next to you.

Eddie hands you the mug of water. You drink it in big gulps, a small dribble of water falling out of the side of your mouth towards your chin. Eddie wipes it away with his thumb as he apologizes," I am so sorry, I don't even know what happened."

"Is this Garfield?" You peer at the mug, as if Eddie almost didn't kill you. "Uh yeah, was in a rush, sorry I didn't grab like a nicer cup. I just ran out...to you..." "Don't apologize, I like Garfield," you mumble taking another drink of the water.

"Are you okay?" Eddie asks, hands running up and down your shoulders, eyes checking you over. "Think I hacked up a lung from all the smoke...," you rub your sternum," Man, my lungs do not like smoke...and you like that?" Eddie let out a nervous laugh," Yeah no sorry, only when its weed. Never really inhaled a straight fire before."

You look up into Eddie's eyes that are full of concern. "Well, I'd recommend like not doing that. But I'm okay, it startled me more then anything," You give a soft smile. "You sure?" "Positive." You knock his shoulder with yours.

Eddie's eyes search your figure, ensuring you aren't lying to him. You ignore him, opting to set the mug down on the ground. Fingers brushing against a dandelion, yellow and bright. You pluck it from the ground and twirl it between your fingers.

You're okay. You're holding a dandelion and you're okay. You aren't acting like you hate him. You aren't making excuses and leaving. You aren't leaving like everyone else-

Eddie's shoulders relax as the tension leaves his body. You're okay. Your relationship is okay. He didn't ruin everything. You're smiling at a fucking dandelion while his heart feels like it has run a marathon.

You're oblivious to his plight as you lean over and tuck the dandelion behind his ear," Maybe don't smoke that. Looks pretty on you." "Not that kind of weed." "Yeah dumb joke sorry."

A slow exhale escapes him as he shakes his head,"No it's good I'm just," Eddie waves his hand in front of him," like what the fuck just happened? I am never cooking again. I'll just take you to Enzo's. I fucked up. Sorry for ruining the date."

Your hand cupped his cheek as you ducked down to meet his eyes," Hey, no. You didn't ruin the date." Eddie rolls his eyes slightly," Almost killing you? Yeah, pretty sure i ruined it." You bump your knee against Eddie's, "it's not ruined and you didn't almost kill me. Small food fire, happens to everyone. I lit popcorn on fire once. Besides, if you did happen to kill me, at least I would have died happy and in love. And you'd be stuck with me cause ghost me is absolutely haunting you."

Eddie can't help but laugh slightly," Oh? You think you'd be a ghost and not get another chance at life? Be reincarnated or whatever?" "Well, even if I was reincarnated, I'd find you again."

Eddie scoffs, "C'mon, don't say that.. That's not even true, you'd totally be able to move on. You wouldn't need little old me." You grab his face and peer into his eyes," Eddie Munson, I will always need you. In this life and whatever happens after. You and me? We're it. Maybe it should be too soon to say, but I feel it in my bones. You're it for me Eddie. Together now, forever, and when everything ceases to exist we'll be in nothing together. I will always be with you because I will always love you."

You lean in and Eddie thinks his heart stops. Your hand holding his cheek in place, thumb lightly brushing back and forth. His eyes flutter shut as your lips finally touch his. It was soft and sweet, lips slowly parting and melding together in a dance that sent shivers down Eddie's spine. He sighed into the kiss as you leaned closer into each other. Your hands threading through his hair, his wrapping around your waist. Lips moving in tandem, tongues darting out tentatively.

You only part when you both are gasping for air. Soft smiles and longing glances shared as the sun sets. "I love you too." Eddie traces your cheekbone with his finger. "You better." You joke. Your combined giggles fill the air as you continue to steal kisses from each other.

The night may not have been the most romantic. Or gone to plan, like, at all. But it was one Eddie already knew that when he thought about he would be able to feel his heart swell with love. And as he kissed you Eddie thought, yeah you were it for him.

[gothsuguru]

KAIRO . YOUR FUCKING WIPS GOOD GOD 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 ohhhhh narrowing them down was so tough but …… i neeeeeed to know more (read: all) about i hope i don’t murder me; i hope i don’t burden you + you should let me ride shotgun + belladonna ……. (THERAPIST!JAKU. need them to corrupt me . who said that)

(alsooooo i love you <3 hope you eat a big nice tasty breakfast with your fav beverage to boot :333)

ARI MY PRECIOUS ANGELMOUSE <333 TYSM FOR THE ASK AND ALSO MFNDNDND the way i KNEW you would ask about therapist dilfjaku 🤭 that one is a arikenkairo special for REAL <333 at least in theory :3

i hope i don’t murder me; i hope i don’t burden you:

THIS IS THE PROFESSOR!GETO X HEAVENLY RESTRICTED!READER ONE HEHE i’m so excited to resume writing this omfg… the title is based off a lyric from “the beach” by the neighbourhood <3 i’m genuinely very intrigued to explore a version of suguru that hasn’t defected but that’s still so… filled w guilt & shame & anger? like in the beginning of the fic it’ll be them all as high schoolers and then it’ll be them as adults and i’m so excited to show the dichotomy of suguru — the stark similarities/differences between young & older geto!

i haven’t really decided yet how it would be when the two meet at jjk high………. i think in general it’s very bittersweet like suguru is hit w freight train of nostalgia and also… just overwhelming shame. and then ofc reader may feign a casual façade but i think they feel so hurt and also responsible for suguru leaving? even though it’s not their fault? idk i’m just interested in exploring that relationship and how suguru’s past actions would inform their future!

you should let me ride shotgun:

RAHHHHHH THIS ONE IS SO FUN AND SILLY IN MY BRAIN :3 a mix of a crackfic and fluff and action but also oddly bittersweet? rich bratty gojo will always be a beloved of mine and i think him annoying his new bodyguard is so fun to think abt… everyone has always left the gojo’s bc their son is just soooooo . bratty and disrespectful and loud and always pushes people’s buttons for his own enjoyment! that is… until he meets READER… who’s just soooooo amused. their vibe is like a constantly amused kenjaku <3 fond, finds him a lil pathetic but he’s cute so he gets a pass, and more than anything i wanna make sure the bodyguard isn’t too serious 😭 need them to be an enabler so bad hehe

(also v excited to explore the bittersweetness of it all too… gojo pushing others away before they can leave him……….. DELICIOUS)

belladonna:

this one is so 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫 dilfjaku with a tight black turtleneck, reading glasses, one leg swung over the other as he rests his temples on his fingers………. gulps. need him to look at me like i’m his prey bc he wants to eat me WHO SAID THAT……… ANYWAYS! this is actually gonna be a smut fic so i will try my hardest to make it sensual and fucked up <3 i don’t know yet if i want reader to be his patient or if he’s just a dilf w a therapist occupation and reader comes by as his intern…… office siren!kenjaku perhaps…….. idk………… need both of us to be sent to HR is all i’m gonna say <333 belladonna is another word for “deadly nightshade” (also a name for this fic that i’m waffling on either one lmk which is better bestie 🙂‍↕️) and i think it works so well for kenjaku… need him to corrupt and manipulate reader but lil does he know they love it <3

i haven’t thought out reader’s personality or anything yet i just know they’re down horrendous and their life goal is to look up at kenjaku while resting their head on his lap………. (also kenny’s life goal… he wants to pat their head and have them look up at him soooooo baddddd) ANYWAYS I’M SO EXCITED TO WRITE THESE FICS HEHE TYSM FOR ASKING ABT THEM ARI :3 MWAH

[hollythius]

♬ : this is my first alhaitam work, and…genshin work actually. wowie! anyways this is late for his bday but…sir here is your present <3

♬ : alhaitam x reader, soft mornings in the library ;) non gendered reader, reader is a wee bit flirtatious, reader is good at giving massages, alhaitam is SO. OBLIVIOUS, they kiss at the end…happy early valentine’s!!!

the morning is a perfect mix of sweet warmth and cool wind. you’re sat next to an open window, the sun bleeding through and onto the many leaves of the plants around you. a soft breeze travels in, enough to ruffle your hair and cool you down. you’re shaded from the hot sumeru sun by one of the many, many large and leafy trees that surround the library. you hum as you take in the scenery.

with your gaze locked outside of the window, you don’t realize the grand sage’s sudden appearance. he holds a book in one hand and a stack of papers in the other. he clears his throat. “y/n?”

“alhaitam!” you grin, turning to face him. the weathered book you were once reading was left discarded on the table. “here, let me get those.”

he lets you take half of the stack of paperwork, your hands brushing his arm in the process. his normally calculated movements stutter for a split second, but to his eternal relief you don’t seem to notice.

“so, what brings you to my side of the library?” you say, referencing the special cove you’d carved out for yourself in this tiny nook of the library.

you, alhaitam wishes to say, you’ve drawn me here. but instead he stays silent, choosing to sit opposite you at your small table. he picks up a pen, dipping it into a vial of ink. you frown as he begins his paperwork.

“no small talk?” you inquire, and alhaitam sighs.

“how are you this fine morning?” he asks, and it sounds so forced that you giggle.

“i’m alright. a bit lonely, but it seems you’ve solved that.”

and it happens again. alhaitam’s brain can’t take this torture! what are you doing to him? his chest feels so tight and his heart is beating so hard that he’s afraid that you’ll hear it.

“i suppose i felt a little lonely too,” he starts quietly. “so i came to see you.”

“what was that?” you tease. “i couldn’t hear you.”

“i- i said i was lonely too, so i came up to the library. to see you.” alhaitam is rarely flustered, even around you, and this new side of him makes you feel delightful and giddy. it’s taken so long to become his friend, and now you start to think he’s finally catching on that you both could be something more. but you don’t pressure him. instead, you push him along with small displays of affection and all the teasing he can handle.

“aw, you climbed all those stairs just for me? that’s so sweet of you, haitam.” you watch closer this time, seeing the way his eyes widen just a bit.

there’s really no way alhaitam can explain it away when he told you himself that he came to the library just for a visit, so he returns to his paperwork. you take a page off of the top of the stack, beginning on one of his reports.

you feel his gaze on you before he clears his throat. “you don’t have to do my paperwork for me; you should go back to reading. i don’t want you to stress over it.”

“what if i want to help you out? the great sage certainly has a lot on his plate.” you stand up, quietly pushing your chair in. you grab the sheet of paper, walking over to where alhaitam is sitting.

“that would be…most appreciated,” he grunts out. you stand behind him, placing your paper on the top of the stack. your hands move to rest on his shoulders and his gaze snaps up towards you. “what are you doing?”

“i thought i’d help like this,” you say, beginning to rub the tension out of his shoulders. “i’ve never been particularly good at paperwork anyway. isn’t this more useful?”

“ah,” he nods. you can tell he’s a mix of embarrassed and eager, and you happily indulge him. “you’re quite good at that.”

“you really think so? you’re so kind.”

meanwhile, alhaitam was dying. or at least he thought he was. his face was so hot, his hands were clammy, and he couldn’t even focus on his work anymore. he could feel his pulse throughout his body, and it was far too fast for his liking. what kind of enchantment was this?

your hands made quick work of the built up tension in alhaitam’s toned shoulders before you got to work on his back. you felt the man quiver as your hands moved lower.

“everything okay?”

alhaitam has a look of uneasiness, his face a cute shade of pink and his eyes determined.

“how do you do that?” he demands. you’re surprised at his tone. he’s never spoken so forcefully before.

“do what? the massaging? i guess i’m just naturally—”

“no. not that.” he stands, taking your hand and placing it on his chest. his heart is pounding. “this. how are you making me feel this way?”

you’re taken aback by his sudden confidence. “uhh- i don’t know.”

“well i don’t know either!” he splutters, his face so close to yours now. his voice softens, and his face is dusted with a hint of blush. “i…i don’t hate it though…”

his sharp eyes look into yours, searching for something that might not even be there. but alhaitam finds it, and his lips clash into yours.

it’s soft at first— definitely inexperienced and juvenile in execution —but it’s special nonetheless. his hand rests on your hip, and he leans in at an angle so that he can press against you even further. you break away to breathe, and then dive right back in. alhaitam isn’t the best kisser, but the sensation is damn near addicting.

when both of you finally part, you’re panting and a little lightheaded. and from the looks of it, so is alhaitam. you press your forehead against his, smiling. he looks confused.

“what was that? can you do it again?”

copyright: hollythius. do NOT repost or reupload.

[pixispracticingwriting]

Masked - Kazui Mukuhara x Male!Deputy!Y/N

AN: having a shitty night rn and because Kazui has become such a comfort character of mine so this is just self indulgement. But also the fact there are barely any milgram fics or hc’s, I’m just gonna take the role of writing it.

Warning: fluff and also just some smoking

As usual, you put on your tough mask for today as another day has arrived in MILGRAM. Your job is to keep the prisoners in check while Es was off duty for whatever the reason. No one questioned much though, as it was just easy to get into the roles they all were assigned to. And for you, you were the deputy to keep everyone in line.

The first couple of days, it was somewhat easy as everyone was somewhat able to get along, with small bickering here and there. Nothing bad. But the more days that went by, the more stressful it became. Fights would occassionally break out. It started small, like arguing over supplies, to then the prisoners questioning their existence within the prison. Anxiety about the results and the upcoming punishments that’s waiting upon the ones voted guilty. And as deputy, not to mention the ONLY deputy too, it was a handful. Because by the end of the day, you were human too.

But of course, the prisoner didn’t view you that way. To them, you were some form of stranger that brought them here to this odd peculiar prison. Despite you were just as same as them, except with no memories of who you were before MILGRAM. You accepted the fact tho. That in their eyes, you were some form of a strict guard that couldn’t be fully trusted. Even though it made you tired. Frustrated. Angry. You were as confused as them but you’re not allowed to question it. And sometimes all these things just gets too much. All you could do was pretend. That everything was okay.

As you leave Fuuta’s room, having a serious discussion about starting fights and causing trouble, you frustratingly slammed his door. And that was your final straw. You were simply too tired. You leaned onto the wall and slowly slid down to the floor, as you let out a soft quiet cry. All these stress was getting to you. You can’t handle it anymore. You can’t handle putting a tough face.

”Hey, are you okay?”

You jump as you hear a deep muscular voice, looking up to see Kazui looking at you with a worried look. Panicked, you quickly stood up and wiped your eyes. You cleared your throat as you asked ”why are you out of your cell? It’s already quiet hours.”

”I came out for a smoke till I heard you”, he explains. ”Are you alright, deputy?”

”I’m fine!” You clarified, making sure no tear stains were left behind on your cheeks. ”Now, if you excuse me, I’m going to check on the others. You should head beak to your cell after you’re done with your smoke.”

”Hey wait—” He said, grabbing onto your wrist, in which your instinct kicked in and kicked him off from you. ”Oof! Sorry! My bad, my bad.” He quickly apologize, letting out a chuckle. ”You shouldn’t kick an old man like that y’know.” He jokes. ”I was just .. going to ask if you wanted to have a smoke with me. Just to keep me company.”

You knew you shouldn’t. But at the same time, this was probably the first time you were being treated like a human being with feelings. And it felt … nice. ”Well?” Kazui asks. ”You’re taking the cig or not, sir deputy?”

A sigh escapes your lips as you give in. ”Alright, fine”, you spoke, defeated. Kazui gives a smile and handed you a cig in which you accepted it. You both then lean against the wall and lights up your own cigarettes. Both of you guys didn’t do much but stood there in silent, watching the smoke float up towards the ceiling. Inhaling and exhaling the smoke felt nice, a new sense og calmness washing over you. As you we calming down, Kazui took notice of it while blowing out his smoke. ”So, sir deputy”, he started, ”would you like to talk about why you were crying earlier?”

”I wasn’t crying”, you lied, not making eye contact with him. You could hear him letting out a small laugh and immedietaly turned to look at him, just to see what was funny. He noticed the quick turned and quickly gave an apologetic smile. ”Ah, sorry”, he said, ”it’s just … I don’t know, it takes one liar to recognize the other.” You raised an eyebrow towards him, and he then explains himself further. ”See, before I came here, I would constantly lie about myself.” He spoke. ”Because of how I was born, I forced myself to lie. Lie for everyone elses sake. Hurting myself in the process.”

”Then why didn’t you just start telling the truth?” You asked, now curious to hear a bit of his story. While you heard bits and pieces of their songs, you never got to fully experience them as much as Es does. Kazui saw the curiousity in your eyes and gave a saddening smile. ”I tried”, he says, ”and that’s how I’m here.”

”Oh …” You said, regretting his question. ”Sorry I didn’t mean—” ”It’s okay, you didn’t know” Kazui lets out a soft chuckle, ruffling your hair. You couldn’t help but blush slightly from this affection but it did feel nice. As he finished messing with your hair, he continued. ”But what I’m saying is don’t be like me.” He said. ”Don’t become a liar like me and tell me why you were crying earlier.”

You were about to lie again but then stopped yourself as you realized he was going to see through it. You let out a defeated sigh. ”Fine.” You spoke. ”Things have just been exhausting. And I think …” You trailed off a bit. ”I think I’m just getting stressed.”

”Then you should rest up.”

”While I let you guys wander off to god who knows where? No chance!”

”Hmm …” Kazui hums and looks around for a bit. Then he slides himself to the floor and pats next to him. ”C’mere” He said. ”Sit with me.”

You just gave him a confused look before doing so. He then reaches an arm before remembering. ”Is it okay for me to … touch you?” ”You did ruffle my hair already so—” ”Oh, right! Sorry bout that by the way.”

He then gently wraps his strong arm around your back and pulls you closer to him. Your cheeks turned pink at this sudden action. And before you could react, he started gently petting your hair. You were tense at first, not used to these kinds of affection. But after a bit, you could feel yourself getting relaxed at the soft and gentle touch. ”Mm …” You hummed softly, laying your head onto Kazui’s chest. This time it was Kazui’s turn to blush, but quickly smiles as he keeps on petting you.

”Just get some rest, deputy.” He spoke gently. ”You don’t ever have to lie to me ever again.”