#this movie's use of space and silence is breathtaking

[astromechs]

man i don't wanna hear about greta gerwig and margot robbie getting snubbed anymore. watch past lives and you'll see who REALLY got snubbed for best director and best actress nominations

[hoe4hotchner]

Can you do Aaron x Rich!old money!non-bau!reader, where the team is invited for a dinner for the first time and r’s house is elegant and luxurious and the maids set up a 3 course meal and the team is just trying really hard not to fan girl? And since r is old money she is very classy and etiquette

Elegance | [A.H]

Pairing: Aaron Hotchner x Rich fem!Reader | WC: 1k | CW: Fluff

The team wasn't sure what to expect when Hotch had mentioned his partner was hosting a dinner. He didn't talk about you much, not out of shame but out of privacy. All they knew was that you weren't in law enforcement, and from the brief mentions, you seemed poised, intelligent, and incredibly composed.

When the team arrived at your estate — because this wasn't just a house, it was an estate, several times larger than Rossi's mansion — they were stunned into silence. The wrought-iron gates had opened to reveal a long driveway lined with perfectly pruned hedges and lantern-lit trees. At the end of the drive stood your home, a stunning Georgian-style mansion that seemed to glow in the soft light from the setting sun.

Inside, it was even more breathtaking. Gleaming hardwood floors reflected the light of crystal chandeliers, and classical music played softly in the background. A maid in a newly ironed uniform greeted them at the door, offering to take their coats.

"Wow," Emily whispered to JJ as they stepped into the grand foyer. "This is like stepping into Pride and Prejudice."

"More like Downton Abbey," JJ replied, trying not to gape at the oil paintings and gold-accented details around the room.

Hotch was already waiting for them in the parlor, standing beside you. He looked utterly at ease in this space, his hand resting gently on your lower back as you greeted each of them with the kind of effortless elegance they’d only seen in old Hollywood movies.

"It’s such a pleasure to finally meet all of you," you said, your voice smooth and melodic. "Aaron speaks so highly of his team. I’m glad we could host you tonight."

When you invited them into the dining room, they nearly froze. The table was set for a three-course meal with polished silverware, fine china, and wine glasses so thin they looked like they’d shatter at a touch.

Rossi, the connoisseur of the team, leaned toward Morgan and whispered, "I’ve been to some fancy dinners, but this... this is next level."

The first course was served promptly by a small team of maids — velvety smooth soup accompanied by freshly baked bread, still warm and fragrant as it was placed in front of each of the agents. You sat at the head of the table, posture effortlessly elegant, your demeanor calm and inviting. Despite the opulence of the setting, you carried the conversation with a warmth that put them at ease. You asked about their work, their interests, and their families with a sincerity that softened even the most reserved among them. It wasn’t prying; it was a genuine curiosity wrapped in a refined charm that made each of them feel seen and valued.

"You’re very kind to host us," Reid finally said, his voice tinged with awkwardness as he fidgeted slightly with his silverware, not used to this style of dining. His gaze darted around the room, unable to fully process the splendor. "This is... beautiful."

"Thank you," you replied, offering him a gracious smile that somehow felt personal despite the formality of the setting. "This house has been in my family for generations, but Aaron and I are slowly making it our own."

Morgan, in the middle of a sip of wine, nearly choked. "Our own?" he sputtered under his breath, his sharp eyes darting toward Hotch. The words echoed in his mind, laden with implications. He glanced at Emily, who was carefully maintaining a neutral expression but raised an eyebrow in subtle acknowledgment of his reaction.

By the time dessert was served — a delicate soufflé topped with powdered sugar that the maids brought out in synchronized movements — the initial awe had faded into something more comfortable. You had a way of balancing the grandeur of your home with an approachable presence.

As the evening wound down, the glow of the chandelier cast a warm, golden light over the room. The laughter and conversation had softened into a comfortable hum, the kind that only comes from good food, good company, and a perfectly executed evening. Aaron leaned close to you, his voice low and steady, but deliberately audible enough for the team to catch. "I told you they’d like you," he said, the faintest hint of pride in his tone.

You turned to him, your smile radiating both grace and affection. With an almost imperceptible touch, your fingers brushed his hand, grounding the moment. "It’s easy to make a good impression when I’m hosting such wonderful people," you replied, your voice carrying the kind of calm sincerity that left no room for doubt.

As the team gathered their coats and made their way to the cars, the tension of the day seemed to melt away. Once outside, Garcia was unable to contain herself any longer, and spun toward the others, her eyes wide with excitement. "Okay, that was like having dinner with a Bond girl. Aaron Hotchner is marrying royalty. I mean, did you see that house?" she gushed, throwing her hands in the air for emphasis.

"And her composure," Emily chimed in, a mix of admiration and disbelief coloring her voice. "She’s like Grace Kelly reincarnated. Every movement, every word — she's so elegant. Honestly, I felt like I should have curtsied when I walked in."

Rossi smirked as he lit a cigar, the ember glowing faintly in the night. "Hotch always was full of surprises," he said with a chuckle, referring to the early days at the BAU when it was barely just Hotch, Rossi, and Gideon working on cases.

Meanwhile, back at the estate, the two of you stood at the top of the steps, watching the taillights of their cars fade down the winding drive. The stillness of the moment was a sharp contrast to the lively evening, but it was a welcome kind of quiet.

Aaron turned to you, his features softened by a smile. "I think they like you," he said.

You let out a soft chuckle, leaning into him as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "Good," you murmured, your tone was warm. "Because I adore you."

He reached for your hand, intertwining his fingers with yours as the soft rustle of the night surrounded you both. The estate, grand as it was, suddenly felt small and intimate — a fitting end to a perfect evening.

[agirlnamedelia]

BNHA headcanons I can't stop thinking about (FLUFF)

Izuku Midoriya

Izuku is always your biggest cheerleader, constantly encouraging you to follow your dreams. He loves leaving little sticky notes with motivational quotes around your living space.

He loves cuddling after a long day, often pulling you close while he tells you about the latest hero missions.

Izuku enjoys cooking meals for you, especially when he knows you've had a rough day. His food is simple but made with love, and he always tries to include your favorite ingredients.

Hawks (Keigo Takami)

Hawks loves to tease you in a lighthearted way, often ruffling your hair or sneaking up on you to give you a surprise hug.

He takes you on sunset flights, holding you securely in his arms as you both enjoy the breathtaking view from the skies.

He often leaves one of his feathers with you when he’s away, so you know he’s always with you, even if it’s just in spirit.

Dabi (Touya Todoroki)

Despite his rough exterior, Dabi is surprisingly gentle with you. He loves running his fingers through your hair, especially when you’re sitting together in quiet moments.

He has a soft spot for you, often showing his affection in subtle ways like making sure you’re warm enough or bringing you your favorite snacks.

Dabi opens up the most at night, lying next to you in the dark, sharing his thoughts and feelings in a way he rarely does with anyone else.

Eijirou Kirishima

Kirishima is always telling you how amazing you are, whether it’s about your appearance, your talents, or just how lucky he feels to be with you.

He loves giving you big, warm bear hugs, especially after a long day. He’ll lift you off your feet and spin you around just to hear you laugh.

He enjoys having movie marathons with you, cuddled up under a blanket with lots of snacks. He’ll even let you pick the movie, even if it’s not something he’d normally watch.

Shigaraki Tomura

Shigaraki isn’t used to showing affection, but he’ll awkwardly try to hold your hand or brush his fingers against yours when no one’s looking.

He’s fiercely protective of you, often standing close when you’re in unfamiliar places, making sure you’re safe without being overbearing.

Though his words can be harsh with others, he speaks softly with you, his tone always a bit gentler when you’re alone together.

Katsuki Bakugou

Bakugou shows his love through actions, like fixing things around the house or cooking your favorite meals without you asking.

He’s extremely protective, always walking on the side of the sidewalk closest to the road and giving anyone who looks at you wrong a death glare.

Though he’s not big on PDA, he’ll gently nudge your shoulder or give you a quick forehead kiss when no one’s looking, just to remind you how much he cares.

Denki Kaminari

Denki loves making you laugh, whether it’s with cheesy jokes, funny faces, or silly dances. He believes that your smile is the best thing in the world.

He’ll playfully shock you with tiny, harmless zaps, laughing when you jump before pulling you into a warm hug.

Denki loves surprising you with spontaneous dates, like late-night ice cream runs or star-gazing sessions, just to keep things exciting.

Shoto Todoroki

Shoto loves using his quirk to make you comfortable, warming up your hands with his left side or cooling you down on a hot day with his right side.

He’s not one for grand gestures, but Shoto shows his love through small, thoughtful actions, like bringing you tea in the morning or offering you his jacket when it’s cold.

Shoto cherishes the quiet moments with you, like holding your hand as you walk through a park or simply sitting together in silence, enjoying each other’s company.

Hitoshi Shinsou

Shinsou loves staying up late with you, talking about anything and everything. He feels most at ease during these quiet moments, sharing thoughts he wouldn’t share with anyone else.

He’s always there to comfort you when you’re feeling down, wrapping his arms around you and letting you rest your head on his chest.

Shinsou enjoys teasing you in a loving way, exchanging playful banter that always ends with a smile or a soft kiss.

Tamaki Amajiki

Tamaki gets flustered easily, but he loves holding your hand or giving you shy kisses on the cheek when he’s feeling brave.

He enjoys spending time with you in the garden, planting flowers and caring for them together. It’s a peaceful activity that he finds deeply fulfilling.

Tamaki loves making you bento lunches, carefully arranging the food to look cute and making sure to include all your favorites. He often leaves little notes inside to brighten your day.

[faithfulren]

night patrol

during a quiet night patrol, you and bakugo engage in deep conversation, sharing thoughts about what life might be like without the constant demands of hero work.

----

the city was quiet as you and bakugo patrolled the streets, the distant hum of traffic and the occasional rustle of leaves providing a serene backdrop to your nightly duty. the moon cast a soft glow, illuminating the path ahead and highlighting the strong features of your partner's face. bakugo walked beside you, his usual scowl softened by the calm of the night.

"so, how's patrol treating you?" you asked, breaking the silence that had settled between you.

bakugo glanced at you, his red eyes reflecting the moonlight. "it's fine. quiet, but i guess that's a good thing."

you nodded, appreciating his straightforward answer. bakugo wasn't one for small talk, but you'd learned to understand his unspoken words and subtle gestures. tonight, however, something felt different. there was a tension in the air, an unspoken feeling hanging between you.

as you continued your patrol, you couldn't help but steal glances at bakugo. despite his explosive personality, you'd grown to admire his determination and strength. there was more to him than met the eye, and tonight you felt a pull to know him better.

"bakugo," you began, choosing your words carefully, "do you ever think about what it would be like if things were different? if we didn't have to patrol and fight all the time?"

he looked at you, surprise flickering in his eyes before he quickly masked it. "what do you mean?"

"i mean, what if we had normal lives? what would you be doing right now?"

bakugo stopped walking, considering your question. "i don't know. i've never really thought about it. being a hero is all i've ever wanted."

you smiled softly, finding his dedication admirable. "it's good to be passionate about what you do. but sometimes, i wonder what it would be like to have a normal life, too."

he studied you for a moment, his expression unreadable. "and what would you be doing if you weren't here, on patrol with me?"

the question caught you off guard. you hadn't expected him to turn it back on you. "i don't know. maybe i'd be at home, reading a book or watching a movie. something relaxing."

bakugo grunted in response, resuming his pace. "sounds boring."

you laughed, the sound echoing through the empty streets. "not everything has to be exciting, bakugo. sometimes, it's the quiet moments that mean the most."

he didn't respond immediately, and you wondered if you'd said something wrong. but then he spoke, his voice softer than usual. "i guess… i wouldn't mind having more quiet moments."

you looked at him, surprised by his admission. "really?"

he nodded, avoiding your gaze. "yeah. i mean, being a hero is great and all, but… sometimes it's nice to just… be."

the honesty in his words touched you. "i understand. i'm glad we have this time together, even if it's just for patrol."

bakugo stopped again, this time turning to face you fully. "you know, you're not so bad to have around."

your heart skipped a beat at his words. "thanks, bakugo. you're not so bad yourself."

he scoffed, but there was no malice in it. "don't get used to it."

you smiled, feeling a warmth spread through you. the night seemed even quieter now, the space between you and bakugo charged with an unspoken connection. as you continued your patrol, the silence was no longer awkward but comforting, a testament to the bond you were forming.

eventually, you found yourself at the top of a hill, overlooking the city. the view was breathtaking, the lights twinkling like stars beneath the night sky. you and bakugo stood side by side, taking in the sight.

"it's beautiful," you murmured.

"yeah," bakugo agreed, his voice unusually gentle.

you turned to him, your eyes meeting his. In that moment, everything else faded away. the city, the patrol, the responsibilities, they all disappeared, leaving just the two of you.

"bakugo," you whispered, "thank you for being here with me."

he reached out, taking your hand in his. his grip was firm, yet comforting. "i'm glad you're here too."

as the night stretched on, you and bakugo stayed on that hill, sharing quiet conversations and enjoying the rare tranquility. in that peaceful moment, you knew that this was just the beginning of something special.

[ladyjang09]

Lovely Runner Fanfic | The Very First Night

Synopsis: Reimagining on what happens after the sofa scene. ‘Coz my smutty filled mind convinced me that they can’t get off their hands from each other. Im Sol is the first one to initiate “things”, ‘coz why not, she’s been suffering and longing for Sun Jae for 15 years. Expect a fluff on the first chapter then smut on the succeeding ones.

CHAPTER 1

Sun Jae and Sol lay intertwined on Sun Jae's luxurious leather sofa, the muted light of the setting sun casting a warm, golden glow over their faces. The apartment, a penthouse suite with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the city, held an air of opulence and sophistication. Their breaths synchronized as they reminisced about the many lifetimes they had shared, both together and apart.

"It's funny, isn't it?" Sol's voice broke the comfortable silence. "How many times we've met and parted, only to find each other again."

Sun Jae chuckled softly, his fingers absently tracing patterns the necklace that’s now lay on Sol's graceful neck, now on its rightful owner. "Fate has a strange way of bringing us together, no matter the circumstances."

Their memories flowed like a seamless river, transcending time and space. There were lifetimes where they were lovers, others where they were merely friends, and some where they were strangers who crossed paths briefly. Each memory was vivid, etched into their souls like an intricate tapestry.

Sol's phone buzzed, disrupting their reverie. She glanced at the screen and sighed. "It's my mother. I should probably let her know I won't be coming home tonight."

Sun Jae watched as Sol typed a quick message, her face illuminated by the soft glow of the screen. Despite his wealth and fame, moments like this grounded him, reminding him of the simpler, more meaningful aspects of life. Yet, he felt a pang of anxiety in his chest. What now? What did he do with Sol in his apartment? He had longed for this moment for so long, yet now that it was here, he felt a strange, paralyzing fear.

He thought back to all the silly, embarrassing things he had done just to be with Sol, not having the courage to talk to her in person. Patiently waiting for her on their gate, silently following her to go to school, her, not aware of his presence. And acting cold when she showered her with her unexpected attention.

Still, the nagging feeling of not knowing how to act in her presence gnawed at him. He didn't want to make any more embarrassing mistakes, not now that they were finally here together. Desperate for advice, he discreetly pulled out his phone and texted his bandmate and best friend, Baek In-hyuk.

Yah, what do you do to impress a woman you like? he typed hurriedly.

In-hyuk's response was almost immediate: Finally getting over your Sol-itude, huh? I told you, don’t be a lovesick puppy on Producer Im, you’re just embarrassing yourself. How many times that she declined you, man!

Sun Jae winced at the irony. If only In-hyuk knew. He glanced at Sol, who was now scrolling through her own phone, blissfully unaware of his internal turmoil.

Yeah, something like that. Any tips? Sun Jae texted back, hoping his friend wouldn't pry too much.

Be yourself. Make her laugh. Show her you care in small ways. And whatever you do, don't try too hard. Women can sense desperation a mile away, In-hyuk replied.

 Sun Jae stared at the text, frustration gnawing at him. Be himself? Make her laugh? Don’t try too hard? He already did those things— embarrassing himself in the convenience store, following her around just to get her approval on him being part of her movie, riding the Ferris wheel with her, invading her space, taking her to his apartment when she got sick, hiding her shoes the day after just to have a breakfast together, driving in the middle of the night to her neighborhood just to give her, her medicine, an excuse just to see her beautiful face and just bask on her presence.

Sun Jae sighed, his friend's advice both comforting and unsettling. He slowly went to Sol and hug her from behind, his head automatically sniffing her citrusy scent. He fought the primal urge to bite down on the delicate skin exposed at the nape of her neck. It was a place he’d dreamt of exploring, a secret haven he yearned to uncover since the day he got a flashback on their intimate kiss on the foyer of her apartment.

He loosened his hold slightly, his voice a husky whisper against her ear, “You smelled like a rain shower and a sunshine at the same time.”

Sol giggled, a soft, melodic sound that sent shivers down his spine.

As they lay there, wrapped in each other's embrace, Sun Jae made a silent vow to confront his insecurities. He has lot of practice in his numerous movies. Surely, he would apply a thing or two. This is their first night as a couple, he only wanted to feel her embrace and kiss her senseless. Nothing more. Knowing she isn’t ready for the next step of their relationship.

He nearly got a heart attack when Sol moved her head and kissed his open palm. The gentle gesture shook him. His heart pounding, he watched as she kissed her way up his arm to his lips.

Sun Jae froze, caught between surprise and a surge of unfamiliar desire. He felt a blush creep up his neck as he hesitantly met her kiss, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.

The unexpected intimacy left Sun Jae breathless. His carefully constructed plans for the night, filled with practices charm and gentle flirtation, were thrown out the window. In their place, a delicious confusion bloomed in his chest.

He wasn’t complaining. Far from it. As her soft lips grazed his palm, a warmth spread through him, chasing away the lingering chill of his self- control. He watched, mesmerizing, as she ascended his arm, leaving a trail of tingling kisses in her wake. By the time her lips met his, a million questions danced on the tip of his tongue, but all he could manage was soft, surprised sound.

Im Sol stopped on her ministrations. She hastily got up from the sofa, blushing and stuttering on her embarrassment. “I…I’m sorry. I didn’t know what comes over me to do that.”

What had I just done? Panic clawed at her throat. We’d just confessed our feelings for each other, and here I was throwing myself at him like a lovesick teenager.

“Sol”, Sun Jae said, his voice low and careful, breaking the silence that stretched between them. His eyes were dark, searching for hers, and she saw a flicker of understanding there. A flicker that made the heat in her cheeks travel down to her center.

“I—I’m sorry,” she fumbled for words, tripping over her tangled emotions. Im Sol desperately wishing the sofa would swallow her whole. “I just…got carried away,’ she stammered.

Sun Jae reached out, his hand trembling slightly as he brushed a strand of hair away from Sol’s face. “Don’t be sorry, love,” Sun Jae whispered. “I want this…love this more than you do.”

[rai-zza921]

Movie Review: "Interstellar" by Christopher Nolan - A Mind-Bending Journey Through Space and Time

BLOG #5

Christopher Nolan's film Interstellar transports viewers on a thrilling and intriguing journey into the depths of space and time. Set in a future where Earth is on the verge of environmental disaster, a crew of explorers sets out on a perilous quest to find a habitable planet for humanity's survival. They transit wormholes and meet mind-bending events as they navigate the immensity of the universe, led by the determined Cooper (Matthew McConaughey). Their adventure not only pushes them to their physical and emotional limitations, but it also delves into the fundamental nature of love, sacrifice, and the limitless possibilities of human curiosity.

Interstellar defies science fiction conventions and asks significant issues about the nature of our existence, providing a visually breathtaking and intellectually challenging cinematic experience. It dives into issues like time dilation, relativity, and the human connection, asking viewers to think about the universe's secrets and our place within it.

Interstellar is a work of art that impressed me with its ambitious plot and breathtaking imagery. The film's strength lies in its ability to combine scientific concepts with emotional depth, resulting in a story that interests both the head and the emotions. While the sophisticated plot and scientific theories may be difficult for some to follow, I feel that the film's complexity contributes to its attractiveness, inviting audiences to explore the immensity of human knowledge and the limitations of our comprehension.

The characters in Interstellar are multi-dimensional and compelling, brought to life by an exceptional cast. Matthew McConaughey delivers a standout performance as Cooper, capturing the character's determination and the weight of his choices. Anne Hathaway shines as Dr. Amelia Brand, infusing her role with vulnerability and resilience. The relationships between the characters are expertly developed, adding depth and emotional resonance to the story. The cast of Interstellar turns in excellent acting, giving strong and intense performances. Cooper is brilliantly portrayed by Matthew McConaughey, who successfully conveys the character's resolve and the importance of his decisions. The supporting cast, including Jessica Chastain, Anne Hathaway, and others, all give the characters and their relationships depth and realism in their performances.

Christopher Nolan's ability as a director and visual mastery is on display in Interstellar, further enhancing his standing as a forward-thinking director. His carefully considered decisions about the plot, pacing, and visual aesthetic elevate the movie to a provocative and emotionally impactful viewing experience. The film also benefits from amazing special effects and a carefully crafted sound design, which add to the overall immersion and realism of the world presented on screen. And speaking of visual effects, the cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the grandeur and vastness of space while also grounding the narrative in human emotions. The use of practical effects and stunning practical sets adds a sense of realism and immersion, heightening the film's impact. The visual spectacle, combined with Hans Zimmer's haunting soundtrack, creates a mesmerizing experience that stays with you long after the credits roll. Here are some mesmerizing cinematography taken in movie.

The soundtrack album made by Hans Zimmer really scores for Interstellar and is a masterpiece in its own right. The music perfectly complements the film's themes and enhances the emotional impact of key moments. The use of sound, from the eerie silence of space to the roaring intensity of rocket launches, adds depth and realism to the cinematic experience. The combination of Zimmer's soundtrack and the meticulously crafted sound design creates an immersive auditory landscape that enhances the storytelling.

In all aspects of filmmaking, Interstellar exhibits great technical skill. The crew's skill and dedication to detail are visible throughout the entire film. A visually striking world that feels both futuristic and grounded is created as the special effects combine flawlessly with the practical components. Every frame is a visual feast because to the excellent production value, which captivates and carries the audience.

In conclusion, Interstellar is a remarkable movie that goes beyond the bounds of standard science fiction, bringing viewers on a grand and illuminating voyage across space and time. An remarkable cinematic experience is produced by Christopher Nolan's expert direction, which is complemented by outstanding acting, stunning photography, and a captivating score. Interstellar rewards viewers who are prepared to explore into its complexities, making a lasting impression and igniting a sense of curiosity about the secrets of the universe. I highly recommend this movie to people who enjoy astronomy, and stories involving space and time travels since it is the best movie I've seen so far. However, its complicated plot and scientific themes may be a difficulty to certain viewers. Nonetheless, I will give this movie 5 stars. Enjoy watching everyone.

(DISCLAIMER: The images above are not mine. Credits to the rightful owner)

[itsrogersandco]

The more Noel spoke about the town and their friends the more Isabella filled up with fuzzy warmth. It was all sounding so Christmas movie perfect that not even her nerves about meeting Noel's parents could taint her mood. Even as Noel turned off the main road and up the long driveway the lawyer was content watching the trees pass and looking out for the cluster of houses that she was anticipating.

It was only at the end of the drive where one large house stood that she began to have questions. Distracted momentarily by the kiss she quickly realised that the house must be split into apartments and Isabella still smiled brightly at Noel as they rushed round to open her door. Seeing Luis appear so quickly was a surprise and Noel's comment to their brother was confusing but she pushed her questions away as she was led inside.

Only as she stepped through the front door did her anxiety spike. Her eyes swept all around the grand entrance and it was obvious that this was not split into apartments. There was no doubting the house was stunning and the artwork that she had seen just in the entrance hall was breathtaking but this was not at all who she thought Noel was and she felt as though she had been lied to. The constant chatter which came from Luis as he spoke was almost calming because it filled the silence and saved her from having to speak.

Following Luis and Noel's movements Isabella slid her own shoes off, and really she should have been warned about that as well because she would have given more thought to the condition of her stockings, before she trailed after the siblings. Hanging back at the door as Noel greeted everyone, Isabella stepped forward with a hesitant smile at the introduction. "It's lovely to meet you all. Thank you for inviting me," she politely remarked as she was pulled into a hug by Noel's father. Weirdly the looks from Noel's mother felt more familiar, she was used to the once over everytime she stepped into a conference room or courtroom and instinctively she held her head a little higher and her shoulders back further. Laughing softly at their uncle's jokes she hesitated in the room as Noel asked about wine. She felt as if Noel's voice was a little higher and tighter than normal but then she reminded herself it would be perfectly normal to be nervous in this situation but as she turned to look at the photographer she felt a wave of something close to betrayal. They had let Isabella come here without any warning about the size of the house and the obvious wealth involved. Honestly Isabella was still expecting to hear that there was a business run from the house and they only actually lived in 5 rooms at the back but the way people were standing around she couldn't quite bring herself to actually believe that.

Looking at Noel silently for a second Isabella needed a moment alone. "Wine would be lovely," she replied keeping her tone as steady as she could before turning to Noel's mother. "Is there a bathroom I could use to freshen up?" she asked sweetly, her heart racing as her need for some space grew.

"It is interesting, been there a long time actually. My childhood friend, Mallory, her family owns it. I wonder if she'll be around, you'd love her. Sweetest person around, honestly." They checked the time, "He should've gotten in this morning. But his concept of time is pretty fucked so he could either be late or getting there at the same time as us," they joked, hopeful that Luis was already there to help calm their nerves.

Soon they were pulling onto the road of a fairly large house with an unreasonably long driveway. As soon as it was in their sights, they could feel their chest tighten and for a moment they considered turning back the car, keeping the two of them in the bubble where Noel's family wasn't exactly who they were. But it had to be faced at some point and they were probably being dramatic anyway. "Here we are," they said once their parked and took a deep breath. They looked at her and felt some of those nerves settle and leaned over to kiss her a moment longer. They pulled away just in time to see Luis already opening the door with a drink in hand, "Thank God," they said and got out, running around to open Isabella's door. "We'll get the bags later," they told her and held out her hand for Isabella.

"I really had my money on you getting here tonight," Noel told their brother, dropping Isabella's hand for just a moment to give him a hug by the door. He greeted Isabella with a hug as well before leading them inside. Noel had tried to be honest in their description of their background and childhood but there was no denying the wealth that was present from the interior of the house. From the art to the furniture to the general expansiveness of the place, it was clear that the house was not only well lived in but well curated. Noel wondered if it was obvious to Isabella how much they were tensing but Luis was talking enough to distract anyone as they slid off their shoes at the door and entered the living room to find Noel's parents and their Uncle Hector who just always seemed to be there.

"Mami, Papi, Tio Hector," they added with a laugh because they were genuinely happy to see him. "This is Isabella, best lawyer New York City has ever seen and my partner," they added, moving to hug their parents and their Uncle before looking back at Isabella. "Isabella, these are my parents. And my Tio Hector." Despite Noel's tension, their father greeted Isabella with a big hug and welcome and their mother, clearly looked Isabella over a bit harshly but nonetheless offered her a short hug and a brief kiss on the cheek. Hector gave her an enthusiastic hug along with a few jokes that made their mother roll their eyes but made the rest of them laugh.

"So..we drinking? I'm gonna get us some wine."

[nixcwen]

➳ passing ships | haruchiyo sanzu

Note: In participation of @fueledbysano’s Country Club Collab, I present to you a Celebrity! Sanzu Haruchiyo x Reader fic. This also serves as my debut piece for Tokyo Revengers, requests are now finally open for the fandom! I hope you enjoy this work of mine!

The irritating flash of lights, suffocating smell of smoke including the strong scent of expensive liquor, and a crowd dancing to the beat was no new environment for Sanzu. Although it was supposed to be a celebration of his movie's success, there was no joy or anything tantalizing about the lifestyle he used to desire, he realized as he drank another shot.

Sanzu thought that wealth, fame, and status would make him happy. He thought that the place he was currently in would bring what he was looking for. Unfortunately, after years of trying to find it in the path he chose, nothing came out of it.

At the end of the day, he was alone. People liked the pretensions but no one could stand his truth. Who would be able to understand a problematic man like him?

He didn't know the answer then, which made him think frustration is an understatement of his feelings. What use were success, awards, and praises when he was unhappy? He settled on quelling his unstable emotion with glass after glass of bitter alcohol. Maybe he could just drown from it.

The place did not help calm down the thoughts that were bombarding him. He clenched and unclenched his hands as he asked for another bottle. Eventually, he popped his knuckles, until he decided that getting a breath of fresh air outside might help him. He looked at his surroundings once more to quietly exit, he hardly escaped the grasps of the director and his co-lead earlier that night that is why he had to subtly excuse himself while they were busy gossiping.

It took him a minute to get out of that space. After the vertigo-inducing bar comes the quiet reflection of moonlight on the infinity pool's surface. He sat on the lounge chair before it, still, he wasn't able to get contented as he heard a few people approaching. He sought yet again for a place that would bring him the peace he needs. Which he found on the modernized hut at the pool's corner.

He immediately walked towards it and right after stepping inside, he closed the curtain that prevents others' intrusion. He turned around and took a step, at the same time you were about to leave the same place. That encounter made you stumble, fall into the hut's chair mattress, staring at the Sanzu Haruchiyo's face up close with his arms imprisoning you. You were close enough for you to hear the deep breath he takes. Close enough to see the liquid slowly forming in the man's eyes every second that passes while he was staring back at you.

Stupefied, that was how you were. Of all the scenarios you could have had with your first meet, it had to be away from people, with his tears falling down your cheeks. He was breathtaking, even so, his state was also heartbreaking. He was far from the character he portrayed in his latest movie. The Sanzu you had in front of you was anything but indestructible. He was fragile.

With what little power you have, you still wanted to protect him.

In order to close the gap between you two, you carefully guided his face to your neck, trying to provide a place to bring him solace. He was hesitant but he followed your guide, soon, his weeping filled the silence of the night. You pat his shoulders without care for time.

"It will be okay, just cry your heart out for now. I'm here for you."

In response to your statement, he uttered in a muffled voice, lips lightly pressed against your skin. "Are you, really? Do you mean that?"

"Yes I am, I do."

Little by little, it seems that he was calming down. There were sniffles and crack in his voice but there were no more tears dripping down your neck.

“Is this what they call… comforting?” Sanzu asked, palm holding your hand that was just tapping him. "Even if they're empty words, they made me happy, thank you."

“If that is how you feel, then I’m glad. I don’t know how else to prove to you that my words aren’t empty, I’ll just be here until you’re okay.”

“Don’t.”

He removed his face to your neck, meeting your eyes once more. You only hummed in confusion with your brows furrowed, even so, it did not stop you from wiping the trail of tears from under his long eyelashes.

“Don’t give me hope or comfort when you’re just going to leave me.”

Your hands halted. You were aware that not all people are okay despite what they project to the world. However, from the few minutes you were with him, you got to the conclusion that the one before you is truly soaked in melancholy.

“You gave me a reason to live. If staying by your side could at least give you the comfort you need, then I would, for as long as you want.”

It has been a few months since your first encounter. Now, it was you that was wrapped in his arms, with your previous actions in question. Although he has become both annoying and excessively sweet, you wouldn’t trade it for anything. His genuine smile, lips stretched to his ears, was better than any gold there is.

Unbeknownst to you, Sanzu thought the same as he admires your face.

“Alright, alright. Will you please tell me why you said that line? That… I gave you a reason to live? It never left my mind since then. I want to know your answer. Was it because of my pretty face?”

You rolled your eyes at his statement but your smile remains the same. “Yes, it was because of your pretty face. Satisfied?”

“No am not! I was just kidding, please do tell me the real reason.” He answered, face placed to his palm, waiting for your response.

“It was from one of your movies, at the ending scene, I can still clearly remember when you said—‘When we fall, it does not mean we have to stay on the ground.’—it was as if you were talking to me, it resonated with me.”

This time, he fully embraced you. “So, this job lead you to me.”

“I believe, yes. We aren’t just passing ships after all. That’s why were still together. We were meant to give each other strength in the times of our weakness.”

taglist (join here!): @erwinscrybaby

[litgwritersroom]

Can someone please write a fanfic about Angie proposing to MC. 💕

YOU ARE IN LOVE. TRUE LOVE.

Prompt: Angie proposes to MC S4 - Angie/MC - 1600+ words - @crimswnred

This is the final work for the "you are in love" series! Thank you so much for sending this prompt, what I beautiful way to wrap up this story!

the "you are in love" series:

you can hear it in the silence | you can feel it on your way home | you can see it with the lights out | you are in love. true love.

Three years. Eleven months. Twenty-nine days. Fourteen hours.

It was like time had moved a little too fast and then stopped so everyone could see them.

After all this time, Angie still found herself in awe every time she saw Hazel, just like she did for the first time when she watched her entering the Villa with her red swimsuit and blowing the boys away with her pretty face, curvy hips and sweet voice, dripping like honey. Looking back now it was so obvious where they would end up together; even so, it took some long time coming.

Back then, Angie couldn’t put a finger on what exactly was the feeling. It was something like nervousness, a thing she had little experience with by itself. But then, little by little, the puzzle started to make sense. The butterflies coming alive, the jealousy that would build in whenever she heard Hazel laughing at a stupid joke from any of the boys, the trust she had in her. Love. Purely, magically, utterly love. 

By now, Hazel had become her favourite thing to look at. She knew all of her mannerisms: the way her eyes glistened when she was excited; how she used jokes to deflect; the way she twirled her hair when she was nervous; how her lips quivered just a little when Angie left her with a passionate kiss; the sighs and moans that would escape her if Angie just touched her in her favourite spot; how she would melt in her embrace every single night; how she would scrunch her nose when she was uncomfortable, or mad; the sound that her nails made against the marble countertop when she was feeling anxious. All those little things that just a person completely in love would notice. Angie knew them all.

They had found a place to live together after a year of dating. Hazel kept saying how nice it was to have a space to call their own and how happy she was when Angie accepted the request. Of course, Angie couldn't tell her the truth—how she missed her sisters, how she was scared of Hazel deciding to break things off when she saw the real world, twenty-four hours grumpy Angie in the flash. That was not the Villa, Angie knew that, and getting a flat together could be the end of their happily ever after. But, where Angie had thought that she had a flaw, Hazel had seen another reason to love her.

"But I'm so grumpy in the mornings," Angie had told her. Hazel only shook her head and smiled at her, those beautiful big eyes watching her with nothing but pure love. "You look cute when you are mad," she said at least, offering her a cup of coffee. 

Loving Hazel was like an explosion of feelings. Their love was made of summer breeze, honeybees, ocean waves crashing on the sand, sunlight and so much devotion. It was different from everything Angie had experienced in her life. It was a kiss in the temper, a hand squeeze in the taxi, a giggle of happiness while they were singing in the car, an afternoon of Disney movies, a dinner date just because they had the time, a little text between shifts, a selfie to send to her sisters, a pillow fight that ended in kisses, an old t-shirt of her that Hazel was attached. 

Angie couldn't believe that a woman so full of life, so beautiful, so… breathtaking, wanted to be with her. In every way that Angie missed, Hazel completed her. They had found a pattern, a pace, a way of function that was theirs and theirs only. Not only in bed, where they moved like their bodies were an extension of each other but also in life. The way they made schedules, plans and just the day-to-day mundane tasks together had a trace of movements that belonged to them. It was almost natural as if they were doing exactly what they should be doing. Like the universe had made Angie just for Hazel and vice versa. 

Every time they fought, Angie felt like her heart was ripped out of her chest. She would feel stupid, so small like she was breaking the thing she loved the most. But then, they would talk, and how Hazel was good at making everything all right again. They would kiss, they would lay down and look out for each other.

And she could hear it when there was nothing else to be heard. She could feel it when she was lost. She could see it when there was nothing but darkness. She was in completely taken by love. True love. Like she had never felt before.

Putting these feelings in words was the hardest part of all. She could try her whole life trying but she would never be able to truly express what she felt; the moment when you lose your mind, decides to skinny deep, letting go of fears and ghosts from the past. They would promise each other to be enough, to love unlimitedly over and over again, and god, she kept her promise. 'Love' was too simple, too little to describe this overwhelming feeling that took Angie completely.

And although love was something she was so scared of, maybe this time it was ok. Maybe because it was Hazel, her best friend and lover. Maybe because the skeletons in her closet were too far away to spook her. Maybe because it was the first time she had ever felt it so strongly. Maybe because their hands fitted so good together. And maybe it didn’t matter why.

She just wanted to make it forever.

“Where are we going?” Hazel asked as Angie guided her with hands over her eyes.

She was wearing one of her flower-patterned skirts with a side slit, green coloured this time, with a white crop top, leaving a really small portion of her stomach bare. Angie had told her they would walk for a little, so she decided to go with one of her sneakers, matching Angie's own pair.

“It’s a surprise,” Angie said, feeling the smile playing on her lips.

Hazel giggled again.

It was in the middle of July. The salty air passed by them like the times they used to hang out by the pool in Mallorca, a light breeze of summer blowing their hair. Hazel’s hair was a little bit longer now, touching her shoulders. Her eyes, oh-so-sweet, twinkled in a hazel colour that gave life to her freckled face. Angie could feel her heartbeat going nuts inside her chest like the first time she confessed her feelings. Again, her life and heart were Hazel’s to keep or crush but now, Angie was sure.

“Here,” Angie whispered, uncovering Hazel’s eyes.

Her eyes widened when she saw where they were. It was the highest spot in the city, where the two of them could watch the sunset and the city lights come alive. The smile on Hazel’s lips and the sparkle in her eyes told Angie everything she needed to know, there was the moment. With shaken hands, while Hazel was distracted by the lights, Angie grabbed the little ring inside the front pocket of her denim jacket and, lifting her jeans a little, she kneeled in front of Hazel.

“Oh, my god!” Hazel gasped as soon as she saw what Angie was doing. “Angie.”

“You know, for a long time I thought that maybe love was not my thing…” Angie giggled as Hazel’s face melted into the most adorable face she had ever seen. “I thought that perhaps I was too grumpy or my job was too time-consuming. That I needed to bend over backwards and change myself so I could be loved. That’s why I tried Love Island…”

“Angie…”

“And then, you showed up and wow. You know? There was love in a way that I had never experienced before. Pure love, without the buts, ors and ands. You loved me for who I am, grumpy, busy, tough… And I love you so much, Hazel, I can’t even put it into words. I just love you more than I can comprehend. And I want to keep doing it. Forever. Non-stop. So, would you make me the happiest person alive and marry me?”

Angie was crying. The emotions taking over her and making her explode into non-stop cascades of tears. Hazel's eyes glistened, some tears rolling as she clasped her mouth with her hand and the wind made her curly hair flutter. She bit down a smile, pursing her lips, nodding furiously. “Fuck yes," she managed to say.

“Yeah?” Angie asked, a little too stunned by the answer; her heart beating so fast that she thought she could die, exploding with happiness.

“Of course, Angie,” Hazel wiped her tears and giggled, still unable to make a movement. “I would marry right now if you had brought the priest.” 

“Fuck,” Angie chuckled, standing again and slipping the ring on Hazel's finger. “I haven’t thought of that!”

Hazel beamed at her, circling Angie’s neck with her arms as she got closer. “We can stop by the church on the way home,” she whispered.

“I love you so much,” Angie said between kisses all over her face, neck, and forehead, making her fiancée giggle.

What a beautiful word. Fiancée. My fiancée. My future wife.

“I love you more,” Hazel answered, resting her forehead against Angie’s.

“No, you don’t.”

“Yeah, I do”

“You don’t”

“Do too.”

Hazel giggled, making Angie take her by the mouth, sealing their lips in a full, long, passionate and loveful kiss. All of her senses, body, mind and soul were focused on the taste of Hazel’s lips, the way their tongues explored each other, and how her fingertips sent shocks through Angie’s body.

It was like the world had moved fast and then stopped so it could see them.

[deputygonebye]

Wincing while bandages were wrapped around his wounds, more than just memories flooded Shane's mind, the emotional and the physical come back to him. Method so similar but location unalike - farmland replaced the space of a shared dorm room, four walls that were hung with posters of the girls from Baywatch and motivational slogans. Comparable bruises but not identical cause, that was so many years before was one that Shane could recall with ease, as if it were the back of his hand. Nameless and as dumb as he looked; Danny Sawyer was the fool who had tempted fate, the temper that Shane tried best to control but couldn't always. From the first day, Danny had a vendetta against Rick. Quarrel that went beyond the classroom - strife that held no reason nor sense. Hostility that was very much one-sided, unfortunately for Danny, it was he, not Rick, who suffered the most in the end.

Groaning as pressure was applied to battle-tired knuckles, tightened by bandages wrapped over and over again, jaw clenched, still could Shane hear the echo of the slap that had been inflicted upon Rick. Lunch still hot on the trays that held them, mashed and gray in color, uncertain as to the exact contents, tables still crowded with eager cadets. Forks and spoons lowered from hungry mouths, faces left amazed by the entertainment that had been blessed onto them. Shocked - Rick was the nicest guy in the whole academy - speechless, save for the few gasps and whispers that graced over the unexpected silence. Struck by a hand so used to getting what he wanted, it was breathtaking to witness Rick be treated as he was by Danny. Manhandled by the homecoming king of his high school; abused by the hottest man from his hometown, blonde haired, green eyed, a smile that looked more fitting for the movie screen than underneath an officers cap. Longer legged than either Shane or Rick, carried his extra inches well but amounted to less in weight, suntanned skin mere seconds from being beaten black and ugly blue.

The attack was instant. Quicker than Danny was ready to receive, faster than Shane had even time to maneuver himself, a lunch tray and all its goodies flung onto the floor without a second thought, a run started from one end of the cafeteria to the other. Straight to the chin and lined up perfectly, Shane punched Danny as hard as he could. Knocked the other almost completely onto his back, cropped blonde hair tossed all around and made a mess, knotted and tangled. Picked up from the ground before another breath could be taken in, before the blood that painted his chin could begin to properly flow, Danny was tossed to the outside world. Garbage sent to be collected - an open window not yet closed, warm spring air blowing in - into a puddle of mud, wet and brown. Danny soaked from boots to top.

A second round of retribution come in the form of Shane stepping through the window apron, one leg over the threshold, just as memory would evoke, Rick was the man who called him back, who made the critical save on behalf of Danny. A gift of mercy that wasn't deserved but offered anyway, it was always Rick who could calm the storm. Appease the thirst for further violence - soothe the mood that would befall Shane like a heavy, cruel chain. Sometimes cloaked so tight around that it was difficult to breathe; what would cloud Shane and his better judgements. It happened then. It happened the next time around when Danny didn't learn his lesson and tried to strike again. It occurred every moment since.

Shane was the protector of Rick. Brute force when the call was needed, a literal soldier that would go the distance. But so, too, was Rick a protector of Shane. Peace, when the world otherwise wouldn't provide any. Love, when everyone else turned their backs and ignored. A healer for when flesh and bone were broken and needed to be mended - the greatest friend that could've been asked for. Quiet until the sound of a gunshot caterwauled in the night, the silence of owls and crickets signaled just how far Rick was willing to go. Proof to the promise that had been established, that brotherhood wasn't shattered but rather restored, renewed and alive as ever. Dale was dead but so was Randall. One chapter finished and another begun; the dawn of understanding upon everyone in the group, ablaze in both Rick and Shane.

Darkened circles splattered all over the bandages, once the work was done, Shane grasped Ricks hands between his own. Cradled them tenderly, refused to release no matter how much they trembled, exhaustion ever present in both body and soul. Taking the bandage roll for himself, Shane began to return the favor, turned Rick's one hand in his own, used the other to wrap and cover the cuts. Gentle, as if it were pure glass he held and not mere skin and bone, delicate. Eyes flickered between his task of current and the image of Rick - a face that was loved and known so much - the darkness of blue eyes, the light that seemed to have dimmed.

"You're my best friend, Rick." Shane said in hush, a tone much sweeter than he had used toward anyone in days. More raw, more prone to its own break and crack, an almost cry. "I don't know where the hell I'd be without you. Probably dead, probably joined up with the wrong crowd. Let me tell you somethin', brother... if it wasn't for you... I'd be nothin'. You always looked out for me. Always kept me safe, always had my best interests at heart. Nobody ever done that for me. Nobody, except you and Grandma Jean."

Shane dared to laugh, a wet sound that escaped, shortened sob. "I remember... I used to think I'd wake up one day, and you'd come around and tell me you didn't wanna be my friend anymore. That you found other guys to hang out with. That you got too tired of havin' to deal with my issues, my crazy datin' stories or my attitude. I was always real scared of that, you know? That you'd just... leave me. After Jean died, only family I had, the only real family I had, was you. You and Lori and Carl. Your parents. Even after all the years, I'd still get so worried about it. Look, Rick, I know I'm not perfect. I know I'm not the sort of friend that somebody like you deserves. I know I'm a damn bastard a good deal of the time. But I... I really do mean what I say. I would never, ever do anythin' to hurt you. Hell, man. I love you. I'd do anythin' for you."

Rick's hand dressed as best as it could be, Shane let go of his hold only to bring his fingers along brown curls, part away the bloodied coils that had become part of Rick. A consequence of being both judge and executioner; the final impact that Randall could leave.

"Gonna have to get used to that, bein' a daddy and all." Shane sighed, stunned still by the realization, a dream come true just not in the way he had always hoped. "Come on, Rick. Let's get inside, get out of this weather. We'll deal with Randall tomorrow. What's left of him. For now, we need to clean you up. You're... you're covered. Come on, brother. I'll help you. Here, take my hand."

Finally, they had talked about it. The core of Rick's anger- Lori and Shane. Finally, the matter had been treated, in private, with both of them calm. It was hurting- all the punches, all the hits he had received from Shane- damn, he was so strong. Rick also knew that if his friend really had meant to kill him, he would be dead. No in between. Shane hadn't actually tried to murder him, he knew- he thought so. That man could be brute when he wanted- he was aware Shane could have snapped his neck with ease if he truly wanted him dead- this is why he came back for him, this is why he still trusted and counted on his brother. As he watched Shane across the fire, as he saw his best friend hurt like that...it finally started to him him, all the damage, all the emotional pain Shane went through. There were no distractions now, it was just the night, the fire, Rick and Shane and nothing else, the silence of the night with the calm forms of life. Richard remained silent all the time, giving Shane space, mental space to work his thoughts and speak. As he watched him, he observed the wounds on his rough body- had Rick actually done that? Manged to hurt Shane? It seemed unreal. The difference between their strength always had been so....crazy. To think Rick had exploded and decided to punch his friend- he was aware he was the one who had started it. He was aware he was the one who had exploded. After a deep breath, Rick facepalmed- He had pushed Shane. Pushed him a lot. Kept provoking him, despite knowing his brother had been holding back- holding back a lot, even when he had won their fight, he had just let Rick there, on the floor- not stomped him, not punched him to death, not twisted his neck. It happened twice. And even so, Rick stood and tried to attack Shane again. He felt foolish now- but he really, he really didn't want Randall to get killed like that- Rick needed time to think, and when they got back to the farm, he had decided- but he...he felt he hadn't the guts to do it- to execute- and when he had build up some courage, Carl was right there, watching. He couldn't let his son see him execute someone in cold blood-

His eyes looked golden as the fire reflected the warm light, both hands together, covering his busted lips, he watched his friend. Slowly his eyes filled with sadness and moved down, palms rubbing slowly as he tried to relieve anxiety. Then, his blur orbs got glossy. "You and Lori...I..." His voice was low. Indeed....Shane had gone through hell...being the force of survival alone, saving his family, without any support but Lori. And Lori...also alone, thinking her husband was dead. "It's...it's okay. It's okay that it happened." It's okay." That bomb, that core, that seed of hate against Shane- that cancer inside Rick's soul had finally started to dissolve. Until then, despite understanding logically what had happened Between Shane and Lori, his heart hadn't accepted it- his feelings hadn't accepted it- and that had been poisoning his soul since he started to suspect it, since he found out. "When I figured it out...and I figured out pretty quickly...I...I kept wondering until when you two would keep hiding it from me. Until when you would keep lying." Rick confessed. "I'm not..." He took a deep breath. "I'm not dealing so well with it." Richard looked Shane in the eyes and nodded. "But I will. I just need time. Okay?" His voice was different. All the hostility he had been building against Shane, all that hate, all that secret anger, all of that had been disarmed. That reaction, that defensive attitude was gone from Rick's eyes. Now they just looked sad and tired. "Yes. We're good." His voice was a lot softer, near a breaking point actually. "I also hate what happened to us." There was so much nostalgia in his eyes, looking his brother with such delicate stare. "Remember that time...well, of course you remember- there was that asshole...that had some problem with me at the academy- I still don't know why that guy hated me so much- he was always messing around. I remember that time he slapped me in the face, soon after lunch- I remember how you stepped in and just...punched him and shoved that asshole through the window, as if he were nothing- he fell right into that huge water puddle, got soaked..." Rick smiled softly. "It was...it was so awesome. I thought...'Shane is so strong, to lift that guy as if he were nothing...he was bigger than me'- I couldn't forget even if I wanted. And then, another day, that same guy cornered me, came at me, to hurt me for real- he had tried to choke me, busted my lips...he was assaulting in such aggressive way- but I knew you were keeping an eye- this is why I wasn't afraid." Rick nodded as he watched the fire. "You were for real that time. With one punch...just one...and the guy was down. Blacked out. Blacked out for good." He looked at Shane again. "That was...when you got serious. You could have killed him. Maybe if you wanted, he would be dead." Rick shrugged. "When you fought me earlier...that wasn't you being serious." He looked down in shame, curling a little bit, licking his lips, then spreading his jaw to relieve the tension of clenching it so much. "I was an idiot. I know." Rick muttered. "I'm sorry for that. I truly am. But I do think I can...I think we can keep them safe. And it doesn't have to be just me." His eyes were getting glossy again. "We'll kill him. We'll kill Randall." Rick said, in tone of defeat. "I was going to...wait. Wait for tomorrow, but..." He shook his head. "Dale is dead. If...if we had just solved it...if I hadn't brought all this discussion to the group, if we had just DONE it- he would still be here. His death is on me. And I couldn't even finish him." A tear rolled down Rick's cheek. "Dale's gone, man. Dale's gone because of me."

Talking to Shane made him see. Made him realize. Shane wasn't insane. He just could see things Rick still couldn't. Dale had been naive and his destiny had been clear. "Shane...I forgive you." He muttered. His eyes were already different. No more egotistical pride, no more spikes pointed to Shane. "I just need some time to heal it....but...it's okay. It will be okay." The man seemed to be crying, silently. He stood, walked away to the barn. A dry gunshot resonated through the night. It was fast. Quickly executed. Rick didn't even think- he kept his feelings and thoughts out of it- he did it to show Shane he would follow his part of the promise. They both had agreed young man had to die- Daryl agreed, the others agreed- the only one who voted for mercy now was dead. There was no pointing arguing anymore.

Richard came back, covered in blood- shirt and face and neck and chest stained with the red liquor, still dripping, still running down over his skin down to his chest and stomach- after blowing Randall's head up with his Magnum- such explosive, violent gun- with one of the greatest recoils, such violent shot- just like Rick, a thin form capable of lethal explosions. But now, he was calm. All hate and anger replaced by guild and sadness, but also decision. Grimes felt he didn't have to keep proving he was a leader anymore- he just had to get things done. And he had. It would be with Shane from then on. If he had told about Lori's pregnancy before- if Lori had told them before, he was sure Shane wouldn't have exploded the way he did- same with Glenn, if he had told about the barn earlier, if they had managed to talk properly, Shane probably wouldn't have exploded the way he did. Rick was starting to understand. He had seen the type of man Randall was, trying to persuade Carl, smashing that walker with pleasure in his eyes- the brutality- the fun in violence, such great red flags. He couldn't keep fooling himself, pretending he hadn't notice, that he hadn't seen it. Not anymore. His chest was shaking, his eyes seemed a bit shocked, he blinked slowly, deep breaths. He took a small roll of bandages from his pocket, moved closer to Shane, sitting by his side, taking his wounded fists gently, wrapping the bandages around his hand and knuckles, head low, regretful tears dripping on the bandages from time to time. That hate was gone. The sadness and fear though, they had stayed. "You...you're going to be a dad, man... congratulations." Rick smiled sadly as he kept his eyes on Shane's hands as he treated the wounds. He wouldn't steal the kid from Shane. It would be low and unfair. It would be so unfair. It was his- Shane had a word in it- All of them would have to sit down and talk- Rick, Shane, Lori. They would have to stop hiding things from each other-trying to steal each other's rights from the truth. They had to be fair and decide things together from now on- it was complicated, so complicated, but it had to be dealt with. "We'll take care of them. We will. We will do this together. We'll survive. Above anyone else, we have each other. You're my best friend, always been. Always will be." Rick's voice was a bit shaky, he was broken, but healing. The devotion he had in his actions, in his eyes, that wouldn't change.

@deputygonebye

[mlm-writer]

The Rest of Our Lives (Leonard McCoy x GN!Reader)

GIF Source

Pairing: Dr. Leonard Horatio McCoy x Gender Neutral Reader Rating: Teen and Up Words: 1551 Summary: The Enterprise is on a terminal course with a black hole. There is not much time left, so now is as good time as any to confess the feelings you have kept to yourself until now. Note: This is for fluffgust, but this piece is defo angstgust... Reader is part of the Enterprise and it is lightly implied they are a red shirt, but they could be anything. The prompt was ‘rejecting sexual advances and it ends fluffy’ and it is there if you squint.  Tags: ANGST, dash of fluff because I had to, bad speech by Kirk because I could not write a better one, kissing, cuddling, making out, rejected sexual advances, implied major character death and no beta we die like everyone in this fic.

The vastness of space stretched before you as you peered into the sea of stars from one of the smaller observation decks. Normally the sight could always put a smile on your face, but not today. You swallowed the lump in your throat as you tried to find the beauty of outer space, only to find darkness and death in an ocean of coldness. 

“Always knew I would die on this ship,” a familiar voice came from the door. You hummed in agreement. “Just always thought it would be being sucked through an airlock, an explosion or being shot at by aliens the captain pissed off.” You shifted and twisted your head to catch sight of the CMO. 

“I take it Scotty has not found a way to start up the engines…” You stared back through the glass, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Appears it is death by black hole for all of us then.” Dr. McCoy hummed in reply, confirming your fears. This was torture, waiting for death, helpless. “Doc, what do you think we should do with the time we have left?”

You turned away from the window, facing the Southern man full-on. He stared at you with an unreadable expression. Dr. McCoy licked his dry lips before speaking. “Try to die without regrets,” he answered. You took a deep breath as you crossed your arms. 

“Was afraid you’d say that.” “Why? Have a lot of things you left for later?”

You chuckled and shook your head. “No, just one…” You dropped your arms, only to fidget with your own fingers, eyes trained on where you were pinching the skin. “You know me, unafraid and lunging head-first into everything, following whims…” You turned your head to stare at the stars again, afraid of meeting the eyes of the man in front of you. “But feelings scare me, to be honest. If I break every bone in my body, I know I can count on you to put me back in working order, but if my heart gets broken…”

A hand took a gentle hold of your harm, just above the elbow. “I’d gladly meld that too.” You looked up at him, eyes finally meeting. His eyes held a beauty that made the universe pale in comparison. “I did not come here to look at the stars,” he added, half a confession hidden in those words. 

“Doc… Leonard… I need you to be straight with me.” You did not like how vulnerable those words sounded, how vulnerable they made you. He pulled you close, closer. You found yourself in his arms, head resting against his solid body. 

“I like you. I don’t wanna die knowing I never said it,” he murmured. His voice rumbled through your body. You wrapped your arms around him, holding him tightly. You assured him the feeling was mutual, before your hands started roaming along his back, shoulders and arms, memorising the feel of his body. 

“Leonard Horatio McCoy, would you like to spend the rest of your life with me?” He let out a scoff and agreed, both of you aware that the rest of your life was unlikely to be longer than 2 hours. You spent a good few minutes just holding one another. A little later you found yourselves sitting against the glass and snuggling. You raised your head from his shoulder and put a hand on his cheek. “May I?” 

His eyes met yours as he nodded. “All yours,” he muttered, before you both leaned in. His lips were a little chapped, but felt warm against yours. When you parted, there were a few seconds of just blinking at each other, before you both leaned in for more. 

Lips danced together in slow, sweet kisses. It took a while, before you felt his tongue make an appearance. You were all too eager to take this further. It felt like heaven and the ship disappeared around you. There was no hopeless Enterprise. There was no black hole sucking you to the next life. There was just you and him on this carpeted floor under dim lights. 

You swung a leg over him and straddled his lap. You held his face close with one hand on each cheek as you made out. There was no helping it. There was just too much you had held back and too little time. You got a little teeth involved as you grinded down on him, indicating you were ready to go all the way. Your lips did not leave his until you felt both of his hands on your underarms, pulling your hands away from his face. “Hmm?” you questioned as you finally opened your eyes, immediately noticing his rosy lips. 

“Hey, I know we don’t have much time, but… I don’t think we should go so fast.” You blinked at him, trying to clear your head from the fog of desire for the man before you. “Please say something.”

You cleared your throat and tried to get off his lap, but he held you in place, tilting his head at you. “I’m sorry”, you whispered as you averted your eyes to the crease between his brows. You wanted to explain yourself, but the right words were not coming to you. Leonard seemed to understand anyway. He pulled your head towards his until your foreheads were touching. 

“Let’s not ruin this with doing things we are not ready for yet. Even if there is no later for us, I can die a happy man just having this… Can you?” You casted your eyes up, staring into his. It was mesmerising, almost dizzying to see someone look at you like he was looking at you. You nodded with an affirming hum. He smiled in relief. You sat there for a while, on your knees with his legs between yours and your foreheads touching. 

“Enterprise crew this is the captain speaking,” Captain Kirk’s voice spoke gently over the intercom, “as you know, we are on a terminal course with a black hole. In about fifteen minutes the Enterprise will be submitted to gravitational forces that will make survival for us impossible aboard the ship.” You sighed and tried to pull away, so you could focus on whatever the captain had to say more, but Leonard kept you in place.

“I won’t take up all of that time. I just wanted to thank all of you for joining this voyage. This ship has always had the finest crew, with the most admirable people in the galaxy. It has been an honour and if by any chance black holes lead to another universe, I hope I get to serve with all of you again.” You leaned against Leonard, closing your eyes so you could focus on Kirk’s voice and the feel of being held. 

“Even out here, far away from any civilised place, we are not alone. Look around. You’ll find people who will stay by your side until the end. You’ll find colleagues, friends, perhaps lovers.” You opened your eyes to find Leonard look at you like you put even the most breathtaking views of this galaxy to shame. “I look around and I find family; family I’ll happily die with. We did good out here. Each and every one of you has earned a place in the history records. This may be the end, but none of you will ever be forgotten. We’ll live forth in the work we’ve done and the stories they’ll tell about us.” You could hear the blond man’s voice crack. “May history be kind on us all. Kirk out.”

Silence fell over you. It hung thick in the air. There was not a word said, until Leonard guided you off him. “Captain will want me on the bridge. Coming with?” You moved off him and helped him off the floor. 

“Of course. We were going to spend the rest of our lives together, remember?” He let out a bitter chuckle. You held hands as you walked to the elevator. You passed by many people you have worked with during your long service on the Enterprise. There was crying, desperate hugging. Some were so calm it must have been a defence mechanism. 

There was no comment on your closeness when you entered the bridge with Leonard’s arm around you. Captain Kirk held out an arm and Leonard joined him by his left side, putting his other arm around one of his best friends. You soon found Chekhov by your side and you offered him a smile as you linked arms with him. 

The space in front of you was void of stars. There was nothing but the endless void and a small timer in the corner of the front screen. No one really said anything. You felt a kiss against your head from Leonard. You felt like you should be singing or something, a final song to unite each other before death, but this was not a heartfelt movie. This was real life. This was the end. 

You took a deep breath as the timer neared its end. Grips tightened. You took one last look at Leonard, a dark expression on his face. You closed your eyes and leaned your head against him. He was the last thing your eyes ever got to witness. 

[wastelandcth]

Love Again - cth

sad disco - part one

summary: used to be afraid of love and what it might do but goddamn, you got me in love again. 

author’s notes: thanks again for your patience on this one! based on love again - dua lipa!

warnings: mentions of sexual themes, mentions of food, angst. 

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Sometimes, Calum's heart beat so loud that he was sure the entire world could hear it. He felt the pounding in his chest, left breathless by the sheer power of the muscle that kept his blood pumping. Sometimes, Calum thought that his heart had simply forced itself into hiding, protecting Calum from any more hurt and heartbreak. Those were the times where the pounding was dull and ached, almost as if the one thing keeping him alive was the reason for him shutting down. He liked to think that's who he could blame now, his heart for wanting to protect him from another heartbreak. 

But no, Calum had done that on his own. 

Calum had barely left his house. Ever since that night when he'd been a fool and let you go, he had decided that hiding away in his house was his best course of action. He had hated the way the tears in your eyes fell down onto Ashton's shoulder. More so, he hated the fact that he was the reason for those tears. He hadn't known the true reason until early the next morning when his pounding headache and the blaring phone had woken him up. He'd winced through Ashton's explanation of the night's events after Calum had been left alone in a club, wishing that he could just erase the night and never had it have happened. 

"She's....she's really hurt man, you should really talk to her," Ashton sighed, the man sounding way too awake and not hungover like Calum was, "You both need to tell each other the truth."

"I doubt she wants to talk to me," Calum sighed, "I'm going to give her some space."

"Cal-" Ashton started, a sigh evident in his voice as Calum interrupted him.

"Thanks for taking care of her, Ash."

You weren't sure where things had gone wrong. You'd never been one to cry over useless drama or men, especially not when those men were nothing but a friend to you. But life had a funny way of throwing curveballs at you and you'd found yourself stuck on your living room couch most days, staring up at the ceiling to try and stop the tears. Those pesky tears that fell no matter how many times you tried to convince yourself that you were stronger than this and that a man was not worth your tears, especially one who had technically done nothing wrong. Sure, Calum had been single, he'd been allowed to dance with whoever he wanted to because he was an adult and that was his business. But Calum had never wanted to dance with you. 

It had been two weeks since that night, where you shamelessly cried to Ashton as the city lights passed by the two of you, two weeks since Calum and you hadn't spoken. Before, when things were nice and friendly, you two couldn't go a day without talking. Text messages, phone calls, and airdrops were common occurrences between the two of you so the radio silence was killing you. The number of times a funny picture or tiktok reminded you of him, the urge to send it to Calum forcing you to push more tears down, had been too many in the past couple of days. You'd even cut off nights out with your friends, fearing that Calum would be there and you'd be forced to talk about that night. It hurt, even more, knowing that the thought of going out again to that club wouldn't be the same, that dancing would never feel the same. All because of a stupid man with an addicting smile and humor to match your own. 

Calum had been hesitant about Ashton's proposal. He was used to having nights out together, getting dinner, and then going back to his place to watch a movie or play video games until the mind-numbing hours in the morning. But Calum hadn't left his house in weeks and he knew this was Ashton's way to tell him to get his shit together and get over himself. He knew that this game night was just another way for Ashton to knock some sense into him, a way for Calum to maybe score some free food and booze and pretend to listen to his friend tell him to get his head out of his ass. So without another thought, Calum grabbed his jacket and made his way to Ashton’s house.

Ashton had promised you that the movie night would consist of watching shitty romcoms, eating ice cream, and having way too many fries from McDonald’s. You’d been wary about the night out, knowing that Ashton had been trying to get you out of your living room for days on end, but you knew that he had been trying his best to make you feel better. A night out was what you needed, the lack of socialization and the promise of ice cream the pushing force to get you into your car and driving towards Ashton’s house. As you pulled into the driveway, you saw Ashton standing outside, waving over at you and grinning.

“You made it! Come inside,” Ashton cheered as you got out of the car, leading you into the comfort of his home, “The pizza should be here soon.”

Walking into the living room, you froze as you saw a familiar head of curly hair sitting on Ashton's couch. Calum, who was way too focused on the video game in front of him, looked just as breathtaking as he always looked. His messy curls were splayed across his forehead, his shoulders tense as he took a sharp turn on the race he was in. He looked so beautiful and all the sadness from the past weeks disappeared the second you heard him laugh. But the familiar sound of a car leaving a driveway made your shoulders and your breath hitch when Calum's head turn and his eyes met yours. 

"Oh..." Calum breathed out, his eyes widening as he set the controller down, the screen behind him coming to a still, much like the air between you both. 

"Hey you two, it's Ashton," Ashton's voice rang out from a speaker, "Please don't hate me but we all know this was meant to happen and it's been weeks so...." he chuckled nervously, "You both have feelings for one another and I'm not going to let you through that away. So, I'm leaving you two alone and I just hope you guys don't fuck on my bed." 

You both stood in silence, listening to Ashton's words echoed in your heads as you both stared at one another. Calum's eyes watched as you slowly walked towards the couch, watched as your hands cupped the side of his face, and pulled him into a kiss. The kiss made you both gasp into each other's mouth, made you both finally jump across that thin line you both had danced around for countless nights and countless days. It was the scissors that finally snipped the string that had strung between them. The kiss was all the words that neither of them could say. 

The door to Ashton's guest room was pushed open, the darkness of the room hiding both of you. The bed was creaking, every thrust and every rock of hips met with the sound of skin meeting. Calum's silver chain was hanging above you, brushing against your chest with every thrust of his hips, the cold metal a relief from the heat that spurred between you both. Your hand found Calum's arm in the dark, trailing down his forearm until your fingers wrapped around his wrist and brought it up to your neck. 

"Fuck, baby," Calum breathed out, his ring-clad fingers wrapping around the base of your throat.

As the mattress underneath you both rocked and the headboard bumped into the wall behind you, you felt closer and closer to Calum. You felt the passion through every rock of his hips, through every grunt and breathy sigh that left him. It was all the passion and unsaid words that had gone unspoken between the two of you for months. And when the high came crashing down upon you both, when the moans echoed through the room and hips stilled, you knew that you'd found the one who made your heart race again. 

"I'm sorry," Calum mumbled and sighed quietly, "I...I should've called earlier and tried to fix this, I just...I don't even know," he sighed and shook his head as his fingers traced soft circles onto your hip.

"No, I was just, I never even thought you could ever have feelings for me and I hurt my own feelings," you mumbled and frowned, "I pushed you away and I can't even begin to apologize."

"I think we were both just...scared?" he sighed and shrugged, "Afraid of whatever we were headed towards."

"I was afraid to lose you," you whispered, "Afraid that I had lost you that night when I saw you dancing with her."

"I wanted to show you I could dance," he chuckled quietly and bit his lip, "I saw you dancing with that guy and I...I don't know I thought I could make you jealous enough to have you dance with me." 

"You could've just asked," you whispered and shook your head, "I'd always dance with you."

And in a way, Calum knew that meant that you loved him too.

Your soft breaths hit Calum's neck, the soft puffs of air leaving him in disbelief that you were actually laying next to him. The past few weeks had left him wondering if he'd ever get to see you again, to be next to you. But the night had changed in such a quick instant that Calum had forgotten he was in Ashton's house for a second.  He'd gone from playing video games on his best friend's couch to sleeping with the love of his life, finally telling you the truth about how he felt. He'd gone from being someone who tried to run away from love, run away from being open, to let himself be vulnerable in front of someone who he'd hurt. He wasn't afraid of letting his feelings be known any more and even if it felt surreal in that bed where you slept next to him, he could believe that he was in love with you. 

All he had to do now was take you out dancing

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[cuddlesslut]

Memories

Part three to Home

Suna x fem reader

Atsumu x fem reader

Tags: still angst, light fluff, just a lot of Suna simping.

AN// let me know if you want me to continue the story.

Part Two: Silence

Part Four: Chance Encounters

You were the most beautiful girl Suna had ever seen. When he saw you that first day of school it was like the clouds in his normally dreary day parted and he could feel the sun. You weren’t in the same class much to his dismay. That didn’t stop the middle blocker from searching for your face in the crowds of the halls or the cafeteria. Though it was rare he stilled catch some glimpses. In those moments a war waged in his mind part of him wanted to go introduce himself, he wanted to know your name. To just be around you. But another side of his brain forbid that. Stating that he was fine were he was he would just interrupt your day. What would he even say to you. Hi I’m Suna I’ve been watching you since the first and even though I know next to nothing about you I can’t get you out of my head..... yeah no. He’d just sit back and wait for opportunity to knock. Suna curses himself for his laziness. He can’t describe how his heart stop the day his friend brought you to practice and introduce you as his girlfriend.

Though he kept his composure he felt as though the air was stolen from his lungs. This is the closesest he had ever to been to you and it was overwhelming to say the least. You stood there at Atsumu’s side smiling and greeting the team memebers and when your attention drew to Suna he realized his favorite thing about you was your eyes. You beautiful (e/c) eyes shown with so much light and happiness. When you smiled you smiled with your eyes, always getting this cute little crinkle. He shook his head at these feelings. You were taken and by one of his friends no less.

From that moment on you presence was always close by joining the boys for lunch or stopping by practice with little snacks you had made the team. Suna almost resents how easy he gets along with you. How simple it is to fall into a banter with you. He hates how calming it is when you’d sit next to him and laugh as you showed him some meme. He wanted to be annoyed with you ever time you’d put your foot down and insist he let you wrap his finger after a bad block. But he couldn’t you were just such a caring person. He’d try and give you some petty insults, maybe if he caused a rift between the two of you he’d feel better, maybe then if there was more space between you he’d feel less guilty for always being enraptured by you. But you’d always snap back with something just as clever or petty. You could go toe to toe in trading insults but both of you knew neither of you meant it. You’d always break out into that breathtaking smile after a few rounds of back and forth. He realized soon that he’d much rather keep you in his life as a friend even if he could never have you because at least he’d still see that smile. At least as your best friend he’d still see your eyes shine bright and he could take a small pleasure in knowing he brought some of that happiness.

“You need to calm down,” Suna turned to see Osamu taking the seat on the bench next to him.

Suna's hands run through his hair gripping the roots in frustration as he let out a yell.

“How the fuck am I supposed to be calm, she could be hurt or missing, and that ass is just sitting there! Two weeks! Lord knows what could have happened by now.” Hes shaking part of him wants to go back up and give Atsumu a few more licks but he knows no good will come from it.

“YN is a grown woman and she’s smart and strong and you know damn well she’d bitch you out right now for thinking she couldn’t handle herself,” the former ace chuckled.

“I’d much rather her here bitching cause at least then she’d be here,” he groaned rubbing his hand down his legs trying to let out some of his nerves. “Did you know?” He asked the grey haired twin.

Samu gave his quick glare of offense. “Absolutely not believe me if I’d known I would have been the one to deck him , you just beat me to it.”

“The last i heard from her was her birthday, maybe if I’d had stopped by and brought the Onigiri myself I could have been there for her,” he sighs.

“We’ll find her don’t worry,” his friend pats his back, “and then you can finally confess,”he smiles.

“I’m that obvious huh,” he sighed.

Samu let a loud laugh “ OH PLEASE we all knew, well maybe not YN she can be kinda blind ya’know,”

Suna shook his head laughing. He has to see you.

They returned home today from nationals. The loss to Karasuno was really starting to sink in now that was Suna was home sitting in his room alone the house quiet. He laid there berating himself for balls he failed to block. If I had just done better maybe my team would still be playing. Maybe - he was disrupted from his thoughts by the chime of the door bell. His parents were out of town this weekend. They had assumed like many Inarizaki would still be out in Tokyo fighting for first place. It was fine though Suna was used to being alone. But that just confused him more as he made his way to the door. Who could possibly be here. All he can say is he’d never except to open the door and see you standing there. Like always you stole his breath away.

“What yer not gunna let me in,” you teased “and to think I brought you snacks!” He just realized now she was carrying a grocery bag that looked pretty heavy.

“Give me that ya Dummy,” he said taking away the snacks, he stepped to the side allowing her entry.

“I figured you were hungry, but try to save me some,” she giggled. Suna just rolled his eyes as she took a seat on his couch.

“What are you doing here?” He questioned taking his seat beside her making sure to leave a respectable distance. Though he wants nothing more than to hold you close. He dismisses the thought as he rummages threw the goodies waiting for your response. He smiles seeing the package of milk bread you bought. He took it out and tossed it to you knowing it was your favorite. You smile and give a slight nod as a thank you.

“I figured you wouldn’t want to be alone after the game, I know your probably thinking a whole bunch of nonsense right now aren’t ya?” She looked at him with a solem but knowing look. He cursed how well you knew him. Seeing as he had been doing just that before your arrival. His heart squeezed at the thought of you wanting to comfort him. It almost gives him a slight hope. What about Atsumu, he lost that game too.

“Why aren’t you with you boyfriend, he’s probably taking it harder than me,” he asks knowing he might ruin this little fantasy he has here with you. He sees a sad look cross your face at the mention of the setter. It’s not a look Suna wants to keep seeing.

“You’re right about that, Tsmu’s having a tough go of it,” she gave a soft smile. “But he said he didn’t want my pity and asked I leave,” Suna could see your eyes get a little glassy thinking back to the conversation.

“He’s an Ass.” The middle blocker states plainly.

“He’s just got a lot of emotions right now and wants his space, it’s okay.” But Suna can see your hurt. He knows it wont do any good to keep talking about it.

“His loss, now I get all of the snacks,” pulling out a bag of chips. “Want to watch a movie?”

That’s how the evening went the both of you curled up on the couch Suna had brought down some pillows and blankets and he wouldn’t lie he loved seeing you wrapped in his comforter. You went on and on about this anime you started and you nearly died when he agreed to let you show it to him, pumping your fist in the air going off about your favorite character and how he’s totally going to love him. Suna looks over at you and your wearing the biggest smile eyes wide with joy. This is will always be his favorite moment he thinks.

He’s right that moment still sticks out in his mind. He has plenty of great memories but that one right there is his favorite. He’s been thinking back on a lot of his memories of you lately.

It’s been seven months since your birthday and no one in your former circle new anything about where you were. You hadn’t talked to anyone. Your number was no longer in service and all of you socials have gone silent.

After a couple of days of looking for you Suna was ready to go to the Police and report you missing, ready to call every hospital and pray you are safe. At this point that’s all that matters to him. He can’t bare to think about anything bad happening to you but it’s hard to keep his mind out of the dark place. Osamu was the one to stop him. Luckily they had gotten in touch with their former captain and while Kita was sorry to hear about the situation and very disappointed in his junior for his actions. Every one was upset with Atsumu for his actions. Kita was gladly willing to help in the search. Still being in their home town he was able to pay your parents a quick visit. And while he was happy he could inform them both that your parents had heard from you the other day so your fine. That was all your parents could tell him, stating that you had requested to keep your privacy not wanting to talk to anyone. So while they knew the biggest detail they still knew nothing.

It hurt Suna the most. How could you just cut him off like that. You were the most important person to him how could you not know that. He fretted. He knows your hurting but why did you have to cut all of them off most importantly him. Part of him was so incredibly angry how could you not even say goodbye to him. Did his friendship really mean that little to you. But another part of him understood that he couldn’t possibly know what you are going through. All he knew is how much he missed your smiling eyes. He would give everything to see you again.

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[rafael-silva]

under the sky and stars: a tarlos fic

When Carlos and TK take a weekend off to go camping, the last thing they were prepared for was their mini vacation getting cut short by the untimely activation of what’s said to be TK’s danger magnet.

*

What starts as a peaceful day is turned on its head when TK is hurt during their hike. Cut off from help and with no cell service, Carlos and TK work together to keep the younger man awake and getting the injury under control. They lean on one another, sharing memories, voicing confessions and finding comfort within each other along the way.

for bad things happen bingo: tarlos + cauterizing a wound

hurt tk strand, worried carlos reyes, major character injury, whump, angst, hurt/comfort, emotional/hurt comfort, injury description, softness, kisses, comfort

11.1k | rated T | on ao3

*****

When Carlos and TK take a weekend off to go camping, the last thing they were prepared for was their mini vacation getting cut short by the untimely activation of what’s said to be TK’s danger magnet.

Because, well, camping in the middle of nature, miles away from the city and with fluctuating cell service…what could possibly go wrong?

This particular camping spot was near and dear to Carlos, one of his all-time favorite locations. He’s frequently visited this very spot countless times with his family growing up, setting up their tents together, Carlos and his sisters looking for firewood while hiking and then building the bonfire, laughing and creating many memories along the way.

It had been a while since Carlos went camping there, mostly due to his busy schedule, juggling hectic shifts and long days, along with some days off, so he can spend as much time with TK as possible.

And once he was reminded of that spot by the memories feature from his photos app, popping up a selfie of the Reyes family from a few years prior on a hike, a thought crossed his mind. A very good thought. And he suddenly couldn’t contain his excitement at the possibility lingering in his mind.

He and TK were cuddling on the couch after a mutual exhausting never-ending day, both of them stumbling into their home within ten minutes of each other, weary to theirs bones. After a quick shared shower, they settled on the couch and into each other’s arms, drawing comfort from one another and watched a movie in comfortable silence.

“Have you gone camping before?” Carlos’s voice sliced through the quiet, his tone soft.

TK takes a moment to think, revisiting his own memories before nodding. “Yeah, a couple of times. When I was younger though, went camping in Upstate New York, once with mom and dad and the other time with just dad,” he replied, slightly intrigued by Carlos’s somewhat random question.

“So, there’s this camping spot,” Carlos had started explaining, running a hand up and down TK’s arm. “I used to go there all the time with my parents and sisters, especially growing up. It was kind of our safe haven, it had quickly became our spot and I was thinking that we could go camping there one weekend. I’d love to show it to you and share it with you,” he expressed.

TK moved so he’d face Carlos instead of having his back against the offer’s chest, and there was much emotion written in his features, his green eyes glued to Carlos’s brown ones.

“That place means a lot to me, and you mean so much to me, TK,” Carlos added. “It’s part of who I am, and I want to share everything that I am with you.”

TK’s eyes remained on Carlos, his expression soft.

“Of course, if you’d want to go camping, that is.”

TK lightly chuckled, nodding and moved closer to Carlos. “I’d love to. I mean, I’m not really big on camping, just because it wasn’t super easy to do while living in the city, but I’d do anything with you. Even if we were going to a random spot, I know I’ll love it. And the fact that that spot means so much to you, of course I’d go with you. I look forward to getting to know that side of you, Carlos Reyes.”

Carlos’s face had broken into a big, bright smile, his eyes twinkling. He returned the tender kiss TK brushes to his lips and leans into the paramedic’s touch when TK cupped Carlos’s cheek.

“Besides,” TK began with they separated, “one of us should know what they’re doing when it comes to camping.”

Carlos had nodded, agreeing. “Plus, we’ve both been working so much and so hard lately, I feel like we’re running on fumes and a break could really help us. And nature is a great healer.”

“Nature and love,” TK added before giving Carlos another kiss.

After managing to take the same weekend off, and Carlos calling his father asking to borrow his truck for the trip, Carlos and TK make a list of everything they need for the three days. They split it between them and each get what they’re responsible for by the agreed time.

The weekend approaches quickly to both their delight and that’s when Carlos and TK find themselves on the road, TK’s road trip playlist blasting through the speakers as Austin disappears in the rearview mirror.

And Carlos, Carlos smiles, stealing a quick glance at TK when they stop at a red light. The younger man is so at ease, leaning back against the headrest and Carlos’s heart swells with even more love for him. TK turns to look at Carlos, an identical smile on his face.

Excitement sizzles in Carlos’s stomach at the thought of creating even more memories with TK during this trip, and at one of his favorite places, too. He already starts to feel better, feeling the tension leave his body. Both he and TK had been looking forward to getting some peace, to recharge their energies and to spend more quality time together.

But TK’s said danger magnet was waiting in the corner, getting ready to strike and to throw them both a painful and unexpected curveball.

They arrive at the camping spot a couple of hours later. Carlos parks the truck at the end of the trail and switches off the ignition, excited to be back to this spot. It’s so beautiful that TK pauses his movement to get out of the car, looking through the window and taking it all in.

Carlos hops out, closing the door behind him and stretches his muscles. Their early start had been in their favor, the sun still hanging high in the sky above them, which tells Carlos they’ll have time to set everything up and walk around for a while before it gets dark, too.

TK follows Carlos, gazing around and the amount of green merging with the blue of the sky and the birds twittering around them takes his breath away.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Carlos says, standing by TK’s side.

TK nods. “Absolutely breathtaking.”

“Come on,” Carlos takes TK’s hand and begins walking further into the tree line. “It’s on foot from here, but it’s not too far in. But be careful,” he warns. “Some of the ground is really slippery and there are a lot of hills. Took a tumble once and sprained my ankle, I do not recommend the experience.”

TK tightens his hold on Carlos’s hand as he leads them through bushes, branches and tree barks, closely following Carlos’s trail.

After about an eight minute walk, they reach a clearing with even, dry ground and large open space.

“Here we are,” Carlos announces.

“Wow,” TK says, tilting his head upwards to look at the tall trees above them. They cast a shadow down at the campsite, but don’t completely obscure the sun, its golden light shining through the branches.

TK can feel the history here, the years it took for these tree to grow and flourish like this, and for the first time, he feels one with nature and he welcomes it. He closes his eyes, the soft wind colliding with his face and he draws in a deep breath, relishing in the fresh, clear air.

“It’s like all your worries wash away when you’re here,” Carlos’s voice brings TK back from his thoughts.

“I feel lighter already,” TK agrees.

But the spell is broken when TK groans and shoos away a mosquito. And Carlos mirrors him when he hears buzzing near his ear.

“Bug spray is in the bag, let’s get everything set up and we can walk around for a bit,” Carlos says.

After sending off texts to their parents that they’ve safely arrived (which had taken some time while they searched for a spot with sufficient cell service), it takes Carlos and TK two trips to bring everything they need from the truck to the campsite. They start with setting up the tent in the middle, and TK being completely out of his zone here, helps when Carlos asks, doing exactly what the officer tells him. Carlos is an expert as he works, his muscles and mind working together, knowing exactly what to do and what goes where, not missing a beat. The tent is set up in record time (based on TK’s knowledge and how often people say it takes forever to set up a tent) and TK wears an impressed expression.

Carlos chuckles at the look on TK’s face. “Learned to set it up during the summer I was fourteen. My father had told me and my sisters that we were setting up our own tents that time. It wasn’t easy, it took a lot of time and more than a few collapses, but eventually, the tent held.”

“Well, practice makes perfect,” TK smiles, planting a kiss to Carlos’s cheek.

“And sweat, a lot of sweat,” Carlos adds.

TK chuckles, opening their cooler and takes hold of Carlos’s reusable water bottle, handing it to him.

“Thank you,” Carlos gratefully accepts the bottle and takes a long swing of the cold water.

They move around in unison, TK retrieving the sleeping bag and undoing the zipper so it’s flat and lays it on the ground inside the tent then covers it with their duvet and places their pillows at the head of the tent.

Outside, Carlos arranges their sitting area, gathering the blankets that have been designated for camping. His mother had left them at his place a couple of years back, for whenever he’d take solo trips. He spreads the blankets around where the fire would be built then grabs the foldable chairs, arranging them behind the blankets.

“We have enough time for a walk before it gets dark,” Carlos says when TK emerges from the tent. “Everything else can be set up when we’re back, and we’ll get wood for the fire, too.”

TK nods. “Sounds wonderful, babe.”

Carlos grabs his compass and map, pocketing both for when he’ll need them and takes TK’s hand, and together, they stride into the endless greenery.

*****

The sun is setting when they return to the campsite, each of them carrying an armful of wood.

“These should last until tomorrow,” Carlos says, dropping the logs near the place for the fire.

TK does the same and awaits Carlos’s instructions.

Carlos kneels down and starts arranging the logs then looks up at TK. “Can you grab me the lighter fluid and matches?”

TK nods and goes to retrieve the items. A chill is starting to set in the air around them at the loss of the sun’s warmth and TK can’t wait to get cozy by the fire. He also grabs his hoodie while he’s at it.

He hands Carlos the medium sized bottle of lighter fluid and watches as his boyfriend pours some over the wood. Once he’s closing the bottle, TK lights a match and drops it over the fluid, the fire immediately igniting.

He slips on his hoodie and settles on one of the blankets, looking over his shoulder at Carlos when he hears rummaging from behind.

He smiles when Carlos shows him the bag of marshmallows and wiggles his eyebrows.

“Camping just isn’t proper camping with marshmallows,” Carlos declares as he sits next to TK, the bag in one hand and slim wooden sticks in the other.

He hands TK the bag, who promptly opens it and accepts a stick from Carlos. They both sear a marshmallow through their sticks and hold it over the open fire.

“Now, there’s an art to roasting marshmallows,” Carlos starts. “To get it crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. You can’t hold it too close to the flame and you have to keep rotating it so its evenly roasted.”

TK nods and does his best, but he pouts when the marshmallow completely burns.

“It’s okay, baby, it takes a few tries to get it right,” Carlos reassures him.

TK eats the burnt marshmallow and shrugs. “Soft on the inside though. Well, more like melty. And hot!”

TK tries again and again, and when his fifth marshmallow is still burnt (not as badly as the first one, but still burnt nonetheless), he shakes his head and laughs.

“And I thought I’d be good at this because I used to roast them over the stove growing up,” TK sighs.

Carlos’s eyebrows travel up his forehead and he’s shaking his head. “Not the same as roasting them over a campfire, definitely not the same,” he chuckles.

“Yeah, I’m learning that the hard way,” TK dramatically sighs again.

“Here,” Carlos hands TK his own stick with a perfectly roasted marshmallow. “You should have at least one that’s properly roasted.”

TK lightly elbows Carlos in the stomach and playfully rolls his eyes. “Okay, this is amazing,” he admits after eating the marshmallow.

Carlos smirks. “Besides, like you said earlier, practice makes perfect. So I guess we have no other option than going camping a lot so you can perfect your marshmallow roasting technique.”

“Hmm,” TK hums as he moves his face closer to Carlos’s. “Yeah, I guess that’s our only option,” he whispers.

Carlos smiles as he closes the small distance between them by capturing TK’s lips in a deep, passionate kiss. Carlos tastes a mix of TK and burnt marshmallows, and the combination makes his heart jump in his chest with joy; further proof that Carlos isn’t dreaming, they’re here, together in one of Carlos’s favorite places on the planet. TK easily opens to him and they pour into each other. TK’s free hand goes to the back of Carlos’s head as Carlos’s goes to hold TK’s face.

The kiss slows down, turning into a simple press of lips and they start exchanging small, chaste kisses before separating to catch their breath. They don’t pull back completely though as Carlos rests his forehead against TK’s.

They’re lying on the blanket a little while later, TK cuddled to Carlos’s side, after it was agreed that they’d had enough marshmallows for the time being. Otherwise, they’d get a sugar rush and neither wanted to experience the crash from that. Besides, they still hadn’t eaten the dinner they packed for the night.

Carlos had grabbed his zip up hoodie and slipped it on before lying down, the wind picking up a little and a shiver ran through his body. Once they’re both warm, both by clothes and each other’s presence, silence falls onto them, the leaves rustling around them the only sound as they watch the stars glitter above, vivid against the endless black sky.

“You can never see the stars this clearly in the city,” TK says in a quiet voice.

Carlos nods, not entirely sure if TK means New York or Austin, but he supposes both, because it’s true either way. He had heard about the light pollution in New York and how it obscures the night sky and its beauty, and from his experience living in Austin, the same can be said for the Texan city.

“There’s beauty in every direction you look here, it’s all encompassing. Left, right, up, down…you’re surrounded by it, you’re a part of it. There’s a lake this way,” Carlos points to their left, turning to face TK. “Me and my sisters used to go swimming there, the water is so blue and so clear and it’s the perfect temperature. We can take a dip before leaving, if you want.”

“Oh, but I don’t have my swimming suit,” TK points out.

Carlos doesn’t reply, instead he lifts a suggestive eyebrow as a smirk tugs on his lips.

“Ohhhh,” TK catches on to where Carlos’s head is at, and a blush paints his cheeks.

The nearby fire dances, the flames coloring TK’s skin golden and bringing out the green in his eyes. Carlos winks and the light pink rises up his boyfriend’s face and TK’s lips spread into a soft smile.

“Well, then, I couldn’t refuse that now, could I?” TK wiggles his eyebrows and moves closer to Carlos.

The beauty of the stars is momentarily forgotten as Carlos watches TK, getting lost in his features, taking it all in even though he can draw every detail in his sleep. He feels his heart grow in his chest with the amount of love he feels for the other man, gazing through green gates and into his soul, he’d willingly get lost in those irises for days.

Without a word, Carlos leans in and captures TK’s lips in a soaring kiss, giving TK his all and gladly receiving TK’s as the paramedic wastes no time in reciprocating.

“I’d come here alone, sometimes,” Carlos voices a few minutes after they return to their previous position. “When I was older. Sometimes my family would be busy and wouldn’t be able to make the trip, other times it was unplanned. I’d need to get away for a few days, and I’d find myself here. When things would get hard or overwhelming, this place was always there for me. This place offered me a lot of clarity over the years, opened my eyes to many things. Helped me dig deep into myself and really know who I am. Because here, in the middle of all this beautiful nature, that wasn’t so scary. It was almost like nature was telling me that it’s okay, that whatever happens, it’s all going to be okay, that it’s all just that, natural and organic. And eventually, whenever I needed to make a decision or when I just needed to think, I’d come here.”

TK waits a beat, fingers fidgeting with the zipper of Carlos’s hoodie and then asks a question. “Did you ever come here to find clarity about…me? Or us?”

Carlos is silent for a few moments before nodding. “Yeah, after you got shot,” he swallows, his mind taking him back to that horrific week.

He tightens his hold on TK, unconsciously needing to know that TK is okay, that he’s with him, right here, right now.

Then something clicks in TK’s mind. “When you texted me that you were leaving town for a couple of days, you came here.”

Carlos nods. He had sent that text a week after TK was out of the hospital and recovering at home. He had seen him a couple of times since his discharge, each time his emotions and feelings towards TK growing and bubbling more in his chest. And after making sure TK was really okay and was taken care of by his team, he had decided a trip was needed.

Falling for TK was unexpected, it had taken him by surprise and so did the amount of feelings he’d quickly developed for the other man. He needed to gather his thoughts and to process it all. He thinks back to those couple of days, pacing the ground for what seemed like hours, his mind going in a million different directions. It’s only when he sat down and looked up at this very sky, that he really started seeing everything, truly seeing.

Carlos draws in a deep breath before continuing, looking up at the sky now. “Like I told you that day at the juice bar, seeing you in that hospital bed was very hard, and all these strong feelings I had for you, they really took me over. I’d been out of the dating game for so long when I met you, and I never expected to fall for you as quickly as I did. And although I had felt it blossoming in the days and weeks before you got hurt, I truly realized just how much I felt for you when I found out you got shot. And then when I saw you lying in that hospital bed, that feeling of my heart dropping into my stomach and that pang in my chest,” he pauses, “…it scared me, the strength of the feelings scared me, the thought of losing you and losing everything we could be before we even truly began terrified me,” his voice breaks a little with the last few words.

TK finds Carlos’s hand and gives it a light squeeze.

Carlos recovers and continues. “And then you woke up and got sent home and every time I saw you, the feelings just grew and grew and there was no stopping it, not that I wanted to stop it. But I still didn’t know what we were, and I didn’t want to push you, knowing what you had gone through. I guess I just needed to process it all, it had all jumbled together and I needed to untangle it. So I came here, because this place always helps with that.”

“And what did you realize?” TK carefully asks.

Carlos turns his head once more so he’s looking at TK. “What I knew was true all along, that what I felt for you, all those feelings, all that love, was natural and organic. Cosmic, even. I realized it came from the deepest of places, the brightest and purest of places, it came from the soul, from the bottom of the heart. And that realization felt right, it felt good. I remember smiling then because I felt lighter, I felt like that realization breathed fresh air into my lungs. And I wasn’t scared anymore. I was hopeful. I knew this love was worth fighting for.”

TK is quiet for a while, letting everything Carlos said sink in, and the flickering flames reveal the unshed tears swimming in his eyes. Carlos’s words had been so honest, so vulnerable and it moves TK, fills him with even more love for Carlos.

“So, in a way, this place had brought us together,” TK expresses.

Carlos nods. “Which is one of the reasons I wanted to bring you here.”

“It really means everything, you sharing this place with me,” TK runs his thumb over Carlos’s knuckles. “I also realized what I had known all along that day of the solar storm, after the bus rescue and on the way to the hospital. I was scared, too. Getting into something and starting a relationship was the last thing on my mind when I got to Austin, but that connection to you, that pull between us, it felt right from the very start. I resisted it, though, I did, because I was still dealing with everything that happened in New York. But that day, I realized I wanted to deal with everything with you, with you by my side. I was learning to stand again, I knew that was something I had to do on my own but I wanted you to be there for me to lean on when I needed it. You gave me strength, Carlos, every day, and you continue to. You brought color back into my life and I knew then I wasn’t scared anymore. And you’re right, our love is cosmic and worth fighting for. It’s always under the sky and stars.”

Thinking back to that night, lying on the hood of the Camaro under the Northern Lights, the moment they really gave them a chance and started the journey of everything they would become together, TK smiles.

Carlos makes the connection, as well, mirroring the soft smile. “The sky and stars really do have a way of bringing us closer. Our love being cosmic sounds particularly appropriate.”

A gentle kiss is shared as they move even closer together, gravitating towards each other, always in each other’s orbit.

The tent goes forgotten as they fall asleep under the stars, wrapped in each other’s embrace, blanketed by the comfort of their love.

*****

If TK is distracted by watching Carlos, who’s wearing a tank top and sweat shorts, stride around the campsite while he gets their breakfast ready, well, who can blame him? TK’s eyes find themselves glued to Carlos’s biceps and the way his muscles contract and move under his skin, making TK miss the words Carlos is directing at him.

Carlos pauses, lifting an eyebrow. “TK? Earth to TK?”

“Hm?” TK snaps out of his trance and eyes go to Carlos’s face, which is just as captivating.

Carlos chuckles lightly. “Welcome back.” Then he’s smirking. “Like what you see?”

He gets it, though, knows the power of the tank top. Because he, too, loves it when TK wears his own tank tops, and Carlos finds himself in the same position TK was just in.

A blush crawls up TK’s neck and face as he bites down on his low lip, his eyes roaming over Carlos’s majestic form. He nods after a few moments.

“You’ll do,” TK playfully teases.

“Oh, is that it? I’ll do?” Carlos whispers, his tone a little heavy and low as he takes tentative steps towards his boyfriend, the smirk still drawn on his face.

“Yeah,” TK nods again, his eyes not leaving Carlos’s.

TK smiles against Carlos’s lips when the officer leans in for a kiss and returns it, his body filling up with warmth at their contact.

“Come on,” Carlos says when they pull apart. “We gotta have a good breakfast because we have some exploration ahead of us today. And other activities, too,” Carlos lifts an eyebrow and winks at TK.

They keep up their flirting and playful banter throughout breakfast, and once they’re finished and Carlos had gathered the stuff they’ll need and packed it into his backpack, they start their journey into the woods, Carlos leading with TK close behind.

The first couple of hours go by smoothly. Carlos shows TK a few of the spots he would frequent when he’d visit here, telling him stories along the way and sharing the memories he’s built with his family. He snaps pictures of TK here and there, some while he wasn’t looking, others with TK posing along with a bunch of selfies of them wearing big smiles.

They come to rest at a clearing, deciding to take a break before continuing their hike. Carlos finds a large rock to sit on, taking a few sips of water before his eyes find TK. The other man is roaming around, looking up at the trees and taking it all in. He comes to a halt on an elevation, looking into the distance and doesn’t realize he’s right on the edge of a hill.

Carlos’s face falls a little when he notices where TK’s standing, and he’s about to tell him to take a few steps back when TK himself turns around and starts to move towards him.

Carlos’s newfound relief lasts for only a brief second as he watches TK stumble. He quickly gets to his feet, moving to help steady TK while a little voice at the back of his head supplies slippery mud, but it’s too late.

For a moment it feels like an out of body experience and in an instant, he’s running to TK. It takes a second, but before he reaches him, TK looses his balance and falls, Carlos’s eyes going wide and his heart drops into his knees as it happens.

Carlos freezes, arms stretched out, heart hammering and eyes glued to the space TK occupied a second ago. He was right there, within his reach and then he wasn’t.

The image of the panicked look on TK’s face and his green eyes blown wide with fear will forever be etched in Carlos’s mind.

He swallows and finds himself at the edge a moment later as he looks down. It’s a nasty fall, even though it’s not a drop but a slope, the steep angle surely would have increased TK’s speed as he rolled downhill. The area it’s littered with rocks of all sizes, and TK’s body would most definitely be bruised and battered by the impact against them.

Carlos yells out when he finds his voice. “TK! TK! Hang on! I’m coming for you!”

The panic in his gut starts brewing even more at the lack of a response from TK.

Carlos weighs his options, and a quick survey tells him there’s no other way to get to TK except down this slope. He takes a deep breath and very carefully starts making his way towards where he’ll find TK.

He almost slips a few times during his descend, tree leaves crunching under his hiking boots and his feet sinking into piles of leaves and small bushes. He keeps calling out for TK on his way down, still getting no reply from the other man. Carlos tells himself he has to get a hold on the panic rising in his body, he feels his hands begin to shake and wills them to steady. He needs to be composed to help TK, to get him out of this. TK is relying on him.

That knowledge gives Carlos the strength he needs and he gathers himself, letting out a small sigh of relief when the ground appears to even out before him.

Then his eyes land on TK, who’s sprawled out on his side, his back to Carlos. And he isn’t moving. And Carlos can’t tell if he’s breathing from this angle.

Carlos’s legs move on their own accord and he’s sprinting towards TK, dropping to his knees next to him. His eyes run over TK’s face and head, where he finds a cut under his hairline that’s oozing blood down his face, and his usually neat hair is filled with torn leaves and covered in dust. He watches TK’s chest closely next, and lets out a breath he didn’t know he was holding when he spots the rise and fall there, although shallower and shorter than he’d like, but TK is breathing.  

“TK? TK, babe, can you hear me?” Carlos speaks, his voice coated with worry.

With TK still unconscious, Carlos starts doing what he could: check TK over for any visible injuries on the rest of his body.

And he most definitely was not prepared for what he found. He couldn’t stop the sharp gasp that tears from his throat when his eyes land on a large, jagged open wound on TK’s right thigh. There’s blood gushing down his leg and dripping into a puddle beneath the paramedic, a stark crimson staining the rock below.

“Shit, shit,” Carlos mumbles and breaks himself out of his haze.

He knows he shouldn’t move TK until he’s sure there’s no spinal damage, but he also needs to apply pressure in hopes of slowing down the bleeding and the only way to effectively do that is to have TK lying on his back.

Knowing it’s his only option and the best chance TK has in this moment, Carlos very gently and carefully, while supporting TK’s body and carrying his weight, repositions TK and then clamps both hands over the wound and pushes down as hard as he can, putting all his weight into it as he prays that it isn’t the day he loses the love of his life.

He knows deep down it won’t do much good because he can already feel the blood seeping through his fingers. TK’s blood. Carlos’s stomach churns in an unnatural way and he has to squeeze his eyes shut and attempts to get his irregular breathing under control.

It seems, however, that the pressure does achieve something because Carlos is quickly opening his eyes when he hears a sharp painful gasp. The adrenaline, that same small voice at the back of his head supplies once more.

TK is haphazardly moving his head from side to side, eyebrows knitted together with confusion. Carlos easily finds TK’s wide eyes, filled to the brim with panic and fear and does his best in comforting and calming his boyfriend.

“TK, TK, hey, hey, look at me, look at me,” Carlos guides, trying to get TK’s attention.

The erratic movements eventually slow and TK focuses on Carlos through his blurry vision, tears springing into his eyes. He blinks a few times, trying to clear his line of sight sending a couple of tears down the sides of his face.

“Carlos…” TK whimpers through clenched teeth, reaching out for his boyfriend and closing his fist around the material of Carlos’s tank top, holding on with all the strength he could muster.

“I’m right here, baby, right here,” Carlos is quick to reassure him. “Stay with me, TK, hang on.”

“What…what happened?” TK asks when he gathers his breath.

“You fell down a hill, probably slipped on some mud and lost your balance. You were unconscious when I found you and you have a cut on your head and I think you could have a concussion. Can you wiggle your toes?”

After a moment, TK nods, knowing why Carlos is asking.

“Okay, good. But…”

“But?” TK questions and manages to lift himself to look at where Carlos’s eyes had landed.

TK gulps, seeing the wound and the alarming among of blood he had already lost and tries to keep the sizzling panic at bay. He knows panicking won’t help, that he needs to remain calm.

TK groans, pain flaring through his leg and making him a little dizzy.

“I think a piece of wood punctured your thigh and then broke away. I’ve been trying to slow the bleeding but it’s not working very well,” he explains, his voice filled with the panic he’s trying to suppress.

TK is silent for a few moments and Carlos fears he fell back into unconsciousness. But then TK is speaking, clearly having slipped into paramedic mode in those few seconds.

“Okay, we need to make a tourniquet, hopefully that will help slow the bleeding until we get help,” TK says.

Carlos nods, thinking back to what they have in their backpack. His heart drops some more when he realizes they don’t have anything for a tourniquet. Besides, the backpack is up that hill and there’s no way Carlos is leaving TK alone.

Making up his mind, Carlos takes off his tank top and looks to TK for instructions on what to do next.

TK frowns. “What…”

“This is everything we’ve got.”

TK nods, no time or energy for arguing. He already feels weaker and his head is starting to spin. But he evens his labored breathing, not only trying to access his own body for internal injuries but also to be able to properly tell Carlos what to do. He’s not alone, Carlos is here, and they can do this, together.

“Okay, you need to find a strong stick, it needs to be thick so it doesn’t break when it’s twisted to tighten the tourniquet,” TK tells Carlos.

Finding a stick in the woods, should be simple enough, Carlos thinks as he looks around, still in his position and applying pressure to TK’s thigh. Once he spots a stick that could work, he takes hold of TK’s hands and guides them to the wound, pushing them down there.

“I need you to hold pressure while I do this, TK. Can you do that for me?” Carlos asks and once he’s sure TK has complied, he moves to retrieve the stick.

TK gives it his all. He’s scared, and he doesn’t want to die, he doesn’t want to bleed out on this hill in the middle of the woods. He doesn’t want Carlos to have to watch it happen. He doesn’t want to ruin what this place means to Carlos. He doesn’t want to miss out on spending the rest of his life with Carlos. So he fights against the darkness creeping at him from the corners of his eyes and gives it everything he’s got.

But he’s tired, he’s so tired, and his hands momentarily stop working. But a voice reminds him to stay awake, stay awake…

Carlos can tell, that as expected, TK’s strength is faltering by the way more blood is running free down the paramedic’s injured leg. So he does his best to keep TK awake and talking until the tourniquet can take over in controlling the bleeding.

“Hey, TK, stay with me,” Carlos pleads. “Tell me, what’s next?”

TK nods. “Loop…loop the shirt above the wound and then place the stick over the loop and tie a knot,” his voice trails off.

Carlos follows TK’s instructions, his hands working quickly to do as TK says.

“Then…rotate it and the knot is going to tighten,” TK continues using a shaky breath. “It should help control the bleeding.”

“Okay, you ready?” Carlos asks, his worry filled eyes moving to TK’s face, knowing how much tourniquets hurt when they’re applied.

TK draws in a breath and nods.

“Okay, here we go,” Carlos starts twisting the stick and his heart clenches and shatters some more at hearing the throaty and pained moans that TK lets out.

The younger man’s eyes are squeezed shut, face crunching up in agony as the groans keep spilling from his mouth.

It works, and Carlos can see the bleeding is substantially slowing down.

“It’s working, it’s working,” Carlos sighs, closing his eyes for a few moments and taking in a deep breath, his shoulders slumping forward.  

And now it’s time to figure out where they ended up and how to get back to the campsite, into the truck and to the hospital as fast as they can. Carlos knows the tourniquet isn’t a permanent solution and he’s worried about infection setting in.

He fishes his phone from his pocket and prays for even one bar of service, but disappointment settles in his stomach at the words no service glaring at him from the top of his screen.  

He sighs, turning back to TK.

“Hey, TK, still with me, baby?”

TK gives him a weak nod.

“Listen, I have to go back up to get the backpack, you need to hydrate and the map and compass will help us get back to camp,” Carlos explains, hating that he has to leave TK. “I need you to keep holding the tourniquet in place, to make sure it doesn’t get undone. I’ll be quick, I promise.”

“Be…careful,” TK replies, closing his hand over the stick when Carlos places it there.

“I will be,” Carlos responds and leans down to brush a kiss to TK’s forehead.

It takes every inch of strength Carlos has to pull away.

“I’ll be right back, baby.”

Carlos rushes back up the hill, trying to be as quick but as efficient and safe as he possibly can, not wanting to leave TK alone for long. He faces some difficulty climbing up but manages to avoid slips and falls.

He’s panting when he finally makes it to the top, grabbing a hold of the backpack and then stops for a second. He pulls his phone out again, praying for service and rejoices at the one bar of service he finds.

He puts the phone to his ear and his heart thumps in his chest as he waits for it to connect. After what feels like an eternity, it starts ringing, and another lifetime after that, Owen picks up.

“Owen?” Carlos speaks, his voice tight. “Owen, can you hear me?”

“Carlos?” Owen replies but his voice is so far away.

“Owen, we need help,” Carlos continues, praying that Owen can hear him over the line scratching between the words.

“Carlos—you’re breaking—can’t—”

Then the lines goes dead.

A glance at his phone tells Carlos the one much-needed bar of service is gone.

“Damn it,” Carlos growls with frustration, shoving the phone back into his pocket.

He’s back at TK’s side a few minutes later, and finds his boyfriend barely holding onto consciousness.

“Hey, TK, I’m back,” Carlos announces, kneeling next to TK once more.

He notices that TK’s hold on the tourniquet has loosened a bit so he tightens the knot to control the bleeding again and his heart sinks at the almost lack of response from TK.

Shock, that voice in his head speaks again. He needs to get TK out of here right this moment.

“TK, you with me?” Carlos says as he digs out the compass and map.

TK mumbles something in return.

“Good, stay with me, baby. Didn’t I tell you that I don’t recommend tumbling down a hill? You had to go and try it yourself, huh,” he attempts to lighten the mood with their familiar playful banter but doesn’t quite succeed, his voice coated with fear and worry.

“Take it up with that hill,” TK murmurs back.

A short wet chuckle escapes Carlos, at least TK is doing his best to reciprocate. It’s a small victory in the battle to keep TK awake.

Carlos swallows before continuing, “I almost managed to get through to your dad on the phone,” he says, hoping to keep TK engaged until he figures out how to get back to the campsite. “It was only one bar, though, and it cut off before he could properly hear me.”

He feels his own disappointment mirrored back at him from TK when the younger man frowns.

“Okay,” Carlos nods, getting their bearings and finding the direction they need to move in. “We need to head west, and if we stay on this trail, it should lead us back to camp.”

Carlos moves so he’s behind TK to help him sit up. He places his hands below TK’s shoulders and very slowly and gently starts pushing him up. TK tries his best to help with his weight, but it’s no use, all his energy has been drained. With a hand still steading TK, Carlos reaches his other into the backpack and pulls out a water bottle.

“Here, you need to drink,” he hands it to TK.

TK accepts it with shaky hands and lifts the bottle to his mouth after popping the cap open, taking a few short sips.

“Ready to get up?”

“I’ll try,” TK replies, his voice hoarse.

“I got you,” Carlos promises.

Looping TK’s arm around his shoulder for a better hold on him, Carlos pushes himself up, taking TK with him. TK groans as soon as he’s standing still, closing his eyes as a wave of dizziness takes over and pain starts pulsing up and down his injured leg.

“No, no,” TK shakes his head. “It hurts.”

Carlos glances down and curses. Just the mere movement of TK standing up has caused more blood to pour out of his wound, and he knows more movement will dislodge the tourniquet even more.

Carlos shoulders the bag and then wraps an arm around TK’s waist, pulling him towards him.

“TK, I’m gonna need you to put all your weight on me, and absolutely no weight on that leg, okay? I’m going to get you out of here.”

TK distributes his weight on his good leg and on Carlos, dragging his injured leg as he pretty much hops along the way Carlos leads them.

“We’re not that far from camp,” Carlos pants. “I’ll carry you there if I have to.”

And he does. As soon as TK grows even weaker in Carlos’s grip around the halfway mark, the younger man’s muscles deflating, he does exactly that and carries TK the rest of the way.

Once they finally arrive at the site, Carlos carefully lowers TK down on a blanket near the extinguished campfire. He’s about to move to collect their important things when TK’s hand wraps around his wrist and stops him.

“Carlos,” TK heaves. “Carlos, we…we have to stop the bleeding.”

“The tourniquet is in place, I’ll make sure it stays that way…”

But TK is shaking his head. “It didn’t completely stop the blood, even when it was first applied,” he swallows. “Movement will cause more bleeding…and already lost too much blood…nearest hospital is a few hours away, can’t wait.”

“Then what are we supposed to do?” Carlos asks, the panic in his voice breaking through.

TK takes a deep breath before answering. “Cauterize it.”

It takes a moment for that to sink in and then Carlos’s eyes are going wide. “What? You mean, you want…”

“Need. I need you to do it, babe.”

“What? No, no, TK, I can’t—I can’t do that,” Carlos vigorously shakes his head, eyebrows drawn together. “There has to be something else, another way—”

“There isn’t,” TK matter of factly responds. “That is the only way.”

“No, TK, I…” Carlos’s voice breaks.

“Hey, hey,” TK reaches his arm out to Carlos. “It’s gonna be okay, I’ll talk you through it.”

Carlos moves so he’s in TK’s reach and takes his hand. He knows there’s no time to argue—that there’s no need to argue. He has to do this to save TK. TK trusts him and needs him to do this. And even though Carlos is scared out of his skin, he knows what needs to be done. Knows TK needs him now more than ever. He pushes his fear down and wills his heart to calm, ready to do whatever it takes to save the man who has saved him.

Carlos takes a deep breath and nods, sniffing. “What do you need me to do?”

“Need to get the fire going and grab one of the kitchen knives we packed…”

*****

TK slumps backwards, working on catching his breath as his hands go to wipe the tears that had streaked down his face during the agonizing procedure. Carlos is almost done wrapping TK’s thigh with a sterile bandage from the first aid kit after cauterizing it. TK feels Carlos’s lips against his forehead a few moments later.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” Carlos whispers against TK’s skin, heart in pieces at the pain TK had just gone through.

“You did everything right, babe,” TK reassures Carlos with a quivering breath. “I knew it was going to hurt.”

“Here,” Carlos hands TK his water bottle. “Drink some more water while I gather our important things and we’ll be on the road soon.”

“There’s time to pack everything,” TK says. “I’m okay.”

Carlos studies TK for a moment. “Are you sure?”

TK nods.

Carlos throws on the first t-shirt he finds and makes quick work of taking down the tent and gathering their stuff. He haphazardly piles everything into the back of the truck, not bothering to pack anything properly. As long as everything is secure, that will do.

Less than ten minutes later sees Carlos helping TK into the passenger seat then getting into the driver’s seat and starting the engine. He sighs when he sees there’s still no service and TK can read the tension sitting in Carlos’s shoulders and in his squared jaw.

“Carlos, babe, I’m okay, the worst is over,” TK holds Carlos’s hand and gives it a squeeze.

Carlos turns to look at TK, taking in his pale complexion and clammy skin. His expression morphs into one of heartbreak and worry. “You can still get an infection, you could still have a concussion,” his eyes travel to the cut on TK’s head. “And there’s no telling what kind of damage that fall did to you internally.”

“All things we’ll deal with one at a time,” TK says calmly, although he wouldn’t be able to speak any louder even if he wanted to. “Take a breath, baby, it’s okay.”

Carlos takes a few moments to gather himself, preparing himself to drive and getting his nerves under control. Once he’s ready, he shifts the gear into drive and they start moving.

“Just don’t fall asleep on me, okay?” Carlos tells TK, his focus on the road.

“Okay,” TK replies.

“Play music if you want, and can you keep an eye on the service bars? We’ll call your dad first chance we get.”

TK opts to play a calmer playlist than the one they listened to on their way to the campsite. This playlist helps to relax him, which in this situation may not be the best of things, but TK also knows that Carlos needs to relax too, and upbeat and loud music will most definitely have the opposite effect on him. So TK settles for it, and pushes past the wave of sleepiness it cloaks over him.

The world passes by in a blur as TK stares out the window and replies to Carlos when the officer makes sure he’s still awake.

“There’s two bars,” TK says when he checks for service again, immediately calling his dad, his phone connected to the car’s bluetooth.

Owen picks up after a few rings. “TK! It’s good to hear from you, Carlos tried calling a bit ago but we got disconnected.”

It’s Carlos who replies to him. “Owen.”

The fire captain immediately picks up on Carlos’s shaky voice. “Carlos, what’s going on?”

“We’re on the way back, TK got hurt on a hike. He’s doing okay now but we’re going straight to the hospital,” Carlos explains.

Owen draws in a deep breath and needing to hear TK’s voice, he calls for him. “TK, son?”

“Hey, dad,” TK replies weakly. “I’m okay.”

“Everything is going to be fine. Which hospital are you going to and how long until you arrive?”

“West Park Memorial is going to be the closest and we’re about an hour away,” Carlos responds.

“Okay, I’ll meet you there. Be careful on the road, please.”

“Will do,” Carlos promises.

“I’m so tried,” TK mumbles after they hang up with Owen, shifting in his seat.

“I know, baby,” Carlos replies without taking his eyes off the road. “But I need you to stay awake for me, we’re almost there.”

TK manages to stay awake until they’re ten minutes away from their destination. Carlos calls for him but he doesn’t answer, giving into the impending darkness that’s been threatening to take over for hours now.

Carlos feels the panic stirring in his gut when TK doesn’t respond, doesn’t move.

“TK, baby, you gotta stay awake,” Carlos tries with no success. “TK, please,” he then uses a hand to take hold of TK’s and realizes with a pang in his chest that TK’s skin has lost some of its warmth.

“Shit,” Carlos curses, his own body and face heating up. “TK, you have to wake up, babe.”

The following ten minutes were some of the longest of Carlos’s life. The further he drives, the farther the hospital got, or so it seemed. After what felt like three eternities, the hospital finally comes into view and he honks a few times as he drives up the ramp leading to the ER entrance.

A doctor and a couple of nurses emerge with a gurney and Carlos jumps out and moves around the truck to open the passenger door.

“We were camping and he fell down a hill and cut open his thigh, he was losing a lot of blood and the tourniquet wasn’t stopping the bleeding completely. He’s a paramedic with the 126 and said we had to cauterize it so I did,” he explains. “He also might have a concussion from the fall. And he can’t be given opioid-based medication.”

The doctor nods while the nurses lift TK from the car and onto the gurney. “How long ago?”

“A few hours,” Carlos replies. “He lost consciousness about ten minutes ago.”

“Okay, we got him now,” the doctor reassures Carlos while performing initial tests on TK. “I need you to park the truck and then fill out some forms while we run a few tests. I’ll leave word at the ER front desk. What’s his name?”

“TK Strand.”

“He’s in good hands,” she nods before retreating through the sliding doors.

Carlos watches as they wheel TK into the hospital, the doctor giving orders as they moved. He starts to feel his own knees growing weaker as TK disappears down the hall and the doors slide shut. It feels like a part of his heart has just been torn from him.

He repeats he’s going to be okay over and over in his head as he climbs back into the truck and until he’s striding into the ER, a mantra to keep him calm.

“Hi, I was told I need to fill some forms for TK Strand. I just brought him in,” he says to the charge nurse at the front desk.

She nods and hands him a clipboard with a pen attached. “What’s your relation to the patient?”

“He’s my boyfriend,” Carlos replies. “And I’m his emergency contact.”

She gives him a soft smile. “They took him into an exam room to check him over and to run some standard tests. I’ll have someone take you to him once you fill out the forms.”

Carlos nods and begins filling out the empty spaces.

He’s lead to TK ten minutes later, following the nurse to where TK is being examined. She stops in front of a closed door and turns to Carlos.

“He’s right through there, his results should be in soon,” she informs him. “Just press the call button if you need anything.”

“Thank you,” Carlos nods and slowly opens the door as she walks away.

And he could cry tears of joy when he’s met with hazy green eyes once he steps into the room.

“Hey, Ty,” Carlos softly breathes, relaxing a little at seeing TK awake.

“Hi, baby,” TK replies, a small smile forming on his face.

Carlos is by TK’s bedside in three strides, taking his boyfriend’s hand and giving it a comforting squeeze.

“I’m glad to see you awake,” Carlos says. “You gave me quite the scare.”

TK winces. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.”

“I know. It’s okay, baby, I’m just worried about you,” Carlos runs his thumb over TK’s skin that thankfully now feels a little warmer than earlier, courtesy of the IV fluids TK’s been given. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m okay, a little out of it and tired, but the fluids are helping,” TK replies.

Carlos’s response to that is interrupted by his phone ringing in his pocket.

“Hey, Owen,” Carlos answers.

“Carlos, I tried calling TK but it went to voicemail,” Owen responds.

Carlos can tell that he’s power walking by the way his voice wavers a little. “We forgot it in the car. We’re in the ER.”

“I’m walking in now. Which room are you boys in?”

“Oh,” Carlos pauses, realizing he’s not exactly sure which way he was lead. He must have zoned out then, he thinks. “Um, ask for TK at the front desk, a nurse will show you the way.”

“Okay,” Owen replies. “I’ll be right there.”

The door is pushed open a few minutes later, revealing a worried Owen, his face crunched up in concern. He breaths a sigh of relief when he sees TK awake but his eyes still radiate the fear bubbling in his chest at his son, once again, landing in the hospital.

His eyes move from TK to Carlos as he steps into the room, placing a hand on Carlos’s shoulder and squeezing there before moving to TK’s side.

“Hey, son,” Owen gives him a small smile. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m okay, a little better now,” TK replies after clearing is throat.

Owen’s eyes survey TK, noticing the butterfly bandage on his forehead and then his eyes widen when he spots the bandage on TK’s thigh.

Turning to Carlos, he asks, “what happened?”

“He took a tumble down a hill, he lost his balance, most likely on wet mud. He rolled down and his thigh probably got cut by a wooden stick or log. We tried a tourniquet but it didn’t hold well, so we…” Carlos pauses, his eyes moving to TK then back to Owen. “We had to cauterize it.”

Owen’s eyes go impossibly wide at that, digesting everything Carlos had said. “It was that bad?”

Before Carlos can reply, the door is opened and the doctor walks in.

“Doctor, this is Owen, TK’s father,” Carlos introduces. “I was just telling him what happened.”

Owen extends his arm to shake her hand. “How’s TK doing?”

“As well as expected,” she replies. “Any headache, nausea or double vision, TK?”

“No, just a little hazy and feeling a bit out of it.”

“That’s to be expected, I don’t think you have a concussion but I’m going to take you to get scans on your head and stomach to make sure everything is clear.”

TK is being wheeled out by a couple of nurses a few minutes later, but not before Carlos brushes a kiss to his forehead.

Owen and Carlos are sitting in silence when the officer’s voice cuts through it.

“I’m sorry, this is all my fault,” Carlos sighs, hands fidgeting with each other.

“What are you talking about?” Owen frowns.

“TK’s fall. I know the place, I know how an area can appear stable but it isn’t, I learned that the hard way but I never had a fall this bad. And the blood, he was bleeding so much when I found him and…” Carlos trails off, drawing in a shaky breath. “For a moment, I thought we weren’t getting out of there. For a moment, I thought I was going to lose him.”

“Hey, Carlos, look at me,” Owen says.

Carlos slowly lifts his gaze from the floor to meet Owen’s.

“This wasn’t your fault, this was an accident. Don’t blame yourself for what happened. And you didn’t lose him. You got him out of there.”

“I just keep thinking if I had maybe said something a moment earlier…I wouldn’t have had to…it was so hard to do that. I was terrified,” Carlos admits, remembering how his heart hammered against his ribcage during the procedure. “And seeing the amount of pain TK was in…”

Owen places his hand on the back of Carlos’s neck and gives him a supportive squeeze there.

“Listen to me,” Owen says after a moment. “You did everything you could for TK, you took care of him, you pushed through your fear for him, you got him here…you did everything right,” Owen echos TK’s words. “You saved his life, Carlos.”

Carlos swallows and sniffs. “I’d do anything to make sure he’s okay.”

“I know,” Owen nods. “And I’m so incredibly grateful for that. He’s going to be fine, you both will be.”

Carlos knows there’s more than a few nightmares lingering ahead in the wake of TK’s injury, but as long as they’ve got each other, they will be okay. He just needs to know that the worst is truly over.

TK is brought back into the room twenty minutes later, Carlos and Owen getting to their feet as he’s settled in again by the nurses.

Owen sits on the chair while Carlos sits on the edge of the bed, taking TK’s hand.

“I’m okay,” TK gives his boyfriend and father a smile.

Carlos nods, returning the smile through unshed tears, the weight of his conversation with Owen still heavy on his bones.

The doctor appears half an hour later, holding a few files.

“The good news is that all the scans are clear, no head or internal injuries. But I’d like to admit TK for observation, so we can keep a close look on the wound for a couple of days and watch out for an infection,” she explains.

“Whatever you think is best, doctor,” Owen nods.

“Alright then,” the doctor nods. “I’ll get the paperwork started and have TK moved to a room upstairs shortly.”

TK knows it’s for the best, because he honestly feels like crap and doesn’t want him and Carlos to deal with an infection at home, but he can’t help the groan he pushes out.

“It’s okay, babe,” Carlos reassures him, cupping his cheek. “Just to make sure everything is alright, only for a few days.”

TK nods, leaning into Carlos’s touch, the officer grounding him.

*****

They’re thrown another curveball when TK develops a fever overnight.

A cot was set for Carlos in TK’s room while Owen had gone home, making Carlos promise to call or text if anything changes. The officer was awake when TK’s fever was discovered by a nurse. He had to inform Owen with a hastily sent text while keeping up with what the nurse was saying, writing it out in the message. He watched as the nurse administers antibiotics into TK’s IV line and starts him on some medications to reduce the fever and clear out the infection.

TK stirs in bed, the fever taking a toll on his body and making him uncomfortable. He groans and peels his eyelids open to the sunlight gently streaming in through the blinds.

Turning his head to the side, his momentarily blurry vision clears to reveal Judd in the chair by his bedside.

“Judd,” TK whispers, his voice hoarse.

“Hey, brother,” Judd smiles. “Do you want some water?”

TK nods and takes a few sips out of the straw when Judd holds the cup for him.

“He’s getting coffee,” Judd says without TK needing to ask, knowing what’s on the younger man’s mind by the way his eyes darted around the room. “Looked like he needed it, too.”

TK nods. “When did you get here?”

“A while ago, sat with Carlos for a bit. Your dad called this morning and told me what happened and I wanted to see how you’re doing,” Judd gently pats TK’s shoulder. “You’ve been in and out for a while.”

“Yeah,” TK clears his throat. “This fever is really kicking my ass.”

“I, uh, you had me worried there for a second when I heard,” Judd sighs.

“I’m sorry, it was a freak accident. I was scared, too but I’m okay, Carlos took great care of me.”

Judd nods. “You’ll be better in no time, brother,” he reassures him. “Get some more rest,” he adds, seeing the way TK’s eyes drift close. “Your man will be back when you wake up.”

True to Judd’s word, Carlos is by TK’s side the next time he opens his eyes.

“Hi, baby,” Carlos smiles when he sees TK awake. “How are you feeling?”

“A little better,” TK replies, his body feeling more at ease. “You look better, too,” he points out, taking in Carlos’s appearance.

Carlos nods. “Knowing you’re getting better helped. Your fever decreased and the doctor thinks it will break soon. And they’ve been monitoring your wound and changing the dressing and it looks better, too. They think the infection will clear out by tomorrow.”

“And I’ll go home?”

“And you’ll come home,” Carlos confirms with a smile, carding his fingers through TK’s hair.

TK feels lighter at Carlos’s words, feeling that the worst is truly over now.

“Thank you, ‘Los. You literally carried me and put me back together.”

“I’d do anything for you.”

TK stays silent, knowing there’s more on Carlos’s tongue.

“It just…it felt like you were slipping away from me and…I was so scared,” Carlos closes his eyes and unshed tears shimmer when he opens them a moment later.

“You helped me hold on, Carlos, you gave me strength. And I knew it was going to be okay because you were by my side. I know what I asked wasn’t easy and I know it will take its toll but you did it. You saved me. And I’ll always fight to come back to you,” TK vows.

“I’ll always be right here,” Carlos vows back, brushing a kiss to TK’s temple. “Oh, and mom and dad send their love and well wishes. They were really worried but I told them everything is looking up now. Mom made me promise that we’ll go over for lunch as soon as you’re well enough. She’s probably setting the menu now.”

TK chuckles. “I’d love that. It shouldn’t be too long, though, I’ll be taking some antibiotics for a while and my thigh will be sore but only for a couple of weeks. It will scar, but…”

“Hey,” Carlos squeezes TK’s hands. “Scars show what you overcame, what you survived.”

“What we overcame and survived,” TK corrects. “I wouldn’t be here without you.”

Carlos leans in, resting his forehead against TK’s and takes in everything that is TK. Carlos easily lets himself get lost in TK’s scent, a reminder that TK is here and that he’s okay.

And seeing TK sitting up and talking, having regained most of his color now, Carlos can finally properly breathe again since watching TK fall.

*****

When TK suggested they go camping again, Carlos was hesitant at first, his once beloved spot now tainted with the memories of TK getting hurt. But TK reminds him of what that place means to him, not wanting the memory of the accident to be Carlos’s most recent association with the spot. He tells him that going back can help them both, reminds him of the strength of his connection to that campsite and Carlos eventually agrees.

And when they return to the campsite a couple of months later, TK is proven right, in more ways than one.

They go back after TK has fully recovered and Carlos no longer jolts up awake in the middle of the night, covered in a layer of sweat, heaving with TK’s yelled name on his lips.

Carlos is standing by the water, enjoying the cool breeze and the warmth of the sun on his skin when a pair of arms wrap around him from behind and hold him close. He smiles, leaning back into TK’s chest and rests his head against the younger man’s shoulder.

“Still as beautiful as ever,” TK whispers against Carlos’s ear.

Carlos nods. Still, however, a part of him can’t fully enjoy it anymore, the memories of TK’s accident too evident in his mind.

With a kiss planted to Carlos’s temple, TK pulls back and the officer turns to follow a few moments after.

And when his eyes land on TK, who’s down on one knee in front of him, Carlos draws in a deep breath while his eyes go wide.

Tears spring to Carlos’s brown eyes as TK opens the red velvet box in his hands, revealing a stunning silver ring sitting inside.

And the identical bright specks glittering in their eyes when TK asks and Carlos answers with, yes, a million times yes and the lighting surging through their bodies at the kiss that follows…

Well, their love is cosmic, after all.

And now, standing by the lake Carlos had painted for TK before, wrapped in each other’s embrace, they both start to fully heal, souls uplifting, their hearts lightening and beating as one.

With that, this place no longer carries the scars of almost losing TK and everything they are and could be, but now serves as a reminder of the strength of their love, mending the scars and holding the promise of a brighter future ahead.

[throughtheinterstices]

the way they loved volleyball

❝ you never loved volleyball. but you loved the two idiots who did. and they loved you the way they loved volleyball. ❞

pairing. miya a. x fem!reader, miya o. x fem!reader 

genre. fluff

word count. 2.3k words

a/n. this came to me when i was thinking of how furudate-sensei described atsumu with the word “love” and how osamu didn’t pursue volleyball. it made me realize how different the twins loved the sport. reblogs are appreciated. 

HAIKYUU MASTERLIST • AO3

You

Ever since, you and the Miya twins had always been close. Growing up, the boys would try various things, experiment with all sorts of activities and hobbies, and meet different people. As days passed by, as dark brown became gold and gray, as jersey numbers become lower, the boys would grow tired and move on to something or someone else. Out of all these, there were only two things that they would keep loving—volleyball and you. 

People would always look at you longingly and say, “Those two love you the way they love volleyball.” 

In their eyes, they think that it was a competition between them. That you were the prize. 

Or maybe that you were the setter with two spikers wrapped around your finger, waiting to see who you would send the ball to.

They were wrong. They only saw the miraculous sets, the awe-inducing passes, and the breathtaking feints. They never saw the players playing in the match. 

They see one thing and immediately assume another. They see the boys with you and they instantly think that they are both in love with you. 

They didn’t understand. 

Miya Atsumu and Miya Osamu loved the same things. Yet, they loved in different ways. So did you.

Miya Osamu

Miya Osamu always knew that he loved you. 

He didn’t know when he started to feel this. He didn’t know how. He just knew that he did. It was that simple. 

Just like volleyball, love came naturally to Osamu. Just as he easily could interpret their captain’s hand signals for the next rally, he could understand the minute twitch in your brow and the slight change of pitch in your voice. He knew when you were up for playful banters or when you needed to be alone.

Just like the way he played volleyball, his love was calm, collected, and observant. It was pats on the shoulder after a long hard day. It was extra packed lunches because he knew you would be too busy to buy something from the cafeteria. It was small smiles after hearing an encouraging cheer from you.

Just like his love for volleyball, his love for you was something that he shared with his twin. It was picking up his pace when he noticed his brother gaining a step closer to you. It was searching for better, more animated stories so you would listen to him rather than his brother. It was laughing a bit louder at your jokes so that your final smile would land on him. People often branded him as the better twin, but at the end of the day, as their coach and their captain remarked, he had the same genes as his brother. So, somehow his love for you was slightly competitive. 

It was on Miya Osamu’s second year of high school when the pieces started to reveal themselves. As their coach announced their school’s representative for Japan’s All Youth Training Camp, as he saw his brother’s triumphant arrogant but still earnestly joyful expression, Osamu maintained his placid disposition. Consequently, this was also the same way he felt when you chose his twin over him.

When Atsumu confronted him and told him to get mad and to get jealous at him, Osamu never obliged. Just like the way he felt when wasn’t chosen for the national team, Osamu wasn’t mad that you chose Atsumu. He was more bothered about why he wasn’t bothered. After all, he loved you the way he loved volleyball. If he didn’t care that much about losing to Atsumu in volleyball, then with you…

Huh. He never noticed that before.

Days later were without Atsumu. Osamu observed that it was slightly without you too. His brother always found a way to keep you close. Without him, things were different. 

During the week that Atsumu was away training, everything would make sense to Osamu. The pieces fell into place and he was finally able to see the bigger picture.

Miya Osamu realized that he loved you, but he wasn’t in love with you.

Just like Miya Osamu’s love for volleyball, he knew that if it wasn’t for his brother, Osamu would have never loved you the way he did. Just like his love for volleyball, he will always have a special place in his heart for you. He will always love you. But never too seriously. Never in the grandiose way his brother did. And never enough to stay.

Later on, your name will enter into conversations and warmth will seep through his insides. He will feel fondness and comfort at the idea of you. Osamu will think of you and smile. 

He will remember all your jokes in the gym. He will remember all your cheers in the court. He will remember all your tears after losses. He will cherish those memories. 

Just like volleyball, you will be someone back from high school. And if Atsumu was not around, that is all you will ever be—a memory to recall, a friend and nothing more. 

That is how Miya Osamu loves you. He loves you as a friend. He loves you for the memories. 

At the end of the day, Osamu knew it was right that you didn’t choose him because loving a memory just isn’t the same as loving a person.

Miya Atsumu

Miya Atsumu fell in love with you the same way he fell in love with volleyball. 

He was playing with all the other kids in the neighborhood (kids Osamu had befriended) and he had badly scraped his knee while attempting to dig a ball (something he wanted to imitate as soon as he watched a professional player do it on TV). You, who heard his cry for pain, immediately ran over to him and did your magic. In no time, you had dusted off his knee and had helped him stand so that you could walk him to your father’s clinic that was nearby.

“It’s going to be okay,” you had told him with a reassuring smile. “I’ll help you cross to the other side.”

Later on, he would learn that you always did this. You always kept an eye on the kids playing across the street, just in case someone needed help. 

Miya Atsumu was young and probably didn’t know what love was, but he knew that he wanted you to be around forever. He would go home, battered and bruised, yet smiling sheepishly, telling his brother and the rest of his family of the girl he had just befriended.

The rest of his family would be surprised, amused, overjoyed, and relieved. Their straightforward hard-to-please Atsumu-kun had just made a friend. The last time his family felt this way was when, after years, Atsumu had finally found resonance with volleyball.

Miya Atsumu fell in love with you the same way he fell in love with volleyball. It was the moment he wanted to dedicate his love to something that was about giving yourself to others.

Just like volleyball, Miya Atsumu was loud, blunt, and rough. He was merciless. There were times when he sent you home crying with the cruel truth in his words. When he was young there were times when he used his fists, until he was taught that he should never hit other people (though that never stopped him from hitting his brother ever). 

Just like he was with volleyball, he would sometimes revert back to a child. There were moments when he would be so petty and blame his forgetfulness on you. He would take your things and ask for your permission only after having returned them. 

Just like volleyball, loving you would never be easy and natural for him. Through the years, there would be days of silent treatment because he gave you the ticket, he lent you his jersey, he practiced nonstop, all you needed to do was come. But you didn’t, because you had an emergency surgery to perform that couldn’t be postponed. He understood your reason. It would just take him time to accept it. There would be late nights of him banging his head on Onigiri Miya’s countertop, because he said the wrong thing, or he said too much, and you needed space. 

Just like volleyball, he would need to learn how to love you correctly. Atsumu would need time, practice, and sometimes even a beating from his twin brother. He would only be able to hold your hand after days of subtly swinging his arm and bumping into yours by what he claims was an accident. He would overcome the awkwardness the same way he did with his setting, after dozens of tries. He would learn to walk on the sidewalk closer to the road the same way he learned to take a single flawless step before a toss—consciously at first, and after some time, by instinct. He would learn how to hold his tongue only after spending many cold nights walking home from his brother’s restaurant. 

Just like his love for volleyball, Miya Atsumu’s love for you was impulsive and reckless. It was being frozen still while hanging on to dear life on the pipe that stretched from the ground to the side of your window and ended on the roof, a pipe that he used to climb so he could romantically knock on your bedroom window after watching a scene of it in a movie. Apparently, he didn’t think that the second floor would be that high. It was spontaneously telling you he loved you after a game, only for you to ask him to repeat what he said because his confession was similar to the sound of him sneezing. Atsumu’s love for you was impromptu dates and unplanned adventures.

Just like he loved volleyball, he would love you unyieldingly and relentlessly. He will tell you he loved you every day, every time he saw you in the hallway, every time you came to one of his games, every time he saw a kid with scrappy knees. He will always be looking for new ways to show it too. Just when you thought he had done the grandest display of his affections, he would come up with a new and better one. 

Between the moment he raises his arm and closes his fist and from the moment he goes in for the serve, in the silence of those eight seconds, he will be looking at you. Later, when you ask him why he did, he will tell you that years ago, when he was just a nameless stupid kid with a wounded knee, you had raised your arm, closed your fist, and induced quietness from his playmates. Between the moment you did that and the moment that you bent to examine his injury, there was silence. You looked him in the eyes and he found peace and reassurance. Though most of the time, Miya Atsumu lived for the loudness of it all, he gained strength in the tranquil eight seconds after the whistle. More so, when you were watching, he had said. 

Just like his love for volleyball, Miya Atsumu’s love for you is earnest, sincere, and thoughtful, always searching for ways to help support you. Atsumu loves you with all that he has, with every fiber of his being, till the end of his days.

The Way Their Love Turned Out

At the end of a long day from the hospital, you will stop by Onigiri Miya, a restaurant known not only for the delicious food, but also for the television that played volleyball games all day. 

You will greet the owner of the shop and he will treat you to dinner and chat with you about what you were doing nowadays. You might even talk about all the idiotic things you did back then. 

The two of you will scrutinize the setter on the television who missed his first serve. After a full rotation, he will score five service aces and the two of you will be giving each other high fives and be shouting at the screen. 

After the game, you will give him a friendly smile and thank him for the meal as you walk out the door with a takeout bag. He will return your smile and ask you to come back. 

He was always happy to see an old friend, he will say.

When you go home to your house full of trophies, medals, signed shirts, and used tickets, you will ready the dining table and put your takeout into microwaveable containers. You will play your favorite Netflix show on the TV and sit on the cold hard floor (not the cozy couch), promising that this time you will definitely not fall asleep.

You will wake up on the bed hours later and you will laugh at yourself, because who were you kidding? 

Though it is dark, you will look at the man beside you who carried you to bed. You will graze your fingers lightly on the contours of his face and you will whisper that you are proud of him and that you love him.

Even if it is silent, you will sense his quiet chuckle. He will press a soft kiss to your forehead, thanking you and telling you that he loves you. He will thank you for the takeout and scold you for sleeping on the floor.

For better or for worse, you will say.

He will laugh. Loudly this time. 

He will hold you closer, tucking your head under his chin. 

I’m glad I married you, he will say.

At the end of the day, Miya Atsumu and Miya Osamu loved the same things. Yet, they loved in different ways. 

So did you.

HAIKYUU MASTERLIST • AO3

[lovelytarou]

the language of flowers — oikawa tooru

pairing: oikawa tooru x gn! reader

genre: fluff, flowershop!au

tags: flowerboy!oikawa, slowburn, strangers to lovers

word count: 4.06k

a/n: i finally finished this after 2536484 years of procrastination! but thanks to my moots shae and julie for showing support and giving their opinions about this concept hehe. this is the longest fic i've written wow 😳

⤷ summary: the flowershop on the street you frequently walk on going home is a wonder you didn't notice until recently when the smell of flowers caught your attention. deciding to enter it one day out of pure curiosity, you met the owner of the shop and with it, the start of a blooming romance.

life was filled with repeating patterns, certain routines and habits that everybody has gotten used to doing. like the way you always took the same path when going home, passing by the familiar faces you encounter all the time, seeing the similar architecture and landscape that brings some sort of familiarity to you whenever you see it. 

your feet stopped in their own accord when a sweet smell invaded your nose. you inhaled deeply, the aroma pleasant and fresh. going a few steps back, you finally saw where it was coming from. the flower shop stood out like a sore thumb in the street with its vibrant flowers that you can see through the clear glass. the sunlight was shining down upon the beautiful flowers and they looked charming even from afar. 

you thought for a moment and decided that you'd stop by in the flower shop for a little while. besides, if the smell alone has caught your attention, who knows what else can? 

the soft tinkle of the bell on the door signalled your presence. you were simply in awe at the sight of the decorations inside the shop. it was breathtaking. numerous flowers, bouquets, wreaths, and some that you don't know the name about were placed neatly and elegantly inside the shop to let the customers feast their eyes (and noses) upon. 

giggles and loud laughter snatched you away from your thoughts, a huddled group of women and men alike are circling over something - or someone? - and they seemed to be too entertained about it than the flowers themselves. chuckling quietly, you shook your head and decided to look around the place more for yourself. 

there were buckets and baskets of anemones in pinks, reds, and purple. there were also daffodils, camellias, and tulips of many colors that you can't help but get sucked in by them. you can't think which one to go to first, there are so many! the hanging plants are wonderful as well, they can make for great decoration. the succulents look cute and adorable, it can also be manageable if you find yourself too busy to take care of a plant. 

you were too deep in your thoughts, caressing a blue tulip to even notice the sudden silence in the shop and the ringing of the bell at the door that tells you the previous patrons have exited the flower shop and you're now alone. or so you thought.

“beautiful,” a sing-songy, lilting voice spoke from behind you, causing you to jolt from where you're admiring the flower and turned towards the owner of the voice. 

if the flowers took your breath away, well he made you get your breath stuck in your throat. he looks like he's not from around him, and simply breathing in his space is something short of disgraceful. you took in his wavy side-swept dark brown hair, and his welcoming eyes of the same color that shone with mischief. his lips are stretched into a smile. 

wow, he is really tall. you're surprised he hadn't reached the ceiling of the shop. he seemed pretty intimidating with his height alone, but there's an air around him that screams playfulness.

“ah, i meant the tulips.” he apologized as a blush coated his beautiful clear cheeks, a hand touching his nape.

“oh!” you cleared your throat, immediately bringing the tulip back where it respectfully resides, “yes, they're very wonderful to look at. you have a lovely shop, uh…” 

he seemed to perk up at the inquisition of his name, he chuckled to himself before offering his hand.

“oikawa tooru, nice to meet you! and thanks, i do try hard to keep this flower shop presentable for customers like you who have taste.” he winked, walking past you and you followed suit – eyes practically glued to his form as he moved swiftly around his small shop.

“must be difficult to run a business like this all by yourself,” you wondered, fingers brushing against petals that your hand can reach. 

it's odd, but staying in there for just a few minutes has brought you a sense of relaxation. as if the flowers all around you and talking to oikawa is such a breath of fresh air. 

“well, you get used to it after a while. besides, i have my friends, uh...help me sometimes.” he nervously chuckled, he certainly knew that 'help' means that force his friends to carry things around while blackmailing them and bribing them for lunch, then sure, he had them help him. 

you only hummed in response. 

he turned around after a while, a pink lily in his hand.

“i think this suits our gorgeous customer, don't you think?” he smirked, handing the flower with a flourish which you took gently – causing your hands to touch and making you feel that slight tingle people talk about in movies and books. 

you felt silly about the way your face heats up at the small gesture, your gaze not straying away from the flowers in fear of letting oikawa see his effect on you. 

but you can try with all your might, nothing can stop him from already seeing your flushed face. he always does these things to entertain the customers but he found his chest feeling warm staring at you like that.

going back to his place in the cashier, he started to tidy up a bit for the next customers that will visit the shop. his brown eyes kept staring at you from time to time as you walked around, trying to see if there's anything else you could buy along with the lily – but we all know it's just to keep your attention away from him and the fact that he can make your heart race with mere flirting.

“i never really noticed your shop before, and i have walked this street for how many times now.” you droned on, playing with the cute pots on the shelf – some of them were heads of the cliché green alien and other space themed stuff which you find adorable, bringing a fond smile to your face.

“oikawa's flower shop is like a secret garden, my dear customer.” he boasted, spraying freesias on the cashier desk with a smile on his face.

“it truly looks like one,” you agreed, with one final look in the flower shop, you walked closer to the cashier and got out your wallet. 

“no, no. it's on the house, lovely.” he beamed, stopping the hand in your bag.

“really? thank you.” your face flushed at the feeling of his hands – the very same one who took care of these beautiful flowers – touching yours. 

he recoiled, as if burned. his face painted a deep red like the roses by the windows. both of you looked away, like two magnets of the same sign – coming in contact with each other only to repel.

“well, um, i'll see you around then.” you muttered, breaking the silence. 

“yeah, see you.” oikawa smiled warmly. hopefully much sooner, he hoped.

with one last look at each other, you turned around and exited the secret garden. you walked home that day all smiles and giddy, still feeling the lingering touch he has left on your skin, how warm and calloused they felt. maybe from how hard he was working. 

you wondered if you'll ever see him again soon. 

the second time you visited the flower shop was when you saw oikawa in one of the coffee shops you frequented. it turned out that he usually stops by for coffee and his milk bread when the shop's particularly slow. he asked to walk you home and since you're both taking the same path, you agreed. 

he turned out to be a very chatty person – not the kind that will annoy you because they only talk about themselves, but the amusing kind because he has a lot of stories stored inside his big brain full of tales about him and his friends, and occasionally asking about your life as well.

you two had fallen into a comfortable pace as you walked together, sipping both your beverages. 

“hey, let's play truth or dare!” he blurted, eyes sparkling in excitement and thinly veiled mischief, a bright smile on his lips.

“really? here? now?” you asked, incredulous. isn't this something people do in parties around a lot of people? 

“yeah! it'll be fun,” he shrugged. 

“well, okay then.” you sighed, before sipping your drink, “you go first.” 

“okay…” he pretended to think hard, eyes darting everywhere as he hummed, “truth or dare?”

“you don't really need to think so hard about that,” you chuckled.

“just pick!” 

“alright, alright. truth!” you beamed at him, trying to understand what his brain will cook up to ask you.

“ah, that's easy. what's your name?” oh, that's right. you forgot to tell him back then the first time you went in his flower shop. and so, you told him.

“y/n. what a beautiful name. okay, my turn! my turn!” he excitedly chanted, eyes never losing their sparkle. 

you ignored the butterflies that erupted in your stomach the moment he said your name, as if he's taking his time and tasting it around his tongue like a foreign delicacy he hasn't tasted before. 

you cleared your throat, averting his gaze as they zeroed in on you, “truth or dare, mr. milk bread?” 

“hey, they taste really good, i'll have you know.” he scoffed, before his face morphed back into excitement again, “dare!”

you thought for a moment, there isn't really anything too interesting to do while walking. and then you smirked.

“i dare you to greet the person who will walk this corner as if you knew each other for a very long time,” you grinned devilishly. he gaped at that, before darting his gaze towards the street corner you were talking about. 

“y/n-chan, i didn't know you would be the type,” he teased, you were about to retort when a huge, buff man walked around the corner. he looked intimidating, even for you and you wondered what oikawa might be feeling right now. 

but you didn't need to wonder about it any longer as he was already walking up to the man, confident and grinning. he raised his hand in the air before slapping the guy on the shoulder. 

“hey, long time no see, man! say hello to the wife and kids for me, will ya?” the man gave him a weird look before shaking his head, walking past and minding his own business muttering about 'kids these days'.

once the guy was out of earshot, you and oikawa bursted out in laughter, looking at each other with relief and surprise.

“i thought he was going to pulverize you!” you wheezed in between chortles.

“i know! me too! i thought he'll get mad at me or something,” he threw his head back as he laughed. you stopped your own giggles to stare back at him. he looked radiant as he let himself go, you thought he looked attractive with the way he candidly showed his happiness.

“something wrong, y/n-chan?” you hadn't realized he stopped laughing and was left staring at him. his head was tilted in curiosity as he peered at you in concern.

“not at all!,” you catch yourself, suddenly feeling hot and embarrassed, hoping he didn't notice you ogling him, “where were we?”

“it's your turn now, truth or dare?” feeling bold, you chose dare next. 

oikawa gave you a broad smile, his hand extending towards you as if encouraging you to take it, “i dare you to stay a little longer with me in my shop,”

to be honest? you expected him to get back at you and maybe make you do an equally embarrassing (if not more) dare, but you did not expect this. 

what you also didn't expect is the fact that you had stopped in front of oikawa's flower shop with your back turned to it. how did you reach there so fast? it seemed like talking and walking with him made time stop. a part of you would like to keep it that way, if only it was possible.

“i would love to,” was your answer. oikawa opened the door to his shop, letting you in first. he then led you near the back of the shop, opening into a wide backyard that resembled a small, gorgeous garden with different kinds of flowers. some even you haven't seen him display in the shop inside. 

the two of you sat on the two seated table. you were simply at awe with how ethereal this all looked. your eyes couldn't get enough of all the wonderful colors that it landed on.

“wow,” was all you managed to say, taking in your surroundings and appreciating every nook and cranny presented to you.

“i spent most of my breaks here,” oikawa came back with two glasses of water and placed them on the glass table. 

“usually talking to myself and talking to the flowers. i heard it helps them grow faster and makes them more beautiful.” he, too, looked around his small garden with unconcealed pride and fondness. if you looked closer, you could also see the hint of sadness hidden in there. 

“you talk to your flowers? that's so cute!” you gushed, hiding your smile behind the glass of water as you sipped it.

“if anything, you're the one who's cute.” he complimented as if it was nothing, eyes boring into yours as his smile widened.

you choked on your water, coughing it up out of surprise and it was the opposite of cute. but his opinions didn't change.

oikawa barked a laugh, reaching over to pat your back soothingly. once you calmed down, you avoided his gaze once again and decided to stare at the sunflowers nearby. 

“we should just continue the game,” you decided to divert the topic. 

“truth or dare, cutie?” oikawa bit back the grin from emerging on his face. hiding it with a palm propped up on the table.

“d-dare,” you answered without thinking. and oikawa being the little shit he is, took this as an opportunity.

“i dare you to go on a date with me this saturday,” he sincerely declared, eyes not leaving you once. your head whipped back to him so fast, you swear you got whiplash. 

you're not one of these flowers and yet you felt the butterflies going wild inside of you.

your heart beat rapidly inside of your chest, pounding hard and ringing in your ears. 

“you don't need a dare to get me to say yes,” you reasoned with a wide smile.

oikawa tooru, like his flowers, is a lively, blooming person. you get to know that the moment you agreed to go on a date with him. it followed a few hangouts, and frequent bumping into each other considering this was a small town, afterall. how you haven't noticed such a vibrant person in your life was beyond you.

you see him everywhere, every day in your life right now. in the small bushes that your neighbor has in their garden, the alien and sci-fi movies in the store which were his favorite every time he invited you to watch a movie, the milk bread you saw in the coffee shop you both love to go, and even the characters in the books you love to read. oikawa tooru practically invaded your life the moment you invited yourself in his flowershop and you loved every second of it.

every time you two hang out together, he never misses to bring you any flower. you'd always keep them with you until you come home, placing them in a vase and watering them constantly, taking care of them like how much oikawa takes care of the flowers. you paid no mind to it, only thinking that it was a sweet gesture from him until your friend decided to comment on the fresh flowers on top of your coffee table.

the both of you had known each other for a very long time now and that she's going to get married, she wanted you to be a part of it too. setting down the tea in front of her on the table, you sat down beside her, engulfing her in a hug. 

“oh, y/n! i missed you so much! it's been busy with all the planning for the wedding and the people to invite, i still haven't tried on my dress and tasted the cake, it's kind of stressing me out!” she immediately let her sorrows and agony free the moment you let go of the hug.

“speaking of stress, is there anything i could do to help?” you reached for her hand, rubbing it soothingly in circles. 

she hummed thoughtfully, sipping her tea to calm her nerves, “now that i thought about it, we still don't know anyone good enough for the flower decorations in the venue,” she pouted, sighing sadly. 

a lightbulb lit itself on top of your head, making you perk up, “i know someone who does!” 

“really? are they good?” oh more than good, you wanted to butt in but shake your head free of those thoughts. 

“of course! he's actually the one who gave me these, he takes real good care of them.” you gestured towards the tulips in your vase. it seems like her eyes lit up and she immediately fell in love with the flowers. 

“tulips?! oh, y/n, my dear, he's in love with you!” she squealed in glee, bouncing in her seat like a little kid.

“how did you know that by simply looking at my tulips?” 

“giving tulips to someone means a declaration of love, sweetie.” she sighed dreamily, “you might as well plan for your wedding too!” 

“don't be ridiculous!” you exclaimed, trying your best not to smile too wide. 

you weren't too against on the idea, but you just met afterall. it would be too early for another wedding. even though he never failed to show his affection every time you are together, there's still a lingering doubt whether he did like you in that way.

as promised, you asked oikawa about it the next day, stopping by his flower shop with coffee and his beloved milk bread since it's his break. 

“y/n-chan! it's always a pleasure to be visited by you again,” he greeted you, he was attending to a few customers in the store and excused himself before talking to you. your heart swelled with the action, not being able to hide your smile this time.

“tooru, i was just stopping by to ask you a favor. my friend's wedding is getting near and she still doesn't have any flower decorations for the venue. i mentioned you and i was wondering if you're the one who could do it instead?” you bit your lip nervously, fumbling with the paperbag containing the bread as you looked up at him hopefully. 

seriously, how can he resist you looking at him that way? your eyelashes fluttering, mouth formed into a pout, eyes shining brightly. you're just asking him to devour you whole. before he knew it, he had leaned in to peck the corner of your mouth. 

it completely shocked you to your core. he hasn't done that kind of thing before, always being respectful and never doing anything you didn't want to. but strangely, you weren't mad at him for it. to tell the truth, you kinda wished he kissed you more. 

“i'd love to, y/n-chan.” he uttered, pinching your cheek before turning to hide his own reddened face. 

that was basically the last time you saw each other since you recommended him to your friend. and since then, he has been busy and you tried to help with the wedding as well. you figured oikawa has his hands full with taking care of the decorations for the wedding, but even then, he would still message you or even facetime you after – asking about how yiur day went and craving to see your face without him being able to for how long.

the day of the wedding came and it was magical. your heart melted the moment your friends said their “i do's” as everybody clapped and rejoiced with them. the moment you stepped into the venue, everyone was amazed, speechless at the decorations being the first thing their eyes could feast upon. pink and white roses was all you could see – ranging from vine-like ones hanging from the ceiling, to arches in the doorway, and some are even placed neatly on the tables. 

to sum it all, it was breathtaking.

“your boyfriend did amazing,” your friend teased, bumping her hip to yours as she walked away with her husband to greet some guests.

you were left standing there, mouth agape as you took everything in. you couldn't wrap your head around the idea of oikawa managing to do all this by himself, but then again, he has surprised you by doing a lot of things you didn't know he could do. 

“you know, if you stayed here longer there won't be enough food left for you.” the familiaf voice you grew to love and got used to spoke from behind you. something tugged in your chest, the events seeming like déjà vu all over again. 

“i'm just admiring your work, tooru.” you smiled, turning around to face the man behind the beautiful decorations. 

he's changed his clothes into a more formal attire than his usual getup with the aprons and white button up shirt for a maroon suit and tie. he even styled his hair back, if you didn't know him long enough you might have mistaken him for someone else. 

“you look...good,” you managed to breathe out, it seems like the decorations aren't the only ones that are breathtaking. your eyes drank him in, how the clothes hug his frame perfectly, the color complimenting his skin tone, and the fact that his fluffy hair is swept away really makes you want to jump his bones right here, right now.

“and you look gorgeous. i must say, i don't mind you looking like this all the time, y/n-chan.” he chuckled, a shit-eating grin blooming on his face as he eyed you up and down slowly. your face grew hot against his stare and you felt naked, as if his eyes can see through you. 

“th-thanks, tooru.” you mumbled, playing with the hem of your clothes. before any of you could speak, however, the emcee spoke on stage calling out the bride and groom to give a speech. 

you all gathered around the small stage as they thanked everyone for coming to the wedding, inclduing the guests, their helpers, the staff. after all the mushy speech, she declared it was time for the dance, turned around and threw the bouquet (that's also from oikawa) to the audience. 

you saw the thing flying to you and out of pure instinct, you threw your hand in front of you and ended up catching the bouquet. everyone around you clapped including oikawa himself as you stared at it wide eyed. your gazed met oikawa's and as if your face couldn't get any hotter, you also felt the fast beating of your heart when you stared at each other. 

everybody howled and chanted teasing remarks at the two of you. instead of paying attention to the newly weds they picked the two of you as the center of their amusement. 

your friend's voice overpowered them all as she also chanted, “kiss! kiss! kiss! kiss!” 

oikawa looked at you with a raised brow and you can only smile bashfully in return before you felt the world turn upside down, oikawa dipping you as he kissed you passionately and deeply. time seemed to stop once again as everything blurred and all you can feel is him, and all he can feel is you. he hoped it would be enough to pour all the emotions and words he wanted you to know. 

it felt like the kiss lasted forever before he pulled away, the two of you out of breath as you giddily smiled at each other, both sharing a lovestruck look.

“is it too early to ask you to marry me?” 

general taglist: @chibishae34 @behan @bukojuiice (tagging you here bcs you're excited for this)