#this seems like such a stupid complaint but I met people all day and no one was weird

[scarlettshazam]

I ended up really loving this drawing that I did of the two main POV characters of Only Slightly Dead, which has a preorder link now! (For eBooks, because you can’t preorder paperback or hardcover 🫠)

Because this is tumblr and only like two of you are looking at me please enjoy post-book happy twins who have been through a whole horror book to get to this art. I kept drawing them as sad and angry and they needed to be cut a fuckin break for once

[mondaymelon]

₊⊹ "𝐧𝐨𝐨𝐨, 𝐢 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐡𝐮𝐬𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝…" | xiao, childe, alhaitham x gn!reader

「 "𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐮𝐬𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐚𝐚𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮!!"」

— in which you've gotten drunk... drunk enough to fail to recognize your own lover.

— silly fluff. soft xiao, had this one in the drafts for far too long and its about time i choke it out... happy white day !!

the moment your slurred words reached his ears, XIAO knew that he never should've let you get your hands on that cursed rice wine.

in a way, he supposed it could be his fault. the one time he had decided to indulge in trivial mortal matters like alcohol due to your constant insistence... well, just look at you.

red-faced, the tips of your ears and cheeks stuck in a helplessly drunken flush, you babbled incoherently with half of your face smushed against the table. xiao could only stare in contempt as you feebly reached towards the already-emptied bottle,

( xiao had taken one sip and refused any more indulgence, claiming it was bitter, when in fact, you had gone out of your way to find a sweeter drink ),

and sigh, massaging the bridge of his nose with a certain disillusionment.

"come on, you're getting to bed." the man was just about done with your hopeless actions. he grabbed your wrist and tugged, only to be met with resistance. you're pouting like a child, brows furrowed lazily as you stare upwards at him.

"nnno. m'not going with you."

"...excuse me?" what in the archons was the problem now? he tugged again, this time with a small margin of force, and was met with an even larger pull back, this time paired with a low whine. "hey, it's late, and all the wine is gone, so just comply with me won't you?"

"i already told you... i have a husband..."

your complaint met the cool night air and the adeptus' silence. his lips were slightly parted as his round eyes blinked once, then twice, in a sort of stunned stupor. "...love, i am that husband."

archons, how had he found himself such a foolish mortal to love?

"don't lie to me!" you shook your head profusely, wiggling around in his grasp relentlessly until the adeptus had no choice but to let go. "i know my husband when i see him... and he's way handsomer than you, stupid..." you stared him up and down with squinting eyes, eyeing the way his ears were beginning to turn pink, and sat heavily in thought as you pondered the man before you.

definitely not your husband.

idiot. with a huff, he easily hauled your body over his shoulder as if carrying something as trivial as a sack of potatoes. you hung loosely over, landing a couple weak punches on his back as you proceeded to prattle on, your defiance seemingly having little effect.

then, you were silent, and xiao had to look back to make sure you hadn't gotten hurt. sure, he had considered once or twice leaving you out there all passed out on the balcony, but not without reason, yet he'd decided against it. you seemed fine, mouth hung slightly ajar as you snoozed peacefully, your eyes shut and cheeks still warm from what you'd downed. the audacity to fall asleep... xiao couldn't deny that his sigh was one of fondness.

"night, this husband of yours loves you."

strange, wasn't the wine from liyue supposedly far less intense compared to the vodka CHILDE had tried back home?

that, or the people here simply were more susceptible when it came to the topic of intoxication. you were no exception — he'd taken you out drinking, his mistake, thinking it'd be an easy, splendid time.

and don't get him wrong, it was! not just, well... conversation was rather hard to make when the other person was practically unconscious. you're practically splayed across the mahogany table, eyes nearly drooped close and fire across your cheeks.

you giggled. it's a muddled sound, when you're mostly mumbling into the table. "hhhey, pour me another glass~"

childe scans your less-than-ideal state and procures an answer in a little under a second. "love, you've had too many."

you seem shocked at his words, leaning forwards a little with narrowed eyes. your figure sways as you shake your head lazily, from side to side. "wwhhhat? nnno, that can't be right..."

the man holds back an amused chuckle. it's entertaining. "and how many fingers am i holding up?" he holds up just one hand, displaying a reasonable amount of three.

there's a beat of silence. "...nineteen?" you blink a couple times, as if to shake you out of your stupor. "...nineteen," this time, with confidence.

childe claps his hands together, a sudden sound that makes you startled, and he moves to apologize immediately. "we're getting you to bed, love. clearly you've had more alcohol than you can handle."

"what, was i wrong??" there's tears forming in your eyes, and your lips tug downwards in a frown. "u-uhm, fifteen? nno, four...?"

"still incorrect, love. i'm afraid it's time for you to go to sleep. you'll wake up with a hell of a hangover tomorrow morning, but..." he sighed, thinking back to his time in shneznaya, then made a mental note to prepare you a hangover drink in the morning. his hand found its familiar place in your hand, unnaturally warm with your skin rosy from the alcohol. he smiled, turning to glance at you, but ceased when he saw you on the ground, tears now falling from your eyes, quietly sobbing as you shook your head back and forth.

panic immediately sets in. what has he done wrong?? "love, what-"

"nnnno, don't call me that..." you squinted upwards at him, looking quite displeased. "no 'love', 'kaaay? i'm not your love, mister."

he paused. wait, you didn't possibly think that... "love-" oh, old habits died hard, and the word had already left his lips before he could process what you'd said.

"i have a husband, you!!" in some sort of fit, or perhaps better worded as a tantrum, you stood, wrenching yourself from his grip and then hitting him repeatedly in the shoulders, chest, anywhere your fists could reach, really. the alcohol had surely affected your capabilities of combat — you missed half the time, and what punches did land caused no pain at all.

as your anger subsided, your step faltered, body swaying in the open air before childe reached over to catch you in his arms. he was concerned, naturally. "lov- are you alright?" his worry only grew when he heard no response, but it ebbed with a chuckle when he saw you were already fast asleep in his arms, snoozing without a care in the world.

"a husband, hm? whoever it is, he must quite be the gentleman..."

ALHAITHAM knew his night was fated to end in idiocy the moment you knocked on his door.

it didn't even strike him that you were holding wine, of all things, when you waltzed into his house like it was your own. sure, it wasn't as if these occasions weren't frequent, but really anyone would be surprised to glance up from a quiet reading session only to see their (annoying) lover pressed against the door, repeatedly calling out his name in a sing-song, satire-like voice.

like... calling a cat. it was a realization he made with not too much contentment. silently, he thanked the archons that kaveh was not home — they knew that he could not handle the both of you.

it was only when you sat down at his table, where he'd been reading up to the point when you barged in, that he noticed. green-tinted glass, a little wind motif on the front... dandelion wine from mondstadt. now, just how did you get your hands on that?

"connections," you had stated. with a note of pride, he might add. what, was he supposed to congratulate you on being able to talk to other people? even he, a person who generally hated people, could do that.

ah, but he didn't hate it. your voice, that is, when you rambled on for hours on end. he didn't have the heart to interrupt you, especially when you were so heated on a topic — be it work troubles, an especially annoying sailor, or you accidentally dropping your pita pocket into the water when walking along the port, he didn't mind.

"...mmbottle. haaithammm, the bottle..." your drunk complaints reach his ears, and he his irritation is more so disrupted with inward amusement as he watches you in the predicament you've landed yourself in.

"the bottle?" he questions, raising an eyebrow. his hands are crossed over his chest; he's clearly getting a ruse out of this. "just what would you need the bottle for, love?"

your eyebrows scrunch together. he can tell your brain is working at its max capacity. "...im. thirsty?"

"you've already drunk two thirds of this bottle." he holds said bottle high above your head, hopelessly far from your reach. "if you're so thirsty, drink water."

"i don wanna."

"..."

"just... one drop?"

"hah..." he pinches the bridge of his nose, sighing deeply, and places a hand on your shoulder. you barely react, and don't even glance at the sudden weight. "love, you're staying over. you're going to bed."

"bed...?" horror crosses your face, paired with evident irritation. "y...you, who do you think you are, to suggest such things!?" your face is bright red, and you're hugging yourself with one arm and pointing an accusing finger towards the male with the other. "i have a husband!!"

ah. "...what's his name?"

"and why do youuuu want to know?" you narrow your eyes suspiciously at him, but seem to come up with an answer to your own question, for you answer him anyhow. "haitham."

"do you love this 'haitham'?" alhaitham's enjoying himself. when he teases the sober you, all you do is retort back, but now... he can see your flustered expression on full display as you stammer out an answer.

"o-of course! a-and, if you wanted to know, he's waaaaay handsomer.. than ... you..."

just like that, you topple over and sink into the couch, knocked unconscious. a trace of a smile crosses alhaitham's lips as he looks at your sleeping form.

"fortunately for you, this 'haitham' you speak of loves you too."

(a/n) bye i was gonna add kaveh to this one too but i realized oh fuck its white day i said id post a month ago what the fuck am i doing so i just like regurgitated this out and spat it onto your dashboard. ahodfjlds

tags (id paste the aesthetic thing but i cant find it so we're just gonna roll w this):

@manager-of-the-pudding-bank, @iamdedinside, @ilyuu, @ @falors, @swivy123, @scara-is-my-wife, @lupicalbestwolf, @justyoureader,@fiannee, @aether-darling, @ceneid, @avensuersa, @solxima

[thinkinonsense]

i was wondering if you could write some dad!logan with a reader whos lauras teacher and maybe laura talks to him about her teacher. thank you!!!!

dad!logan x teacher!reader

laura was a bright student; one of the brightest in the entire class but there was a small behavioral issue. the young girl would often beat up any student who stole her supplies or made her angry. one of the only people who could calm her down was you; her favorite teacher.

"how was school, kid?" logan asked laura when she walked into the house.

"fine," she answered.

"no more fightin'?" he arched a stern brow at the girl who had been sent home with notes regarding her classroom behavior.

"no." laura glares then explains how you have helped her control her anger.

this wasn't the first time laura had rambled on about you. the young girl's eyes lit up as she told her dad about the pretty young teacher and everything she taught her that day. logan had never met you, the closest being the letters laura brought home to him, on colorful decorative stationery and the one time he saw you through the classroom window when he dropped laura off.

logan thought you were gorgeous even with stray pencils hold up your hair and marker stains on your palms. too pretty to give a man like him the time of day. laura compared you to someone out of a fairytale book.

you seemed to be a good influence on laura so logan had no concerns or complaints. his daughter would often emphasize that there was no ring on your finger either. logan didn't bother entertaining the idea of laura setting him up with her twenty-something year old teacher. instead, he stuck to listening to all of her stories about you and your class.

⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅

every saturday morning, you stuck to the same routine; go to your favorite coffee shop and work on next weeks lesson plan then head to the grocery store. it wasn't much but it kept you busy.

as you stroll through the aisles and check items off of your list, a pair of small feet some running your way. a man is heard angrily calling after the child clinging to you.

"hello, sweet girl!" you smile down at laura. "what are you doing here this early?"

before she could answer, a tall older gentlemen approach's you and a swarm of butterflies threaten to fall loose from your mouth. was this laura's father? this -to put it simply- hot man dressed in jeans and a flannel.

logan's mouth opened to scold his daughter but you stop him.

"you must be, mr. howlett?"

your smile was deadly, logan thought to himself. he couldn't stop staring at your soft features. logan had never been left this speechless, all he could do was nod.

luckily for both of you, laura did all the introducing. you tell him how amazing of a kid she is and all the accomplishments she's reached in your classroom. logan was only half listening, a bit too occupied with the way your lips moved as you spoke. he finally managed to spit out a 'thank you' for helping laura.

the young girl wasn't stupid, even she could see that something was happening between the two of you. if she had it her way, you would be coming over to join them for dinner. logan promised her hamburgers tonight.

"well, i should let the two of you continue your shopping." you say politely, not wanting your gawking at her father become anymore noticeable. "see you on monday, laura."

you barely moved three steps before you heard a shuffle and logan stopped you. unbeknownst to you, laura gave him a swift kick in the leg. she wasn't going to let him blow this for her.

"y-you should join us for dinner sometime." he stutters. what happened to the smooth ladies man he once was? had age really caught up to him already?

you hesitate to answer. of course you wanted to. it's been so long since a kind, attractive man has asked you to dinner but this would definitely come off as unprofessional.

"as a thank you." he adds, hoping that will help swayed you.

the moment you look down at laura's wide smile, awaiting your answer; you knew you would cave.

"I would love to."

⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅

a/n: might need to do a part two because i love this concept <3

[po3tbbygirl]

We’ve built a home

Spencer Reid x fem!reader (oneshot)

desc: In a place that never felt like home, reader’s grown tired of explaining herself—until someone finally listens.

content warnings: pre-established relationship, emotional distress, crying, cultural differences.

a/n: your girlie is OUT of her home country and you can tell 😖😖 I lowk cried a lot writing this…

Italicization = foreign/your language

She hated Virginia.

She hated how far she had to drive just to get to work, wishing she could go back to the days when her commute was a simple 15-minute bus ride.

She hated how every craving for her favorite foods came with the bitter truth that she’d have to make them herself. No restaurant around here could even come close to capturing the flavors of her culture.

She hated how much of herself she had to explain to people. Why she talked the way she did. Why she did certain things that felt so natural to her but seemed strange here. She was always defending or translating her life, just to avoid being misunderstood as weird, rude, or too nice.

Her days felt heavy, and even her dream job wasn’t enough to make up for how lonely and out of place she felt. Virginia wasn’t home. It never would be. But then Spencer came along.

He was lanky, with messy brown hair and a quiet awkwardness that made her smile despite herself. At first, he was just someone she met by chance. But over time, he became the one thing that made everything easier. Brighter. Lighter.

Of course, she still had to explain some things to him—he didn’t know her culture at first. But it was different with Spencer.

When she told him she needed lime with almost every meal, he didn’t question her. Instead, he made sure their kitchen was always stocked with it. Sometimes he’d even bring home extra, just to be safe.

When after playing chess or watching movies they’d accidentally pass the 3 a.m. mark and she just had to stay up until 4 a.m. for no real reason other than luck, he stayed up with her. No complaints. No judgment.

When Christmas came, and she explained how her family celebrated—eating pork, drinking fruit punch, praying together, singing songs, and breaking piñatas—he didn’t hesitate to join in. He did everything he could to honor her traditions, even when they were completely new to him.

And when she cried while setting up the ofrendas for her loved ones who had passed, Spencer didn’t try to fix it. He simply sat beside her, holding her hand and letting her cry, showing her she wasn’t alone.

Spencer wasn’t just good to her. He was perfect for her. He made her feel understood in a way she hadn’t thought was possible.

But there were still some things even Spencer couldn’t fix—or so she thought.

౨ৎ

“Ugh,” she groaned as she walked through the door, tossing her keys into the bowl by the door.

Spencer looked up from the couch, where he’d been reading a book. He frowned, setting it aside. “Hey… what’s wrong?”

She sighed, staying silent as she kicked off her shoes and leaned against the wall. Her face looked tense, like she was fighting back tears.

“I’m just tired,” she finally said, her voice strained.

Spencer straightened, concern etched across his face. “Tell me.”

“You wouldn’t get it.”

“Try me.”

She hesitated, standing frozen in the middle of the kitchen. She looked up, a single tear slipping down her cheek.

“I’m tired of explaining myself,” she said, her voice trembling. “I’m tired of people staring at my food at lunch. I’m tired of explaining why I talk the way I do, why I act the way I do.” She paused, her tears falling faster now. “And I’m especially tired of people thinking I’m dumb or slow just because I need a second to find the right word. They don’t realize I’m not thinking in the language they are speaking. I’m not stupid—I just need time. But no one seems to get that, and I’m so tired of it!”

Her voice cracked as she let out a sob, her body shaking with all the emotions she had kept bottled up for so long. “I can’t take it anymore. It’s driving me crazy!”

“Love…” Spencer’s voice was soft, steady.

She froze. The sound of his voice saying that one word in her language stopped her in her tracks.

He stood from the couch, walking toward her. Her tears slowed as she watched him approach, her shock keeping her in place.

“I know it’s hard,” Spencer said, his hands gently taking hers. “I know you hurt. And it kills me to see you like this. Every time you have to explain yourself to some ignorant person who will just shut you down, who doesn’t deserve to understand you, I become the saddest man alive.”

She stared at him, the warmth of his hands grounding her as her tears continued to fall.

“I’ve been waiting for the right time to tell you this,” he said, dropping down onto both knees in front of her. “I know we have only been dating for a little over a year and know this isn’t a proposal because you deserve so much more than me kneeling in the living room in my ugly pajamas,”

Her breath hitched as she watched him, her heart pounding in her chest.

“But I promise you—no, I swear to you—that as long as you’ll have me, you’ll never have to explain yourself again. Not to me. You won’t have to feel like you need to translate your heart or your soul to me because I’ll keep learning. I’ll keep trying. All I need from you, my love, is to be you. The raw, beautiful, unfiltered version of you. And I’m ready for that. I’m ready for you.”

Her jaw dropped, and for a moment, she couldn’t move. No one had ever made this much effort for her before. No one had ever tried to understand her this deeply.

Without thinking, she knelt down in front of him, cupping his face in her hands. “I’m so sorry this isn’t a proposal, Spencer,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “Because after what you just said… I don’t think I can do anything but want to marry you.”

They both laughed through their tears, and Spencer playfully shifted onto one knee. They stayed like that for a long moment, staring into each other’s eyes.

Finally, Spencer spoke, his tone serious. “I mean it, love. From now on, if you don’t ever want to speak a word of English to me again, you don’t have to. I’m ready for that part of you. You don’t have to hide it anymore.”

Her tears flowed freely again, but this time, they were tears of joy. Relief. Love. “Spencer… thank you,” she whispered. “I love you.”

He smiled, his eyes shining. “I love you.”

[literaila]

Would Gojo have any type of preference regarding a person's appearance? What personality type would he be most attracted to? What's going on in that man's head? I just want to know 🥺

well… okay. i mean, obviously satoru is aware that there’s not many people who can compare to the most beautiful (him) so he doesn’t value looks too heavily, i think (again unless it’s him we’re talking about but he’s the most beautiful person in existence so…)

satoru likes people who make him feel good, you know? the people he can gain from.

the people on the street who stop and stare at him for a moment—they think he’s attractive and he knows (likes) it. the sorcerers who practically kneel at his feet? they feed his ego and he likes them. utahime who falls victim to his antics? he likes her, but only because she makes him laugh. and suguru who makes him feel understood? well, he likes that.

all of the people that satoru is drawn to have some sort of appeal to them. and they might be beautiful, but they’ll never be as beautiful as he is, so who cares?

it’s not necessarily looks that drew him to you, of course.

obviously, when he and megumi are sitting on the couch one day, flipping through old photos and polaroids from what seems to be decades ago now, and you’re off in another room, looking through boxes for the pictures that are missing, satoru is admiring you.

maybe he was stupid enough not to notice it when he was seventeen, but he’s grown.

and when looking at the fresh faced, innocent-eyed precious little person you used to be? god.

hes looking at himself right beside you, wondering how he could’ve been so oblivious to his own preferences. to the strange way his eyes always tilted towards you, the cautious sort of observance he displayed for only one person.

and when megumi whispers “mom is so pretty.” satoru can’t help but nod his head in agreement.

he makes a little nose in the back of his throat, somehow even more entranced with you than he was at seventeen and responds “the prettiest.”

but that’s not what he first noticed, or even what he first cared about.

when satoru met you, you were belligerent. you wanted nothing to do with him or his six eyes, even when he only greeted you with the highest respect and upmost amusement.

(he put out his hand for you to shake and laughed when you couldn’t do it. but really, how is a mere boy not supposed to laugh when someone is gawking at him?)

you spent months actively avoiding him—everyone, more like—getting close to only nanami and haibara in the simplest of terms.

but when satoru began to look for you—really look, beyond all of the amused observation and side comments he enjoyed making—things changed.

he found that you were… stubborn. cruel, for someone so young, so fortunate to be as powerful as you were.

he watched as you began to emerge from whatever depths you’d fallen into, becoming fast friends with the two people in your year, and bonding with both shoko and suguru so quickly that satoru was practically bewildered.

(and maybe a little bit jealous)

suguru was his best friend, but he wanted more attention. he wanted your eyes and your laughter—the same kind that everyone else got from you.

so satoru pushed himself closer, forced himself upon you and… there was a lot to gain.

maybe it was the simplest of things—the way you listened. you teased him like everyone, groaned when you saw him making his way toward you—but you listened when he spoke. your eyes were attentive, and not just because of his looks.

or maybe it was the understanding that came with time. the person who he had once merely glanced over who was now communicating with him in glances, nudging him when he was distracted, nodding along with his rants about suguru’s high morality, or yaga’s complaints.

satoru couldn’t help but be impressed, or grateful with the way you got him. the things that other people questioned but you never did.

or maybe it was just the way you made him feel.

the light, airy feeling that clan heads don’t get—especially when they’re born being just that. the easygoing, enamored, wanderlust feeling that satoru had never imagined for himself.

the feeling that you saw him for something more than his god-given looks, more than his unbelievable strength.

that subtle conviction that made him feel like he could choose, perhaps, instead of just being chosen.

there’s much to gain from love, satoru realizes, only years later when he’s stopped pushing himself away from it.

there’s much to be gained from being loved.

…and if, maybe, he realizes that you’re probably the most beautiful person in existence and not him?

well, everything has its consequences.

[charmingradiobelle]

Ranking the main fandoms I’ve been in (and I’m going to be brutally honest)

Hazbin Hotel: 5/10

For the most part I’ve enjoyed it here. Every person I’ve met at a convention was super sweet and the HH themed events I went to were the most fun I’ve had in a while. Fortunately I personally haven’t had a lot of negative interactions, but the fandom as a whole…not so great. A lot of rude people, fatphobia, racism, people being stupid and not understanding what a fanon ship is or what bisexual means😐 I’m mainly still here just to vibe with my Charlastor shippers (aka the most chill people I’ve ever met in a fandom ever)

Gravity Falls: 8/10

It was dead for a while but now that a lot of fans are coming back and it’s amazing. Aside from all the stupid ass Mabel haters, I’ve always loved this fandom and being apart of it

Zootopia: 7.5/10

Aside from the over-sexualization of that one mf tiger and being dead the last six years, this fandom’s pretty chill

Owl House: 9/10

Would be a 10 except I remember there being quite a lot of toxicity back in the early days. I kinda had to separate myself from the fans for a while because I just didn’t care for the drama and eventually I lost interest in the show for a bit. But I still enjoyed it as it started to wrap up, and the fandom seemed to mellow out. It’s been quiet for a while now, aside from harassing the person in charge of Disney TVA’s instagram asking for a season 4 (it’s never going to happen guys)

Disney/Pixar: 10/10

No complaints tbh. Everyone seems super chill, hardly any drama, the content is just 🤌🏻

Super Mario Bros: 9/10

Again, would be a 10 because literally everybody I’ve met is super nice and supportive. But I have to dock points cuz of those hardcore Bowser stans who genuinely defend/justify his actions 😶 like what are y’all on??

Gnomeo and Juliet: ♾️/10

Only three other people in this fandom but they are the sweetest three people ever

[munsonify]

christmas movies

pairing. eddie munson x gn!reader

summary. you come into family video looking for a christmas movie that you’re making eddie watch with you.

content warnings. pet names (sweetheart), loving teasing.

a/n. augh i dunno how i feel about this….

word count. 812

12 days of christmas

It was almost as if you had Eddie at gunpoint. The way you dragged him into the video store with a set determination, it seemed like he was forced to be here. He seemed grumpier than usual, which no one would ever admit to his face. The way he practically flung the door open for you was enough to draw people away.

Normally, he would never even think about whining over quality time with you. He’s a sucker for you and your company in every way of the sort. He would do just about anything for you, and he’s stood by that claim for all of your relationship.

That was, until, you decided that a cheesy Christmas movie was something you wanted to watch with him. The mere mention of it made his eyebrows pinch together in disgust. It was almost instinct for Eddie to protest watching a Christmas movie. In fact, he protested it the entire chilly drive to the video store, and even while you were searching for the perfect one to watch with him!

“But Eds!” You protested back. “I watched all those stupid horror movies with you! You can suffer through one Christmas movie!”

Eddie’s mouth dropped in a half fake annoyance. Sure, he knew you were messing with him, yet he still decided to stand up for himself. He brought a hand to his chest dramatically, gasping for air he didn’t need. You couldn’t help but roll your eyes.

“Name one horror movie we watched that was stupid.”

“Children of the Corn,” you fired back immediately. “Even calling it a horror movie is a disgrace to the genre.” Eddie sat in a silence as you went back to skim through movies. You smirked at this newfound quietness. Even he had admitted previously that Children of the Corn hadn’t met his expectations.

In that silence, you found A Christmas Story. You picked it up with confidence, strutting straight over to the freshly cleaned counter. There were wipe streaks all against it that you were sure was Steve’s doing. When noticing he was no where to be seen, Eddie reached over to obnoxiously ring the bell on the counter. It was rusty, but it did its job fine, clear by the way Steve ushered out to the front desk.

“You’re unbelievable, Munson,” Steve glared at him, his eyes moving and sorting at you. He took the tape from your hands to scan, immediately starting up small talk with you two.

“How much are you paying him to sit through this?” Steve teased. He smirked at the both of you as he spoke, taking the five dollar bill from your hands for ring you up.

“Nothing, but I am revoking his sex privileges if he doesn’t,” you joked back, nudging Eddie’s arm with your elbow. He didn’t seem as impressed, though he did let a smile play on his face. You knew he would sit through it regardless of any of his protests or complaints.

Soon, Steve gave you some coins back for change, along with a receipt with a return date on it. The tape was placed into your hands after you’d dumped the loose change into your wallet. With some farewells, you two were off, heading back to Eddie’s place, where you excitedly gathered up a large blanket for you two to share.

Reluctantly, Eddie slipped the tape into the player. He sat down onto the couch, the material dipping as he leaned back and began to rest against it. His arm was propped up in the back, which you were quick to rest in front of. You moved his arm gently for a moment, wrapping the warm blanket around your bodies, before placing it around your waist contently.

You leaned your body against his instinctively, your head resting carefully on his shoulder as he began to play the movie. Eddie’s hands were cold from the weather outside, though that didn’t stop him from placing a cold hand onto your hip.

And, surprisingly, Eddie was enjoying the movie. Despite his multiple protests, he caught himself laughing and grinning at some scenes. Each laugh earned him a loving gaze from you. All of his complaints had seemingly washed away by the end of the film. He was smiling, though you weren’t entirely sure if it was genuine or for sure. You decided it was genuine quickly after he looked down at you. That one quick chance at his soft eyes told you everything.

“Wasn’t that better than the horror movies?” You interrogated him, the credits rolling with music playing in the back.

“Not a chance, sweetheart,” Eddie replied, squeezing you tight, a smile still playing on his lips.

You rolled your eyes yet again at him, though this time, you followed up with a soft kiss. You could never stay upset with him, especially when it was for play

[roseofdarknessblog]

Where it all began (Postwar!Levi Ackerman x Reader)

Word count: 3 723

Disclaimer: english is not my first language, I apologize in advance for any mistakes

Summary: Ten years after the Rumbling, you and Levi return to Paradis, to show your daughter the land you fought so hard for.

This story can be read on its own or as a part of my little post-war series: Learn to live again

Where it all began

„Maybe this wasn't such a good idea,“ Levi said quietly as soon as you disembarked on Paradis. After almost ten years, you were back. On the island, where both your and Levi's life began, where you met, and where you never came back after the Rumbling.

„It's only for two days, darling. We'll be home tomorrow evening,“ you said and kissed the top of his head, looking around the port.

Many things changed since the day you left. You were barely able to recognize this place. Memories of your last battle against the Yeagerists made shivers run down your back. Everything that led up to it, everything that happened after. Falco's first transformation into the Jaw Titan, your arrival to Odiha, Hange's sacrifice, the final battle against Eren...

Coming back felt very strange. Both of you were anxious and full of doubts. Was this truly a good idea? Returning here after so much time? Maybe you should have stayed home, in the little seaside town where you settled down and opened Levi's tea shop. There it was safe. It felt like it. As years passed, that place truly started to feel like home to you.

But here...

„Ugh, finally. I almost puked myself on that stupid boat.“ Both you and Levi looked over at the six-year-old raven-haired girl by his side. Her blue-grey eyes scanned your surroundings quickly before she looked at Levi. „I thought you said sailing is going to be fun, dad.“

You smiled upon hearing her complaints and reached out to stroke her silky hair. It was just like Levi's, although his lately started to turn grey here and there. To him, it was annoying. To you, it became one of his most irresistible features.

„I said it because I didn't want you to worry,“ Levi explained and handed her the little yellow sketchbook she loved carrying around. Until now, he kept it on his lap to have it on hand anytime.

„Too bad, now I don't want to go home by boat.“

„Well, you can always swim,“ you joked.

Little Zoe, who you and Levi named after Hange, gave you an annoyed look and kept on walking. Sometimes, she truly was a carbon copy of her father in every way. From her appearance to her personality. Even if she was only six years old, she already had a huge personality of her own.

„Is it too late to turn back?“

„Levi... it will be fine. We promised her this trip.“ You got hold of his wheelchair once again and followed your daughter, who kept looking around, taking in all the little details.

It was mainly because of her, that you came back to Paradis for a short visit. Even if you and Levi didn't often talk about your past in front of her, other people did. Mainly Jean and Connie, who told her many stories about Paradis and how it once looked. But, of course, they always left out the most gruesome details. So in the end, little Zoe saw this place as an almost ordinary island. Like a place for a little family trip.

Queen Historia knew you and Levi were coming, you let her know in advance. But it didn't seem she wanted to meet you after so many years. And that was more than okay. It was her personal choice. After all, you didn't really come to reconnect with anyone.

„Mikasa!“ your daughter screamed excitedly when she saw her waiting for all of you. But as Zoe was running up to her, somebody suddenly leaped out from behind one of the buildings and grabbed her around the waist. Her little sketchbook fell to the ground as the blond man lifted her up and spun her around, while your daughter screamed out.

Both Zoe and Armin, who you truly didn't expect to be there, were laughing loudly while you and Levi came up to them. Mikasa picked up the girl's sketchbook and held it for her until she was hugging Armin.

„Captain, Y/N... so you really made it,“ Armin said, greeting you both.

You nodded, putting one of your hands on Levi's shoulder squeezing it reassuringly and reminding him, that you're here with him. „We did, yeah. But what are you doing here?“

„Mikasa told me you were coming so I took a little trip, too. But it's just me, Annie's home. She still doesn't like coming here.“

„Don't worry, we understand,“ you assured him with a warm smile.

After you all greeted each other, you followed Armin and Mikasa, talking and simply having a good time. You and Levi still felt a little uneasy, while you were walking through the streets of Shiganshina. The town felt more than foreign to you both. Almost nothing looked the same, not even the people. And for sure, not the military personnel you met here and there.

But there was a bright side to it all, too. Hearing people talk and children laugh, while they were running around, made you smile. Everything looked lively and colorful. You could actually feel all the life pulsing through the streets. Never before did this place make you feel this way. Almost as if nothing ever happened here.

While Zoe was walking between Mikasa and Armin, holding hands with both of them, you kept a few steps behind them. You could see how tensed up Levi's shoulders were. To be honest, you didn't see him like this for a very long time. It almost seemed as if he was expecting something to happen. Just like during old times.

„If I didn't know where we were, I would never say this is Paradis,“ you said after a while in a hushed voice, so only he was able to hear you. „A lot has changed during only ten years.“

Levi nodded without a word, keeping his eyes on your daughter's back. Even if he wasn't like his old self, like the people of this island used to know him, his instincts stayed just as sharp. If needed, he would give his absolute everything to protect his family – you and the little girl both of you loved more than life itself. She was the purest light in your lives and the biggest source of your happiness.

„It feels weirder than I thought it would.“

„In a good or in a bad way?“ you asked him, noticing a little shop you remembered from way back when you were still in the Survey Corps. It was a bakery where you loved getting many different sweet goods. Honestly, it was a miracle that it was still here. „Do you remember this place? I used to buy those little apple pies here. Those you loved eating with your afternoon tea.“

To your surprise, he chuckled. „I could never forget those. But now you make much better ones.“

„After so many years of trying...“ you laughed.

Learning how to cook and bake after the war was one of the hardest things you've ever done. For some reason, you simply couldn't get the hang of it. If it wasn't for Onyankopon and his patience, you would have given up a long time ago. Only thanks to him, you were now able to supply Levi's tea shop with many delicious sweet and savory treats.

You could see a couple of people who seemed to recognize you. Some of them nodded their heads to say a quiet hello, but that was it. Nobody came up to you to have a chat. Thankfully. Not you or Levi felt like talking to anyone. You didn't want them asking any questions. After all, you didn't owe anyone anything. The way you decided to live your life after the war was solely your own personal choice. And it seemed, that not coming back here was the right thing to do. Even if it felt very difficult at the beginning, settling down in the outside world was the wisest choice in the long run.

„Do you want to visit Erwin and Sasha's grave as well?“ Levi asked you, looking over his shoulder. At first, you didn't react. But then you gave a simple nod.

„I can go alone if you don't feel like coming along. You and Zoe can wait for me somewhere,“ you assured him, not wanting to pressure him into anything. Coming here was challenging enough. „I won't be long.“

He quietly shook his head, not voicing his thoughts out loud. So you let him think about it in silence, following Mikasa, Armin, and your daughter to your first and most important stop.

After a short while, you made it to a place, which truly scared you for some reason. It was the tree, under which Eren's remains were buried. A small simple tombstone was set into the ground just by the trunk. For whatever reason, it was suddenly way harder to breathe.

„Long time no see, Eren,“ Levi said, his voice way colder than just a few minutes before. You knew that even after so many years, he sometimes thought about all the things he and Eren never got the chance to discuss.

„I wish this meeting could have looked different,“ you got out with a heavy sigh, taking the small bouquet of white lilies from Levi's lap which you got from a flower shop along the way. But actually going up to the tombstone, reading his name carved into the cold stone... „I'm sorry it had to end like this.“ Closing your eyes to breathe through your emotions, you left the lilies resting against the stone and walked back to Levi and Zoe, who also came to stand next to her father. The little detail of them holding hands made you feel a little better.

A few tears pooled in your eyes when you looked over at Mikasa and Armin. Seeing just the two of them, without Eren by their side felt so strange and painful. Since you got to know them, they were always together. Always the three of them – Mikasa and Armin doing everything to protect Eren and help him, when he needed it the most. Your heart hurt for them in a way you weren't even able to express through words. It was a pain you tried to bury deep down in your heart and soul, for the past ten years. But now, it all came to the surface, threatening to suffocate you and make you break down in tears over how everything turned out.

„It's a shame we didn't get to meet,“ Zoe said suddenly shocking all four of you. Mikasa was probably the most surprised one. „Jean and Connie sometimes tell me funny stories about you.“ She was looking at the tombstone, almost as if she was talking directly to Eren.

To her, Eren wasn't a monster like the rest of the world saw him. You all spared her the horrible details that led up to his death. It was much better to do it like that. She was still too little and innocent to know the truth. Later, you'll slowly start explaining everything to her. But until then, it was much better to let her believe, that the world wasn't such an ugly place.

For a while, you all stayed quiet and just watched the white lilies. Nobody knew what to say, what or how to feel. Not even Mikasa and Armin, who surely spent a lot of time here. Zoe was the first one to break the grim atmosphere. She took her little sketchbook from Levi, sat down under the tree, and started sketching the view you had over the little town underneath the hill.

„How's it going? Do you like the view?“ you asked after a few minutes and sat down beside your daughter. Levi was talking with Mikasa and Armin, so you decided to let them be.

„Yeah, it's very nice here. I loved how the town looked, everything was so colorful. The people looked happy,“ she said excitedly, showing you her drawing proudly. It looked just like a creation of a six-year-old. „But those men from the military seemed scary.“

On your way up here, you met a group of men from the military. All they did, was patroling around the town, making sure everything was in order. However, they made you feel a bit uneasy. Their new uniforms, the way they carried a gun with them... It wasn't comparable to the times when you casually met members of the Garrison or the Military Police in the streets. Or maybe it was just because you were here as an ordinary civilian, not a member of the military like during old times.

„You don't have to fear them, darling. They're not going to hurt you.“

„Did you and dad wear uniforms like them?“

You shook your head, running your fingers along her braided hair. „Not entirely, but they were a little similar.“ Going into details wasn't necessary, so you simply smiled at her and stroked her cheek.

„I can't really imagine this whole place with those huge Walls you told me about. Didn't everything seem... uhm...“

„Suffocating? Cramped? Restricting?“ Zoe nodded, closing her sketchbook and leaving her pencil inside, to mark the page where she was drawing. „It did, but... we didn't know anything else. Not really. You see... when we as the Scouting Legion went out beyond the Walls, we had our duty. We had work to do, so we never really had time to just stop and admire how different everything seemed. How big and free the world there was.“

Zoe knew about the Titans – briefly, but she did. She knew they were the reason why you and Levi lived behind the Walls before the final war. For her, it was only natural to wonder, what a life like that must have felt like. She never had to experience such a thing. No, she was free to go wherever she wanted. Basically, there were no limits to her curiosity. No man-eating monsters, that would hunt her down if she wasn't careful enough.

„Me and your dad... we were more than grateful for what we had up here. The place where we grew up was much, much worse than living behind the Walls.“

She didn't know nearly anything about the Underground, where both you and Levi grew up. There was simply no way to explain it to her. So all she knew, was the bare minimum – about a poor city under the shiny new capital of Paradis. There wasn't anything nice to be said about that place.

While Zoe kept asking you more questions, you looked over your shoulder at Levi, Armin, and Mikasa. They were still quietly talking, not paying attention to you and Zoe. You wanted to grant them privacy, so you kept the little girl busy for as long as possible.

From time to time, you looked over at Eren's tombstone. For some reason, you kept wondering what would you say to Eren, if he was here. If the war ended differently and you had the chance to talk to him about everything that happened. Even after so many years, you wished that you could have done something more. Anything to bring him back from the darkness that took him away from his friends.

What got you away from your own memories, was when Mikasa and Armin called for Zoe. The little girl didn't hesitate, she jumped up and ran to them, excitedly asking what are they going to do. As you watched them, Levi slowly wheeled himself next to you.

With a tiny smile, you moved a bit closer and still sitting in the grass, you leaned your head against his leg. The fingers of his left hand slipped into your hair, rubbing your scalp just the way you liked it. And just the way Zoe used to like when she was a baby. Many times, when she was crying or fussing, Levi used to soothe her this way.

„Did she have many questions?“ Levi asked after a moment of silence between the two of you.

„Quite a few, yeah. I guess she couldn't really grasp the reality of our lives behind the Walls. She said it looks much prettier now, without them,“ you chuckled and looked up at Levi. Up here, where nobody was around, he seemed a bit calmer. And you did too. Being away from the prying eyes of the islanders felt liberating in the strangest way possible. „I'm not sure if coming here was the right call, but at least we did what we promised her.“

Levi nodded, still playing with your hair. „Let's hope that this one visit will be enough for her. Not that there are many places we could visit without seeing those fools in uniforms. I don't want to see them around you or Zoe, we had enough of that life. What's going on here, is not our business anymore.“

„It's not, we fought and sacrificed enough,“ you agreed, taking Levi's hand out of your hair and interlocking your fingers. To some, it may have sounded selfish. But to you, those were valid reasons. After everything that happened, you and Levi deserved to live out the rest of your lives in peace.

As the ship kept moving forward and Paradis was becoming smaller and smaller on the horizon, tears started to pool in your eyes. Leaving once again was heartbreaking. It made you feel so many different emotions all at once. While Mikasa and Armin stayed there, you, Levi, and Zoe were headed back home.

You stayed the night over at Mikasa's place and headed to the graveyard first thing in the morning. While she and Armin stayed with Zoe, you and Levi went to find the graves of your long-lost friends. Before that, you got more white lilies, because you didn't want to come empty-handed. For almost an hour, you just walked around in the company of your memories, looking for many familiar names.

„She's out cold.“ Levi smirked and kissed the top of Zoe's head, who was cuddled up in his lap. One of his arms was protectively wrapped around her, while she was resting her head against his chest. In her sleep, she was hugging the little yellow sketchbook as if it was he favorite stuffed animal. 

„Makes me wonder how she spent the night.“

„I heard her talking with Armin until early in the morning. About stars, marine life, and such nerdy things.“ With a smile, you took off your cardigan and covered your daughter with it, since the breeze was a little cold on the ship's deck. „He was telling her about how he imagined the world outside the Walls when he was her age.“

After all... maybe this trip wasn't such a horrible idea. Your daughter had a good time, she saw Mikasa and Armin, and she was finally able to see the land you and Levi fought so hard to protect. She got the chance to see where it all began. The big love story of her parents. And also all the tales and stories Jean, Connie, and the others kept telling her.

„She seemed happy,“ you said in a loving tone, stroking your daughter's hair. She looked so lovely when she was asleep. Just like her father, when he was peacefully resting in your arms during long nights.

„But I guess we didn't.“

„No, but... did you expect anything else? For us, this wasn't an exciting trip to a seemingly perfect island. It was more of a walk down the memory lane. With not-so-happy memories,“ you said, bending down to give Levi a kiss. „But in a way, we both needed this.“

„Yeah, to remember never to come here again,“ Levi scoffed.

„Why? I liked the island, it was very pretty,“ Zoe suddenly said in a sleepy voice, her eyes still half-closed. „Do you miss the way it looked in the past?“ she asked, blinking a few times and looking up at both you and Levi.

„Yes,“ Levi said. Your right hand came to rest on his shoulder, while you waited for what he was going to say to the little girl next. „I don't miss the Titans at all, but I sometimes do miss the old times, when we lived behind the Walls.“

„Why, dad?“

Stroking her hair, his lips pressed a loving kiss to Zoe's forehead, before he looked over at you. „Because I miss the people who lived there with us. Many of them are not here anymore, and seeing Paradis without the Walls just reminded me of how many years since their deaths passed.“ He said it more than perfectly, describing just what you felt as well.

„Life was hard back then, just like we've always told you when you asked about our past. But every day was a little brighter thanks to our friends and comrades,“ you said, kissing the top of Levi's head.

„But you always say they're looking after us from there,“ Zoe said and pointed at the sky, which was slowly starting to catch warm shades of yellow and orange from the setting sun. „Hange and Erwin, and Sasha, and Furlan with Isabel.“

„They are, of course, they are,“ you assured her in a loving tone and looked up at the sky with your daughter in a foolish attempt to spot your long-lost friends smiling down at your little family.

„We just sometimes wish they could be here with us in person,“ Levi added in a calm tone and also looked up, hugging Zoe a little tighter. „Look, you can see a couple of stars already.“ As he pointed to the sky to distract her, your little girl smiled excitedly and started telling him a bunch of new things about the night sky she probably heard from Armin last night.

While Levi was listening to her every word, he glanced over at you. Into your eyes, which were full of tears. Tears of happiness over the fact, that this was how your life turned out and that Levi with Zoe were your beloved family. Through all the pain you had to endure in the past, you were more than grateful, that in the end, you had everything you ever wanted and dreamed about – a happy family with the love of your life, living in a safe world.

[parkswritessometimes]

Drinks and Fights

Egotober Day 4: Drink

Egotober by: @tracobuttons

“Chase, are you sure you want another one?” Connor asks from behind the counter, fake concern lacing every word. “That will be your fourth whiskey tonight.”

   “I got money, you have- you have the liquor, I don’t see an issue,” Chase replies, fingers tracing the rim of the empty glass.

“The issue is that you’re getting drunk off your ass and I don’t feel like calling an ambulance tonight. ”   

“‘m not going to get alcohol poisoning, Connor. I know my limits. Whiskey, please.” Chase can tell that his words are starting to slur together. The beautiful, sweet, poison starting to take effect. His thoughts and emotions transforming into that familiar distant fuzzy feeling. The sounds of crying and laughter, yelling and whispers all merge into one. People around him break into formless shapes. 

“Alright man, I just worry about you,” Connor says as he shrugs and starts to pour another glass of his favorite whiskey. 

The poison was sweet on his lips and warm in his stomach. The mix of vanilla and grapefruit stayed on his tongue as he came up for air. Chase stared down at the drink, willing his own reflection would appear and not one of the monsters. Blank dull eyes stared back at him. God, is this what he had become? A hollowed out husk whose only use was to be filled with alcohol? 

This is what his life had become? Not-so-secret trips to bars and clubs. Hiding in his room while the world spins and moves on without him. Hearing Marvin and Jackie’s muffled laughter through the paper-thin walls and wishing he could join but being too hungover to even move. Skipping breakfast and lunch just so alcohol would hit harder and faster? Was his life slipping through his clenched fingers like grains of sand? Was he going to die in this bar?    

“You okay over there man?” Conner asked, ripping Chase out of his drunken spiral. 

“Yeah-Yeah, just need some…some air. Can you watch my drink for me?”

“Chase, I got a packed bar and I’m down a bartender. I can’t just drop everything to watch your drink.”

“Oh, uh, right.” Chase’s hands shake as he pulls the plastic card out from his wallet handing it over to Connor. “Close out my tab then. Think I need to go home.” 

“Do you want me to call someone for you?” Chase shakes his cotton-filled head no, causing the sweet drink to creep up his throat. 

“Just- I’ll just text my brother.” Chase stands up from the bar stool and makes his way to the door. He keeps his head down, eyes on the floor, and walks outside.

Fresh air hits him hard and fast. The chill of winter settling into his old bones. He grabbed his phone from his back pocket, the numbers on the screen all seeming to blur together. The numbers shake, once, twice, before he finally was met with his home screen. He can’t bring himself to fully look at the happy people staring back at him and pushes down on the green messaging app as fast as his drunk body would let him. He clicks the top message knowing it was the only person who would tolerate him in a state like this.

“At Conner’s Place. Can you pick me up?”

“Yeah. I’ll be there in ten minutes. Don’t do anything stupid until then.” 

Chase’s hand brushes up against something as he pockets his phone. Something plastic with a hint of metal and a small cardboard box. He wraps his hands around the familiar objects and pulls them out. The smell of nicotine itself made Chase’s body crawl with anticipation. He flicks open the box and pulls the very last stick out. He brings the flame up to the end of the cigarette and inhales the relief. He presses his back against the side of the building, letting the cool bricks soothe his forming headache. 

Whispers of Stacy’s complaints bounce in his head as he continues to inhale the stick of toxin. “Were you smoking again? You know that smell gives me migraines.” “Are those bruises? Where did you get those?” “I can’t talk to you while you smell like this. Go take a shower then we can talk.”

A swift kick to his thigh jolts him back to the real world. A group of twenty-somethings surround him, their angry drunk eyes staring down at him. 

  "Didn't you hear me?" One of them slurs. 

“Fuck off.” Chase manages to grumble out to the group. 

“Hey, I just want a cigarette! No need to be so fucking rude.” 

“Don’t have anymore.” Chase pushes himself up, his head throbbing as the world spins around him. He forces his feet to walk through the group of kids. He feels a hand pull him back and shove him against the wall. The group laughs as Chase lets out a small grunt, the force sending hot bile to his throat.

“I was talkin’ to you! Don’t be fucking rude!” 

 “I don’t have anymore.” Chase can feel the vitriol, the anger, the hatred he had been smothering for years bubble up in his chest. The stranger's fist misses his face by just a few centimeters. He could feel the anger spread like fire from his chest to his arm, his fist. Every enemy, from doctors to cops, to lawyers, to fucking Anti, seemed to merge into the man in front of him.  

“Hey!” A familiar voice shouts out as a car door slams, snapping Chase out of his rage. “Get the fuck away from him or I’ll call the fucking cops!” 

The stranger looks back at Chaser, a drunken scowl on his face as he takes a step away from Chase. His hands in the air, faking any sort of innocence. 

Chase watches as a clearly exhausted Marvin seems to skip through time. Coming closer at clumps at a time. His power replacing any anger or confidence Chase’s attackers once had. Chase can’t tell if this was a drunken hallucination or if Marvin was just that angry but, Marvin’s body was surrounded by a beautiful green aura. 

“If I ever see any of your faces again,” Marvin warns as he slips his soft hand into Chase’s. “I’ll fucking destroy you.” Chase leans against his friend letting him drag him back to the car. The door slams behind him, rattling the entire vehicle. Chase leans up against the window and closes his eyes. Thank fuck for Marvin.

“Just…rest up okay, Chaser,” Marvin says starting up the car. “I’ll getcha home safe.” 

“Okay. Thanks, Marv.”

“Of course. Just…rest up.”

--------

Prequels are hard to write. Don't recommend.

This is (kinda?) prequel to this

Have a good day

-----

[laurenairay]

Happy early birthday!!!! Could I request #10 with your choice of Mikko, JT, or Andrei?

- @comphy-and-cozy

As discussed C, we changed this one to prompt 6 – I hope you like it!! It did run away with me a little but here we go anyway.

“Would it be weird if I kissed you?”

Words: 1.2k

*

There were some things that were just undeniable. The sky was blue. Grass was green. Geese were terrifying. Andrei Svechnikov was the most beautiful man you’d ever met.

Since moving to Raleigh for your first job after college, you’d somehow fallen in with a crowd of girls who knew a lot of the younger Hurricanes players, and somehow you’d developed a wonderful friendship with Andrei. Sure, it mostly consisted of sending each other cute dogs photos, easy recipes, late night commentary on shitty reality tv, and stupid memes on low days, but it was a friendship you treasured. And you knew it meant just as much to him, to have that lifeline outside of the team to ground him.

It just made life that little bit harder knowing exactly how attracted you were to him, knowing that all you were to him was a friend. But, you knew first and foremost that you would never want to do anything to damage your growing friendship, so if that meant pushing your feelings down and locking them away, so be it.

Damn him for being so beautiful though, inside and out.

The evening was like any other evening – you had joined your friends at Seth’s house for a ‘casual’ gathering, which ended up with around 30 people drinking and dancing, music pounding in a way that you could only hope wouldn’t get him any noise complaints from neighbours.

Not that you were too concerned with anything outside of the way Andrei was essentially cornering you outside on the deck though, having guided you outside after getting the two of you fresh drinks.

“Much better. Too much noise inside,” Andrei said happily, leaning against the railing with a smile.

“The fresh air is very welcome, thanks,” you mused, taking a sip of your drink.

“Easier to talk to you without people trying to take your attention too,” he grinned.

His cheeky smile almost distracted you from the fact that it was definitely the other way round, people always wanting to talk to him. Almost.

“Pretty sure you’re the popular one here, Svech,” you laughed, shaking your head.

“All eyes were on you,” he said simply, “I don’t care if I’m selfish for not wanting you to notice.”

Okay what the hell?

What was going on with him?

“Is everything okay?” you asked, frowning.

“Yes? Better now that we’re alone, yes?” Andrei nodded, looking just as confused as you felt.

“Well, yeah, you know I like hanging out with you but…”

You trailed off at the hurt look on Andrei’s face, even more confused than before.

“Just hanging out?” he said, brows furrowed.

Okay seriously, what the hell?

Because with what he was implying…no, there’s no way.

“I think you need to tell me what you’re talking about because I don’t want to get our wires crossed here,” you said firmly.

“Wires crossed?”

“Confuse things. Not be on the same page. Not understand the situation the same,” you clarified.

You bit your lip briefly as Andrei nodded at your explanation.

But still he didn’t speak.

“Please, Svech, I can’t read your mind,” you prompted.

And you really didn’t want to get your hopes up even though his words were full of nothing but hope, feeding into your stupid daydreams in a way that you’d never imagined would be happening in real life.

“Andrei,” he said quietly.

“What?”

“Please call me Andrei. Not Svech. Everyone calls me Svech…but you’re special,” he said.

You made a soft pleading sound, needing him to keep talking, needing him to tell you one way or another before your traitorous heart ran away with itself. Andrei took a deep breath, seeming to steel himself, before he moved to look at you properly, blocking your view of anyone else, keeping all your attention on him.

“You’re special to me. And I don’t think you know how much? The boys were saying…”

Oh fuck.

His teammates talked about you? About the two of you?

“…that I haven’t been clear enough, and I didn’t realise. These parties, these gatherings, all the nights out – they wouldn’t be the same for me if you weren’t there.”

“Why? Why wouldn’t they?” you managed to say.

Your head felt like it was spinning, definitely not from the two drinks you’d had but purely because of this man in front of you stealing your breath away with every word.

And Andrei just smiled. “Because you are the only person who makes my heart go crazy. All I want to do is make you smile and hear your laugh and I hate the thought of you flirting with anyone else. So this is me, trying to flirt with you, trying to tell you how I feel.”

Holy shit. Of all the things you thought would happen tonight, this was the last of it. He…liked you? Really liked you? As much as you liked him?

“Tell me. Tell me exactly how you feel,” you said firmly.

Andrei laughed softly, sounding a little relieved if anything, but he nodded.

“I like you, so much. And I’m hoping you like me too? Because otherwise I might have to leave and not come back out of embarrassment,” he said, voice full of hope.

As if you could feel any other way for him.

Hearing those honest and genuine words from him filled you with so much happiness, making you almost giddy with relief that this thing between you wasn’t one-sided after all, and you found yourself smiling widely without being able to stop yourself. Time for you to be brave too.

“I do like you, Svech. Andrei. I just didn’t think you liked me, so I never said anything,” you said softly.

“We wasted so much time,” he said sadly, almost with a whine, making you laugh.

“Well we can make up for that time, no?” you mused.

He nodded, eyes flashing with something that made your heart beat a little faster, before he took a final sip of his drink. Andrei put the bottle down on a nearby table, before stepping towards you. You bit your bottom lip as he took your drink and put it down too, watching in a silent joy as he rested one of his hands on your waist, the touch warm even through your dress.

“Would it be weird if I kissed you?” Andrei murmured.

“It would be weirder if you didn’t after all of that,” you replied, just as softly.

Andrei’s mouth crooked in a smile, dimple in full display, before he raised a hand to cup your face gently. You didn’t mention that you noticed it was trembling slightly, knowing yours weren’t much better, the build up of everything hitting you like a train. How was this real life? How was this not a dream? You certainly weren’t going to complain, especially not as he leant his head down to yours. As he pressed his lips to your lips in a soft kiss, you found yourself clinging to his shirt, oblivious to his teammates watching from inside, even more oblivious to money exchanging hands. The world outside of Andrei and his sweet embrace melted away, and for just a moment you lost yourself in him, just as you’d always imagined.

[calliecat93]

Valentines' Day List: Ranking The Disney Princess Couples

Happy Valentines Day everyone! Whether you are with the love of your life, still waiting for Cupid's arrow, or are 100% happy single, I hope that you are having a wonderful day. So for the past couple of years, I've been doing lists for the holiday. A Top 10 Ships list (that is now outdated hence why no link), Top 10 Disney Couples, Top 5 Disney Love Songs, and a Top 5 Spones Episode List for Star Trek TOS. What's in the cards this year?

Well after forgetting, the only thing I could come up with was a Ranking List. In this case, we're going through all the main Disney Princess pairings and I will rank them from least favorite to favorite. I'm also going to count Frozen cause why not? However, this will NOT include Merida, Moana, and Elsa as they do not have any canonical love interests at the time of this writing. Also a note for Pocahontas, I am focusing this based simply on the context within the film. We know about the inaccuracies and such that I don't feel like going into here, so just be aware that I am talking about the pairing simply based on the in-film interpretation. And of course, these are just my opinions, so please take it all with a grain of salt.

Everything clear? Good. Then let's begin!

#11. Snow White/The Prince

Right at the bottom is the first ever Disney Princess romance. No, it has nothing to do with the whole 'he kissed her while she was asleep' argument. People have tried to demonize the film by saying the prince denied Snow White's consent and I could write a whole essay on why that's stupid... and I kinda sorta did a few years back. But The Prince is ultimately a plot device with little to no screentime and not even extended material to y knowledge has seemed to do much to further the relationship. The guy doesn't even have a name (Florian is the one I see pop up the most but IDK how official it is). It may be one of my very few fleeting hopes for the remake to explore like they did Cinderella.

That's pretty much my only complaint. It's fine. It's cute. I'm happy that Snow White is able to finally be happy after all the Hell the Queen put her through. But that's really all that I can say about it. It's just... a thing that exists cause we need the kiss to awaken Snow White. But hey, everything's gotta start somewhere and without this we wouldn't have had anything else. So it deserves our respect.

#10. Anna/Kristoff

Back when Frozen came out, it was praised for addressing and calling out Disney's cliched 'fall in love at first sight/marry a guy he girl just met' trope. It's meant to be against rushing romance, especially when you know absolutely nothing about the guy... and then proceeded to do precisely that with Anna and Kristoff. Oops. I think the two are cute and fit together, don't get me wrong. But Dear God their development is REALLy bad. It's very rushed and comes out of nowhere which I wouldn't have an issue with... but because the movie outright rubbed in our faces how you shouldn't do this and that is a bad thing, it makes it really hard to ignore. And trust me, I tried. And no, Anna waiting like... a day or so longer than with Hans doesn't excuse the execution. Really the whole message when taken as a critique of the there Princess films is incredibly problematic and outright inaccurate, but that's for another day.

I go back and forth on how much I like these two as a couple. You can even see how different my opinion was back when the film first came out. Anna is my favorite character while Kristoff is okay and gets more 'meh' as time passes. I watch them during the movie and like their interactions, but they come off more like bickering buddies than anything prior to them finding Elsa. Then Kristoff worries and cares for Anna... and then Fixer Upper happens and it feels even MORE forced. Then in Frozen II, Anna misunderstands Kristoff various times and ultimately ditches him without really any thought or care about it in order to support Elsa. Which is great, sisterly love and all and to be fair she did apologize, but it really shows how much the film really didn't care about their relationship. That's not going into how the movie in general treated Kristoff as useless with even Olaf being more relevant and like he was just there cause there would be questions about where he was otherwise. But then we get to him proposing and Anna's reaction and... God these two give me so many mixed signals.

If I have to accept that Frozen III is happening, I REALLY hope that they give Anna and Kristoff the treatment that they deserve. Because ironically in the first film's attempt to call out rushed romances, it created one itself with all the problems that it tried to criticize its predecessors over. It's far from the worst romance ever, it has a lot of cute moments and I do think that the two are a good match. I just need the films to realize that.

#9. Pocahontas/John Smith

As I said, we are going to just focus on how this is presented in the film and leave it at that. These two are... okay. Pocahontas is a film that legit gets me emotional and has since I was a kid. But looking back, even now knowing the actual history, I wonder '...why did this have to be a romance at all?'. I know they were going for a Romeo and Juliet vibe, but I feel like it may have been stronger had Pocahontas not been aged up and just became friends with John, ultimately willing to risk her own life to save him and stop the bloodshed. It would certainly cause fewer ugh... unfortunate implications, let's just say that.

I feel like I like the atmosphere and presentation more than the actual relationship. The film has so much beauty and Alan Mencken's score is just so beautiful. Whenever I watch everything from Pocahontas visiting John before his execution to the very last scene of her waving goodbye as the ship sails away... dang it, the emotions! You all have no idea how many times I've listened to the end credits version of If I Never Knew You. There is a reason I listed that as my Favorite Disney Love Song a few years back.

But once I finish the movie and get back down from the emotional high, I think it over and again go '...why is this a romance? did it really need to be?'. And I kind of just forget about it until I decide to put the movie on again. I can never bring myself to hate this film due to how it impacted me, though I acknowledge its problems and how upsetting it can be for people. But ultimately the romance is just forgettable at best to the point that I sometimes wonder if the second movie pairing Pocahontas with her RL husband John Rolfe really was that bad of a move. But best to not think too much more on that

#8. Aurora/Phillip

This is Snow White/The Prince done better. Not a surprise since the film reused some of the early ideas for Snow White, but still. Of the three original princesses, this is the best-done relationship. This may make you wonder why Cinderella ranks above it, but I'll go into that in that entry. So these two are cute. Phillip certainly proved his love by fighting Maleficent and her forces and by his kiss awakening Aurora. As I said above, the 'the kiss was non-consensual' argument is a non-issue for me and we're just gonna leave it at that.

There's not a lot more to say honestly. They had a bit more development in their meeting than Snow and her prince did, we have Phillip saving her, and... yeah that's it. I don't dislike them by any means. I can't think of any negative points aside from maybe it's rushed, but that was just the nature of things back then. It's a Hell of a lot better than how it goes in the original stories. I like it better than the other three I already listed, just not as much as the seven below. That's really it. Sometimes you just like something cause you do, nothing wrong with that.

#7. Mulan/Shang

You would think that this would be near the top considering that Mulan is my favorite movie of all time. But I never loved it due to its romance, which while not irrelevant is a side-element compared to it being so major in the other seven previous films. Mulan isn't driven by love like Aladdin and Aurora, nor is it love at first sight like Snow White and Cinderella. She meets Shang while posing as a boy and he's her commanding officer. Before we go further, for this film at least Shang being Mulan's superior is a non-issue, especially since nothing happens until Mulan's out of the military anyways.

These two are cute. They start off simply as commander and trainee and Shang is frustrated with 'Ping', even kicking 'him' out. But Mulan refuses to give up and earns Shang's respect, and even friendship. She outright risks her life to save him during the avalanche despite being injured, that's nothing to sneeze at. She's clearly crushing on Shang and Shang may be crushing on 'Ping', I'm not very qualified to go into that since I honestly never saw it. His feelings get more complicated after discovering the truth and he's upset... but it doesn't last too long with him ultimately trusting and accepting Mulan and her abilities. Then we get awkward Shang at the end and it just cracks me up XD

We end the film with the early signs of them forming a relationship and being able to get to know each other. Shang gets to know Mulan as she truly is. Mulan gets to know Shang away from the battlefield and from him being her captain. Mulan II focused on them getting engaged... and that's all I wanna say about it. Yeah, as much as I love Mulan and like the two fine, the romance meant very little to me over the focus on finding one's true self. But I know that especially for the bisexual crowd, Shang was so important to people and this relationship in turn means something to people. And that is a beautiful thing. But for me they're good and they rank above the others cause it's Mulan.

#6. Belle/Beast

There was a time when I was indifferent to the film, let alone the romance that is at the heart of it. But now that I'm older and especially seeing all the arguments about them from all sides, those times have changed. I love them. Are they perfect? No. Beast is a temperamental brat who only wants Belle's love to break the spell. Belle is there only because she took her father's place and wants nothing to do with the Beast and his behavior. It seems like they're a match made in Hell... but then something happens. They change. Belle, after the Beast saves her from the wolf, is grateful and ultimately tends to his wounds because she's just too kind, but still stands up for herself. Beast, touched by this kindness, finds he wants to return it and starts to experience happiness for what may be the first time in his life.

When it becomes clear that the Beast is a damaged person who despite his issues is able to make himself a better person is when things change. The Beast doesn't become kinder for Belle... well okay maybe a little but that's not the main thing. The Beast became kinder because of Belle, as shown when he gives up his chance to become human again so that Belle can rescue her father. Why? Because he loved her so much that he let her go. And Belle tried to defend the Beast from the village and returned to try and save him, proving how much she'd grown to care for him.

The Beast gave Belle the one thing that she wanted: to be loved for who she was. Not because of her beauty. Not as some kind of trophy. But because the Beast genuinely loved her. A love that she returned and thus freed the Beast from the curse. It's such a beautiful love story. Is it for everyone? No. As much as I've disagreed with some of the arguments, I can see why the Beast's behavior may make people uncomfortable and how it may enforce an 'I can change them!' mindset even if indirectly. But I think that this is that kind of story done well with Belle never letting the Beast treat her poorly and the Beast taking it upon himself to change. They bring out the best in each other and earned their happy ending. And when it comes to tales as old as time, that's all I could ever want.

#5. Cinderella/Prince Charming

Some of these rankings were due to movie preferences. Chances are I would have ranked Aurora/Phillip above Mulan/Shang, but since I had similar feelings about both it boiled down to me liking Mulan more than Sleeping Beauty. Which is why Cinderella/Charming ended up here in Number Five. Let's face it, they have a similar issue as Snow/The Prince with Charming IDT ever having an on-screen name until the live-action remake. If I was counting the remakes I would use Ella/Kit's relationship as a justification for the placement and it may have even been higher, but I'm not so ah well.

Some of it boils down to nostalgia. Cinderella was one of the first movies I ever saw and is very special to me. Another big reason is what the relationship means for Cinderella herself. Cinderella endured significant emotional abuse, but always found a way to remain kind. Especially after her step-family destroyed her mother's dress, seeing her at the ball and just so happy as she dances with the prince is beautiful. And Charming looking up, seeing her, and forgetting about everything else as he personally approaches her, especially with how bored he'd been with all the girls going up to him? Perfection. 100% perfection.

Sadly, Charming has the same issue as Snow White's prince in being more of a plot device than an actual character, hence why I can't rank this higher. To Disney's credit they have given Charming a few moments of characterization in other works such as the DTV films, the third one especially doing him a LOT of good. But even without it, sometimes you just like a ship because you like seeing the one-half happy. Seeing Cinderella happy and loved at long last? How could I ask for anymore reason to love these two?

#4. Ariel/Eric

These two are adorable and I love them. Is it another fast-paced one? Yeah, although at least we kind of have a justification for it. Speaking of said justification. Yes, Ariel made a rash decision in becoming human. Does that make her and Eric's relationship bad? No. Eric is what Ariel always imagined about humans. He's friendly, brave, and outright risks his life to save his dog. Who wouldn't fall for that? He's also the first human that Ariel got to see up close and thus she becomes infatuated. Chances are it would have stayed like that if her father didn't take the actions that he did and Ursula used Eric as the catalyst for Ariel taking the deal.

When we finally get the two to interact, it's just adorable. Ariel is living out her dream with her crush. Eric, although infatuated with the mermaid that saved him, is nothing but kind to Ariel. He, a royal who could leave Ariel with anyone else and leave it at that, takes what he thinks is a shipwrecked mute girl back to his home and gives her the royal treatment just because he's a good man. The two's interactions are just so cute with Ariel being so excited and expressive even without her voice and Eric being won over. It's just... dang it they're so cute!!! AAAAAAHHHHH!!!!

Is the pairing perfect? No. I get it, it's rushed and overly idealistic. Do I care? No. It's a Disney Fairy Tale. I'm here for the warm fuzzies, not cynical reality. And these two ALWAYS give me the warm fuzzies. It's at Number 4 only because I think the Top 3 have more development between the pairings, but it's still in one of the top spots. People will likely always criticize the movie for Ariel and her decisions and I guess we'll see if the remake addresses those things. But for me, I'll always love these two and getting to be a part of their world.

#3. Tiana/Naveen

This could have easily been a miss. Tiana's an independent working woman aiming for her dreams, sacrificing any free time and personal life to do so. Naveen is a spoiled playboy who loves to party and has no sense of responsibility which has caused him to be cut off and left to his own devices. They are such opposite personalities. It would be so easy to make us hate their interactions and make the pairing seem forced. But despite how fast-paced it is, it doesn't feel forced at all.

Not only is it fun to watch these two bicker and clash over their differing lifestyles, but they really did need each other. Naveen needed Tiana to realize his flaws and find the initiative to both take responsibility and have the drive to care for someone outside himself. Tiana needed Naveen to realize that there's more to life than just working and to see that even if she can't reach her dream she has what she needs: love. It's so cute when the two start to bond and start to realize what the other person needs, willing to sacrifice their own needs for that person. They even accept being frogs when it seems they've lost their chance, happy that they can be together.

As I said it's very fast-paced. It's kind of a common trend in the Disney Princess films directed by John Musker and Ron Clements. Yet they somehow do it SO freakin' well. Like I said it was so easy to screw this pair up, but Tiana and Naveen are well-written characters who don't cross the line into annoying and their development comes off as more funny and sweet than annoying. They're great and I love them~!

#2. Aladdin/Jasmine

I adore them so much. I can say that about most of these, but these two? IDK what it is. Maybe it's A Whole New World. Maybe it's the beautiful magic carpet ride along the night sky. I don't know, but I know I love it. Aladdin's a street rat who wants to be seen as more. Jasmine is a princess who just wants her freedom. When the two meet it's love at first sight. Their interactions are so cute and natural and their chemistry just sparks instantly. Despite being from completely different worlds, they connect to feeling trapped in their lives and it's just so beautiful and God I love it~!

The only issue is Aladdin feels unworthy because he's a street rat and Jasmine is obligated by law to marry a prince. Thus once he gets the lamp, he decides to lie and act like he thinks a prince would. What goes horribly wrong as Jasmine is no prize to be won. She liked Aladdin because he treated her as a person and related to her. As far as she's concerned, Prince Ali is just another stuck-up asshole who wanted her for her looks and money and she ain't having it. It's only when Aladdin drops the act and acts like himself that he starts to win Jasmine over, even if he still lies once she figures out he was the same boy she met before.

Once the truth is revealed and Aladdin proves himself by saving the kingdom, the two are free to be together. Aladdin chooses to be true to himself. Jasmine is given the freedom to choose who she wants to love. Jasmine loves Aladdin because he loves her for her. Aladdin loves Jasmine because of her independence and beauty inside and out. It's again a very fast romance, arguably the biggest offender of the 'love at first sight and makes bad decisions due to it' argument (which ironically Aladdin is probably THE most guilty protagonist of this yet he never gets heat unlike the girls, but that's all I'll say). But I don't care. They are adorable and the extended material, DTVs, and the series only made me love them more. I recommend the episode The Secret of Dagger Rock where you get to see what happens when you both kidnap Jasmine's man AND make her mad. You'll NEVER question why Aladdin fell for her when you see that XD

As much as I love these two, there was only one real choice for number one. And it wasn't even close. You all know what it is.

#1. Rapunzel/Eugene

I normally hate going for the obvious, but sometimes there's a reason that it's... well, the obvious. I love these two together so much. Admittedly that can be blamed on the series to some degree, which also really helped Aladdin and Jasmine be in the number two spot. But even discounting that I just love their relationship so much. It starts off as hilarious then becomes sweeter and sweeter until by the end you're bawling your eyes out from sadness then from pure happiness.

Rapunzel is a sheltered girl wanting to see beyond her tower. Eugene, going by Flynn Ryder, is a thief pretending to be something he's not. When the two meet at first Rapunzel has him agree to take her to see the lanterns and Flynn is trying to trick her into giving back the crown he stole. But ultimately they start to bond with Flynn revealing his true name and Rapunzel letting him know about her magic hair, Rapunzel is finally able to connect with someone away from Mother Gothel and Eugene is able to be himself and trust someone after only being with himself for so long.

There are just so many beautiful moments after that. The two having fun in the kingdom with Eugene going out of his way to ensure that Rapunzel has the best time imaginable. The two talking about dreams and finding a new one. The entire I See the Light sequence, which is one of the most beautiful Disney moments ever. Then the ending where Rapunzel is willing to be locked away by Gothel forever just to save Eugene. Eugene, despite dying slowly and painfully, cuts Rapunzel's hair to free her. "He chooses that over his own life"You were my new dream." Just... just everything oh my God. Now, of course, Eugene survives and the two get their happily ever after, and out of all of the happily ever afters, theirs feel the most powerful and it only got better in the series.

Just talking about it now makes me emotional. It's just so beautiful and pure and everything I dream of when it comes to love. These are two people that found what they needed in each other and they're both willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for the other's sake. It's done in such a fun yet beautiful way and I just love them. I know I've said that about almost all of these, but this one? Aside from Mickey and Minnie, this is the best romance that Disney has ever done bar none. It is my favorite of the Disney Princess romances and while I know to never say never, it's gonna be tough to ever top this one.

And that's all for this year! Hopefully next year I won't forget. Maybe I'll finally do a new version of that Top 10 OPT list, we'll see. But thank you all for reading and have a Happy Valentine's Day~!

[furaflictedhost]

The second option of Zofi Persson's request kinda intrigued me (the "old friends" one with Michael and the former Tormentors post Scoop) quite a bit. Could you write something for it, if you aren't?

Sure! This took quite a while as I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with this one. This one is a bit short, and a bit darker than my usual stories. Enjoy!

People always told Michael he looked like his father. 

At this point he couldn't even pretend that inheriting his father's likeness was pleasing to him. 

Most stages of his life he dealt with seeing his father’s face in the mirror, and even now they looked similar even in what could be classified as death. It was almost as if his father was taunting him.

Going out in public was daunting on the best of days, covering every inch of skin as best he could to hide the horrible decomposition that was his body. Today was even more of a hassle than usual. 

Regardless, he had errands to run. 

Shuddering, Michael grabbed his keys and mask and headed outside. He was covered head to toe, and he knew it was bound to raise questions, but better to dodge questions than expose and explain the purple mass of bruised flesh he called a body. 

It was a fairly simple list. Groceries, recycling, he needed to grab his mail, the sort of chores that were important but weren't particularly fun to do. So he started with the closest. He headed downstairs, waving politely to his landlady, who was getting ready to walk her puppy.

A few bills, and one or two things he’d ordered. Dropping those off in his apartment, he headed out again. First, he handled the recycling, then he headed to the store. There was really only one major grocery store in Hurricane, so it was packed as usual.

After wrestling with traffic to find parking, Michael halted the car, and rested his head on his steering wheel. He hated going into crowded spaces. There was no way to avoid the stares, the judgemental eyes wandering over his features. Heaving a sigh, Michael threw off his seatbelt, and climbed out.

About halfway through his list, He was already tired. It irked him that the simple tasks took so much energy now, whereas before it would’ve been a breeze. Turning to grab something, he heard a conversation. Two guys talking about something. He tried to ignore them, but something kept drawing his attention back.

A familiar voice froze him in place.

He was back in school, excitedly waiting to hear those voices, to talk with his friends. Running down the hallway to meet them despite the constant complaints from teachers, to talk about anything and everything. His sanctuary away from home.

Glancing off to his left, he spotted them. Daniel, Aaron, and Jason. 

He could almost smell the blood, fear washing over him. For half a second of dead time he was in that room again, lost and terrified staring up at the consequences of his actions. His friends abandoned him out of fear, hightailing it the moment Evan stopped moving. 

They didn’t talk again after that, not for a long time. 

At one point they met up to discuss what had happened, but he was too angry to say anything. This was as much their fault as it was his. All of what happened to him, to everyone else, because of one stupid prank gone awry.

He would have called them friends at one point, his best friends even. He could call them old friends now, but that didn’t seem right. Acquaintances seemed more appropriate. There was no way to repair the bond he had with them. Not at this point. He took a deep breath, air wheezing in and out of his lungs.  

Stepping out of the isle, Michael navigated past the group. Jason glanced up, and spotted him and for a moment saw a figure he couldn’t quite recognise. Reaching out, he tapped Michael on the shoulder.

“Hey, dude! You seem awfully familiar, do I know you?”

Michael looked between Jason and the hand clasped on his shoulder. For a moment, he stared down at him, steely dead eyes piercing through him. After years, a decision forced itself to fruition. Reaching up, he firmly grasped his hand, and pushed it off.

“No. You don’t.”

[hanmi-xo]

CHAPTER 17: "Darkest of Nights"

| My Happiness | Chapter List |

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"That bèndàn is so annoying."

Minghao watched as Minyook continued to fake a smile towards our guests. Minyook has been more cranky than usual during this shift, and it might be because of my absence these few days. I was told he had to do more work on my behalf and he was losing his mind.

Usually if one of us is sick or on vacation, we usually can handle the restaurant, but because of recent popularity, Minyook was apparently struggling. And he made sure he made it known.

We only had almost an hour left before closing and Minghao was on his tea break and wanted to ask about my well being. I then brought up the topic of work and in return he spoke about Minyook's behavior.

"We should fire him and just let your siblings work here," he spat while he drank his herbal tea. "I had to run back and forth between the kitchen and here all because he refuses to remember what's in the menu!"

Minghao is usually more calm when he has his tea break, but seeing him more annoyed than usually was certainly something. Minghao always had something to say, but I don't ever get tired of him. After all, I am one of the first people he met when he moved here in South Korea. His Korean wasn't the best, but he always did try, and I respected him for that. In return, I would pick up some of his Mandarin phrases.

I smiled at my Chinese coworker who seemed on edge than usual. It's always fun hearing him ramble. I sighed on his behalf.

"Minyook will always be Minyook. Only God knows what Mister Choi would do with him." I watched as Minyook faked another smile to a guest asking for a napkin.

In the corner of my eye, I can see Minghao cringe before looking back at me. He was clearly tired of seeing him.

"My brother plans on getting his work permit this weekend," I tell him. "My sister is ready whenever Mister Choi wants her to start."

Minghao nodded his head with closed eyes. He looked like a proud uncle.

"Good. Then we can get rid of Minyook and make this place happy. Stupid bèndàn can't even tell the difference between a xiu mai and baozi. It's not that hard! They don't even look the same!" Minghao's Chinese accent was coming out the more he spoke.

I giggled from his outbursts. I know I should feel bad for him, but I couldn't help but find this whole thing humorous. Minghao sighed before looking at me. He seemed tired of the joy I was gaining from his complaints.

"Keep smiling! If you were me you'd be tired too!" he groaned. "Enough about that fool before I get a headache!"

He scrunched his face as he thought of another topic to talk about. His expression quickly changed as though he had gained an idea.

"So...that guy from earlier," he starts.

I felt myself get nervous.

Minghao smirked with mischief. "Was he your boyfriend?"

My cheeks burned from his embarrassing question. I avoided his eyes and watched our guests enjoy their food.

"Well... I don't know if I can call him that..." I mutter.

Boyfriend seemed like a strong word, but I don't dislike it...

The memory of his bright grin and the way he held me earlier ran through my mind. I wanted to cover my face and hide.

Boyfriend...

"Ah, so you're in the talking stage?" He laid his chin on his hand over the table.

His eyes were filled with interest and mischief. I knew where he was going with this, and I didn't even want him to start.

"Is he the jealous type?" He suddenly says. "Because I can make him stop being a coward. All I have to do is-"

I raised my hand in front of him and motioned him to stop talking.

"Minghao, no!" I quickly say. "Just let things be."

I don't need him messing with Chan. Him and I are okay right now, and I still have to talk to Wonwoo later about my parents. I don't need Minghao's antics. I still have things to deal with later that I'm not sure I'm ready for.

He frowned at me with narrow brows before rolling his eyes.

"Alright," he grumbles. "Atleast it isn't that one guy that tried kicking me out your house! That bèndàn- TCH."

My brows narrowed from his words. Was he talking about Hansol?

The memory of yesterday came to mind.

Hansol.

I wander if Hansol is okay? Chan and him seemed to have a problem the last time I saw him. I wonder if they made up?

"Hey Subin."

Minyook called out me with an annoyed face. He walked over to us with his thumb pointing behind him.

His face was filled with judgement and disapproval as though seeing me gave him an ick. "There's some guests that insist on talking to you."

My eyes followed where his thumb pointed and there stood two people that I didn't think would appear so soon. If anything, they're the last people I want to see. Their backs were against us and I wanted to hide.

I felt fear take over me. It was like a spider had crawled across my entire body and I wanted to shake it off, but it remained on me. My heart raced and I felt myself shake.

Minghao gawked his head at me with confusion before standing up from his seat. His eyes went to the two people that seem to be growing impatient.

"Subin?" He says with concern.

The two people turned around as they spoke with one another and I immediately hid behind Minghao.

He seemed startled from my actions.

"Don't tell them I'm here," I quickly say.

His eyes grew wide and I ran to the kitchen in fear of being seen. I can hear Minyook's voice get annoyed, but Minghao's voice countered him.

I couldn't hear what they were saying once the kitchen door shut and I met eyes with Junhui who seemed surprised from my appearance.

"Subin? Are you okay?" He says with worry.

I felt myself shake from his kind words, and as much as I wanted to speak. I couldn't. All I could do was shake my head in hopes he would let me hide.

Junhui didn't say anything, but his expression told it all. His eyes shot up with adrenaline and motioned me to leave through the back.

I looked at him with shock. Was he serious?

"Go," he whispered. "Whatever happens, I'll take the blame."

Junhui was always a good shift lead, but now, he seemed to be more like a friend.

"Go," he tells me again.

This time I moved. I made my way to the back exit and he nodded his head as a go signal.

I tightened my fist to gain some courage.

"Thank you," I tell him before leaving.

My eyes met his for a second and he nudged his head towards me to hurry and leave.

I shut the door behind me and made a run for it.

~

Each step I took felt like I would step on a trip wire. I kept looking back in hopes nobody was following me. The sky was dark with clouds scattered all around.

It felt darker than any day I had before.

Those people. Those two adults. Why did they come to the restaurant? Why did they come to find me? Why do they continue to cause problems? Haven't they done enough!?

I felt my phone ring.

I took it out of my apron pocket and looked at the caller.

I felt a chill run down my back. I refused to answer it. I quickly hid in an alley in hopes nobody would see me. I tried to catch my breath while I hid behind a trash can.

Miss Kim: Come out. Don't make this harder than it has to be.

Miss Kim: You should have told those fools you didn't know us. You had one job.

My heart raced as I trembled. My legs felt weak and my hands wouldn't stop shaking.

I had to contact my siblings to make sure they're okay. I tried my best to steady my hands as I tried to call them. Their phone continued to ring but nobody picked up.

I felt myself grow more anxious as I felt the need to cry.

"Please. Please! PLEASE!" I continued to say as I tried to call each of them.

After a few moments, Sujun picked up. I felt a sense of relief hit me for a second, but then I heard their voice.

"Yah, Subin."

Her voice was raspy. The cigarette's scratched her once clear tone, and now it sounds like nails on a chalkboard. I shook as I heard her speak.

"Your siblings are as useless as you," she says.

I can hear their voices faintly in the background. I felt an adrenaline rush. I had to know what was going on and why she was with them.

"Where are you!? Where's my siblings!? What did you do!?" My voice came out shaky, but much louder than expected.

I never felt so scared my entire life until now. My siblings- they have to be okay.

She laughed. I can hear Mister Kim next to her, but I couldn't understand what he was saying. Rather, it was like he wasn't talk to her but to someone else. I heard noises down the alley and I quickly stood up.

A dark figure came from the corner with a bat and I knew who he was. Kwang, my parents loyal henchman. He was deaf in one ear and was tatted all over his face.

I tightened my grip on my phone and heard Miss Kim speak.

"Yah, Subin," she calls for me.

I slowly brought the phone back up to my ear.

Her voice had malice. "Kwang has been eager to do work. It's been awhile since I had him collect someone."

I felt like vomiting. There's too much happening for me to process and I felt too tired to run. My adrenaline kicked in, but as soon as I tried to sprint, my legs felt like jelly.

I felt something hit me, and I fell.

Everything went dark.

~

I can hear my siblings call out to me. They sounded muffled. What was going on?

I opened my eyes with a sharp pain piercing my head. I tried to move, but I couldn't. I felt restrained. I stared at the rope that held me down. I can hear Suyeong's muffled screams and I looked up.

Everything felt like a blur. There she was with Sujun. They sat next to me on the floor. They were tied up with tape on their mouth.

I tried to speak, but I couldn't. I too was taped down. I tried to get my senses back together. My head hurt.

Suyeong had blood on her clothes. She had a bruise on her face. Did they hit her...?

I wanted to help them. I wanted to get up, but I couldn't feel my legs. My eyes went to our brother who seemed to be asleep. He had blood on him, but he didn't seem injured.

I felt frustrated. This all happened and I couldn't even protect them. I knew our parents were crazy, but I didn't think they would be this insane. My siblings shouldn't be here. They should be safe at Chan's home.

I tried to look around to see where we were at. Maybe there was a way out. The room looked like a basement. The way everything was placed... was this our old house? The home on Chan's street? That means-

Chan.

I had to call him!

I tried to feel my phone in my pocket, but it was gone. The one source of communication- gone.

I began to panic.

Suyeong stared at me with tearful eyes while her messy hair covered parts of her face. She looked terrified but also worried. It was hard to see her like this. I wanted to apologize for not protecting them from our parents.

I wanted to tell her to take Sujun and make a run for it while I try to reason with them. I wanted them to be safe. I wanted them to be okay.

Kids like them shouldn't experience this. This wasn't supposed to happen. I tried to fight back my tears. If I cried in front of Suyeong then it'll only make things worst.

She's already not in a good state. I can't make her feel anymore hopeless. How could I protect her? How could I protect Sujun?

What kind of sister was I to allow this to happen?

Everything hurt. I couldn't think straight. All I wanted was them to get as far away from here as possible.

I heard voices coming towards us. Their voices grew loud and the sound of a door creaked with ominous. I motion my sister with the blinking of my eyes to pretend to be asleep.

We can't let them know we're awake. She looked at me confused before I closed my eyes and pretended to be unconscious. I was silently praying she understood what I was saying.

"They're fucking asleep."

I heard Mister Kim say as his steps drew closer. His voice was deep and rough. The smell of cigarette filled the air. He must be smoking. I can hear a pattern of more feet behind him. It sounded like there was two people that were followed him.

"Kwang did hit Subin pretty hard." Miss Kim's voice was distinct. It was more raspy in person than on phone. "Right Kwang?"

He was silent as usual. I never heard him spoke before, and I never really understood why. Was he mute or something?

I heard their footsteps come closer.

"Dumb bitch had to bite me." I can hear Miss Kim. She sounded close to Suyeong.

I tried to remain calm. I let my eyes remain closed. If they knew I was awake, who knows what would happen. I hoped Suyeong wouldn't react by her. There's nothing we can do tied up like this.

I heard Miss Kim scoff. "She says she doesn't know where the luggage is. She says she doesn't know anything." Her voice grew more annoyed as she spoke.

I heard a slap. I tightened my fist. I wanted to get up and defend Suyeong.

"Dumb brat. You're only smart when you have to be huh!?" She barked. "I should have left you on the streets with that brother of yours!"

I heard another slap.

I held back my tears of frustration. I wanted to hit her. I wanted to hit her so bad. She laid her hands on my sister as if it was nothing.

I hated it. I hated her. I hated all of them for doing this to us.

I heard footsteps come towards me. I felt fingers touch my face as they moved strands of hair like they were getting a good look at me.

"How much for the girl?" I heard a masculine voice say.

There's another person? But who would be with them?

His voice was deep and unrecognizable. He sounded a bit muffled. Was he wearing a mask? Why did he sound unreal?

He began to caress my face as if I was some sort of object. I wanted him to stop.

"Get us the drugs and she'll be added to your pay," Miss Kim said. She scoffed once more. "To think someone like you would think she's pretty."

Her voice was harsh with judgement.

"Her poor parents didn't even want her, much less her siblings. They were happy to give us them for their freedom. They say having kids make us fit in the neighborhood more." The scent of cigarettes grew stronger.

I remember them telling me about my real parents. They said they gave us to them to pay their debt, but what they tell everyone else is that they died in an accident as their "best friends" they were willing to take us in. They wanted to seem like kind people but they were really wolves in sheep's clothing.

I always knew the truth. So did my siblings. Mister and Miss Kim never had filter around us. They always spoke without warning of what they'll say.

At first it hurt, but now, I've grown numb to their words.

It's their hits that still sting.

"I bet she knows who took the luggage." I heard Mister Kim say.

I remained quiet while the mysterious man continued to fondle my face. I wanted to vomit. Mister and Miss Kim didn't stop him while they spoke.

"God, I can't imagine what you'll be like in bed," his voice was dangerously close to my face. He reeked of alcohol.

I couldn't imagine being with this guy. He made me feel uncomfortable and terrified for my well-being. He was disturbing in more ways than one and I wanted to get as far as I can.

I don't want to think about him taking me. I don't want to think about the things he would do to me.

I felt so powerless and I hated it.

I needed someone to find us.

I needed help.

Chan.

I pray that you find me.

• • •

Previous | Next

[jechristine]

It's probably an unpopular opinion, but I am very frustrated right now, so the only thing I can scream in my head is,,,,,,, Can Harry please shut up for awhile. Jesus let Meghan take the wheel for a bit. I started to see the tides turn for them when South Park made fun of them. It's like it opened the floodgates for people to laugh at him.

And it's not me saying shut up for a while because I want to steal his voice. I just don't think he is savvy at this. It feels like all the recent wounds have been self-inflicted by him and it just frustrates me I guess. Especially starting when he tried to say they never claimed racism. He's also appearing weak in court. Can we just see more Meghan and less Harry for a bit is all.

I’m never going to turn down an opportunity to see more Meghan. But I think, if we were to see more of her, we’d also see the character assassination ramp up again. The UK media is trained mostly on Harry atm because he’s the one in the limelight since Spare and the court cases. But they haven’t forgotten Meghan and they’re ready.

I didn’t follow the South Park & fallout (I hate that show), but I did notice a turn around Spare, of course. Unfortunately that Spanish bookstore released the book a few days early and the UK media took the opportunity to rip a few quotes completely out of context, which had the effect of making the whole book seem preposterous. In many ways it is preposterous to listen to Harry’s complaints when many people in the UK and the west are feeling the brunt of several decades of stagnant wages and rising prices. That context doesn’t invalidate the wrongs done to Harry, but it does influence how they’ll be received. His vendetta against the media—the execution of which he’s described as his true vocation—is very valid. But he’s carrying the torch for quite an elite group of people so it’s hard to maintain broad public sympathy. And the media and BRF is relentless against him, the former more than ever since he’s waged war on them directly.

And yes he’s been stupid about calling out his family’s “unconscious bias”🙄🤢 He seems to be still completely unaware of the BRF’s basis in white supremacy, how I don’t know. I’m sure it would be painful to admit so much to himself, but it wouldn’t be as painful as being the victims of that racism, so it’s about time.

And I agree with you that Meghan is better out front, even if she’s not perfect. I do think it’s worth remembering that Meghan worked her way up from essentially nowhere. She’s self-made. Of course she has some privileges, and there’s always some luck involved, but she’s also naturally magnetic and smart and hard-working, and that’s a large part of how she made it even before she met Harry. Harry is just some guy who grew up in a State-endorsed cult. I like him, and he’s more charismatic with a bigger heart than the rest of that lot, but that’s not saying too much.

Idk what my conclusion even is. They might both lay low for a while, get their ducks in a row, and do a relaunch of Archewell with a renewed clarity of purpose and plan and the social media outreach to communicate it.

[littlemissaddict]

First Christmas Together - Eddie Munson x Fem!Reader

Summary: On their first Christmas morning together, Eddie reminisces on how they first got together.

Word Count: 1029

A/n: The final day of my writing challenge/countdown to Christmas and to those who celebrate I hope you have a wonderful holiday and to those who don’t I still wish you a wonderful day. I’m going to be taking a well earned break but I’ll be back on new years eve with my final writings of the year.

P.S. Anything written in italics is a flashback

It wasn’t often that Eddie woke up before she did but for some reason today he did, a smile taking over his face when his eyes fluttered open to see his own sleeping beauty next to him. Maybe it was because it was early or maybe it was because it had been a year of firsts for them in regards to celebrating them in their own place that they bought together but he was feeling sentimental and he couldn’t stop his mind wandering to their very first, first.

Wayne had asked him to accompany him, that was the only reason he’d gone to the stupid Christmas party in the first place. Eddie always found it hard to deny his uncle when he asked because he’d taken him in as a young boy, raised him without a complaint when he could of easily let Eddie go into the care system but he’d proven to him then what family was supposed to be.

It was the same every year their neighbours a couple of trailers down would throw a party and invite the whole trailer park, it was a bring your own drinks kind of thing and about the only time of year that they all got together and got along for a night. When he was younger Eddie enjoyed it, hanging out with all the neighbours kids even if there was only one he wanted to see, not that they didn’t hang out together after school anyway but she wasn’t mean to him like other kids were and he liked her.

As they’d grown older though they had drifted apart, fallen into different circles of friends and saw less of each other up until the point where they never saw each other anymore. Then she graduated and moved away for college all while Eddie was stuck in Hawkins repeating his final year again and again. Tonight though fate seemed to have a different plan for him.

Making his way away from the group, fishing around his pockets for a cigarette and his lighter and then sighing in relief as he takes the first drag from it. He was thankful for the peace away from people even if he’d much rather have a blunt in his hand than a plain old cigarette but Wayne had asked him to keep them to the privacy of his room and well when Wayne asked Eddie did as he was told.

“Eddie?” her voice was soft, almost unsure and when he turned to face the voice, he almost choked on his inhale of the cigarette. She was standing in front of him, looking like a vision in white jumper, black skirt and woolly tights clinging to her legs but when he met her eyes, they were just as he remembered them, full of the same kindness that she never failed to show to him.

Recovering from his shock, he dropped his cigarette and crushed it under his sneaker as he stepped towards her, a whisper of her name leaving his lips as he did so. “You remember me then?” she smiles, her eyes sparkling in the moonlight that has him just as transfixed now as he was back when they were kids.

“How could I forget you” he replies honestly, “though I didn’t think I’d see you back here again, heard you’d settled down in the city” he adds, a small chuckle leaving him because he really doesn’t blame her because given the choice he’d leave too. Although a small selfish part of him wishes that it wasn’t true that she’d come back and he could have a chance with her.

“I did” she nods, confirming what he already knew but what he doesn’t expect is for her next words, “but I missed home, the people” her eyes lingered on his as she said that and Eddie’s hopes soared that maybe just maybe she liked him back, “so I applied for a job in town, I start in the new year so that means I’ll be around more often” she tells him and he can’t help but feel it’s an invitation for him to ask what he’s been wanting to since he set eyes on her again so he takes his chance.

“Well maybe we could go out some time, catch up, I bet you’ve got a lot of stories from your time away” he smiles nervously, his teeth digging into his bottom lip as he waits for her to answer. His hands sliding into his jacket pockets only to slide out again seconds later because he doesn’t know what to do with them as his nerves get the better of him.

“Sounds good, is Benny’s still as good as I remember it being?” she laughs and he shakes his head, knowing how much she hated the food there.

That night always sticks in his mind as the turn around in his luck as five years and a lot of hard work later, they had managed to save up enough to move out of the trailer park and into a small house on the edge of town. It was nothing fancy but it was theirs, the whole year that they had been in it filled with mornings waking up together, nights wrapped up in each other in their own little world.

Seeing her stirring beside him Eddie shut his eyes tightly, hoping to hide the fact that he’d been staring but she wasn’t fooled by his little act. A smile on her face as she brought a hand up to rest against the side of his face, her thumb softly rubbing over the skin of his cheek as he opened his eyes again to be met with her sleepy smile.

“Good morning sweetheart” his sleep rough voice greets her and she sighs in contentment at the way her life has turned out.

“Morning” she replies, she still gets that giddy feeling and butterflies despite the fact that waking up with every morning has become the norm but maybe it was because this was their first Christmas in their own house together and she’d be damned that they were going to make it one to remember.

[stickynotestoletters]

Izuku x Male Reader Smut

I'm a dirty slut, so .... yeah

Women DNI please :3

Warnings: you push friend boundaries in the fic but Izuku likes it so it's fine, bottom reader, top izuku, buff tan izuku, big tiddy izuku, God kink apparently, degradation, he calls you puppy, a bit of simp Izuku, breeding kink

Izuku wasn't a simp, okay? He was kind, he was courteous and pleasant to be around! But he always had boundaries with his friends and loved ones. Well....until he met you.

You see, Izuku had a not-so-obvious crush on you (shut it Bakugou). Ever since he met you at UA he kind of let you push any and all boundaries that he had put in place with his friends.

Now don't get the wrong idea! At first, when you both met in your first year at UA it was just little stuff! Like, using his clothes or borrowing a pillow. I mean that's what friends are for right? At least that’s what you told him.

He thought maybe he just needed to chill out and let loose his rules a bit. So you were a little friendlier about how you acted around him as opposed to your other friends, so what?

He could make an exception this once and that would be it!

But then you started getting even more comfortable.

And it was good! He was happy you were comfortable around him! It made his heart fly!

You were being a little touchier with him and it was just friendly stuff. Laying your head on his shoulder and in his lap or even just stroking his hair while you cuddle, but that's fine!

He likes it, he always has and always will!

You ask permission the first time you do these things and how could he resist sitting in the arms of a gorgeous man like you?

Then it stays that way for a while a little after UA.

You get a little bold every once in a while after that but it's nothing he can't handle.

He's working out and doing hero work so he has more things to focus on than his not so little crush anymore.

Even if he stays up at night thinking about all those touches. Thinking about your chapped lips and smooth skin beneath his hands. Thinking about your hands and how much he likes them. Likes them in his hair, massaging his shoulders. How much more he would like them if you tangled them in his hair and pull on it as he's fucking you into his mattress. How much he'd then like it for you to yell and scream his name as he absolutely pounds you into his sheets. How much he wants you to cry and scream his name until the neighbors bring noise complaints and you have a sore throat the next day from it.

So yeah. He doesn't have the time.

Until one night you show up to his door. It's late, almost 4 in the morning, about 2 hours after he comes home from his agency, and he just hears these little knocks on the door. He thinks it's the rain at first until he gets a text from you asking him if he's up and if you could come in.

He's almost dressed and ready for bed but for you, he'd sacrifice any amount of sleep to make sure you're okay at any time of the night.

He opens his door to find you drenched from the rain. And he means soaked. You're shivering in these nice little skinny jeans and a white T-shirt. You're sobbing and your hair is spilling water onto his doormat. "Hey Izuku, is it-is it okay if I come in?"

He can hear just how congested you are, it seems like you've been crying for a while. "Yeah, just let me-let me get you a towel, are you okay?" You start sobbing in front of him and he gives you the towel as he comes back."Never mind, that was obviously a stupid question, come on in and go get a shower."

You're nice and warm by the time you come back to the kitchen, he's made you shower and given you some food. So now you two sit down on his couch and he holds you close to him. he's not saying anything and neither are you, but you know he wants you to talk about it."So, I kinda had a breakdown about some relationship stuff right now." You guys laughed at the obviousness of it.

"Did you want to talk about it?" He looks at you laying down on his chest, tangling your legs with his, in his shirt, in his pants. God he wished you would-

"Kinda, I don't have to if you don't want me to." He shook his head to the sides and you sighed deeply," I knew you would say that, okay, it's kinda embarrassing if I'm being honest."

He laughed at you, "Nothing could be more awkward and embarrassing for me to listen to than when you told me, in detail, about your crush on Bakugou." You contorted your face in distaste at him and he just kept laughing.

"Bakugou is hot and I stand by all that I said asshole." You shook your head. "But I was very embarrassing."

It got quiet again and you put your face in the crook of his neck. "So, I figured out that I ....fuck okay so...." You move back to face him and stare at him in the eyes. "Don't laugh but I realized I only want a sexual relationship with someone at the moment. I started crying because I felt like I'd been lying to myself and I've just been under a lot of stress lately." Your blush is not less bright than his at all and he can't do anything but avoid your pretty little face looking at him than to push you into his chest and look up at his wonderfully beautiful ceiling he's never had the time to admire before this.

"You could have said that to me without the weird eye contact but whatever, go on."

You laugh hysterically, a little high on your emotions, "Okay hear me out. I'm a hero right? And using a loved one as leverage is a very classic villain plan. So I thought that was why I didn't want a relationship. Now I figured out it's just the stress! I want something like that eventually but right now? I just want something with someone to destress."

You move your head up to look at him and he moves his hand away from the back of your head, his emotions are going haywire right now. What is he supposed to say to that??? Do you want him to find someone for you to hook up with or???? And then he realizes-"I am not setting you up with Bakugou-"

"-OH MY GOD SHUT UP ABOUT IT ALREADY IT WAS A ONE-TIME THING." You shake your head and laugh incredulously at him. "I'm allowed to be attracted to people who aren't good for me okay? Is it really that bad?" Izuku rolls his eyes at you, "Yes. Yes, it is."

You roll your eyes back at him," Whatever that's not what I wanted to ask anyway." you scooch up onto his chest a bit more and put your hands under your chin as you look into his eye with your best pleading face." Would you do me the honor of being my destresser?"

He could explode right now.

Like seriously what?

".....You want me to what now???"

"Would you rather I phrase it differently?"

"To make sure we're on the same page yes-"

"Fuck the stress out of me buff man."

"Jesus Christ." He practically lifts you off of him like a doll,"If you were going to prank me like this," he sets you onto his couch and walks to his bathroom to go wash the heat off his face, "do it over text next time."

You follow him into the bathroom," It's not a prank! I'm for real okay? Look-" he looks puts his head further near the sink, he doesn't want you to see his red face,"-the way I see it is we're both busy as fuck. We both are mature adults looking for something intimate, which you have not found yet may I add, that could both put someone in danger otherwise." He scrubs his face and takes a deep breath, turning his water off and looking at you calmly.

"Okay, first of all, fuck you. Second of all, why me then?" He knows he shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth but he's not going to do this if it's just for the fun. He wants to actually mean something to you other than someone to fuck. "You could have chosen any one of our other friends. So why me?"

You grab his hands and lift them to your lips,"Izuku, I care about you so much. You're one of my closest and best friends in the entire world and I am so lucky to have you. You have supported me in any way you possibly could, and I hope that I've done the same for you. So I want us to support each other as much as we need in this." You look him in the eyes," Plus you could snap me in half and are one of the only people I could fight that has the stamina to keep going at me."

".....you're so fucking lucky I like you. Fine! Okay fine."

"YES!"

So for the rest of the night(morning?), you two plan out how this is going to work. Rules, boundaries, kinks (by god he's going to need a break), and what times you guy can and can't.

It works well actually. Better than Izuku expected. He's just ecstatic he gets to finally hold you.......until he doesn't.

Now Izuku knows you two discussed boundaries and the fact you can call each other practically any time but for the next week, he seriously couldn't get the mind power to just swallow his fears and call you up. Not to say he wasn't thinking of you, by god he did that every single day even more since then, he just didn't want to bother you.

But then you called him. It was 11 pm and you were very horny. He picked up the phone and immediately just, "Hello?"

"I need you to plow me into my mattress it's been a week, come over as soon as you can, I'll be waiting sir-"

And that was the end of the call. Your house is like 20 minutes away from his but he somehow made it there in 10. He didn't even text you he was coming, so you thought he was busy.

So you were just on your couch, scrolling on your phone until a rushed knock at the door, you opened it, and were immediately kissed on the mouth.

Just a whole ass surprise makeout, he holds you up in his arms and pushes you against the door. You pull away to breathe and just look down to see this large monster of a man pressing his massive chest to yours, heaving so out of breath like he'd just ran a marathon (he practically did). Just staring up at you so desperately, you're not going to lie it was a nice view. You laugh a bit hysterically as he kisses you repeatedly. Then he works his way to your neck, still holding you up with his arms but fondling your chest and ribcage. He nips your neck and sucks so hard you're sure to have some nice little hickies in the morning. You moan as he pulls on your nipples and rubs your pecs in his hands.

Your mind goes fuzzy as you hear him whisper, "Dirty little slut left me with nothing after your little call. Think it was funny?" He kisses your neck again, licking down to your collar bone, "Think it's funny to leave me with nothing? Just the thought of this dirty little pup begging me to come over?"

You moan into a laugh at the fact he seems more desperate for this than you are. "Laughing now are we?" You immediately quiet down, his hands travel to your waist, and grinds his leg into your crotch.

"Oh gods-" He pushes into you again as you moan,"-f-fuck!"

"Damn puppy. Didn't know you had such a dirty little mouth. Why don't you show me how you use that little mouth when I actually get started with you."

He takes you into your bedroom, pressing your hard dick against his own and sucking on your neck even more.

You pant heavily onto his shoulder shaking from anticipation as he brings you into your room.

He pushes you down on the bed into a folded missionary position. You're hazy and in hysterics, as he talks more, "God, look at you! What a fucking slut for me. Come on puppy look me in the eyes and tell me what you want."

You look up and his smile is devious. It's alluring. He's practically ravishing you with his eyes. He’s taking your clothes off and feeling you up, “Your tastey skin, so smooth and soft. Do you know what I’m gonna do to it puppy?” Your head is swimming with full unbridled warmth and lust, you can’t even respond so he takes your face in his hands and makes you look at him,” I’m gonna mark you up so well, give you all the hickies and bites I want to put on you until you’re barely unbruised. How does that sound?”

You yell out, “Yes! YES! Puppy will be good for you please? Want it so bad.” He laughs at your responses, leaving your naked body vibrating on the bed and he moves away to take his own clothes off. His toned muscles flexing without meaning to as he takes his shirt and pants off of himself. Sliding his boxers down his toned calfs.

You stay laying there, letting out hysteric laughs and panting as he stretches you out with his fingers. And he keeps his promise, biting and niping all over your thights and stomach. You fall from your hysterical high as he pulls his mouth away until he takes your dick in his mouth and you’re pushed all the way back up the hill, arching your back and crying out for him as you grab the head board.

God you haven’t been so sensitive since you don’t even remember when. He’s sucking you off and his fingers are reaching just the right spots in you. Sliding onto his fingers down to the knuckle of his pointer and middle finger, flexing and massaging just the right spot, just until he takes a deep breathe. Then he takes all of you into his mouth and presses down on your most sensitive spot,” OH GOD, FUCK! Yes~ IZUKU PLEASE, I’M CUMMING!”

You cream into his mouth so hard. He pulls himself up off the mattress and off your dick once he finished sucking it all out of you. He licks the rest off his lips and hums in delight,” You taste better then I’ve ever imagined.” Ah, you blush so red as he said this. You think to yourself, he was just saying it for dramatic effect. For the moment! It couldn’t possibly be true....

God if only you knew how true that is from him.

He pulls some of the excess cum off your dick and you shiver a bit at his fingers grazing your tip. His magic hands. And he brings them to lube his dick back up,” Gonna fill my puppy with their own cum, how about it, slut?”

His eyes are crazy, this is a whole new side of Izuku you’ve never seen from him. And by the gods above are you excited to see it.

He presses your legs down so they’re almost flat by your arms and climbs up halfway atop your thighs. He slides himself into you and,” f-f-UCK!” He’s fucking huge.

Your partners have been quite average in the past. Nothing to scoff at but not as big as Izuku. You feel lightheaded as he pushes himself all the way in. “Look at you, my pathetic little puppy, breaking on my dick. Not even halfway there pup, but I’ll be nice this time.” He stops and you thank god and curse at him as well. You feel like you’re gonna be ripped apart yet you still crave so much more.

He gives you a second to catch your breathe, then he leans over, presses your legs farther, and starts pounding into your pretty little hole. Absolutely destroying your insides. You’re crying and whimpering and all it does is drive him to go faster and harder. To milk all those pretty little sounds out of your pretty little mouth. You’re crying on his dick and it fuels his ego,” You’re crying already? God look at you, so pretty and stupid on my dick. Such a good useless pup. Never had dick this good. Are you seeing god or something pup?”

His smirk is returned with teary eyes looking up at him, drooling at him,” Ye-ugh fUck-yes God, love your dick so much.” Oh fuck. That’s new.

It was so hot, imagining you praying and worshipping “your God’s” dick. Izuku being rode by you as you cry out for your God.

He laughs hard and leans down to get a better grip on the sheets, stopping for a moment, and then pounding you into the mattress. It felt like he was trying to hammer you down into the mattress to press you hard enough you’d become one with it. “That’s right baby! Ahaha! You feel so good I’m your god? My little puppy’s so dumb on their god’s dick right?”

You cry out to him, repeating over and over,” God! My God! Please god!” And you cum hard, over and over on his dick for the rest of the night. Orgasming and being fucked through your over sensitivity again and again and again until dawn. He finally gives in after getting his fill of filling you up.

God, he was definitely the right one to go to.

And all Izuku could think about you as he cleaned up and got ready to go to sleep with you was how fucking thankful he was you broke all his boundries for him. And accepting the fact that yes, he is the biggest simp for you.

————

-Laika