#waiting and hoping these dummies would find their way back to each other

[manic-sapphic]

i. am. deceased. just look at these moonstruck sapphics. i am in pain. and i love it.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[akixa]

could you write something about Yamazaki shingen can be anything

Sure! 🎀

𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ𐀔

Shingen Yamazaki

First to end of it.

You and Shingen were in high-school students. You are his first love before it went downfall.

𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ𐀔

Here you are, standing outside of his classroom, waiting on him. You were stomping on your left foot impatiently for him to get out of that room.

"Ugh, it's been 30 minutes and he is still not coming out?! hmp…”

You look through the mirror door and see him still studying on his desk all by himself. The school bell rang an hour ago, and everyone had already left the school except you two still in school. You barge into his classroom and sit in front of him.

"When will you be done?” You ask him as he looks up from his book to you now. His eyes are full of black, empty, and shallow of darkness, looking to you. He put down his book and spoke at you with boredom through his voice.

"Why are you still here?”

“Waiting on you, dummy.”

“who said you can wait for me?”

“Me and you can't do anything about it.”

He let out a sigh and started gathering his things into his bag while you stood there, smirking at him. You loved teasing him, knowing it would make him angry, but he could never do anything about it since you were a girl and he couldn't hit you. In fact, Shingen was always at the top of his class, and you were always second, making the two of you look like a power couple, even though you were just colleagues and friends.

Together, you often found yourselves in friendly competition, pushing each other to be better. You both shared a passion for literature, often exchanging books and discussing your favorite authors. Your debates about the themes and characters in the novels you read were intense but always ended with mutual respect and a deeper understanding of each other's perspectives.

Despite this, you couldn't help but wonder if he ever thought about the possibility of something more between you two. You certainly did. Every shared glance, every playful argument, and every moment spent together made you hope that maybe, just maybe, he felt the same way. The bond you shared over your interests only deepened your connection, making you wish that your friendship could blossom into something more.

You always see him as a ruthless prince in your imagination and you remember that time that you almost fell down the stairs because the floor was so slippery with no sign to say it. Before you even meet the floor a hand grab your waist and pull you up with other hand on your legs. You look up just to see him carrying you like a bride. Blushing mess as he carry you to the clinic to check if theres any injury on you.

Enough with the past. You always bottle up your feelings for him because you know it would be dangerous for both of you. As the son of Shinji Yamazaki, the formidable head of the Yamazaki clan, he is constantly under scrutiny. Being with Shingen has already caused him trouble, just by being near him and teasing him.

Every time you meet, there's a spark in his eyes that he tries to hide. When you tease him, he pretends to be annoyed, but you can see the faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He often finds excuses to be near you, whether it's helping you with a task or just sitting quietly beside you.

Little did you know, he also harbored feelings for you. In his position, he had to hide everything, including you. To him, you were something special, someone he cherished deeply. He wanted to hate you for your own safety, but why do you keep coming back?

There were moments when his guard would slip, and he'd let his true feelings show. A lingering touch on your hand, a protective arm around your shoulder when danger seemed near, or the way his eyes softened when he looked at you. These small interactions spoke volumes about his hidden emotions.

Despite the risks, you couldn't stay away. The bond between you was too strong, and every interaction only deepened your connection. You were something else for him, someone he couldn't bear to lose. He wanted to hate you for your safety, but your unwavering presence made it impossible.

Finally, you both step out of the school, with him next to you, carrying both his bag and yours. The silence between you is comfortable, and you watch the sun slowly setting together. In the golden light, you glance at him and see the warmth on his face, reminding you of the sun—how you feel about him, yet you can’t be too close.

You try to approach him, using your pinkie to touch his arm slightly. Your cheeks flush with redness when suddenly you feel his finger wrap around your pinkie, pulling you closer. A warmth lingers on your skin from his touch, reminding you of the sun because of how he melts you with just a simple touch.

When you finally arrive at your place, he places your bag next to you, but neither of you lets go. You’re both scared that the cold will replace the warmth in your arms. As the sun’s rays fade, you watch him walk away, his figure slowly vanishing from your sight.

Maybe tomorrow you see him again like always.

“?!?”

“Be my date.”

What…

Did you hear that right or is the delusional just messing you up? Coffee does bad to your health. You snap out your thoughts and ask what he said again.

“Are you deaf? I said be my date.”

“ You should at least brought me flower with it to make it more romantic”

“... On second thought, never mind.” walking off leaving you behind.

You chuckle as you notice a red tint forming on his ears. But you nod to him agreeing to be his date while catching up to him.

Is it really a good idea? Think about it—nothing bad has happened since you first met him. From the very beginning, you felt an undeniable connection and fell for him. Every moment spent with him makes you feel secure and cherished. You find comfort in his presence, and the thought of being without him is something you can’t bear. You hope that this feeling of safety and love will last forever, and that you’ll never have to part ways.

As you keep catching up to him, he looks at you with such affection that it makes your face glow brightly. The warmth of his gaze feels like a gentle caress, sending a pleasant shiver down your spine. He holds out his arm, inviting you to hold him. As you slip your hand into his, you feel the comforting strength of his grip. Together, you walk home, the cool evening air brushing against your skin, the soft rustle of leaves underfoot. The silence between you is filled with the unspoken words of two new love birds, each step syncing your heartbeats, creating a rhythm of newfound love.

People would say everything in the end can be happily ever after with your loved one, but how come yours ended so soon? Laying down on your pile of blood.

A second ago, you were walking alone on the street, a sudden ambush from behind catches you off guard. A sharp object violently pierces through your back, tearing through to your chest. You gasp, blood spurting from your mouth as you collapse to the ground. Your breaths become shallow, your vision blurs, and an overwhelming darkness engulfs you.

As your vision blurred and darkness began to take over, you caught a glimpse of Shingen rushing towards you, his face streaked with tears. It was a sight you never expected to see—Shingen, always the pillar of strength, now crumbling. The raw emotion on his face was startling, yet it brought a strange sense of peace. In your final moments, you found solace in the fact that even the strongest boy in the school hearts can break.

With your last breath, you longed to tell him to live happily and brightly, to watch over him like a star that fades away with the dawn but remains ever-present. Yet you can't… Now, you lie cold and still in his trembling hands. He clutches you tightly, tears streaming down his face, whispering desperately for you to wake up and speak, please. The room is filled with the haunting silence of unspoken words and shattered dreams.

🌧️

[chuluoyi]

romeo and juliet

- fushiguro megumi x reader

you were both young when you first saw each other. years later, you and your gentle childhood friend fall in love... but you're betrothed to someone else.

genre/warnings: modern royal(?) au, childhood friends to lovers, soft!megumi, fluff, forbidden love, arranged marriage, mild angst, comfort

notes: i love this request!! but i don’t know if this turned out good🥲 honestly, this is what unholy matrimony would be if done right in another universe *snorts* anyways i hope i did this right! enjoy!

had to repost it 3x bcs it didn't show up in the tags😭 based on this request: “Hey, can I ask a Megumi x Reader with the plot related to “Love Story” by Taylor Swift?” thank you anon!

listen to: love story - taylor swift duh

general masterlist

Your father had always told you that you were promised to the Zen'in.

Ever since you were a child, he had groomed you to be the picture-perfect lady, and he always brought you to their ancestral home, a grand, maze-like estate you would always get lost in.

You were barely six back then, stumbling on your own feet as tears streamed down your face. You sought refuge in the gardens, hoping that someone would come to find you there eventually as you were tired of walking around.

And on that fateful day, the one who finally did was none other than the little Fushiguro Megumi, who looked at you with tilted head and confused eyes.

"Are you... okay?" he asked cautiously, and he was startled when your wide, teary eyes quickly focused on him. The next thing he knew, you immediately clung to his hand.

"I'm lost! Please help me!" you said with trembling voice, and Megumi merely blinked. This unknown girl suddenly latched onto him, well, who wouldn't be taken by surprise?

Yet, even as a child, Megumi knew how to treat someone right. Seeing you in distress, he immediately found a way to console you. "Okay... where are your parents? Let me take you back to them."

"I... don't know..."

He sighed. You were a stone throw away from bursting into tears, and he didn't want that. He had to find another way. "Don't be scared. This place seems scary, but it's not."

You scrunched your face, tears already pooling in your eyes. "How is it not scary? There are so many windows and leaves! This is more like a jungle rather than a house!"

"Well..." Megumi wracked his head and a light bulb went off in his head when he caught the sight of the flowers. He pointed at a pot of roses. "Look, they're actually quite pretty, right?"

At that very moment, your focus was completely captured by the flourishing plant, and your eyes practically shimmered with delight.

Little Megumi thought then, that you were quite lovely.

And your friendship started then, as he took you by the arm to lead you to the main foyer.

Years flew by, and the only thing that made it bearable to pay a visit to the Zen'in was meeting Megumi. You both would explore various hidden corners and knew every nook and cranny of the place. And when you reached your teens, the "playing" was replaced by studying in the library together.

"Hrrrgh, why—can't—I—reach—"

You gritted your teeth in frustration as you attempted to pull the book from the top shelf, only to fail miserably. Your were too short. But you refused to surrender, standing on your tiptoes once more, you stretched your hand as far as it would go.

Suddenly, the scent of fresh roses filled the air, accompanied by a warm presence behind you. Your back made contact with him, and a longer hand effortlessly retrieved the book you desired.

"If you're having a hard time, ask me for help, dummy," Megumi shook his head and handed you the book. "Here."

"Thank you," you pouted. Despite the frequent close proximity between you two, you still found yourself feeling giddy.

Megumi was always like this though. He was curt, but he cares. He would often cheer you up whenever you father smothered you with the talk that he couldn't wait for the day you would be living at the Zen'in estate and became their bride. He would get you flowers, let you put your head on his shoulder, or quietly watch as you cried, offering his silent presence.

You really, really hoped that if you were to be married off to the Zen'in, it would be to Megumi. He was easily the boy you'd pick over Naoya, the son of the main branch of family. You were never close to him, the way he stared at you sure gave you the creeps.

"I can ask for your help anytime, right, Megumi?" you mused, observing his cool profile as he turned the page of the book he was reading.

He regarded you with the straightest face ever. "Of course. I have always helped you since we were kids. Why wouldn't I do that now?"

"Then..." you breathed. "Can you take me somewhere... anywhere, just away from all of this?"

Megumi stilled. He knew about the conflicts in your heart. He knew you hated being played as a pawn in your father's schemes, and he hated that too, because he simply didn't like how sad it made you.

And he hated that there was the looming possibility that you might be out of his reach far sooner than he thought.

"Sure," he answered. "Where do you wanna go?"

And then, you began to do just that. Sneaking out to the gardens, finding secret meeting spots in the town—because you were dead if anyone should know.

Before you knew it, you both had each other's hearts entirely in your hands—before you knew it, his face was mere inches from yours as you both concealed yourselves behind a large cluster of foliage in the Zen'in gardens, your father and the Zen'in clan head engrossed in a conversation just a few feet away.

Your clear, wide eyes blinked up at him, and Megumi gulped. At that moment, he realized once again that you, his childhood friend, were really stunning. And that you trusted him wholeheartedly enough to go with him and be found in this position, with him.

He couldn't deny it any longer. He was in love with you. Have been for a while now.

And so even with the great risk of being found out, he led you deeper into the woods, his arm wrapped around the small of your back, and with a soft tug, he planted the gentlest, sweetest kiss on your lips—your very first kiss. Everything was sealed then.

"So, do you say yes, or not?" he mumbled afterwards, his cheeks burst into the color of peach. Meanwhile you, still breathless, touched your lips in astonishment.

"You..." you couldn't help the grin that was blooming in your face. "You like me?"

He turned away. "Who wouldn't? After making me run after you, lead you to safe places, see you cry—"

"Okay, okay!" you giggled, and the sound was like music to his ears. "Then it's a yes!"

You were the happiest with him. Amidst the intrigues surrounding you and the Zen'in clan, the times you spent with him were your saving grace.

"Am I pretty?" you boldly twirled in front of him, after meeting up at the outskirts of the town in one of your escapades. Megumi watched you from head to toe, taking note of how your flare dress hugged your form so elegantly, and the straw hat that framed your head only made you look even more adorable.

He didn't immediately answer, and when he did, all with red cheeks, you smiled brightly, expecting a compliment.

"Don't do that. People are looking. You're embarrassing yourself."

You pouted. "So I'm not pretty..."

To your surprise, he suddenly plucked your hat and pulled you behind the pillar, and then the round hat was beside your head, hiding your face—

And he stole a kiss.

"Megumi!" you jolted, blood quickly rushed to your beautiful face. "This is public place!"

His soft chuckle only served to make your heart soar even higher.

You were living the dream, with the man of your dreams beside you. This love story no one knew, you were content with it.

"By this point, all there's left to do is run," you heaved between chuckles and his feathery kisses as the two of you hid away to have your thirst in the gardens. "Can't we just run, Megumi?"

"I would, if I could," he gazed at you with a steadfast resolve. "Don't be afraid, we'll make it out of this mess, somehow."

This love is difficult. But it's real.

But so was your father. And his will. In the summer of your coming of age, it was decided that you were going to marry Zen'in Naoya.

Your love story with Megumi... would it end just like that?

"Please, don't go!" you begged. You could hardly believe this situation right now. What did he say? End things here—?

Megumi felt his heart clench. "It's been announced already. You are to marry him. We can... no longer do this."

"But!" you argued. "You s-said... you would find a way out of it somehow..."

Your eyes glazed over, and Megumi had to look away to keep his heart from breaking completely. "I'm sorry."

At the end of the day, he was still a mere son of the branch family and stood no chance against Naoya. If you were to become the bride of his cousin, even he had to respect that.

Your heart shattered into pieces. This day had been looming on the horizon, and you'd been aware of it for some time. Your father didn't exactly conceal his greed with how he insisted on your marriage to Naoya to secure your position as the clan's main wife, instead of Megumi.

Yet it still hurt. You didn’t expect your happiness to he this fleeting, and you were disappointed that Megumi didn’t exactly fight his way through this.

“It’s… for your own good,” he added, and grimaced when he saw how you started sobbing. “I don’t want to compromise your virtue. It'll get ugly fast if people think that we're having… dalliances. You deserve better—”

"Don't patronize me!" you yelled. "Don't t-try... to tell me how to feel!"

Frankly, you never cared about virtues or anything. Most of choices made in your life weren't yours, and if you could finally make a decision through jeopardizing your fickle reputation, then so be it.

"I love you too much to let that happen," Megumi said then, baring his own feelings, that he too, didn't want this any more than you did. "You know I would do anything for you."

"All there's left to do is run," you sniffled. "If you would do anything for me, you would run with me."

Just say yes, your little heart screamed. You stared at him through your wet lashes, desperately willing him to just forget all this nonsense about family, virtue, and just choose love—your love.

But he never did. That day, he decided to leave you. This love was indeed difficult, but you really thought it was real, and now you had never felt so alone.

Days went by longer after that. Now that it had been announced to the public, as per Naoya’s will, you would move into the Zen’in estate until the day of your marriage. You resented and barely knew him, and your gut feeling was proven true when he smirked before you, pulling you into one of the hidden compartments of this godforsaken place.

“Don’t think I didn’t know about what you and he were up to,” he spat viciously. “You should’ve already known that you are always meant to be my wife—and what did you do? You’re putting me to shame as you and that lesser bastard run around.”

“He would always be better than you,” you bitterly scoffed.

“Get it through your head already, you’re to become my wife, and that’s final.”

“You can’t do anything if I don’t want to anyway. Beware of upcoming scandals in the future.”

And with that, came the first day of your misery. Naoya locked you up in that desolate place.

You were missing.

Megumi had noticed it for quite a while. Even if you were no longer his, his heart still longed for yours, and ultimately he wanted to make sure if you were okay. You moving in into his home should increase the chances of him seeing you, and yet, it was as if you had disappeared into the thin air.

It was an understatement to say that he was just worried. He knew Naoya wasn’t exactly the kindest in this household, but he really expected him to at least treat you right.

He still remembered how the tears fell from your beautiful eyes, telling him not to go. Megumi was as heartbroken as you, if not more. He had the choice when you asked him to run, yet he willingly stopped and did what he believed to be the right thing.

Was this still the right thing though?

As the maids hurried past, yelling something that vaguely sounded like your name and the phrase "starving herself!", Megumi felt his blood run cold. Without hesitation, he forcefully grabbed one of them, demanding answers.

“Where is she? What happened to her?”

The maid merely cowered with worry and fear. “Master Naoya… specifically instructed us not to let the miss pass freely…”

Megumi didn’t quite recall what he did, but he couldn't forget the frantic pounding of his heart as he rushed through the gardens to find you in the small room tucked away in the farthest corner of the vast compound, near the servants' dormitory. He practically tore the door off its hinges when he opened it.

You abruptly spun around to face the commotion, thinking that it may be your shitty fiancé, utterly bewildered.

Megumi scrutinized you closely, and gradually, he could feel his anger simmering beneath the surface.

You were pale, your hair was a disheveled mess, but what truly infuriated him was the sight of your broken nails and the dried blood. All he could think of was that you probably tried to claw your way out of this place.

"Megumi?" your voice sounded too hoarse to his liking. You looked at him as if you couldn't believe he was real. His heart shattered.

He shouldn't have left you. He should've run with you. You shouldn't have to be alone and hurt like this.

"Save me," you croaked with small voice, eyes brimming with unshed tears and fear.

That did it. When he heard the approaching rapid footsteps, he made the swiftest, life-changing decision of his life.

He caught a hold of your arm, and pinned you to the wall. And when the entirety of the household arrived in your doorstep, Naoya included, he made it a show as if the two of you were having the most scandalous tryst of the town.

"This ends here," he grunted, casting a glare at his rotten cousin. "I'm marrying her."

"I got tired of waiting, you know," you giggled, peering at your beloved's sullen face. "My faith faded at one point."

Megumi hummed, clasping his hand in yours. "I'm sorry."

You rolled your eyes, staring at the clear waters under the cruise. "I kept waiting, but you never came... and when you did, you caused us to make the headlines."

Your wedding to Megumi was both the grand event and scandal of the year. The sudden change of groom on such short notice triggered disapproving glances from most of the people you knew in this infuriating town, but frankly, you didn't care.

"I thought you wouldn't fight for me at all,” you mumbled, fiddling with your fingers.

"I've always believed that if it would make you happy in the end, I would be fine with it," Megumi said, gently tucking your hair behind your ear as the wind swept by.

"And then? What made you finally let go of that righteous, self-sacrificing thoughts?"

The softest smile was graced his lips. "I love you, and that's all I really know."

You didn't give a damn about what anyone else had to say because, in this moment—as you sailed on your honeymoon cruise, and throughout this love story, from your childhood and forevermore, he is the prince, and you are his princess.

[trulyumai]

pizza time!

—pairing: Eddie Munson / Reader

synopsis: with rain interrupting your plans, you and Eddie decide to have a lazy day. did someone say pizza time?

—warnings: none. just fluff!

“Eddie knock it off—!” fingers danced across your waist and around the expansion of your hips. It was a mistake telling the man how ticklish your sides were, now that he took advantage of it.

“I can’t hear you sweetheart, I think you gotta speak more clearly.” His ringed fingers didn’t end there assault, he even went as far as to blow raspberries on your neck.

“Eee— okay okay! I give!” Finally ceasing his movements, the guitarist leaned against you heavily. Panting and out of breath his hand came up to cradle your cheek. “So I win… that means pizza for dinner?” A smile broke out onto his face, showing the little laugh lines molded into his skin.

“Pizza for dinner,” you hummed. Already moving towards the dial phone to appease your needy boyfriend with the much needed greasy cheese slices.

Eddie, slouched on the couch, already wanting to reach out for your frame. Pouting, he waited as you finished the call with the restaurant, and with open palms gestured for you to come back.

“Yes, okay. Thank you Reese.”

Eddie frowned, “how the hell do you know their name?”

“Because we order every weekend, dummy.” Back in his grasp you molded against him. “Someone has a problem with indulging themselves.” Your man let out a dramatic gasp, instantly disagreeing with such a statement.

Although you were having pizza again, you were so glad these lazy days came to fruition.

It rained all day today; leaving you and Eddie to sit around and just bask in each other’s existence. The man could be happy with every day like this, but with you busy with finals and Eddie finding new gigs it was getting harder and harder to have time together.

“Do you love me?” Eddie rubbed his hands across your back, somehow trying to pull you closer. If it were possible— the man would tear his skin open for you to nestle right in.

Or was that too much?

“Of course I do! You’re my everything,” hands grasped at his cheeks, demanding his full attention and halting the wandering, nervous eyes.

“And you think im handsome?” His digits were cold against your bare skin, they lightly found their way under your (his), baggy shirt. Moving up and down comfortingly.

“I think you’re the handsomest, prettiest dungeon master in existence.”

Eddie laughed. “I am the prettiest, aren’t I?”

Humming in agreement your head leaned down and rested onto the man’s chest, now facing the little television that graced the living room.

“I can’t wait to start a life with you, baby. Little you’s wandering’ round, a cute little house.” Eddie sighed, pressing his slightly chapped lips to the base of your head.

“Woah there big guy. One step at a time,” you traced the line around his jaw. “First we need to graduate. And then we’ll go from there, hm?”

“Okay, okay, im just saying. I hope they get your eyes.” sinking back down into the smushed cushion, Eddie relaxed.

…

“Do you think the pizzas close?”

A pause.

“…No hunny.”

——

Taglist!

@ali-r3n & @anukulee (If you wish to be tagged in future Eddie Munson blurbs or stories, let me know!)

[siyooungi]

now playing - the perfect pair by beabadoobee

Pairing: Kazuha x Fem!Reader

Idol: Nakamura Kazuha (Le Sserafim)

Warning(s): None!

You and Kazuha have been dating for several months now and you already knew what you were getting yourself into when you said yes to becoming her girlfriend. You remember the moment vividly and you wouldn’t have had it any other ways

You both strolled through the tranquil park, the moonlight casting a gentle glow upon your faces. You walked hand in hand, relishing in the serenity of the night. The distant sounds of nature created a soothing symphony that enveloped you both.

As you continued on, Kazuha's gaze fell upon a lamppost standing tall and illuminating the area with a warm, inviting light. Feeling a rush of emotions, Kazuha gently tugged your hand, guiding you to a pause beneath the lamppost's gentle glow.

Curious about the sudden halt, you turned to Kazuha with a questioning smile. Her eyes sparkled with affection as she took a deep breath, gathering the courage to express her feelings. With a soft yet confident voice, she spoke the words that had been lingering on her heart.

"I know I’m not always with you, but I cherish every moment I have with you. Your presence brings me joy and comfort like no other. You mean so much to me and I hope to show that to you time and time again. Loving you is as easy as breathing. So, with all my heart, I want to ask you... Will you be my girlfriend?"

Your eyes widened in surprise and delight, your heart racing with excitement. "I have been waiting for you to ask for so long." The taller woman’s eyes practically pleaded for you to continue, to give her the answer she wanted. “So is that a yes?” She tilted her head, earning a chuckle and nod from you.

“Of course, dummy!”

Kazuha's face lit up with an infectious smile, her eyes gleaming with happiness. Overwhelmed with joy, she gently pulled you into a warm embrace, to which you happily accepted. The night park embraced your love, having the chance to witness the special moment. You pulled back and cupped her face, connecting your lips for the sweetest kiss. When you separated, you both began giggling like high school girls.

Ever since that day, she kept true to her word. Despite Kazuha’s demanding schedule, she always made time for you even while she was gone. She had developed a heartwarming habit of leaving little love notes for you to find, even in the midst of her busy days.

Each day, you would discover a sweet note tucked away in unexpected places—a heartfelt message hidden in a jacket pocket, a tender reminder on the bathroom mirror, or a cute doodle slipped into the pages of a book.

Every note brought a smile to your face, reminding you of your girlfriend’s unwavering love and thoughtfulness.

She was normally gone before you even woke up, leaving you facing an empty side of the bed by the time you’d awoken. However, any sad feeling you felt at the realization that she wasn’t there left when you spotted a note on the bedside table.

You sat up and picked it up, looking over the words. It was a short and sweet message that read, “You’re my favorite part of the day.” A smile made its way onto your face, the words filling your heart with warmth and anticipation for the love of your life to return home.

The evening approached rather quickly, leaving you eagerly waiting for Kazuha to come back from practice. She sent you texts throughout the day, but your favorite text was when she told you she was on her way.

As the sound of the front door opening reached the your ears, you jumped up from the couch. You couldn't contain her excitement any longer. With a wide smile spread across your face, you hurriedly made your way to the entrance, eager to welcome your girl home.

The moment she came into view, you rushed towards your beloved, throwing your arms around her and enveloping her in a tight embrace. "You're back!" You exclaimed, your voice filled with genuine joy. "I missed you so much." Caught off guard but pleasantly surprised, Kazuha reciprocated the gesture with a big smile.

The brunette released a joyful giggle, her eyes sparkling with affection. "I missed you too, my love. Your hugs are the best part of coming home." She spoke as she swayed you both side to side. You breathed in her scent and basked in the warmth that she provided, feeling at the upmost ease. It was simple moments like these that made your day.

Your embrace lingered for a few more precious moments before you reluctantly pulled apart, your smiles never leaving. You couldn't help but steal a soft kiss, your lips lightly brushing against Kazuha's, catching her off guard yet again. Though, her surprise quickly turned into a delighted giggle, her cheeks flushing with a rosy hue. She returned the kiss with equal tenderness, cherishing the intimate connection you shared.

“As much as I love your hugs, I think cuddling on the couch and watching a movie would be better.” Kazuha whispered against your lips, her voice filled with a hint of playfulness. A dramatic gasp escaped your lips at the suggestion. “You dare put something above my hugs?” You tried to untangled yourself from her, but she wasn’t allowing that and simply hugged you tighter.

“Well, if you think about it, cuddling is just hugging, but longer.” You squinted your eyes at her, not wanting to be convinced by the comparison, though it was harder not to when you did really think about it. “You have an interesting mind, my love.” You teased, earning a triumphant smile from the latter.

“Movie time!” Kazuha suddenly shouted after a pause, wrapping her arms around your back and behind your knees, lifting you up bridal style. You yelped, tightening your hold on her and hiding your head in her neck. She then made her way over to the couch and dropped you on it, but you quickly grabbed her shirt and brought her down with you, resulting in a giggling fit between the two of you when she held herself up from landing all of her weight on you.

Your faces were mere inches apart, to the point where her breath tickled your nose. Kazuha's eyes, deep pools of calm, met yours after the laughter died down. "Hey," She whispered in the softest of voice, her lips curling into a gentle smile. “Hey..” You replied in a hushed tone, mirroring her smile soon after.

Unable to resist the allure of your closeness, you wrapped your arms around her neck, pulling her down just a bit closer. Without any resistance, she allowed herself to be drawn in, sealing the gap with a kiss. The room seemed to fade away, and it was as if time had slowed to a standstill.

Knowing that you could easily get lost in the love that is your girlfriend, you hummed to get her attention. She lifted herself back up, a look of confusion laced on her face. “So… the movie?” You joked, earning an eye roll and knowing smile from the brunette.

“The Nightmare Before Christmas?”

“I wouldn’t think of anything better.”

A/N: This is just a little something for the time being. School has been beating my ass. This was initially going in one direction but then I changed my mind midway through…

[mistystepmoonbeam]

Reborn into BG3 - Chapter 4

You're reborn into BG3 with only the memory of your past life. Now you're Tav's companion on his journey, and must learn about yourself as much as your new reality.

Chapter 4: You meet Wyll and return to camp, weary from all your recent travels.

Word count: 1.4K

You couldn’t get away from Auntie Ethel fast enough.  You scurry as quickly as possible around the bend by the storage shack and sit on a crate to catch your breath.  It feels like you’re breathing for the first time, away from all the characters and shouting and mayhem.  You hold the staff in front of you and rest your forehead against the smooth wood, eyes closed.  The coolness of the shade and the staff do little to cure the pounding headache that’s started up.  

The sound of the children slashing at training dummies, the gentle calls of the birds, and the voices of those around you fade to nothing.  There’s a small wriggle behind your eye when a vision of Karlach comes to you and disappears just as fast.

“It seems you and I have the same affliction,” a man says.  You open your eyes to find Wyll at your side.  He takes a seat on the crate next to yours, leaning back on his palms as he speaks.  “I wanted to commend you for your actions with the prisoner but it seems we have more dire circumstances to discuss.”

“Dire is a strong word,” you reply.  “But wait, you saw what I did?”

“Witnessed the aftermath.”  He chuckles.  “Your friend cares for you deeply to run that fast to Nettie.  Your other, paler friend filled me in on the rest; didn’t seem as impressed as I was at your valour.”

“No, he was not.”  You give a small laugh.  “I don’t even know why I did it.”

“Mercy is a rare thing these days, best to appreciate it when you can.”

“Even if it’s stupid?”

“Mercy is never stupid.  Misguided at times, perhaps, but never stupid.”

Your chest warms at his words. When you finally look at Wyll you find him observing the head of your staff.  Hoping to distract him you question who it was you saw in the vision. 

“Karlach,” he answers.  “A servant of Zariel and a devil from Avernus.  I’ve been tasked with tracking her down.”

“Sounds difficult.”

“It’s not for everyone.”

Beyond Wyll you spot Tav coming up from the bottom of the grove.  His head swivels left and right in search of something until his eyes land on you.  He jogs over, followed by Astarion and Lae’zel.

It’s strange to watch the introductions happen in person.  When the narrator states what’s happening it makes sense, but seeing them squirm and wince as the tadpoles connect without context?  Yeah, that looks very weird.  And the silence feels a lot longer.

Wyll goes into more detail about Karlach on Tav’s insistence, and when the tiefling offers to help, Wyll hesitates.  “Perhaps we should stop by your camp first.  Hunting a devil is dangerous work and it would be best to be prepared.”

When all eyes fall to you you understand the meaning behind his words.  No injured people allowed.  Or perhaps it’s no merciful people allowed.  Either way you’re getting booted to the camp with Gale and Shadowheart.

You choose not to question the elaborate setup of the camp.  Each party member has their own little tent, even you.  When you had asked about it Gale said anything was possible with a helping hand and conjured a blue Mage Hand as if that answered everything.  You let it answer everything.

Tav, Wyll, Lae’zel, and Shadowheart are the ones to head out and track down Karlach.  As much as you want to join your body is feeling the full force of events—the ship crashing, multiple hits to the head, an arrow through the hand (which was also commended by Gale), and having the hell scared out of you by a hag.  It added up to one weary body. 

Your own tent is sparse, a few herbs hung on the outside by Shadowheart are the only decoration, and it is more because that is the only available space to store them.  The blue fabric is draped over sturdy branches, with a bedroll and pillow on top of a matching blue cloth that covers the ground.  All in all, it wasn’t terrible.  

You drop both your bags to the ground, finally free of their weight.  You take a seat on your bedroll, eyeing the one that you haven’t opened.

“Knock, knock.”  Gale announces himself at the wide opening of your tent.  “I hope you find your abode to your tastes.”

You each look at the nothing that surrounds your space so he adds, “Well maybe not quite what you’re used to but it’s better than the forest floor.”

Again, Gale looks at your coat.  

“I’m not sure what I’m used to, but this is good,” you tell him.  You shrug as you stand, giving him a smile.  “Thank you for putting it together.  I wouldn’t even know where I would start.”

Gales brow furrows.  “You are most welcome.  But you aren’t sure what you’re used to?”

It’s only then that you realize you never actually told anyone you have no memory of your current life except Tav.  And even then you’d just said your name and Baldur’s Gate, so your confusion would have seemed to be a result of the crash.  And when Astarion had teased you in the grove about not being able to read he hadn’t actually asked anything about having no memory until you questioned your identity looking into your bag.  Even then he didn’t question you, but he probably didn’t care at this point in the game.  Journey.  Not a game anymore…

“I don’t remember anything,” you admit, “except my name.”

“Memory loss isn’t a common symptom of ceremorphosis, but our tadpoles are hardly common.  I’m sure you’ll get your memory back in time, and if not, we can deduce some facts based on, well, you.”  

Gale holds his hands out as if putting you on display.  

“You come from affluence,” he says.  “There’s powerful magic radiating from your coat alone, not to mention your boots, which means you’re either friends with a very powerful wizard, or wealthy enough to afford one.  I’ve enchanted some items in my time but I’ve never met you, and I would remember someone like you.”

“Why?”  Well, money is quite memorable, you suppose.

Gale straightens and stammers, “Why?  Well it’s not every day you meet someone willing to take an arrow for another being, and a goblin no less.  Anyway, have you looked through your things?”

Your eyes fall on the bags.  “Just the one.  It’s only gold though.”

“May I?”  

“Sure.”

Gale picks up the heavy bag and opens the latch to peer inside.  “Yes, I’d say you are indeed wealthy.  Very, very wealthy.”

When he sets that bag down and moves to the other one you quickly dart over and grab it before he can.  The sudden movement makes him jolt.  You say, “Sorry I just…I haven’t looked in this one and…”

Your grip on the bag tightens, palm aching with the pressure.  You can’t find the words to explain to him what opening the bag would mean, what looking inside could take away.  With eyes scanning the floor of your tent you shake your head.

“No explanation necessary,” Gale tells you.  “I’m no stranger to the need for hope.”

You meet his soft hazel eyes.  Behind him the sun is just starting to dip towards the horizon.   

Graciously, Gale offers to move the conversation along to something lighter, like the imminent possibility of turning into a mind flayer.  You both leave your tent and sit on the rolls by the unlit campfire and once the sky begins to turn red Gale lights up the wood with a spell.  You’re not sure where Astarion has been all this time but you imagine he’s off bathing in the sun while he still can.  He only makes an appearance when the fire casts your shadows long across the ground, and Gale is finishing a story about the hijinx he and Tara got up to when he was young.

Though there’s still plenty of time until it’s truly night you feel exhaustion wash over you.  You wanted to wait up for the others to return but it’s nearly impossible to keep your eyes open, so you excuse yourself to your tent.  

“Goodnight Gale, Astarion,” you say.

“Sleep well,” Gale responds.

“Sweet dreams,” Astarion adds.  

When you take off your coat and boots, and tuck yourself into your bedroll you find a small pit of loneliness rise in your throat.  If you weren’t so tired you might have been able to focus on it, think about all the things you had to put aside today, but instead you fall into a dreamless sleep.

Taglist:

@half-poison-and-half-hope @sanscas @hotmesshobbit @godoffuckedupcats @thequeen-oni @terrenuserinj @straewberrysoda @theomnipotentfox @becksynthetic @quitecontrary-to-mary @furblrwurblr @mega-trash-cringe @fandomsbookclub @dontneedbiologytoadopt

[sinner-sunflower]

A HH Lucifer-centric AU 9/?

PART 1, PART 2, PART 3, PART 4, PART 5, PART 6, PART 7, PART 8, PART 10, PART 11, PART 12, PART 13, PART 14, PART 15, PART 16, PART 17, PART 18, PART 19, PART 20, PART 21, PART 22

Whew! Even though there's so much work later, I somehow wrote a kinda long one.

Also,

I have the major plot points down now. As for the ending, I saw a comic on twitter and will definitely take inspiration for it.

I'm very excited for this.

Will be reqriting this better after it's finished and MAYBE.. I'll have the confidence to post it on ao3.

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

Charlie doesn't dare to move even after her father left. She doesn't know how long she stayed kneeling on the ground, staring at the spot where her dad once was.

She can't stop her tears. Is this stress? No. Maybe it's the daddy issues Husk is always talking about.

She hurt her dad again. But he also caused her hurt first and-

Charlie: No! Oh my god. Do I really think that?

Lately, they are becoming each other's undoing. She knows she has the right to be angry, but ...

She can see that he's really trying. Doing everything she asks of him, fixing the hotel, staying at the hotel to help and support her, even getting along with Alastor - now that she thinks about it, what's up with her dad and Alastor?

That's how Vaggie found her- still on the ground, face adorned with dried tears tracks, and definitely deep in thought.

Vaggie: Sweetie? You okay?

Charlie: Vaggie

The dam broke and she was crying again. Charlie hugs her lover tight. Vaggie's shirt was getting wet from tears and snot but she just hugged back just as tightly.

Vaggie: What happened?

Charlie: D-dad.. he- he- wahhhhh

Vaggie: Is he okay? Did something happen? Did he.. did he do something to you?

Charlie: No, Vaggie! More like I did something to him! He was here, in our room, wanting to talk! But I-I-I was so happy. And then he said he was leaving and-and then he said I'll be handling pride and- I wahhh

Charlie didn't know how she had any more tears left to give. Just rethinking what just happened makes her even more miserable.

Vaggie: Wait, wait. Leaving? Why? Didn't he just got here and what about the thing in Sloth??

Charlie sniffs.

Charlie: He said it's related to it- that he needs to find something, no, someone. He didn't want to go without saying goodbye and I just.. exploded.

She nuzzles her face on the fallen angel's neck.

Charlie: I don't want to lose my dad, Vaggie.

Vaggie doesn't know what to say if she's being honest. She wants to be mad at Lucifer. Like, how could a parent who claims they adore their child amongst everything else abandon said child. Lucifer wasn't there when Charlie wouldn't get out of bed whenever her birthday came up, he wasn't there when Vaggie caught her staring at the family portrait full of wishful thinking, or when she cries calls out to her parents in her sleep, or-

But she can't. Because he's trying just like she was back then. They're both doing a little redemption on their own- it just happens to be for the same person.

So she understands. To hurt and to be hurt.

Vaggie: I haven't known your dad for very long, Charlie. But I can tell that... he cares. Yes, he's awkward, a bit socially inept, and has his own issues. But, there's one constant in everything he does.

Charlie: What's that?

Vaggie: You, dummy. He loves you more than anything. He probably made the deal with Heaven to spare Hellborns because of you, now that I think about it. My point is, there is no way in the seven rings of hell that he won't put you above everything.

Charlie is about to protest but Vaggie cuts her off.

Vaggie: Uh! He will. You know why?

Charlie: Why?

Vaggie: Because you're his daughter. It's just how parents are.

Vaggie pulls them both up and they gaze into each other's eyes lovingly.

Charlie: What would I do without you, Vaggie?

Vaggie: Still be your amazing self, I'm sure. I hope you guys resolve this, though. Maybe you could convince him to try other dating options. I don't like this whole thing going on with your dad and Alastor.

They laugh and share a kiss.

Her girlfriend was right. This is how her dad is. He's willing to be better for her.

I want to be better for him too.

....

Wait.

Charlie: What?!

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

What to look forward to in Part 10:

Lucifer in Sloth.

Going to Earth.

[allnightstay]

Day 19 - Tickle Fight! 💥

Summary: Naruto and Sasuke had been training, but the blonde decided to pull a move he thought would win the fight for sure. He might've been wrong...

Lee: Naruto, Sasuke

Ler: Sasuke, Naruto

Happy TickleTober! 🎃🪶 I hope you enjoy~

The training grounds were quiet, with only the rustling leaves and the sound of Naruto and Sasuke’s footwork breaking the stillness. They had been sparring for a good hour, each trying to one-up the other, as always. Naruto stood panting, hands on his knees, sweat trickling down his face.

"Giving up already?" Sasuke taunted, his usual smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Naruto shot back up, blue eyes flashing with determination. "You wish! I just-" He huffed for breath. "-need a minute to strategize!"

Sasuke scoffed, crossing his arms. "Right. Like you ever have a strategy."

But Naruto’s grin suddenly turned mischievous. "You know, Sasuke, I think I do have a plan now."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "Oh? And what stupid plan would that be?"

Naruto crouched, muscles tensing as if he were about to pounce. "Tickle jutsu!" he cried, launching himself at Sasuke with a wild grin.

Sasuke barely had time to dodge as Naruto tackled him to the ground. "What the...Naruto!" Sasuke snarled, struggling beneath him.

"Gotcha!!" Naruto grinned triumphantly as his fingers darted to Sasuke’s sides, wiggling them playfully along his ribs.

Sasuke twitched violently. "Hng- N-Naruto! Stop that!" he growled, but a small, involuntary gasp escaped his lips when Naruto hit just the right spot.

"No way!" Naruto grinned even wider, encouraged by Sasuke’s reaction. "You’re ticklish, aren’t you, Sasuke? I knew it!!" He upped his speed, attacking Sasuke’s ribs and stomach with merciless little pokes.

Sasuke thrashed, lips pressed into a tight line as if he refused to let any laughter escape. "Naruto-!" he warned, his voice dangerously low.

"Come on, just laugh already! You’re totally losing!" Naruto said, hands working furiously to keep up the tickling.

Sasuke’s patience snapped. "You idiot- ugh fine!"

In one swift movement, Sasuke flipped them over, pinning Naruto flat on his back. Naruto blinked up at him, startled.

"W-wait, what are you-"

But before he could react, Sasuke’s hands descended on him with precision, fingers expertly kneading into his sides.

"HAHAHA!! No! Sasuke, not you too! HahahaHAHAHA!!!" Naruto’s laugh burst out immediately, loud and wild as he squirmed beneath Sasuke.

Sasuke’s smirk deepened. "What’s wrong, Naruto? Can’t handle a little tickling?" His tone was calm, but there was a distinct glint of amusement in his dark eyes.

"NAHAHAHA OKAHAHAHAY! I’m—HAHA—I’m sorry!" Naruto gasped between bouts of uncontrollable laughter, kicking his legs wildly to no avail. Sasuke's grip was unrelenting, and every touch sent Naruto into new fits of giggles.

"You thought you’d win with this?" Sasuke said dryly, fingers now digging into Naruto’s ribs and hips, hitting every sensitive spot he could find. Naruto was ridiculously ticklish, and Sasuke made sure to exploit it fully.

"NOHOHO FAHAHAHAIR! You’re—HAHA—CHEATING!" Naruto howled, tears starting to form in the corners of his eyes from the nonstop laughter.

"Cheating?" Sasuke echoed with a scoff. "This was your idea, dummy."

Naruto could barely breathe, thrashing helplessly under Sasuke’s tickling assault. "I CAN’T—AAAHAHAhaha—Okay! OKAHAHAHAY!! You win! You win!"

Satisfied, Sasuke finally relented, sitting back and letting Naruto catch his breath. Naruto lay sprawled on the ground, gasping for air, a goofy grin plastered across his flushed face.

"You really thought you’d beat me with that?" Sasuke asked, shaking his head with a faint smirk.

Naruto propped himself up on his elbows, still grinning despite the defeat. "Hahaha... Okay, maybe it wasn’t my best plan."

"Obviously." Sasuke stood, brushing the dirt off his clothes. "Next time, try thinking a little harder before you do something so stupid."

Naruto gave him a cheeky grin. "Yeah, yeah... But you are ticklish, though. I’m totally telling Sakura."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "If you value your life, you won’t."

Naruto laughed, scrambling to his feet. "Gotta catch me first!"

And just like that, Naruto took off running, Sasuke hot on his heels. Their training may have turned into a tickle fight, but some things between them never changed.

[adalwolfgang]

helo. how about yandere once-ler/greed-ler x meowscarada reader?

for example, arrange everything in such a way that the reader first helps the Lorax to drive him out of the forest, and then it becomes all the same to her - for why repeat the same thing if the deed is done?

And I beg you PLEASE not in idiotic scenarios like: a yandere dummy killed, kidnapped and raped, but something original from you and what do you think.

I don't care that it will be a one-shot or a headcanon just from you)

I know russian, but I write with google translator lol

Onceler x Meowscarada!Reader head-canons

A/n:I’m sorry for the wait, school is ending soon and I’ve been busy! I use google translate sometimes as well haha! Anyways, since I’m not familiar with Pokémon I had to do some digging to get an idea of how to write you the reader so I hope this is sorta what you wanted and if not please let me know and I’ll try and adjust this!

Warnings: none I can really spot in this except once-ler and greed-ler are the same person. I don’t see the point of making them ‘different’

(Image found on Pinterest, I don’t own it)

This wasn’t what you had in mind when you agreed to help an old friend of yours. The Lorax.

Currently you were sitting by a truffula tree observing as barbaloots pick up this man’s bed and trying fitting in through his door. The Lorax explained his plan to you a day before, how he would put him in the river so he would float away. The Lorax didn’t like this man due to his habit of wanting to chop down all the trees.

The reason you were there was in case anything go out of hand. Like for example the barbaloots couldn’t lift the bed, or the man wakes up? Anything really, that the Lorax needed extra assistance with.

One day later..

The Lorax’s plan didn’t go as well as he thought it would. A young barbaloot was still on the bed as it drifted down stream. Luckily you saved both the barbaloot and the man since the current accidentally pushed them into the rapids where the waterfall was.

After that night of you saving him, the man you now know as ‘once-ler’ kept trying to talk to you. Problem being everytime he tried to make conversation, you would disappear if he just blinked. At first it freaked him out but he soon got used to it and tried to find ways to get you to stay around longer.

The Lorax kept getting frustrated with the once-ler. Even after all his warnings and tricks. Then when he noticed bean-pole trying to make conversation with you, that really made him mad. He didn’t want you falling for this idiots charms and advances so he tried to keep you away from him as much as he could.

Greedler era..

This was bad. Really bad.

The once-ler was losing it with greed. It got so bad to the point where you and the rest of the animals living in the truffula forest started calling him greedler.

You and the Lorax tried warning him but he wouldn’t listen. He even offered you a position. One you couldn’t refuse. Stay by his side.

“How about it? I’m the richest man alive! I’m making millions everyday! I can get you anything you could ever want!”

It scared you how much he changed in such a short time. You missed the old once-ler. But after trying to change his mind for so long, you started giving in.

What was the point? He obviously wasn’t planning on changing his ways anytime soon. All the truffula trees kept lowering in numbers. You felt hopeless in the situation.

After awhile of staying with the once-ler after finally agreeing to his proposition, you stopped trying. There wasn’t no point. It wasn’t as bad though either. He treated you like a goddess. Pampering you with gifts and trying best to his ability to make time for you. Which brings you to your current state.

“Don’t ever leave me. Please..” he would say as he cuddled close to you in bed. He almost sounded like his old self when it was late and you two would be cuddled into each other. Until the sun rose and he had to get back to work that is.

I hope this was close to what you wanted! 🫶

[fierce-deity-bgg]

How about legend and four with a reader who is seen by others as a boy because of his haircut? Like they cut it when they were in guard training or whatever from their hyrule, and the boys see the girls trying to flirt, without knowing that it's not a man? Feel free, just a stupid idea

Four and legand x kinda masc F! Reader / gender-fluid 

OMGGGGGG first of all I just wanna say thank you for this request I never thought that I would get a request from one of my fav story makers!! BTW LOV YOUR DARK LINK STUFF :D 

(Reader is going to be mostly like shuri from black panther movies and a bit non cannon reactions from characters😔)

Btw sorry this took so long seasonal depression hit me like a truck over the past few weeks:

~~~

Only just yesterday you finally decided it was time to cut your hair after a while of letting it grow all the way down to your waist. When you finally came out of the inn you and the chain were staying at for a while in gerudo town in wilds world you were almost unrecognizable at first. The only reason they actually knew it was you is because twi sniffed your sent from a mile way.

Wind: “wow I almost didn’t recognize them at first!” 😦

Time: “I don’t think any of us did wind.”

Four: “well he’s got a point- uh… and thei r gone.”

Legand: “great..”

You literally just dashed out of there going to the up draft before taking off the go find riju and hopefully train with her for a while. You eventually found her in north gerudo ruins training on dummies again and you both agreed to battle each other for a bit of training. Little did you know that four and legand were looking for you in gerudo town thinking you’ll be there.. 

(Yeah I’m doing a lot of time skips because I’m getting a mind grain😬)

—————————

After around 3-4 hours of training with ruji (Btw ruji was the only one that recognized you straight away) you both decided to head to the town hoping the see the chain their already and only after the first few minutes of you both walking into town you started getting stairs and people whispering..

“Did ruji let in an another voe already?”

“Most likely but he’s cute in my opinion.”

Once you heard the vais say that you started giving ruji a side eye like your telling her “let’s bounce” but before you could even take another step a group of vai walked up to you and started commenting how you looked or how strong you were (not like they knew) 

While the crowd was just getting larger and ruji was just trying to get you away from there you saw four and legend, and legend looked like he was about to beat the shit out of someone but he somehow kept his composer dragging you out of there in a instant with four watching

“You vai know that’s a female right?”

Four yelled into the crowd making everyone but ruji stunned as they were both pulling you back to the chain

“Never again..”

They both said almost in sync while you just nodded

“Fine fine… bozos-“

“Hey!”

~~~~~

Ye so uh that’s the end I might make a part two after Christmas but ye- 

Requests are still open and I’m posting my ais on here so wait up for that and pokepasta stufffffff 

BTW STILL LOVE UR STORIES AND THANKS FOR THE REQUEST😁

[pinchofhoney]

Hello again!💕 could I request Model! Y/N again with Ben Barnes with prompts:

7. “all i can think about is kissing you when i shouldn’t. you aren’t mine”

9. “how much longer are you going to hide your feelings for me, dummy?”

plot idea: before they dated: they’re longtime friends living in LA and both of them are in a party with friends, both of them are oblivious that they’ve have feelings for each other until one of Y/N friend’s from the runway industry starts making moves on her and Ben gets jealous and accidentally lets it slip that he has feelings for her when they’re alone together and a kiss 😳❤️ I like it to be mostly fluffy with a bit of angst😔

I cant wait to see what you do with this xxx😙❤️

where it all began # 200 follower special event

» prompt event » special events masterlist

gif is not mine, credit to the owner

ben barnes x model!reader

word count: 2.9k

warning: jealousy, fluff with a little bit of angst

summary: It's ironic how after concealing them for so long, feelings can be revealed in just one evening.

a/n: hello, hello!!<33 i'm sorry you had to wait so long, but here we go! i'm not confident about this story, because i don't think i can imagine a jealous ben, but i hope you will be satisfied. thank you for your request!!<3

pages that may interest you: masterlist ♡ taglist ♡ who i write for

taglist: @wolfmoonmusic @alexxavicry @danelhi @lonelywitchv2

Was there anything better than living not even a minute away from your friend? No. Definitely not.

Living across the street from your best friend, Ben, was like a dream come true. You had been close friends for almost a decade, and when it turned out that by moving to this neighborhood you would have Ben at your fingertips, you felt like the luckiest person in the world.

It was a bond that went beyond just friendship. You were like family to each other. You knew that if you ever needed anything, Ben would be right there, ready to offer his help and support. And the same went for him.

You would spend hours chatting on your front porches, sipping iced coffee and laughing until your stomachs hurt. You talked about everything, from the mundane details of your day to your deepest hopes and fears. There was never a dull moment when you were together.

Borrowing each other's clothes was a common occurrence. You loved how you could raid Ben's closet for a cozy sweater or a pair of comfy sweatpants, and he was always happy to lend you whatever you needed. You even had a running joke that you were secretly sharing a wardrobe, since you had so many items that seemed to belong to both of you.

But it wasn't just about the material things. You knew each other's routines, moods, and quirks inside and out. You could tell just by looking at each other if something was bothering the other person, and you always knew just what to say to make things better.

You even had the keys to each other's homes, so you could take care of each other's places when one of you had to leave city for an extended period of time. It was a sign of the trust and respect you had for each other.

But today your biggest concern was getting ready to go out.

As the sun began to set, you paced back and forth in front of your closet, feeling the pressure of finding the perfect outfit for the party you were going with Ben at your friend's house. You had spent the better part of the afternoon rifling through your wardrobe, trying on outfit after outfit, but nothing seemed to feel right.

You pulled out a sparkly dress and held it up to your body, admiring the way it shimmered in the light. But then you remembered how uncomfortable it was to wear and how you didn't want to be fidgeting with it all night. You discarded it on your bed.

Next, you picked up a pair of jeans and a cute blouse, thinking that maybe casual was the way to go. But when you tried them on, they just didn't seem to fit right. The jeans were too tight around your hips and the blouse was too baggy in the wrong places. You groaned in frustration and threw them onto the pile of clothes on your bed.

You took a deep breath and tried to calm yourself down. You knew it wasn't a big deal, but you couldn't help feeling a bit nervous. This was just a party, after all. You didn't need to stress about what you were wearing. But as much as you tried to convince yourself of that, you couldn't shake the feeling that you wanted to look good.

You scanned through your clothes once again and finally landed on a long, flowing skirt and a simple tank top. You paired it with some strappy sandals and stood in front of the mirror. It was a comfortable outfit, but was it too plain? Would you stand out among the other guests? You couldn't tell.

You sighed and flopped down on your bed, staring up at the ceiling. Maybe you were overthinking this. Maybe it didn't matter what you wore. But you couldn't help but feel like it did matter. You wanted to make a good impression on Ben and look your best in front of him, without giving away the fact that you had feelings for him.

After a few minutes of deep thought, you stood up and walked back to you closet. You took a deep breath, closed your eyes, and picked out a cute white sundress. Your favorite. You slipped it on and twirled around in front of the mirror, admiring the way it flowed around your body. Maybe it was a bit boring, but you loved it and Ben liked this dress too.

As you were lost in your thoughts, you didn't even notice the time passing by. That's when Ben's sudden voice rang out from the bottom of the stairs, informing you that you were running late and had to leave now.

You let out a small yelp of surprise and rushed down the stairs, nearly tripping over your own feet in the process. “I'm coming, I'm coming!” you called out. Struggling to keep pace, you hurriedly made your way out of the door, desperately trying to avoid being left behind, as Ben was already waiting outside.

As you stepped out onto the front porch, the rough texture of the doormat beneath your bare feet made you realize that you had forgotten to put on your shoes. You let out an annoyed groan and hurried back inside, taking care not to trip again, this time on the polished wooden floor. The last thing you wanted was to fall flat on your face and ruin your chance to hang out with Ben.

You quickly slipped on your favorite pair of sneakers, knowing that keeping up with Ben's fast pace and dancing on the party would require comfortable footwear. You didn't want to risk blisters or sore feet this night. After all, you had spent enough time walking around in high heels on the catwalk to know that looking good was important, but comfort was even more important.

With your sneakers securely on your feet, you raced back out onto the porch, eager to catch up with Ben and start the night's adventure.

“Sorry, sorry, sorry,” you panted. “I couldn't decide what to wear.”

Ben chuckled and gave you a quick look. “Well, you look great in anything, so no need to stress,” he said, making you feel a little bit shy.

You let out a breathless laugh, feeling your heart racing at his compliment. You couldn't help but notice the twinkle in his eyes, the way his lips curled up into a smile, and the slight flush on his cheeks that always appeared when he was around you. It was as if he knew exactly how to make your heart skip a beat.

“You're not looking too shabby yourself,” you replied, trying to mirror his teasing attitude.

Ben grinned, the playful glint in his eyes making your stomach do somersaults. “Why, thank you, kind lady. I do try to look my best,” he joked, making you laugh.

As you and Ben made your way towards the door, he naturally put his arm around your waist. Your friends often teased you both about acting like an old married couple due to living so close to each other, but this gesture felt different. When his touch met your skin, you felt a jolt of electricity run through your body. You tried to shrug it off, attributing it to just nerves, but deep down, you knew there was something more there. Despite being friends for years, lately, you couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something different between you two.

The party was just a short walk away, but it felt like an eternity and even talking did not make the time go any faster. You could smell the scent of his cologne and feel the warmth of his body next to yours. You wanted to stay in that moment forever, but soon enough, you arrived at the house and the party was in full swing.

The moment you stepped inside, the thumping bass of the music hit you hard, signaling that this party was going to be wild. Your friend had promised it would be a small gathering, but it was clear that he had underestimated the turnout. The air was heavy with the scents of alcohol, perfume, and sweat, making it hard to breathe. You looked over to Ben, hoping to find some comfort in his presence, but he was quickly whisked away by his closest friend into the sea of people.

Despite the chaos around you, there was a sense of familiarity that brought a wave of nostalgia. It reminded you of your college days when you went to parties like this every week. Memories flooded back, and you couldn't help but smile.

As you weaved through the crowd, you felt the occasional brush of someone's hand against yours or the whiff of someone's cigarette smoke. It was overwhelming but exciting at the same time.

Eventually, you made it to the kitchen, where the crowd was a little thinner. You poured yourself a drink and turned around, only to find your friend from the fashion shows walking towards you with a drink in his hand. His eyes lit up when he saw you and you couldn't help but feel a little flutter in your chest as he closed you in a tight hug, being careful not to spill your drinks. You can't remember the last time you saw each other off the runway.

“Well, well, well, look who it is. The most beautiful woman in the room,” he said, his voice laced with flirtatious charm.

You rolled your eyes and laughed, knowing this was just his usual banter. “Oh, please, you're just trying to butter me up,” you replied, playing along with his teasing. “Hi, Josh.”

He grinned, showing off his perfect smile. “Maybe I am. But can you blame me? You look absolutely gorgeous tonight,” he said, his eyes twinkling with admiration.

You couldn't help but giggle at his flattery, feeling your nerves settling down in the crowded party. "Well, thank you," you said, taking a sip of your drink. “I guess I can't blame you for having eyes, right?”

Josh chuckled, leaning in closer to your ear. “You know, I've been meaning to ask you something since it's been a while since we've seen each other,” he said, mischief in his voice.

Curiosity piqued and you raised an eyebrow. “Oh, really? What's that?”

“Are you seeing anyone?”

You felt your eyes widen, surprised, by his sudden question. You slowly shook your head. “No, not at the moment,” you replied, trying to keep your casual tone. The truth was that you wished you had a different answer.

“Good to know,” Josh said, smiling warmly at you. “Because I was hoping to steal you away for a dance.”

You grinned and shrugged your shoulders. “I don't see why not.”

Josh's hand felt warm against yours as he led you onto the dance floor, and your heart was racing with excitement. As soon as the music began, he pulled you close, and you felt his breath on your neck. You couldn't help but feel a little giddy at his attention, but at the same time, your mind kept drifting to Ben and how you wished it was him dancing with you now.

Despite your inner turmoil, you tried to focus on the present. The beat of the music pulsed through your body as Josh pulled you closer, and you felt a rush of heat rise to your cheeks. He wrapped his arms around your waist, and you could feel the muscles in his chest and arms tense as he swayed to the rhythm.

He was such an incredible dancer, moving with the beat effortlessly, and you followed his lead, feeling yourself getting lost in the moment. He made you laugh with his witty remarks and teasing comments, and you couldn't help but feel drawn to him.

But then, out of the corner of your eye, you saw Ben watching you from across the room. His jaw was clenched tight, and his dark eyes bore into you, making you feel uneasy. You tried to ignore him and focus on Josh, but the feeling of Ben's eyes on you was suffocating.

As the final notes of the song faded away, Josh's breath tickled your ear, making your heart race. “I think your boyfriend is getting jealous,” he whispered with a smirk, his eyes glinting mischievously. You furrowed your eyebrows slightly at the comment, unsure how to respond.

Before you could say anything, however, Ben appeared by your side, his eyes fixed on Josh. “Mind if I cut in?” he asked, his voice laced with tension.

Josh shrugged nonchalantly, taking a step back. “Be my guest,” he said, his smirk growing wider.

As soon as Josh was out of earshot, Ben grabbed your hand roughly and led you away from the dance floor. His grip was strong, almost possessive, but you couldn't deny the thrill that shot through you. You allowed him to lead you out of the crowded room and into the dimly lit hallway, where the sounds of the music faded away into the background.

You tried to speak, but his steely glare stopped you in your tracks. The tension between you was palpable, and you could feel your heart beating fast in your chest. He stopped abruptly and spun you around to face him, his grip still tight on your hand.

Ben's eyes narrowed as he glared at you, the fiery intensity of his gaze making your heart race faster. You had never seen him like this before; in all the time you had known him, he had never once been angry with you. His voice was low and rough as he spoke, his anger barely contained. “What the hell was that? You were practically all over that guy!” he accused.

Your heart sank at the accusation, feeling hurt and betrayed by his words. “All over him? We were just dancing, Ben,” you protested, your voice tinged with desperation. You hoped to make him see reason, to make him understand that there was nothing going on between you and Josh. “Don't forget that we're just friends,” you added, trying to remind him of the boundaries of your relationship.

But Ben was too far gone in his jealousy to listen. “I saw the way he was looking at you,” he spat out, his words laced with venom. “And the way you were looking at him. I don't like it, Y/N. I don't like it one bit.”

A silence fell between the two of you, and you stared into his eyes, searching for a clue as to what you should say next. The tension in the air was palpable, and you could feel the weight of his emotions bearing down on you.

Finally, he let out a deep breath, as if trying to calm himself down. He let go of your hand, taking a step back from you. “I know I have no right to be jealous, Y/N. I know we're just friends. But I can't help the way I feel. All I can think about is kissing you when I shouldn't. You aren't mine,” he said, his voice trailed off, and you could see the hurt and frustration etched into his face.

“I can be, just say you want it,” you replied impulsively, before you could stop yourself.

Ben looked at you in surprise, not believing what he had just heard. “What?” he asked, his eyes widening in shock.

You took a step closer to him, feeling bolder than ever. “I said, I can be yours. If you want me,” you repeated, your eyes locking onto his. “How much longer are you going to hide your feelings for me, dummy?”

Ben's surprise slowly turned into a smile, and he took a step closer to you, his hand reaching up to cup your face. “I've been hiding them for far too long, Y/N,” he said, his voice full of warmth. “I want you. I want to be with you.”

He leaned in, his lips meeting yours in a gentle kiss. It was hesitant at first, as if he couldn't believe that this was actually happening. But soon it became more passionate, as if he was trying to make up for all the time he had spent denying his feelings for you. You wrapped your arms around Ben's neck, holding him close as you kissed him back with equal fervor.

As the kiss deepened, you felt a sense of completeness wash over you. This was what you had been waiting for, what you had been hoping for, for so long. And now it was finally happening.

As you both pulled away, you looked up at him, your eyes shining with happiness. Ben smiled at you, his hand still cupping your face. “I can't believe it took us so long to get here,” he said, his voice filled with wonder.

You laughed, feeling a weight lifted off your shoulders. “Better late than never, right?” you replied, feeling giddy with excitement.

Ben pulled you into a tight hug, and you rested your head against his chest, feeling his heartbeat against your ear. “I'm never letting you go,” he whispered, placing a kiss on the top of your head.

You smiled, feeling content. “Good, because I'm not going anywhere,” you replied, feeling as if everything was finally falling into place.

[shadowfalllen]

For the Tav ask:

1, 2 and 8 :)

Hi there eldritchelf and thank you for the questions! ❤️ 1. What would your Tav’s greetings be (at different levels of approval)?

Negative approval: "Whatever it is, make it short."

Neutral approval: "Here to discuss strategy?"

High approval: "Good day! Should we take a look at our plans?"

Exceptional approval: "Nice to see you, I hope you've been well."

Romantic (dating): "Oh, hi there." [shyly]

Romantic (together properly): "You always brighten up even the darkest of days, love." 2. Describe their tent setup! What’s on the outside? The inside?

Tav's tent would be simple in design, but deep burgundy in color. Outside, she'd have a training dummy like Lae'zel has, but instead looking like a mind flayer, it would be made of wood with a bucket for a head. The dummy would be used to practice fencing moves. There would also be a small round table with two chairs, a deck of cards, and some dice on the table, inviting other party members to play. Inside, the setup would be minimalistic—a sleeping bag with an extra pillow for comfort, and maybe an additional blanket (I can easily imagine Tav nestling into some pillows and blankets). 8. After Act 3, what does their life look like? What are they talking about at the reunion party?

Earlier I answered the question about different routes, what a bad ending and a good ending would look like to my Tav.

"Bad Ending" Tav's life would be ruling over the underbelly of Baldur's Gate as the new leader of the Guild, slowly turning into a tyrant, the very thing she despised in her former life. In the reunion party she would talk about how great things are and how she's turning around things in the guild, but the stuff she says are clearly dark and her personality has also taken a darker and more selfish turn. If the player was in relationship with Tav, it's clear the relationship has grown more distant and it doesn't have the same warmth anymore.

"Good Ending" Tav's life has been leaving her rogue days behind, pursuing honest work, getting a proper home for herself and stability for the first time in her life. In the epilogue, Tav talks about how exciting having a place to call their own is and to decorate etc. but also the struggles to settle in the world as a law abiding citizen, after doing thiefing and other shady business for so long. If the player is in a relationship with the Tav, there probably is some domestic musings and while Tav is happy to see everyone in the reunion, she's also eager to get back home with her lover.

BONUS: How my Tav's life looked like after act 3 but before the events of To Defy The Gods?

Tav was lost after the events of Act 3. The tadfools were her first true found family and everyone separating and going on their ways was hard for her. It left her adrift. She also regretted not being able to help Shadowheart out of Shar's grasp. Tav mourned the relationship she imagined she and Shadowheart could have had if Shadowheart wasn't still in Shar's service. Instead Tav clutched onto any scraps she could have with Shadowheart, hurting herself over and over again each time they had to part. Tav's time was spent waiting for the next time they would meet and she was unable to entertain finding someone who was completely available. She was also unable to entertain thoughts of building a home and stable life for herself and she kept doing shady business and moving from place to place, only to return to Baldur's Gate occasionally to meet with Shadowheart.

[genork-the-fandork]

Cavalry

Word Count: 644 Prompt: Second Year A/N: Although the prompt is mainly a reference to Our War Game, I played with the story we're told in 02 - that is, the day the Chosen gave up the power of their Crests. I like playing with Hikari and Takeru's way of being part of and yet separate from the 01 cast in that they're very different. Not in a bad way! But in a very excellent one. @takariweek

Hikari and Takeru had had a silent agreement ever since they first met—whatever happened, they would stick together. If all else failed within this tightly knit group of Chosen, they would have each other. Hand in hand and side by side, they would defend the Digital World and Earth. Or, less seriously, they would tuck themselves away while the older kids talked about older kids things. They had more important things to talk about.

They had been summoned back to the Digital World for some mysterious purpose. Supposedly, they would find out more when they got there. Koushiro and Taichi were working out the strategy for how to get there while the others offered their own suggestions. Takeru and Hikari, however, sat apart from the others, waiting. Though they were certainly mature enough to join the "big kids" discussion, they often chose not to. It was pointless, Hikari had pointed out. Even when their brothers did listen, they did not truly hear them. So concerned were Taichi and Yamato with their safety that it would take a miracle to trust them with their ideas.

Not that Takeru was particularly bitter about this. Neither was Hikari. They preferred each other's company, where they could come up with a failsafe plan, should anything go awry. Like knights, or angel knights, as Hikari teased, they were the cavalry, ready to swoop in and save everyone at the last possible second. What were Angemon and Angewomon for, if not to make dire circumstances go away?

"So Yamato just—went into the computer?" Hikari whispered, leaning forward in such a way that her hair fell over her face.

Takeru wanted to say he could remember it clearly, but his memory was unreliable in this fact. One moment, his brother had been beside him, and the next, it was as if he was watching a movie on the screen, featuring Yamato and Taichi. Even Koushiro couldn't say for sure what he'd seen. The scene had filled Takeru with a sense of wonder and fear all at once, and he hoped never again to experience that feeling. "Yeah," he said, staring down at his hands. "He sure does have a close bond with Gabumon, huh?"

Hikari's hands folded on top of his, and he glanced up at his friend's smiling brown eyes. Well, some days they looked more amber than the chocolate brown of her brother's, but that was a secret Takeru kept locked away. If he let slip such a thought, she would surely tease him. Even if it would make her smile. "We all have close bonds with the Digimon," his friend gently reminded him. "I don't think they can beat our bonds by a landslide." Hiding her mouth behind her hand, as if that would prevent Taichi or Yamato from hearing, she added, "They need a little extra help—you know, because they're dummies."

The giggle that erupted out of Takeru was a bit loud, and he caught his brother glancing over his shoulder at them. Blue irises, so like his own, zeroed in on their joined hands. A slight smirk climbed up Yamato's face as he turned back to the others, but Takeru could feel the heat that expression had induced. Before he could take his hands away, however, Hikari squeezed them. He looked to her, seeing that her own face was a bright shade of pink. For a moment, they stared at each other. Then they laughed, still holding fast to each other's hands.

Neither they nor the others saw it, but their Crests briefly appeared in a flash of light on the spots over their hearts. It would be the last time the power of Hope and Light would be theirs to hold, for the Digital World had more need for it than they. Yet in this moment, it was all theirs, and it tied them together.

[butgilinsky]

seizing the moment // jo

warning; mutual pining and two dummies that can't get it together, fluff, i probably cursed at some point bc it's me

summary; The winter season is lonely without anyone to wake up beside. It's also the time where friends realize they might be lovers after all.

word count; 3k+

this is for @antoineroussel 's winter fic exchange! I'm sorry it's so late but I hope you like it @typical-simplelove <3 it only has the smallest bit of angst since it's mutual pining but I promise I gave you a happy ending

The longer you sat on the sofa, the more you wanted to leave. The cushions were comfortable enough but being tucked in the corner of a couch filled with people happily chatting beside you was deafening. Nobody was speaking to you and to be fair, you weren’t engaging in any coverations. It’s exactly how you saw the night being panned out; the exact reason you gave to your roommate when she begged you to come. These were her friends and while you knew a few of their names, you were sick of hearing them all talk about work and school. 

It was no secret that you were going through a rough patch. Brought on by the many wonders that life throws at you, the year was turning out to be a major disappointment. Your room that would normally be lined with tinsel with a tall tree tucked in the corner stood barren. The clothes scattered across the floor was a reflection of your brain that never seemed to stop. Being the first winter without your family was hard, and while Amber thought she was doing you a favor by dragging you out, she was doing the opposite. 

After promising you to stick by your side as much as she could possibly manage, she disappeared within the first few minutes of you being here. Getting out was the only goal at this point. Getting off of this sofa and into your own bed. 

The sound of the door opening and shutting was muffled by the endless conversations happening throughout the room. Your focus was set on the end of the hallway that led to the door, anxiously waiting for your saving grace. 

When he walked in your eyes lit up, feet practically propelling you off of the couch and over to him. He saw you just a moment after you had but he’s quick to welcome you into his embrace. His arms wrap around you naturally and you’re enveloped in the warmth that is Jamie. He was your favorite blanket every day of the year and he was proud to be so. 

“You okay?” All it takes is a quick nod from you and he’s heading back towards the same door he entered through, this time with your hand in his. You don’t bother to tell Amber goodbye, seeing as she hadn’t bothered to stay with you longer than it would’ve taken her to find the restroom. Jamie doesn’t question where she is or even look for her as he beelines for the door. 

It’s not until he’s pressed the button to the elevator that you let out a deep breath. He looks at you with his soft eyes before wrapping you in his arms once again. The silence is comforting, something you’re used to with Jamie. In all of your years of knowing him you’d never recalled an awkward silence between the two of you. Even sitting across awkward family dinner tables together, you managed to crack smiles and nudge each other out of sight from any angry relatives. 

Jamie had been your best friend for longer than you could remember. He was the one that walked you home from school until your parents rounded up the money to buy you a car. School dances were always attended together, hand in hand. When your boyfriend broke up with you because he didn’t want to be “held down in college” Jamie was the one that showed up on his doorstep and told him what an idiot he was. It was always the two of you, no questions asked. Regardless of how many times people asked if there was anything beneath the surface, the answer was always the same. 

We’re just friends. 

It stung every time. Any time he dropped you off and walked you all the way to the door, coming inside to greet your parents more often than not, your lips burned in anticipation. You waited for the day he ducked his head down just enough to press his lips against yours. Kissing Jamie was everything you wanted and more. More so because of what it meant for the two of you. 

Being with your best friend in every way you wanted to be would’ve been every dream come true. Waking up beside him and cooking meals together was something you’d thought about for years. Holidays were already spent together, you already knew practically everything about each other, and there was no earthly way you’d ever grow sick of Jamie Oleksiak. 

Throughout the years you’d seen him fall in love. It was painful for you, hearing all of the wonderful things he said about every girl he liked. His feelings were so pure, and his words were strung together so beautifully. It was no secret that it was an honor to be loved by this man. Any eyelash and coin tossed down a well had the same wish wrapped around it. 

As long as he was happy. 

That’s what kept you going. After all this time and all the things you’ve felt, it was his happiness that kept you grounded. If he was happy with whatever her name was, then so be it. They were nice most of the time, and so it wasn’t so hard to put up with them. If they made him happy then they could stay the remainder of their trip. 

It never lasted long though. Jamie gave them a year, maybe two if they were lucky. Long enough to impact you but not long enough for Jamie to mourn them too terribly. He seemed to move on quickly, quicker than you expected him to the first few times. You figured it was just his way of getting back to himself and starting over. 

There hadn’t been a day that he’d known you that he hadn’t felt overwhelming love for you. Holding you as closely as possibly was important but he was afraid to grab on too tightly. What if he broke you? What if he pulled you too close and you pushed him away? He wasn’t sure he could handle rejection from you. Girls in a bar that he didn’t even know the name of had no impact on his ego. Shrugging them off was as easy as skating to him. 

You were different. You were everything. He couldn’t get you close enough in his eyes. He hated that you were going through this tough time. Your parents had always made the trip out to Seattle to see you during the holidays, or managed for you to get to them back home. They blindsided you with their newfound love for holiday vacations. Flying across the world in December seemed merry to them while it left you in the wake of a messy room. 

So he stayed close. He didn’t go home even on his time off and he made sure to keep his phone on him at all times. Nights like these made him grateful for doing so. It only took him two minutes to respond to your SOS. He picked you up seven minutes later. 

Before you knew it you were sitting in the middle of a parking lot. To what, you were unsure of. The look Jamie gave you was everything you needed to know though. There was no way he could look at you with eyes that soft and a smile that pure if he was taking you somewhere bad. So you climbed out of the car without questioning it and let him lead the way. 

The sight of ice sent a chill down your spine. The involuntary whine that escaped your lips brought a laugh out of Jamie. The sound covered you in goosebumps but you quickly ignored the aching feelings and wondered what size skate you were supposed to get. 

“You know I can’t skate.” The look of mischief in his eyes had you rolling. 

“I know that. That’s why we’re here.” It doesn’t make sense to you how those two things line up but you’re not sure how to dispute the joy seeping out of him right now. So you tuck your complaints into your pocket and let Jamie order both of you skates. 

It doesn't take even a minute of you trying to tie your laces for Jamie to swat at your hand and kneel down in front of you. Your hands grab onto his shoulders for leverage as he yanks and ties quicker than you can tie your tennis shoes. The warmth comes back when he finishes the first one and grabs your calf gently. He taps lightly and when you switch and present your other foot he hums out in approval. 

You're lost again in a mess of thoughts about a life with Jamie. Frosting cookies with various colors and images that definitely don’t turn out how they’re intended. Waking up at an all too early hour to watch him open gifts you’d been excited about for weeks. Your dogs would be on a constant playdate, never having to leave one another ever again. 

His hand is warm in yours despite him dragging you into an ice rink. All heat seemed to rush to your hands, focused on the physical connection between the two of you. It switches to both hands when he pins around effortlessly to give you ample support. 

Fear creeps deep in your chest then as you hope and wish on everything that you’ll stay up on your feet. The embarrassment of wiping out in front of Jamie would be hard to recover from. You could picture the goofy smile he’d wear while clutching his abdomen as he laughed way too hard at your misstep. The embarrassment would eventually drown in the beauty of his smile and the melody of his laugh that you can’t seem to get enough of. Anything to make him smile like that. Part of you wonders if you should stumble on purpose. 

Jamie’s holding onto your hands for dear life as he can sense your fear grumbling inside of you. He watches your eyes lock onto your feet despite him telling you not to. Words of affirmation and soft laughs aren’t enough to get you to look up at him as you worry your feet will fly out from underneath you. 

“If you look at me you won’t fall. I promise.” his voice rings in your ears, soft and sweet like a freshly baked cookie. The thought makes your stomach turn in hunger but you push past it. You’re not voluntarily letting go of Jamie’s hands anytime soon. 

Skating’s never been your strong suit. Balance wasn’t your forte and staring at your unstable feet was the only thing you could do for the first ten minutes on the ice. Standing on razor blades and walking - well not actually walking, it’s more like gliding - was not something you did everyday if the week like Jamie. He was practically born in hockey skates with a chipped tooth smile. 

Holding onto Jamie’s hands was the only thing that got you through it. The winter chill froze your nose to an aching point but your hands felt so warm in his. His gentle pokes and prods telling you ways to get better felt like a blanket fresh out of the dryer. The look he gave you when your eyes finally detached from your feet and traveled up to his was gut wrenching. 

It was a look you’d known all too well. It was the same look he gave you when you failed your driving test for the first time, and the same one you got when he heard the news of you getting accepted into your dream school. Jamie’s eyes bore into you like they were the key to a heavily locked gate. 

He never knew why you opened up so easily with him. For the longest time he assumed it was out of habit. You’d known each other for years, too many to count at this point. Nobody knew one of you without knowing the other. It was always the two of you, never just one. 

Secretly, both of you liked it that way. 

Longing looks and aching hearts were all there was to show for it. Jamie never made a move and you wouldn’t say something until you were sure there was something to be said back. Risking this was a game you didn’t want to play. 

Despite how warm his hands felt and how easily his eyes sank into you, you swallowed that love and adoration and shoved a sheepish smile to the surface. He didn’t say anything about it, never does, and the routine started again. 

Normal conversation blanketed over the two of you for the remainder of your time at the rink. He opened and closed the door for you and let you choose the music on the car ride home. You noticed he took the long way to your place and he thanked you silently for never mentioning it. 

The night ended with a gentle kiss to the top of your head, nothing you hadn’t experienced before, and a simple goodnight. The clock ticks were a painful reminder of every moment you missed with him, every moment you missed him. Being left alone makes you realize just how much you wished you could get over that stupid fear. 

Jamie spends his entire ride home regretting the missed moment: the moment he’s dreamed of your entire friendship. He walked you all the way up to the door and held your head in his hands. His eyes lingered on your lips while his mind raced tenfold. The thoughts ran so fast he could hardly keep track of them and by the time he came back down to Earth, he was kissing the top of your head instead of your lips. 

It’d be so easy, he thinks. Everything is easy with you, except this. This is harder than he could’ve ever imagined. One wrong move and everything could come crumbling down. 

That’s why he doesn't push it. When he finally caved in and let’s you push him into building a gingerbread house, the moment’s there. Even when your fifth attempt fails and you look up at him with sad eyes and a pouty lip. He thinks about how he could kiss the frown away, he could take your mind off of the gingerbread pieces that would surely break any moment. 

But what if you pushed him away? 

The moments there when you’re standing at a bar waiting for drinks and he slinks his arm around you. His teammates are watching and take bets on if you even notice the way you fall into his side so easily. The moment is there when your shoulders deflate in defeat and you look up at him for help. Instead he just nods at you gently and uses his height to his advantage. 

Moments come and pass as they have for years. Jamie hardly thinks much of it, he’s been coping with it for years. He has no idea you’re catching onto these moments, that you’re pining for everything he is and more. 

After watching your best friend land the sloppiest grin-filled kiss on her boyfriend of three years your stomach turns and you can hardly take it anymore. Jamie’s not there and you can think of a million reasons why you wish he was. 

The moment finally comes around again after a long night with friends. Jamie’s teammates and their loved ones, your friends from school that have found their way into this rather large group. It’s a night filled with laughter and stories from so many people you can hardly remember any of them. The entire way home, the night leaves you. You don’t think of dinner or who was there, rather just the way Jamie’s hand feels on your thigh.

It’s like he doesn’t notice it’s there. He drums his fingers lightly to the beat of the radio. Every tap brings goosebumps to your skin as you just hope with every fiber of your being that tonight is the night Jamie realizes what’s in front of him. 

The walk up to your place is longer than it normally is and the elevator ride is painfully quiet. Jamie hangs his head the whole way down the hallway. He doesn’t say anything until you reach the door and it sends your heart down to your feet. 

“See you tomorrow?” You nod weakly. He will in fact see you tomorrow, but you wish he had said almost anything else. 

“Yeah.” he nods once and moves closer to you. You give yourself false hope and allow your heart rate to pick up, only to feel a warmth on your forehead. 

You’re warm but not enough. There’s something missing in the motion and it’s not until Jamie’s halfway down the hallway that you speak. 

“Jamie.” He turns on his heels and looks at you with a questioning gaze. He knows nothings wrong because of the tone you’re using, but he also knows there’s a severity to it. “Why haven’t you kissed me yet?” 

It’s his heart that sinks now as his words get caught in his throat. What’d you just say? Surely you didn’t just say that. 

Right? 

“I- I didn’t know you wanted me to.” It’s entirely not the right thing to say, it’s not even what he wanted to say but his heart’s in the floor and his brain flew out the window ages ago. 

“Of course I do. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

There’s a beat of hesitation - that’s what you think it is at least. Jamie’s not hesitating but rather replaying your words in his brain to fully convince himself that you truly said them. 

One more time and he nods gently to himself before taking as little strides as it takes to reach you. His hands find your cheeks faster than they ever have before and his lips are on yours in no time. It quite literally knocks the wind out of you but you can’t seem to do anything but kiss back with as much fever. 

Everything you wanted was wrapped up in front of you. Jamie on a silver platter, and he was yours for the taking. 

“By the way,” He pulls back to look down at you, lips parted in disbelief that he was getting his moment. “This is all I’ve ever wanted.” 

Your smile hurts your cheeks, but he sends it right back to you. You’re both grinning like idiots in the hallway but all you can think about is this moment. 

Your moment. 

[piko-power]

Been feeling emotional lately and I wanted to write something based on my headcanon about Sonic and Amy's relationship. (This can be platonic as well if you want to view it that way. I don't mind!)

TW: Self-hatred, implied suicidal thoughts, and parental death (mentioned)

Quick note this takes place right after Frontiers and when Tails, Knuckles and Amy returned and also before The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog.

-

"Amy? I know this is probably a dumb question to ask, but..." He paused, ruffling his quills to find better words to ask. He really doesn't wanna sound completely stupid.

"I highly doubt that." Amy chuckled, looking away from the sunset to face Sonic. After taking care of some Badniks in the city, they needed a breather. She never knew that Sonic out of all people would invite her to watch the sun set in the horizon but is she complaining?

She gets to spend time with him, as usual, and got to watch the sunset. It's a win win.

"Whatever it is you want to ask me, I'm here to answer." She puts her hands together and smiled widely.

Gosh, why is she so darn sweet? The answer's obvious, but...

Sonic looked to his right for a moment before opening his mouth.

He feels incredibly uncomfortable, but it was too late to turn back. No matter how much he hates to ask, he needs to know.

He hopes he was right.

"Do you still love me?"

"..."

They both stared at each other. One waiting for a response, and the other caught off-guard by such question.

"...What?" She muttered, flabbergasted.

Sonic, you are you idiot, he scolded himself.

Amy tried to speak, but she was just so surprised. Eventually, she just, burst into laughter. Sonic was startled but the sudden laugh attack.

He never heard her laugh like this before. The loud little giggles and the occasional snort. It was kind of funny. He sort of laughed along with her, despite feeling like a dummy.

"I-I'm- HAHA! I'm s-so sorry, Sonic! I-I didn't mean to la-ha-haugh!" Amy tried to breathe but the laughs just keep coming. "Heheh, it's alright, I guess." Sonic chuckled, looking away from the wheezing hedgehog. He did sound stupid there, didn't he?

Amy took a few deep breaths, and wiped the tears from her eyes. Sonic crossed his arms, wishing he never asked that pathetic question. "So, the question was dumb?" He quietly asked, hoping that Amy won't respond to that one.

"No! No! Of course not, Sonic! it's just..." Amy took another deep breath. Opening her eyes, she can tell that Sonic was looking off to the distance, arms crossed and everything. She can tell he looked hurt somehow.

Reading the room, she became soft and approached him. "I promise you, I wasn't laughing at you." She spoke. "I just... Wasn't expecting you to ask me something like that."

"Honestly... Me neither." He shrugged, still looking away. "I thought is was obvious, so why ask?"

"...What's obvious?"

Sonic turned to face Amy, slightly surprised to hear that. "I... I thought you... Don't- I mean-! No, no, of course you still do-! But I don't know that-! But I know you, and I- ...I shouldn't worry about this kind of stuff." He rubbed his arm.

"I don't know, I was just... Thinking about some things lately and..."

Amy frowned. "Sonic...?"

"I'm sorry. Just... Just pretend I didn't say anything. It was dumb of me to ask. I shouldn't worry about that or anything relating to love." He spoke out the last word, trying to sound all grossed out about it. "I don't know what's up with me."

"Sonic-"

"I didn't mean to bother you, alright? I'll leave now." Sonic was about to run off when a hand grabbed him by the arm.

"WAIT!"

Sonic turned to see Amy, her grabbing a hold of him with worry in her eyes. He can tell she doesn't want him to leave.

She doesn't want him to leave her.

"Sonic... Of course I still love you." She said with a small smile. But the smile didn't last too long. "I just never thought you'd care about that."

Sonic blinked.

Releasing his arm, Amy backed away and adjust her headband, feeling nervous. Sonic walked back up to her to fix her headband.

They both looked at each other.

Amy looked down at her feet, feeling sad. "I... Never thought you actually cared."

Sonic's ears pinned. "I- Of course I do. I just- I just don't feel the same. You know that. Right?"

"I've always known."

There was a longer beat.

"Even as a kid, I've always known I can be very loud with my emotions. I just love to express myself." She said. "Throughout the years, I just wanted to follow you, and show you how capable I can be. That I can be... Your hero someday, or be... Useful."

"Whoa, whoa. Hold up. 'Useful?'" Sonic repeated the last word in shock. "What are you talking about, you've always been useful- You are the toughest hedgehog I know close to Shadow! Why would you think otherwise?"

She giggled sadly. "I don't know, I just... You always run away from me, even if I wanted to say something that isn't romantic for once. I'm not just a fangirl, you know."

"Hey, I knew that since forever. I know you mean well."

"Then why didn't you say anything? Why didn't you tell me that you liked me in the first place? Even if it's not, like, 'I feel the same for you' kind of like?"

"I..." Sonic was stuck, not knowing how to answer that. He really didn't know.

"If you said anything, maybe... I wouldn't have tried so hard. To convince you that I'm not just a little girl or whatever... That I... Actually have a purpose."

"Wait, what?" Sonic's ears went up for a moment. "'Purpose?' Amy, what are you actually talking about? Why are you saying all this?"

"Doesn't matter..." She mumbled, turning away.

"I think it does??" Sonic said, voice a little louder, wanting to get her attention. "Are you saying that you're not worth being part of the team? Because, lemme tell you right now, that is NOT true! I am grateful to have you here, Amy Rose!" He tried not to sound so demanding and harsh, but he just wanted her to listen.

"Never, EVER, think that you aren't worth being in this team! For years you ventured with us, becoming stronger and braver every time. Do you have any idea how proud I am of you?"

She didn't say anything. She could only look at the grass, holding her hands together.

"Heck, if it weren't for you, Shadow would never have helped us! You even befriended a robot and saved a Flicky's family for Pete's sake! You've done so much for not only us, but for the whole world, Amy."

She stayed silent.

"I can't believe you would think otherwise, after all of this time. Why? Why would you think that...?"

There was still no response from the light pink hedgehog. She just looked at the ground, refusing to face her hero.

"Amy... Please look at me... Why didn't you tell me any of this...?" Sonic spoke softly, taking a step towards her, almost placing her hand on her shoulder. "Is this why you were so quiet lately? Why you didn't go to your usual chases, or talk about our future?"

Amy blinked a few times, fearing he would quickly get the hint.

"You think that... You're not worth my time? Or anyone's time?"

She shuts her eyes.

"I thought you'd be better off without me..." She quietly croaked.

His eyes grew.

I thought you'd be better off without me?

Better off? Without Amy??

...Why??

"Amy, why the hell would you think that?!" He shouted. "For the past couple of days, I've been thinking about us when we were younger and how much you've changed. Ever since we defeated Infinite, I noticed some changes. You stopped chasing me around with that hammer of yours, you didn't even ask me out. I can't even remember the last time that happened."

Amy held her own arm.

"I can't even remember the last time you said you loved me."

She held her arm tight, almost scratching it.

"I thought... You, were better off without me."

Amy spun around with a gasp, tears glossed on her sea green eyes. "WHAT?! No, that's not true, Sonic!"

"I thought you've had enough of me. Back then, I thought I was too harsh. I knew you were nice and bubbly and have a big heart, but you just... Love me so much."

Amy looked away again, feeling upset at herself.

"Almost every time we came across each other, you want to go out or you wanna talk about our future together or whatever. I thought it was so weird. I'm not a romantic kind of guy, and I thought you were so..."

He stopped himself. He never wanted to finish that sentence. He doesn't want to say anything like that about her. He never wanted to, even when they were younger.

"...annoying?" Amy finished.

A small gasp escaped his mouth.

"N-No. No!" He stuttered. You're not annoying-!"

"YES I AM!" She screamed.

He jumped from Amy's shriek that echoed around the fields.

"What's make you think that I don't do any of those things anymore, Smart Alec?" She barked. "During the first few months of the Eggman War, I realized how extreme I really am to you and how all lovey dovey I can be and how obnoxious I was to you."

"You are not-"

"I'm not finished. She spoke up.

"Hearing word that you were presumably... dead, I was just... Not having a great time. At all." She held her arm again as she continued.

"During the time, I looked back at my memories with you. They were so bittersweet and wonderful to look back on, until... I truly understood how annoying I was to you, and possibly to a few people. I don't care if we were younger, it was still recent."

"Amy-"

"I was already feeling upset because of your loss, but opening my eyes on the person I became meeting you, I... I wanted to be stronger than that. More, special, than that. I want to be someone people can actually look up to. Someone people can actually love."

"Now listen here-"

"I AM NOT FINISHED, SONIC." She demanded calmly.

Sonic, running out of patience, just sighed. and listen.

"I tried. I really did." She continued. I tried so hard to get over you and focus on the war. I tried so how to stop loving you, but... When I tried, I just... Felt worse, somehow."

Tears came in once more when she looked at Sonic.

"It hurts me knowing that I have to force myself to give up on the one person who made me who I am today. I didn't want to do that, but I thought if I did, I'd be a better person."

"Ames..." Sonic muttered out her nickname. A nickname he came up with on the spot, unknowingly. His eyes were soft and sad.

"But I just... Couldn't. You just 'died,' and I don't want to do that! I don't want to stop loving you because you were the first person I met after-! ..."

She quickly stopped herself before going too far.

"After what?"

Welp, too late.

"...After I lost my parents." She said quietly, beginning to cry.

Something hurt in his chest. Very badly, after hearing that. She never talked about her parents before. Now he knows why.

"They were always there for me when times of tough, and they helped me even train with my new hammer, which my daddy made for me. Of course now it has some upgrades thank to Tails, but it was still nostalgic to me. They loved me very much and would do anything to keep me safe."

Crossing his arms and leaning slightly, Sonic sighed, listening to her story. He felt awful.

"I was only seven when I lost them. I was way too young. I hated thinking about it, but I remember them telling me to keep running and protect myself no matter what happens. Then I just, ran off. Leaving my parents with those robots."

Sonic gasped quietly. He knew what kind of robots she was talking about.

"I wanted to protect them from those robots but I felt so scared, even with my hammer. I didn't know what to do. I just ran away. Like a coward." She clinched her fists tightly, wanting so badly to kick her younger self in the face.

"Ever since, for almost a whole year, I blamed myself for the doing the one thing I wanted to do. Keep my family safe, in thanks of keeping me safe. I was by myself ever since. Though, I tried to find a new family. A new place. A new home, anything to make me feel happy again. But... No one would take me..."

Replaying the memories of strangers ignoring her plea from back then, to even some kids befriending her, only to leave her in the dust when she was in trouble, continuously stab her heart every time.

"No one. Literally no one would take me in. I was a loud, weak, sobbing mess to every person who had every right to walk pass by."

It hurts Sonic hearing her say that about herself.

"But as time goes on, I kept on walking. On my own, hoping one day I'll find my place. My new family. I found these tarot card one day and they cheered me right up. They were right up my ally. Then, one card... Heheh, you know exactly what was on that card."

He smiled slightly. "Sure do."

"It was how we met. On Little Planet. Then I met Tails and Knuckles. And ever since, I truly believed I found my new home. You guys, but especially you. You were the first person that I met after I lost my home, and I couldn't be more happier."

She smiled widely. "Not only did you change my life, but you saved it as well. That's just one of the many reasons why I love you!"

Then, she stopped, her smile fading away instantly. "But... When I got older, I became more aware of my actions and wanted to deal with it. But sometimes I set aside those worries, because, that's what you do best, right? No worries at all!"

"Yeah..." Sonic "agreed."

"But it never truly bothered me until we lost you. For months, I was having a horrible time, while trying to be there for the Resistance, being stuck between not wanting to give up my love for you, or just stay the way I am and not change at all. I feel... Stuck. And worthless, knowing that I don't know how to change for the better."

"Don't say that. You're not worthless." Sonic spoke. "You shouldn't kept all of this to yourself during that time. Did you at least talk to someone about it? Cream, Rouge, anyone?"

"No. I was too busy working and checking up with the rest of the rookies during the war." She continued. "Plus, I didn't want to worry anyone if I did anyway. They were worried about you, so what's the point?"

"Everyone was there for each other during that mess! You know darn well they'll be there for you when you need them most!" Sonic corrected in a harsh tone. "And we were there for you since forever! You really think your feelings don't matter?! You really think I don't care about you??!"

Amy was slightly scared by Sonic's yell, but she knew he wasn't being rude. "I-I..." She stuttered. "I don't know!"

"..." Sonic sighed was again, but sounding tired and fed up with the way Amy is treating herself right now.

"I really don't know. You were gone, everyone else was busy, I don't want to get in anyone's way, and I don't know if I should give up my love." She said. "Everything was going so fast in my head and I hated it. Every second of it. I just want my worries to go away. I just want you to get out of my head! I just want to be happy! I just-!!"

She gripped harder on her arm. Sonic quickly held onto her arm, wanting her to release it carefully. "Amy, stop! You're hurting yourself!"

"I just don't want to be alone again!" She sobbed. "I just wanted a family again!" I just want to be reminded that I'm important after so long! Why can't I have this?! Why can't I have any of this?! Why am I trying to hard when I'll just lose everything all over again?!"

"Amy, STOP IT!"

"Why can't I be better?! Why can't I change?! I just... I JUST WANT TO BE BETTER FOR YOU! FOR EVERYONE!"

"AMY!"

"WHY CAN'T I DO ANYTHING RIGHT??!"

"AMY ROSE!!"

Sonic yelled out her name loud enough for Amy to finally hear him. She looked up to see his face, full of anger and fear. He was letting out shaky breaths.

Great, Now look what she did. He's upset. And it's all her fault.

"God... What am I even doing... I should've have told you that stuff, but I just have to be honest..." She sniffled, looking down. "I really can't do anyth-"

"Stop." He barked. "Stop it. Right now."

"Don't tell me what to do."

"Don't you ever say those things again! You hear me?" He grabbed her arm up to get her to face him again. "Don't EVER say that again!"

"I-"

"EVER!"

Her lips quivered, and broke down into sobs again. "I'm sorry, S-Sonic. Please don't be m-mad at me."

"Amy, why didn't you tell me how you were feeling lately?! Or anyone?! Why would you keep this from us?! Why would think that you're not important?!"

"... ..." Amy just cried softly, refusing to say another word.

"Why would you ever try and give up on your love for me after all this time?"

"Because you don't love me."

...

...

The only thing that could be heard over the silence was Amy's heartbreaking cries. Sonic's head was racing with so many things to say but he just... Couldn't.

He held his hands on both of Amy's arms to try and comfort her, not knowing what to do with all this information.

He felt stuck as well.

"I'm sorry-"

"Stop saying that. It's not your fault. Okay?" He rubbed her arms in a little circle. "It was never your fault."

She was hiccuping more quiet sobs, still refusing to look at him. "I-I'm sor-ry, S-Sonic..." "No, no, no." Sonic spoke. "It's not your fault, Amy... You didn't do anything wrong, okay...? You just didn't know what to do..."

"I'm sorry..."

"You've done nothing wrong. You have nothing to be sorry about. You were brave back there and you still are. You are strong and you have a heart of gold. The biggest heart I've seen in fact." He continues on, rubbing her arms to comfort her.

"You've done so much. For us, and me. I am proud of you. We all are. Always. You are an amazing hero, Amy. You have no idea how important you are."

At that moment, the words she longed to hear, she broke down into louder sobs and fell to her knees, not being able to control her crying anymore. Sonic comes down to his knees and held her. Tight.

He hugged her.

He hugged her, for a long time.

He began rubbing her back, hushing softly.

"I want you to hear me, okay? I want to hear what I'm gonna say." He said. He couldn't see it, but he knew Amy nodded her head slowly. He took in a deep inhale...

"Amy, just because I don't feel the same, that doesn't mean I don't care. Okay?" He goes on. "But I do love you in my own way. I've always thought you were the most happiest, energetic person I've met in a long time. And even though I'm not the biggest fan of romance, I still enjoy your company."

Amy's cries has calm down at this point.

"We were younger. We were kids. I didn't understand that whole 'love' shtick and thought it was all yucky and stuff. But getting older, I know it won't change someone's life just to be with that someone. In fact, it makes that someone's life better. Some people aren't into relationships either, and that's okay."

Amy then sniffled loudly before Sonic continued.

"You are a great person, Amy, and you have no idea how lucky I am to have you here today. In a way, you pretty much saved my life too. You've came a long way to be the person you wanna be. I am proud of you. So, so proud of you. Okay? Don't forget that."

He rubbed her back again, soothing her cries and calming her down much better.

"Don't think that you're feelings don't matter, alright? I care about everyone's feelings, including yours. Regardless if I love you the way you love me, I'll do anything to make sure that frown goes upside down. I'll do anything to make sure you're happy."

He broke up the hug for a moment to face her, seeing all the tears dripping down her face like a small waterfall. "And another thing... I'm sorry if I made you believe that you don't matter. Like I said before, I've been thinking about how different we were towards each other and... I feel like I should make it up for you."

"Sonic..." Amy said hoarsely. "Don't say that. You weren't 'harsh' to me. We were young, like you said."

"I know, but..." Sonic said. "Hearing all of this now, all of the thing you kept from me..."

He sighed.

"It's kind of funny that we both wished to be better for each other, huh?" He chuckled weakly. "But... Listen, Amy... You did change for the better, both for yourself and for me. You've done so much right instead of wrong, alright? And after everything that happened, and after all this time, you still love me. That's pretty crazy..."

"Of course I do." She giggled quietly. "You've done so much for me. During that time in the war, it was a big struggle for me. I wasn't sure if I should keep going. Like, at all..."

His emerald eyes grew for a second. He caught what she meant by those last words. "Amy..."

"But... All I can think of was you. Your smile. Your bravery. Your big heart." Amy softly touched Sonic's chest where his heart is.

"For a while, I could only think about our relationship, but the last few months of that time, you yourself, and as an wonderful person, is all there is in my mind. If I give up, I think you wouldn't like that." She said, once again, holding her arm.

"No. I wouldn't." He held her arm gently and rubbed with with his thumb. "Don't tell anybody this, but back at the Death Egg, it was just basically me and my thoughts, and sometimes those stupid allusions that pop up to mess with me every month or so." He laughed.

"What?" Amy grew concerned.

"Anyway, during the first few months, I was thinking about our friends and wondering, hoping, that they'll be okay without me. I think back to our childhood sometimes. When I first met Tails, Knuckles and you. Some weeks my mind focused on Tails and how he's doing right now. Sometimes Knuckles. And even the Chaotix. I was even wondering what was Shadow's problem with me and why he joined Eggman. Granted, I was worried about him too."

"Sonic..."

"Then I thought about you. You, Knuckles and Tails were the ones I thought about the most, because... You all mean the world to me." Me said, his voice cracking slightly.

Amy's eyes lit up like stars.

"I thought I was being too hard on you sometimes, looking back at our moments. I thought maybe I made you believe that I... Hate you. But I thought it was ridiculous cause you know me! I get along with pretty much a lot of people! But sometimes... It's rare for my worries to catch up with me but when it does..."

Amy held Sonic's hand. He took notice and was surprised at first but looked up to see Amy's smile.

Haven't seen that smile in a while.

"Sonic. You were never hard on me. You were such a sweet hedgehog and you still are, even though I can be too much sometimes. You didn't make me believe that. I did that to myself, haha..." Amy said, giggling and wiping away her tears.

"You know, we have a lot in common after all."

"Yeah. I guess we kinda do." Sonic chuckled.

"We both don't want to worry anyone or even ourselves." They both said perfectly in unison.

Realizing that, they both laughed together. "Jinx! You owe me some Chaos Cola!" Amy said, unable to stop herself from laughing again.

After a moment, Sonic stopped to hear Amy's adorable laughter. He smiled, relieved to hear and see her smile and laugh again after all that drama earlier.

"Aw, where have you been Amy's smile? I've been looking everywhere for ya." He then booped Amy's button nose. "Boop!"

Amy squealed loudly. He never booped her nose before. "Oh, my Gosh!"

"Agh! I'm sorry!"

"No, no, no, it's okay! I wasn't expecting that!"

They both continued laughing for a while, just sitting on the ground with all their previous worries and concern washed away like it never happened.

It really has been a while since they bonded like this. They both needed this laugh. They both needed all of this.

Eventually, they calmed themselves down and relaxed, looking at one another.

Amy smiled. "Sonic?"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you. For everything."

He smiled as well. "You're welcome. Though, I should be thanking you too. For supporting me during my worst times. Your love and kindness means a lot."

They both back up on their feet and notice the sunset was gone. "Aw. It's over." Amy pouted.

"Hey, it's alright." Sonic said, placing his hand on her shoulder. "There's always next time! Of course, if you're not busy or whatever."

"Haha. Sure." She responded, her voice sounding much better already.

They both look out to the twilight sky, the sky being dark purple with a hint of blue and pink. "Also, uh, thanks for lending me a help back there with those Badniks."

"No problem! Anything to help out my darling Sonic!" She winked

"Pfft, wow, been a hot minute since you called me THAT." He said.

"What? Ya don't like it?" She teased.

"NO! I mean- Kind of- But it's not that I despise it!"

Amy cracked up once more. Sonic just rolled his eyes. "Whatever, dude." He laughed.

Amy sighed, feeling a whole lot better after what happened. She looked out to the horizon where the sunset was, then back at Sonic. "Thanks for taking me out here."

"Anytime. Been a while since I watched the sun set. Every now and then I like to slow down and just... Admire the most special things about life." He then said, looking right at Amy.

Her whole face goes red and her eyes grew huge.

"AAAAAAH!" She screamed, looking away and covering her face. "What? Was it something I said?" He teased back. "YOU ARE SUCH A DORK!" She squealed, causing Sonic to go into another laughing fit.

Sonic thought it will go badly when he asks a stupid question. It did, but only for a while. There were some tears but then everything was better again.

He hoped someday Amy can talk to him more about her feelings, and maybe he should tell others about his as well, since he doesn't talk about his time at the Death Egg that often.

And probably other stuff too.

He and Amy should hang out more often. He remembered that Amy's 14th birthday is coming up. He missed her 13th, so why not make up for lost time!

"Hey, your birthday is coming up soon. I'm going to assume that I'm invited?"

"Of course! I'm planning something very special, too! But you'll have to wait til the right date comes! It's a surprise." Amy winked again.

"Cool! I'll be there!"

She smiled widely, lucky to have met this blue hedgehog. "I know you will."

He smiled also, but rests his face for a moment to say, "Hey, can you promise me something?"

"Sure."

He held her hand.

"Whenever you feel down or if there's something you want to talk about, please come to me. Know that I'm always here for you."

She looked into the emerald green of his eyes.

"Always." He repeated.

Her eyes sting with tears for a moment, but she took a deep breath to relax herself.

She then placed her other hand on his, smiling. "I promise."

-

Happy Early 30th Anniversary To Amy Rose, One Of My Favorite Characters In The Franchise.

To those having a rough time right now, always remember that you are loved. You are special. I am proud of you. You've done so much and you're doing great.

Never give up, not even on yourself, because there a lot of people out there who care for you and love you. I have to remind myself this every day and I want to remind you too.

This year has been tough for a lot of people as of late but it's going to get better. It's gonna take a while but it's going to be better. I promise.

When negative thoughts hit, let is pass, and keep living.

[zooophagous]

Artemis adjusted her sleeve and slid her tightly fitted glove over her hand. She made a few grasping motions, testing the movement. Movement was important. Movement was crucial. Movement was the difference between life and death, and if her equipment was too restrictive it could end up killing the hunter it was meant to protect.

Strauss stood across the way from her. He wasn't messing with protective equipment. He didn't need to. He was stretching. He pulled one arm across his chest, then mirrored with the other, and tilted his head to either side, resulting in an audible clicking as his stiff joints readied for action. He looked bored, waiting for her to catch up. He shook out his hands at his sides. Artemis smirked, he looked something like a cowboy at high noon, preparing to draw.

You didn't see very many vampire cowboys.

"I want all of you to pay close attention to Director Van Helsing's technique. She is among the finest among our ranks, and you won't find a better example to learn from. You are all in for a very rare treat. A live mock-slaying like this with a real vampire is the first in the Institute's history." Ursula addressed the audience that filled the bleachers of the gymnasium.

"Mock slaying is it?" Strauss sneered at her. "How presumptuous. I think you'll find it to be more of a simulated feeding than a slaying."

He winked across the way at Artemis, who narrowed her eyes and slid her face mask into position. It was stark white and emotionless, mannekin-like; bulletproof and quite creepy, though whether or not a vampire was intimidated by it was anyone's guess. It was the final piece of the slayer's uniform, which included a neck guard, knee pads, a kevlar vest and threads of real silver that ran through the athletic wear, giving it a shimmering glitter effect that danced in the spotlight. She hated the glitter effect, really. It was hard to look properly intimidating when wearing a sparkly spandex. Let him try and touch it, though, and he'll change his tune, she mused.

"Oh, you think you can take down an actual Van Helsing, do you?" Artemis teased in return.

"I do not think, Frau Van Helsing. I know."

"Then you're not afraid of a little wager? Name your prize."

"I'm not sure I should say what I want from you in mixed company, Frau Van Helsing." He winked at her.

She blushed bright red, but under her mask, luckily the crowd would never tell. Even more luckily for Strauss, Ursula didn't seem to be paying attention to their back and forth, too focused on her students.

"Director Van Helsing will be wearing the standard slayer's uniform. This is the same uniform our field agents and graduates use, and you will hopefully get to see the purpose behind each piece, if Mr. Strauss does not simply lose the round immediately." She glanced disdainfully at the vampire. She didn't have high hopes.

"Mr. Strauss will be wearing standard athletic safety equipment but no other armor. The purpose is to simulate a meeting in the field, in which an agent accosts a vampire en situ without preparation. Director Van Helsing will be using standard issue knives and a Cardi-axe heartstick device much like the ones in your own toolkit. However, given that we do not want to actually murder Mr. Strauss tonight, the silver blade and hydrolic components of the weapons have been replaced with paint dummies. If Director Van Helsing lands a hit, it will show up as a blue mark."

She turned to Strauss, who now had paint on his hands from a marker of his own.

"Mr. Strauss has chosen for a weapon his own natural defenses. Where he touches with his claws, it will show up as a red mark. At the end of the mock fight, the winner will be announced after tallying up the amount of fatal or incapacitating injuries on the combatants."

It was time to square up. Artemis drew her first weapon, a blade, similiar to the rapier one might use in fencing. It was hard to maintain an intimidating look when one glanced down the length of the thing to see a little blue ball at its tip. Beyond the point of the weapon, Strauss stood across the staging area and wiped his palm across his mouth, giving him a red smear along his fangs.

"Beware my bite, Frau Van Helsing. It will leave a mark."

"Trust me Strauss, you won't be getting that close."

He began to pace. Slowly the combatants circled each other. Artemis held her sword up and ready, the point aimed in warning at the creature whose eyes bored into her own. The mask covered much of her face, including the eyes. In theory he shouldn't be able to see her expressions, part of the psychological portion of warfare. She got the feeling that he did, though.

He was much like a tiger; slowly padding around the hunter in careful steps that made no sound.  When he spoke to her, it was a deep purr dripping in honey.

"There is no need for that kind of violence. Why don't you set that down, and we can talk this out reasonably?"

He almost sounded... melodic? Artemis shook her head and snorted.

"Are you seriously trying to use hypnosis to get me to drop my weapon? I wasn't born yesterday."

"Worth a shot." He shrugged.

And charged.

Artemis lept deftly to one side as Strauss barrelled past like a locomotive. He swung and missed, and left a red streak on the floor where he used his hand to stop himself and turn. He sprung back at her with a snarl.

She didn't have enough room to stab, but enough time to block. She crossed the rapier over her chest and caught the reddened claw before it hit her. Taking advantage of their closeness, she rammed her knee hard into the vampire's groin.

Strauss grunted and backed off. An athletic cup had mostly saved him, but the surprise at her ferocity had pushed him back, for the moment.

"Remind me not to make you angry outside of the ring."

"And here you thought this would be easy."

She sprung forward with a wide slash of her weapon. Strauss dodged easily, leaping backwards and breaking into a run around her as she desperately pivoted in place to face him. He went at her and she went low. He was strong and wiry, but a skinny thing. She lowered her center of gravity and bowled him over her own head.

He hit the floor. She stood over him with the tip of her blade at his neck.

"Do you yield?"

"You didn't say please."

He kicked her leg out from under her. She fell hard, inwardly cursing herself for the hesitation. She rolled away from him. He grabbed her by the arm but quickly let go with a sharp breath of pain. The silver thread had done its job.

Both of them were up and moving now. They retreated from each other and stood apart, sizing each other up.

"You've a bit of red on you, Frau Van Helsing. Am I getting too close for comfort?"

"If I had a paint marker on my knees you'd be sporting a set of blue balls, Strauss, don't get too cocky."

"What a crass pun. I am having fun today."

"You might feel differently after you lose."

He bared his teeth and ran at her with a roar. She braced with her blade in front of her. He faked left, then went right, then swiped at her sword arm. She struck back. He caught her by the hilt and made to take the weapon from her. She swung her free arm into his face. The glisten of the silver thread that close made him lose a second, which she used to free her weapon and slash it across his torso.

Not a killing blow, but the blue trace across his shirt was clearly a very painful simulated wound. He staggered back, and glanced down at the paint with a scowl. He looked back up at her and gave a hateful hiss.

The red paint on his face and hands gave him the appearance of a creature out for blood. The baleful expression completed the effect.

"Tiger, tiger." Artemis muttered to herself, trying and failing to remember the words of the famous poem.

Strauss sprang forward again. He grabbed her arm hard, despite the sting of the protective thread, and sacrificed a moment of pain for leverage. He grabbed her mask with his spare hand and wrenched it off center, blinding her.

She swung her fist at him hard in the dark. She dropped her rapier. This was going south. With one hand she fumbled her holster for the Cardi-Axe device and with the other she peeled off her mask to face her opponent.

She had just enough time to see him bear down on her hard once again before being taken to the floor.

Strauss had gotten her mask off, and it was all he needed. One hand on her throat, he pinned her to the floor and was at her now exposed neck. She winced under his cold breath and the faintest sensation of his fangs on her skin, threatening to bite.

The bite never came.

Strauss chuckled darkly in her ear and pulled away to see the red mark of paint along the vein in her neck. The mark of a fatal blow.

"Game, set, match, Van Helsing."

"I'm sure I don't know what you mean, Strauss. You lost."

He looked down, and saw with some surprise, a mess of blue paint. She held the spent Cardi-Axe bolt gun in her hand, now covered in sky blue paint from where she had shot him in the chest as they had fallen. A fatal blow was there, directly over the heart.

He touched the paint and examined it with surpirse in his eyes, almost as if it were really his own blood.

Ursula stood stammering with her mouth open, getting increasingly more flustered until she grabbed the mic and addressed the crowd once more.

"Well! I didn't expect Mr. Strauss had enough practice killing people to be that good at this. Seems I was mistaken. We have a tie."

She approached the two fallen warriors with an air of disappointment. "Alas, this is an all too common outcome. The monster is slain, but the hunter is also tragically felled. As you see here we have two fatal blows. I cannot tell you how many good hunters have died and taken their quarry with them. It just goes to show all of you, no matter how good you are or how poor you believe your opponent to be, this is always a life or death matter."

Strauss stood up and offered his hand to Artemis, who took it, and rose to her feet.

"That was a very enlightening sparring match, Frau Van Helsing. Thank you for playing with me today."

"Any time. Too bad about our wager."

"Well. Perhaps since we both won, we should both get something we want, hm?"

"What if we want the same thing?" She winked.

It was Strauss' turn to blush.

"Hold on a moment, Mr. Strauss." Ursula wandered into the ring. "I think for argument's sake, I'd like to go a round with you."

"You?"

"Trust me, it will be over fast."

Strauss smirked. "You know I won't hold back in the ring. Are you certain?"

"Very."

In one fluid moment, Ursula drew a pistol from her pocket. "Do you yield, vampire?"

Strauss chuckled and meekly raised his hands in mock surrender.

"To you, Frau Harker, I yield."

"Not good enough."

POP. POP. POP. POP. POP.

She fired the rounds in rapid succession. Each one struck and exploded across Strauss' shirt in a mess of bright yellow paint. He staggered back and looked down at his ruined shirt in disbelief.

"There. Five fatal blows in a row. That is my most important lesson to impart on all of the students- if you're close enough to use your bladed weapons, you're too close. Don't be stupid. Use ranged whenever possible. Director Van Helsing got lucky here, but the Cardi-Axe device is intended for unconscious or restrained subjects only."

She turned to Strauss with a prideful "Hmph!"

"Go get yourselves cleaned up, you two. And everyone else can head to commissary. Get moving, we have to clean the gym before the damn paint sets."

Strauss headed towards the showers, but not before leaning in conspiratorially to Artemis as he passed.

"Are you quite serious about this 'wager' of ours?"

"Get cleaned up and meet me at my office. We'll talk."