#watch them tell me: you sleep like a shrimp...you sit like a shrimp....and you walk like a shrimp....

[miyku]

[taeiun]

this love is small.

synopsis: some of the little things that they do in your relationship

who: zb1 x gn!reader (not including yujin)

categories: fluff, some crack, headcanon styled scenarios

warnings: mentions of food in jiwoong + taerae's parts, light swearing

word count: 1.1k

✧ JIWOONG !

✧ jiwoong gains a newly formed sixth sense when it comes to your needs; he knows your favourite snacks by heart and also picks up if you guys are low on them without even looking at the cabinet.  you don’t even need to ask him to grab a snack for you because he’ll just know. probably knows when those foods are on sale before you even open your mouth to tell him. like, he’s probably already picked up three bags of those chips you really enjoyed last time and they’re waiting on the counter for you.

✧ will send you a notes app shopping list so that you don’t get jumped scared by the random appearance of shrimp chips and sour candies constantly and wonder how they got there half the time when you both haven’t even talked about being out of them.

✧ ZHANG HAO !

✧ hao keeps a collection of short, vlog-like recordings of the two of you in a private, for his eyes only folder on his phone. he watches these whenever he misses you or feels down and needs a pick me up. these videos will range from past dates, his commentary as he records you sleeping, to not even a two second moment of you laughing. you might find the angles unflattering, but he treasures each and everyone, watching them with a goofy ahah smile on his face.

✧ the others have 100% definitely, not even up for question, walked in on him in the middle of a watching session. he’ll just be sitting curled up in bed, blanket draped around him, with the lights turned off and earbuds plugged into his phone. this ends two ways. 1) the member leaves before he can notice and all is well or 2) they tease him only to end up with a pillow to the face

✧ HANBIN !

✧ whenever he’s on tour or can’t see you for long periods of time, hanbin will keep a list of things that happen throughout the days he’s gone to share with you. he never wants you to feel left out of his life and wants full communication with things. he can send you all the pictures you want of his travels, but nothing beats the actual stories.

✧ he mainly keeps tabs of things he did but will include the members’ shenanigans if he thinks they’ll make you laugh. starts a new list every time he has to leave and each one is dated, the activities labeled for what day and the time gone written at the top.

✧ MATTHEW !

✧ a big chatterbox when it comes to you, especially when it comes to his family. phone calls, messages, will even in emails to relatives, the conversation will drift to you no matter the topic. the only criteria needed for this to happen is for someone to simply breath in his direction.

✧ matthew pivots the conversation so fast that it gives his family whiplash. they aren’t complaining though; it’s nice to see him so happy and they can tell just how much he cares about your relationship. he wants them to love you as much as he does and by telling them these fond memories, he’s sure they will.

✧ TAERAE !

✧ the silly man he is, taerae will send you selfie updates throughout the day of where he is. you could probably make and sell your own bootleg, limited edition, taerae of zb1 pcs with how many you get from him. from walks to the company building to convenience store runs, he’s always sending you a picture of when he leaves to when he arrives at the destination as a way of assurance he’s safe.

✧ stores all of these in a folder labeled “for yn and yn only” and refuses to post them publicly, no matter how good you tell him some of them are. the background settings of his photos are always interesting. sometimes the members will be there, sometimes it’s while he’s in a storage closet. it’s funny until you wake up to find selfies of him at mcdonalds at 4 am with a handful of chicken nuggets shoved in his mouth.

✧ RICKY !

✧ spoils you so much. he knows that love doesn’t mean the amount of money you spend on someone but he can’t help but buy trinkets that remind him of you. the thought process is basically just: “oh. this kind of looks like yn.” and proceeds to checkout with a ditto keychain. ricky pays close attention to what type of accessories you tend to wear and prefer for this very reason. if your ears are pierced, you’ll find a new pair waiting for you on your desk that look eerily similar to his… like what? nooooo he totally didn’t go and buy subtle matching stuff pfttt nah- ok yes. please wear it; coordinate matching outfits with him.

✧ also, don’t bother asking for the prices of these things. he’ll never tell you because he knows that you’ll pay him back and he doesn’t want that. he doesn’t expect anything back and wants to make sure that you understand that he wants to do these things. you also probably won’t want to know because oof scary.

✧ GYUVIN !

✧ omfg he will abuse voice memo privileges to hell and back in order to let you in on dumb jokes and random thoughts. gyuvin constantly has his phone close within his reach just because of this so that he never misses the chance to blow your mind with… whatever falls from his mouth. even when in bed. the voice memos range from “i love you so much i don’t know what i’d do without you” to “did you know you are always within three meters of a spider?”. you never know if you’ll be swooning or sleeping with one eye open with these.

✧ the worst ones come at night for sure; he’ll wake up suddenly, blindly search for his phone, string together a weird ass sentence that only he’d be able to decipher, send it, then knock himself out again and sleep without remorse for his actions. he should be paying for your icloud with how much storage he clogs with those messages.

✧ GUNWOOK !

✧ he’s classically cheesy in a way and sends you screenshotted song lyrics that describe his feelings or remind him of you. “#LiterallyUs” and it’s paper rings by taylor swift. can be unserious about it though. one time, you couldn’t hang out with him because of exams and he responded with “tell me why / ain’t nothin but a heartache”.

✧ there are times where gunwook will not only send the lyrics, but also a clip of him singing that certain part of the song. he mainly sends these versions at night from the bathroom, and you wonder how none of the others have stormed into the room and told him to shut up.

^ . _ . ^ !? told myself to take it easy and not post again this week but um... this is a heavily edited fic from my old blog @/luvjiun that ive been meaning to repost. hehe ok junjun out >_<

© taeiun 2023. all rights reserved. do not copy, repost, translate, modify, or claim any of my writing as yours.

[fizzigigsimmer]

My fave ballet tube channel out here feeding me plot bunnies for Harringrove Ballet School Au. Just imagine, Billy arrives on campus. Spitting mad cause his dad made him take the bus. Cheapskate wouldn’t even spring for a plane ticket when it’s Billy’s financial aide filling his pockets. He decided halfway there he’s not going to stay. He’s going to hop on the first bus back to Cali as soon as he can raise the money and that’s what he tells Madame Harrington. She may have bought Neil but she can’t buy him. Nobody can force him to stay here - which is true. He’s hoping she won’t want to deal with a runaway and a bad attitude, that she’ll just revoke the scholarship and end this farce for him. Neil will beat his ass black and blue but what else is new. At lease he’ll still have home and the beach.

Madame Harrington doesn’t look happy but she doesn’t get angry either. She makes Billy promise to sleep on it. Sit in on a class, have a real think about what he’s about to throw away. Billy’s not stupid, he knows she’s hoping he’ll see other kids dancing and make some friends and suddenly want to change his mind. It’s not going down like that. And it doesn’t. The class she takes him to is tier one, the advanced class. It’s mostly juniors and seniors but Billy spots a few younger kids and a couple of absolute shrimps who look like they haven’t left the seventh grade. They’re good though is the thing, doesn’t take more than a few steps to see why they’re in here dancing with the big kids. A redhead catches him watching in the doorway and gives him the stink eye.

And then whatever combination they’re doing ends and everyone is clapping, and the instructor calls out that it’s time for their soloist. “Be the swan, Steven. No spaghetti arms!”

The energy in the room just changes, the chatter lifting in anticipation as the students drift back to the edge of the room as a solitary figure steps forward. He’s got good shape. Strong legs - so long - and lean arms. Those fucking tights love him - holy shit. Billy can be forgiven for missing the first few steps he takes while he blinks away the after image that bulge has burned into his fucking retinas. But when he’s capable of seeing beyond it again, he sees this kid - this Steven - floating across the floor in some of the prettiest lines he’s ever seen. He thinks the number from Swan Lake. Thinks Steve-o is gorgeous when he’s not fucking it up, playing to the crowd and losing focus. It’s only a wobble here or there, just minor imperfections.

It annoys the shit out of Billy.

“Who’s the diva?” he asks Madame H. under the sudden swell of clapping and cheering as the boy’s solo comes to an end.

She smiles, a twinkle entering her eye.

“That would be Steve. My son.”

Her son? Wait! That’s Steve Steve? The kid he used to penpal and trade basketball cards with. That’s Steve Harrington?

“Oh yeah?” Billy sneers, hoping to hide how dry his mouth has gone. Challenges with an arched brow, “Teachers son thinks he’s hot shit huh?”

But Madame H. seems unperturbed. She doesn’t tell him off about his language or take offense for her kid’s sake, just keeps smiling at Billy with that little glint in her eye that’s too fond for comfort.

“He’s been best in his age group since he was eight. Makes it hard to keep him challenged. I was hoping that would change with you here now, but if you’re set on leaving I guess I’ll have to come up with something else.”

It’s so stupid. Some reverse psychology bullshit, but damn it it’s working because Billy isn’t as keen on leaving as he was when they walked in.

“You sure that’s what you want?” He asks, barely waiting for the perplexed look to form on her face as he shrugs off his duffel bag. He strides into the room like he owns it, feels the heads turn towards him as his sneakers thud hollowly on the hard floor. The chatter dies as he calls out, “you call that a dance?”

His eyes lock with the boy in the center of the room.

Billy will show him a dance. He’ll show them all.

[spurious]

Getting to Know You Meme

Tagged by @audioletter 🧡 who did hers here

01) Are you currently in a serious relationship? m a r r i e d

02) What was your dream growing up? i wanted to be a vet until i realized i would have to deal with animals in pain lol

03) What talent do you wish you had? not to steal audioletter's answer here but also drawing tbh.

04) If someone bought you a drink what would it be? one of those fancy starbucks iced lime drinks with the green coffee beans

05) Favorite vegetable? oooooh hm. broccoli?

06) What was the last book you read? poking at a reread of Catch-22

07) What zodiac sign are you? scorpio sun, gemini moon, cancer rising

08) Any Tattoos and/or Piercings? several tattoos and 2 ear piercings

09) Worst Habit? according to @audioletter, sleeping diagonally on the bed. according to Lemon, forgetting to refill her automatic feeder

10) What is your favorite sport? i like watching basketball

11) Do you have a Pessimistic or Optimistic attitude? uh. i don't really think of myself as an optimist but i think i kind of am a bit of one.

12) Tell me one weird fact about you. two of my chromosomes are stuck together

13) Do you have any pets? cat & borbs

14) Do you think clowns are cute or scary? if i had to choose one of those adjectives I'd go with scary but i'm not, like, super scared of clowns?

15) If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be? i would give myself an ass so that i can sit on hard surfaces in greater comfort

16) What color eyes do you have? blue

17) Ever been arrested? no

18) Bottle or can soda? can

19) If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it? we haven't left the country since before covid so. plane tickets

20) What's your favorite place to hang out at? home tbh

21) Do you believe in ghosts? not actively but like. i wouldn't be surprised if there were.

22) Favorite thing to do in your spare time? video games, crochet, watching tv, going for meandering walks

23) Do you swear a lot? i don't know what constitutes a lot? i feel like i do.

24) Biggest pet peeve? people who get on a crowded train and stand around by the doors instead of moving into the far less crowded aisles

25) In one word, how would you describe yourself? ummmmmmmm. odd

26) Do you believe/appreciate romance? yes! i'm weird at it but i like it.

27) Favourite and least favourite food? fave: probably cheese. least fave: shrimp

28) Do you believe in God? probably?

29) What makes you happy: sound of the cat purring. sitting in bed with my wife and playing our games and talking. sour candy.

30) Currently listening/the last thing you listened to: The Mountain Goats - Jenny from Thebes

31) Favourite place to spend time: i like! to be! at home!

32) Favourite lyric:

And I am this great, unstable mass of blood and foam / And no emotion that’s worth having could call my heart its home

33) Recommend a film: Clue!

34) Recommend a book: Middlesex, by Jeffrey Eugenides

35) Recommend a band, a song, or album: have you heard of the mountain goats :)

36) Recommend a TV show: Freaks and Geeks

37) Where are you from, and do you still live there? Where have you lived? I'm from metro Detroit, Michigan, and I've lived there, in Ohio for school, and then in Ibaraki, Japan, followed by Osaka where I've lived forrrrrrrr. 13 years or so?

38) Do you have any pets or animals in your life? How did you find/get them? Lemon was found after a typhoon when I lived in Ibaraki. Niles and Nesmith came from the bird store where everyone wanted the fancy baby budgies and they were being ignored for being too Standard lol

39) What's the most unusual thing you've ever eaten? WELL. If you don't know, some regions of Japan eat whale meat, and some regions of Japan use whale meat in their school lunch. So uh. One day when I worked at an elementary school I was blithely eating my school lunch only to be asked by one of the kids how I was liking the whale meat. 😐 (it's not even good)

40) How did you 'find' fandom? i actually don't totally remember? my first fic reading experience was cardcaptor sakura, and i think it was on a fansite or something rather than ff.net....and then i found my way to LJ and HP fandom.

41) Make a list of 5 things that you see without getting up. I'm at my desk at work so: rainbow glitter fountain pen, ps5 devkit, photo from our wedding, coworkers, "everything is fine" 10 of swords card from the modern witch tarot deck

42) How do you style your hair? currently a bob with bangs. i have started carrying a little comb in my handbag for this

I'm gonna tag people!

@alienfuckeronmain @sga-owns-my-soul @stargatebarbie @texasdreamer01 @acrowbyanyothername

@colonelshepparrrrd @queen-x-ishtar @hearteyesmcgarrett

[mashed-potato101]

Imagine This...

| Twisted Wonderland |

Cleaner Shrimps and Eels have a symbiotic relationship: The shrimp cleans the Eels’ teeth and removes any parasites, bacteria, insects, etc from the eels. In return, the eels give the shrimp protection and a free meal. Since Floyd gave you the nickname Shrimpy, you thought of an interesting idea.

Masterlist

A/N: I have finally gained motivation to write again! Be expected to see more writing soon! :D

The two tweels rest inside their dorm room, doing their own thing: Jade was taking care of his succulents as Floyd played on his phone. Their heads turned to the door when they heard a knock. Jade opened the door to see your figure in front of him.

“Oya, Prefect? What brings you here?”

“Well, I read somewhere about this relationship between shrimps and eels. I then remembered that Floyd calls me Shrimpy and, well…”

You lift your both hands to both twins to reveal a toothpaste and two toothbrushes. The two of them gave each other a look and slowly grinned, showing their sharp teeth.

*.·:·.✧ ✦ ✧.·:·.*

You are gently brushing Floyd's pointed teeth while sitting on his lap in bed. You tried to avoid scrubbing them hard. Floyd is quite pleased and relaxed; to your surprise, he doesn't move as much as you had anticipated.

 “Floyd, please stop squeezing me…”

“Sorry Shrimpy. You look cute and squeezable, kehehe~”

Next up, Jade bent down on your level as you began brushing his teeth. As a gentleman, he stood still and didn’t move a muscle.

“Tell me if I’m scrubbing too hard.”

“You are doing good, y/n. This is perfect.”

*.·:·.✧ ✦ ✧.·:·.*

“GAH! Floyd!” yelped Riddle, “W-What are you doing here?”

Sure this whole thing is quite unnecessary, but you thought it was an interesting experience. But if you think this is a one-time thing, you’re dead wrong. Once you started something with the Leech Twins, there’s no going back. Whenever one gets dirty or so, both would approach you.

One time, you sat with Riddle, Trey, and Cater during lunch hour since the Adeuce duo and Grim got in trouble for sleeping in Trein’s class. While having a conversation, Floyd popped out of nowhere, startling everyone at the table.

“Eh, I’m here for little shrimpy.”

You looked at the tall eel, “Oh, uh. What’s up?”

“Something got stuck in my teeth. Can you get it out?”

You let out a sigh and reached into your pocket, revealing a floss you have. You had a feeling something like this would happen and glad you trusted your gut. The three boys at the table were shocked as they watched you flossing Floyd’s teeth in front of them. Trey is mentally punching air: He wanted to be the one to get his teeth cleaned by you.

Another time you were walking back to Ramshackle dorm after Floyd dragged you to his Basketball club. You stumbled upon Jade, who came back hiking from his club. You noticed a speck of dirt on his cheek, possibility from gathering mushrooms. You walked towards Jade who noticed your appearance and took out your handkerchief. You softly wiped his cheek, “You have something on your face, Jade.”

Jade looked at you with wide eyes then smiled, “How careless of me. Thank you, prefect.”

Floyd would occasionally drag you to Monstro Lounge, keeping you there while he and Jade were on their working shifts. He kept you either at the bar where Jade works, in a table were customers supposed to be, or in the VIP room in case they both needed you. You were either doing your homework, studying, or helping the Monstro Lounge, which Azul didn’t mind and paid you with no acknowledgment of your reasoning. Azul didn’t understand the sudden relationship between you and the tweels, and why they both grew very comfortable with you. 

“Because Little Shrimpy wants to take care of us,” Floyd replied, “Neh neh, isn’t that right, Shrimpy?”

You, Floyd, and Azul were in the VIP room during Floyd's break. You sat on Floyd’s lap, facing towards him on one of the couches as the octo-merman organize his contracts.

Azul looked at the two of you and raised a brow, “I still don’t understand why you’re spoiling on the twins lately, prefect. Care explaining?”

You only said nothing as you wiped Floyd’s face clean. Floyd let out a giggle as you squeezed both of his cheeks, smiling at his adorable face. Azul could only watch in envy, “I want to be taken care of too…”

“Get your own Shrimpy.”

*.·:·.✧ ✦ ✧.·:·.*

Similar to the shrimps and eels, the tweels also returned the favor. When it comes to protection, the two always kept their eyes on you whenever you were nearby.

Once, three Heartslabyul students tried to fight you and Grim when you accidentally bumped into them. Grim put out a fighting stance as you kept apologizing to not start a fight. Out of nowhere, the same three boys went pale and ran away, apologizing out loud to you and your furry companion. Grim stood there in confusion then laughed. 

“Nyahaha! That’s right, fear the Great Grim, you cowards!”

You felt a presence or two behind you. Suspicious towards to boys’ reaction, you turned your back to see the reasoning.

“Ah. Floyd, Jade.”

The two tall eels stood in front of you with a grin. “Hello, prefect. We came by to see how you’re doing.”

Floyd then lifted you with a squeeze. “Shrimpy~ I’m bored. Let’s do something.” He dragged you somewhere, leaving Grim and Jade, who shook his head.

Remember when I said how Floyd would drag you to his basketball club? This would happen whenever he’s in a good mood. He wants you to watch him play as he shows off. One time, you grew bored and dozed off. Not aware of your surrounding, you heard your name called. Snapping back to reality, you saw a basketball coming straight toward your face. You closed your eyes, waiting for an impact, but felt nothing. You slowly opened them to see a hand in front of you: It was Floyd, who caught the ball on time. He looked at you with a smile, “Hehe. Are you alright, Shrimpy?” You only nodded and thanked him. After that, he turned towards his club members with a terrifying look. “Now which one of you threw this ball?”

It is nice to have the two twins by your side. As long as you take good care of them, they will take care of you as well.

The whole gym fell silent: Ace and the others gulp in fear as Jamil sweatdropped. The poor freshman who accidentally threw the ball could only stay muted and shaken on his spot in horror.

Fortunately for him, you persuaded Floyd that there was no need to search for them because there was a possibility that they didn’t mean it, which was true. After you convinced him by complimenting his reflex and allowing him to squeeze you, Floyd’s mood lifted and smiled widely.

[bratshaws]

goodness gracious 27. brb x oc

a/n: uwuwuwuwu i love them sm

check out the fic's playlist made by the sweet @wiipes !!

pairing: plus size!oc x rooster

warnings: fluff FLUUUUUUUUFFFFF

chapters:

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13/14/15/16/17/18/19/20/21/22/23/24/25/26

(pls let me know if you want to be added to the taglist!!)

taglist: @mirandastuckinthe80s @roosterschanelslut @wiipes @lcahwriter @shrimping-for-all @gretagerwigsmuse @frenchtoastix

@lizzie-rdj @fanboyluvr @atarmychick007 @comebacktoearthpls

@peachiicherries @mak-32 @lizziespidiepridie @roosterswifey @ollyoxenfrees @piceous21 @sqrlgrl22

-

She was so happily spent she didn’t want to move, she just wanted to snuggle closer to the very warm and defined body holding her. But alas, she had to when her phone pinged with a message, making Beatrice furrow her eyebrows while lifting her head from Bradley’s chest. He noised a complaint, holding her tighter to him, “Bea…” he murmurs, feeling his girlfriend stretch her body backwards to reach her phone. The hands around her waist dug tighter onto the soft flesh, “Where you goin’?” 

Beatrice smiles, “I’m just grabbing my phone,” she reassures him, falling back onto his chest when she grabs the device, unlocking to check what it was. Bradley hummed happily, feeling her warmth on his chest once more, burying his nose on her lavender scented hair. “My aunt is asking if we are going down for breakfast or if we want it brought here.”

Rooster peeked one bleary eye open, “Do we have that option?” she nods, still looking at her phone. He was very comfortable in this huge bed, with his very naked girlfriend after a night enjoying the plus of having such a huge bathtub in every way imaginable. He groans, pulling one of his hands from around her waist to run through his hair, using it to support his head up by pressing his elbow on the pillow, “Mmm, I’m very comfortable here.”

“Me too.” she says, “Should I tell her to just bring breakfast here?” he yawns deeply, nodding while scratching his jaw, “I better get dressed then.”

He watches with interest as she gets up from the bed, dropping his eyes to the curve of her waist and her ass - with the red handprint still very present on it, alongside the obvious bite mark - smirking to himself. His eyes rake up as she moves her hair to the side, exposing the hickies on her neck as she looks around for her underwear. “How about,” he begins, “You just wear a robe? Then you can just take it off once the food gets here.”

Beatrice looks over her shoulder to his very relaxed and sprawled position on the bed, the Florentine flowers cover low on his hips, enough to reveal the sharp V of his hip bones “Bradley,” she demonishes, “Do you want me to be naked?”

Rooster had a cheeky smile when he replied, “I just want you to be comfortable, just like I am…and naked too, of course.” She laughs softly, but disappears in the bathroom to pick up the fluffy robe with golden accents on the sleeves, tightening it around her waist before she walks out. He’s lying back on the bed, his hands behind his head and she couldn’t help but drag her eyes on the curve of his biceps and his chest, the subtle rise and fall of his stomach as he too watched her with interest.

She met his eyes, seeing the not so subtle glint of amusement, the corner of his mouth quirking up in triumph. Beatrice just chuckled, sitting on the edge of the bed on his side, combing her fingers through his sleepy messed hair, loving at how wavier it’d get whenever he woke up, making it seem fluffier than it normally was, “Did you sleep well?”

Rooster hummed happily, leaning onto her touch, “You know I did.” he murmurs, “Someone tired me out.”

“Oh,someone huh?”

He smiles,offering her an innocent shrug, “Add that to a very nice bath and I was just worn-out, passed out without even noticing it.” he explains, inhaling a tired breath as he sunk deeper into the pillows, “Honestly this is the best I’ve slept in…ages.”

Beatrice smiles sweetly, leaning closer to press a kiss to his lips, cupping his cheeks. She pulls back rubbing her thumbs over his cheekbones, “I’m glad you slept well, you know? You work a lot, you deserve some rest.”

God, could he love her even more? He could. How is someone like her real?? He smiles back, about to reply but was unable to when there was a knock on the door. She sent him an apologetic look, walking up to the door, opening and talking to whoever was outside, thanking them before pushing the cart inside.

 He pushed himself to a sitting position, rubbing his eyes as the cart got closer, seeing there was so much stuff just like last night. He saw a silver coffee pot with the word Moka ingrained on the bottom part, steam still floating out the little spout and smelling incredible.Next to it was a pitcher of milk, a sugar pot, two maroon colored coffee cups with spoons inside and a butter ramekin with a knife on top. 

But there were so many pastries, and cold cuts and jams he couldn’t stop looking, “Holy shit, your aunt doesn’t play around huh?” he questions, watching Beatrice smile, unlocking the top of the cart and making it a large tray, Bradley parts his mouth in surprise, “That’s so fucking cool.”

She laughs, carefully setting the tray down in the middle of the bed, pressing a button that makes a red light shine underneath the coffee pot, “To keep it warm.” Bea says when his wide eyes move to it, the pure wonder in his gaze makes her insides melt. She settles down next to him, tucking her legs under herself as Rooster runs his hands through his brownish blonde strands, rubbing his face to get rid of the sleep still clinging to his eyes.

The weather outside was still windy but the day was beautiful, bright blue with fluffy clouds that lazily rolled by. The two of them lean on the headboard, Rooster bringing the full tray close while holding on a slice of toast with his teeth, thanking Bea when she hands him a cup filled with coffee - with sugar already added.

They enjoy the private breakfast in comfortable silence, the hand he’s not holding the cup with lands on her thigh, rubbing the flesh repeatedly as they watch the pine trees move with the wind. Beatrice could hear voices from the outside, no doubt her relatives were figuring out what to do this morning, loud enough to go through the closed balcony doors and into the room.

Their plan for today wasn’t really a plan, they didn’t have one. Beatrice was so nervous about the meeting going badly; she just decided they’d have breakfast then go back to her house, not giving any more chances for her family to talk to Bradley and make him uncomfortable.

But yesterday was so good she now is unsure of what she could do, almost feeling bad on deciding to go when everyone liked Bradley so much. Her smile only widened when she remembered last night, sipping her morning coffee with a pleased expression on her face. He really was accepted by everyone, especially her male cousins, especially Umberto who was an aviator just as Bradley was. God, she was very happy - and relieved - that it went well.

“What’s gotten you so silent, pretty girl?” he asks, licking his fingers clean of powdered sugar as he places the pastry back down onto the tray.

Beatrice grins, biting her lower lip, “I’m just happy everything went well, Brad.” she whispers, placing her cup back as well, “I really am…I wouldn’t know what to do if they just, I don’t know, didn’t like you.”

His eyes softened, pushing the tray farther from them before he pushed himself so his whole back touched the headboard. He tapped sheets covered lap twice, Beatrice blushed a bright red but slowly crawled over, sitting on his covered thighs but not straddling him. He wrapped his arms around her, burying his nose on the brown locks with a happy sigh, “I’m happy too, gorgeous.” he says, pushing a few strands behind her ear, rubbing his thumb over her cheek as her head touched his chest, “Everything went well.”

“Yeah…” she says with a soft exhale,drawing random patterns on his pectorals with the tip of her finger “It did…” Beatrice nuzzles his chest, smelling the pure scent of him, whiffs of his cologne still clinging to his golden skin “...you know, it’s funny, if anyone told me we’d end up together around the time I had a crush on you I’d probably just…I don’t know, laugh.” his big hand slides under the bottom part of the robe, touching the curve of her hip. “Especially because…well…”

He waited for her to continue, but she didn’t, so he pulled his head back to look down at the brunette, “Well?” she avoided his gaze, chewing her lower lip, “What?”

Beatrice frowns, “I feel ashamed of it now…but, I–I thought you and Nat were together, when I first um, saw you.”

Rooster blinks his eyes at her, his lips parting in surprise, “Nat?” she nods, blushing fiercely. He wanted to laugh because the thought of that happening was hilarious but he remembered how this happened when Beatrice barely knew him - or any of them for that matter - and her opinions were based on what she saw on the Hard Deck.

He and Nat did flirt a bit, at the beginning, but eventually figured out that this connection the two had was anything but romantic. Nat was like a sister he never had and one of the first ones who noticed his crush on Beatrice.

-

Phoenix looked at Rooster, who seemed to be lost in his own brain with his eyes on the bar. They were the first ones there, well, he was already there and she showed up soon after so they got to chatting as soon as they could. She tapped her finger on her beer bottle, waiting for him to say something back but he was too busy looking at the new brunette bartender.

She clicked her tongue, “Anyway,” she begins, “That’s how I murdered my first husband, tossed his body out on La Jolla beach and stole all the money from his bank account.” 

Rooster had no reaction, just muttered, “That’s nice Nat.”

She narrowed her eyes, turning her head to where the girl was, smiling at something Shells said, picking up empty glasses from the wooden top. Nat interlaced her fingers on top of their table, pursing her lips hoping it’d hold back her smile, the great Bradley Bradshaw?? Showing no reaction? Now she was interested, “Would you like to share that with me?” he snaps his gaze back, furrowing his eyebrows. Nat points at the brunette then back at him, “This whole thing?”

He just chuckles weakly, bringing the beer bottle to his lips, “There’s nothing going on.”

“Sure.” she says, “And you were looking at her like you were hypnotized because??”

“I wasn’t.”

“Sure was.”

“I wasn’t.”

She had this pleased smile on her face when he looked back at her, “Why…do you have a crush, Bradshaw?”he spat beer in his mouth in shock, his hand immediately coming up to wipe it before it reached his shirt, “Ooooohh, you do!!”

“How old are you? Nine?” he growls back, but his cheeks were indeed darker, pulling out a napkin to clean his palm, avoiding Nat’s amused look.

“You dooo, you doo!!!” she pokes his arm repeatedly, laughing to herself when he pushes her hand away, “Oh, come on, can’t I have this? When was the last time you were interested in a woman to the point you are quiet?”

“I’m not–” he stops his sentence and Nat knew if he said that he wasn’t he was lying. He was interested “It’s just–” she arches her eyebrows, moving her hand for him to continue, “I mean–”

“And you are stuttering too? Oh, oh this is rich!” She avoided the shove on the shoulder coming from his embarrassed self, laughing quietly when Rooster just supported his chin on his hand, looking away from her, “Oh, come on, Rooster. I’m just messing with you.” he huffs in annoyance, “Come on, you can’t say you wouldn’t do the same if it was me.”

Rooster narrowed his eyes in her direction, his body heating up with even more embarrassment when she crossed her arms with a knowing smirk, “I don’t know what you mean.”

“Don’t I?” she repeats, arching one eyebrow this time, “Are you sure?”

“I am sure, just drop it.” 

Ever since that day she hasn’t stopped commenting about the brunette bartender towards him. She’d always send him looks whenever they were at the Hard Deck. The day Beatrice came to the barbecue, he was sure it was Nat’s plan all along for the two to finally do something about it.

Then when they finally did, she punched him in the arm so hard as a congratulations he was sore for a couple days after. While Shells was Beatrice’s wingwoman, Nat was his.

-

“It’s dumb to think about it now.” she murmurs, “I love Nat. She’s so cool.”

She is pretty cool, with a shotgun powered punch, but pretty cool. “You didn’t know.” he frowns, “...did that, I mean, did that thought prevent you from talking to me too?” she moved her gaze away and shrugs, clearly meaning yes “...babe…”

“I know,” she groans, dropping her face to his chest, “I know, I feel so stupid about it too. I just–I mean, you know? It lasted for a few weeks, I guess, I let my overthinking get the best of me. Then Shells talked me out of it and I just pined after you in silence before you finally talked to me.”

Rooster tsked, hugging her tighter to himself with his free hand cupping the back of her head, his lips kissing her scalp, “...I think it was my fault too, I should’ve done something sooner. I don’t like the thought of you hurting because of me.”

“You didn’t do anything,Brad.” she cuts, ‘It wasn’t your fault.”

“I’m sorry that was the impression you had of me, back then.” he murmurs, “Me and Nat never had anything romantic. She’s my friend, she’s like a sister to me.”

Beatrice frowns, her lower lip jutting out just enough, her cheek pressing to his left pec as she looks at her hands, “I know…I’m sorry for that.” she whispers, “I shouldn’t have, you know, thought that way either.”

Rooster runs his fingers through her chocolate colored tresses, twirling the strands between his index and thumb, “Well, we can’t go back in time.” he whispers, “It happened, we both took a while to act up on our feelings, but look at us now,right?” he grins, “I love you, you love me and your family loves me. It worked out in the end.”

Beatrice’s mouth curled into a smile as she nodded quietly, turning up to finally look up at him, “My nonna would’ve loved you.” she whispers, imagining her short nonna meeting Bradley for the first time, her short stature would be comical while standing next to him. “She’d probably ask you to dance with her.”

Bradley chuckles, still combing her hair, “Would she now?”

“Yeah, she’d reach your stomach but she’d have so much fun.” her eyes hooded, looking back at the tray where the remnants of their breakfast was,”She would want to cook you food, she’d probably call you skinny.” he makes a face and she laughs, “I know, she called everyone that.”

“You never talk about your nonno.” he says cautiously, “You never met him?”

“No, he died before I was born. But my nonna and my siblings talked about him a lot. He seemed to be a fun guy.” she says sweetly, then turns to look up at him, “He also had a mustache.”

Rooster chuckles, “Really?” she nods, which in turn makes him run his fingers over his own with a smile, “Maybe you got that from your nonna, be attracted to handsome mustached guys.”

Beatrice laughs, leaning up to kiss him with a happy sigh,her hands cradling his head when she pulls away, her nails scratching his scalp. His hair was still fluffy and wavy, some strands falling over his forehead as he moaned happily, dropping his head on her shoulder so she continued scratching. 

They stayed in bed for a little while longer, before they finally decided it was time to take a shower - separately, much to Bradley’s disappointment - and change into casual clothing. She walked out onto the balcony to check the outside, seeing it was less noisy than earlier that morning which could only mean that some of her relatives already left, but she didn’t want to go yet.

She looked out towards the vineyards, looking back at Bradley who fixed his white tee on his chest, “Hey, do you want to go for a walk?”

He looks up with a smile, “Sure, gorgeous. Where to?”

“I was thinking we could wander past the vineyards.” she says, “I used to do that as a child and I think I just wanted to share it with you.” He comes up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and pressing a kiss to her temple, muttering he’d love to go anywhere with her. Her cheeks heat up, but she grabs his hand and leads them out of the room.

When they reach the hallway, she’s greeted by the vision of the triplets coming in the opposite direction. She clenches Bradley’s hand closer to herself, keeping herself between him and them, not saying anything but watching with narrowed eyes, daring them to say something. Her cousins instead, just dropped their gazes to the floor and rushed past the two, quickly closing the door down the hall.

Bradley looked back to where the triplets disappeared, “I thought you said they’d bother us?”

“Well,” she says firmly, dragging him to the elevators, “Not anymore.”

–

They were walking through the vineyards, past the winery and towards an area of the large property where the woods got thicker. It was quite a distance from the hotel, at least a forty minutes walk, but Bradley wasn’t complaining, “You said you’d come here as a kid?”

“I’d try to.” she says, letting out an ‘a-ha’ when they reach a large fallen pine tree, climbing over it, “My aunt had the vineyards before the hotel, so most of this was just grass and trees back then.” she lands on the other side of the tree, seeing the thicket around them separate down a long tree tunnel, where she could see light peeking through the leaves, “The first time I visited the hotel was actually yesterday.”

Rooster looked up in surprise, “Really?” he asks while still following her, “Why?” 

Bea shrugs, “I don’t know, I saw it when it was being built…but if I wanted to see my aunt or my cousins, I could just go to their house, you know?” she explains, walking down the tunnel of trees with her head tilted upwards, seeing the birds flying above her head “But I did like it, it was really nice.”

She stops by the end of the tunnel, turning to the left and climbing up a grassy hill until they reach the top “We’re here.” she says, quickly seating herself on the grass and looking up when Bradley did the same. The spot oversaw the whole location, from the vineyards to the winery then the hotel, even part of Escondido in the distance could be seen if you squinted long enough.

Bradley rested his arms on his bent knees, “Woah…this is incredible.”

“Yeah…” she pulls up her knees to her chest, hugging them with her arms, “When I was a kid I thought I could reach the sky from up here.” she chuckles,watching how the wind made the grass move in slow waves below them, shining a light yellow with the sunlight, “My cousins and I sometimes would roll down this hill until we reached the bottom. Really stupid when you think about it,considering how high this is.”

Rooster looked down the edge of the hill and indeed it was an impressive height, of course it’d be even higher for a child, but he couldn’t lie and say the adrenaline of reaching the bottom wouldn’t be worth it. When he was a kid he’d do the same thing, especially after his father passed. He didn’t have a hill to climb on, but he had the roof of his house where he’d sit in the middle of the night, with his mother joining him after a while. “I get it.” He says, “I used to sit on my roof.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah,I loved it.” he chuckles, “It’s like when you fly, you feel very free.”

Beatrice smiles, looking back at the sky when she sees a sparrow flying by, “It seems so incredible. The first time I flew I wanted to get the window seat, because I felt like a bird, I wanted to see everything.” she giggles, not seeing how his eyes moved in her direction when she mentioned that, “But…this was good too, you know?”

Rooster squinted his eyes behind his sunglasses, watching a yellow bird fly by then and he was reminded of the time he saw one when he visited his mother’s grave. He hasn’t seen one so close ever since then. He kept the bird in his vision until it flew away from them. He didn’t know if it was his mother approving of an idea he had on his head or approving of his relationship with Bea…or just both, either way he wasn’t complaining about it.

Beatrice scooted closer to him, leaning her head on his shoulder, the scene reminding him of that time at the beach, “You know, the time you fell asleep on me,” she looks up at him with her head still on his shoulder, “I wasn’t lying when I said it was the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.”

“I mean, you’ve seen me asleep many times since then.”

“I have and it’s still the cutest thing I’ve ever seen,” she gives him an eyeroll, but she’s smiling, “I mean it. You sleep so nicely it’s hard to stay awake looking at you like that.”

“Well, it’s the same with you,” she says, “You look so relaxed I can barely keep my eyes open.”

Rooster smiles even wider, rubbing the curve of her chin with his thumb, “You are too cute,” he chuckles, “I swear, you bring me here to this hidden spot in the woods and I’m supposed to think you aren’t a fairy? Could’ve fooled me.”

Beatrice chuckles, rubbing her cheek on the fabric of his shirt as the two sit there watching the horizon with casual chatter flowing from their lips. She just closes her eyes, enjoying the sunlight - and Bradley - warm her body, her arm hooking around his to bring him even closer. This weekend turned out better than she ever planned, she had Bradley, she had her family’s approval, she had a great time with him.

All she wanted now was to enjoy the rest of his leave alongside him the best she could.

[m-jelly]

It bloomed in spring - chapter 10

@kenkopanda-art thank you for the wonderful banner.

Pairing: Levi x Reader

Ao3 LINK HERE

Words: 4.6k

Genre and tags: Romance, fluff, royal AU, emperor Levi, falling in love, forbidden love, relationship progression, angst, hurt, plot development, date.

Concept: You and Levi go on a romantic date to the sea town. You go shopping and spend time with Charles and Wendy. You later return to the palace together with sadness in both your hearts because it means you cannot be openly romantic. Levi announces your promotion to head of his research team. You have a poisoning scare. You confined in others before telling Levi your suspicions about your body.

Part 1 Part 2 Part3 Part4 Part5 Part6 Part7 Part8 Part9 Part11 Part12 Part13

Levi carried in a tray with drinks and snacks for you and him. He smiled softly at seeing you sitting behind his desk looking through papers and books with reading glasses on. He felt a little giddy at seeing you look so serious and cute. “Empress.”

You lifted your head and looked at him. “Hmm? Did you say something?”

He smiled. “I called you Empress and you answered.”

You blushed bright red. “Huh?”

He placed the tray down and walked around to you. “Empress.”

You squeaked. “I didn’t mean to…I just…”

Levi knelt before you and smiled. “It’s cute.” He frowned a little. “Are you wearing my shirt and trousers?”

You blushed. “Yes, well…I mean…I wanted to be a bit more comfortable.”

He pouted a little. “No easy access for me to devour you as you work.”

You flicked the end of his nose. “Be a good boy for me, okay?”

He wiggled his nose. “I will.” He cast his gaze up at you. “You wear my things well.”

“Thank you.”

He leaned up and kissed you. “I enjoy worshipping you.”

You played with his hair. “You remind me of Sir Tutus.”

Levi gasped before looking over at the pup sleeping in his basket. “How?”

You giggled. “Because you love attention, pets and love.”

Levi turned and picked up a sleepy Tutus. “Your mummy says I am just like you.” He smiled when Tutus licked his cheek. “I suppose I am.”

You hummed a laugh as the love of your life cradled your pup and fussed them. “You two look so cute together.”

Levi rocked Tutus and smiled. “Thank you.” He kissed the end of Tutus’ nose causing his little tongue to stick out. Levi chuckled. “Cute thing.” He hugged Tutus. “I missed this little guy.”

“He missed you. He whined so much when you left.”

“He did?”

You nodded. “Yeah.” You let out a long sigh. “You’re going to be an amazing father.”

He looked up at you with a sparkle in his eyes. “Really?”

You blushed a little and nodded. “Yes.”

He smiled softly. “Thank you. I’ll only be a good father if you are the mother.”

“Flirt.”

“I am and I am also telling the truth.” He put Tutus down and watched him shake. “We should go out.”

You sighed. “I have a lot of work to do.”

He stood up and pulled you to your feet. “My love, my darling, my sweet, my bunny.” He kissed the end of your nose. “You told me I’m working too much, but now I’m telling you. Do not push yourself so much. Sometimes you just need to walk away and come back to it.”

You let out a long sigh. “You are right. I feel I am becoming you when we were at the palace.”

He held your chin and kissed you. “You owe me a date. Go change and we will take Tutus for a walk into the fishing town. We’ll take Charles and Wendy with us too.”

You gasped in delight. “Okay!”

Levi smiled as he watched you run off. He whistled to Tutus and got him to follow. He put a lead on Tutus and petted his head. “Be good, my little pup.” He stood up and smiled at Charles. “You have any local places that would be nice for us all?”

Charles nodded. “Yes. In fact, there is a delightful little place that cooks things straight from the boats that come in. I believe the big thing at the moment is shrimp of all sizes. You can get some in honey and garlic, others in just butter. It’s a delight.”

“We’ll all go there for lunch, my treat.”

“That’s very kind of you.” He looked over at you and Wendy. “I do believe the young miss would enjoy the bakery there. They make very large sweet things.”

“I’ll do that.” Levi looked at you in your white dress with flecks of gold. He gulped hard at how your breasts were pressed and looked like they might fall out. “Darling…”

You twirled for him. “Wendy thought this would be best.”

Levi nodded. “You look…”

Wendy put a metal flower crown on your head. “Like an Empress?”

Levi smiled. “She does. Like an Empress at a summer festival.” He kissed you and hummed. “I am honour to be by your side.”

You giggled and hugged his arm. “Me too. Is Tutus ready?”

Levi nodded and showed you the lead. “Sir Tutus is ready to observe his land.”

“He’s the real Emperor.”

“He is.”

Levi led the way out of the house and down the long path to the town. “When we get back to the palace.”

You looked at him. “Hmm?”

He gulped hard. “I umm…I want you to be promoted, as sorts. I want you to work with Hange as my researcher and head of staff.”

You stopped on the path. “You can’t be serious.”

“I’m very serious. I’ve been thinking about it a lot and your speech last night made it clear you are valuable.” He cupped your face. “So?”

You nodded with a light blush. “I’ll do it.”

He kissed you and hummed in happiness. “I’m so glad!” He laughed a little with a blush on his cheeks. “I really am. You’re so valuable to this team.”

You hugged him and hid your face as you whined. “Stop making me feel so good. I’m supposed to be this tough cool person now.”

He smiled. “How dare I praise the woman that I love.”

You hummed a little laugh. “So…” you walked with him towards the town “you’ll be going on dates with the princesses.”

He grumbled a little. “I know, I’m not happy about it. I am unsure of why this is a path they are taking.”

You nibbled your lip as you entered the town, your thoughts were clouded with ideas. “Perhaps there is a new princess that is a Du Mont.”

“Likely.” He leaned over and kissed you. “We shall ignore all those worries and fears as we focus on today.”

You hummed a laugh. “You’re right.”

He pulled you close. “If there is anything you like, you may have.”

“Oh, I don’t know.”

He kissed you and smiled. “Forget our roles. We’re just a couple.”

You hummed and looked over everything. You filled with your necklace Levi gave you and hummed. “I don’t know if I want something, I mean, I have a delightful necklace you got me and a wonderful ring.”

“You need a bracelet.”

You laughed. “I don’t.”

He walked over to a jeweller and studied what they had. “How about that bracelet?”

You shook your head. “I don’t want anything.”

He pouted. “But I wish to get you something.”

You walked with him. “Levi, you don’t need to get me anything. I don’t see anything I would like.” You stopped and gasped. “A dog collar!”

Levi smiled. “It’s nice. We should get it.”

You ran inside the shop and picked up the different things for pets. You turned to Levi before crouching down to Tutus. “What do you think Sir Tutus? Do you like this one or this one?” You smiled when he sniffed a collar. “Great choice. I love this one too.” You put it on him and attached the new lead as well. “I’ve chosen!”

Levi smiled and paid for it all. “Thank you.”

You ran out with Tutus and giggled. “Look at you, all handsome and flashy!”

Levi walked over with a soft smile. “He looks good.”

You nodded and hugged him. “Thank you for this.”

“My pleasure.”

You jumped into Levi’s arms and kissed him. “Let’s explore!”

He held your hand and walked with you around the town and just enjoyed how happy you were, how you were giddy with happiness. He met up with Charles and Wendy with you and took you to the fish place. Levi ordered for the table to be covered in different delights. He smiled as his friends enjoyed the food and you too. He loved how you were smiling and laughing along. Levi missed living like this with his parents and he missed his friends. He wanted to go back to how things were.

Levi played with your hair a little. “I should step down as Emperor.” He blushed when everyone gasped. “What?”

Wendy shook her head. “Don’t give this all up. You’re the best thing ever to happen to Paradis. We’ve thrived because of you.”

Charles nodded. “Crime and poverty are on the decrease. Education is valued more and people are happier. We’re booming.”

You held Levi’s hands. “I know it’s hard. I know this job is something you’d love to run from, but know that you do good. You help people in need. I understand you want to be with your friends and me in peace, but I believe in you, in us and this country. It’ll get better once we solve this old mystery.”

He smiled softly and nodded. “You’re right. Thank you, all of you. I wouldn’t be doing this if it weren’t for you all.”

“You know what we need? We need a big cake and something to drink. We’ll go home and have it all on the beach.”

Levi chuckled. “Perfect.”

You glanced over at Levi as you sat in the carriage and saw his pout. You smiled a little as Tutus sat happily on your lap. You fussed him and hummed a little. “Levi, are you going to pout all day?”

“I was enjoying my holiday with you. I am upset it is over.”

“There will be more.”

He sighed. “I understand that, but I still hurt.” He frowned in thought. “All I have ever wanted was to be with you and to be in love. “I cam prevented from having that at the palace. I know there will be princesses all over due to Steven’s and Theo’s suggestion of dating the princesses. I may never get to share a bed with you. I will miss your sweet touch and warm embrace.”

You held his hands and kissed them. “In time. I am working hard for you and the others. You now have me on your team to find a way of you not being married to those women.”

He huffed. “I still hate it all.”

You moved and sat next to him. “How about one last kiss before we arrive?”

He smiled softly at you with tears in his eyes. “Really? I’d like that.”

He leaned over and captured your lips in a soft and delicate kiss. He pressed into the kiss as his heart fluttered at connecting with you on a loving level. He slipped his hand around your waist as he felt a strong desire to keep touching you as much as he could. He felt a strong tingle inside him at being connected to you. If Levi could, he would kiss you for hours on end.

You pulled back and lightly kissed him. “We’re here.” You moved to your side of the carriage. “I just want you to know that our time together was a pure delight.”

Levi went to speak, but you got out of the carriage to the staff and princesses waiting for him. He sat there for a while as he felt the urge to cry and run. He felt this darkness slipping into his heart. “I had the best time too.”

You opened the carried door and smiled. “Your majesty?”

He gazed at you. “Call me by my name, just one last time.”

You offered your hand. “Let’s go inside the palace, Levi.”

He smiled sadly and took your hand. “Yes.” He climbed out and looked around at everyone waiting for you. He let out a long sigh and walked with you and didn’t let go of your hand. “Before you tell me off, I have an announcement involving you.”

“Oh, you’re doing that?”

He nodded and led you up the steps and turned to the people waiting. “I wish to speak with you all about a promotion. As you all know, I am researching something rather important to myself that only those close know what it is.” He looked over at you and smiled as he announced your name. “Has been a wonderful maid and aid to my father, but it’s time to promote her. While on my holiday, she proved that her research skills are excellent. Therefore, I am making her head of my research team and no longer a maid.”

You blushed as everyone clapped for you. You could see your colleagues were so happy for you and the princesses didn’t care so much, except Yulia seemed unhappy. “Thank you, everyone, for being my friends and colleagues.” You bowed to Levi. “Thank you, your majesty.”

“We’ll move you to a new room as well.”

“Thank you.”

He placed his hand on your shoulder. “No, thank you.” He turned to his staff. “Please start the move. Charles will show you her new room.” Levi looked at you. “I will show you to your office.”

You nibbled your lip. “Wendy can take me. You have some meetings to do.” You nodded to the princesses. “I will see you later.”

Levi sighed. “Alright. Hange? Could you assist?”

Hange ran over to you. “Let’s go!”

You walked with her up the steps. “I’m looking forward to working with you.”

She hugged your arm. “Me too. Also, I can sense Levi’s eyes on us.” She giggled a little. “He’s in deep, isn’t he?”

You showed her your ring, which was now on your right hand. “He asked me to marry him. I had to move it over to my right hand, but I said yes.”

“I’m so happy for you both! Oh, but you need to fight that law, huh?”

You nodded. “I do.”

She opened your office door and led you inside. “Don’t worry, it will be filled with books and papers soon. So, tell me about your ideas.”

You sat down on your desk and gave her a full rundown of what you’d discovered while away. “I have the evidence.”

Hange sat down in utter shock. “Wow.”

You hugged yourself. “I think this is our path.”

She nodded. “It is. It really is. I think we need to find the history of Elula. We’ll go to the political library tomorrow together.”

You smiled. “Thank you.” You stood up as your books and papers were brought it. “Thank you, all of you.”

Hange gave you a tight hug. “You’re a wonderful person. I hope nothing but the best. I will help you.”

You blushed a little. “Thank you.” You waited for everyone to leave before sitting behind your desk. “Feels weird. I don’t have to wear the maid uniform anymore and I get help from maids.”

Hange winked at you. “It’ll take time to get used to.”

You hummed. “It will.”

She picked up a book and started working. “You really need to get used to it if you’re going to be Empress.”

You blushed hard. “I suppose.”

“I’m impressed. I thought you would protest.”

You glanced over at your friend. “I see no use in it. The old me would, but now I accept what is happening and I want my happiness.”

“Go you!”

You smiled softly before getting back to work. You hummed a little song to yourself before casting your eyes to your door to see Wendy. Part of you had hoped it would be Levi, but it was still a delight to see your friend. “Hello.”

Wendy walked over to you. “Would you like tea and snacks?”

You blushed. “Oh umm…yes? Sorry, I’m not used to asking still.”

“That’s alright.” She winked at you. “It will take time.”

“I appreciate you both being patient with me.”

“You deserve happiness.”

You smiled softly and went back to work. You accepted your tea and snack from Wendy and got back to work. You worked late as the sun started setting. You reached over to light your candle and realised there was a lamp. You stared at it and remember that the palace now had power and that it would be given to the whole island of Paradis. You turned the lamp on and jumped a little when light covered your desk.

You tapped it and smiled. “Impressive.” You looked over at Hange to see she was passed out asleep. “She would love this.” You smiled and looked at your papers. “Much better.” You glanced up at your door opening to see a tried Levi. “Your majesty.”

Levi groaned. “Levi, please. I am dying to be smothered by your-.”

“Ah!”

He froze in place. “What?”

You pointed to Hange sleeping. “Company.”

He stared at Hange before letting out a long sigh. “First day back and we cannot be alone.” He walked closer. “How is work?”

You hummed a little. “Good, but very little progress. I’ve made those boards over there with all the information I have. I do intend to lock this room when I’m not in so I can protect my research. I cannot trust everyone.”

He looked at your collection of work and felt pride inside him. “You’ve done exceptionally.”

“Thank you.”

He turned to you and looked at what you were working on. “Is the lamp okay?”

You nodded. “It’s truly wonderful. I am impressed and delighted by it.”

“It’s life-changing. They’re already giving people power in Paradis. I have them all over the island.”

You locked eyes with him. “You’re a wonderful man.”

He leaned down and kissed you. He pulled back and sighed when he heard an excited gasp. “Hange, you have got to work on being sneaky.”

Hange laughed nervously. “Sorry.” She stood up and pointed to the door. “I will give you some space. Night!”

You waved to her. “Night.”

Levi knelt at your side. “I want to devour you. I want you to sit upon my face. I want you to clench my face between your glorious thighs.”

You blushed a little and enjoyed the thought, but you had so much work to do and you were a little tired. “Perhaps another time, my love.”

Levi tilted his head a little. “Is something the matter?”

You let out a long sigh. “I have a lot of work to do and I am rather tired.”

He shifted and sat with his back against your desk and rested his arm on your thighs and held your hand. “Forgive me for coming in here and only thinking of sex.”

You smiled and gave his hand a little squeeze. “Don’t be sorry. It is a confusing time for us both. We want to worship each other’s bodies, but we also want to hold each other.”

Levi kissed your knee. “Exactly, my love. It is very confusing. We had unlimited access to each other for two weeks and now that has been taken from us.”

You played with his hair. “We will get it back.”

He turned his head and rested it on your lap. “I can’t wait to marry you.” He smiled as he dreamed up ideas for the wedding day. “You are going to look so magical in your wedding dress.” He squeezed your legs as he hugged them. “Like the white dress, you wore on our date to the town, but better and grander.”

You laughed. “I don’t need a grand dress.” You looked up to your door when you heard someone walking down the hall. You turned your light off and locked all your important notes in your draw. You slipped off your chair and hid you and Levi under your desk. “Shh.”

Levi huddled close to you as someone knocked at your door. “Who could be after you at this time?”

You giggled. “I don’t know, but this is fun.”

He leaned over and kissed you. “Maybe we should kiss as we hide.”

You nodded, which surprised him. You leaned over and kissed him over and over as someone came into your office. You slipped your tongue into Levi’s mouth as they approached your desk. You smiled into the kiss when Levi ran his hand over your right breast. You massaged the inside of Levi’s thigh as the person stopped at your desk and placed something on it. You cupped the side of his face when they started walking away and back out.

You pulled from Levi and crawled out to look around. You hummed in thought before standing up. You turned on your lap and started at your desk. “I have a gift.”

Levi stood up and looked at the desk to see a gift was waiting for you. “Tch, who the fuck?”

You smiled at the gift basket and picked up the card. You gasped. “It’s from the staff.”

Levi hugged you from behind. “That’s rather sweet.” He kissed your shoulder and smiled against your skin. “They do love you.”

You nodded. “I wonder who dropped it off.”

“Who knows.” He released you and slapped you on the bum. “You should go to bed.”

You hummed. “Yeah, you’re right.”

Levi picked up the basket. “Come on. I’ll take you.”

“Thank you.”

Levi walked at your side with a soft smile on his face. “I’m sad we’re back, but I’m also happy. It means all of us can work hard on achieving our goal.”

You nodded. “You’re right.”

He waved you down the hall to his room. “This way.”

You blushed. “You kept me close to you. People might talk.”

He shrugged. “Let them. I will tell them that I’m keeping you close because we’ll be working together a lot.”

You sighed. “I suppose you’re right.”

He opened one of the double doors to your new room for you. “It’s not as grand as the Empress room or mine, but I made sure it was to your taste and you had a nice big bed and bath.”

You walked into the room and smiled at the grand bed. You looked over to the small balcony and felt comfortable. “This would be a wonderful room for a kid.”

Levi placed your basket down and hummed. “You’re right. A kid would fit right in here.”

You blushed a little as Levi got closer to you. “I should sleep.”

Levi kissed your forehead. “Let me get your night things.”

“Thank you.” You sat on your bed and felt the tiredness wash over you. “Tired.”

Levi walked over to you and helped you change into your bed things. “You should get some sleep.” He kissed you and sighed. “I will miss you tonight.”

“Me too.”

“Goodnight.”

You waved to him as he walked to your door. “Goodnight.” You sighed when he closed the door and felt your heart sink. You let out a long sigh and walked over to your gift basket. You opened the basket and picked up some cookies and a letter inside. You sat down and started eating the cookies as you opened the letter and read it. “You need to quit while you’re ahead. Enjoy your ‘treats’.” You frowned a little. “Huh?” Your eyes widened as panic set in. “Oh no.” You threw yourself out of your room and ran to Levi’s. You shoved yourself into his room making him jump out of bed. “Levi!”

He walked over as he said your name. “What’s wrong?”

You dropped the cookies and card before grabbing his upper arms. “I might have been poisoned! Help!”

Levi yanked you down the hall and all the way to the kitchen. “This is going to suck, but it’s what’s needed.” He got a glass of water and mixed salt in. “Drink.”

You downed the water and instantly threw up in the sink. You threw everything inside your stomach up into the sink. You coughed and spat. You handed Levi your glass. “More!”

He gripped it. “I think you threw everything up.”

You shook and glared at him. “More! I need to get it all out.”

He stared at you. “Okay, but I really think you’re alright.” He made the drink. “Here.”

You drank it and threw up only the water because your stomach had nothing left within it. “It all needs to go.”

Levi rubbed your back. “It’s all gone.”

“Promise?”

“Yes, but we don’t even know if you were.”

You looked at Levi. “Tutus! He’s in my room and he might have eaten some.”

Levi kissed your forehead. “Wait here.”

You sat down and watched your lover run off. You put your head in your hands and felt scared. You looked up after a while to see seven tired people with Levi. You blushed at Levi’s friends, his parents and Wendy and Charles. “Hello.”

Levi adjusted Tutus. “Hange, check her. Mike? Go investigate the food as I know you have a good nose. Erwin, trace the message and check the handwriting. Mother, please help Hange. Wendy and Charles, investigate the staff and everyone here. Dad? Check political connections.”

“Stop.” You gulped as Hange checked you over. “It might not be someone who knows about what I’m doing. The way it was worded could possibly be a princess who knows about my relationship with Levi.” You looked over at Levi. “People must suspect something. I went away with you for two weeks and come back with a promotion and a room close to you. I don’t think they’re stupid.”

Levi hugged Tutus. “This is my fault.”

“I never said that. I’m simply saying that we shouldn’t assume that it was due to the laws.”

“Right, you’re right.” He sighed. “I’ll go with you, Mike. I need to check out the letter and basket.”

You waited for Levi to leave so it was just you, Kuchel and Hange. You started shaking a little. “Sorry for shaking.” You looked over at Hange. “I’m not poisoned, right?”

Hange smiled. “You aren’t showing the signs. I’m confident that you weren’t. It was likely just a scare tactic. We’ll test the food though.”

You sighed. “Thank goodness.”

Kuchel held your hands and said your name. “You seem very concerned. Is there something you wish to share?”

You nibbled your lip. “I’m late.”

Hange frowned. “Late for what?”

You locked eyes with Hange. “I’m late.”

Kuchel gasped. “You think?”

You shrugged. “I was due two days ago, so there is a chance that I might start any day and it’s a little late, but I don’t have the usual signs that I do before it…Plus, we’ve been active without…I mean.” You put your head in your hands and groaned. “What am I going to do? I might be pregnant.” You peeked at Kuchel and Hange. “I’m scared.”

Kuchel hugged you. “I understand your fear. By law, your relationship with Levi is said to be wrong, but we all know you love each other deeply. You two are perfect for each other and we will make sure you two get married.”

Hange kissed your cheek. “We’re all here to support you. You should tell Levi.”

“Tell me what?” You all looked at the tired and scared Emperor. He walked closer with Tutus still in his arms. “Well?”

You nibbled your lip. “I’m late.”

He stared at you, his eyes widening in delight. “Really?”

You nodded. “I don’t want to say I am because I might be due any day, but if I don’t get my period by the end of this week, then I’m calling it.”

Levi hurried over to you and handed Tutus to his mother. He knelt before you and smiled. “I understand.” He held your hands. “I’m with you every step of the way.” He kissed your hands and hummed. “I have some news to reassure you if you are. Mike doesn’t detect any poison. Hange will test next and confirm it’s okay.”

You welled up and felt relief. “I’m so glad.” You wrapped your arms around Levi’s neck. “So very glad.”

Levi hugged you tightly. “Me too.”

[ggukkiedae]

notes: yoonmi may or may not have overestimated her babysitting powers while her members weren’t present… to her defense, she could babysit one kid just fine! one kid and one baby at the same time is a whole other story… but at least she’s in the company with a few of her close friends (hi i’m projecting because i miss my baby cousins)

conversations written in italics are spoken in english

setting: february 2022

word count: 1,173

taglist: @sunflower-0180 @seaoffangirling @yourwonderbelle @1-800-enhypennabi @kamiiyou @strwberrydinosaur @uraveragefangirlsposts @caratinylyfe @1-800-minji @one16core @kimhyejin3108 @starlightjoong @akshverse @toriluvsfics @billboard-singer (taglist/s open! just drop an ask or a dm <3) (bold=can’t be tagged)

Yoonmi loved her niece and nephew with all her heart.

That’s precisely why the moment her eldest brother called and asked her to watch over the two while he took his wife to the hospital for a checkup, she accepted. It would be a piece of cake, considering she has babysat Yoonseol before, and Hanseol was a very behaved baby boy.

But she didn’t consider the fact that she only started babysitting Yoonseol on her own when the little girl was four, and not when she was a six-month-old. And when the other Bangtan members were easy to call in for help, not while they were all on break, recovering, and recuperating

She found herself sitting in her studio just barely being able to juggle soothing Hanseol to sleep, working, and playing with Yoonseol.

“Unnie,” the little girl asked her, eyes wide with curiosity, “are you doing okay? Usually mommy and papa handle one of us each.”

“I’m just fine, Seollie,” she put on a smile before checking the time. It was almost lunch, and they hadn't eaten yet. “You know what, I’m being a bad playmate, so how about I treat you to whatever lunch you want? Dessert included.”

The six-year-old’s eyes lit up in excitement. “Really? Can we get that shrimp pasta from the good cafe? And the rainbow cake roll!”

Yoonmi pondered to herself. It would take a while, especially since she’d have to go there herself. The cafe didn’t have delivery. It would definitely coincide with Hanseol’s milk time, so she’d have to take his stuff with her. And she wasn’t entirely sold on walking around on the outside for a few blocks when she couldn’t hold Yoonseol’s hand.

Her eyes met the younger’s excited ones, making her sigh. She couldn’t back out of her own statement.

“Put on your coat,” she got up while gently placing Hanseol down for a minute so she could help Yoonseol and put on her own coat as well, “but you have to promise to stay a little bit in front of me, okay? I shouldn’t even be bringing you outside unless it’s by car to my place.”

“I won’t tell papa.” Yoonseol’s cheeky smile made Yoonmi laugh.

But, by some stroke of luck, she ran into Yeonjun just as they were headed to the elevator.

“Hey, Yoonmi sunbae!”

Her eyes widened as she quickly dodged the headlock the older boy was about to trap her in. “Baby! I have a baby in my arms!”

“Uncle Yeonjun!” Yoonmi watched while Yoonseol practically launched herself into Yeonjun’s arms. It was no secret that she loved the older boy. Yes, Bangtan, and Chan held the number 1 spot in her heart as her favorite uncles, but Soobin and Yeonjun came close second (apparently the other four don’t count as uncle/aunt because they were Yoonmi’s age and younger).

“Hey, kiddo,” Yeonjun picked her up, “I missed you. Did you miss me?”

“It’s been forever!” The little girl dragged out her last syllable, making all of them laugh.

Yeonjun turned to Yoonmi and looked at the little bundle in her arms. “And who is this? Is this Kim Hanseol? Where are you three headed?”

“Yup, this is my new little nephew,” Yoonmi adjusted the bag on her shoulder before holding up Hanseol for Yeonjun to say hi to. “We were just heading to that cafe that we like to go to for lunch.”

She didn’t miss the way Yeonjun gave her a sympathetic look or the way the gears turned in his head.

“How about I take this little one off your hands for a bit,” Yeonjun offered, “so she can meet Seri’s ten-year-old brother. Jihoon visited today, too. Would you like to meet him, Seol?”

Yoonseol looked at him a little skeptically. “The ten-year-olds in my neighborhood don’t like playing with me. They think I speak English too much.”

“Well,” Yeonjun ruffled the little girl’s hair, “Jihoon likes talking to us in English, too. I’m sure he’d love to play with you because you speak way better English than Beomgyu.”

The last bit was whispered, making Yoonseol giggle. “Okay.”

“That’s a lie, and you know it,” Yoonmi laughed, fully knowing that Beomgyu could easily follow her conversations with Seri and that he just wasn’t too confident with his grammar.

Yeonjun chuckled before raising his eyebrow. “So, what do you say, little sunbae? I can even take Hanseol for a bit.”

“No, uncle, he’s still too little,” Yoonseol informed him, “so papa wants him with unnie, Uncle Channie, or the Tannie Uncles only. Unnie, please? I want to play with Tubatu!”

Yoonmi looked towards Yoonseol’s pleading eyes then towards Yeonjun’s reassuring ones. It would mean an easier time for her, and it looked like Yeonjun was close to just running away with her niece.

“Okay,” Yoonmi relented, making the two cheer, “but behave, Seollie. You, too, oppa.”

The two saluted in unison before Yeonjun spoke. “Yes, ma’am. We’ll make sure everything is okay. I’ll even send one of the 01s to help you order lunch. Hey, Heeseung!”

She thought he was joking, but footsteps behind her started approaching them. Yoonmi turned around to find one of her close friends walking up to them with a smile on his face.

“Yes, hyung?” Heeseung smiled before pinching Yoonseol’s cheek and giving her a fist bump. “Hey, Yoonseol. Hey Yoonmi, and hello little baby– oh. He’s asleep.”

“Thank god you’re here,” Yeonjun chattered excitedly, “are you busy?”

“No, I don’t have vocal lessons until five—“

“Good,” Yeonjun quickly yet gently took the baby bag from Yoonmi’s shoulder and handed it to Heeseung, “can you help Yoonmi while she buys lunch? Thanks, bye!”

“Oppa!”

Yoonmi’s call was useless as Yeonjun ran down the hall, Yoonseol in his arms while they laughed. Oh, she already knew the two would wreak havoc wherever the other TXT kids were waiting for them.

“I am so sorry,” Yoonmi looked at Heeseung apologetically, “but you know how Yeonjun oppa can get. You don’t have to help me.”

Heeseung laughed. “It’s no big deal. You’ll need help carrying lunch back here, right? And it’s all good as long as I get to meet the little guy when he’s awake.”

“Thanks, Seung,” she smiled gratefully at him as they walked to the elevator. The clock on the inside showed 11:50. It was a ten minute walk to the cafe, so she’d have to feed Hanseol as soon as they got there. “Hey, could you possibly make some milk for him? The bottles there already have water, and the milk powder is pre-measured.”

“Sure,” Heeseung chuckled while opening the baby bag. “For being the Nation’s Makdungie and the hyungs’ baby, you’re such a single mom.”

“Excuse me, single dad of six?”

“Single dad of five,” Heeseung corrected, “we also have a Jay.”

“Whatever,” she laughed at him.

So maybe it wouldn’t be as easy to take care of a six-year-old and a six-month-old on her own. But, hey, at least she knew had friends that would help her.

[husbandohunter]

May I request a Childe X Reader fanfic where the reader has been pushing herself too hard lately and so Childe has to forcefully get her to rest? ty

By my side [Childe x Reader]//Genshin Impact

Synopsis: You were an artist and he was an adventurer. Two people from vast backgrounds and Childe just wants to spend some time of his busy life with you. However, things didn't really go his way...at first.

(Childe x F!reader. Its all fluff)

(A/n): Perfect request anon. I too, would like to have a Childe in my life. Been getting 5-6 hours of sleep on average 😃😁. Yeah kind tossed some extra ideas with artist s/o, its a perfect reason for anyone to be busy.

============================

Once recieving the permission to take a week off from his diplomatic duties, the first thing Childe thought of was none other than his lovely significant other.

The harbinger knew quite well what lays ahead of his ventures to Liyue. During his quest for the archon's gnosis, he encountered many interesting events, such as meeting the rumoured traveller hailing from afar and a broke yet courteous man who turned out to be the ultimate ruler of this very country he walks upon then there was the battle against a dead god until he revived it using the sigil of permission. All of them were great additions to his story as Ajax the hero, something he always wanted to pursue since childhood. In which, also gave him something nice to write about when preparing letters for his siblings living back home. But little did the harbinger know that he'll one day bump into the heroine. A little too soon. Through your little art shop, he met you, a sweet and audacious woman with plenty of humour. That was how it all began.

While he strides down the streets between Liyue's exquisite buildings, Childe suddenly stops in his tracks and looks up to the sky. There, was painted a scenery of an evening dusk, sun rays relfected across until red and orange hues cast a river stream that led to the ends of the world. He watched the birds follow that streak like it was a path made for them to fly towards. A new adventure. You would have loved to captured this in your pictures.

And then he wonders, what might you be painting right now?

"Hey babe, I'm home~"

In a sing-song voice he calls out to you by your nick-name. You knew that Childe was an active member of the Fatui and that his time was limited, hence he made sure to write to you as well. Of course long distant relationships only makes the waiting more anticipated. When he does pay a visit, you'd run straight into his open arms, leaping off your feet to engulf him in one enourmous embrace. Then his hands will hold against your waist as he spins your round and around in the air, stealing the laughter out of your lungs before planting you back on the floor. Sometimes Childe would consider that being far away wasn't be such a bad idea as long as he was able to experience this, the harder the battle, the sweeter the victory. However...

"That's great."

He was met by a response similar to the wintry grace of Snezhnaya.

Huh?

All the fantasies he had from earlier shatters in the background as he stands there frozen. You didn't even spare a glance to the entrance, eyes still glued to the large canvas displayed at your front, too busy to even care. Childe clicks his tongue between the awkward silence with an uncertain expression. When there was no signs of initiation on your part, he shuffled his way to where you were and observes from behind.

"Well you're particularly quiet today," he muses to himself, placing a hand over his hip, "I guess that painting of yours must be really important then."

It was obvious that he was trying to nudge you into his favour. Something that you've found endearing was how quickly your boyfriend can be when he's in a needy state. So you quickly twisted over to peck him on the cheek before going back to work.

"That's better," Childe satisfiedly grins, "So who is this project for?"

"It's a commission requested by a wealthy family serving the Qixing. They're really influential in terms of the market and can really give me a competitive edge. I have to get it done in five days."

His tone flactuates as he squints his eyes, "Five days you say," he disliked the news of your schedule taking over his own, Childe only managed to take a week off and after that, he'll be away for quite some time, "Why don't you take a break? From the looks of your progress, it seems to me that you've been working on it for hours. I've got plenty of interesting stories to tell and you know, nothing can compare to sharing a warm meal within your company," he leans down to your ear level, "How does that sound?"

Several seconds went by as he waits for some sort of reaction, "Oh. Right," you blurted out and the harbinger only smiles, "I made some food earlier this morning. You can go help yourself if you're hungry."

Today was not his day.

Childe pulls out the wooden chair and slumps into the seat, a defeated huff escaping his mouth as he stared at the crystal shrimp placed on the table. It was hastily wrapped by plastic, most likely cold for a while, just like the romantic evening he had planned in his head. Normally you'll be sitting on the otherside while listening to the many tales he went through along the way. Although painting was your passion, it was undeniable that you also enjoyed his kind of lifestyle if you ever had the choice. He was rather surprised on how someone ambitious like him would end up with such a simplistic person but quickly accepted it as life was meant to be unpredictable, just the way he likes it. As Childe entertains you with his stories, he'll listen to your giggles amidst eating the homecooked meals that you both prepared together.

"I wonder if she ate already," he mumbled to his lone self. You most likely did but Childe knows you well. Artists are obsessed and they can go as far as to neglecting their own health for the sake of their masterpieces. Hence, he made sure to remind you to eat properly through the letters he wrote to you.

The harbinger takes a quick glance around the kitchen. It was a mess. The cupboards were slightly opened, metal pots were still displayed on the stone stove and the stench coming from the sink....

Childe pushes himsel up to see what was the cause.

Not even the dishes were washed.

Running his fingers through his bangs, he sighs wearily, "Old habits die hard huh?" And above all else, when artists are obsessed they also forget how disorganized they can become. Childe begins to roll up his sleeves before taking off his gloves. At times like this he'll have to pitch in and take care of it for you, "Looks like I'll be here for a while."

Throughout three sunsets and three moonrises, Childe had no option but to observe you from afar, minus the few attempts he made to regain your attention again. How you would go to bed much later than him, waking up before he opens his eyes and the effort he put into making your food only left with too many leftovers. It wasn't that you were unappreciative, instead, your mind had become too focused that your body was considered a second priority. Like anyone else, Childe genuinely thought you possessed great talent and supports you wholeheartedly. He loved it when you painted pictures just for him as if they were scenes coming out of his hero story, reminded by his adventures, capturing every detail. However he also needed to learn how to deal with this stubborn side of yours.

"Hey babe, I just finished preparing our dinner. Don't you smell that? Such a rich aroma, you should go eat."

"I'm busy."

Your diet were just small bites, the rest being substituted by coffee. Childe could clearly tell that you weren't getting enough sleep either as there were dark circles forming underneath your eyes and slowly, he was starting to become a little irritated.

Three hours passed midnight but you were still awake in the same place doing the same thing. Childe leans against the doorframe with arms folded, already changed into his sleeping clothes. He clears his throat to break the silence, "Ahem."

Your wrist hangs in mid air by the sound of a strange visitor, it was your boyfriend. Gaze in a daze, you lazily turned your head, "What time is it?"

"Way passed the sleeping hours as you can see," he points with his thumb at the table clock in a half-hearted manner, "You should already be in bed by now and don't think you can coax yourself out of the situation this time," his eyes parted in slits as he added with a smile, "Otherwise I might just have to force you myself."

You shook your head, "Give me one more hour? There's some finishing touches I really want to add so," clasping your hands together, you beamed sweetly, "Pretty please? I'll finish up soon."

"Oh really?" Childe challenges, head tossed back like he was interrogating you instead, "I believe that was also what you told me yesterday. And the day before? Adding up all of those days that would be.....four in total?" He deliberately counts upon his fingers before facing you again, this time his expression was slightly more serious, "As much as I find your determination remarkable, there are moments when you need to consider a sufficient amount of rest and this just isn't going to cut it."

"Four days already?!" You exclaimed, "Jeez, I don't even know if I'm halfway done."

Pressing his lips together, Childe glares in an acutely deadpanned countenance, it was also his time too, "Can't you ask this commissioner to extend your due date to next week? In your case, mora shouldn't be the issue since, well...you're dating me anyways."

It's true. Childe was the main reason why you didn't have to live as a starving artist. He had all your expenses fully covered from the marketing aspect to your residence, you simply chose to work out of pure will.

"I don't want to always rely on you so much," you confessed, "This commissioner could turn my whole career around. If I'm able to gain his favour, maybe I'll get promoted to a court painter for the Qixing! Who knows when there will ever be a chance like this again," pumping your fists, you spoke purposefully, "I'll pull an all nighters if I have to!"

Childe brings his hand to his forehead, you looked as if you were nearly about to collapse and yet still considering the option of an all-nighters? The harbinger should've detained you days prior before.

"Hm? Childe, what's wrong?" He suddenly falls deadly quiet and you watched him walk closer towards you, "What are--"

Hooking an arm behind your knees and the other at your back, your boyfriend lifts you up in one full swoop as he tossed you over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

"Guess we'll have to do things the hard way," he remarks cheerfully.

"W-Wait," you flailed your arms and kicked your legs but to no avail. Childe was an experienced combatant indeed, "Put me down! I have work to do."

Your protests fall upon deaf ears as the harbinger carries you to your room. You were oddly lighter than the last time he carried you, the strength less vigor than before, it was obvious that your body was in need of relaxation. He suddenly thinks there was a possibility that you would maintain this habit while he was absent.

I should probably visit more often.

Using his free leg to nudge the door open, he places you upon the shared bed in a gentle manner. You winced at the impact of the soft sheets, surprised by how much it affect you.

"There we go. All done. Man, you really are a stubborn one, aren't you. Makes me a little worried since I can't spoil you all the time."

He quickly invited himself to the empty space on your bedside and wrapped his arms around your figure, pulling you close and feeling you whole. Childe made sure there was no escape once putting his chin above your hairline so that you could feel his warmth as much as possible.

"This is--" you stuttered. His tactic was enough to make your limbs soften and you could almost hear him smirk into the distance, "This is cheating..."

"You think so?" He comments as if pledging innocence, "I don't know babe. Where I come from those who take the initiative are the ones who end up claiming the prize," pulling back, Childe takes the opportunity to observe your pouty face, "I don't make the rules. It's just how it goes."

You wanted to argue back but he suddenly took the bedsheets and covered both of your bodies with, completely trapping you with his presence. He snuggles into you further as if you were a bear made of linen and you felt the drowsiness taking over your mind. The way he gently pats down the back of your head was enough to instantly lull you into a deep sleep.

"Cheater," you mumbled.

He laughs softly, the rumbles emitting through his chest, "I love you too babe."

Even after you've let go of your resistance, Childe continues his actions until he was sure that you were resting. He had been longing to touch you like this since living a chaotic life only made peaceful moments much sweeter, "You're such a hard-worker you know that? I'm proud of you but you have to know when to call it a day," he whispers, "If not, how can I go on trips while knowing that you're still refusing to eat properly?"

You closed your eyes and said nothing in return. All your senses were too cloudy to come up with a reassuring response. Childe listens to the way your breath evens as you intake his scent during the process. It smelled like the soap you used in the showers, lotus leaves mixed with his own unique musk. You could only focus on him. His comforting embrace. His slightly accelerating heartbeat because you were together with him.

Letting out one final yawn, you succumbed to his spell and allowed your energy to drift away.

The corners of his lips tug upwards, "Sleep well princess."

Childe reaches over to your desk drawer and shuts off the alarm clock before turning over to face you again. He couldn't fall asleep immediately, not when he had to consider taking care of the commissioner who gave you an impossible deadline. But that will be saved for another day, for now, he observes in silent serenity.

If he were to quit his job for a year, what would his life be like?

Peaceful. Something opposite of what he was living right now. Something similar to the life he had back home. As you arrange the many paintings in your little home, he'll offer to help you among the places you couldn't reach. Without a doubt, Childe was far taller in comparison. Taking strolls into the streets and trying the new dishes the merchants came up with. Then in the evenings, you'll both go to dinner dates while listening to the storyteller revealing the rumours of the legendary Tianquan Qixing. Although Childe loved the adventurous life he led, he had to admit that your domesticity and family-bringing atmosphere was a tempting idea.

Maybe one day.

He lightly takes a strand that had fallen over your nose and tucked it smoothly behind your ear. The soft snores coming out of your parted lips caused his gaze to melt. And so he steals them with his own, placing a chaste goodnight kiss.

One day I'll be sure to bring my family here with us.

Closing his eyes, he joins you in your slumber, hoping to see all that he envisioned in his dreams.

[sunfish-studies]

Moonrise

✄・・・ Feathery Ink [Karasuno Manager Series]

➜ Pairing: Karasuno x Manager! Reader

➜ Warning: none

➜ Notes: This is a separate series from Crisp Leaves. Similar to Crisp Leaves, manager in this story will be portrayed as a girl. She will be tall. This is just my appreciation towards tall girls, you guys are amazing.

Previous:  ‹ Greed › | Next:  ‹ Illusionary Hero ›

↷ SUMMARY ↶

It’s finally summer vacation training camp!

After the fight, Hinata and Kageyama weren’t really talking to each other–Coach Ukai even separated them during practice, Hinata in team B while Kageyama in the other. When practice was over, Kageyama was working on his tosses with Yachi’s help while Hinata drive elsewhere with his bike to practice on his own.

“Ah, he’s with my grandpa.” You asked where on earth did Hinata go, and that’s your answer from Coach Ukai. Apparently, Hinata was training with the previous Coach Ukai at their home. That left you with managerial duties and some extras like buying supplies for the training camp.

The injury you received of course was noticeable by the team–it almost send both Tanaka and Nishinoya into rampage, but you quickly said it’s not a problem and it would heal in no time. While you could make up some excuse for Daichi, Sugawara, and Ennoshita, you couldn’t with Shimizu. With a stern look from, you finally spilled the beans and she promised not to tell anyone.

While Kageyama wasn’t talking to Hinata, he’s definitely talking to you more now–along with walking you home if you chose to stay at practice longer. With that, you learn more about him and how he’s undoubtedly a volley ball dork through and through.

The time you had to depart from school to Tokyo for the training camp at night, he offered to picked up from your house so you could walk together to school.

“C-can I sit next to you…?” the raven-haired boy asked. Of course, you agreed wholeheartedly since Yachi will be sitting next to Shimizu and sitting alone didn’t seem to be fun. At first, you talked about some mundane things and watched a few videos saved in your phone before falling asleep leaning to each other.

“KAGEYAMA!!”

“HOW DARE YOU STEAL A HEADSTART!”

And it incurred the wrath of both Tanaka and Nishinoya when they realized. Thankfully, Ennoshita was quick to shut them up by slapping them on the head and Daichi glared at them menacingly for causing a ruckus.

.

.

“Well, the grand guest finally arrived,” when you carried the big bag filled with your essentials outside the bus, it was immediately gone from your hands. Kuroo plucked it from your grip so he could carry it instead, sending you a small smile.

“Kuroo-san, it’s been a while.” Greeting the older boy, you stepped to the ground.

“It’s nice knowing you stick to your promise,”

“Well, it’s impossible for me to not join the training camp. And,” you looked up to the building upon the stairs. When it was in Nekoma High School before, this time training camp was held at different area–however, you didn’t complain because even during summer, the place was cool with many trees surrounding and breeze swept by. “Why are we in a different place? I thought it’s being held only in one place.”

Kuroo hummed. “It’s a tradition for training camp during summer vacation happened in Shinzen. This place is cool, so it’s great. Why? You wanted to be cooked under the sun instead?”

“I’d rather not.”

“Hinata! Did you grow any taller!? Oh! Otohaku-chan!! You’re looking pretty as always!!”

“Lev, shut up.” Kenma scolded.

.

.

“[NAME]-CHAN!! Make sure to cheer for me, alright!!”

“She won’t, Bokuto-san. And please don’t call her by her first name when she didn’t mention you could.”

Thank goodness, Akaashi had a say because you didn’t know how to reply that without wanting to upset Bokuto in the process. The first match was Karasuno against Fukurodani and it didn’t go well–your team splendidly didn’t sync because everyone went to try the new moves their practicing, resulting they had to take a new kind of penalty.

Along with Yachi, you watch as everyone sprinting uphill. And it didn’t happen only one time, every time they lost a match, they had to do one before walking down and downing their drinks. It went until the last practice–which they splendidly managed to lost.

“Hitoka-chan, could you look over Kageyama-kun and Hinata-kun in my place,” you whispered to your best friend, referring to the duo who’s clearly itching for practice but couldn’t exactly say it clearly as they still in bad terms with each other.

“Yeah! I was thinking about that too!” the two of you nodded in determination.

“Uhm, [Name]-san,” Yamaguchi called out to you, rubbing his nape sheepishly. “I want to practice serve, could you watch over?”

Smiling you nodded, “Sure Yamaguchi-kun! Let me get my notes first, okay?”

The taller boy blinked in confusion. “Eh? Notes? What for?”

“To look over your progress overall,” you kneeled down to put on your outdoor shoes. “I’ll be back as soon as possible.”

“O-oh, okay.” Yamaguchi could only reply that as he didn’t know how exactly–he knew he shouldn’t be flustered or feeling special, but he couldn’t help to feel warmth bloom in his chest. He knew you were an attentive person, and it’s nice to know that applied to everyone on the team even though you’re mostly stick with Kageyama, Hinata, or Yachi.

Jogging towards the sleeping quarters, you could’ve arrived faster to pick up your notebook if Bokuto’s call didn’t halt you from doing so.

“OOH!! [NAME]-CHAN!!” he called out from the third gym. You noticed that he wasn’t alone, Kuroo and Akaashi’s also there and surprisingly Tsukishima. From that, you concluded that Kuroo must have something to do with it–probably taunting the blonde into joining. “Could you throw us some balls!?”

“Eh?” you blinked. “But, I have to get some notes for practice-“

“Just a few, come on!” Bokuto didn’t even give you a chance to explain–instead, he dragged you by the wrist.

So here you were, arranging an apology speech for Yamaguchi while throwing some balls for Akaashi to set. That and giving Lev some glances to check if he’s still alive or not on the floor. The setter already apologized to you in Bokuto’s place, but you immediately dismissed it since you didn’t mind either.

“Geh!? Otohaku-chan!?” Lev must be exhausted seeing as he barely noticed you’re in the same area.

It amazed you on how Bokuto still managed to kill the spikes viciously after series of practice match all day–his stamina is top-notch, nothing less from one of the best players in the country. Watching Bokuto’s spikes meaning also watching Tsukishima tried to block them.

Not once did he managed to successfully shut one out, but with Kuroo’s finally joining the cross was killed almost in an instant. While Bokuto is a formidable opponent in attacking, then Kuroo would be terrifying in defense. No wonder Coach Ukai was making him a great example for a solid blocker.

Tsukishima is indeed smart and calm as he read the opponent’s movement, but,

“Your blocks are pretty weak.” You flinched as Bokuto blurted out what you had in mind regarding Tsukishima’s block–and it sure pissed the taller blonde off. “Your arms are so frail that I’m scared I’m gonna break them. You need to stop the ball like you mean it!”

“I’m still a growing boy!” Tsukishima replied, clearly trying to hide his annoyance. “I’ve just started gaining muscles and getting taller!”

“Talk like that, and the little shrimp is gonna hog all the glory.” Kuroo remarked. “You guys play the same position, right?”

Ouch, you couldn’t help but thought. That hits the sore spot.

“I don’t think it can be helped,” Tsukishima said with a smile after a few seconds of silence. “The difference in natural talent between me and Hinata is too great.”

Before Kuroo could argue, the players of Nekoma began piling into the gym and Tsukishima finally managed to excuse himself successfully this time.

“Looks like you stepped on a mine, Kuroo-san,” Akaashi commented.

“You pissed him off,” Bokuto dragged. “At long last, Kuroo-kun, the master of provocation, has failed.”

“Well, I wouldn’t have thought that.” The black-haired captain sighed.

“Thought what?” Bokuto questioned.

“Karasuno’s shrimp is definitely strange and a threat, but in terms of technique and experience he’s like a baby bird. Plus, he’s really short. I never would’ve thought guy with glasses, who’s far taller and much smarter, wouldn’t only think they’re not equal but actually think the shrimp is above his level.”

Sighing for the second time, he rubbed the back of his head before giving you an apologetic look. “Sorry, I pissed off your middle blocker.”

“I don’t think you pissed him off,” you couldn’t exactly say that it’s fine because it’s not your place to do so. “But you did hit a sore spot, Kuroo-san.”

“Otohaku-san, shouldn’t you get going? We’ve hold you long enough from you whatever you want to do.” Akaashi reminded.

“That’s right, then I’ll excuse myself.” You bowed down and walked towards the exit–you immediately retrieve your note before finally helping Yamaguchi with his serves after being held for some time.

.

.

The next day, you’re helping Eri, Kaori, and Yukie cutting watermelons given by the parents from Shinzen High School. Surely, on this hot summer, sweet and cool watermelons would make anyone’s mouth began watering. It was also a great short break for the boys as they enjoy the watermelon while sitting on the grassy hill beside the gym.

“Do you want extras, senpai?” and just like other managers, you distributed the watermelons while asking if the boys wanted seconds or not. This time, you’re offering a few that’s still on your tray to Tanaka, Daichi, and Asahi.

“Ooh, don’t mind if I do, [Name]-chan!” Tanaka reached out for another slice.

“Me too,” after him, Daichi also took a slice from your tray.

“I’m okay with mine for now,” Asahi politely rejected your offer. “How about you eat some too? It’s quite a hot day.”

“I’ll go it after everyone’s seconds are done,” you remarked, intending to circle around the separate crowds for the nth time but Tanaka quickly interrupted.

“Everybody has their share already! I’m sure they don’t mind.” Your upperclassman commented. “Besides, our beautiful manager deserves to have rest!”

“Somehow, it doesn’t correlate…” Asahi muttered, smiling nervously.

At the end, you ended up sitting down beside Asahi and munching on a slice of watermelon. Your upperclassman was right for one thing–enjoying the fruit in a hot summer day was a great way to cool down, you instantly felt refreshed.

“Sorry, by the way.” The four of you looked up to the call, seeing Kuroo approaching and out of blue apologizing. Surely, your upperclassmen were confused with this except you.

“About what?” Daichi questioned.

“I think I might have pissed off your glasses guy yesterday.”

“What?”

To make it clearer, the cat captain sat down with his back towards you and began explaining the situation occurred the other day–you admired how both parties didn’t once interrupt nor getting things heated up, they knew this wasn’t something big and could be resolved by just a simple apology.

“Wow… Tsukishima actually helped out with free practice even if you cornered him into it,” Daichi hummed in understanding.

“Your manager too, but that’s Bokuto’s idea,” you didn’t know why on earth Kuroo decided to brough it up but seeing your upperclassmen were nonchalant about it (except maybe Tanaka, though he was quickly being shut up by Daichi) it’s also not a big deal.

“So, what did you say?”

“I provoked him and said he was going to lose to your shrimp over there.”

“I’ve definitely noticed that Tsukishima seems to feel inferior to Hinata somehow.” Asahi remarked, probably remembering a few words Tsukishima said to him.

“I’m not sure if this is relevant, but my sister mentioned someone tall named Tsukishima also joined the volleyball team during the Little Giant times.” Tanaka mentioned, surely this is new to all of you because Tsukishima wasn’t the type of person who talks about himself much.

Daichi’s head perked up. “Tsukishima has an older brother?”

“Oh, I’m not sure.” Tanaka quickly replied. “They could’ve just had the same last name and not be related. Do you know anything about this, [Name]-chan?”

“I don’t, but if I know, I think it’s not my place to tell since Tsukishima-kun would undoubtedly be annoyed because of it,” you answered, which made Tanaka hummed in agreement.

“Hey, we’re about to start!” Sugawara called out.

You didn’t know about Tsukishima having a sibling or not, however,

“This is just a club. Why do you put so much into it? It’s because you put so much into it that you suffer later.”

You couldn’t help but think it’s somehow related to what he muttered the night before.

.

.

Yet again when the sky softly bathed in orange glow, Karasuno had to pay their losing with penalty–you along with Yachi and Shimizu also Takeda-sensei and Coach Ukai watched as the boys bolted uphill accompanied by yelling (well, this was mostly Hinata, Kageyama, Tanaka, and Nishinoya).

“Here,” you offered a water bottle for Kageyama. He couldn’t even reply a ‘thank you’ from how harshly he was panting and you could only sympathize with him–more than five matches in a day plus penalties were rough.

“Thanks,” the raven-haired boy finally rasped after downing probably a half of the water from the bottle. You also handed him a towel so he could wipe away the sweat dripping down from his temple.

“So, how’s training going?” you finally asked, which triggered a sighed from him.

“No progress.” The frustration was getting to him definitely–while you were only watching for some time since Yachi’s already there to help him, you understood that Kageyama failed more than he succeeded. He knew he was getting nowhere and time was short, if he’s not geared up it will be a problem.

“I can’t give you any helpful advice but I think you should practice under Coach Ukai’s watch,” you mentioned, and Kageyama listened carefully. “He probably has ways that could help you. You couldn’t do this on your own Kageyama-kun, you need guidance.”

Nodding firmly, he replied. “Yeah.”

“I can’t wait to see your toss,” you then added, giving him a smile. “It’s going to be amazing for sure. You did pinpoint toss to Hinata all this time.”

The boy fell silent for a while, and you almost regretted saying those words–did you somehow step on a landmine? Did you piss him off? Did you touch the nerve-

“I promise to get done and you’ll see it.” The negative thoughts were gone from your mind as you stare at those blue eyes filled with determination. You found yourself smiling at his promise.

“I will be waiting then.”

.

.

“Sensei, what do you think of Tsukishima?” Coach Ukai asked your advisor while the five of you were watching the match between Karasuno and Ubugawa.

“I think he’s taking this seriously,” Takeda-sensei answered, although rather confused from the question.

“How about you, Otohaku?” and you didn’t expect to be involve in the conversation also.

“Uhm… he’s doing his work, but lack of effort? I think he’s not giving his all.” you replied but somehow became an unsure question in the end.

“You’re right,” Coach Ukai remarked. “I feel like Tsukishima gets a passing grade but never tries for 100%. I’m not asking for him to become more passionate, but if he’s not going to give his all, I’m gonna have to change regulars. I need players who can win a match on the court. He’s the tallest and essential to the team. If Tsukishima could become a strong blocker, our defense level would go up a lot.”

“I see,” Takeda-sensei nodded in understanding.

Not long into the game after Tsukishima served, there’s a collision between Daichi and Nishinoya for the ball–at first, it was nerve-wracking because if one of them was hurt it could be bad. However, seeing that the two dismissed it as if it was nothing was relieving.

“Everyone’s so motivated.” Yachi commented.

“Everyone’s more motivated now than I’ve ever seen them before,” Shimizu frowned in worry. “But sometimes it’s almost scary. Collisions like the other day can definitely lead to major injuries.”

Another spike went through but received perfectly by Kageyama, the ball bounced to the air and Tanaka was the second one to get it, passing it immediately to Asahi.

“It’s a little short,” you muttered, noticing the ball was hovering near the net–exactly to where Hinata was. From how he’s staring at it, he’s most likely to steal it–but then he tensed up, snapped his head to the side to give Asahi a stare and stayed in his place in the end.

“Let him know the ball is yours.”

You stared as Asahi successfully killed the ball even with three blockers–grinning from how he stole a score and holding them team together so it wouldn’t become lawless. The attempt was enough for you to let your shoulders relaxed.

“Maybe I didn’t need to worry after all.” Shimizu sighed in relief.

Asahi turned to face you, giving you a smile and an outstretched fist–you immediately returned it with the exact same gesture.

[takamishinko]

footprints and doubts

this is the longest piece we’ve written so far and it drained the living crap out of us :,D but hope u guys enjoy !

pronouns: gender neutral 

warnings: nothing really other than jealousy, angst, and crying, self thought cheating

a/n: r/n is region name btw

________________________________________________________________

honestly you found it hard to believe that little ol’ you from r/n could befriend let alone become someone important to ajax. the great tartaglia, 11th of the fatui harbingers, his name itself could strike fear into anyone. yet here you were, standing next to him with your hands intertwined with his at the lantern rite festival. you would give the world to him if you could, you loved him so much. he was so different from your last significant other who had been unfaithful towards you. 

‘you’re just too boring.’ they had told you apathetically. you frown thinking about it.

you felt ajax gave your hand a small tug, "hey y/n why don't we go over there? looks like chef mao is cooking up something good." he spoke with a cheery grin on his face.

you snap back into reality as you felt his hand pull you out of your thoughts. you gave him a terse nod and the two of you made your way to wanmin restaurant.

after waiting a while in line, the two of you were next. chef mao looked up and practically shat himself at the sight of the male next to you. 

“hello y/n! i hope you’ve been enjoying the festival, " chef mao spoke nervously, his eyes gliding to the male next to you, “y...you too sir childe.” he sputtered out. right, ajax was the one who tried to destroy liyue not too long ago after all. you shook your head, right now you were with ajax, not childe.

"woah woah woah. calm down chef, you know that’s history now. besides, i’m just here to enjoy the festival with y/n." ajax assured, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head.

you gave the chef a slight smile and spoke,"don’t worry chef. i’m sure he doesn’t have plans other than being with me tonight." you teased. 

the chef sighed in poorly concealed relief and returned to his usual self as he took your order. ajax ordered the specialty for today, the crystal shrimp. after a small wait, the two of you waved chef mao goodbye after he gave you two your food. the warm dish let out puffs of steam and glistened under all the light of the lanterns due to it's crystal clear skin, there were 4 in total, the wrapping for each was folded into the shape of a flower. they were so pretty, you almost felt bad for eating them. 

sitting down on a nearby bench, the two of you enjoyed the crystal shrimp while making small talk. the crystal shrimps were delicious themselves but it felt better to enjoy them with someone you loved. 

after finishing the food, you and ajax had a great time. you guys played a few rounds of theatre mechanics, ruijin was pleased at how skilled the two of you were and rewarded both of you with hefty prizes. upon bumping into zhongli, the three of you decided to enjoy some tea with him. after bidding farewell to the funeral consultant, the two of you released some xiao lanterns and watched as they floated into the night sky. 

feeling a bit tired, the two of you then decided to relax and take a walk instead of participating in games. as you and your boyfriend were strolling around the harbour, something, or someone caught his gaze. you look over to where his eyes were trailing to.

oh.

a beautiful young lady dressed in a white dress with a cecilia tucked into her golden blonde hair and a puffy companion floating by her side waved at ajax. her smile brighter than the sun and her movement as graceful as the moon. her honey glazed eyes shone with familiarity and glee at the sight of him.

of course you recognized this girl. she was none other than the otherworldly traveler, lumine. she fought alongside the liyue qixing and even the adepti to defeat the great osial. the people of liyue spoke about her often, everyone knew how she had also earned the title of honorary knight in mondstadt and defeated one of the four winds despite her young age. 

you were once again brought back into reality when ajax spoke, "hey babe ill be right back okay? i wanna catch up with lumine real quick." 

you felt his hand leave yours, the warmth dissipated with it. you felt an uncomfortable feeling bubble up as you watched your boyfriend run to someone else, leaving you alone by yourself to stand in the sea of lanterns and people. 

it didn't feel right.

you stayed in place with a dejected look for a while waiting for ajax to return but he was taking a while so you decided to go check what was going on with him.

"-but then teucer decided to do it anyway!” you hear ajax’s boyish voice ring out with amusement.

as the blond and the redhead laughed together. you couldn't help but think about the two looked enchanting with each other.

you shook your head and decided to make your presence known. "ajax-" 

ajax perked up, "oh! babe sorry to keep you waiting let me introduce you. lumine this is my partner y/n!" ajax exclaimed with a cute grin.

you gave lumine a small wave and spoke with a polite smile, "it's a pleasure to meet you lumine." 

"it’s nice to meet you too y/n.” lumine replied cheerfully.

now that you’ve got a better look at the blonde, she's so much more beautiful than you could have ever imagined. 

her velvety blonde hair fell gracefully, her porcelain skin was practically glowing without a single visible blemish, her golden eyes shone with beauty that rivaled cor lapis. to wrap it up, her short stature was presented with grace and poise. all in all, everything about the blonde was nothing less than perfection.

everyone loved her and you could understand the reason behind it very well. gorgeous, kind, and righteous, the hero of every region everyone respected. you couldn’t help but wish you were like her instead of your boring self, without a vision, without any standing out achievements either…

you started to space out while the two started up a conversation again, thinking about the feelings you were currently having. why were you feeling like this?

"hey babe we should get going! it's getting late." the voice of your lover broke you out of your thinking.

you were overthinking a lot today huh. "oh. we probably should get going then." 

"bye ajax! bye y/n! it was really nice meeting you." lumine said with a pearly smile gracing her features. she then walked off to find her floating companion who was near a food stall inhaling dish after dish of food.

wait.

ajax..? he wasn’t childe or tartaglia to her, but ajax. you didn't know how to feel upon hearing the real name of your boyfriend slip out of the blonde. you knew how secretive ajax could be when it came to his family and personal life so the fact that lumine knew his real name put a feeling of unease within you.

the way home was pretty quiet, you didn't want ajax to notice that you were feeling off. you felt so guilty for having these feelings about him and lumine but you couldn’t help it. your last relationship had practically trampled on your ability to trust others, you could never tell if someone was lying to you or being truthful. you contemplated telling him how you felt but you decided against it, you’ve never been great at expressing your feelings after all. however, after a while of him blabbing about random topics, you couldn’t curb your curiosity any longer and realized you wanted to know more about your lover's relationship between him and lumine.

after a while of peaceful silence, you let out a small breath, "hey ajax?"

“yes y/n?" 

"who is lumine… to you?"

ajax perked up at the sound of the blonde's name, "lumine? she's a good friend and a formidable opponent of course. it's been a while since i’ve fought with someone who could keep up with me on the battlefield!" ajax spoke with enthusiasm.

you felt a twinge of pain shoot into your heart at the tone that your lover used when speaking about the blonde. did he speak like that when he was talking about you? 

"oh… i see. she must be a very powerful person then." you replied with feigned glee.

ajax noticed that you were in low spirits, "why? is something wrong?" he questioned with slight worry.

"no! i'm alright. i was just curious because you two seemed… close." you lied. you weren't ok, but you didn't know how to tell him. probably because you didn't even know why you felt such-

envy 

that was what you were feeling. not petty jealousy or sadness, you were envious. envious of lumine. her beauty, her strength, her personality, everything. the feeling consumed every inch of your body and dyed you green. your insecurities swallowed you up and spit you out, rendering you vulnerable against the little demons that poked at your thoughts.

when the two of you got home and freshened up, ajax practically passed out the second he lied in bed with you. on the other hand, you stayed wide awake, stuck thinking about the way lumine and ajax interacted. the smiles, the laughter, the fond looks they gave each other plagued your mind, rendering you unable to sleep. after a while of staring blankly at the ceiling, you groaned and carefully lifted the sheets to not wake your lover and got out of bed to make yourself a cup of tea. you used the tea leaves you bought from pops kai, the calming properties of the tea always helped you when you felt down. 

"they're just friends, don't overthink it, just friends, just friends." you whispered to yourself, trying to give yourself a sense of reassurance. after finishing the tea you got back into bed,  it was hard but you eventually fell asleep next to your lover.

next morning, you were woken by the sound of your boyfriend walking around in the living room doing something. it was only around 7am so you were wondering why up so early as he usually woke up at 8. you groggily walked out of the bedroom.

ajax noticed you and smiled fondly at the cute sight of you rubbing your eyes. "good morning babe, did i wake you up? sorry about that, i was just getting ready to go train."

"oh. by yourself?" somehow, you had a feeling of where this conversation was headed.

"no, with lumine, we made a deal yesterday to go to yaoguang shore today to fight some ruin guards and hunters for materials!" he chuckled.

lumine. lumine

the name echoed in your mind like a mantra. you were aware of his weekly spars with the blonde but today would be the second day he went out with her this week. a part of your heart told you to stop him, another part told you to let him go. in this internal battle, you chose the latter and let him go. after all, who were you to stop him? it's not like you could be the one to satisfy his thirst for battle, only someone like lumine could.

you were having a day off due to the lantern rite festival, but to be honest it's not like you needed the money. with the amount of money ajax had he could probably support you and your next 4 generations. with your spare day, you decided to clean up the house because it was a bit messy due to teucer playing around the day before. 

while cleaning up you found a spare xiao lantern that teucer was supposed to release when he came over. since you had spare time you decided to set another lantern yourself, it would be a waste to not use it after all. as people say, during the lantern rites, put your wish into a lantern and set it into the sky for it to become true. 

"i wish to stay with ajax, till death does us apart." 

you only hoped he felt the same way about you.

you put the note in the xiao lantern and set it off into the sky, you watched with sentiment as it floated away towards the clear blue sky.

you had a hard time focusing on the task you were doing for the rest of your day so you decided to take your mind off things and go take a look around liyue harbour to see if there was anything worth checking out, or buying. 

liyue harbour contained the usual, the fragrance of grilled tiger fish wafting from the stand next to where you would usually buy your groceries, the kids messing around near the boats, and you even met xiangling who tried to offer you her new recipe of jade parcels but you kindly refused. 

after that you went to give the adorable little pharmacist, qiqi, a visit. she was under the  cashier stand like usual, you gave her a little pat on the head and asked for the usual medicine you buy for ajax. 

you then bumped into zhongli, who was also strolling around. the two of you chattered about the festival and other shenanigans before bidding each other farewell. the amount of history about liyue and its traditions the man was familiar with would never fail to surprise you.

there wasn’t really anything left for you to do in the harbour so you started to head back home. not far away from the liuli pavilion you saw a familiar redhead talking to the owner of mingxing jewelry with a shorter figure standing beside him. 

upon closer inspection, you noticed it was ajax with someone else at a jewelry shop looking at the items. it was none other than lumine standing next to him. you watched as lumine picked out a piece of jewelry from the stand that would look so well on her. the gem glowed it’s colour under her smile and looked more fitting than ever. weren’t they supposed to be at yaoguang shore?

without second thought ajax bought the jewelry in lumines hand and put it in a gift bag with a look of tenderness. your heart dropped to the pits of your stomach, you felt as if the world was crashing down on you. your breathing quickened and your heart palpitated at alarming rates. every little insecurity that was planted in you had finally finished blooming. was this really going to happen to you a second time? was once not enough for the entertainment of the gods?

that was when he saw you, standing only a little bit away from him holding the items you purchased for him and the fresh groceries you were going to use to cook dinner for him.

ajax’s eyes widened in surprise upon seeing you, “y/n!? why are you he-” he was tense, you noticed, just like your ex-lover when they were caught.

you tried to regulate your breathing and spoke, “stop.” you managed to say, cutting off ajax before he could finish his sentence. he flinched at your dull tone.

“y/n! i know what you’re thinking but i promise we were just-” ajax hurriedly tries to explain.

“don’t. i think i've seen enough childe.” he frowned at the use of his moniker. 

your lips trembled, water collecting at the bottom of your eyes. ‘don’t cry. don’t cry, don’t cry.’ you repeated in your head, you didn’t want to appear weak in front of the two. your ajax who you loved so much, who you cared for so much, who you were planning to spend the rest of your life with, is now buying jewelry for someone else after lying to you.

“i was foolish this entire time, of course. instead of someone like me, a visionless nobody you would choose her over me. you’re just like-” your voice cracked as you forced the words out of your tightened throat. 

“y/n it’s not like that! please just let me explain!” ajax pleaded urgently. he hated that you were talking bad about yourself.

after gaining a smidge of composure you decided you couldn’t be near the two, “no need childe, i understand. now if you’ll excuse me, i'll be on my way.” you muttered and brushed past the two. 

“wait y/n!-” he reached out to grab your arm before the blonde next to him stopped him.

lumine sighed and spoke up after staying silent, “let them go for now. leave them alone for a bit, they need some time to think. it’s understandable why someone would be upset if they saw their lover with someone else like this.” she comforted before patting him on the back.

“yeah. i guess you’re right...” ajax murmured with a crestfallen look. he regretted not communicating with you, otherwise this wouldn’t have happened. he should’ve cleared up any suspicions you had and reassured you. he knew about how you weren’t confident due to your last relationship. gods, he felt like he was worse than your dirtbag of an ex.

you walked towards your home slowly trying to process what just happened. your tears already ran dry and you didn’t think more were able to escape from your eyes. the fading sunset seemed so blurry yet peaceful. somehow, instead of walking home, you ended up near yaoguang shore which happened to be the spot you and ajax would go to often. his name brought bitter feelings back as you remember the events that just happened but you took a deep breath and sat on the sand across from the shore. you listened to the sound of the ocean, the waves dousing the sand it touched. you took notice of the starconches laying on the sand. 

feelings of melancholy welled up inside you. these are ajax’s favourites. the blue shells reminded you of his eyes. his lovely eyes were the blue of the waves of the sea, they crashed into you and pulled you into them. you could spend all day swimming in the infinite hues until you drowned.

you buried your head onto your knees and let out a pained cry you’ve been holding in. here, where no one can find you, where no one can hear you. only the ocean will hear your troubles and worries, you hoped it could wash them away and you could forget about them forever. you sat there in peace by yourself for what felt like hours.

you sighed and decided that you should get going, but to where? you didn’t want to see ajax if he’s even going to be there at all. maybe you could crash at zhongli’s place…

 just as you were about to leave you heard a familiar voice behind your back. “y/n!” it was the man you loved, ajax, sprinting to you with the same gift bag he was holding in his hands at mingxing jewelry. 

you turned around to look at him. your hair was flowing in the wind with the sunset behind your back. to ajax it was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen in his life. 

“i knew you’d be here.” ajax spoke with relief.

you looked away from him not knowing how to feel right now about your “lover” and stayed silent.

“y/n. i swear it wasn’t what it looked like, i would never do that to you. lumine and i really don’t have anything going on in between us, i chose you as my partner and i plan on keeping it that way for the rest of my life. in fact,” ajax murmured while opening up the gift bag he was holding. it was a bracelet with a fine piece of noctilucous jade in the middle with cor lapis fragments decorating the border of the blue gem. the jewelry wafted with fragrances, the morning dew smell from a qingxin, the classical smell of the harbour from a silk flower and lastly the everlasting aroma of violet grass.  

“do you like it? lumine and i picked it out for you at mingxing jewelry for our upcoming anniversary. i just wanted her opinion on what to choose for you. this was one of the most beautiful pieces that they had. i heard it took a super long time to make, oh! the jade in the middle will also make the bracelet glow in the dark! pretty cool huh?” ajax smiled as he lifted your wrist to put it on you.

at a loss of words, you lifted your head up at the male and gave him a soft smile, “thank you ajax… i love it, it’s perfect in every way possible.”

“just like you.” the redhead spoke fondly with a grin on his face while softly stroking your hair.

“oh shut up you flirt.” you tried to hide your smile as you both giggled on the beach with the sunset dripping behind you two. 

after a while of being engulfed in ajax’s arms you spoke, “ajax, i want to apologize for jumping to conclusions about you and lumine. i..you know about how i find it hard to trust people sometimes but it was unfair for me to do that to you, i know you would never cheat on me.” you spoke, hugging him tighter as if he would leave if you get go. 

“y/n. don’t you dare think for a second that i’ll leave you for someone else ok? you’re the only one in this world that i want and it’s staying that way. i don’t care if you’re visionless, or if you don’t have any achievements whatsoever. i still love you so so much.” ajax exclaimed as he buried his head into the crook of your neck.

you felt a certain warmth as your face flushed. how did you end up with someone as perfect as ajax. you lifted his face with your hands and pressed your lips against his. he deepens the kiss and your heart melts.

“thank you ajax. i’ll always be by your side too, no matter what happens. my love for you has no ends.” you speak with pure affection as you nuzzled your face into ajax’s soft yet firm chest. 

ajax feels his face heat up and he quickly speaks, “c’mon now, let’s go home, i can’t wait to taste your cooking after running around all day today.”

the two of you walked together on the beach, hand in hand, leaving footprints and doubts in the sand.

________________________________________________________________

special msg from my dear editor: hey lol - @kamihara​ , my works wouldn’t be nearly as good if it weren’t for them so go give them a follow please :)!

[thebadboyfanclub]

What's For Dinner (Carlisle Cullen x Reader)

Heyyyyyy, I'm back with the daddy carlisle content, this was request by an anonymous. Enjoy!

When Carlisle met (y/n) he felt like the situation was made by God himself, she was an intern from New York that she found out about how good of a doctor Carlisle is and wanted to learn from him, he remembered that the college she was attending had asked him to come and meet the students, he of course had agreed and gave one lecture to the ones that wanted to listen yet somehow he had missed (y/n) who apparently was mesmerized by him and chose the small hospital in forks for her last internship so she could get her degree.

Other than the fact that Carlisle felt honored for having a young doctor tell him she was inspired by him, he found her extremely beautiful, she radiated love with that smile that lit up the room, her voice felt like music and her unfiltered loud laugh was so authentic, you could tell it came from within. She wasn't spreading love, she is love, she what love looks like to him.

When it came to asking her out he waited for her to clock out, although that was the hardest part since (y/n) seemed to be charged rather than having the need to sleep, to be quite fair the bags under her marvelous eyes indicated that she was in much need of a good night's sleep but she seemed in such bliss while she worked, the others had to basically kick her out when her shift was over.

"Excuse me, before you go… I want to ask you something"

"What? Did I do something wrong?"

"No no, I… umm… would you like to go out for dinner?"

(Y/n) stood there staring at Carlisle. She had been crushing over him for a while now but she assumed he was either married or had a companionship, he was a very private man.

"Like, as a date?"

"Yes"

-

"Come on! Those things are such a scam!"

She yelled in irritation as the game buzzed once again, Emmett had managed to find this little game called "operation" and now (y/n) was trying to prove her entire degree over a board game. Carlisle was in the kitchen cooking as he heard his son's victorious laugh masking (y/n)'s annoyed groan.

"Oh that's alright human, you'll get it next time"

"Stop calling me that"

She snapped back as Emmett took his turn. Rosalie was sitting next to (y/n) just watching the two, from all of them Rosalie seemed to be the most fond of (y/n), don't get it wrong the others loved her but Rosalie had the biggest soft spot. Maybe because (y/n) always said how she is in no rush to become immortal, she loved her immortality and also joked how she wanted to pass Carlisle's "legal" age. Other than that their common ground is how (y/n) had confessed she wanted to become a mother, have a kid to nurture and see it grow. 

"This is bullshit"

"Ah ah language young lady"

"I'm sorry grandpa, want to go outside and maybe see the bears? Oh I forgot you are not really friends with them"

Rosalie couldn't help but giggle at the little dig (y/n) made towards her husband. Emmett just stood there shocked before getting up to pick (y/n) and place her over her shoulder and started to walk outside. (Y/n) and Emmett were chaotic together, they fought like siblings and to the others even though there was a mild concern about her wellbeing they found it extremely entertaining.

"These two will never stop"

Carlisle whispered as he followed Rosalie out to find the two little kids that were trapped in grown bodies. They found them as Emmett still had her over his shoulder while (y/n) tried to bite his arm at a desperate attempt to cause him pain.

"Apologize mortal"

"I'd rather chop my boobs off"

"Ok, Emmett please put her down"

Emmett decided to listen to Carlisle after he huffed in a disappointed manner and then placed her down while (y/n) fixed her hair.

"You're lucky my man is holding me back or I would bite your hand off"

"I'd like to see you try"

Carlisle couldn't help but smile at the sight of the girl going on her tiptoes to reach Emmett's height and still couldn't really compare, who could blame her though? Emmett was known because of his tall and well built figure.

"Come on Emmett, we have to go hunting and (y/n) has to eat"

"See ya around bear boy"

(Y/n) said as she skipped over to Carlisle and gave him a big hug. Carlisle seemed to relax under her touch and forget all the types of trouble she is causing with her playfulness when she is out of her blue scrubs. His hand went to her hair as he stroked it before placing a kiss at the top of her head, when the others walked away she looked at him with those sparkling hues that seemed to never leave his mind.

"What's for dinner?"

"I made you some shrimp pasta"

"Sounds delicious. Come on chef I will taste your masterpiece and then you can taste my mom's"

"Your mom's masterpiece?"

"Me"

[afterartist]

Have a headcannon dump of a LU!centaur Au that’s been cycling in my brain for a week, I’m quite possibly going to write a fic/do more art,

You’re free to leave ideas or suggestions for this Au as well

(Wild doodle to go with at the end)

•–•Au Basics:

-this is heavily based off the @linkeduniverse Au by @jojo56830

Basically it’s the same but every character (even side characters but they’re not important) are Centaurian, this is finicky and involves things like Cervitaurs, mermaids and whatnot,

This is hevily based on living conditions and most races are born with natural legs, ie; hylians are born with two hylian legs, and their secondary legs will grow in around the age of four depending on the food and lifestyle they’ve had until then, the secondary traits are usually set in by the age of six where they will no longer have their original legs.

—-

Now the headcannons (this is just the links cause idk much about the Zelda’s so I have to do more research)

—-

•–Time•

- The old man is a Stag, no I will not take criticism on this

Time started off his journey a young deer cervitaur, barely grown into his fawn limbs before coming into contact with Fi,

Deer are often seen as prey animals and weak, but we all know Time is seen as the leader for a reason,

My man got mad strong horns and has kicked, impaled and stomped on more Moblins then any sane person should, while deers are often seen as weak you would have to be blind, deaf, three years old and an idiot to think Time any less then the powerful stag that would lay his life down for his family

-

•–Sky•

-Loftwing… kind of a no brainer for this one

Oh yeah, our sleepy king has butt wings and you can’t stop me,

Sky was literally found in a Loftwing nest and the majority of Skyloft secretly think he’s a Hylian Centaur instead of the other way around,

Learning to fly was the literal worst, his wings took a few more years to fully develop so he got to flying later then most, the fact that his wings sit at an awkward place on the base between his hylian torso and his Skywing back doesn’t help that fact

Yes he’s still perfected the art of flying while asleep, not even other Loftwing hybrids know how he does it

-

•–Twilight •

-He’s… hes a Wolf… it’s… it’s twilight… literally what else would he be?

He was actually a wolf hybrid before his adventure started and is honestly not sure how it took so long for the chain to even start to theorise his connections with Wolfie,

Wind guessed they were long lost brothers,

Fun fact, Twi is allergic to fur, it took him embracingly long to realise, ‘Oh, I thought the air was just meant to hurt’

Legend likes to call him a husky and watch as Twi goes on a rant about how they are completely different, this went on for months before time brought a stop to it

-

•-Legend•

-Pegasus… is this because I love the Pegasus boots? You’ll never know

The only reason sky knows how to preen his wings is because legend literally sat on him one day and showed him

In the ‘Not quite horse centaurs’ club with Wild

His tail was unfortunately docked in his third adventure, Wind used his ‘ Customary Pirate Rope tying skills’ to fashion him a fake tail out of foe hair (yes it’s pink) and braided him a new tail,

Legend won’t admit but that was the day he started trusting the rest of the chain

Likes to cuff Wars over the head with his wings, he quickly found out Wars’ wings hurt a lot more to get hit by then his

-

•–Warriors•

-DragonDragonDRAGONDRA-

His scales are literally brighter then the chains future (admittedly not hard to be)

Learned the hard way that his claws are sharp and for completely non related reasons has a wooden backscratcher he won’t tell anyone about

Runs hotter then the others Links, thus why he always wears his scarf, Legend jokes he’s as cold blooded as his blood,

legend regrets.

Has an unhealthy obsession with shiny things, his time in the army has helped him restrain from stealing freshly polished swords and amour but four swears they had a freshly cleaned dagger right next to them and now it’s gone-

-

•–Four•

-Minish?? More like biggish (that was bad I’ll see myself out-)

Still Has four legs like a mouse instead of the two that minish usually have, but has the fluffiest tail in existence

Actually wasn’t sure what Minish were before meeting them so was super confused for the first few years after developing

When Wind was confused on how to use their pronouns (they/them) correctly they told him to just picture four mice in a Trenchcoat (it helped Wind a lot)

Paints their claws/nails, each foot is one of the four colours, the blue nails are for some reason always somehow chipped, Warriors ends up lending them some of his nail Polish which is sturdier

-

•–Hyrule•

-obsessing over the idea that Rules’ Hyrule is basically Australia so Rule is a kangaroo

Kangaroos are evil deer, Rule is the exception

Kangaroos are terrifying and could be hit by a truck and walk it off, lest to say Time had a mini breakdown after watching Hyrule get punched into a tree by a Hinox, stand up, then carry on with his life without so much as a scratch

They still suck at cooking

If you say ‘shrimp on a campfire’ he will ring your throat until you meet Nayru face to face,

‘I may not know how to cook but I know they’re called prawns.’

-

•–Wind•

-Salt water croc for my salty pirate

Changed from lobster because I personally hate lobsters

Has claws and knows how to use them, preferably on the back of legend’s legs but has learned hooves hurt to take to the face

Has 3rd eyelid to be able to see underwater, so he likes to sleep like that sometimes and creep out whoever is on watch

Wild has attempted to eat him at least twice, both times Twi had to stop the because Wind was also curious

Sky only has two legs? Boo loser, Wind has 4 and a big tail that could snap your spine (it took wind several years to learn how not to trip over and he still can’t walk for long periods of time)

-

•–Wild-

-Lynel… Time is not surprised

In the ‘Not quite horse centaurs’ club with Legend

Honestly thought he was a horse until Flora mentioned ‘no Link, horse’s don’t grow horns out of their head’

Isn’t sure if he’s a gold Lynel or just blond (they’re just blond)

Also has a hint of orange in his blue eyes, eyes that glow red on bloodmoons

Unlike their hair they actually like to style their tail a lot, went they went to Gerudo town he was taught how to braid and bun it but can’t do it on his own so let’s Wind do it when he’s bored

Has small horns that Time had to teach him how to take care of, cause who knew horns need maintenance

Literally no one knows how his glider is able to hold him up… or how he climbs literally anything with ease even with his equestrian limbs

Was also one of the first to use Four’s pronouns correctly as they themselves use all pronouns (likes he/they the most tho)

—- Quick sketch of Wild cause I love them with all my heart

Anyway, it’s just a poorly thought out Au and I’ll probably work on it more but have this info dump for a second as I try to figure out what I’m doing with my life,

If y’all have any suggestions have at it,

I just hope my ideas aren’t as jumbled as I think they are

[deexchanel]

little girl in a box.

word count:

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x BlackFem!Reader

Warning: Swearing, mention of killing😬.

Summary: Bucky and Y/N comes home from their date to find a sweetheart in a box.

A/N: this haven't been my week so im using fanfiction to be a distraction.

Y/N and Bucky walked up the stairs to their apartment in Bucharest. They were holding hands, engaged in a conversation.

"I was thinking, what if I made shrimp alfredo?" Y/N asked as their hands sway back and forth. Bucky looked at her confused.

"What's alfredo?"

"Oh my god, you never had it before?"

"I mean in the army they boiled everything. It wasn't really lavish."

"Everything boiled sound so nasty."

"I know right but I managed. What's going to be in it?"

"Shrimp and pasta with Alfredo sauce. I think you're going to love it!"

"That's fine with me babe, as long as it isn't soup."

"Same." Y/N laughed letting go of his hand so she could unlock the door. Normally they would go through the window. But just for one night, they didn't want to be paranoid. Just to have one normal night.

Bucky stopped in his tracks staring at a medium size box that had big holes poked in it. "Y/N were you expecting something?"

"No." Y/N with hesitation getting worried that this might a setup. Bucky pulled her behind him protectively then proceeded to nudge open the box. The box top fell off and a pair of brown doe eyes stared back at them. Bucky hardened face expression soften as he saw a beautiful little girl in the box.

Whoever left this beautiful child in the box was a horrible person in general. The little girl sat up looking at the couple nervously. Bucky squat down so they could be eye level.

"Hi princess... I'm Bucky and that's my girlfriend Y/N. Would you like to tell me your name?" Bucky said softly then pointed at Y/N who waved giving a toothless smile. It was like Bucky's dad instincts kicked in as he felt the need to protect the little girl any way he could.

She shook her head as a way of saying she didn't want to talk. Her body was skinny seeming that she haven't ate in a couple of days. She looked no older then 4. Y/N squat down to help ease her nerves.

"How about we go in and get you something to eat?"

The little girl looked at Y/N scaredly and instantly held her arms out for Bucky. Y/N sigh knowing that whatever happened in this girl past, she was scared of women she didn't trust. Bucky picked her up gently not wanted to hurt her with his arm.

They walked into the apartment and Y/N quickly started to prepare dinner. Bucky sat on the bed while the little girl sat on the side of them. He tries to start conversation again with her.

"Can you tell me your name now?"

The little girl looked around before speaking softly,"Melanie.."

The pair looked at each otherin shock, he got her to talk. There wasn't any technology in the room so they best way to stay entertained was to have conversation.

"Well Melanie how old are you?" Bucky questioned.

"Five." She said but held up three fingers making Bucky smile in amusement. He helped her by raising up another finger.

"How old are you?"

Y/N giggled while fixing their bowls. Nobody have ever asked him that. Bucky laughed since its been a long time since someone asked him that.

"Well doll, I'm 106."

Melanie made a funny face turning her head to the side. Y/N came over with three bowls in her hands. Bucky grabbed the bowls passing one to Melanie, while holding the other ones as Y/N sat down so she wouldn't spill it.

"Can I eat all of it? I've been good all week." Melanie moved some of her hair from her face with a a sadden expression. Y/N felt so bad for her, this wasn't right.

"Baby you can eat all it. I can make more if you want some okay?"

"Okay." Melanie smiled digging in her food. Bucky and Y/N shared a look. He was angry that she went through horrible things at a young age.

After dinner, Bucky washed and put the dishes away while Y/N laid down on the mattress. Melanie kept picking her head up to see if Bucky was coming.

"He's coming honey, he's washing dishes."Y/N laughed softly realizing what she was doing. "You tired?"

Melanie shook her head, rubbing her eyes,"No."

"Yes you are. Come here?" Y/N asked nicely but Melanie poked out her lip. She was sitting in the middle of the mattress near Y/N's knees.

"Noo, I'm waiting on Bucky."

"Here I am princess." Bucky grunt getting on his knees behind her. Melanie looked happy as he picked her up, walking on his knees to get to this spot on the mattress. Y/N laid on her side, watching them in admiration. 

Melanie was very brave and didn't take long getting used to the couple. Food was a way to her heart so the trust came quickly. She was snuggled between Bucky and Y/N while they cuddled her enjoying their sleep.

-----------

2:48 a.m.

People smashing through the apartment windows starled them awoke. Before Bucky could reach for his gun, a man punched him in the face. Y/N quickly grabbed Melanie holding her into her chest then gets up grabbing the emergency bookbag.

The couple agreed that if this was to happen then find the best way out possible. They would find each other no matter how far away they was. Bucky did one on one combat with the man that broke in.

"GO Y/N!"

She nodded rushing to the door making sure to keep a good grip on Melanie. When she opened the door a man stood their with a gun pointed directly at her head. Melanie start to cry with all the commotion going on. Tears start to fall out of Y/N's eyes, thinking this was it.

"Go back in now or I won't hesitate putting one between your eyes." The man sneered putting the cold gun on her forehead. Y/N turned around going back into the apartment. Bucky closed his eyes trying not to lose it as he saw his family being held at gun point.  He was being held at gun point as well but he was hoping that his girls was able to get away.

"So Winter Soldier, you really thought you could get away." A man laughed turning on a light revealing his face. It was Rumlow holding Bucky at gun point and the man that held Y/N at gun point was Pierce. Bucky chest heaved up and down as he was getting angrier.

Melanie little face was turning red from how hard she was crying. Pierce rapidly pointed another gun in his other hand at Melanie's little forehead.

"NO!"Bucky jumped forward but Rumlow put the gun on his forehead making him stop. Pierce took the gun off safety pressing it harder on Melanie's forehead which makes Y/N sob harder.

"Shut the little brat up!"

"Melanie baby, stop... stop crying we're okay. Bucky's okay." Y/N lied hoping she was to stop crying. Melanie cries turns into sniffles looking at Y/N hopefully.

Y/N nod her head crying,"We're okay baby."

Bucky felt like he let his girls down. He was so angry that he wanted to kill both of them but he couldn't move. "I'll go back and do whatever. Just p-please leave my family out of this."

"That's what I wanted to hear! Cuff him!" Pierce exclaimed letting the guns drop from Y/N and Melanie. Y/N shook her head not wanting Bucky to leave and endure all the things they worked so hard for him to forget.

"Bucky no!”

"Shut it bitch!" Pierce snapped at her holding the gun to her head again making her jump. It was killing Bucky for not being able to help.

"I'm sorry Y/N. I love you." Bucky sigh putting his arms behind his back so Rumlow could cuff him. As Rumlow did, Redwing flew in dropping a disk on Pierce's forehead electrocuting him. Sending him unconscious.

Bucky ducked as Rumlow shot the gun towards him making the girls scream. Sam flew in the window taking out the extra gaurd that stood by the refrigerator. Bucky stood up swiftly so he could take out Rumlow.

He smirked aiming the gun towards the girls," I guess nobody's getting what they want." Rumlow shot the gun at the girls. Y/N used her body to shield Melanie. Bucky stared in horror as he tried to get to them but Steve's shield covered them from the bullets.

Bucky turned around angrily at Rumlow pulling out the secret gun that was in his  waist holster. With no hesitation, Bucky shoots him between the eyes. Rumlow body fell to the ground.

Y/N came from behind Steve's large frame. She walked over to Bucky and pulled him into a hug without crushing Melanie's little body. Bucky rubbed his hand through Y/N hair and kissed Melanie's forehead. They didn't have anything to say, they were just grateful to all be alive.

"I'm so sorry to ruin this moment guys but we need to go. Their supposed to be bringing in reinforcements any second." Steve said placing his shield on his back.

"F.R.I.D.A.Y. bring the jet back around." Sam pressed his finger on the com.

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

On the jet, it was quiet but peaceful time for them to rejuvenate. Bucky couldn't sleep so he watched over his girls who were sleeping.

Melanie slept on his chest with his metal arm holding her up so her face could implant into his neck. Y/N was cuddled up with his arm wrapped around her. He kissed their foreheads every other second for his comfort.

"Thank you guys." Bucky said to Sam and Steve who were sitting in the in the front seats of quinjet.

"Just gald you guys are safe." Steve pat his hand on Bucky's shoulder.

"Plus we were able to kill two birds with one stone. Bonus but glad we could help."Sam said making Bucky smiled. He looked at his girls, very content with life.

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

horrible writing.

I wrote this bout a year ago. I don't like it, but i just needed it as a distraction.

stay slutty my friends

[lala-ladybug]

Healing Hands: Ch 12

Jasonette Sword Art Online AU

Read here on AO3

First | Previous | Next

Chapter 12: I fucking said please

Boots crunched over golden and crimson leaves underfoot. And if he had to walk off the path to step on them and make that satisfying noise, of course that’s what Jason Todd was going to do. He used one hand to draw his wine-red cloak a little tighter around himself against a chill breeze that threatened to tear his hood right off. The other was wrapped firmly around a steaming mug of cider, unfortunately spiced and not spiked, but delicious all the same.

He took a swig as he approached the columns of the massive library-- what was soon becoming his favorite place in the game-- and heaved the great door open. He stepped inside, leaves eddying around his feet, and inhaled deeply and gratefully.

Books.

God, he fucking loved books.

Jason was about as happy as he could be. He had just put most of his savings towards purchasing a small cabin on Level 20. It was a solo house, built on commission by NPCs who would keep their mouths shut, and far enough away from the rest of the guild (and people in general) that he could actually sleep at night. One special request he’d made was to add skylights in the whole house. Over the kitchen, the living room, especially the small bedroom. He’d toured the place when it was nearly completed, and the soft starlight it let in was just... perfect.

Afterwards, he’d spent some time walking around the crisp autumn air of Level 9. And now he was devoting the entire afternoon to reading and checking out new books. Literally what could make this day more perfect?

“So there’s this level where all the people are fish and the sea monster boss is crazy strong, no one’s been able to beat it yet--”

“Yeah well, it’s not stronger than me! I’ll kick his ass into Tuesday, just watch.”

“Kim, get down from there, you’re going to get us kicked out.”

Jason looked up from the bookshelf he’d been perusing to see some Vietnamese kid up on a table, making poses like a pro wrestler. A pro wrestler who didn’t have any muscles to show off.

Hands on hips and glaring at the boy stood a shrimp of a girl, with bright pink hair to match. As Jason raised an eyebrow, she taunted, “If you don’t get down from there, I’m telling everyone how you cried when we watched ‘Old Yeller.’”

The boy gasped dramatically. “You wouldn’t dare.”

The girl leaned up on her tiptoes and smirked. “I would.”

Shrimpy was a blackmailer after his own heart, it seemed. Several of their other friends seemed to be milling about, and a few came over to the table Kim was on to see what the commotion was about.

“Kim, what on earth are you doing up there? Get down,” a tired, and very familiar, voice said.

“Aw, but Mari....” He honest-to-god pouted.

“No buts. Down.”

Mari? And that voice.... Jason approached the end of the aisle to get a better look, and there she was. Marinette, in all her tiny glory, holding Kim and the shrimp by their ears.

“Keeping the troops in line, I see?” Jason addressed his friend as he easily shifted his stack of five or six books to one hand to wave with the other.

“Jason!” She blushed slightly (or was that just wishful thinking?) and dropped her friends’ ears. She grinned up at him, all traces of scolding smoothed over by a bright smile. “Um, hey, what are you doing here?”

He gestured to his pile of books. “Same as you, I expect.”

He nodded to the similar stack of books sitting on the table behind her. Glancing at the titles, they were mostly about healing mechanisms in Mindscape. Odd choice, but after their near-miss at the Cyclops fort, he couldn’t blame her.

“Haha, yeah,” she gave him an awkward smile and shifted to hide the books behind her. “It’s raining back at the house today, so we all wanted to take a trip to the library.”

“It was my idea, actually,” a girl with green eyes and olive skin sauntered up to them, eyeing the books balanced in his hands. Jason flinched back and narrowed his eyes as she flipped her long brown hair and nearly hit him in the face. “I just adore old literature.”

Swallowing down the annoyance he felt, Jason sidestepped the source of it and pulled up a chair next to the seat Marinette’s books were in front of.

“I’m Lila,” the supposed-literature buff shoved a hand in front of his face, whether to shake or to kiss, he wasn’t sure. Interesting, that was the name Marinette had associated with “accusations.” Jason filed that away for later.

“I didn’t ask,” he responded coolly and opened up King Lear. It was one of his favorite Shakespearean plays, and this copy in particular was one he’d borrowed and read so much that the library gave it to him, if only so they could buy a copy that wasn’t falling apart at the seams.

The girl made a noise of indignance, but Marinette snorted, so it was worth that much at least. A few more people filtered in from the stacks, joining the group in the open space filled with tables and comfortable chairs. One redheaded girl in particular approached Marinette, glasses frames hardly masking her excitement.

“Marinette, you won’t believe it, they actually have information about all the American superheroes here! They even had a section for the French heroes, but we know all about them, so I didn’t waste my time there. Look at them all!” The girl excitedly waved behind her, where a boy with a red cap was laden with a teetering pile of books. Next to him, a blond boy was similarly weighed down, though he had a few books about local wildlife in the game balanced on top of the editorials and comic books.

“That’s great Alya,” Marinette smiled, then looked at the boys with concern. “Why don’t you guys put those down here?” She quickly cleared a space for them to place the books on her table. They gratefully deposited them and slumped down in the chairs opposite Jason.

“Whew, thanks M. Thought she’d never let us out of there,” the boy with the red cap wiped his glasses on his shirt.

“Eh, we needed the exercise!” The blond boy shook out his hands.

“Easy for you to say, Kitty,” Marinette reached over the table and booped his nose. Jason swallowed the pang of jealousy he felt at their causal interactions. And nicknames. Very familiar nicknames.

“Oh where are my manners,” her eyes widened slightly. “Jason, this is Alya,” the redhead, “Nino,” red-cap boy, “and Adrien.” Blond. Kitty. Potential enemy. “They’re my friends from lycee! Guys, this is my friend Jason,” Marinette continued on cheerfully.

Adrien beamed at him. “So this is the famous Jason who’s been stealing away our Marinette.” His positivity was practically a threat, Jason could feel how much more alert and guarded this boy was compared to their other friends. Marinette buried her head in her book, unsuccessfully trying to hide a blush that reached her ears.

“So! Jason, where are you from?” Alya obliviously cut in, thumbing through one of the very first publications on the Justice League. “I assume Mari told you we’re all from Paris.”

He leaned his chair back to balance it on two legs, replying, “Yes, she did. I’m from Gotham City, born and raised.”

Alya’s eyes locked onto him with an intensity he wouldn’t have expected. He could practically feel a million questions bubbling to the surface, and sure enough, they broke free momentarily.

“Have you ever seen Batman? Or the other Bats?” Alya practically levitated towards him but was gently pulled back by Nino.

“Easy there, Als. Sorry, she’s a big fan of superheroes.” Nino helped her settle back into her seat with a fond smile.

“Vigilantes.”

Even Marinette looked up from her book at that.

“Come again?” Alya blinked confusedly.

Jason put his hands behind his head and leaned back further in his chair. “The Bats are called vigilantes, not heroes. And there’s nothing super about them. As far as anyone can tell, they don’t have any powers.”

Alya’s eyes widened. There was a beat, then she whipped out a notebook and pen and scooched her chair closer. “Tell me more,” she said.

Jason gave her a few details, nothing an ordinary Gothamite wouldn’t pick up on, and even recounted a few incidents he’d been caught up in as a civilian. Alya avidly wrote down every detail, while Nino looked on, only half-listening. For her part, Marinette only pulled her attention away from her books when Jason talked about being in danger. She looked concerned, it was an expression he absolutely adored on her sweet face.

They were just laughing at a story he’d recalled involving the Riddler and a green screen when someone new sauntered up to them. Lila sat on the edge of their table, snatching up Jason’s opened copy of King Lear and placing it on her lap.

“Hey Jason, right? I haven’t seen you around before,” she batted her eyelashes at him. She began idly thumbing through the pages, letting them all fall open until she reached the back cover and snapped it shut.

“I’m mostly on the front lines. What is it that you do?” Jason challenged her.

She laughed and crossed one leg over the other, moving the book-- his book-- to be carelessly held aloft in one hand. “I help out around the guild, doing odds and ends, motivating our fearless warriors.” Marinette snorted, which Alya frowned at.

Lila tapped a finger to her chin. “Though, I could ask the same of Marinette. We hardly ever see you, I hope you’re not just spending all your time here reading,” she put on a faux-concerned look. Ah, so she was out to get Marinette it seemed.

“Let me correct myself. I’m usually on the front lines with Marinette. She and I make a good team,” Jason glanced next to him to catch the small smile blooming on his friend’s face. “Now may I please have my book back.” He finished flatly.

Lila took it in stride. “What’s the magic word?” She asked flirtatiously, lofting the book high in the air, above his reach.

“I fucking said please,” Jason growled, then lunged for the book. He only made it as far as her wrist though, which he barely squeezed before she gave a cry of pain and dropped it.

Of all the fucking things....

Lila cradled her wrist, which definitely wouldn’t even bruise, and started to sniffle. Alya jumped up and comforted the girl, helping her down from the table and guiding her to a nearby chair. Meanwhile, Jason gingerly peered around the table to see the mess on the floor. The book’s binding had come undone, its pages miraculously still mostly in order but no longer held together.

He leaned back with a groan. “Fuck,” he muttered under his breath.

Marinette stood up and walked around the table to gently pick up the pages, keeping them as close to their proper order as she could. She placed them softly on the table in front of him.

“I’m sorry about her,” she locked eyes with him. She was barely taller than him like this, her standing and him sitting, and looking up at her allowed her bangs to frame her face in a way he’d never seen. She looked so beautiful, it took him a moment to actually remember he was supposed to be talking. It still didn’t fix his favorite book though.

“That’s okay. Hopefully it’ll teach her a damn lesson,” he shot a glare at where Lila sat, being waited upon by a growing crowd.

Marinette rolled her eyes as if she’d been through this countless times before. “We can only hope,” she muttered, taking her seat next to him once more. “Will you get in trouble with the library?”

He scoffed. “Not likely. They actually gave this copy to me since I wore it out so much.” He glanced around to see if anyone else was near them. Adrien seemed to have left, electing to hide rather than be coerced into tending to Lila. “It’s uh, actually one of my favorites. I’ve always had a soft spot for Shakespeare.”

Marinette’s face fell. How could she still be so gorgeous when her eyes were that sad? “I’m so sorry, I had no idea.” She looked thoughtful for a moment. “W-would you like me to try repairing it for you? I um, I know how to sew and it’s the least I could do since it’s so important to you,” She had started rambling, increasingly jerky hand movements accompanying her speech, “and I can’t believe how careless she was to actually break your poor book, I mean who even does that, so if you want--”

“Yes,” Jason stilled her hands from their wild gesturing, holding them gently. “That would mean a lot.” Her soft blue eyes met his in a tentative smile. “Plus,” Jason said, releasing her hands and leaning back in his chair once more, “then I’ll owe you a favor.”

Marinette reached over to carefully slide the pages in front of her. “Oh really? And just what does a ‘favor’ from you entail?” She teased.

“Whatever you’d like, darling,” he winked at her. She rolled her eyes, but didn’t bother stopping the smile on her face.

“I’ll hold you to that,” she shot back.

He watched as she pulled out a sewing kit and began to thread a needle with thick twine. “Oh, I’m counting on it.”

She shook her head, then a look of concentration overtook her smile as she began to line up the pages perfectly.

He was interested in exactly how she planned to mend the book, sure, but he found that he couldn’t look away from her hands as she worked. They were so small, yet so nimble and they handled the needle and thread with a practiced air. One delicate hand held the stack of pages steady, while the other deftly pierced their edges, doubling back on itself to secure them in place. She worked quickly and quietly, seemingly lost in her own world.

Jason was so fascinated by watching her mending, healing, that he almost completely missed Lila tearfully walking past him, only realizing she and her entourage had done so minutes afterward. He didn’t mind though, he was content to watch Marinette all day. He blinked, realizing that he was exactly that, content, here with her. He fought back a smile as she stuck her tongue out from between her lips. How he’d like to put that tongue somewhere else--

“Done!” She proclaimed, proudly snipping the thread and knotting it off. She handed the book over to him, now coverless, with a grin.

“Thank you, Marinette. Seriously,” he opened the book up to where he’d left off, testing how secure the pages felt. “You did an amazing job.”

She blushed. “Oh, thanks! If it ever comes undone or feels loose, just let me know. I was just kind of guessing since I’ve never actually bound a book before. And you may want to see someone about the cover.”

Jason stared at her. “Really? It feels perfect.” You feel perfect, he thought to himself.

“Oh, that’s great! I hope it works out well for you,” she blushed, trying very hard not to accept his praise. Well, clearly she deserved it, so that was something they’d need to work on. He found himself surprised at how easily he could picture a future with them together, showering her in compliments until she learned that they were all true.

A voice that sounded suspiciously like Dick rang out in his head, Woah there, slow down tiger. Take her on an actual date first. And another voice that sounded a lot like Bruce, If she even wants that much from someone like us. A smaller voice that echoed his own added, Someone like you. All valid points. His smile faltered a little. He would just have to wait it out and see what Marinette wanted. But he... he couldn’t be the one to initiate anything. Not when he was so broken.

He watched her struggle to stack up all her books and return them to the shelves, shaking his head fondly before grabbing more than half of them from her arms, piling them on top of his own. She smiled at him gratefully and lead the way deeper into the stacks.

No, he couldn’t ask that of her, not when she was so perfect. Flirting was all well and good, but he hadn’t expected to care as much as he was starting to. So flirting would have to be as far as he’d let himself go.

[orange-waterfalls]

Unnecessary Feelings

The Host x gn!reader

ty anon for the request

A/N: BRO. Bro. Bro I. I am so proud of this one don’t even look at me. Also happy spooky month! Might do something with that, idk though. This is more of another character study with the Host, I’ll be honest. I still think it’s pretty cute, though. I didn’t read back through this, lmk about any mistakes. Enjoy!

Word Count: 2.4k

Unnecessary Feelings

Host isn’t particularly looking for a relationship, of any sort. Not necessarily. It would be nice, but it isn’t at the forefront of his mind. It’s not that important. Change is weird. He’s been in his same office, writing the same kind of stories, with the same kind of people. That’s fine. He likes that. He likes his novels, his protagonists, and his office.

He explained all of these things to Wilford and Darkiplier, but neither was having it. That’s how he ended up staying at the manor for a while, while his place was being “renovated”. He didn’t know how much he trusted Wilford to “renovate” correctly. 

Wilford likes pink. A lot. Host doesn’t. He can't see it, but he knows it. Pink was loud. Pink smelled like raspberries and icing and cherry blossoms and shrimp. It sounded like fair music and joyful screaming and chalk scraping on the ground. It felt smooth and soft and squishy. It tasted like sugar, sugar, sugar, too much to be healthy. Pink made his brain hurt. He doesn’t like pink. Wilford likes pink. Wilford… Wilford fucking loves pink. And Wilford will say it’s pink, and Host will know it’s pink, and even though he can’t see it, he’ll be upset that it’s pink. He doesn’t like pink. He doesn’t know how to say it. So he doesn’t. And he copes.

He takes the opportunity to talk to the others staying at the manor, which was pretty much just Dr. Iplier and… you. Dr. Iplier was a… reasonable man. He was boring. Very boring, really. He directed every conversation to discuss your health or a weird patient he had recently, neither of which really interested the Host. He didn’t enjoy talking to Dr. Iplier too much. 

You, however…

Were also kind of boring?

Well, you mostly just wandered around, reading, cleaning, sleeping, not doing much else. He didn’t initiate conversation and neither did you. If you sat next to him on the couch and he sat a little straighter and breathed a little faster, that was simply a coincidence. And the urge to talk to you about his novel for hours was simply boredom. And the desire to listen to you talk for hours was… it was none of your goddamn business is what it was. He didn’t like you, but he didn’t dislike you either. He felt nothing. You made him feel nothing. This didn’t mean anything.

Really. 

It didn’t.

But, entirely too fast, Dark and Wil were done. Or rather, whoever they hired was done. Which was good. Host bid you two goodbye. Dr. Iplier told him to drink plenty of water but not too much, and you told him you’d keep an eye out for his newest novel. He felt like he should be blushing right now, he felt it in his face. Nobody commented, so he assumed he didn’t. He felt a thing happen in his chest as he looked at the two of you. 

He didn’t like either of you, and if he kept telling himself that, maybe it would come true.

He received a new office. It was much cleaner and brighter, and he actually had room to think. There was an espresso machine in the corner atop a pink table, a “dandelion” yellow couch next to it, a pastel pink desk against the opposite wall, and a few “motivational” posters on the baby blue walls. At least from what he’d heard. Wilford did his best to explain the room. He appreciated that the walls were not, in fact, pink like he expected.

He had to walk around a few times, keep track of his steps, and get used to the new layout. It’s a good room. Clean. No nails sticking out of the floor, no rats scurrying around, no cobwebs, no holes, no nothing. Clean and quiet. Clean. And. Quiet.

… 

He fucking hates the goddamn room.

Who likes silence? Who enjoys that? Who wants to be stuck in a suffocatingly clean office with nothing but their thoughts for hours at a time? Homicidal people, that’s who.

Ignore the fact that he has homicidal tendencies and has almost killed/has killed several people, that doesn’t matter right now.

He can just sit and deal. He can take the office, try to coax the rats into coming back, buy some spiders, and write. No big deal.

Except what if he didn’t deal? What if he told them he hated it and couldn’t work in these conditions? What if he was forced to stay at the manor again? What if he could… talk… and interact with people? Without anything barring him from doing so?

He’s… not lonely. 

He’s not lonely. 

He’s not.

But if he stays in the manor again while Wilford talks about how he has no taste and Darkiplier decides to be in charge of the renovation now, that’s not his fault.

Bim, Eric, and you were staying at the manor when he had to. For the second time. Bim had a thing for rom-coms and dramedy movies, and Eric had started to pick that thing up. You and Host also watched the movies, but whether you actually liked them was beyond him. Usually, you made fun of them together. He couldn’t see them, but he could hear a lot of the ridiculous dialogue. He could drop two random people in a closed-off room together and they’d have more chemistry than half of these Hallmark Christmas Movie couples. You were very quiet during “To All The Boys I Loved Before”, however, so either you loved it or you hated it. He couldn’t really tell.

You two talked a little less than before, you being preoccupied with Eric. Host was fine with that. He could just… talk to you whenever you were done. But you apparently had a low social battery and trapped yourself in a room whenever you were done talking to Eric. That was fine. Host didn’t need to be happy anyways. 

He may or may not have showed up at your door first thing in the morning sometimes to get the chance to talk to you. You didn’t know, so it was fine.

But Eric and Bim were smart. They picked up on the Host’s… “feelings” and desire to talk to you. If either were in a room with you and Host, they immediately left so that you could talk. It worked, and Host was happy, but he felt kind of bad.

No. No he didn’t. He felt no emotion towards anyone or anything. The suit he bought for Bim and the journal he bought for Eric meant absolutely nothing. It was a business transaction. You can’t prove anything.

Somehow quicker than before, the room was fixed. Again. And you, Eric, and Bim saw him off. Eric’s voice sounded wet and Bim sounded a little sad as well. You sounded… fine. But he had a suspicion that you knew you were going to see him again soon. And Host was not upset, of course not. And if he was thankful his eyes weren’t exactly working properly because otherwise he might have shed a few tears, it was completely unrelated. You can’t prove anything.

The new room was completely black and white. Black laptop and a white desk with a black chair. White walls and a black floor. A white couch against the wall. No espresso machine this time, which slightly disappointed the Host. 

Darkiplier sounded proud when he explained the room. Host could see why, it sounded very pretty. Which he tried to say when he turned to Darkiplier. But his traitorous mouth instead said:

“Host asks if this room is meant for the Host or you?”

The Host was teleported back to the manor this time. Wilford was standing out in front, Host knew because he heard the man’s distinct yell of surprise. He also smelled gunsmoke and wine.

“Wilford.”

“Host. What are you doing here?”

“The Host asks what you are doing here?”

“... I asked you first.”

“The Host asked you second.”

“... business. You?”

“... business.”

“Ah… well, cheers.” Quick footsteps get quieter as Wilford runs away. Host stood for a moment,  debating whether or not to apologize to Dark. Before he could decide, the door opened.

“Host?” You asked. Host instantly felt himself straighten up and ball his fists.

“Hello.” He said stiffly.

“Another renovation?” He heard the smile in your voice and forced himself not to smile back.

“Host assumes so.” He nodded.

“So…” You sighed.

“So?” He tilted his head.

“Are you coming in?” You asked. Host let himself smile as he walked into the manor.

He didn’t see you all too much for the rest of the week, and he was severely disappointed. There wasn’t really anybody staying there, just a few people visiting over a few days. Yancy, Illinois, and maybe Bing, if the sound of a skateboard at 3 in the morning was any clue. He was pretty much alone. And that was fine. He was usually alone. He was used to it. This was fine.

Maybe he should stop lying to himself so often.

All too soon, he was on his way back. Again. You were the only one to see him off this time.

“Well… um…” You started. The tension between you two was like a punch to the gut. You were perfectly fine before. What happened?

“Host bids you farewell,” He nodded politely and turned around. Maybe if he left quickly, it wouldn’t hurt as much.

“Wait, Host!” You called. He froze. “I’m, uh… I’m coming with you.” He spun around to face you.

“Host… asks what you mean?”

“I wanna… see your office. I mean, if I’m… allowed to visit?” You said meekly. Host felt his heart quicken.

“The Host would love-like that,” He coughed as he corrected himself. 

“Ok, good,” He could hear the smug smile in your voice. Damn him and his… feelings.

The commute to his thrice-new office was almost silent. Neither of you said anything. You most likely wanted to wait for the Host to start the conversation, but he didn’t want to bother you if you didn’t want to talk. It was a little awkward. But after a while, it became comfortable. He liked just being in your presence.

He thought that was what he would miss most about the manor.

You both stood outside of his office door when you arrived.

“Well… here we are.” You whispered. Host nodded solemnly. “Do you want to do the honors.” Host lifted his hand to the doorknob, feeling himself shake. He clutched the doorknob, not moving an inch. He could feel your eyes on him. You were worried. This was fine. 

You could visit. But what if you didn’t want to? What if you saw his stories? What if you thought he was cruel? He was, but not to you. He would never be to you. He could stop. He could write different stories. He could write a romance! It would still affect people’s lives, but for the better? At least until the story ended and he had no control over it. What if you wanted him to stop? He couldn’t just stop. Would you give him an ultimatum? You wouldn’t… would you?

“Host--” You started. He whipped around to face you.

“The Host does not want to enter the room.” He said, voice wavering a little. He cleared his throat. Embarrassing.

“What? Ho-”

“The Host wants to talk to people. The Host… wants friends. The Host wants to stay with you and the others.” He grits out. God, this was pathetic. Was he begging? 

“Host, open the door.” You sighed. The Host froze. What? Why were you… what?

Oh. So that was it. You were seeing him off… for the last time. You didn’t… you… didn’t like… 

Right. Yeah. You were a polite person. He should’ve known.

“But…” He trailed off and faced the floor.

“Host, I really think you should open the door,” You said, the smile clear in your voice. His eyebrows furrowed. Well, you didn’t have to be so eager about it, Jesus.

The Host grabbed the doorknob and threw the door open with a crack against the wall.

“Jesus, man!” Bim’s distinct game show voice sounded from inside the room. Left front corner. “What’s got your boxers in a bunch?”

“I always thought he was a boxer-briefs man.” Dr. Iplier said from the opposite side.

“I can confirm that he is, in fact, a boxer-briefs man.” Google said from the same place as Dr. Iplier.

“I honestly would’ve thought commando.” Eric’s voice was muffled, as if he was facing away from everyone else.

What… What the fuck?

“What. The fuck.” He said loudly. You clapped a hand on his shoulder, making him jump.

“Surprise! We’re invading your office. Please don’t resist.” He could, again, hear the smirk on your face. He almost wanted to be mad. Almost.

“What?” He turned to you. You let go of him and stepped in.

“We fixed your room! You got your bland-ass beige walls, your hardwood floor, cobwebs, dust, and I think there’s a rat somewhere in the walls…”

“His name is Remy!” Eric said happily.

“Sorry, Remy is somewhere in the walls.” Host didn’t move, still processing this whole situation.

“The Host… doesn’t understand…” He rubbed his temples.

“Well, you seemed… lonely. And we like spending time with you. So… we’re gonna spend time with you!” Bim explained.

“You don’t have to do things alone anymore. Just… call someone up and we’ll come hang out.” Dr. Iplier said.

“Only if you ask, though.” Eric added softly. Host didn’t move for a long while.

The others began to fidget, thinking they did something wrong. Eventually, he took a breath, and everyone else held theirs.

“Is… is the Host’s equipment still here?” He asked.

“Your writing stuff? Yeah, it’s on the desk.” You answered. Host went quiet again, thinking.

“Do… You guys want to help the Host write something?” He mumbled.

“Hell yeah we do!” You clapped your hands once. Host made his way over to his desk. All the others, including you, crowded around him as soon as he sat down, pushing each other to get a good look.

This was slightly claustrophobic and pretty uncomfortable… 

…

It was perfect.