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muzansfangs · 1 month

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Bloodstain.

Starring: Aizen Sosuke x f!reader; mention to Shuhei Hisagi, Shinji Hirako, Ichimaru Gin, Shunsui Kyoraku;

Format: multi-chapters story;

Warnings for this chapter: domestic dynamics, suggestive themes, language, fear of storms, denial, sexual tension, struggling with feelings, mention to unprotected sex, breeding, violence, injuries;

Plot: To ease off the tension between you two, you decide to take Sosuke out to buy himself clothes, a phone and anything else he may need during his permanence in the World of the livings. Visiting shops, you mark some lines and establish rules to make your forced cohabitation more pleasant. What a shame you keep on repeating yourself the umpteenth ‘kiss’ is just an accident not bound to happen again.

MASTERLIST | PREVIOUS CHAPTER | TO THE NEXT CHAPTER

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𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐫𝐚.

After five hours spent in avoiding Sosuke, you had come to the conclusion you just had to put an end to this circus. The day had not started the way you had planned, but it was not too late to actually try to fix things. After all, your forced cohabitation had barely begun. If you did not confront him now, things would have decidedly degenerated in the near future. Before locking yourself up in your bedroom, you had caught a glimpse of him wandering through the living room and directing his attention to your library. At least, he was reading, not destroying your flat or the whole city. Still, you did not think he was still doing that. He was too quiet. Suspiciously quiet.

Therefore, stepping out of your nest, you made your way to the living room, only to be taken aback by the sight of him still sitting comfortably onto your sofa with his nose buried into a novel. You had definitely underestimated his capacity of maintaining a deep and constant concentration for hours. How stupid of you to forget he was built differently from common mortals. He was a self-proclaimed god, was he not? He had trascended reality, challenged the quintessence of the world.

Staring at him from the entrance to the living room, shoulder against the wall and arms against your chest, you also took notice that he had removed his eye-patch. Handsome, almost looking regal, he was already bewitching you again. You had almost forgotten how much his eyes had always affected you. His features, sharp yet gentle, made your stomach twist and turn for the war waging in your head between your morals and your lust for him. You had to keep your distance from him. It was not going to be easy, you were well-aware of that, but you had to try not to be stuck in the deadly web he was subtly sewing around you.

“Staring is rude. Hasn’t your father taught you that? Shame on me, I should not be surprised, if he has not. It’s Kurosaki Isshin, after all” Sosuke’s snarky remark brought back on Earth.

He was such a jerk at times.

You rolled your eyes, ambling towards the couch with an annoyed expression plastered over your face “As if I would waste my time staring at you. I was merely doing my job: checking on you. — you punctuated, the fact he had caught you red-handed upsetting you to no end — What are you reading, anyway?” you asked, plopping down onto the opposite side of your couch with a sigh. You had missed your forniture. As much as you loved the Soul Society, you had to admit the beds and sofas were not that comfortable.

“One of your books. I found it in the novels section, but I believe you misplaced it” Sosuke stated, flipping a page seemingly unbothered by your presence.

You quirked your eyebrows up, squinting to get a glimpse of the cover to read the title “Huh? That’s impossible, I personally make sure not a book is out of its genre. — you reasoned, scratching the back of your neck thoughtfully — What is it?” you asked then, only for your jaw to drop to the floor.

“It’s ‘Fifty shades of Grey’. That’s porn. Low quality porn, to be fair” Sosuke replied, before delicately closing the book and settling it down onto the coffee table in front of you.

Out of the vast collection of books you had, he had really picked up that one. You felt your cheeks boil, you eyes frantically averting from him to the volume under your nose, as you cleared your throat to utter out some excuses. Did you feel ashamed for owning something tagged as erotic? It was just a stupid book, a gift from Shinji to mess around with you.

“It was a gift and… It’s a novel, anyway. It’s just a little steamy” you stammed, avoiding his gaze at any cost.

“Oh, is that so? Interesting friends you have. Who was it from, if I may ask?” he inquired, propping his hand onto the palm of his hand, leaning forward to pull your gaze back on him. He did not even had to try to catch your attention. He always had it. As if you were strong enough to evade his magnetic gaze, though, you pretended not to be affected by those caramel eyes. Or his whole persona, to be fair.

“Why should I tell you?” you replied, grasping the book and standing back up to put it into its original place. You would have done anything in that very moment not to be forced to look at him.

“Oh, just to take note of who are your real friends and who merely wants to sleep in your bed” Sosuke cooed, causing you to flinch.

“Excuse me? None of my friends has such ambitions and, even if they did, this is not your business. I have already told you not to meddle into my life” you countered back, your voice taking a warning edge that seemed to amuse him.

Sosuke smiled, that subtle smile you viscerally hated “Are you so naive to believe men have pure intentions, when it comes down to a woman? — he questioned you, swiftly standing up as well and walking up to you slowly, the stately pace and elegance of a panther stalking down its prey — A friend doesn’t gift such scandalous books to a girl. Not unless he wants to send her a message” he explained his point of view, causing you to sigh in exasperation and clasp your hands together not to lash out at him. He apparently had no intention of dropping the topic and, above all, he was attempting to get you to talk. He wanted informations from you, this much was evident. But you were not going to tell him anything, especially given the altercations between him and Shinji. You did not really want your chaotic friend to go through more psychological trauma thanks to your new roomer.

“No, I’m not. — you started curtly, gaze hardening — In fact, I let you fuck me only because I agreed to sleep with you, not because I thought you were genuinely offering me a shoulder to cry on” you countered back, before glancing at the clock and realizing it was almost noon. Well, considering you had to help him settle down anyway, you could help yourself out of this conversation and tell him to follow you out of your flat.

As Sosuke stared down at you, seemingly resentful for your answer, you just walked towards the door and grasped your wallet and keys from the bowl at its left. You expected him to talk, say anything, but you were genuinely surprised when he silently followed you out of the door. It was irritating, so much that you had to be the one to break the ice after your snippy comment.

“Aren’t you even asking me where I am heading to and if you are allowed to come with me?” you asked him, locking the door behind you.

“Why should I bother questioning you? It’s not like I’m not going to follow you anywhere you go, love” he casually replied, unbuttoning the collar of his shirt absent-mindedly.

Love. Now he had started using nicknames. Where did it come from? Why was he burying the hatchet, even though you had just wounded his ego? You eyebrow twitched as you shoved your key into the pocket of your shorts, head whipping in his direction only to find him placidly smiling at you.

You sighed “Love? Really? Sosuke, cut the crap—“.

It happened too quickly for your brain to register it. One second you were staring daggers at him, the next one your back was flattened against the wall and his hand was clasped over your mouth to prevent you from talking. He was not upset, then again he did not seem to be irate. Reading him was hard, he was too imperturbable to be affected by human emotions. You looked at him wide-eyed, muffling noises of protests reverberating against his palm as he hushed you by raising the index of his free hand.

“Calm down. — he commenced, cocking his eyebrow up as he watched your features relax gradually, albeit your hands were still scrambling up in a pathetic attempt to tug his hand down and free your mouth — Did you forget what I have told your neighbour? We are supposed to act like a couple outside your flat. Can I remove my hand from your mouth, or are you going to keep up that stupid attitude of yours?” he asked you, watching your eyes grow round and then be reduced to two fissures.

He had a point. He always had a point and throwing hands in the corridor was not exactly a good idea, given your proximity to Mrs. Watanabe’s door. You were one hundred percent sure that hag was staring at you from the peephole, confident you were going to make a false step. Against your will, you nodded your head slowly and inhaled sharply before raising your hand to cup his cheek in your palm and sneering at him.

“Alright, we are on the same page about keeping a low profile. — you said lowly, through gritted teeth — But once we are back home, you will keep your hands for yourself” you clarified, before slowly and gently slipping out of his grasp.

Ignoring him never worked. Acting like a couple in public was probably the equivalent of letting the population of a small medieval town drag you to the village square and tie you up to a stick to burn you alive. Sosuke was going to be your excruciating death. The worst part of it was that you did not have the strength to run away from your feelings for too long. Not after chasing them away for years. You were tired.

But then, he made comments that got under your skin and you admonished yourself for having let yourself think he could have been a good match for you, if only he had not almost massacred your whole family and your friends.

“As you wish. — he replied, his presence looming over your frame from behind as you exited the building — Admittedly, I do not think you are going to last long without my attentions, darling”.

Yes, in times like that, you desired nothing more than kicking him twice in the guts and feed his genitalia to a crocodile at the zoo. Instead, though, you decided to keep your chin up and head towards the main shopping area of the city “Believe it or not, I have been living a relatively peaceful and satisfactory life until Shunsui appointed me to babysit you” you replied, an hint of pride in your voice as you hastily crossed the road not to be rolled over by a car you had failed to spot.

The driver’s insults pierced your ears as you did your best to ignore him and resumed your march. The man standing right at your left, however, was not going to let it go.

“Are you sure Shunsui appointed you to babysit me? Maybe you’re mistaken” he commented dryly, watching you roll your eyes and grasp him by his forearm roughly to pick up your paces and reach your destination faster. The less you spoke to him, the better. You had no time to bicker with him over such trivial matters, not when your stomach was protesting as well. You craved food and you knew a cheap place not too far from there, where you used to grab your lunch on your way back home from school.

Sosuke shot you a displeased glare, his hand gripping yours to stop you. His hooded brown chocolate eyes bored into yours, slender fingers slipping between your smaller ones to lock your hands and, factually, forcing you to halt. Your eyes met his once again, his lean frame making you feel so miserable once again as he tugged you closer to him, this time more carefully.

“Y/N” he spoke firmly, a warning for you to settle down and listen for once. In the middle of a crowded street, mere inches separating your bodies, you lost yourself into his gaze. It was not the first time it happened. You should have known better than trusting yourself around him.

Sosuke’s free hand skimmed over your arm, resting onto the top of your shoulder, goosebumps pattering your skin under his touch “I know no one respects me. Despite that, you once did. What did I do to be undeserving of your company?”.

You frowned, blinking to clear your own clouded mind “What? We live together now. Whether I like it or not, I’m stuck with you”.

“Don’t lie, Y/N. Your body is here, but your soul is desperately attempting to run away from me”.

His words rang in your head, a lump in your throat you could not swallow forming. You had not let your guard down, not since you had slept together, still he was capable of reading your mind. You clenched your jaw, sucking in deeper breath, as you shook your head.

“Get out of my head”.

“I don’t think I will. It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever had the pleasure to be in” he replied, a faint grin crossing his lips as he shook his head and dipped his head down.

You were unable to talk back, his lips a magnet pulling you in, hypnotizing you, as you tightened your grip on his hand. No, you had to resist, you had to push him back, to block him out of your head. But a kid passing by ruthlessly bumped onto your back, your balance failing you as Sosuke caught you promptly in his arms and stole a brief kiss from you. Lips pressing against your soft ones for a few seconds, yet causing a turmoil of emotions into your stomach. You scrunched up your nose, feet finding their place back onto the cobblestone as he tentatively let go of you.

The moment you stepped back, hand reaching up to your mouth, you stared up at Sosuke stupefied only to notice he was smiling almost imperceptibly. He licked his lips, his tongue swiping out to brush over his bottom lip and a guttural hum reverberated through his chest.

“You’ve changed your chapstick” he commented, before hinting at the road with his chin and ambling towards the busy street leisurely, silently awaiting for you to join him.

And you did, you followed him, with your fingers still lingering right where his sinful lips had met yours. You reprimended yourself for having enjoyed it, but you refrained from shouting at him he had blatantly ignored one of the first rules you had set. It had been just a casuality. He was standing too close, that kid had the same grace of an elephant and the politeness of an ogre. It was not even a real kiss. Insignificant touches did not count, right? You really wished you could explain that to your heart too.

You soon found out Sosuke had a classy taste for expensive fabrics and brands. His charm even helped to get a discount, at times, and you were seething in rage. With the amount of money he had, that man did not someone to deduct such generous amount of moneys from the price. Right, he was filthy rich. You had literally goggled your eyes, when Shunsui had given you the access to Sosuke’s accounts. The Soul Society had made sure to change the local currency into Yen. You were genuinely surprised he had saved so much money from his days as a Captain.

“I can’t believe it…” you muttered under your breath, as you entered into your last shop for the day. You needed to buy him some boxers, but he had pushed you right into an Armani shop because he was not going to wear ‘cheap boxers’.

“Still upset I’m not broke?” he replied amusedly, as you two wandered through the shelves to look for the lingerie section.

You huffed, rolling your eyes as you picked up a pair of black boxers and showed them to him “I’m just surprised, that’s all. I mean, Shunsui is the Captain Commander and he’s not that wealthy” you spoke your mind, watching Sosuke examine the fabric absent-mindedly before looking at the size.

“He’s constantly dissipating his savings in women and saké. — he replied monotonously, before glancing at a point at your back with a sly expression on his face — I never had to pay for sex and I’m not an alcoholic”.

With that he handed you the boxers you had chosen for him and gestured at you for purchasing a couple of other ones too. You scoffed, his words pulling out a bitter chortle from you, as you whipped your head around and rummaged through the different assortments of boxers on the shelf. He was such a bastard. You did not even spare him a glance to check at what he was doing, as you walked up to the cashier and told her you had to pay for some articles.

However, on your way out of the shop, Sosuke was quick to catch up to you. You noticed he was holding a bag in his hand, something that made you arch your eyebrows “What is it?” you asked.

“Curiosity killed the cat, huh?”.

“You know what? Nevermind. I don’t even care”.

”Not even if it’s a little something to apologize for having offended you earlier?” he hazardously tempted you, causing your ears to prick up rizzare. Did he really buy something for you? Did he think he could get on your right side so easily?

You sighed “Really now? Why spending your money for me? It’s not like you really yearn to earn my forgiveness or something. This is surely one of your bluffs”.

“Ouch, you hurt my feelings. — Sosuke defended himself, the sky turning gradually purple above you two as you headed back towards your home — You’re a broken record. I never lied to you, I think I have abundantly made myself clear”.

He had, that was true, but you wished you could trust him blindly. You wished he was not the user of a deceitful zanpakuto, you wished he was not the man you had fallen for and tormented yourself not to love anymore. But above all, you truly wanted to erase those intimate moments you spent in his bed. Sosuke was a snake, a wizard, a bewitcher.

“It’s a nice gesture, Sosuke. But I am pretty sure you know that a simple gift will not make it up for everything you’ve done. I don’t think I can accept anything coming from you” you replied, only to be feel his hand cup your hip and pull you closer to him.

With his lips grazing the shell of your ear, you felt your breath hitch in your throat “Then, forgive my language, why did you accept my cock so easily? Further more, why did you let me breed you?” he whispered darkly.

The sound of a thunder rolling in the distance was all you needed to shove him off of you and run all the way down to your home. The warmth coiling in your lower abdomen, the irriration and rage blinding you when he got under your skin were something you could not control and it was driving you insane.

You did not want to die young. You did not want to die by the sword of a Captain, or a Lieutenant. Despite being the oldest of the team, and obviously not the weakest, you were not confident enough to wander down the mazy streets of the Seireitei. You had miraculously entered the walls without your brother and the rest of the gang, after escaping a tremendous fight with a Captain. The same Captain that had sent chills down your spine for his easygoing nature, but cold homicidal rage.

The same Captain that had almost cut your arm off of your shoudler. Hand pressing onto the wound, you were jogging down the streets, hoping no one recognized you. Some shinigamis did not pay much attentions to you, your uniform clearly confusing them.

But a guy with a tattoo over his face had been following you around for quite a while now. You had not even had the guts to look him straight in the eye, someone referring to him as ‘Lieutenant Hisagi’ had scared you off. You needed a shelter, you needed a place to heal your wounds and look for Rukia.

Your vision was getting blurry, though. Your limbs hurt and you eventually slumped down against a wall with a pained expression and the certainty you were going to die. Your eyes closed, a whimper leaving your lips, as you hoped no one found you like that. But a powerful spiritual pressure squashed you down onto the ground. Your wary eyes snapped open, a familiar face blessing your vision as a man with glasses knelt down in front of you.

The white haori, that reiatsu. He was a Captain. You were dead!

Your hand gripped your zanpakuto, swinging it towards him, as you coiled like a squirrel when he reached his hand out to touch your cheek. But he stopped you.

“I don’t want to hurt you”.

Curled up in a ball on your bed, you flinched at the sound of the umpteenth thunder exploding outside, the rain pattering against the window of your bedroom. You had not even eaten in Sosuke’s company, barely talking to him if not to inform him you were going to sleep. This happened around midnight. It was two o’ clock and you were restless, nervous and … Scared of storms.

You did not want to tell him about your weakness. You had been made fun of for it in the past and you were in no mood to argue anymore for the day. Probably a glass of water could calm you down. Or this is what you told yourself, whilst you walked barefoot in the dark corridor to reach the kitchen.

The door of his room was closed, your feet making no sound on your way back to your room. But a sudden thunder caused your grip on the glass to loosen and you watched helplessly as it made contact with the hard floor. Splinters of glass and a puddle of water littered the tiles and you let out a screech that caught the attention of your housemate.

Door creaking open, Sosuke leaned against the doorframe. No shirt, grey pants on and his chiseled abs in full display, he narrowed his eyes at you and the scene unfolding before his droopy eyes. You had never really seen him like that, partially disheveled, more human. He was not faking his sleep, at least.

“Sorry. Go back to sleep, I will clean up” you fretted, looking for a rag to wipe away the water and collect the shattered glass.

“Turn the lights on, at least. You’ll cut your feet like that” he tiredly observed, finger switching the lights on.

You were about to snap at him, ranting about how you were not a toddler and how you could perfectly take care of yourself, when you squirmed out in fear again and the thunder gave Sosuke the hint of what was happening right before his eyes. Trembling like a leaf, you stared at him like a soaked, scared kitten, his lips parting in disbelief.

You feared being judged.

“It’s pathetic, I know” you blurted out in defeat.

He did not reply immediately, merely glancing at his room behind him before stepping aside “Come inside” he offered.

You furrowed your brows, his offer sounding strangely soothing and you searched for his eyes to find some further infos about his intentions.

The shinigami sighed, folding his arms across his chest “I don’t want to hurt you”.

Those words again. This promise of not harming you, the way you found yourself entering his room in search for protection felt like a deja-vu. However, as you sat onto the edge of his bed and he joined you, grasping a black t-shirt from the desk and wearing it, you could tell he had no intention to fool you in any way.

“If you don’t want to sleep alone, you can stay here” Sosuke said, before lying down onto his back.

You felt your cheeks heat up, foreteeth sinking onto your bottom lip “It’s inappropriate and… I don’t understand why you’re doing it anyway”.

“We’re far beyond the ‘appropriate’ etiquette, don’t you think? — he bantered, watching you shift onto your seat and slowly lying down next to him, rolling onto your side to face the wall — Also, I don’t mind you sleeping next to me”.

You mentally cursed yourself for having accepted, but when his arm snaked around you, pulling your back against his body to spoon you, you felt safe. Not a single thunder scared you anymore that night, not as you fell asleep in his arms.

As selfish as he was though, Sosuke had his reasons for wanting you there. Since you two had slept next to each other, he had learnt to appreciate the company of a warm body next to his one, your body.

Maybe feeling was not as detrimental as he had always thought. Maybe you were worth the shot. Probably, you were the cure to his solitude.

AUTHOR NOTE.

Hi, there!

I honestly did not think so many people were going to be invested in this story. Thank you so much for showing appreciation to my work, it means a lot! Having said that, I have been looking forward to write this chapter. Whilst there will be other chapters in which Sosuke is going to be involved into mundane situations, shopping with his ‘so-called-girlfriend’ is something I really enjoyed picturing. Sorry for the late update! I promise you very spicy things in the next one. As for now, thank you so much for your feedback!

Love,

— Luce

TAGS: @pseudowho @seireiteihellbutterfly @onyxino @areyouflying @bakugosgirl01 @noirfan12 @velaenaa

#aizen sosuke x reader #sosuke aizen x reader #aizen x reader #aizen smut #bleach smut #bleach x reader #shunsui x reader #shuhei hisagi x reader #ichimaru gin x reader #shinji hirako x you

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fr0st-km · 2 years

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LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

Heartslabyul boys when they experience love at first sight !

No warnings ✦ HEADCANONS ✦ GN! s/o

NOTE: I smh can’t access the link to my masterlist…I gotta try and fix it 😭

Not me coming back after 3 months just because of Rollo getting released

RIDDLE ROSEHEARTS

As a child who hardly has any friends because of his mother, he finds it hard to believe that he could ever fall in love with anyone. His mother would probably not like the idea of him having a lover at a young age in the first place. That’s why Riddle considers that love at first ‘sight’ is merely child’s play. Those thoughts stayed in his head until he met you; the magicless prefect from another world. Something within his body skipped a beat when you both made eye contact and he felt that time itself stopped ticking; he felt as if something lit up his dark world as soon as he saw you.

He was mesmerized. You quickly broke eye contact and was more focused with your current situation in the mirror chamber, while Riddle kept staring at you with widened eyes and a hand on his chest, his face visibly flushing red. He…He had never felt these feelings before, it made him feel so weird. If Azul hadn’t called him out to help him catch Grim, then he’d be staring at you with brightened eyes for who knows how long.

TREY CLOVER

Honestly, the thought of falling in love with someone you just met never came into Trey’s head. Whenever his siblings ask if he has a lover or not, he’ll just chuckle and say that he is far too young to have one, he’d rather focus on his studies and not romance, that’s for the future. Those thoughts left in his head as soon as he met you. You were just minding your own business— making sure that Grim and the adeuce duo won’t cause a fuss.

Trey didn’t realize that he was staring for so long until Cater nudged his arm with a teasing smirk plastered on his face, “Oh~ seems that Trey has fallen in love with Ramshackle’s prefect!” The ginger teased as Trey chuckled nervously with a visible blush on his cheeks, “It’s not like that. I was just…distracted that’s all.” He said as Cater raised a brow at him. “Oh don’t be like that! If you’ve fallen for someone, you shouldn’t let them go unless they don’t want you!” Cater exclaims with a thumbs up, to which Trey sweat dropped.

CATER DIAMOND

He’s a pretty easy-going guy. If he falls in love, he falls in love. But what he didn’t expect was falling in love as soon as he saw the person — aka you. When Ace had to go back to Heartslabyul to see Riddle and apologize, you of course, had to tag along with Deuce and Grim. That’s when you and Cater first met, could it be fate? He was stunned by your beauty, how cute. Cater being Cater, he easily conversed with you without any problem. But he’ll admit that he does feel a bit shy and nervous around you…He won’t admit that to anyone but himself LOL

If a Cater likes you, be prepared for him to be VERY clingy. He’ll probably appear out of nowhere just to get your attention —not that you mind tho— and Trey has to hold him back for a few times due to class almost starting. But Cater will definitely make time for you, he loves you LOTS. After all, you’re the first person to ever make him feel like this! Enjoy yourself because this man will definitely make your life brighter! <33

ACE TRAPPOLA

Well, you see…Ace is kind of experienced when it comes to love. Keyword: KIND OF. But falling in love at first sight? Oh no, oh no, he never experienced that. But when he does…Well, he’ll be pretty surprised. I guess something about you just makes him so happy. Every time when your name gets mentioned he turns his head towards the direction of the voice, if he spots you from a distance he’ll let go of anything just to approach you— homework, food, whatever— that won’t stop him from getting near you.

However…There is something you need to get used to when gaining the interest of Ace Trappola…IT’S THE AMOUNT OF TEASING COMING FROM ANYWHERE. He will literally make fun of you (in a loving way) anywhere and anytime. It’s just so fun for him to see your flustered and annoyed face. He’ll flirt with you too though, which he finds it even more fun hehehehhehe

DEUCE SPADE

AND HERE COMES MY FAVORITE CHILD Oh when Deuce falls in love he’ll be a total mess around you. 100x more when he fell in love with you at first sight! Let’s just say that during his delinquent era…He intimated lots of ladies and gentlemen. So it was hard for him to fall in love or even get someone to fall for him. BUT THAT’S WHEN YOU CAME! You and Grim were hunting chasing Ace down until you three bumped into Deuce! When he saw you, he gawked at how beautiful you were! His heart was fluttering and beating faster than one could ever imagine.

When you ran towards him and told him to help you catch the escaping ginger, he looked back at Ace and then to you profusely. He was completely distracted by you that he didn’t realize a ginger running away! But he did oblige and summoned a damn CAULDRON that crashed onto Ace. As you were thanking the blue-haired boy for his help, Deuce was scratching his cheek and was averting his gaze away from you with red all over his face and quivering lips. Ace got pissed “Hey blueberry head! Quit being such a puppy to them and get this damn cauldron off me! I’m suffocating!!” The ginger exclaimed out of frustration.

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sparklingchim · 2 years

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long way home 26 | jjk

pairing: jungkook x reader

word count: 4.9k

genre: dilf!jungkook, friends to lovers, angst

warnings: ... emotions 🫡

summary: the one where decisions are made.

a/n: i can't believe m actually typing this out but we're at the end of lwh !!! thank u to everyone reading this series <3 i love uuuu <3

chapters: 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 08 | 09 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |

masterlist | long way home masterlist

⭒☆━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━☆⭒

The coffee shop is eerily tranquil today. There aren’t many customers.

Only a few people linger at the tables near the windows and a single person stands in line.

The only loud noise comes from your phone pressed to your ear as Seulgi screams and yells at you.

You definitely should have waited until you entered the break room, because you’re afraid Seulgi’s voice is loud enough to hear.

“You promised me you would talk to him!”

You close the door with a push of your palm.

“I know, I’m going to.” You sigh and sit down at the table. “I just don’t know when exactly.” You sound sheepish, a worried crease appearing between your brows.

"Did he text you at all?”

“No. Why would he? I literally kicked him out of my place.”

Seulgi groans at your reminder. “Tell me why you did that again?”

“Seulgi,” you whine. You need her advice. She had already done the scolding part days ago.

“I know, I know – I'm sorry,” she replies, softer now – less accusing.

You fidget with your fingers. “Should I text him?”

“No, that’s not a good approach,” she dismisses.

“At least it’s something,” you retort. You could send him a short message. Though you’re not sure what it would contain. Hi, I'm sorry for making you leave, can we pls pls pls talk I miss you. You grimace. Maybe a call would be more suitable.

“Y/n,” Seulgi says, snapping you out of your thoughts. “You know what’s more important than figuring out how to approach a conversation?” She pauses, but you stay silent. “Being ready to tell him the truth.”

You told Seulgi of your feelings for Jungkook the day after he confessed to you. She sat on your couch and watched you intently after you announced in a flustered tone I have to tell you something, right after you had talked about what had happened the day before.

You waited for a reaction, but none came. She had a vacant expression. “I know,” she said then, shrugging nonchalantly. “You think you were being secretive about it?” A puzzled look spread across her face.

You felt your cheeks grow hot.

“Are you?” Seulgi presses.

“Yes. I think I am.”

“Good, because this isn’t gonna fix itself,” she says. “Not unless you finally have the courage to be honest with him.”

She’s right. And even though it’s scary, you have nothing to lose. You have already lost your two favourite people in the world.

“And now go and talk to him.”

“What?” Seulgi can’t possibly mean that.

"Go to his place and have a conversation with him.” As if it were that easy.

“I’m at work, Seulgi.”

“You’re taking a break right now,” she counters.

“Yeah, but-”

“No buts,” she interjects. “Just go and get your friend back. Or future boyfriend, whatever.” Seulgi is unwavering. But your doubts and hesitations slowly start to fade. “I can’t keep watching you be sad. It breaks my heart,” she adds, in a much smaller voice.

“Seulgi,” you pout. She has seen you at your lowest points, and of course you know that she is compassionate, but when you hear her voice, your throat tightens.

“You’re gonna leave now?” she asks.

It’s a bit hectic and far too spontaneous, but her words have planted determination in your mind. But maybe that is exactly what you need. This way you don’t have time to overthink and come up with possible scenarios that make you doubt everything and give you sleepless nights.

“I am.” You take a look at the clock. You still have time left, but it’s definitely not nearly enough for walking to Jungkook’s apartment and talking to him. You have to do this now. If you postpone it to later, you’re not certain if you still have the bravery to do it.

“The next time you call it better be to tell me that Jungkook is your boyfie.”

You ignore her. “I’m gonna hang up now, I don’t have time. And thank you, really, without you I’d probably never do this.”

“That’s what friends are for,” she says warmly. You wish you could hug her.

After the call you leave the break room. There still aren’t a lot of customers and you’re thankful for that.

“Jimin.” You walk up to him. He’s loading cakes into the display case. He gives you a sweet smile.

“Hey, uh – I kinda have something quick to do,” you start, gauging his reaction. “Do you think you could – It’s just something really important and I don’t know if I can do it later and-”

“It’s okay, y/n,” he interrupts, the smile still on display. “I’ll cover for you, no problem. Do what you have to do, there is no rush.”

He doesn’t ask for a reason. He doesn’t ask how long you’ll be away. He doesn’t ask any questions. You would pull him into a hug if you weren’t in such a hurry.

You tug at the tie of your apron at your back and pull it off your body. Jimin reaches out to you and you hand him your black apron.

“Thank you. I promise I’ll be back soon!”

You don’t know the outcome of this, but you will take the initiative and at least try to make things better than they have been the last couple weeks.

You’re a little hopeful, and you have yet to find out if you are foolish for that.

With your heart pounding in your ears, you rush out of the coffee shop.

The walk from the coffee shop to Jungkook’s apartment isn’t that long, but it gives you time to question your choice.

You stand in the elevator of Jungkook’s apartment building, wondering whether you should press the button that will take you back down.

Earlier, a guy walked out of the building when you were about to ring Jungkook’s doorbell. You were able to slip into the building without announcing your presence to Jungkook. You feel more comfortable this way, though your hands start feeling clammy.

The elevator stops at Jungkook’s floor. The steps that lead you to his apartment door are uncertain, ready to turn and sprint down the stairs.

But you didn’t come here just to run away. You want things to be good between Jungkook and you.

You take a deep breath and press the doorbell.

A few seconds pass. Then, the door opens.

Jungkook stands in front of you. His long, dark hair is a fluffy and wavy mess on top of his head, adorned with little wispy flyaways around his face. He’s in casual clothes – black sweatpants combined with an oversized white pullover.

He seems startled to see you.

“Hi,” you say, a little breathless.

“Hi.” His usual mellow lilt carries a rare hesitancy.

“Do you have time to talk?” A lump forms in your throat and you swallow it down.

“Yeah, sure.” He makes room for you to enter and closes the door behind you. You change into a pair of slippers and follow Jungkook to the living room.

“Is Nabi sleeping?” You can’t help but ask. You kind of hoped to see her. You missed her and maybe she could’ve eased your nervousness a little.

“I put her down for a nap a while ago.” Jungkook sits down next to you on the couch, a considerable distance between you. He glances at the clock hanging on the wall. “She should be up soon, though.”

When his eyes draw back to you, you feel a little helpless. You remind yourself of what Seulgi told you. This isn’t gonna fix itself.

After sorting the chaos in your head, you say, “I wanted to apologise for being so selfish all the time.”

Jungkook parts his lips to speak, but you continue before he can say anything. “I’ve never fully tried to look at things from your perspective and narrowed my mind to what I thought was the best solution.” You pull your sleeves over your hands. “It shouldn’t have been that way.”

“It’s okay,” Jungkook replies, flashing you a tiny smile that disappears soon after. “It doesn’t matter anymore.”

“I shouldn’t have made you leave. That was heedless and inconsiderate of me,” you admit, biting your lip in guilt. “You opened up to me and I didn’t know what to do. There was a lot in my mind, and I just needed some space for a moment – I'm sorry, truly.” You avert your gaze to the carpet. “I honestly didn’t prepare what to say, I just – I left work because I needed to talk to you.”

“Why do you sacrifice so much for me?”

He insinuates more than leaving work in the middle of your shift.

A string tugs at your heart. Jungkook was honest with you, it’s time to be honest with him too – and maybe to yourself as well. It’s time to acknowledge the feelings you hold for him in a hidden little niche of your heart.

It’s difficult to bare that part of you when you’re so used to hiding it.

“Because I love you.”

You said it. And you mean it. Wholeheartedly so.

You can’t foreshadow his response and what will happen, but you’re glad you said it. The relief that courses through you was worth it.

Jungkook’s stare is intense. You don’t know if it’s the intensity of his stare or what you’ve just confessed, but every single bone inside of you feels ignited. You’re burning from the inside with sheer anxiety darting through you, while Jungkook remains silent.

Your words hang in the air, so simple and yet so daunting.

Jungkook’s pierced eyebrow twitches. He opens his mouth but not a single sound passes his lips.

You don’t blame him. Three days ago you shooed him away after he told you the exact same thing. In retrospect, you deeply regret that decision. But at that moment, you were overwhelmed and needed to be alone. Sort your thoughts. And then talk to him again.

You shift in your seat. “Jungkook.” It’s a soft murmur of his name, a trace of pity and urge creeping in your voice.

The spark leaves Jungkook’s eyes and he casts his gaze away. “It doesn’t change that you made me leave. You still don’t want anything to do with me. Right?”

You shake your head vehemently. But he is still not looking at you, so you say, “That’s not true.” You sit closer to him, fingers curling against the fabric of his sweater on his elbow. “That night was overwhelming for me. I made a mistake when I told you to leave, but I didn’t know what else to do.” Doe eyes lock with yours. You realise how much you missed his glimmering eyes that hold the night sky within them. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t want you back in my life, Jungkook.” His sweater crumples into a tiny ball in your palm. “I missed you.”

His answer is immediate. “I missed you too.”

Your chest feels light. A giddy warmth encloses you like a blanket.

“I’m sorry. For the way I acted,” you say.

“It’s okay. You’ve already apologised.” He looks down at your hand grasping his sweater. You should let go, but even the smallest hint of physical touch feels reassuring.

“I know but I just – I just think we’re equally as responsible for how things have turned out.”

Jungkook nods. “Yeah, definitely.” With a sigh he leans back. His tatted fingers vanish in his dark hair as he cascades through them.

“I really wanna try this. I want to be with you.”

He unclasps your fingers from his sweater and holds your hand. It’s an innocent, small gesture and still, your skin buzzes with delight.

“Y/n.” The way he whispers your name, tender and careful, as if not to break you. “Don’t you realise how much more you deserve?”

Your brows furrow. “But...” You squeeze his hand. “You’re all I’ve ever wanted.” His thumb strokes the back of your hand.

“I promised myself to get over you after we graduated high school,” you tell. “But that clearly never happened.” Looking at both your hands you feel silly for ever thinking you could suppress your feelings for Jungkook.

“High school?” he inquires.

You feel small beneath his sharp gaze. “Well, yeah.” You shrug. “You’re like. Really pretty.” Heat crawls up into your cheek. “And we hung out like 24/7. It was not that hard to fall for you.”

“I mean, same.” The corner of Jungkook’s mouth tilts upwards.

Your lips form a tiny ‘o’. He has feelings for you since high school? It doesn’t make sense. “But you never shut up about how we’re such good friends,” you accuse him. All these years. And you didn’t know.

“Oh, yeah. That was...” He trails off.

“That was what?” You level him with a raised brow.

You see the struggle in Jungkook’s eyes. You don’t want to push him, but there are no more lies between you, no more secrets and untruths. You want only total honesty from now on.

“I thought I wasn’t good enough. That you deserved more.”

You shake your head in denial. “Why would you ever think that?” The years you spent with him as a teenager are full of happy memories. There were no big fights, and you don’t think you ever said or did something that made him feel that way. He’s been your best friend for so long. You love him just the way he is. “Did I ever make you feel like that?”

“Your father once told me not to try to pursue anything more than friends with you,” he explains hesitantly. “That’s why I’ve always talked about being such good friends.”

“He said what.” You’re stunned. What was your dad thinking?

Jungkook pulls your hands to his lap. “He only meant the best for you at the time.” He remains calm but little bubbles of anger prick at your skin.

“I don’t care what he was thinking.” You scowl, lips drawn into an angry pout. “So you’re telling me that if my dad hadn’t said anything, we would’ve-”

“Don’t get mad now,” he interrupts, an amused smile playing at his lips as he tucks an errant strand of hair behind you ear. “Your dad didn’t have any ill intend. I know we could’ve saved us a lot of time and misunderstandings but looks at us. Years later and we’re still in love. It doesn’t matter if in high school or now. It’s the same love. Just - “Jungkook flashes you a cute smile. “I think the only thing that has changed is that I love you even more.”

You bite down your lip. This. This is all you’ve ever wanted.

“Being apart from you was terrible,” you say, scooting closer to him. “I spent so much time thinking about you, you know that?”

He chuckles. “I think I do. You never leave my mind, y/n.” His hand around yours feels strong, protective.

“Never?” You ask tentatively. Looking at him through your lashes.

“No,” he confirms, a subtle, gentle shake of his head. “Never.”

You’re not even that close to him, but your entire body prickles at the proximity of Jungkook. The weeks without him have made you forget how it feels when you’re with him and now your body reacts to it like anticipating the last book of a fantasy series.

You need him closer than this. And it’s almost as if Jungkook can hear your thoughts, because he lets go of your hand and instead pulls you by your waist into his side. His hand lingers at your waist. And you might just feel like your skin is on fire.

“I like this better.” Jungkook’s voice is low, and so so close, it sends shivers down your spine.

“Me too,” you mumble. You have your chin propped up against his arm, looking at him with a small smile. You grow shy beneath his gaze, and you don’t even know why. “I’ve always wanted this.” You clasp your hands around his arm.

“Good,” Jungkook agrees, voice an octave deeper. Oh. More goose bumps. “Because I’ve always dreamt of this too.”

His other hand comes up to your face. He cups your cheek so delicately, the warmth of his palm is a soothing distraction from your racing heart.

Jungkook’s eyes dart between your eyes and lips, a question floating in the air that he is too afraid to ask.

“Jungkook.” It’s a plea, a request a yes, please kiss me and make me forget the world for just a moment.

Jungkook bends down. Your heart thumps against your chest and when you feel the softest hint of his mouth against yours, it stops beating.

The kiss is brief, gentle. A mere brush of your lips. Your eyes flutter open when Jungkook pulls back again, just the tiniest bit. He gives your waist a squeeze. His lips left a glimmer of tingles on your lips, and you ache for more.

“I spent so long waiting for this moment I was worried fate might never let me have you,” he whispers against your lips.

“You have me, Jungkook.” It leaves your mouth like a promise. “I’m here.”

Your hands loop around his neck and you surge forward, pulling Jungkook into another kiss. He moves his lips against yours in a practiced manner, as though you did that every single day of your lives. Like he is the missing piece of your heart to make you whole again.

Jungkook tugs you closer to him. You raise to your knees and throw a leg over Jungkook’s thigh. He follows your movements with his mouth, the softness in the beginning switching into a frantic, messy kiss.

You sit on his thigh, hands diving into his fluffy hair. You pull at some strands when he bites down your lip, moan into his mouth when he pushes you closer at your lower back and you graze over his thigh. With every sweep of his lips, another broken bone of your body mends.

You never want this moment to end.

You didn’t know you needed this so desperately, but now that you’re in Jungkook’s embrace you never want to let him go. Just you two, forever.

But then a sudden cry blares through the apartment.

Jungkook draws back. His forehead is against yours.

You two need a second to come back to the real world. The afterglow clouds your rational thoughts like the night setting after a beautiful summer day.

Your breathing is laboured, so is Jungkook’s. Your hands slide down to his neck and down to his shoulders.

“Nabi woke up from her nap.” His nose scrunches at Nabi’s wailing. He plants a tiny smooch on your lips, lingering close for a chaste moment before he gets you off his thigh.

You think about waiting until he returns with Nabi, but you can’t wait to see her tiny, bubbly form after so long.

Before Jungkook leaves the room, you scramble to your feet and reach for his hand. “I missed her,” you whine and Jungkook leads you to the nursery with a promising squeeze of his hand.

When you follow Jungkook into Nabi’s room, you take tentative steps towards her crib. Nabi is curled up in her little blankets, her round doe eyes shimmering with tears. Instinctually, you coo at her sight. Your heart softens.

“Wanna hold her?” Jungkook asks. His eyes never left you since you entered the room.

You nod – way too animatedly – and you think you see a smile spreading across Jungkook’s face out of the corner of your eye.

Ever so gently, you swoop Nabi into your embrace. Her little sobs ring throughout the room and nip straight at your heart. “My baby,” you murmur. You rock her in your arms. “I missed you so, so much.” She is wearing her baby bear romper, the material a fuzzy brown with two little bear ears attached to the hood.

Nabi is a small, fluffy bear and you’ve missed this tiny human so enormously.

Her doe eyes – an exact replication of her dad’s – stare up at you. The cries subside into whimpers, her puffy lips trembling.

“Nabi.” Her name bubbles past your lips in a whisper. You brush your knuckle against her doughy cheek. “Do you remember me?” She blinks through her thin, wet eye lashes. Having her in your arms unfolds a gloomy feeling in your chest. Yes, you are happy to see her again, but how were you able to spend more than two weeks without her?

“Are you crying?” Jungkook suddenly asks, stepping forward.

It’s only then you discern the tears pricking your eyes. “No,” you deny, sniffing a little.

A soft chuckle springs from his chest. Jungkook stands behind you, nuzzling his head to the side of your face. His burly arms envelop your waist. “Don’t cry,” he mutters. He faintly nudges your cheek with his nose. “You’ll never be separated from her again.”

“I wouldn’t survive that.” Your lower lip juts out as you’re in awe with Nabi’s cuteness. She has your heart.

“She wouldn’t either,” Jungkook retorts. His hushed timbre so close to your ear is drawing you back to him. You slowly rest your head against his chest. His voice. You could listen to him talk for hours with no end. “Nabi wouldn’t settle for sleep if she didn’t have some of your clothes in her bed.”

With a quick tilt of your head, you glance up at him. And then your eyes travel to Nabi’s crib. You see something in a lavender colour peeking from underneath Nabi’s blanket. A top you must have left here.

You thought you had successfully managed to restrain your tears, but here you are again, with new tears stinging your eyes.

“You can't just say that.” Dolour cloaks your voice. “It’s gonna make me cry.”

“Sweetheart.” He pecks the crown of your head. “It’s okay now.” There’s a hint of amusement swirling in his tone. But his touches on your body are soft, soothing.

Nabi has gone completely silent in your grasp. You boop her nose. A smile unfurls on your face. So little. A broad smile blossoms on Nabi as a reaction, pudgy cheeks scrunching her twinkling eyes. The absolute sweetest giggle sparks from her. Your heart clenches at the sound.

But then your eyes spot her reddened gums and the faint white outlines of her teeth.

You gasp. “She is growing teeth already?” With a swift whirl of your head, you stare at Jungkook, eyes wide.

“Yeah, and she’s been really fussy about it.”

“Oh my God,” you utter, looking at the little baby in your arms who’s growing up too fast. A subliminal melancholy sets in your tummy. “She was just a tiny baby and now she has teeth?” You ask, appalled.

“Not yet,” Jungkook says. “But it doesn’t matter how fast she grows – she will be my little baby forever.” Nabi’s eyes are drawn to Jungkook as he speaks. “Isn’t that right? Hm?” He leans over your shoulder, squishing her doughy cheek with his fingers. Nabi squeals, another smile displayed on her mouth.

You give Jungkook a kiss on his cheek. His eyes are sparkling just like Nabi’s. Jungkook turns his face to you. “And you,” – his lips brush over the corner of your mouth – “You will be my baby forever too.”

You laugh against his mouth.

“What.” He raises his brows, a pleased expression on his face.

“You’re silly.”

“No, I’m not.” He pulls you closer to him. Your back is flush against his lean body.

“I’m just saying the truth.”

“Oh, yeah?” Playfulness flashes in your eyes.

He gives you a firm nod. “Yeah.” Jungkook gently strokes your hair over your shoulder. Your skin tingles when his digits unintendedly skim over your neck.

“Tell me another then.”

“I love you.” He didn’t let a second pass before answering. “I’m so incredibly in love with you.”

Your heart flutters in your chest. “I love you.”

His loving eyes bore into your soul. No one has ever looked at you the way Jungkook does. Like you are beautiful, a work of art.

A deep warmth of domesticity floats in the air. It’s a vast contrast to how you have been feeling in the past days.

You share a sweet kiss with him, but it gets quickly disrupted by demanding babbling from beneath you.

"Yes, I love you too, missy,” Jungkook says, brushing her thin hair from her forehead. Her brows are deeply furrowed. He gives her a kiss there. Nabi’s trembling pout changes into a beam. “Always needy of attention, huh?”

“Just like her daddy,” you tease, grinning at Jungkook, before you leave the nursery with Nabi.

Jungkook catches your waist in the hallway. “You’re right,” he admits, a smirk curving his lips. He pulls you into his side as he walks you to the kitchen. “That’s why I don’t wanna spent any second of my life apart from you anymore.” Jungkook pecks your forehead.

A shy smile sets on your mouth. You sir down at the dining table and watch Jungkook opening a cupboard with Nabi’s food.

Nabi has found interest in playing with your hair, occasionally tugging at it.

“Not a single second?” you ask mindlessly, eyes focused on Nabi.

“I’m being serious.” He pops open a jar. “Y’know what.” Jungkook turns around to you. “You should move in with me.”

Your head snaps to him.

You search for a hint that tells you that he doesn’t actually mean it, but Jungkook doesn’t budge.

“I mean it,” he confirms.

“I can’t just move out of my apartment like that,” you reason.

Jungkook shrugs. “Just stay with me.”

It sounds so simple from his lips. And maybe it is. Seulgi has already taught you today the simplicity of just acting without overthinking too much beforehand.

“That way Minjun can’t bother you anymore.” Something flashes in Jungkook’s eyes. “Next time I see him I’m gonna break his neck.”

You ponder for a second. “I mean, I spent most of my time here anyway,” you say. “But lets not rush anything.” You don’t want this to be ruined before it has even properly started.

“Of course, baby.” He turns to the counter again. “Only if you want.”

You watch from behind as he prepares Nabi’s food. The contours of his shoulder muscles flexing with his movements conjure butterflies in your tummy. Hm. Maybe you should consider moving in if this is what you’ll get to see every day.

“Waking up next to you for the rest of my life sounds like a dream, honestly,” Jungkook flirts. You don’t have to see him to know he’s grinning annoyingly.

You’re glad he doesn’t see the way your teeth involuntarily sink into your bottom lip at his teasing voice.

“Your daddy can be insufferable sometimes,” you whisper conspiratorially, looking down at Nabi. She babbles something in return. You giggle and Nabi squeals in delight.

“What are my girls talking about?” Jungkook asks.

“None of your concern.”

You hear him huff. Suddenly, you remember that you left work during your shift. And that you promised Jimin to be back as soon as possible.

“Jungkook,” you gasp. He immediately turns to you. “I have to go back to work. Jimin is covering for me, but I've left him for way too long. I-”

“It’s okay, I’ll drive you back.” Jungkook’s calm voice works like a miracle cure for your panic. “I’ll just feed Nabi real quick and then we can leave.”

“You don’t have to. I can walk back.”

“I want to,” Jungkook says. “Besides, we can eat our cookies again. It’s been so long since I’ve eaten one.”

“I haven’t eaten one in so long as well.” The last time was together with Jungkook.

Jungkook blinks perplexed. “How have you survived until now?” He closes the distance between you, the back of his hand against your forehead. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

You roll your eyes and swat his arm. “I’m perfectly fine.”

“Why are you on a cookie diet?”

“Reminded me too much of you,” you mumble.

“Baby,” Jungkook coos. His knuckles trace the skin of your cheek. “I’m sorry. I’ll buy you as many as you want.”

You grin mischievously. “For the rest of my life?”

“Of course.”

“Daaa,” Nabi gurgles.

“Yes, I’ll buy you as many cookies you want too, once you grow your teeth.”

“That’s gonna be so soon.” You pout.

“We’ll always have time to make a second b-”

“Jungkook hurry.” You push him away. “Poor Jimin is covering for me, and Nabi is gonna starve.”

“Okay, okay,” he replies, though he doesn’t go back until he traps your mouth in a tender kiss. It’s a short kiss, but it messes with every coherent thought in your brain.

You wait for Jungkook to bring Nabi’s warm food. He opens the cutlery drawer and fishes out her tiny, pink spoon.

You smile when you think about the phone call you’re gonna have with Seulgi later. The next time you call it better be to tell me that Jungkook is your boyfie.

The ambiance is cosy – Nabi snuggled up in your arms, Jungkook sending cute smiles your way as he gets her food ready – a feeling of utter contentment that has your whole body at peace.

It’s been a long way to get here, but you finally feel at home.

#jeon jungkook #dilf jungkook #jungkook #jungkook angst #jungkook f2l #jungkook fic #jungkook imagines #bts angst #bts imagines #bts x reader #bts scenarios

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archieimagines · 2 years

Text

Imagine finding Niragi after the Beach.

first time writing aib! i haven't written in a while so i was definitely a little rusty, but i'll have more free time from now on so ideally the next ones will be better! warnings: niragi. a drastically unhealthy relationship (of course), niragi slander, burn injuries and gore, guns, problematic grief, mentions of massacre. if you have any triggers i doubt you'd want to even look at this man, apologies. requested by: @nonsocosamett3r3. can't tag, but i hope you see this! for now, aib requests are open! written by: archie support me on ko-fi!

The store was quiet, only tainted by the sound of lit gas heating your ramen and the quiet bubbling of the soup.

Your eyes fixed on the flame like it was magnetic. After the horrors of the Beach, something just drew you to it. That little flame…

Amazing.

Amazing how something so small could grow so big that it would engulf the whole resort. The whole community. Your whole future, and who you'd planned to spend it with.

You’d loved Suguru for so long, even before you’d arrived in this world. You’d vowed to love him as long as you were alive, but that was before he’d given into his brewing internal sickness.

It hurt too hard to think it. It utterly carved your heart to think that his only relief from himself might take fire and flames. The only way to be kind to him would be to let him die, and finally, it came. He was better off dead, and yet... you couldn’t help aching for him.

He was the one person you’d come into this with. The one person you knew you could trust. Even when he was at his worst.

You shook your head. It wouldn’t do to dwell on how he’d protected you from the witch trial. How he’d given you a pistol and told you to hide on the roof. “Wait for me up there,” he’d said, a firm hand on your back to nudge you towards the stairs, his spare pistol pressed into your palms. “Anyone aims at you and they’re dead.”

Even at his worst, his most unhinged, he still took care of you. He was never all ba-

No. Thinking like this would only make it harder. You needed to focus on how he was a murderer, how he was manic, how he embodied all of humanity’s darkest traits. Perhaps then, you could function in this world without him.

A sigh. The cooker’s flame danced before you, and all you could see in your mind was Niragi. How the fire clung to him. How he screamed and thrashed—

You shut the gas off.

No, you couldn’t look at it. The flame.

The spices in the ramen no longer smelled good; they churned your stomach and the burn of suppressed tears sat in your sinuses. Your head dropped into your hands, the heels of your palms pressed to your eyes. You wouldn’t cry over him. He was a murderer. A sadistic, psychopathic, narcissistic—

A clatter behind you.

“Auh, phuck.”

Panic pushed you to your feet, your breath hitched. You’d perched in the homewares aisle with your campfire cooker, and wherever that distorted voice came from was barely two aisles back.

It was so dark, you were so tired, and so many people hated you. Not even through any fault of your own. You didn’t choose to love the most hated man at the Beach. You were an easy target and anyone who recognised you surely wouldn’t hesitate, so you grabbed for the pistol from your belt and readied yourself for an assault. You’d not die at the hands of an angry Beach resident tonight.

Slow footsteps took you through the store, startled every time you heard a grunt or a clash. Someone was rummaging through the shelves and audibly struggling.

The smash of a glass bottle on the floor, then a strained voice. “Phuckin ‘ell.”

You neared the corner of the aisle and peered around, pistol held out before you. You only hoped they couldn’t hear the trembling rattle of your hold on it.

What you saw was inconclusive. Someone with a flashlight held in their mouth, pointed at shelves full of medical wares. They struggled with gathering supplies, knocking them over instead and hissing in pain, but you couldn’t gather a single feature.

This was your chance to strike a new alliance. They were clearly wounded and in no fighting condition, so you could easily best them if you needed to, but… Would it really be worth it to make a connection with someone that may surely hold back your chances in a game?

You had half a mind to turn away, leave them to their own struggling devices-

But the choice was taken. A loud groan and the flashlight dropped from the person’s mouth, clattered to the floor, and rolled a few inches.

The stream of light pointed directly to your shoe and lit up the tip of your weapon.

You might’ve expected the person to be startled with the realisation that they weren’t alone, to stumble back or at least gasp. But instead, you were met with an audible sneer.

“Ah. Gonna kill me?”

The end of your pistol still pointed into the darkness, though you could just barely see the silhouette of your target. And oh, you quivered. Your aim was as fractured as your heart, and you’d never held anyone in place with your aim before. It was clear to see.

A familiar snort. “You couldn’t hit me if you tried.”

Your brows tugged together. Your voice had left you entirely, chest heaving with the growing panic at how this tall figure found no sense of danger in you. And yet, that voice was so…

“S-Suguru?”

“Oh?” A beat of silence, and then a soft, sore laugh. “I taught you better than to tremble, baby.”

You almost dropped the pistol. It couldn’t be. You’d seen him fall off the roof shrouded in flame, and it’d been long days. Death was the only escape for him, and he needed it. But here he was, and you couldn’t help but hope it was true.

You dove for that flashlight to check that your wants hadn’t deceived you and scooped it up to point directly at Niragi to take him in in all his… misery.

Your heart broke. The sound of it was a distraught gasp, instant tears pricking the corners of your eyes. “Suguru…”

His gorgeous skin was rippled with the fusion of the fire. His hair ragged and burnt, chest and arms crimson, raw and leaking with infectious fluids.

His face scrunched with immediate hatred, his voice a pained hiss as he turned away. “Don’t. Don’t you fucking pity me.”

“I’m not-“

“Don’t.”

Ah, this was your Suguru. Blunt and dismissive, hostile even to you, but you knew how to handle him. You didn’t let him see dizzying wave of relief that drowned you, you held back those tears. Even if he was the most hated man in this realm, he was yours. You weren’t alone in this world anymore.

You took a brief moment to breathe and let your head calm before stepping in close, light shining on his arms. The skin had melted, black patches of fabric stuck into his skin, all the way up to his bare torso. But he didn’t like you looking.

He snatched away the light and the next thing you knew, you were blinded. Your eyes squinted against it, blinking, brows tugged together as you tried to seek out his face once more against the light.

A delicate hand to your cheek, a soft sigh. That was the sound of lazy Sunday mornings with him, the sound he’d always made with his nose buried into your hair.

You let your eyes close, transporting back to simpler times with his touch. His thumb ran so gently across your cheekbone and for the briefest moment you could pretend things were normal, that he was just your boyfriend back in Tokyo. Your beautiful, troubled, bespectacled boyfriend.

If only he didn’t smell of ash and molten flesh, you could have convinced yourself that nothing had changed.

His touch dropped away, the light directed away and your eyelids fluttered open once more. His gaze was so soft on yours. How could this boy with beautiful doe eyes ever hurt another? Perhaps… Just perhaps, he’d learned his lesson. He didn’t deserve this life.

“Let me see,” you murmured, carefully taking the flashlight from his hold. He was like a lost child as he watched you inspect his chest, so gentle as you opened his shirt to see the scarring. You couldn’t help the grimace as you peeled some of the sticky fabric from yellowed, skinless flesh, but he didn’t even wince. He just watched you quietly, intimately.

You met that gaze, and the butterflies in your chest were dizzying. “I’ll dress it for you. Okay?”

A grunt of agreement.

#alice in borderland imagine #niragi imagine #niragi x reader #niragi suguru x reader #niragi suguru imagine #aib niragi #aib #aib niragi x reader #aib niragi imagine #alice in borderland #niragi #niragi suguru #dori sakurada x reader #dori sakurada imagine #dori sakurada #written by archie

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desideriumwriter · 1 month

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Anyone But You | Chapter 10

Chapter Summary: A seemingly good night at the Yule Ball goes wrong and Reader absolutely loses it at Fred.

Pairing - Fred Weasley x Fem!Gryffindor!Reader

Category - enemies to lovers + hurt/comfort

Content Warnings - cursing, arguing, yelling

Word Count - 2.4k

A/N: I know I knowww the second task was in february and the third was in june but we’re gonna change it up and say they were in january AND february instead, stay with me now, it’s for the plot i promise

Series Masterlist | F.W Masterlist | Previous | Next | Navi

Katie and Angelina had come back just minutes after you had found your dress in pristine condition. Their exhausted looks from whatever Hooch made them do were replaced by shock.

“Is that- You were able to fix it?” Angelina blurted out, there was a noticeable amount of disbelief in her tone.

“Not me. I didn’t fix it.” You muttered, still looking at the clean fabric. “The twins…did.” You shook your head in disbelief, ignoring how the two girls gave each other knowing stares and smiles.

Katie then pleaded for you to leave the rest up to her, you did. And of course, by some miracle, was able to set you up with a Durmstrang boy for the ball, literally the morning of the event.

It was awkward being set up with a total stranger, but a date is a date.

Plus, you’d never have to talk to whoever this boy is again after this. Hopefully.

It was awkward enough meeting him. You had butchered the poor boys name to his face within the first minute of meeting each other. He had said yours perfectly through his thick accent.

“Poliakoff.” He corrected, you stammered out an apology and he only put up a hand to shush you. “It’s okay. Shall we go in?” He gestured to the entrance doors of the Great Hall when you looked puzzled at him. You nodded and wrapped your arm around his.

It was worse when you finally found where Angelina and Katie were standing with the twins, their dates. The weirded out stares from all of them were unnoticed by Poliakoff, but definitely not by you. It was so pathetically obvious you were just each other’s arm candy.

Poliakoff wasn’t the worst looking guy, but he definitely wasn’t the sharpest, and that seemed to be well-known already.

Even Cedric gave you a befuddled look and nod that said interesting choice when he entered with Cho and all the other selected champions and their dates.

Other than that, the night was going well. You stuck near Katie most of the night, you danced, you cheered and jumped around with the crowd when the band Weird Sisters came out to perform. Katie and you excused yourselves during the band's intermission to go get drinks from the refreshments table, you even were able to talk to Cedric then.

“What on Earth made you choose him?” Cedric gawked as you walked up to the table.

“You know…that is a really great question!” You happily pipped, turning to Katie with a sarcastic smile, “It was Katie's doing, not mine.” Katie scoffed and threw her hands up in defeat.

“Listen, he was the best I could find!” She huffed, crossing her arms in a playful way. “I understand he’s not the smartest but he was one of the better looking Durmstrang boys!”

“Exactly, you got her paired up with a Durmstrang while she's bestfriends with a future Triwizard Tournament winner from Hogwarts.” He grinned, tilting his head in a teasing manner, Katie sighed and shook her head.

“Future winner from Hogwarts.” You nodded slowly as you repeated his words, raising your glass in cheers to him. “Has Cho escaped you yet?” You teased Cedric, not realizing Cho was already making her way over.

Katie nudged you and your eyes went wide, a small amount of embarrassment creeping in when you saw her.

She stopped next to Cedric, letting out a shy wave.

“Cho! You look stunning!” You complimented, hoping to make her feel less tense than she looked. She thanked you, still giving a nervous smile.

“Cedric’s been giving you space to breathe I hope?” You joked.

“Yeah.” She nodded and let out a small laugh, you could see her relax a bit. “Um, you and Fred are having a lot of fun?” She pipped.

“What?” You blurted out. You were confused, honestly confused.

“You came here with Fred, right?” She blankly said, clearly oblivious to your hatred for him.

“Oh, um, no. No, I, uh, I didn’t come here with him. He’s not my date.” You stammered, genuinely surprised she thought that you and him were together.

“Oh! I’m really sorry! I just thought you two had something going on.” She rambled, apologizing more, you played it off with a laugh and shrug.

She then excused herself from the conversation, walking back to the group she was originally in.

“So, your nights been a success?” You let out a heavy breath, looking at Cedric and trying to distract yourself and everyone else from what just happened.

“Oh, it absolutely has. Cho..she…” He trailed off, letting out a happy sigh and looking behind his shoulder at Cho, “She really likes me.” He turned his head back to you with a lovesick grin stuck on his face.

“So, are you and her like…official?” Katie gestured, you looked at her with wide eyes as you nudged her with your elbow, your way of saying don’t be so nosey.

“I’ve got no idea.” Cedric breathed out, “I don’t know how to ask, am I supposed to ask? How am I supposed to?” He talked at such a quick pace, you gave him an apologetic shrug. He was so in love with her, you felt proud? Of him in some weird way.

“Well, I’ve got to get back. You better watch out, Freds been staring you down all night.” He winked and nudged you playfully before walking back to Cho.

He wasn’t lying either, by the time you looked over to where Fred was, he was darting his eyes away from you, going back to nodding at Angelina.

“He’s not wrong. He has been giving you eyes all night.” Katie said as you turned back to her.

“No he hasn’t!” You let out a ‘pfft’ as you waved her off.

“He has.” Katie said, a more serious tone this time. “You just don’t wanna see it. Cho isn’t the only one who thinks you and Fred have something going on behind the scenes.” She sipped her drink.

“You know, I would’ve told Angelina which one was George so you could take Fred.” Katie continued.

“Who thinks that?- Wait, she doesn’t know?” You gaped at her.

“I haven't got the heart to tell her Fred was the one who asked her out. I feel terrible…but I'm praying she’ll figure it out before she makes any moves.” Katie held back a laugh. “Also, plenty of people think that about you and Fred.” She gave you a sympathetic look, you ignored her.

“But what about you and George?” You attempted to switch the topic away from Fred.

“Us? We’re just friends. He clearly has his eyes set on Angelina.” She shrugged, unbothered. “Fred got Angelina, so he just decided to go with me. Anyways, where’s your boy gone off to?” She craned her neck towards the crowd, looking for your date.

You couldn’t remember the last time you saw him. There wasn’t a glimpse of him amongst the crowd.

“I suppose I should go look for him before the slow dancing starts, shouldn’t I?” You sighed, putting down your glass. Katie nodded. She went back into the crowd and you went to go look for your date.

It embarrassingly took ten minutes to find him. After looking through the sea of people in the middle of the room, outside the entrance doors, the staircase, you found him hiding behind a large pillar in an empty hallway. With some Beauxbaton girl. Sticking their tongues down each other's throats.

Neither of them noticed you standing there with a disgusted look, nor when you stormed off back into the Great Hall.

Sulking in a chair at an empty table, you felt stupid for being upset. You didn’t even care for that boy in the first place, but you felt stupid. You felt humiliated. It was embarrassing, being left astray like that, just embarrassing.

You stayed there for the remaining hour of the event. You weren’t sure why you bothered to stay since you were in such a bad mood, most students had left already. There were a few pairs mingling around or slow dancing.

You felt envious, watching Fred dance with Angelina.

You weren’t envious of Angelina, that she was Freds date, or that she got to slow dance with him. You weren’t envious of that, of course not.

You surely were envious that Fred was able to score a date, that he got to have fun until the last hour, and not be abandoned by his date. It hurt. It hurt seeing that. Seeing them. Him.

So, you continued to sit around, resting your head on your hands, staring at the bubbles fizzing in your drink.

“Wow, it’s odd seeing you in that fancy dress.” Freds voice appeared as he stood in front of the table. “Despite being all mopey, you look quite nice.”

“Why are you here? I thought you were with Angelina.” You slowly raised your head to give him a puzzled look.

“I thought she knew I wasn’t George.” He gave an amused look as he nodded behind him, George and Angelina were now slow dancing together, looking much more lovingly at him than she was at Fred. You let out a small amused breath, thinking about what Katie said earlier.

“What’s wrong with you?” He spoke when he noticed your face go back to its inexpressive look.

“Nothing.” You muttered as your eyes darted over to where your now ex-date was dancing with the Beauxbaton, you didn’t mean to point Freds direction to them, giving him a non-verbal answer. Fred clicked his tongue at the sight.

“I knew that geezer wouldn’t be good for you the moment he stepped in with you. Hell, I would’ve been a better date for you, and you hate me.” He sighed and shook his head.

“Yeah, well I didn’t ask for your input.” You muttered.

“I’m just saying.” He lifted up his hands in defense, “You're always holed up on your own, Katie and Angelina are the most people I’ve seen you hang around.” His words made you sit up a bit more, rubbing your arm for comfort, a bit shocked at his words.

“Maybe if you put yourself out there more…you wouldn’t be heartbroken being someone's last resort.” He shrugged, all your movements stopped as you glared at him.

Last resort? Was he fucking serious?

“Excuse me?” You whispered out, he opened his mouth to speak but you cut him off when you stood up.

“Firstly, I was no one's last resort and I am not heartbroken over anyone! Secondly, I don’t hole myself up, I have friends.” You noticed that look in his face, it was a hint of condescending. “And finally, what the fuck is your problem?” You felt your eyes glaze over, you decided to start walking off before the tears came.

“I don’t have a problem! I’m just telling you how it is.” Fred was quick to follow your steps.

"God, you just don’t know when to shut up, do you? Have you always been this insufferable? I swore you were somehow more tolerable when we were younger." You spat, he only let out an amused scoff.

"I reckon what happened is you've just become uptight. People love me, I'm great!" He uncrossed his arms as he followed you up the steps.

“Of course you are! That’s your fucking issue! You’re always great and you’ll always be great.” You stopped where you were on the staircase, whipping around to look at him. You were the one staring down at him this time.

“Everyone loves you and your brother and I can’t see why!” You continued on, “Why doesn’t anyone find you as annoying as I do? Either you’ve got them all under some spell or nobody has the courage to buck up and tell you damn insufferable you are!” Fred blinked back when you pointed your index at him.

“And just because you grabbed me out of the crowd that one night doesn’t mean I have to be your friend or like you! Because all you’ve ever done is make me fucking miserable! With your stupid tricks and pranks! You make people miserable!” The words were like venom spitting off your tongue, you felt awful about it underneath all your rage. Fred looked down and blinked a few more times, like there was something in his eyes.

“Why can’t you just leave me alone? Why’d you even approach me?” You breathed out, your tears were angry and hot. You never realized you were already crying.

“I originally wanted to say that you…” Fred hesitated to speak, opening his mouth and closing it.

“What?” You barked out, you wanted him to say whatever he was going to say so you could finally go back to your bed. Your feet hurt and you felt humiliated, there were already enough eyes from passersby set on the two of you now that you’ve shouted at him.

“That you looked…nevermind. Forget it.” He sniffled and shook his head. “Have a nice night.” He said flatly, turning around and disappearing down a random hallway.

There was a sting that came with his words. You’d never seen this raw version of him. So taken aback, sharing the same bitterness you had towards him. Spitting at you the way you always spat at him.

You’ve struck something in him somewhere in your scolding to see him be actually insulted by what you said.

You let out a breathy sob, you felt almost guilty for it, but you were blind with rage, and he started it. You attempted to swallow back your sobs and keep yourself together until you got back to your dorms, although you were already falling apart, you had already cracked in front of Fred.

Hermione bursted in not long after you, her face matching yours; tear stained with puffy eyes.

“What happened to you?” You accidentally spoke out loud.

“Ron. What about you?” She sniffled.

“Fred.”

“Weasley boys. Can’t give a damn about anybody but themselves.” Hermione muttered, grabbing pajamas out of her drawer before slamming it shut and walking out the room.

Katie’s words rung in your head as you sat in the silent room.

“Cho isn’t the only one who thinks you and Fred have something going on behind the scenes.”

“Plenty of people think that about you and Fred.”

She had to have been exaggerating, no one truly thought that. There was nothing going on “behind the scenes”.

There was nothing but hate for Fred, there was nothing hiding behind your hatred for him.

tell me what you thought! or ask tba to the series taglist!

TAGLIST: @sublimepenguinpeach-blog @five-seconds-flat@nal-leo-17@rhunew@albertdabuttler@weak-aesthetic @whotfskai @m00nymarauder @miaandthediamonds @hpstuff244444 @tarzanathetumblingwarrior @isabellavolere @navs-bhat @honeybee240 @pillowjj

#fred weasley x reader #fred weasley #fred weasley x fem!reader #fred weasley fic #fred weasley fanfic #fred weasley angst #anyone but you fic #anyone but you

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wartakes · 3 months

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A Duty to Protect

Not gonna lie, I grappled with whether or not to do this one. I very nearly decided to trash it after having already written 99% of it. But, I've decided to share it anyway in an effort to talk about things going in Gaza (and elsewhere) right now while getting back to the roots of what I started doing War Takes content to begin with. Full essay under the cut.

Folks, I'm gonna be straight up and down with you: my heart hasn't fully been in it lately when its come to writing and posting and generally doing War Takes stuff.

That's not to say I didn't care at all about what I was writing about – whether its been in these essays, or in posts on social media, or what have you, but it definitely felt like ever since October 7th and the resulting Israeli War in Gaza, that I've been stuck in an ever deepening malaise (something that I'm sure many people who feel trapped watching events unfold feel). Obviously, what's going on in Gaza in particular and the Middle East in general not the only conflict I care about; I still feel very strongly about what's going on in Ukraine, Myanmar, Sudan, and on many other battlefields against fascism and brutally the world over, but what's going on in Gaza seems to specifically epitomize how the world feels right now. That there's a million fires burning, with innocents screaming in the middle of the flames, and the response of so many governments appears to be to hand gasoline to the person stoking the fire (if not pouring it on themselves) and then turning to you to say "actually, you're terrible for not thinking that this is okay" and yelling at you on Twitter for it.

The point of this long winded allegory is, I've been in a rut, the result of which is I've started to slip into becoming too focused on the here-and-now or the near-future in these essays, when one of the main reasons I started writing them is to try and think to the future, to a time when maybe, hopefully, we'll be in a better position to actually take action against the myriad of problems at home and abroad. Talking about the here and now is important, but you quickly become reminded of just how powerless we can be in the current moment, and then drive yourself insane by the perceived need for you to do something to fix all the world's problems right here, right now, when you quite simply cannot.

None of this means you should give up, nor give into apathy, despair, nihilism, doomerism, or whatever -isms you may be tempted with succumbing to. You can and should still do what you are able to make things better in the near term, but with the understanding that there are hard limits on what you can accomplish (barring massive, sudden, seismic shifts in society that you will probably only recognize once you're in the middle of them or on the other side). As one of my good online friends November Kelly recently said, you need to make your peace with powerlessness and keep your powder dry, while holding out hope and biding your time for the moment in the future when you and others will finally be able to make a substantive difference and change things for the better.

One of my ways I have always dealt with this feeling of powerlessness in the here and now, is thinking about how I would try to do things differently in my field in that hypothetical future where the United States tried to exercise its power in a more just, humane, and progressive manner. It was really the crux of why I started writing these essays, feeling that many on the Left were unprepared for a hypothetical, hopeful day when we'd be able to actually exercise power. Many of my first wave of essays dealt with thinking forward to that hypothetical better future, but I feel like in the last year or two I've gotten away from that for a number of reasons (the sheer hopelessness of some current events being one of them), so in this essay I'm going to try my best to try and get that mojo back.

In the hopes of tapping back into that original spirit of why I started writing War Takes essays, I'm going to try and link some thoughts for the future, to the ongoing event probably most responsible for my recent funk and lack of inspiration: the War in Gaza. In thinking closely about Israel's actions in Gaza since October 7th, and the response (or lack thereof, rather) of the Western world towards it, I managed to find some renewed vigor in considering how I would deal with the ongoing conflict and associated genocide if I was in a position of power.

Oh, but before we go any further, one quick housekeeping measure that probably doesn't matter but I'm going to do anyway just for the record because its been a while:

Hamas are not good and I don't support them.

I am focusing on Israel here because the scale and scope of what Israel is and has been doing to Palestinian civilians so utterly dwarfs the things that Hamas has done (which are also bad) and because the things Israel has been doing since long before October 7th set the conditions that caused October 7th to happen in the first place by making it inevitable.

Ok, that's out of the way. Let's get down to brass tacks.

Murderers Hate Him! Stop Genocide With This One WEIRD Trick!

After nine months of war in Gaza, I recently came to a realization.

I believe at this point, based on my own personal gut assessment, that even if the United States finally came to its senses and began to exert serious pressure on Israel – diplomatic, economic, and otherwise – that it wouldn't stop what its doing in Gaza and in Palestine and the Middle East in general.

I think even if the United States brought all manner of power to bear, enacting more stringent economic sanctions and arms embargoes, supporting prosecution of Israeli political and military leaders as war criminals in international venues, and so on, that Israel would not stop its actions.

Something in Israeli politics and society snapped on October 7th. To many of us who have looked upon the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict with clear eyes, we knew from the start what might happen and that what Israel is saying and doing now is not necessarily new. But while not new, Israel's actions against Palestinians and throughout the Middle East have reached new extremes, going into overdrive. The proverbial mask has truly come off, as the many videos and photos from Israeli soldiers documenting their numerous war crimes in Gaza have already demonstrated.

As a country that views any criticism what-so-ever as a borderline existential threat, if the United States and other countries actually chose to impose costs on Israel for its actions, it would go into absolute mental breakdown of derangement. After simply delaying one shipment of bombs (not canceling mind you, just “delaying”) while other arms have continued to flow, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu recorded a video temper tantrum lashing out at U.S. President Joe Biden for only giving him 99% of what he wanted. A country only used to doubling down on its bad actions would triple if not quadruple down, fully embracing official status as a rogue state. Even if cut off from its primary foreign weapons supplier in the United States, Israel would leverage its own domestic arms industry and other like-minded partners (like Modi's India, for example) to keep its war – and accompanying genocide – going. It would not stop, because it would be even more convinced that it could not afford to stop lest it risked the very existence of the Israeli political project (something that may not really be that far-fetched given how the way things may go in the mid to long term).

Now, none of this to say that the United States and other countries shouldn't undertake the actions I laid out regardless of Israeli actions. I strongly believe there is an absolute moral imperative to do so, like, yesterday. But that being said, as I looked back on the history of such actions in the face of various forms of state violence of both the intra- and inter-state fashion, that they'd likely do next to nothing to stop the slaughter. It was that reflection on the past that reminded me of the only thing that can stop a genocide, or any kind of armed aggression, in its tracks: armed intervention.

Maybe I'll be proven wrong on this, but so far we haven't been an opportunity to see otherwise, as the few actions leveled against Israel so far have been so minimal as to practically be non-existent (not that its stopped Israel and its boosters from screaming bloody murder about them). And I think the longer Israel is allowed to continue its actions without non-military forms of pressure being levied against them, the less likely such actions would actually stop them if they were used.

This state of affairs leaves only one option as the last resort to stop the violence: large-scale military intervention.

Historically speaking, the only thing that has ever actually, conclusively stopped a genocide is military intervention. This was pointed out very clearly by the non-governmental organization Doctors Without Borders during the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, when they called for military intervention based on one simple reality: doctors can't stop genocide. What can be said for doctors can be said other forms of aid or action short of military intervention. If Israel chose to continue its actions even in the face of sanctions and embargoes and arrest warrants, none of those actions would likely stop them. Even if the world decided to send in all the food and medicine and more that Gazans would need to survive for as long as they needed it, none of that would matter if the IDF would be preventing it from entering in order to perpetuate the genocide further than its weapons were doing directly.

Such a military intervention could not, by definition, be limited either. It would almost certainly need to be extensive, and involve actual boots on the ground. Past perpetrators of genocide have continue to carry out genocide in the face of military intervention, even at the expense of their own war effort. Nazi Germany continued its execution of the Holocaust in the face of Allied advances from both the East and West, taking personnel and resources away from the war effort to do so and continuing to do so right up until its final surrender in May of 1945. In Rwanda in 1994, the genocide of the Tutsi ethnic-minority by the majority Hutus took place even as the Hutu-dominated regime and its military were pushed back by a successful offensive into the country by rebel forces. Not only is military intervention required to stop genocide, overwhelming, fast, and – more likely than not – complete and total to put a stop to the killing as quickly and completely as possible.

I realize such an action would not be without significant costs and risks, as well as almost certainly violating my own strongly held beliefs that I've stated before that regime change should not be imposed from outside and must come from within. To address the latter issue first, I acknowledge this apparent contradiction, and my only answer would be that I continue to stand by that view – to a point; and that point is the case of genocide. Once you reach that point, I think imposition of regime change from the outside not only becomes acceptable, but morally and ethically necessary to ensure that all the apparatus of state power in that regime are no longer being used to carry out genocide. In that sense, I see it less as a contradiction, and more of an order of priority.

To the point of costs and risks, I have less good answers other than I simply acknowledge that they exist and are hefty. In terms of costs, a massive military operation to put an end to a genocide in Palestine by way of direct combat with the IDF would cost a great deal in blood and treasure and would result in a long-term occupation that could potentially go very badly if not planned and executed properly. In terms of risks, aside from the risks associated with conventional warfare with the IDF, the issue of it specifically being a (undeclared) nuclear-weapons state is a necessary specter to raise – one that has given many a U.S. and allied planner sleepless nights envisioning a conflict on the Korean Peninsula ever since North Korea acquired its first nuclear weapon. Again, I have no good answers here other than, the risks are high and the costs could be just as high if not higher. But, it if we are truly to stand by our principles and not simply pay them lip service as others have, we have no choice but to accept certain risks and incur certain costs in the name of our shared humanity. Additionally, there is an additional cost imposed by the absolute imperative to ensure that one genocide is not simply met with another in response – something that cannot and must never be acceptable. The invading forces would be duty bound to go to great lengths to ensure that it prevented such a response and did not engage in one itself, working to set the stage for some kind of workable reconciliation in the end state to follow.

Of course, sadly, all of this discussion is purely academic at this stage, as such an armed intervention is in large part, impossible under the current geopolitical circumstances. Such an intervention would require the acquiescence, if not the active support and involvement, of the United States of America. Such involvement is completely unimaginable, given the United States' unshakable "rock solid" and "ironclad" support of Israel, even as its violence against civilians has grown more blatant, wanton, and brutal since the war began. Even if intervention was attempted without the United States, it would almost certainly engage all levers of national power – including its own military force – to prevent such an intervention from being carried out, having already utilized military force to protect Israel from outside attack after its own actions threatened to expand the war in Gaza into a true regional war (something that still, unfortunately, remains a very real possibility in the weeks and months ahead).

So, we find ourselves once again in a low point due to unwelcome and harsh truths about the reality we currently face vis-a-vis the ongoing genocide and other acts of mass violence and aggression tossing cold water on what may be the only real route to put a conclusive end to it. But, as always, we can't give into despair and give up. So, what can we actually do? It is that topic that I will close us out on (and hopefully maybe pull you up out of any funk I may have dropped you down into – sorry).

Never Again (But This Time, For Real)

Right now, as powerless as we may all feel, we can and must still do everything we individually can to try and help the people of Gaza – to say nothing of all the other peoples suffering from aggression or the threat of genocide, be it in Ukraine, Sudan, or elsewhere. As much as it may feel like a single lonely drop of water in a very large ocean, our actions do mean something, even if they aren't directly silencing Israeli guns or stopping U.S. bombs from being shipped to them. But while I'm not admitting defeat, I'm accepting, grimly, those previously mentioned limits on what we can do now with the way things are in our current domestic political system in the United States and the current international system.

With those aforementioned limitations in mind, I turn my mind to the future, as I've tended to in previous essays and have in some ways gotten away from. I turn my mind to a day when we have a government and a society in this country that has a different view of the world and our role in it. I turn my mind to a day when we as a country and a people view the world through a more just, progressive, democratic socialist, humanitarian lens. Quite frankly: I look to the day when we take all the truisms and platitudes and cliches of liberalism at home and abroad and actually hold ourselves to them – because at the end of the day, how much of socialism is simply taking all the nice fluffy things that liberals say that they want to do (both at home and abroad) but then actually, in good faith, doing them?

When that day comes – and I have to believe in my heart of hearts of that it will come – even as the world is better, it won't be perfect. There will still be forces that seek to do harm and commit grievous acts in the name of any number of causes. As long we exist as people, there will be those with the intent and access to the means to do harm that will be able to motivate some to do that harm in their name. To be blunt: there will still be "Israels", even if there is not still an Israel, and to that end: there will still be “Palestines” that they wish to subjugate and "cleanse" through violence; and when the opportunity presents itself, those who wish to commit another genocide will take their chance to do so.

When that day comes, it won't be enough to simple condemn those who are committing genocide or working towards it; it won't be enough to sanction them, embargo them, isolate them and turn them into a rogue state (if they aren't already). Likewise, it won't be enough to offer our profound apologies for our past inaction towards or active enabling of past genocides; it won't be enough to commit to various material ways to try and offer penance for our past sins towards those we wronged in the past, working tirelessly to repay a debt we will never be able to fully to repay. All of these things won't be enough (though to be absolutely crystal clear, we should do all of them anyway).

No matter what else we do in response to genocide, it won't be enough in the face of a new one emerging, unless we take actual, direct action to stop it – preferably in its infancy; and as has already been established, the only way to do that will be by force of arms, on the battlefield. If we are not prepared to do that, we will quite simply fall into the same "say one thing, do nothing" patterns of behavior that have been the norm for decades. Despite coming out of World War II and the aftermath of the Holocaust with a proclamation of "Never Again", the geopolitical competition of the Cold War provided cover to an assortment of mass-murder campaigns that we now only retroactively and belatedly recognize as genocides. When these became impossible to ignore post-Cold War in places like Bosnia and Rwanda, the developed world doubled down on "Never Again" with the "Responsibility to Protect" - but functionally very little changed. While in some rare instances, great powers and developed nations may do the right thing and intervene to stop slaughter of civilians, the reality is that what gets to be called a genocide and require action has depended on how politically convenient (or not) it is for those with the power to take action. If we do not take actual steps to break with this broken and heartless system when we are in a position o do so, we will become everything we have ever hated. We have to go further than a "Responsibility to Protect"; it must become a "Duty to Protect," one that is impossible for us to ignore or shirk no matter what the circumstances.

This need to be able to actually stop genocide by force reinforces the need for the democratic socialist project to be serious about actually achieving and maintaining power and accountability. Protesting (and even posting) is admirable and indeed necessary, but in the long term we still have to be serious about actually engaging successfully in politics and eventually being in a position to make and enact policy that is in keeping with our ideology and its core ethical and moral beliefs. We have to eventually be in a position where when the time comes, we have the means at our disposal – military and otherwise – to ensure "Never Again" is no longer a sad and infuriating punchline in history that is only selectively applied (if at all), but has meaning; "Never Again" won't ever mean anything, unless it comes from the barrel of the rifle and we are in a position where we have the will and ability to order a person carrying that rifle into combat to do so. Likewise, “Never Again” won’t mean anything if we don’t take such action in a way consistent with the ethical, moral, and legal principles we claim to be upholding, working actively to prevent another genocide in response to a genocide.

Time and time and time again, whether its in these essays, or on social media, or just in conversation, I talk about how I resist doomerism and strongly believe that we can, must, and will make things better both in this country and in the world. There are many reasons for that. One small, but not insignificant reason for it, is admittedly: cope; it helps me from falling into total dysfunctional despair in the here and now when I feel powerless. But the biggest and most positive reason I maintain hope that we can make things better, is simply because we're all worth it. We as people, all of us – ourselves and our friends and families and more – have value and worth and are worth fighting for. But that comes with the understanding that sometimes that operative word of "fight" will need to be literal and not just figurative. When it comes to preventing and stopping genocide, the literal interpretation will be essential if we are to be true to everything we claim to believe.

It is with that, I leave you once again. I hope with everything going on at home and abroad that you all find your own ways of fighting through the morass of despair and hopelessness and fighting on in the good fight. Until next time, keep your chin up and stay safe. Photo credit: Mikhail Evstafiev

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zapreportsblog · 1 year

Text

❝tiny scientist❞

✭ pairing : neyetam x reader x aonung

✭ fandom : avatar the way of water

✭ summary : as a sky person being allowed to study the plant life on pandora is a remarkable feat itself. But somehow making two of the natives of the same planet fall in love with you, now that’s definitely something more than remarkable.

✭ avatar the way of water masterlist

In the lush, vibrant world of Pandora, (Y/N) was an anomaly. To the Na'vi, the native inhabitants of this extraordinary planet, she was a sky person, an outsider from the distant stars who had come to their homeland. Her presence in the thick jungles and towering forests of Pandora was an enigma to the Na'vi, but she had found her place among them, working tirelessly alongside Norman in the scientific laboratory.

The laboratory was situated in the newly established base near the Metkayina clan, a tribe of Na'vi who had graciously allowed (Y/N) and the other humans to set up their research center in their territory. The Metkayina clan had been cautious about outsiders, but their leader, had visited the base to forge a bond of friendship and cooperation.

Word of (Y/N)'s friendship with Kiri and Lo'ak had spread throughout the clan, she was someone the two had apparently befriended back when they were in their own home amongst the Omatikaya clan, and it had piqued the curiosity of Neteyam, Kiri and Lo'ak's elder brother. Neteyam had always been protective of his siblings, and he had heard stories of the sky people's actions on Pandora from his father, stories that weren't always favorable.

One bright morning, as (Y/N) was busy in the lab, she received a visitor. Neteyam had decided to pay her a clandestine visit, just to ensure her intentions were pure. He wanted to make sure she posed no danger to Kiri and Lo'ak, whom he cherished dearly.

Neteyam silently approached the base, using his agility to move through the forest without making a sound. He had almost reached the lab when he heard a rustling behind him. Whipping around, he found himself face to face with Aonung, a member of the Metkayina clan who had been curious about Neteyam's secretive expedition.

"What are you doing, Neteyam?" Aonung whispered, his teal eyes narrowing with suspicion.

Neteyam gestured for Aonung to be quiet and pulled him down behind a thick tangle of Pandoran vines. He spoke in a hushed tone, "I'm spying on the sky person, (Y/N), to make sure she's no threat to my siblings, Kiri and Lo'ak."

Aonung blinked in surprise but nodded in understanding. Despite their initial wariness when first meeting, Neteyam and Aonung had formed a close bond, united by their shared concern for their combined clans. Sure Aonung had been skeptical of the sky people at first, especially since they were now setting up base not that far from his clan and its people, he trusted Neteyam's judgment.

"What are we doing, then?" Aonung whispered back, his curiosity getting the better of him.

"We're watching," Neteyam replied, his eyes fixed on the laboratory's entrance. "We need to make sure she has no ill intentions. If she's truly a friend to my siblings, we'll let her be."

And so, in the heart of Pandora's untamed wilderness, two Na'vi warriors watched and waited, their fates intertwined with the sky person who had come to their world. The future of their clans and the harmony of Pandora itself depended on their vigilance and the bonds of trust they would form with this outsider named (Y/N).

(Y/N) had always possessed a keen sense of intuition, an uncanny ability to detect when eyes lingered upon her, even from within the dense foliage of Pandora's wilderness. That morning, as she worked in the lab, that feeling of being watched had become too persistent to ignore.

Unease settling in, (Y/N) swiftly donned her protective face gear and stepped outside. Her eyes scanned the vibrant surroundings, the alien flora and fauna of this mesmerizing world, searching for any sign of intrusion.

After a moment of squinting hard against the verdant backdrop, she made out a figure. The teal-colored body was unmistakable, and she called out, "Hey, who's there?"

Aonung's heart raced as he exchanged frantic glances with Neteyam, his mind racing with thoughts of what to do next. Panic etched across his features as he stammered, "Neteyam, she's seen me!"

As the two Na'vi argued in hushed tones about their next move, they failed to notice (Y/N) approaching. Her footsteps were surprisingly light on the forest floor, and before they knew it, she stood before them, her small human frame looking up at their towering Na'vi forms that came to a standing.

With her hands on her hips in a sassy manner, (Y/N) said, "Uh, so it's you two."

Aonung and Neteyam exchanged guilty glances, their towering figures suddenly feeling much smaller under (Y/N)'s piercing gaze. Caught in their covert act, they couldn't help but feel exposed.

"What were you two doing spying on me?" (Y/N) demanded, her tone a mix of irritation and curiosity.

Aonung, still flustered, quickly fabricated a lie. "We were... curious," he stammered, his voice trembling slightly. "Curious about the sky demon near my clan!”

(Y/N) narrowed her eyes at Aonung, her skepticism evident. She tilted her head, giving both Na'vi a discerning look. Then, with a mischievous glint in her eye, she said, "If you think we are sky demons, then wait until I unleash Satan himself."

Confusion swept across the faces of Aonung and Neteyam as (Y/N) turned away, her head held high. With each confident step she took, she left the two Na'vi boys bewildered.

In the days that followed their awkward encounter, Aonung and Neteyam couldn't shake their curiosity about the enigmatic sky person, (Y/N). They found themselves drawn to her laboratory like moths to a flame. At first, they continued to watch her work from a distance, lurking in the shadows of the lab. (Y/N), always vigilant, would occasionally catch a glimpse of their teal and vibrant blue colored forms out of the corner of her eye, and it would irk her.

"Why don't you two just come in if you want to watch?" (Y/N) finally said one day, her voice tinged with exasperation. "It's getting old, sneaking around like that."

Aonung and Neteyam exchanged uncertain glances but eventually gathered the courage to enter her lab. They stood in the background, watching her intently as she conducted her experiments and analyzed Pandoran flora and fauna.

As days turned into weeks, (Y/N) found herself growing accustomed to their presence. In fact, she began to involve them in her work. She'd casually ask them to pass her various tools and materials, and they did so without hesitation, their Na'vi agility making them surprisingly adept at assisting her.

One day, (Y/N) was examining a peculiar Pandoran plant under her microscope. She noticed Aonung's puzzled expression as he tried to make sense of what she was doing.

"What's that thing you're looking through?" Aonung finally asked, pointing at the microscope.

(Y/N) smiled and explained, "It's a microscope. It helps me see tiny things up close, like the cells of this plant. Here, take a look."

She adjusted the microscope and showed Aonung how to peer into it. His eyes widened in amazement as he saw the intricate world that lay hidden within the plant.

Neteyam, not to be outdone, approached (Y/N) as she worked on another project. He watched her manipulate a complex control panel, his curiosity getting the better of him.

"(Y/N), what does this do?" Neteyam inquired, pointing at a particular button.

She paused and then walked him through the function of the control panel, explaining its role in regulating environmental conditions in the lab. Neteyam absorbed the information like a sponge, his fascination with the human technology growing with each passing day.

As time went on, (Y/N) had not only accepted the presence of Aonung and Neteyam in her lab but had also welcomed their help and curiosity. She knew that fostering this mutual understanding could be the key to a harmonious coexistence between the Na'vi and the humans on Pandora. And so, with each passing day, her laboratory became a place of learning, where knowledge was shared freely, and where the bonds between them grew stronger.

One evening, as the Sully family gathered around a communal meal, Neteyam's mother and father exchanged concerned glances. They had noticed a change in their son's behavior lately, a restlessness that had not been there before.

"Neteyam," his father began, his voice carrying a tone of curiosity, "Kiri and Lo'ak have been saying they've spotted you near the humans' lab lately. What have you been up to?"

Neteyam lowered his gaze, feeling a bit uneasy under his parents' scrutiny. He knew they were only looking out for him and his siblings, but he wasn't quite ready to reveal the extent of his involvement with the sky person, (Y/N), and Aonung.

"Well," he hesitated, choosing his words carefully, "I've been curious about what the sky people do in the lab. I wanted to make sure they weren't a threat to our new home."

His mother, who had always been more perceptive, narrowed her eyes at him. "Neteyam, we trust your judgment, but we also know that curiosity can lead to trouble. Is there something you're not telling us?"

Neteyam glanced at Aonung, who was seated nearby, and then back at his parents. He knew he couldn't keep his involvement a secret any longer. Taking a deep breath, he admitted, "I've been going into the lab, and Aonung has been coming with me. (Y/N) allows us to watch and even helps us understand their technology."

His father's brows furrowed in concern, and his mother looked worried. They exchanged a few words in their native language before addressing Neteyam again.

"We understand your intentions, Neteyam," his father said, "but you must be cautious. We don't know the true nature of the sky people's intentions, and we must prioritize the safety of our clan."

Neteyam nodded, acknowledging his parents' wisdom. He knew that they were right to be cautious, but he also believed in the potential for understanding and cooperation with the humans.

As the dinner continued, Neteyam couldn't help but wonder about the delicate balance between his loyalty to his clan and his growing friendship with (Y/N) and Aonung. The path he had chosen was not an easy one, but he was determined to find a way to bridge the gap between their two worlds.

Like Neteyam families, Aonung found himself in the same predicament.

Aonung and his family sat down for their evening meal, Aonung's parents couldn't help but notice the restlessness in their son's demeanor. Tsireya, Aonung's younger sister, had been quite vocal about her recent observations, and it had raised their concerns.

Aonung's father, his brow furrowed, looked at his son and began, "Aonung, your sister Tsireya has mentioned something troubling. She claims to have seen you going into the humans' lab with the eldest Sully son. Care to explain?"

Aonung shifted uncomfortably in his seat, acutely aware of the judgmental gazes of his family. He knew he couldn't keep his newfound friendship with (Y/N) and Neteyam's activities in the lab a secret any longer.

Taking a deep breath, he admitted, "Yes, Father, Mother, I've been going into the lab with Neteyam. We've been spending time with the sky person, (Y/N). She's not a demon; she's friendly and wants to help us understand their world."

A hushed silence fell over the dinner table as his parents exchanged troubled glances. Aonung's mother spoke next, her voice filled with concern, "Aonung, you know how our clan has always been cautious about outsiders. We must prioritize our safety and the well-being of our people."

Aonung nodded in understanding but couldn't hide the determination in his eyes. "I know, Mother, Father. But we've seen the humans' willingness to cooperate and learn from us. Perhaps we can find common ground and build a bridge between our two worlds."

His father sighed deeply, clearly torn between his son's earnest desires and the age-old traditions of their clan. "Aonung, we trust your judgment, but you must tread carefully. The path you've chosen is a challenging but dangerous one."

Aonung appreciated his parents' understanding, even if it was cautious. He knew that forging a friendship with (Y/N) and aiding Neteyam in understanding the humans' technology was not without its risks, but he believed it was a risk worth taking for the sake of unity and cooperation between their people and the sky people of Pandora.

As a month passed since their initial curiosity led them into (Y/N)'s lab, Aonung and Neteyam found themselves drawn to her in ways they hadn't expected. What began as mere curiosity had morphed into genuine fondness. They couldn't deny that (Y/N) had a unique charm that had captured their attention.

One day, as they joined her in the lab, Aonung mustered the courage to bring up a personal question. "Hey, (Y/N), we've been wondering... back on Earth, did you have a mate or someone special?"

(Y/N) looked up from her work, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Well, on Earth, humans don't really have mates like Na'vi do. We believe in the concept of soulmates, but that's a story for another time," she replied.

Aonung and Neteyam exchanged glances, intrigued by this notion of soulmates. But they didn't dwell on it for long. They had another question on their minds.

"So, did you have a boyfriend or anything like that back on Earth?" Neteyam asked, curiosity evident in his voice.

(Y/N) shook her head. "No, not really. Earth was in crisis, and I was focused on my studies, trying to find a solution to save it. I didn't have time for a romantic relationship."

The two Na'vi exchanged knowing glances, sensing an opportunity to learn more about (Y/N)'s preferences. Emboldened by their growing affection for her, Neteyam ventured further, "Would you ever consider dating a Na'vi man... or, well, someone from another clan?"

(Y/N) paused for a moment, her eyes locking with Neteyam's. "I'm actually bisexual," she admitted, her tone softening. "So, it doesn't have to be a man. What's more important to me is the kind of person they are."

Aonung and Neteyam hung on to her words, eager to hear more. "Well what kind of person are you looking for?" Aonung asked, his heart beating a little faster.

(Y/N) leaned back, her gaze distant as she considered her answer. "I want someone who's brave and kind, someone who would protect me and love me for who I am, flaws and all."

As (Y/N) spoke about her ideal partner, Aonung and Neteyam couldn't help but feel their hearts swell with emotion. They realized, in that moment, that they were both falling in love with this remarkable sky person who had entered their lives. It was a gentle competition of the heart, one that neither of them had anticipated when they first stepped into her lab, but one that had become undeniably real.

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rollinouttahere-writes · 3 months

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Is the Alphabet still going on? If so can I please get I, J, K, L and N with Paulie?? I’m sooooo starved for content for this man!!

Paulie my beloved~

Ideals: What kind of future do they have in mind for/with their darling?

Paulie leans towards some old-fashioned mindsets as far as your relationship goes. Getting married at some point in the near future feels like a given to him. As soon as he's developed a romantic interest in you, it'll only take him a few months to propose. He won't take no for an answer when he does. Any attempt to reject him will be misinterpreted as you just being shy or playing hard to get. He's eager to be a good husband and provider for you and loves the idea of being able to come home to his darling at the end of a long day.

While he does like the idea of potentially having children with you, he's too shy to bring it up. It'll be up to you if you guys have any.

Jealousy: Do they get jealous? Do they lash out or find a way to cope?

Paulie gets horribly jealous very easily. He doesn't want anyone to so much as looking at you. Ideally, he wants to keep you locked away in his home, only letting you out when he's with you. It's a toss up if he'll be more mad at you or the other person that's making him jealous. So long as you don't do a single thing that could be interpreted as reciprocating the other person's "advances", Paulie will just focus on getting rid of them. He makes it quick, usually just punching their lights out and flinging them away using his ropes.

If he thinks that you were even a little bit into it, he'll go quiet and stare at you with the scariest expression. The other person is still getting their ass beat, but now you're in trouble, too. He'll drag you back home while being eerily silent, but once you're behind closed doors, he's in your face and yelling at you for being a "harlot" amongst other far worse things. Then he'll restrain you with ropes and leave you alone in your shared room until he's calmed down enough to talk.

Kisses: How do they act around or with their darling?

In public, he always has a hand on you while scrutinizing everyone around you. Other people see him as being an overprotective but well meaning boyfriend.

In private, he's much more affectionate. He can't get enough of you. He's always finding an excuse to be touching you, though he prefers anything where he's holding you from behind. The reason for this is because he gets more flustered when he can see your face. He enjoys helping you out in any way that he can, but he also wants you to dote on him in return.

Love letters: How would they go about courting or approaching their darling?

His behavior before you get together does nothing to tip you off. He's constantly flustered and blushing whenever you're around. You can definitely tell that he has a crush, but you have no idea how deep that goes. He initially tries to get you interested in him by giving you little gifts or offering his services to fix anything of yours that's broken.

The more that you indulge him, the more bold he gets. You might come home and find him fixing the hinges on your bathroom door even though you never gave him permission to come over. Or let him in. The gifts also start getting more grand and expensive (much to the frustration of his debt collectors). At this point, he already considers you two to be in a relationship and will casually refer to you as his significant other.

Naughty: How would they punish their darling?

While he would never physically hurt you, he can lash out verbally if you do something to upset him. If you really push him, he'll tie you up with ropes and leave you alone in a dark room for hours until he's calmed down and you've "learned your lesson". If you got any rope burns during this, he would get this guilty look on his face and silently clean and bandage the wounds. He doesn't apologize, though, because he believes that you ultimately deserved it.

#paulie one piece #paulie x reader #one piece #yandere one piece #one piece x reader #one piece x y/n #one piece x you #yandere #yandere alphabet #x reader #reader insert

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viaoverthemoon · 1 year

Text

A Special Morning

Leon Kennedy x Fem!Reader

Summary: Leon and his girlfriend celebrate their 2-year anniversary by just staying home and being with each other

Tw: implied past/future sexy times, a whole lotta fluff :)

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It's calm mornings like these that are your favorite. Mornings where he doesn't leave you, mornings when, before you even open your eyes, you know he'll still be here.

The morning sun shines dimly through your kitchen window as you flip the last pancake, humming along softly to Coming Around Again by Carly Simon as the song plays low through the speaker.

You feel a pair of arms wrap around your waist from behind.

"Hmm. Good morning sleepy head."

Leon grumbles into your shoulder, causing you to giggle. He then resorts to placing soft kisses on your neck.

"Happy Anniversary, Baby." You felt chills run down your spine at the raspy deepness of his voice. It was just the way you liked it.

You gasped in mock disbelief. "Is that what today is?"

Leon scoffed at you, placing one last kiss on your neck before turning to the coffee maker you'd once bought him for a promotion party.

"Ha ha. So funny." You turn around just in time to see him hiding his smile. He came downstairs in nothing but a pair of sweatpants. His usual.

You turn back toward the food, quickly fixing his plate and turning back to him. You place the plate on the counter in front of him before kissing his chest and rubbing his forearms. "Happy Anniversary, my love."

He just hums, leaning down when you stand on you tip-toes for a kiss.

You kiss him slow, soft and passionate. Wrapping your arms around his neck, you sigh into the kiss, fully surrendering yourself to him all over again.

He picks you up by the back of your thighs and places you on the counter, not wanting you to overexert yourself after... your endeavors with him last night.

He pulls away from the kiss, running his hands along your thighs.

"What do you want to do today, sweetheart? It's completely up to you."

You already know your answer.

You run your hands down his chest. "I just want to stay with you this time, Lee. Maybe watch a movie... or cuddle... or something else...?" You suggest as your hands near the waistband of his sweats.

He catches your hands before they can get too low and eyes your mischievous grin.

"I'm definitely down for something else, Sweetheart." He chuckles and kisses the tip of your nose. "But we'll handle that later. Right now, I just want to look at you."

And you would like nothing more.

☆*: .｡..｡.:*☆.｡.:*☆.｡.:*☆.｡.:*☆.｡.:*☆.｡.:*☆.｡.:*☆.｡.:*☆.｡.:*☆.｡.:*☆.｡.:*☆..☆

I'm lowkey just bored lolll

#leon kennedy x reader #leon s kennedy smut #leon x reader #resident evil 4 #resident evil #re4r #re #viaoverthemoon #leon kennedy x you #leon kennedy

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luminouslywriting · 4 months

Note

Hey how are you doing? Hope the recovery is going well! Do you have any headcanons about maybe one of the guys falling for a girl in the village near Thorpe Abbott and feeling torn about asking her to come to America with him after the war?

Nonny, I am doing so good!! I finally am clear of infection and feel so good! Now I just have to conquer my vision problems haha. Please let me know how you’re doing too :)

I have THOUGHTS on this particular topic! For your pleasure and enjoyment, more under the cut, cut for length, some light spice sprinkled in:

-Listen, I think Robert Rosenthal is EXACTLY the type of man who has the time, energy, and focus to accidentally land himself a girlfriend while on base at Thorpe Abbotts.

-All unintentional, of course.

-But considering how long he's there and how many missions he ends up completing, it's not that crazy.

-We'll set this right before the holidays at Thorpe Abbotts, at least the first go around. This is where he meets his S/O—she's a seamstress who fixes the men's uniforms and he has a few things he needs fixing.

-Naturally, the two of you get to talking and his charisma paired with respect and genuine humor lands himself in the clear in your book

-So he keeps coming back and the two of you end up going on Sunday afternoon walks

-It's around this time that he asks you to be his girlfriend and go steady with him

-So the dates begin; picnics here or there, a dance or two at a party that he convinces you to attend, family dinners at your home, conversations about music and movies and books, exchanging of gifts between the two of you, etc.

-Now he is the type of man to go into things intentionally and with a plan—so keep in mind that he's focusing as much on the future as he is on the present with you.

-Which also means that despite the moonlit rendezvous in his jeep or in many a bar in the village, he's also trying to be long-term. He doesn't do things in half measures.

-This is all where his dilemma begins. Because he can see a future with you so clearly and he wants you to be happy and he wants his life to have you in it for the rest of his life.

-But asking you to leave your home and come with him to america? That's a big step in a relationship and not an easy one to make. That's life-changing and he's fully aware of that.

-So he's not going to ask you until the war is over

-That being said, he's still finding ways to have fun and make the relationship new and exciting in some ways

-He buys you flowers and you buy him records, you sew his clothes and he buys you a new dress—he's very much trying to equate and balance out the things that you do for him

-Rosie appreciates you being a support system for him. He can't always be at the Flak House, but a good cuddle session, pillow talk, and glowing session of sex oughta do the trick for him when he's getting anxious or upset about things

-Shower sex?? Yes, most definitely

-Rain sex outside?? Also yes

-He's very romantic in all of his gestures and he waits a while before telling you that he loves you—and it's right before he goes down in Russia

-Naturally, you're his first stop and call and when he gets back, it's a tearful reunion and realization that neither of you can live without one another

-So as the war begins to wrap up, Rosie feels more and more guilt about asking you to come with him and be the future Mrs. Rosenthal.

-Funnily enough, it's Gale Cleven that convinces him otherwise—with his return to base and immediate clocking of your relationship and how in love Rosie is, he's encouraging him not to waste any time on things

-So Rosie plucks up the courage to approach you about the entire thing

-And he just simply asks—he knows that you'll want time to figure it out and you might need some space. He's not going to argue or come up with any reasons why you SHOULD go with him.

-But he does add that he wants to marry you, so there is that

-Naturally, you say yes and the relief in his heart has only been matched by when the war actually ended

-So naturally, you drive to a chapel and get hitched before you even leave for the states

-Actual brother of Rosie: You know, when you said you were going to Europe, I was thinking you could bring me back a Luger, not a sister-in-law, but this works too.

#mota #mota fanfic #masters of the air fanfic #mastersoftheair #masters of the air #masters of the air x reader #rosie rosenthal #my asks #robert rosenthal x reader #rosie rosenthal x reader #robert rosenthal fanfiction #robert rosenthal headcanons #masters of the air headcanons

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sunsetcougar · 1 month

Note

Regarding Adam’s punishment in the Biotech Exorcists AU, I think that Adam himself said it best: “Fair is fair, an eye for an eye”.

Maybe Heaven and Hell eventually agree to subject Adam to the exact same treatment he subjected the exorcists to: surgically implanted with the same mechanical parts; before being taken from his home, and forced to serve the enemy: working for Charlie to protect the Hotel.

The more vengeful factions could be appeased by knowing that Adam received the same mental and physical torture he inflicted on the exorcists. The more merciful factions could be appeased by knowing that Adam’s future will be entrusted to Charlie, who is more forgiving than many in Heaven. Most importantly, by protecting the Hotel; Adam will be directly helping the people he harmed.

Both sides agree that, beyond being bound to obey Charlie, Adam should not be given the same brainwashing and mind control that the exorcists were. The merciful consider such a fate too cruel even for him; while the vengeful want Adam to be 100% aware of what’s happening to him, to remember all he’s done and lost.

That is definitely something some of the demons would suggest, but it wouldn’t happen because of Heaven’s council. Heavenborn angels, especially the elders, are very adverse to violence and torture. They view tormenting Adam like the demons want as stooping to his level and refuse to do or allow it.

Heaven’s punishments tend to be long and by Hellish standards really mild, save for Falling. Adam’s crimes, while incredibly severe, aren’t quite enough to warrant Falling in the council’s eyes. Lucifer is the only Fallen angel for a reason; he infected almost all of Creation and someone would have to fuck up just as severely to warrant the same punishment.

Angels are very social creatures so being socially outcasted, especially for long periods of time, is incredibly damaging to them both mentally and physically. An isolated, guilt ridden angel will begin losing feathers, growing emaciated, and self reinforcing the thought that this is all their fault until it drives them near mad. Leave them like that long enough and they’ll come crawling to the alter to beg forgiveness for as long as is required, from a day to centuries. Once the elders decide they’ve suffered enough they’re formally forgiven and welcomed back into society. The threat of being put through that again is enough to keep them from repeating their crimes.

It’s actually why Sera isn’t punished more severely for her hand in the exterminations. The council decided that between the guilt, social shame and isolation, and many of her duties and the connected privileges being revoked, she was suffering enough. Plus she was tricked and is making efforts to fix what she can which earns her some points in her favor.

What eventually happens is Heaven and Hell come to an agreement that neither is fully happy with but are willing to deal with. They’ll never find a solution that pleases everyone, and they know it. Lucifer is allowed, via the use of the mental manipulation magic all high ranked angels possess, to psychologically torment Adam for about a month. Then he’s given back to Heaven for their typical punishments, with the assurance that he’ll have to beg forgiveness for a very, very long time to be allowed it, and will never be allowed anywhere near the surviving exorcists.

#Biotech Exorcists AU #hazbin hotel #hazbin hotel au #hazbin hotel adam #hazbin hotel sera #hazbin hotel lucifer #hazbin hotel heaven #welcome to another one of Sunset’s long rambles about worldbuilding

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steddiealltheway · 2 years

Text

Part Four of Not-So-Secret Secret Admirer!!!! Part One. Part Three. AO3 Link.

Eddie stares at the note and resists the urge to crumple it up. It’s been three days since he’s gotten it and somehow it remains as the only thing on his mind. Every time he reads it, it makes his heart race even though there really isn’t much to it. But just seeing Steve’s signed name makes him feel... giddy.

He’s struggling to find a way to distance himself from the elusive E.R. while trying to keep the identity similar to himself so he doesn’t screw up on a fact check in the future. So, he needs to come up with something vague that doesn’t give himself away. Easy.

It is not easy. Things that make Eddie smile are his sweetheart, metal music, DnD, and Steve... plus all his other friends. Maybe he could mention his sweetheart. E.R. could play the guitar, right? I mean, he is E.R. so of course they do. Gosh, this stuff makes his head swim.

He looks at the note again. Something that makes him smile... does he give him something as a gift? A guitar pick? Eddie fiddles with his necklace and looks down. Definitely not a guitar pick – too obvious.

He needs to clear his head or something. He shrugs on his leather jacket and leaves his uncle a note saying he’ll be back in a bit. Hopefully he’ll get back when he’s still napping so he won’t try to pry about why he left. Yeah, Eddie definitely needs some air.

He grabs his car keys on the way out and quickly is driving off. He doesn’t know where he’s going until he finds himself turning into a somewhat hidden backroad and knows exactly where he’s automatically driving to. A few minutes later he’s climbing out of his van and walking towards the top of a grassy hill to sit down and look out at the hills of trees.

He takes a deep breath and smiles. He forgets how nice it is to sit up here and hear how quiet it can get. Somehow the silence isn’t overbearing and tense – it's soothing. For once, Eddie feels like his head isn’t absolutely racing with thoughts. It would be nice to have someone up here with him though.

Something that makes him smile...

Eddie laughs softly then again loud enough to startle a bird out of the tree near him. He knows exactly what he’s going to do.

-:-:-:-:-:-

On his way to the Family Video, Eddie picks up the rest of The Party who insisted he needed to drive them so they could pick up a tape for their movie night. But then El and Max are giggling and whispering about something that makes Eddie a bit suspicious.

“Hey, Red, what’s going on?”

He looks in the rearview mirror only to find Max staring back with a smirk. That’s a terrifying sight. “We’re wondering what you got for Steve.”

“I told you that that’s a secret!” Dustin shrieks out.

“A secret to keep from Steve,” El argues back. She definitely has been spending time with Max who high fives her. “So, what did you get him?” El asks with a big grin.

Eddie sighs. “I didn’t get him anything this time.”

It’s as if he told everyone in the car that he’s going to try to open another gate to the upside down by the way they’re all yelling at him. “Jesus H. Christ!” Eddie yells. “I’m taking him somewhere that his secret admirer – that apparently everyone knows about – wants to take him.”

“So, where you want to take him,” Max presses, and Eddie catches Lucas covering a laugh behind his hand when they get to a red light.

Eddie fixes him with a look and says, “Do you want to be the one who breaks it to Steve that his secret admirer doesn’t exist?” He cringes and turns to find the light has turned green. He takes off as a silence settles over the car. “Let’s just... let this little admirer thing die off once he actually meets some girl.”

“What if he starts turning down girls because he’s hoping this thing works out?” Will cuts into the conversation with some logic that Eddie was not prepared to think about.

“Then I’ll develop a person that Steve would never fall for.” So, he will make E.R. entirely like himself. He pulls into the parking lot and gets out of the van before any of them can argue with him.

Luckily, the teens dedicate their time to finding a movie instead of harassing Eddie about Steve. He takes the break to slip Steve a note from E.R. which Eddie tries not to cringe at as he rereads it upside down.

Steve,

I’m glad to hear that I make you smile because it’s my favorite smile in any world. One thing about me is that my brain never stops running, but there’s a place I go to that makes it all stop – and it makes me smile.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do,

Eddie’s eyes widen as they get to the signature. How did he forget to finish it? He read it over at least a hundred times, but somehow, he didn’t catch it? He looks up at Steve and tries to smooth out his features but finds himself smiling as Steve gestures excitedly to the letter, the silver of the ring Eddie gave him glinting in the light. Eddie’s heart flutters as he realizes he kept it.

“E! I can now eliminate anyone with a double first name like ‘Emma Rose’ or ‘Evan Ray,’” Steve says excitedly. And Eddie’s heart stutters.

Evan Ray... Steve is no longer eliminating guys from his mind.

“You okay?”

Eddie blinks a few times and runs a hand over his face. “Yeah, man. Just... zoned out for a second there.” Steve nods with a soft smile and looks back at the note. Eddie tries not to sigh in relief.

“So,” Steve says awkwardly, running a hand through his hair, “Not to sound greedy or anything, but no gift today?”

Eddie nearly facepalms. He needs to get a grip. Instead, he smiles and asks, “Are you doing anything after your shift?”

Steve shakes his head.

“Prepare, Harrington,” Eddie says with a wink then glances over to the kids who are all staring at him. “Jesus,” Eddie mutters.

Before he can tell them to stop staring, Steve says, “Are you guys getting a tape or just standing around to stare at Eddie.”

“You’re the only one who’s staring,” Max says with a smirk then rushes off with a giggling El to the romance section which has all the boys groaning.

Eddie turns back to Steve and finds him to be a little red. “Careful, you’ll make this E person jealous.”

“Maybe they should be,” Steve says looking a bit too serious for Eddie’s heart to handle.

“Got one!” Dustin yells as he breaks the moment and slams a tape down that causes Steve to go into a lecture about the way he treats the tapes in the shop.

By the end of the rant, the other kids are already dragging Eddie out the door to give them a ride to the Seven Eleven for snacks. Eddie glances over his shoulder and gives Steve a parting help me look. Steve just winks in response which makes Eddie trip over his feet earning him a knowing look from Max. He sighs and prepares himself for the rest of this car ride.

-:-:-:-:-:-

Eddie stares at himself in the rearview as he waits for Steve to end his shift. It’s not a date. It’s not a date. It really isn’t. He’s just taking Steve to his favorite spot – no, E.R.’s favorite spot. Maybe he didn’t think this through. He probably has enough time to get a random gift from the gas station or something.

There’s a knock on the window. Too late.

Eddie reaches over and opens the door for Steve and does his best to act natural. “Hey, man, how’s it hanging?”

Steve turns and gives him a look. Okay, maybe Eddie doesn’t know how to act natural. “Fine?” Steve replies as he tugs his seatbelt on. “Where are we going?”

Right. “Somewhere incredible,” Eddie says with a wide smile then rapidly corrects himself. “Somewhere that your secret admirer showed me.” Which he needs to go to now if he wants to make it in time. He drives off and cranks up his music to calm his nerves and not give Steve a chance to ask him about E.

Gosh, this is such a bad idea.

Eventually, Steve is relaxing into the music and even nodding his head in what Eddie would call a minuscule headbang, but he tries really hard not to think about how attractive he finds it. Soon enough, they’re pulling into Eddie’s favorite spot. Eddie curses under his breath as the sun begins to blind him.

Steve glances over at him and gives him an indecipherable look. Eddie’s eyebrows furrow. “What?”

Steve shakes his head in response and climbs out. Eddie takes a deep breath and reaches behind him to grab two large blankets and pillows. It’s a bit of a struggle getting out of the van, but Steve appears in front of him to grab the pillows out of his hand. He glances at Eddie and gives him a questioning look.

“Follow me,” Eddie says and makes the short trek up the hill and towards his favorite tree where he lays the first blanket out. Luckily it hasn’t rained recently so the ground was fairly dry. He sits down and pats the spot next to him. Steve sits close enough that their arms and legs are pressed together, and Eddie couldn’t shift closer if he wanted to.

But then Steve is shifting forward and leaning away to push a pillow behind him which means their arms are no longer touching. It’s as if Steve can read Eddie’s thoughts because then he shoves a pillow at Eddie for him to use. As Eddie adjusts the pillow Steve comments, “It’s kind of chilly out.”

And what else can Eddie do but drape the blanket over them and huddle closer to Steve – although he’s kind of sweating with how humid it is outside. Steve hums and leans against Eddie and stares out at the view. “I see what they mean about the view,” Steve says.

“Peaceful,” Eddie replies. His heart is racing as the sun begins to set. He turns to Steve and stares at him instead. “Most beautiful view I’ve seen in a long time,” Eddie says without thinking.

Steve turns to Eddie and his eyes widen as he registers what he means. “Yeah?” Steve asks with a big smile.

“That- That’s what they told me to tell you,” Eddie stutters out. Smooth Eddie. Real smooth.

Steve smile slightly falters but then he’s asking, “Can you tell me one thing about them?”

Eddie swallows and looks away. Can he? Before he can answer, Steve continues, “Are they anything like you?”

Eddie takes a deep breath and turns to Steve. “Just like me.”

“I’ll definitely like them then.”

Eddie stares at Steve who quickly looks away. What in the world does that mean? What the-

“Hey, Eddie?”

“Hmm?”

“Tell me something that makes you smile.”

Eddie smiles and automatically replies, “You.” Jesus H. Christ what is wrong with him tonight?

There’s a shift next to him and suddenly Steve’s hand is tracing down his arm under the blanket and latching onto his hand – the metal of their rings brush together. “Thank you,” Steve replies and leans his head against the crook of Eddie’s neck.

Eddie squeezes his hand in response and tilts his head to rest it on top of Steve’s, not trusting himself to answer. He’s in so deep now, and he has no idea how to feel. He knows that Steve is just projecting his romantic feelings for E.R. onto him since they aren’t there, but he is E.R.. Is there a possibility that all this could be real? And if so, would Eddie want that knowing he deceived Steve in the first place.

His heart races as him and Steve continue to watch the sunset in comfortable silence. But Eddie’s head continues to race in the one place it usually doesn’t, so much so that when the sun is finally down, Eddie is whispering. “Steve, I need to tell you. And I’m sorry that it took me so long, but... I’m E.R.. Eddie Robin to be exact. And at first, I thought nothing of it, but as time has gone on I think it’s made me realize I have these feelings for you. Really deep feelings, and I’m sorry that I had to deceive you in order to get here. But here I am. And I’m sorry. But I really do like you. So much, Steve. So much.” He holds him breath and waits for a response.

But there is no answer. So Eddie leans his head back up and glances down to see what Steve’s thinking because there’s no hiding it on his face. But then he notices it. The steady rise and fall of his chest, the lax grip on his hand, the soft snores that are unbearably endearing.

Steve hasn’t heard a single word.

Eddie sighs and gives him a soft kiss on the forehead. It was probably for the best then. He waits a few moments before he slowly shakes Steve awake – not wanting him to think he had been watching him sleep. Steve groans and cracks an eye open at him then he smiles. “Five more minutes?”

Eddie smiles softly and says, “How about we get you home?”

Steve’s arms come up to wrap around Eddie’s torso and bury his head into his chest. “Wanna stay here forever.”

Eddie’s heart thuds. He knows now that he can never tell Steve about this secret admirer stuff because he can’t stand the thought of losing this. Maybe with time he’ll forget about them, and maybe in time Eddie with have the guts to admit his feelings for Steve. For now, he wraps his arms around Steve and helps him up and back to his van.

The drive back is quiet as Steve begins to doze off again. It isn’t late, but Eddie knows that getting Steve to fall asleep can sometimes be a miracle – he holds the world on his shoulder too often.

Eddie helps a half-asleep Steve into his empty house and leaves a note on his bedside table telling him that it was Eddie who got him back safely, and he’s happy to fill in any gaps. He signs it and drives back to his own trailer. He has no idea what to do, but he knows he needs Robin’s help. For now, he needs to figure out how detrimental it is if E.R. doesn’t give Steve something after five days.

Part five

Hello!! I swear I haven't forgotten about this. I've just been busy ahhhh. Sorry tag list for the delay:

@wrenisflying @gobbledy-gluk-gluk @swimmingbirdrunningrock @ghostlyjax @wheatnoodle @yet-still-more-banched @moonshadows-13 @princessstevemunson @adankrivervalleynearyou @manda-panda-monium @brassreign @bornonthesavage @unclewaynemunson @bird-with-pencils @themardlonk @fangirltofangod @csinnamon-fox @mightbeasleep @theysherobinbuckley

@writtenbyancientskeletonhats @nagitoeatsnillacharms73 @duckyreads @hellykelly @glittergluekintsugi @rainydays35 @thatonespacek1d @frankenstein-ate-my-left-shoe @paperbackribs @anaibis @adaydreamaway08 @steviesbicrisis @madaboutmunson2 @goose-on-the-loose @dangdirtydemons @whimsicalwitchm @aftermidnightwriting @toasted-ghosty @queerbeansworld @aryakanojiaa @imhereforthelolzdontyellatme @queerriotgrrrl @iwouldsail @hellomynameismoo @r0semaryyy @hopefulcookieoperatorpersona @pomegranatebb @piningapple @love-kurdt @wallpaper-inside-my-heart @eddiesbabe95 @isaacisunsure @adankrivervalleynearyou @sleepdeprivedflower @gay-little-bitch @ely-seum @tillystealeaves @yes-im-your-mom @ceaselessly-watching @evix-syne666 @sweetharmonychilde @myhorseis-regularsized @homosexual-having-tea @anything-thats-rock-and-roll @henderdads

@spectrum-spectre @phantypurple @britishmysteries @mad-h-w @marivictal @gamerdano @cutiecusp @staninggaycouples @doctorqueensanatomy @virgil-is-a-cutie @sleepy-time @adankrivervalleynearyou @satan-is-obsessed @novelnovella @lottaweirdnameshere @bidisastersworld @justreadingabooksstuff @me-1-2 @shinekocreator @e-dollly @thelittleclare @ajeff855 @estrellami-1 @haluton @hoffmannwrites

#steddie #steddie fanfic #steve harrington #eddie munson #steddie fic #secret admirer #stranger things

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maggiedelusional · 1 year

Text

Been Here Along (Preview)

Summary: Why are you so good at helping your best friend with his relationship problems? Probably because you've been doing it your entire life. Unrequited love is a bitch, especially if it has spanned several decades. Maybe he'll come to his senses, or maybe its time to give someone else a chance.

Warnings: Angst (but do you really expect anything else from me?), cursing

Length: 1.4k

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x F!Reader, Jake "Hangman" Seresin x F!reader

A/N: The summer is here and for the first time in 4 years I am not studying or working so you better bet my days will be empty and just for writing. This is one of two things I currently have in the works. This one specifically is looking like a one-shot (or two-three shot). The other one is looking like a series, and hopefully I can post the first part in the near future. But here is the preview of been here all along, let me know if you're intrigued and want more <3

“I don’t understand women.” Rooster says with a sigh, plopping himself down on the bar stool next to you.

You and Phoenix, who was sitting on the stool to the other side of you share a look of light amusement before turning back to the mustached aviator.

“It’s like they say one thing, and then mean another? Why can’t women be normal?” He groaned into the counter.

“What do you mean by that Bradshaw?” Phoenix narrowed her eyes at her friend.

You inwardly chuckled before joining Nat in her joking disapproval.

“Yeah, are you saying women aren’t normal? In our day in age of 2023,you, Bradley Bradshaw have the audacity to say something so misogynistic in the presence of women!”

“You know I always saw you as a friend, but this interaction has me questioning the entire foundation of our friendship.”

You and Nat were struggling to keep your laughter down as Rooster continued to groan into the counter.

“Introducing you two to one another has been one of the worst ideas I’ve ever had.” Rooster grumbled as he finally picked his head up from the bar counter.

“Phoenix is my fucking soulmate, we would’ve been best friends with or without you.” You stuck your tongue out at him.

“I thought I was your best friend.” He pouted.

“You’re my oldest friend, there's a difference.” You told him teasingly.

“Sucks to suck Bradshaw, I’m just way cooler than you.” Phoenix poked fun at her fellow pilot.

“I can’t believe you’re laughing at my misery, you used to love to fix my problems.” He muttered.

“Okay okay, I’m done. What’s up Roost?” You chuckled, flashing him a concerned smile.

“It's Abi.”

“And that's my cue.” Phoenix hopped off her bar stool.

“It’s time for me to kick Hangman’s ass at pool again.” She announced as she walked towards the other pilots.

“Why does she do that?” Rooster asked as she walked off.

You shrugged in response.

This was a common occurrence, Phoenix often leaves whenever Rooster starts talking about his girlfriend. She seems to do this whenever any of the guys talk about their relationships. Phoenix was very much a free bird and had no interest in the little details of people’s love lives. Even though everyone can definitely see the little flirtation she has going on with Coyote.

“So what's wrong with Abi?” You asked, turning your body to face Rooster.

“She’s pissed at me.”

“Again?”

Abigail was a bartender that Rooster met at a bar in the city on a night that the group decided to venture away from the Hard Deck for a change. She was on the younger side, well younger compared to the dagger squad and of course Rooster.

But she was sweet and kind and beautiful and caught Rooster’s eye that fateful night. From there they had a bit of whirlwind romance. They were together every single night and there was a good stretch of time where your group of pilots didn’t see Rooster outside of work.

Can you really blame him though? Abi was the ghost of Grace Kelly, all delicate features with light green eyes that draw you in.

She had the sweetest voice and the personality to match. You’ve never met anyone who is as beautiful on the inside as they were on the outside.

Her and Rooster seemed perfect…if you were an outsider.

“What did you do?”

“I have no clue! She knows that tomorrow is my only day off for a while and I needed to blow off some steam and get a drink tonight.”

“Okay..?”

“Then a few minutes ago, she called me asking where I was and I told her that I’m here doing exactly what I told her I was gonna do.”

“she asked why not grab a drink at her bar. And I told her that it’s too far and the guys hate it there.”

“Then she got pissed.”

It made sense now, Abi and Rooster hadn’t been together for a long time and their issues only really started as little tiffs, a few arguments here and there, but the past few weeks have been pretty rough, especially for a newer relationship.

You suppose it has something to do with the longer hours at work. This new TOPGUN class was definitely harrowing to the crew and there was also having to be prepped for any incoming mission.

“Brad, you’re an idiot.”

“Hey! I thought you were gonna help me!”

“I am!”

“think about it…. what was the last thing she got mad about?”

“When I slept through our planned date because of the long hours….oh”

Realization finally replaced the confused look on his face.

“She thought because I have a day off..”

“Keep going Roost, you’re almost there.”

“That I would spend the night with her.” He finished.

“Ding, ding, Ding! We have a winner folks!” You stood up dramatically announcing with a game show host voice.

You held an invisible microphone up to your lips.

“Attention folks! It was a toss-up there for a second. But I am proud to announce the winner of “Why is your girlfriend mad?”... BRADLEY “ROOSTER” BRADSHAW!!”

Your gaggle of pilots cheered from the other side of the bar, whooping and hollering at your bit, receiving raised eyebrows from the other patrons but mostly indifference as they have grown accustomed to your regular hijinks.

“Congratulations sir, any words from the winner?”

You held an invisible mic to to his face, Rooster leaning into the imaginary mic.

“Hello yes I would like to thank my parents, my uncle, the bartenders, my fellow pilots, and this beer from the tap, all of which have contributed to my cluelessness towards women. WIthout you all I would not be here.”

“No thank you for me?” You raised an eyebrow.

Rooster chuckled at your antics as you sat back down on your bar stool.

“So what am I supposed to do?”

“Bradley please don’t make me spell it out for you. Its right there.”

You pointed your eyes at the phone sitting in his pocket.

“Oh, okay. I should call!”

“Yesssss and do what???.”

“Apologize?”

“You got it! Finally I was getting tired over here. Hosting this game show is hard work.” You whistled wiping a fake sweat off your forehead.

“Thanks, woods!” He exclaimed as he quickly stood up and made his way out to the back deck to call Abi.

You watched his retreating figure enter the darkness of the night as you sighed into the back of your hand propped up by your elbow on the bar.

“So are you some kind of masochist?”

You quickly jumped, surprised at the sudden presence coming from the bar stool that was occupied by Phoenix several minutes ago.

“God Bagman, please refrain from giving the host a heart attack.”

He chuckled at your reaction.

“Game show host huh? Bit of the week?”

“More like the night, I’m gonna workshop a few things before I make my final decision.”

“Is that so?”

“Gotta keep y’all dorks entertained somehow.” You shrugged.

“That you do Woods.”

“So what do you mean about me being a masochist?” You raised an eyebrow.

“That” He pointed at Bradley on the back porch passionately talking into the phone, you couldn’t tell if it was a negative or positive emotion but it looked intense.

But despite that he looked radiant against the light that emanated from the full moon tonight. He never failed to take your breath away.

“What about Rooster?” You turned back to Hangman.

“Come on dollface, I’m not blind.”

“You know Bagman, I’m surprised you’re capable of seeing things outside of your personal radius.”

“See? If even I can see it then that tells you how obvious this little crush is.”

His statement left your mouth hanging open.

“I.. I can’t believe you-- how dare.”

He kept an amused smirk as you stumble over your words.

“You know you only make it harder on yourself when you fix his relationship problems for him.”

“I don’t-”

He cut you off with a chuckle as he turned away back to the direction of the pool tables.

“Its okay Woods, i get it, just make sure you know what you’re doing.”

He left with you that last piece of advice as he walked away.

As much as you denied it. Hangman was right. You probably have loved Bradley your whole life.

Will be creating a new taglist for this work :)

#top gun #bradley bradshaw #bradley rooster bradshaw #rooster #rooster angst #bradley bradshaw x reader #top gun maverick #hangman x reader #jake seresin #hangman #rooster x reader #jake seresin x reader

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adrealucia · 2 months

Text

New Beginnings

tags: post Blood Brothers ending, Sean Diaz x Reader, might contain smut in future chapters, lots of fluff, romantic fluff, overall just fucking wholesome, obviously mentions Daniel quite often, sfw in the beginning, maybe nsfw in the future idk, definitely slow burn

chapter summary: the morning after the storm, Mrs. Perez and Spanish lessons. also, I used lots of Spanish dialogue, but I made sure to translate everything! hope this doesn't bother you :)

Chapter four

The morning light filters through the windows, casting a soft, golden glow over the living room. The storm has passed, leaving a serene, almost magical stillness in its wake. You wake up to the gentle sound of birds chirping, a stark contrast to the thunderous roar of the night before.

You stretch and blink, taking in your surroundings. Sean is still asleep, his arm draped protectively over Daniel, who is curled up between the two of you. The sight brings a warm smile to your face, but there’s also a flicker of uncertainty. You’re in the home of near strangers, even if they’ve been nothing but kind to you.

Carefully, you slip out from under the blanket, trying not to wake the brothers. You tiptoe to the kitchen, deciding to make breakfast as a small gesture of gratitude for their hospitality. You find some eggs, tortillas, and a few vegetables in the fridge, and you set to work making breakfast burritos.

The sizzle of the frying pan and the aroma of cooking food eventually rouse Sean. He stretches, yawning widely, and looks around, momentarily disoriented. When he sees you in the kitchen, a smile spreads across his face.

“Morning,” he says, his voice still rough with sleep. “You didn’t have to do that.”

You turn, spatula in hand, and smile back. “Morning. I figured it was the least I could do after you guys let me crash here. How do you like your eggs?”

“Scrambled is fine,” Sean replies, getting up and gently nudging Daniel awake. “Hey, bud. Breakfast is almost ready.”

Daniel stirs, rubbing his eyes and yawning. “Morning,” he mumbles sleepily. “Did the storm stop?”

“Yeah, it’s over,” Sean assures him. “Come on, let’s eat.”

The three of you sit around the small kitchen table, enjoying the breakfast you’ve prepared. The atmosphere is light and relaxed, the previous night’s tension a distant memory.

“This is really good,” Sean says between bites. “Thanks for making breakfast.”

You smile, feeling a sense of contentment mixed with a touch of apprehension. “It’s my pleasure. I’m just glad we all made it through the storm okay.”

After breakfast, you all pitch in to clean up. The power is still out, but the morning sun provides plenty of light. Sean and Daniel take care of the dishes while you tidy up the living room, folding blankets and fluffing the couch cushions.

As you work, you can’t help but feel a bit unsure about your place here. Sean and Daniel are clearly close, their bond palpable. You’re grateful for their kindness, but you’re still an outsider, a stranger who happened to be caught in a storm.

“So, what’s the plan for today?” you ask, looking at Sean.

He glances outside at the clear, blue sky. “First, we need to check the garage and make sure everything’s okay there. Then, we should see if anyone in town needs help. Storms like that can cause a lot of damage.”

Daniel nods enthusiastically. “I can help, too!”

You smile at his eagerness, feeling a bit more at ease. “Sounds like a good plan. Let’s get to it.”

The three of you head to the garage, stepping over puddles and debris left by the storm. The garage itself seems to have held up well, thanks to your combined efforts the night before. There’s some minor water damage, but nothing that can’t be fixed with a bit of work.

Sean inspects the tools and equipment, making a mental note of what needs attention. “We did a good job last night. This could have been a lot worse.”

You nod in agreement. “Definitely. Let’s get started on the repairs. The sooner we’re done here, the sooner we can help the town.”

By mid-morning, the garage is in order, and you all head into town. The streets are muddy, and some buildings show signs of damage, but there’s a sense of community as everyone pitches in to help each other.

One of the stops you make is at the tiny restaurant owned by Mrs. Perez, the sweet elderly woman who you met a couple of days ago. The restaurant has suffered some damage: a few broken windows, a flooded storeroom, and debris scattered around. Mrs. Perez is clearly distressed.

“Sean! Daniel!” Mrs. Perez exclaims when she sees them, relief washing over her face. She switches to rapid Spanish, her words filled with warmth and gratitude. “¡Gracias a Dios! Necesito ayuda con todo este desastre.”

“¡Claro, señora Perez! Estamos aquí para ayudar,” Sean replies with a smile. He turns to you and translates, “She needs help with the mess.”

You nod, rolling up your sleeves. “Let’s get to it.”

The three of you work quickly and efficiently. Sean and Daniel handle the heavy lifting and repairs, while you help Mrs. Perez clean the flooded storeroom and clear debris. She chatters away in Spanish, occasionally pausing to give you a kind smile or a word of encouragement, despite the language barrier.

“¿Cómo puedo ayudar más?”(how can I help more?) you ask, your Spanish still shaky but improving.

Mrs. Perez smiles warmly. “Estás haciendo un buen trabajo. Gracias, mi niña.” (You are doing a good job. Thank you my girl.)

As you scrub the floors and organize the storeroom, you feel a growing sense of connection to this place and its people. Mrs. Perez’s kindness and the easy camaraderie with Sean and Daniel make the hard work feel rewarding.

By the time you’ve finished, the restaurant looks much better. Mrs. Perez is visibly relieved and grateful. “Muchas gracias, mis niños,” she says, her eyes shining with gratitude. “Por favor, quédense a almorzar. Es lo menos que puedo hacer.”

“She wants us to stay for lunch,” Sean translates, smiling. “She insists.”

You smile back, feeling a bit more at home. “I’d love that.”

Mrs. Perez bustles around the kitchen, whipping up a delicious meal. The aroma of fresh tortillas, beans, and sizzling meat fills the air, making your stomach rumble. She sets the table with care, placing a generous spread before you.

“¡A comer!” she says, gesturing for you all to sit.

As you eat, the conversation flows easily. Sean and Daniel talk with Mrs. Perez in Spanish, and she occasionally looks at you, speaking slower and with a kind smile, trying to include you.

“¿Te gusta la comida?” (Do you like the food?) she asks, her eyes twinkling.

You look at Sean for a translation, but you have a feeling you understand. “Sí, me gusta mucho,” (Yes, I like it a lot.) you reply, hoping your pronunciation is passable.

Mrs. Perez beams at you. “¡Muy bien! Ahora necesitas aprender más español.”

Sean laughs. “She says you need to learn more Spanish.”

You laugh too, feeling a warm sense of camaraderie. “I’d like that.”

The rest of the meal is filled with light-hearted conversation and laughter. Sean and Daniel teach you a few more phrases, and Mrs. Perez corrects your pronunciation with gentle patience. You start to feel more comfortable, the initial uncertainty giving way to a growing sense of belonging.

After lunch, Mrs. Perez insists on giving you all a bag of freshly made tamales to take home. “Para más tarde,” (This is for later) she says with a wink.

“Gracias, señora Perez,” you say, your Spanish improving with each interaction.

As you leave the restaurant, the sun is high in the sky, and the town is buzzing with activity as everyone works together to recover from the storm. The sense of community is palpable, and you feel grateful to be a part of it, even if just for a little while.

Back at the Diaz house, you help Sean and Daniel unpack the tamales and clean up from the day’s work. The house feels warmer, and more familiar now. You’re still getting to know Sean and Daniel, but the kindness and hospitality they’ve shown you make you feel hopeful about the future.

“Thanks for sticking around and helping out,” Sean says as you all settle back into the living room. “It means a lot.”

You smile, feeling a deep sense of belonging mixed with lingering uncertainty. “I’m glad I could help. You guys have made me feel like I am part of your family.”

Daniel nods, his eyes bright. “You are part of the family now.”

Sean wraps an arm around his brother, pulling him close. “Yeah, you are. And that means we’re here for you, too.”

The three of you sit together, the events of the past day and night bringing you closer. As the first stars appear in the sky, you know that no matter what storms may come in the future, you’ll face them together. But you also remind yourself to take things one step at a time, allowing trust and friendship to grow naturally, grateful for this newfound bond and the sense of hope it brings.

The following morning, you wake up in your own place, feeling a sense of anticipation for the day ahead. After a quick breakfast, you gather your business plans and head over to the Diaz house, excited to start bringing your ideas to life.

When you arrive, Sean is already in the garage, tinkering with a car engine. He looks up and grins as you approach. "Morning, sunshine. Ready to get down to business?"

"Always," you reply with a playful wink. "Got a lot of ideas to share. Hope you’re ready."

Sean chuckles, wiping his hands on a rag. "Bring it on. Let’s see what you’ve got."

You both settle at a makeshift desk in the garage, spreading out your notes and sketches. As you discuss the expansion plans, Sean’s enthusiasm matches your own. His insights are practical and detailed, complementing your more strategic ideas.

"What if we add a small waiting area for customers?" you suggest. "Someplace they can relax with a coffee while their car gets fixed."

"Good idea," Sean agrees. "And maybe a display for car accessories. Could be a nice upsell."

As you continue brainstorming, the conversation flows easily, punctuated by moments of light-hearted banter.

"So, any chance you’re secretly a car expert, too?" Sean teases, leaning in slightly.

You laugh, shaking your head. "Not quite. But I’m a quick learner. You might just have to teach me a thing or two."

"Consider it a deal," Sean says with a playful glint in his eye.

The hours fly by, and by lunchtime, you’ve made significant progress on the business plans. Just as you’re about to suggest a break, Mrs. Perez arrives, carrying a basket filled with delicious-smelling food.

“¡Hola, mis niños!” she greets, her smile as warm as the sun. “He traído algo para almorzar.” (I brought something for lunch.)

“Hola, señora Perez,” Sean says, his face lighting up. “Perfect timing. We were just about to take a break.”

You help Mrs. Perez set up the lunch spread, the aroma of freshly made tortillas and roasted chicken making your stomach rumble. She chats animatedly in Spanish, occasionally switching to slower, simpler sentences for your benefit.

“¿Cómo va el negocio?”(How is business going?) she asks, looking at your notes with interest.

“Va bien,” you reply, proud of your progress. “Tenemos muchas ideas nuevas.” (We have many new Ideas)

Mrs. Perez beams at you, clearly pleased. “¡Muy bien! Estoy segura de que tendrán mucho éxito.” (Very good, I am sure you guys will be successful.)

As you eat, the conversation is lively and filled with laughter. Mrs. Perez teaches you a few new Spanish phrases, and her patience and encouragement make the learning process enjoyable.

“Repeat after me,” she says, smiling. “La comida está deliciosa.” (the food is delicious)

“La comida está deliciosa,” you repeat, hoping your pronunciation is correct.

Mrs. Perez claps her hands. “¡Perfecto! Muy bien.”

Sean grins at you. “Not bad. Pretty soon, you’ll be fluent.”

You roll your eyes playfully. “Yeah, right. But I’m trying.”

After lunch, you return to the garage, where Sean has already started working on a customer’s car. He glances up as you approach, a playful smile on his face.

“Ready to get your hands dirty?” he asks, handing you a pair of gloves.

“Absolutely,” you reply, slipping them on. “Show me what to do, boss.”

Sean raises an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Boss, huh? I could get used to that.”

You laugh, nudging him lightly. “Don’t let it go to your head. Now, what’s next?”

As the afternoon progresses, you work side by side with Sean, learning the basics of car repair. He’s a patient teacher, and his explanations are clear and easy to follow. You can’t help but admire his skill and dedication, and the way his eyes light up when he talks about his work.

By the end of the day, you’ve made significant progress both on the business plans and in your newfound mechanical skills. You’re sweaty and tired, but there’s a sense of accomplishment that makes it all worthwhile.

“Thanks for today,” you say as you pack up your things. “I had a lot of fun. And I learned a lot, too.”

“Anytime,” Sean replies, his smile warm and genuine. “You’re a quick learner. Maybe we’ll make a mechanic out of you yet.”

You laugh, feeling a flutter of excitement at the prospect. “I’m looking forward to it.”

The next few days follow a similar pattern. You spend your mornings working on the business plans and helping out in the garage, and your afternoons practicing Spanish with Mrs. Perez. The easy camaraderie with Sean and Daniel continues to grow, and you find yourself looking forward to each day with a sense of anticipation.

One afternoon, after a particularly productive session at the garage, you head over to Mrs. Perez’s restaurant. She greets you with her usual warmth, immediately launching into another Spanish lesson.

“Hoy vamos a aprender sobre los ingredientes de la cocina,” (Today we are going to learn about cooking ingredients.) she says, pointing to various items in the kitchen. “Repite después de mí: tomate.”

“Tomate,” you repeat, enjoying the rhythmic flow of the words.

Mrs. Perez smiles approvingly. “Muy bien. Ahora, cebolla.” (very good, now onion)

As the lesson continues, you feel more confident in your Spanish skills, the words coming more easily with each repetition. Mrs. Perez’s patient guidance makes all the difference, and you’re grateful for her kindness.

Later, as you help her prepare a batch of tamales, Sean arrives to check on your progress. He leans against the doorframe, watching with a bemused smile.

“Looks like you’re getting the hang of it,” he says, his eyes twinkling.

You grin, feeling a sense of pride. “Yeah, thanks to Mrs. Perez. She’s a great teacher.”

Mrs. Perez chuckles, patting your shoulder. “Eres una buena estudiante. Y Sean, deberías estar orgulloso de ella.” (You are a good student and Sean, you should be proud of her.)

“I am,” Sean replies, his gaze lingering on you. “Very proud.”

As you finish up in the kitchen, the three of you share a meal, the atmosphere warm and relaxed. The flirty banter between you and Sean becomes more natural, the playful exchanges adding a spark to your interactions.

“So,” Sean says, leaning closer, “how do you say ‘You’re doing a great job’ in Spanish?”

You smile, meeting his gaze. “Estás haciendo un gran trabajo.”

“Estás haciendo un gran trabajo,” Sean repeats, his voice low and sincere. “You really are.”

Your heart skips a beat at the intensity in his eyes. “Thanks, Sean. That means a lot.”

authors note: as always I hope you liked this chapter! I am sorry if any of the Spanish phrases are wrong, I do not speak a word of Spanish :) I hope you like Mrs. Perez as much as I do. Btw Sean and the reader are now getting a little bit more flirty (still sfw tho) just to let you know <3

#life is strange 2 #sean diaz #lis2 #lis2 sean #lis2 sean diaz #fluff #sean diaz x reader #sean diaz fluff #lis2 daniel #life is strange #life is strange 2 fic #lis 2 fic #sean diaz x y/n

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