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kmgkmg · 1 year ago

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PUPPY LOVE - LEE SEOKMIN

word count: 1.9k...

pairing: seokmin x gn!reader

synopsis: dogwalker seokmin's fateful day with you :)

genre/s: fluff, non-idol!au, aspiring photographer!seokmin, strangers-to-lovers, meet-cute

warnings: none!

rating: pg

a/n: tysm @the-boy-meets-evil for being the beta reader for this fic! <3 title is deriven from the song puppy love by erika de casier...but rly i thought abt this fic when listening to kitipun by juan luis guerra...anyways, enjoy!

Seokmin majorly needed a part-time job. And the use of majorly is not an understatement. He knew city-living wasn’t going to be as glamorous as the movies or dramas. Still, he didn’t think he’d be drowning in bills less than half a year after moving.

After silently struggling for a while, Mingyu could notice the tiredness growing on his roommate’s face. Trying to be as subtle as possible, he showed him an app to be a dog walker.

“Rover? Like that Kai song?” Seokmin’s eyebrows knitted together in confusion. This was Mingyu’s genius idea for a part-time job?

“I-no, it’s a dog walking app.” Mingyu explains, showing his best friend how the app worked further.

After Mingyu elaborated by saying he used the app for a summer a couple years back when he was job searching, Seokmin obviously jumped at the chance to be one. What could be better than taking care of cute dogs while getting paid? He also could cancel his gym membership and cut out that expense since all the walking was a hefty amount of exercise.

It was all going well for the first couple of weeks, he had gained a few regular clients and learned the best routes for each dog to see more greenery such as parks. He even found a cute coffee shop that gave out dog treats that all the dogs seemed to love! There was also a certain cute barista that was his type causing him to frequent the establishment even more. Not to mention, the pay wasn’t bad. Well, it wasn’t like it was $25 an hour, but at least it was enough to help lift the weight that the burden of bills had accumulated on his shoulders.

So within the past few weeks, Seokmin has become a regular to your shop.

You didn’t pay much attention to him, but your employees always swooned over him. You understood why, he always livened up the place with his bright energy and infectious smile. Minghao, the co-owner of Diamond Blend, always teased that he was only visiting so much to see you. His teasing was always met with your rebuttals by pointing out he took good advantage of the free dog treats jar whenever he came in.

“I don’t think it’s a coincidence that he only looks at your reactions whenever he delivers his cheesy puns, Y/N,” Minghao nudges you with his shoulder as Seokmin walks out of the shop.

“It just so happens that I’m always closest to the treat jar whenever he makes small talk,” you shrug.

You did enjoy his visits, but you would never willingly admit that to your smug best friend. You enjoyed the way that your interactions with him were limited to the coffee shop. It was as if it was your own little world.

That is, until one fateful day when it started raining as Seokmin was mid-walk with his most difficult pet to watch, Sprinkles. Seokmin thought he could stop in the coffee shop for shelter with Sprinkles since she was a panting and stressed mess, but Sprinkles had other plans. The moment they rounded the corner for the coffee shop, she must’ve noticed she was nearly home and bolted in that direction. Seokmin expected her to run in the direction of where her favorite treats were, not try to book it to her home nearly 0.5 mile/0.8 kilometer away. So, there Seokmin was. Running after a dog with no umbrella as the rain only picked up by the minute.

You were bringing in the chalkboard sign stand that usually featured the specials of the day. The rain had washed away nearly everything anyway.

Still, seeing a worried Seokmin zoom past you was certainly a sight bizarre enough to wake you up.

“Seokmin?” You shout out, trying to make sure he is okay.

He turned to you, only to frantically point ahead of him. “Sp…rinkles…” He manages to explain while running in that direction once again.

You squint your eyes to see a rapidly disappearing blob that you discerned to be one of his dogs. Your feet moved without thinking and before you knew it you were full out sprinting after the dog with him. Who knew that being on the track and field team in high school would help you now?

You sped past him with ease, quickly catching up to who you could now tell was Sprinkles. She had managed to get herself distracted by a squirrel climbing a tree and was stuck barking at it, her attempts to claw her way up were fruitless.

“Sprinkles~” You called out with the sweetest baby voice you could achieve, having her turn towards you and start wagging her tail seeing your familiar face.

Seokmin was still staggering considerably behind the two of you, but Sprinkles happily walked into your arms as you crouched down near her.

“Were you a track star? I swear I saw you fly, Y/N.” Seokmin barely gets out, still trying to catch his breath after the unexpected chase.

“I actually was in track and field, yeah,” You laugh, holding the peaceful Sprinkles.

Seokmin put his hands on his knees, doubling over. “Thanks a million! I owe you for real.”

“No, don’t worry about it! I’m just glad we caught Sprinkles before anything bad happened,” You reply.

Seokmin’s ears perk up, “How do you know Sprinkles’ name?”

“Well, you do visit our coffee shop like half of the days in a week…it would be strange for me to not remember details about a regular like you,” You seamlessly reason.

“Ah, I see. I’m just another regular,” His disappointed tone was obvious to anyone.

“No!” Your quick response startles yourself, “I really enjoy you visiting our shop. I just didn't think it was the most professional thing to say.”

“Well, we are out of the shop right now…you don’t have to be professional outside do you?”

You contemplated for a while more before responding to him, “I guess not.”

“Then, I have the perfect way to pay you back! How about I buy you dinner?”

His flirting skills left you speechless. You felt as breathless as he was trying to chase after Sprinkles.

“Sure,” You grin, trying your best to play it cool like him.

“Great! I should walk Sprinkles home after her eventful day, but I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Yeah, see you tomorrow with Kkuma,” you wave, going your separate ways.

You walked back to Diamond Blend, absolutely drenched. Nevertheless, you had the biggest smile on your face that was impossible to conceal.

When you opened the door, Minghao was behind the counter, smug as ever. His expression was practically screaming told you so.

You dismissed his triumphant expression quickly, “I just helped him catch one of the dogs that ran away. Was I just supposed to let a poor puppy run into danger?”

“I see.” Minghao’s two words silenced you immediately. You fell right into his trap by overexplaining yourself.

The rest of the day went off without a hitch, besides your occasional smiling thinking about Seokmin.

It was a time that the two of you reminisced about many times in the future. How you both stood in the rain long enough to get colds in the middle of summer. How you both actually owed Sprinkles for pushing the two of you to be bold and start to get to know each other outside of the coffee shop.

Before the scheduled Official Date with Seokmin, you noticed him with his camera taking photos in the park by your cafe. It was a familiar location to see him in. He would, without fail, always walk his dogs through the park before ordering coffee. You noticed simply because your shop’s windows had a good view of the park. No other reason at all for your mental notes of his routine. And seeing him? A coincidence once again. You were on your way to go grocery shopping after all.

You stopped daydreaming about the man in front of you when noticing who was behind him. Sure, Seokmin seemed like the type to get hyper focused on things. But what you weren’t anticipating is that in his attempt to get the perfect shot, he nearly got his wallet stolen. You shooed the pickpocket away, having Seokmin finally break his concentration at the sound of your voice.

“Y/N! Funny seeing you here,” he greeted you, oblivious to the ordeal he almost faced. His bright smile

How did the camera around his neck make him even more attractive?

“An interesting coincidence indeed,” You reply, readjusting the tote bag on your shoulder.

“Are you going shopping?” Seokmin politely asked, noticing your bag.

“Yeah,” you answer, “just buying a couple groceries to make myself dinner. Did you get any nice shots?” You motioned towards his camera.

“I did! Wanna see?” Before you could reply, he was taking the camera strap off his neck and gently passing his camera to you.

“Summer is my favorite season to photograph nature, everything is so vibrant, you know?”

You browsed through his photos, stunned by how good his skills were. Whether it be a photo of tree branches or a mama duck and her ducklings, each image you viewed had a certain softness to it. Seokmin was able to capture life through his perspective, a talent that you’re sure was apparent to anyone who had the pleasure of seeing his photos.

“I can tell, Seokmin. It’s like your photos each have a story to tell. Like your emotions seep through the lens. Your intentions can be felt each time you shoot something.” Art was never your strong suit, but before you had time to realize it, you spilled your innermost thoughts with him.

Making eye contact was a challenge after that, with you wanting to go grab your groceries and bury yourself under your comforter back at your place.

Seokmin broke the silence first though, “Thank you for saying that. I’ve been really doubting if I’d ever get to hold an exhibition for my work, but your words motivated me to continue working hard.”

“Why would you doubt yourself, Seokmin? You’re so insanely talented. I’m sure you didn’t need me to realize that!”

“I did need you though, we all go through moments of self-doubt, no?” He smiles softly at you, his tone softer than usual.

“You said you were going to buy groceries for dinner tonight, right? Well the sunset is looking phenomenal right now. I know we planned for dinner later this week, but what would you say about me taking you to the best rooftop restaurant in the city? I mean the dinner later this week is still on the table as well! I just…would like to get to know you better if that’s alright with you?”

He left no room for interpretation or confusion. A trait that you found refreshing after many failed talking stages with people. This instant connection you felt with Seokmin didn’t come around often.

“It’s more than alright with me. Which way is the rooftop restaurant?”

His smile broadens, exposing more of his teeth as he puts the lens cap on camera, “We just have to take bus route 218 for 15 minutes…”

You followed him to the bus stop, excited for the evening ahead of you. Who knew a puppy would be the reason for your new love to bloom?

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clk-deserves-better · 1 year ago

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Woo Ragi Character Analysis

Honestly, Ragi isn't even close to my favourite member in the cast. I prefer CLK, Ollim or Garam. However, the dude's arc is interesting as hell (entire novel spoilers). This post turned into a Ragikyung ship analysis half way through and is very long so.. be prepared for some rambling.

So, what do we know about Woo Ragi? We know that he is a homophobe who doesn't fully think things through considering how he treats CLK. He looks down on others for being weaker/ less attractive than he is. He's outright cruel and people let him have his way.

Ragi, when CLK first enters his mind, puts him on pending causing damage to CLK's body. Kim Ollim is harsh to CLK and despises him yet doesn't land him in the hospital, most likely knowing that her hatred was not worth sacrificing their goal, unlike Ragi. In fact, no other Red Lotus member calls into contention CLK's purpose when visiting them which makes Ragi look a lot worse. Ragi is the odd one out here, lacking the smarts to realise the rarity of necromancers or the forethought to understand hurting the contractor might risk the future of his guild (especially since he would be able to feel Ollim, Dawon, and Garam's souls attached to CLK). How does he fit in with the rest of the members?

We answer this question when CLK gets stuck with him in that weird pocket dimension. He's not smart, he's not thoughtful but he is obedient to Seo Dawon. Just like readers complaining about CLK, this man is simply being puppeted by Seo Dawon within the guild.

He is uniquely the only member who spent time with Dawon at school. Seo Dawon never explained anything to him and that was just "how he was". He then describes how he and Ollim were the only survivors of a dungeon due to Dawon's advice confirming his already existing attitude. This begs the question, if Ragi has never questioned Dawon due to him not being curious, what was his relationship with Dawon?

He always seems completely overpowered by Dawon: like a declawed cat. He watched on as Dawon dated his crush, he watched on as Dawon's girlfriends harassed him/his colleagues and he watched on as Dawon prioritised CLK over him in all instances. He continues to trust Dawon even though Dawon is an extremely shitty friend to him. Considering Ragi being a horrible person to CLK and all the other members talking about how Ragi always got his way, Dawon is a very strange case. Dawon doesn't even attempt to 'fight back' with Ragi, he just shows his anger and Ragi usually backs down. We have no reasons as to why this relationship exists between them so it is most likely not necessary for understanding Ragi. The two sharing this relationship is the more important point.

The first time we see Ragi seem different from his original impression is the pocket dimension. Ragi carries CLK on his back for hours and simultaneously fights off monsters. CLK is at his weakest in these moments while sleeping on Ragi's back, he's a physical burden who is powerless in all ways. Ragi doesn't try and force him to walk mid-way through or allow CLK to fall off his back. He also physically embraces CLK against his contract when CLK stares down at a dead-looking Lackey although the action is unnecessary to CLK's survival. If CLK is in genuine distress, Ragi does stop being an asshole it seems.

All this doesn't mean he is a loving being while in the dimension. He leaves CLK on the floor crying and begging for him, he attempts to check for injuries on a recently blinded man with no warning causing CLK to feel violated and does still enjoy CLK being in pain throughout. As a little consolation, he does let CLK punch him three times but that doesn't really cover the damage. Ragi isn't suddenly a good person but we do learn that there is a threshold to his sadism.

In the hospital, while he enjoys teasing CLK by moving the fruit away from him and enjoys CLK's expression when consuming Kyungsik's concoction, he still cuts the fruit. By stacking all the fruit for CLK to eat, we see that Ragi is starting to soften up somewhat. The way Ragi breaks his sneering demeanor to tell CLK to continue eating shows that he prioritises CLK's health over his own habitual insulting/ uncaring persona.If Ragi were truly hateful of CLK, he would insult him and continue to eat the fruit in front of him.

For a large amount of time in the book, Ragi stays in this state. Ragi is no longer angry at CLK, simply insulting him without despising him. He no longer seethes in anger at Dawon and CLK. They become more and more of a thing but Ragi doesn't seem to hate the two, only asking them to be affectionate elsewhere. Considering Ragi's feelings towards other partners of Dawon, him accepting CLK is a step out of what he usually feels.

Ragi seems hostile in the beginning but they soon fall into quips and barbs at each other, CLK describes it as a "stand-up comedy routine". The other servants insult CLK and CLK does not fight it yet he feels comfortable doing so around Ragi. Ragi no longer gets what he wants here. He doesn't try to get what he wants either and just allows a rhythm for their interactions to form. There is something different about CLK than most people in Ragi's mind. While this may be mostly down to the system, I'd like to partially believe that Ragi does care for CLK more than he'd admit.

CLK and Ragi's relationship is intriguing. It's the first time we see that CLK isn't overwhelmed by one of his servants. He doesn't get scared of his breathing or crack like with Ollim who was similarly hostile. He teases Ragi as soon as he gets out of the hospital. CLK doesn't let Ragi's demands get to him and the servants seem genuinely delighted by how CLK manages to control Ragi.

You see that their relationship has grown from initial hatred when travelling in the van to Geum Miyoung's slush funds. He has some sort of affection here towards CLK, prodding at his symbol on CLK's ear. The symbol creates a "satisfied" feeling in the servant and so, Ragi pressing the symbol here comes off as affectionate. He doesn't even attempt to insult CLK harshly and says he has a "discerning eye" for liking his face. This is ironic coming from Ragi who taunted CLK for being a "homo" for many chapters. Ragi is changing, whether it be down to the system or his feelings, this isn't the Ragi Dawon wants around.

I believe Ragi becomes aware of his affections for CLK in chapter 304. CLK talks about all the servants looking worried for him: this must include Ragi. Ragi can no longer claim hatred or indifference toward CLK anymore. After CLK tells his servants he is starting, Ragi goes upstairs. Ragi has always been a loner but never to the point of actively leaving his guild's side which means something must have happened. Ragi is trying to hide something from the guild/CLK.

CLK hypothesises this is due to him not wanting a reaction with the blood which is understandable as he is the only servant who has no skinship with CLK and must feel the full effects of the system. This understanding allows CLK to accept his actions and allow what is "more comfortable" for Ragi. In this moment, Ragi's persona is breaking down and he is truly aware of his role as a servant. Ragi cannot insult his way out of the truth or get his way by hurting someone, he can only deny it by hiding what he feels. CLK's words emphasise CLK knows this with Ragi's "glance" back proving that Ragi was caught off guard by his words. CLK understands, Ragi denies it but knows all the same.

As a quick note, let's stick a pin in Kyungsik and CLK's conversation too. Ragi comes up as a person to be wary of due to his lack of affection towards CLK to the point Kyungsik gives him a love potion. The love potion is poignant as it symbolises the belief that CLK doesn't think Ragi cares for him. It is not used until later on so keep this in mind.

For an entire cast development, we watch as the servants give up on resurrection altogether. All of them. All at once. They are all angry at CLK for his self-sacrificial BS and refuse the goal that had previously kept CLK from thinking they prioritised him. It is no longer "we're using you for this goal", it has become clear that they want the best for him in that moment. Ragi is included like the rest of the servants here so I thought it should be mentioned.

After the gang escapes to KHS's mansion from Issac, Ragi teaches CLK the "deadly kiss" move which causes the servant to gain more power if kissed by CLK. Dawon is officially CLK's boyfriend at this point and has made all physical affection towards CLK feel like "sinning" in the words of Kyungsik. He tells CLK to only use the move on him which is.. stereotypically Dawon of him. Despite this, after Ragi gets summoned to fight Issac, he does kiss CLK. This is the first ever time we've seen Ragi make a move that goes directly against what Dawon has told him to do.

Considering how he never has questioned Dawon and has watched Dawon be an appalling human being in general, we know Ragi has transformed here. He is no longer a pawn under Dawon's thumb as he was more focused on giving CLK the potion (his health) than his old position as Dawon's puppet. Dawon seems to recognise Ragi's affection too "Didn't I tell you to maintain a distance from Choi Leekyung " is what Dawon taunts him with. He bites Ragi's lip for daring to go against his orders. Ragi doesn't care now. Ragi may not directly call out Dawon but when push comes to shove, he protects and cares for CLK more than his inclinations to his guildmaster.

The tragic attempt at fighting Jaemin results in CLK essentially resetting the world with only the guild members remembering what had occurred before the reset. Dawon has locked up a confused CLK who lacks all memories except a few about their relationship. Kyungsik and Ragi help CLK get out of the mansion. CLK believes the potion is what helps keep Ragi in line but that is simply untrue. Ragi is resistant to the love potion Kyungsik made and is only helping out of his own affection towards CLK.

Ragi is physically affectionate towards the CLK who no longer remembers yet still gets annoyed with Kyungsik’s insinuation of Ragi’s affection though. He tells Kyungsik that he’s not putting on a “gay show” for him. Ragi is beginning to accept his own affection for CLK but hasn’t yet fully accepted his own queerness. This is all without the contract. Ragi has no system or potion that has influenced his love for CLK here. His love is genuine (so is Kyungsik's but Kyungsik has much more reluctance) unlike Garam, Ollim, Eunji, and Chan Young who all obey their guild master's unethical treatment of CLK.

Ragi has shown he is truly the most reliable. It was revealed that he fought Dawon on this issue and is rightfully annoyed at Dawon pushing the guild out of issues involving CLK. Kyungsik is shocked by this due to Ragi never fighting with Dawon. He has gone against the man who can no longer truly give him what he needs. Dawon used to be trustworthy, even at his worst but Ragi no longer is inclined to believe Dawon still is. The questioning of Dawon's decisions brings him his own independence and the potential to no longer look down on others. CLK has shown Ragi that he can care for people who are weaker than him.

CLK returns to the Jaemin fight via time travel, getting the happy ending this time. CLK kisses Ragi on the earlobe (probably a reward for being one of the only non-cowardly guild members). The book concludes with Ragi confessing his love for CLK on the wedding day. CLK weds Dawon and the two go on a honeymoon. A pretty depressing arc end, right? CLK is happy though so Ragi can only hope to move on.

Overall, Ragi is a character who develops from a crass homophobe who couldn't think for himself to a guy who stood up for what he believes and is able to care for those weaker than him. He finally accepted himself as bisexual and despite all the tragedy of his love, he can move on to find a partner of his own.

#necromancer survival #nezongi #choi lee kyung #woo ragi

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leaderpinhead · 10 months ago

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Silver - Meet In a Dream

Prompt: Time Loop (I cheated and made it a "dream" loop) Notes: This is technically the first half of this little fic.

Silver was startled when he found himself in the same dream as the young blonde girl again. It had been a long shot, but he had hoped Meet In A Dream would reunite them. Something about the girl, with her proficiency wielding her thin sabre and abrupt departure, had spawned a deep desire within him to see her again.

When he had closed his eyes to sleep that following day, he really hadn’t expected to see her again so soon. She had been equally startled because she ran before he could get out a single word. They had both tumbled over the same cliff, and Silver had abruptly woken to Sebek shouting at him not to randomly fall asleep in the forest.

Several days passed with the same results. When Silver dozed off around mid-afternoon, he would awaken to find the girl in the same glade. She would run; he would chase after her.

The pattern had only changed when his long sigh made her pause long enough to glance back at him. He gave what he hoped was a friendly smile. “Can we please not jump off the cliff again? It’s upsetting knowing I can’t catch you even if none of this is real.”

Her face became a bright red, but she only took one step as if to leave before pausing again. Her eyes darted around the glade bathed in soft sunlight. Her hand fiddled with the handle of the sabre on her hip.

Hoping to disarm her nerves more, Silver lifted the sword the dream equipped him with every day. “Would you mind if I issue another challenge? I would like to see if I have corrected the flaws I noticed in our last match.”

His attempt worked. She drew the sabre from her hip, and they danced around the glade to the rhythm of their clashing blades. She inevitably broke through his defenses, lightly stabbing his right shoulder, but it was a match that elevated his heart rate more than usual. He could still feel it thudding in his chest every time he woke.

A few more dreams made her comfortable enough to answer Silver’s questions after their usual spar (which she always won, much to his chagrin and awe). He asked about her training regimen (she practiced without fail for at least two hours every day) and when she began her training (when she was four years of age). Whether it was his genuine curiosity or the few animals that appeared in the glade, the girl slowly relaxed until she was willing to sit down with him after their matches and talk the remainder of the dream.

It gave him a sense of joy Silver had never felt, and he couldn’t even begin to describe it to father whenever his father caught him smiling during his chores. Sebek was the only other person his age he regularly interacted with, so perhaps this was how it felt to be around others their age? Still, Sebek’s loud laugh didn’t make his heart skip like the girl’s soft laugh did.

He had been shocked when she admitted her parents weren’t pleased by her interest in fencing. “How could they not be? You’ve bested me in every match, and I have been training with my father since I was a small child like you.”

The girl had a pinched expression on her face. Silver drew in a breath to backtrack, but she spoke before he could. “My parents are divorced. I think the last time I saw my father in person was when I was still a little girl. My mother is more invested in making my career as a model and actress successful.”

Silver’s eyes widened with shock. He felt the small squirrel on his head grip his hair when he shook his head. “You model? You look so young to be a model.”

The pinched expression didn’t completely disappear, but she did release a small laugh. “I’ve done small modeling jobs most of my life. My mother has even landed me jobs with people like Neige LeBlanche and Vil Schoenheit.” She ducked her head to pick at the grass between them. “She wanted me to be a child star like them, but I’ve never been very good at that. My acting tutors would say I was better suited for the male leads than the female ones.”

“Because your fencing skills are impressive enough to earn you a position on the Royal Guard,” Silver said earnestly.

Her cheeks reddened. A few strands of her hair had been knocked loose from her ponytail, and she tucked the strands behind her ear. She gave him a shy smile, which he returned with a crooked one. She ducked her head and continued plucking at the blades of grass. “Well, my mother probably wouldn’t agree because she can’t stand the thought of her daughter playing a male role.”

The thought was so ludicrously irrelevant to her skill, and it compelled Silver to argue. “My father once wore a dress.”

She laughed again before quickly slapping her hand over her mouth. She had done the same in other situations, yet Silver hadn’t figured out why. Was it rude to laugh where she lived? How strange. Perhaps he could ask father if he had ever traveled to a land where laughing wasn’t allowed.

Personally, Silver would rather her not be so stiff around him. He caught another squirrel pulling at his trousers and transferred the small animal to her head. She froze for a moment, allowing the tiny creature to burrow into her hair. He smiled and imagined he didn’t look much different with the squirrel on his head. Her smile slowly returned, and she relaxed once the squirrel settled.

“He’s told me he was deep undercover,” Silver continued after the pause. “There was a rumor of a political plot to oppose the royal family, but there was nothing substantial to support the rumor. He was tasked with determining if the rumors were true or false. He took on the role of a handmaiden and spent a few months living in that role. He became so intertwined with the political family that they have never suspected his true identity even to this day.”

The blonde girl squinted at him. “I thought you said your father was once some kind of knight. Why would he be undercover?”

Silver shook his head. “The point is it didn’t matter that he was a male pretending to be a female. He attended to his duty in the way he felt best and successfully completed his task. He has taught me and my younger friend the roles society places on us is unimportant if they hinder us from achieving the goals we set for ourselves.” He placed a hand over his sternum. “To the fae court, my human blood is a black stain on my character. I don’t qualify for a position to protect the royal family. But I will become a knight who protects his lord even if the court rejects me. Because that is my goal, and I will one day achieve it.”

The girl gawked at him, her squirrel companion making her look more comical than she intended. Silver wasn’t sure why she appeared so shocked. He had made it known that he trained with the intention of one day becoming Malleus’s retainer.

Her mouth slowly closed. She shifted to sit with her legs outstretched. She frowned down at the ground and tore apart a few pieces of the slender grass. He could sense her silence was one of contemplation, and he remained silent despite being curious as to what had suddenly made her look so upset. Father had taught him silence was just as important as speaking, maybe even more important. Whatever she was thinking through wasn’t something Silver could help her with.

Not in this dream at least.

The girl sighed and rolled onto her feet. Silver blinked but followed her lead. She stood a few centimeters taller than he did, but he didn’t mind having to look up at her. At least she didn’t brag about it like Sebek occasionally did.

For some reason, a darker flush painted her face, and her dark eyes darted away when he looked directly at her. He blinked at her sudden aversion to meet his gaze. “I suppose this is goodbye for now.”

The abrupt dismissal triggered the gloom that fell over him at the end of all their meetings. “Will you tell me your name this time?”

The girl sighed, and her shoulders slumped. She glanced around the glade. The edges of the trees were already blurring. The animals that always flocked to him had departed too, and only the squirrels in their hair remained.

He always asked her the same question before they woke. And she always gave him the same answer, “If we meet outside a dream, maybe then I will tell you.”

Silver slowly nodded. He would respect her wishes. Even inside a dream, he didn’t believe in forcing a person to reveal more than they wished. His eyes drooped with a sudden fatigue, and he knew their time was rapidly approaching the end. “I’m not sure how much longer I will be able to visit. Even now, I’m surprised I’ve found this dream as many times as I have.”

Her brow dramatically furrowed. “What do you mean?”

He gently smiled at her. “Nothing. Perhaps one day we shall find each other when we are awake.”

The blurred edges of the dream rushed upon them before she could question him more. Leaving her this way wasn’t as bad as diving over a cliff after her, but Silver still couldn’t help feeling a bit of resentment. Why did his signature spell have to connect him with this girl he had never—and may never—meet outside a dream? Silver’s eyelids rapidly fluttered open.

Father blinked down at him with a severe frown. Silver squinted up at him. He could hear Sebek complaining not far from them, but the other boy quickly quieted at the rumble of Malleus’s voice.

Father abruptly smiled. “Welcome back! I’m sure you enjoyed your short nap. If only the firewood had chopped itself while you dozed. What a pity it’s still sitting there whole.”

Silver blinked but didn’t need to be told twice to return to the chore he had begun before dozing off earlier. He didn’t mind the sound of Sebek’s voice complaining about having to search for him, hearing the concern buried deep in the cracking tenor of his maturing voice. As he chopped the wood and later carried it back to the cottage, he couldn’t help but linger on the memory of the blonde girl and her dancing sabre.

The next night, he didn’t meet the girl in his dreams. Nor the next night, or the night after. Nearly two years would pass before he (literally) bumped into her again on the campus of Night Raven College during Halloween. Her face had lost all traces of whatever was left of baby fat, and her body had gained a few additional curves he didn’t remember seeing before. His breath stuttered when their eyes met.

She squeaked and ran from him just like she had in the first few dreams they met. Despite losing her in the crowd, Silver wasn’t able to stop smiling. He had found his dream girl, which meant she had to give him her name.

He could wait until she was comfortable speaking to him again.

#twisted wonderland #twst #silver #original character #silver is a cinnamon roll #and phyllis doesn't really know what to do with him #but he's good for her anyway

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of-canes-and-manes · 1 year ago

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005: Coming Back From Covid

It took nearly three years of the pandemic and two near misses, but I finally caught covid in mid October. I still haven’t figured out how exactly it happened, as I only leave the house for doctor appointments and rehearsals with a local community band. But happened it did, and I’ve been out for the last month while trying to recover.

To be completely honest, I didn’t even notice I had covid at first. I had helped my mom move hay bales from the trailer into the hay loft on a Saturday morning, and paid no mind to the soreness in my body for the two days after that, nor to the difficulty I was having getting around. After all, that had been the first time I had helped with hay in some five odd years, as well as the most physical activity I had attempted since becoming physically disabled. It was entirely within the realm of normal symptoms for me to be physically exhausted, and I even considered helping with hay a success because I wasn’t anywhere near the amount of fatigue I used to experience from significantly less intense activities.

But the following Tuesday, I woke up at three in the morning drenched in sweat. I had spent the whole night tossing and turning, which isn’t unusual on its own, but never before had I woken up to soaked pajamas and bedsheets. As I stripped my bed and changed my sheets, it finally occurred to me that my symptoms were not just my usual post-exertional malaise from helping with hay; as it turns out, night sweats are a symptom of covid, and I tested positive that evening.

And so, that was the first day of what became three weeks of quarantining.

Truthfully, I enjoyed my quarantine, especially that first week before I began feeling symptoms above and beyond my usual chronic fatigue. Despite my best efforts, I had been rapidly approaching burnout territory via trying to do too much, even after I had already pared down my life to better suit my disabilities in August. I was just still stuffing too many activities into every day, vying for a sense of satisfaction I hadn’t felt in weeks, and rather than feeling fulfilled, all I got was misery.

So when I ended up hyperfixating on a new fandom right at the beginning of my quarantine, I finally allowed myself to stop and rest. I spent every waking moment of those first nine days reading fanfiction, and I made it through a million words by the time I started feeling sick. Even once I began feeling symptoms, I continued reading, and I ended up having not only the time of my life, but the break I so desperately needed.

The feeling sick came about a week after I tested positive, and once it did, it really hit me. I woke up sore all over, well above and beyond my usual morning aches and pains, and though I had been congested for a week by that point, finally my nose began to run. As I started going through a box of tissues every other day, my breathing got worse, until I felt like I had been swimming underwater. I stopped being able to brush the horses, and then I wasn’t able to keep up with basic self care, never mind all the housework I try to do.

A week and a half after I first tested positive, I had to go to the ER. It was a Thursday, I was still testing positive, and I felt worse and worse with each passing day. I had tried to get a hold of my primary care doctor, but never heard back. Luckily, the ER sent me home a few hours later with a steroid to help my lungs, but I still received instructions to return if I continued to worsen.

The steroid worked. After a week of that, I finally started feeling better, though the congestion stayed the same despite my best efforts. I was able to schedule a telehealth appointment with my primary care doctor a week after my ER visit, and was sent an antibiotic in the event that I had managed to contract a sinus infection. With the antibiotic in my system, the congestion began to improve, then returned to normal. I was finally, blessedly feeling almost entirely normal again.

It’s now been over a month since I first tested positive; I’m once again negative and no longer actively sick. My breathing is normal and all things considered, I’m back to my pre-covid health. But I’m feeling a fatigue that isn’t anything like the usual chronic fatigue I’ve experienced since 2016, and this fatigue has slowed me down something fierce. I still haven’t been able to get back to brushing the horses regularly, I haven’t ridden in weeks, and I have yet to figure out how I’ll prepare my garden for winter.

I’m hoping that with enough time and rest, I’ll regain the stamina I had pre-covid. In the meantime, I’ve been exploring hobbies and interests that I hadn’t before had the opportunity to, and discovering more of myself along the way. I thought that if my capacity for activity was reduced any more than it had been before covid, I’d lose everything I ever held dear. It is with great pleasure that I can say that that didn’t happen, and I’ve even found that I have no desire to return to the hectic life I had prior to catching covid.

That said, I’m very much so looking forward to the day I can get back on Tim and resume riding! It will come, hopefully sooner rather than later, but whenever it does, I will be ready for it.

May your day be filled with peace and joy

#of-canes-and-manes #actually disabled #text post

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firelord-aub · 9 months ago

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Sooooooo. I'm late to the voting part, but I wanna drop my number bc it's funny. To preface this, I have cleared my history before, and I made my account in November of 2019. I don't remember the last time I cleared my history, but it was probably sometime in 2021 or 2022. (Buckle in, I did some math here my dudes)

My history is currently 1020 pages long. That comes out to roughly 20.5k fics. And if I work with the general assumption I will be that I read about half as many fics in the last two years as I did in the first three of my account being open, I probably at least doubled that number when I was still deleting my history. I think I was averaging somewhere around 20-30 pages of fics each week when I deleted the history on Fridays. Thsi varied obviously based on outside obligations, but 27-32 is the numbers I remembered seeing the most often while clearing it.

Doing the math for that fic-wise, and going for the mid range of that number in the poll at 30 (600 fics) a week for two years (we'll leave out the last two months of 2019 for ease here) that comes out to about 62.4k fics in those two years. Adding that to the number currently in my history we get about 83k fics, that I might as well round up to 85k because I genuinely can't remember when I stopped deleting my history and there's the extra two months in 2019 I just cut out.

Now, adding a bit more math into this, I'm cutting that number into thirds, because let's be honest here, I only actually read about a third of the fics I click on. The other two thirds either get dismissed within the first chapter due to reading incompatibilities or a lack of interest in the actual story. That gives me about 28.3k fics read in just over 4 years.

Now that's a lot of fics. When I was backing up to calibre (I still do sometimes but I don't feel like pulling out my old laptop to check my numbers) the backup was somewhere close to 40k fics, but I can bring that back down to 30k pretty easily when I know there were several series in there that were very long and had several fics that I wasn't interested in, nor wanted backed up at all, but it was easier to grab the series than pair it down manually when backing it up, so I'd say that's pretty damn accurate for that number.

I have 2041 bookmarks on my account, but I also have a few collections saved that would count towards that and several of the bookmarks are series with anywhere between two and I think 289(? I'm pretty sure there's one that's in the 1000s but I can't place the name right now so I don't want to count it right now). Not all of my subscribed fics are bookmarked either which raises that number even more.

Anyway. I read a lot of fics. And if I'm not bullshitting right now (which I'm fairly confident that I'm not? Sometimes I pull numbers out of my ass without realizing it though) "a lot" means about 30k, or about 7.5k a year/20 a day.

Which... actually sounds like a shit ton written out in simple numbers, but I suppose I tend to read several oneshots in a day and they usually average between 4 and 10 minutes of read time, so getting through 20 of those in a day wouldn't even take two hours. And that's not even talking about the series that are just longfics but the chapters are different fics instead. Realistically if we're talking how many stories I read in a day it's probably closer to two or three assuming I haven't gotten lost in a longfic that takes me a week to finish.

#fanfiction #ao3 #archive of our own #ao3 history #tumblr polls #polls #i regret nothing #this is how i cope

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seijorhi · 4 years ago

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Pretty Young Thing

A yandere Erasermic commission for an anon, I hope you like it bby!!

Aizawa Shouta x reader x Hizashi Yamada

TW non-con, breeding kink, pregnancy, surrogacy, pregnant sex, smut, age-gap, nsfw

“Don’t you think she’s a little young, ‘Zashi?”

“It’s up to you both how involved you are during the first stages and the overall pregnancy. Normally we suggest an initial meeting with the potential surrogate for all three of you to get a feel for one another and decide if you want to proceed with the arrangement, but should you wish, we can–”

“No,” he interrupts, sparing Hizashi a fleeting glance. “We want to meet her.”

Beneath the desk, his husband squeezes his hand.

Hizashi quirks an eyebrow, pausing midway through fixing his hair in the mirror. “Whaddya mean, babe? She’s in her twenties ain’t she?”

He’s not wrong, but that’s not the issue. They picked you, they both picked you, but there’s this lingering unease that he can’t seem to shake. It’s not so much your age specifically, he knows that you’re only a few years younger than the majority of the other women whose profiles they’d seen – you’re old enough to understand what you’re getting yourself into and agree to it, at any rate – it’s just that he doesn’t quite understand why somebody your age would want to do this.

And there’s something different about you, it’s just a feeling of course – he hasn’t yet had a chance to confirm his suspicions, but he wants to meet you and decide for himself.

“We do have a number of potential surrogates with promising Quirks if you’re considering pursuing that option for your child,” the Doctor told them, smiling as they flipped through page after page of profiles.

Hisako, 35, Quirk: Sun-flare

Nozumi, 26, Quirk: Mimic

Koharu, 28, Quirk: Seismic Wave

Chiyoko, 33, Quirk: Golden Whip

Yuzuki, 32, Quirk: Silencer

There’s dozens of them – which is more than he expected.

Aizawa knew coming in that this wasn’t normally the process, that this agency catered specifically to Heroes – was recommended by the Hero commission – but it still feels strange, just browsing through pages upon pages of potential candidates to carry their baby.

Was he supposed to be feeling some kind of emotion looking at these profiles? The women were all healthy, each of them attractive, in their own ways (nothing but the very best, the Doctor had reassured them with a smile). This woman, whoever they picked, she’d be carrying their baby, yes, but that was the extent of it. She wasn’t going to be a part of their lives beyond that, so what did it matter if she was nice or liked to cook or play tennis?

There were stats, of course. Their education and IQ’s and little snippets of history, but they were all impressive, otherwise they wouldn’t have been included. Were they supposed to choose based on their Quirk? One that might compliment his or Zashi’s? Quirks were troublesome things to begin with, and–

“Wait-wait, Shou, hold up,” Hizashi’s voice cut through his musings, long fingers wrapping around his wrist midway through turning the page. “Go back one.”

He does as he’s told, flicking the page back.

Y/N, 23, Quirk: N/A.

A lone eyebrow lifts. Quirkless, huh? A blank slate.

But that’s not what caught Hizashi’s eye.

“She’s kinda cute, don’tcha think, baby?”

It feels weirdly like a first date, nervous jitters and all – though he’d like to believe he’s better at suppressing that now then back when he was a teenager. Aizawa hasn’t bothered to shave, but his hair’s tied back in a loose bun and he’s pulled out a suit for the occasion – he’s even wearing a tie for fuck’s sake. Beside him, Hizashi’s ditched his usual leather jacket and ripped jeans for, well, nicer jeans and a button up floral shirt.

And then there’s you. Standing in the doorway of the cafe glancing around like a little lost lamb, he recognises you instantly from the picture on your profile, but the moment your eyes meet his he’s struck with the realisation that the picture didn’t truly do you justice.

Because you do look young (at least compared to their thirty odd years) and it might just be the hesitant smile adorning your face as you start to make your way over, or the charming little summer dress falling to your mid-thigh, swishing hypnotically with every step, but Shouta feels something catch in his chest the more he stares. You really are… what was the word ‘Zashi had used? Cute?

Yeah. You were cute.

The agency had offered to host this little meetup at their clinic, and while he hadn’t particularly cared one way or the other, Hizashi’d been insistent. He’d wanted this to feel ‘natural’.

‘I don’t really wanna meet our potential baby mama for the first time in some boring, sterile office, d’you?”

He’d only bitten back a sigh at the time, shaking his head. It wouldn’t have been worth upsetting him by reminding him that the girl was technically a glorified incubator. He had every intention of being involved in this process, but this initial meeting was to establish two things. Firstly, that after meeting them, you still felt comfortable with carrying their baby, and secondly, he wanted to make absolutely certain that you weren’t trying to get anything out of this.

Oh, he knew you were getting paid, handsomely, he’s sure, but the thought that you, or any of the women the agency had fobbed their way might not all be in this for altruistic reasons had crossed his mind.

You were just so young.

But he was more than happy to determine those two things in a ten minute meeting at the agency.

Hizashi was not, and so here they are.

Ten minutes in, and he finds himself glad of his husband’s insistence. Hands wrapped around your mug of coffee (you should enjoy it while you can) you chatter away with Hizashi, beaming and blushing, tripping over your own words in your nervousness.

You’re about as dangerous as a kitten, and he allows himself to relax enough in his seat to enjoy watching the blonde charm you.

“So why don’t ya tell us a little about yourself, songbird?”

“There’s really not all that much to tell,” you say with a sheepish laugh, but they listen as you talk anyway. It’s nothing the profile hadn’t already told them, nothing spectacular that would make you stand out in the crowd.

And yet, an hour and a half later, you’re trying in vain to distract him and Hizashi both so that you can slip your card in with the bill to pay for lunch, and Shouta finds himself oddly amused.

There were other candidates – ones with impressive Quirks, smarter than you, more accomplished than you, older than you–

“Ya sure you don’t want a lift, sweetheart? It’s no trouble.”

You smile again, demure little thing, and shake your head. “Oh no, really it’s okay. It’s not far and… I like the walk. Thank you, though.”

– but none nearly so endearing, he thinks.

And when they watch you disappear into the crowd, one final wave thrown over your shoulder, Hizashi’s fingers lace with his once more.

“So she’s our baby mama, huh?

He’s silent for a moment. “I suppose so.”

—

The agency recommended, at least in the initial stages before the implantation procedure took place, that any communication between the three of you should go through them.

Hizashi had your number programmed into his phone before you’d even left the cafe, and he’s been texting you every day since – to the point where it wasn’t unusual for Shouta to come downstairs and find Mic chuckling to himself, fingers dancing across the keyboard on his phone as he replies to whatever message you’ve sent.

Shouta, for his part, tends to message only to check in.

How are you feeling? Any side effects from the meds?

Your response comes a little slower than usual, and it’s almost an hour before finally he receives it.

Sorry they’re cracking down on us using our phones at work :(

Everything’s good so far! The doc said i should be on track for our appointment next week!

… is it weird that I’m a little excited haha?

His brow furrows at that. You hadn’t mentioned a job – at least not to him, he’d have to ask Hizashi later whether you'd said anything to him.

Why on earth were you still working? He’d seen the contracts, he knew exactly how much you were getting paid for this little venture, wasn’t that enough to support you?

He makes a brief mental note to make sure that whatever job you were working at, you stopped long before the baby was due. You might just be a surrogate, but he’d be damned if his baby was put in jeopardy because you were needlessly exerting yourself.

Nevertheless, his expression softens somewhat as he reads the second part of your message. You were excited, hm?

Well, that made three of you.

Both he and Hizashi’d been willing to come along to the clinic with you – he’d even submitted a formal leave request to take the day off from UA, but the Doctor had assured him that it wasn’t necessary.

“The procedure is quick and relatively painless. She’ll be home within a few hours, and so long as she remains off her feet and doesn’t undertake any strenuous activity, she will be perfectly fine.”

It hadn’t sat particularly well with Hizashi who’d spent the afternoon huffing and complaining about the clinic trying to kick them both out of the process. That much, he expected – he understood it to an extent; the agency catered specifically to Heroes, most of their clientele probably had busy schedules (which was true in their case as well). There wasn’t a need for them to be present at such a minor procedure, even if it did hopefully mark the beginnings of your pregnancy.

What he hadn’t expected was the twinge of discontent he felt settle in his own stomach. The Doc might’ve preferred they stay out of this, but at the end of the day he really didn’t give a shit what she or the agency wanted.

So he messaged you.

Do you want us there with you?

He watches those three little dots bounce for almost a solid minute before finally your reply comes through.

No, it’s okay, you don’t have to come. The Doc said it wouldn’t take long and I don’t wanna be a burden for you guys

It’s not really an answer to his question, and he briefly wonders if Hizashi might be right about the agency interfering, but he’s not going to fight you on it.

At least, that’s his plan until Principal Nezu pulls him aside at the end of a staff meeting and tells him that he’s found somebody to cover his classes tomorrow if he still wants the day off.

“Ya gotta go, babe. One of us should be there for our ‘lil mama.”

He asks you what time your appointment is and there’s a surprisingly pleasant fluttering in his stomach when you walk through the clinic doors and catch sight of him sitting in the waiting room.

It’s a momentary surprise – you almost do a double take, but a smile lights your face and you ignore the receptionist in favour of racing towards him.

“Shouta, I thought you weren’t coming!” Your arms wrap around his middle, squeezing tightly.

He finds himself returning your hug – albeit somewhat stiffly – but he’s glad he made the decision to come. The Doctor wasn’t wrong, you’re only in with her for just under twenty minutes, and when you come out there’s a tremble in your legs, but you seem otherwise fine.

It goes without saying that he’s driving you home, though you try once again to beg him off.

Kitten, when are you gonna learn that so long as you’re carrying his and ‘Zashi’s child, they’re going to go out of their way to make things easier for you – whether you want them to or not.

Yet your quiet discomfort on the drive home doesn’t slip past his attention. Maybe it’s because he’s become accustomed to your nervous rambling, but there’s something odd about the way you’re sitting so quietly, fingers twisting in your lap as you stare out the window. He knows that if Hizashi was here, he’d be chatting your ear off, but he’s never been one to fill silence with unnecessary small talk.

Though he can’t exactly help the way his own mind drifts. Are you in pain? The Doc didn’t say anything about there being any pain, only that you should rest over the next few days, so it shouldn’t be that. Perhaps you’re just lost in your thoughts – it’s strange for them having a surrogate, he can only imagine what’s going through your own head now that it’s actually begun. He hopes that you aren’t having second thoughts, almost opens his mouth to ask before thinking better of it.

You’re entitled to your thoughts and feelings, whatever they may be, and if you wanted to talk to him about them, you would.

It’s not until the scenery outside starts to change and the fancy sky-scrapers give way to dingy apartment blocks and dilapidated buildings, crammed in together too tightly that he realises that it’s not discomfort that’s written across your face, but embarrassment.

This was your neighbourhood?

Shouta recognises it, and really he should have picked up on it earlier when you’d given him the address – he’s spent more than a few nights patrolling the area. It’s a hotspot, not for the high-class, dangerous villains plastered across the news every night, but thieves and murderers. Petty thugs who prey on the weak, those addicted, with nowhere else to go… you live here?

Surely with the money you’re getting from the agency, and your job on top of that, you can afford a better neighbourhood.

He glances at you out of the corner of his eye, watches as you all but shrink into your seat, and when you speak, your voice is little more than a whisper.

“You can just drop me off at the corner here.”

He pulls the car to a stop by the curb, and for a moment neither of you speak. He doesn’t know what to say, and judging from the way you’re nibbling on your bottom lip and glancing up at him, you don’t either.

“I–”

“Thank you,” you cut him off with a tight smile. “For coming today, and for… this. I-I really do appreciate it.”

The words aren’t quite sincere, but he only nods – noting the miniscule sigh that escapes your lips at the action. “Of course. Anytime you need us, just call, okay.” He waits for you to nod before continuing, “Do as the Doc said, rest.”

You all but scamper from the car after saying another goodbye, though Shouta waits until you’ve disappeared into the crumbling apartment block before driving off.

Maybe the inside is nicer, but he sincerely doubts it.

—

“You should’ve seen it, ‘Zashi.” The two of them are curled up on the love-seat, half empty containers of takeout littering the coffee table in front of them. “I just can’t figure out why she’d be living somewhere like that.”

The blonde frowns. He’d been messaging you throughout the afternoon, so he knew that the appointment had gone fine. It wasn’t that he expected to come home and find the erasure Hero jumping for joy, but the subtle discontent on Shouta’s face had been enough to make him pause.

“You’re worried about our ‘lil songbird?” he asks, pushing away just enough so that he could turn to study his face.

The short nod says plenty. Of course he is – even if you weren’t potentially carrying his child, you’re young, beautiful and far too innocent for your own good. In places like that, you were easy pickings, and you don’t even have a Quirk to protect yourself. His job requires him to assess his students’ strengths, their failings and weaknesses and their progress. He doesn’t need to see you in action to know that you wouldn’t be able to hold your own in a fight.

It bothers him.

“She’s not safe there.”

Hizashi hums, but instead of settling back against his husband’s side, he straightens up further. “Well, why don’t we go take a look-see, huh handsome? Make sure our sweet thing’s pad’s all safe ‘n sound, put your mind at ease. Whaddya say?”

As he stares into those imploring green eyes, Shouta knows that he should say no.

Concerned or not, there’s still a line, privacy that should be respected. He’s tired and this is the only night that they both have off this week. Your place is almost twenty minutes from theirs, and it’s already late – almost midnight. The list goes on, there are a thousand reasons that he should say no.

“Fine. Just for tonight.”

—

Two weeks later, the two Heroes receive a call from the agency; the blood test came back positive – you’re pregnant.

In the blink of an eye, at least to Shouta, this becomes startlingly real. You’re pregnant. They’re going to have a baby. Boy, girl, it doesn’t matter… You’re pregnant, and as his husband ends the call and yanks him by his collar into a fierce kiss, he realises how important this is.

How important you are, just by the virtue of carrying their baby.

They invite you over for dinner to celebrate, and while he’s never been one to flaunt the comfortable lifestyle he and Hizashi have, he does find it strangely pleasing to watch you wonder wide eyed through their apartment. He’d be the first to admit it’s big – bigger than they’d ever probably need, though with the baby on the way maybe they’ll finally be able to make use of all that extra space.

Mic grabs you by the hand, eagerly dragging you towards the nursery he’s already begun setting up. “Once I heard the good news, I just couldn’t wait to get started! Our little rockstar’s gonna have the sweetest crib, don’tcha think? Ain’t it amazing?”

He’s already started painting and there’s a wooden cot halfway assembled and the beginnings of a musical mobile pushed off to the side waiting for him to return to it. It’s hardly close to being finished, but you just grin, gazing at the mural he’s started on the walls. “It’s amazing,” you say.

“I knew ya’d like it!” he beams.

Shouta hangs back as Hizashi guides you through the rest of the apartment, chattering excitedly away. He likes seeing his husband happy, and somehow you manage to bring it out of him without even trying. It’s still early days but Shouta has to admit that already you’re more to him and Hizashi than he expected, or even anticipated. You fit well with them, seamlessly, as if you’d always been a part of their lives.

After dinner, they drive you home despite your protests, and Hizashi insists they walk you up to your apartment. You’re no doubt under the impression that they’re doing it to be gentlemanly, missing the shared looks between the two men as they pass the out of order elevator and tread down hallways with stained carpet and peeling wallpaper, ignoring the leering yellow eyes of your neighbour, peeking out from the crack in the doorway as they bid you goodnight, ‘Zashi squeezing you extra tight.

There’s an uncharacteristic hardness in his husband’s eyes as they both slip back into the car, “No way in hell are we lettin’ her stay here.”

On that at least, there’s no arguments from him.

—

Hizashi, unsurprisingly, is the one to bring it up.

The three of you are grabbing a bite to eat after your first ultrasound. This time, both of them had been insistent on being there, and he’s glad they were. Seeing that grainy image of their baby, hearing it’s heartbeat – strong and steady – had filled him with an emotion he’d never felt before.

It was happiness and excitement and wonder and awe all mixed up and wrapped into a gut punch that stole his breath away, and while Hizashi had burst into a loud fit of tears, burying his face in Shouta’s neck while reaching for your hand, he’d managed to keep his own at bay.

Mostly.

Regardless, you have little choice but to indulge them when they drag you out to one of the blonde’s favourite restaurants – on the proviso that they had you home in time to get ready for work.

“Songbird, there’s something the two of us have been meanin’ to ask ya.”

You perk up a little, hastily swallowing down your mouthful of food so you can reply, “Oh?”

He wonders if you notice the way your hand already instinctively drifts to your stomach, your barely there baby bump.

“Why’re ya livin’ in a place like that, sweetheart?” You freeze, the corners of your smile slipping, but Hizashi continues, “Ain’t the money from the agency enough? We know you’re working that other job as well… we just…”

Shouta can physically feel you tensing like a bunny caught in a trap, and he doesn’t know what possesses him to reach out, sliding a hand across the table as you pale, but you take it regardless.

“Talk to us. Please,” he begs. “We just want to understand what’s going on. You have to realise that it’s not exactly a safe neighbourhood, and it’s not just you we have to worry about anymore.” Dark eyes flicker pointedly towards your stomach.

It’s a dirty tactic, but that doesn’t mean it’s not the truth. Did you realise how much danger you were truly in? Not just from the common street thugs – though frankly he thinks it’s nothing short of a miracle that you’d managed to get this far unscathed – but any number of villains with a grudge against either one of them, or Heroes in general. If they found out a pretty, quirkless thing like you was carrying their baby, how long do you think it would take before they tracked you down and kicked through your door?

Your eyes flicker between the two of them, and you swallow shakily. “I-it’s…” you break off, taking a deep, steadying breath, “It’s all I can afford right now.”

“But, hun, what about–”

“I know,” you say. “The money for the surrogacy isn’t for me. It’s money I owe.”

Neither Hero speaks a word as you talk, telling them about your uncle, the man who raised you, how his business went under a few years back and you both lost almost everything.

Shouta isn’t surprised to find out that your uncle turned to loan sharks when the banks turned him away and threatened to take your house. Alarmed at the man’s blatant stupidity, yes, but not surprised. Your eyes start to water when you tell them about how he died a few months back – a hit and run – and the visit you were paid only a week later, informing you that your uncle’s debts were now yours, and payment had better come through quick.

Your hand’s trembling in his by the time you finish. “I-I’m sorry, I didn’t have any options, I didn’t know how else to get the money, and they said that i-if I didn’t pay up, they-they’d–” a sob catches you unawares, and once again it’s Hizashi who’s out of his seat and at your side in a heartbeat, sliding into the booth beside you, pulling you into a one armed embrace.

It’s his eyes that you meet, and Shouta understands. He doesn’t need you to explain what threats were made. You were scared, terrified probably, and you had every right to be.

“I didn’t know what else to do,” you sniffle. “I’m sorry for lying to you.”

Really, he should be furious. Disappointed at the very least.

“Move in with us,” he says instead, ignoring your sudden, startled intake of breath. “At least until the baby comes.”

He should be, but this works better.

—

It takes a little longer than he’d like to convince you, but the two of them wear you down and a few weeks later Shouta finds himself carting boxes of your things up into the spare room in their apartment.

Despite the fact that you’re pregnant with their baby, you’re terrified of being a burden to the two Heroes, but it’s because of the baby that you eventually relent.

They want to be close, involved. They want to know that you’re safe – and their apartment’s state of the art security system will make sure of that when they’re not home with you. They want to make sure that you’re not exerting yourself, that you’re eating the right things and not running yourself ragged at a job you don’t need, stressing yourself out needlessly and putting the baby at risk.

All of that’s true.

It’s just not the entire reason.

At first, he convinces himself that it’s for Hizashi, as well as his own peace of mind, but he’s starting to wonder if that’s the full truth of it. Because of course he wants to keep a close eye on the pregnancy – he knows that this can’t be easy on you. You have no family left, and if you have any friends then they’ve done an excellent job of keeping you at arm's length.

You have nobody but them, and it does bring him some modicum of peace to know that you’re just down the hall if anything goes wrong.

Hizashi adores having you there with them, having somebody else to cook for, somebody to come home to at the end of a long day. More than a few times, they’ve both returned from a night of patrolling to find you curled up on the couch, fast asleep with a blanket over your legs and a book slipping from your fingers, having tried, and failed, to wait up from them.

You tune into Mic’s radio show on the nights you can’t sleep, and on the odd mornings that you wake up before either of them, they come downstairs to find bacon sizzling away in the pan, a pot of coffee already brewing. There’s something oddly charming about the way you pout while you pour it for them, knowing you can’t have any yourself.

“You’re a special kind of masochist, ya know?” Hizashi teases, sidling up beside you to grab a cup.

You sigh dejectedly. “I must be,” you reply as he plants a kiss on your cheek and squeezes your side affectionately, but it’s impossible to miss the sparkle in your eyes. You’re happy here, with them.

Shouta warns you from pushing yourself too much, but even he can notice the apartment’s tidier when they arrive home than when they left, the freshly baked goods sitting on the countertop that weren’t there yesterday.

“I just… I know I can’t pay you back for all of this, I just wanna make myself useful,” you tell him one night when he asks about it. “I still feel like I’m taking advantage of the both of you, staying here…”

“You’re carrying our baby, that’s enough,” he reminds you, his calm, steady voice brooking no disagreement. And yet, as dark eyes study your face, he can tell that it’s not enough for you, so he sighs, and in a quiet voice adds, “We like having you here.”

He likes having you there. Sitting at the dining room table, helping him grade papers, lounging around on their rare days off together – helping Mic set up the nursery, volunteering to go shopping with them for baby stuff. He’s lost count of how many pregnancy books you’ve bought, pouring over them with a fine tooth comb late at night – often falling asleep in the process, leaving him and Hizashi to carry you off to bed with a barely there kiss to your forehead.

You fit between them in a way he hadn’t quite expected. Not a burden, not an interloper, but as if there was always a place carved out for you with them, and it’s only now that they realise that there was something missing to begin with.

It doesn’t quite click until he finds his thoughts drifting towards you at work, his fingers drumming along the top of his desk so he can stop himself from reaching for his phone. He’s not usually so distracted teaching, and as the hours drag he finds himself glancing towards the clock on the wall, counting down the hours, minutes, until the day is done and they can return home to you.

Shouta can’t pretend for much longer that there isn’t something oddly satisfying watching your belly grow and your breasts swell as your pregnancy goes on. You’re glowing, and soft and beautiful, and he could kid himself and say that it’s just the normal effects of pregnancy, but there’s some part of him that’s strangely proud when your shirt rides up and he catches a glimpse of your baby bump – knowing it’s his child you’re carrying. His and ‘Zashi’s and yours.

And oh, he wishes that it was only pride that burns through his veins at the sight of you, barefoot and pregnant, pottering around the apartment. Hizashi’s the one to hold back your hair and rub your back soothingly when your morning sickness hits, but it’s Shouta who takes care of you when you start complaining about aching muscles and joints.

He tells himself that it’s purely about comfort, namely yours, ignoring the way you flush and stutter when he drags you up the stairs and pushes you gently towards the bed, telling you to lie down on your side.

It’s just a massage, yet the moment his fingers run along your soft skin and a breathy moan slips from parted lips, the very last vestiges of the facade he’d built up in his head crumble into dust.

You’re perfection. Bared and beautiful beneath him, making the prettiest noises for him as he works away at your muscles, expertly releasing all of your tension. He’s glad that your eyes are shut and you’re lost to the bliss, you don’t notice the way his breath hitches and becomes rough and heavy, the way his cock twitches in his sweats, blood flowing south as you arc into his touch.

Such a responsive little thing, aren’t you?

“You’re amazing,” you moan, and though you can’t see that either, Shouta smirks. “Please never stop.”

It’s a good thing he has restraint, because it’s taking absolutely all of his to stop himself from taking more.

He wants all of you.

Wants to tease and taste.

Take.

Wants to hear those pretty fucking moans take the shape of his name… Hizashi’s name.

And maybe he might have felt guilty for those perverse thoughts, for the way he wants to tear the rest of your clothes off and fuck you nice and proper, breed you–

If his husband hadn't been standing by the door, watching the two of you for the last ten minutes. Shouta doesn’t need to look to know that it’s not anger or jealousy burning in his gaze.

He knows that his husband’s far from disgusted, knows it from the way Hizashi grabs his wrist on his way back down the hallway, pulling him instead to their bedroom and shoving him back onto the mattress with a wicked grin.

There’s something positively feral in the blonde’s expression as he hovers over him, forcing Shouta back down with a hand splayed across his chest, the other reaching down to his sweats to free his aching, needy cock.

“You’ve been holding out on me, baby,” he sings.

—

They have time.

Your due date is still months away, and you’re comfortable, here with them.

There’s no reason for you to consider leaving until the baby’s born, and Shouta is adamant about keeping it that way. Hizashi can huff and puff and moan all he likes, he knows that they have to take this thing with you slowly. He won’t risk spooking you and losing any chance they have.

That’s not to say that he doesn’t empathise with the blonde, what with all the affectionate hugs and touches you thoughtlessly bestow, the way you’ll plonk yourself down on the couch between them so they can feel when the baby’s kicking.

Hizashi’s gotten to the stage where he’ll drop to his knees to shower your stomach in kisses when he gets home of an evening before sweeping you up into a hug of your own, his face a mask of perfect innocence when he catches sight of his husband’s less than impressed expression over your shoulder.

Having you here with them, this little temporary faux family dynamic the three of you have found yourselves in is easy, domestic and nice. It should be enough, but it’s not.

“It’ll be weird, going home after this,” you hum absentmindedly one night.

Preoccupied with the noodles you’re toying with in your bowl, you miss the sharp look shared between both men.

“Whaddya mean, sweetheart?”

If you notice the odd stiffness to the words, you pay it no mind, simply shrugging. “I mean once the baby’s born. I dunno, I think I’ve become too comfortable here freeloading off of the two of you…” you glance up, smiling a little. “Going back to work and finding a place on my own again, starting fresh, it’ll be different, that’s all. Not bad different,” you hasten to clarify at the blonde’s nearly stricken face, “just… different.”

“Well it’s not like we’re gonna be forcing ya out, hun! You’re always welcome to jam with us for as long as you want.”

You shake your head with a rueful little laugh, “We both know I can’t do that. You’ll have the baby to worry about and the last thing I want is to feel like some awkward interloper, always getting in the way – especially after everything you guys have done for me.”

Hizashi’s fingers dig into the meat of his thigh, tightening with every word out of your mouth.

“No,” you say, shaking your head. “I’m not saying I’m never going to come around to hang out or anything, but once this baby comes I’m gonna have to figure out what I’m going to do with my life.” Your eyes meet his, wide and hopeful, and Shouta’s reminded once again of just how young you really are. “I can go anywhere, do anything. It’s kind of exciting, don't you think?”

It was a mistake, to think that you’d come around to them on your own.

You were young and naive, still living out a rose tinted fantasy where the world was your oyster and all you needed to do was reach out and take it. And maybe he’s partially to blame for that, taking your problems and getting rid of them, making you feel safe and comfortable, not realising that that security didn’t extend outside of these four walls, outside of their protection.

They need you, but kitten did you ever stop to think that you need them, too?

Shouta had made the mistake of forgetting how this all came to be – you hadn’t wanted a family, you were just trying to save your own skin. You still think that you can make it on your own, without them.

He supposes he shouldn’t blame you for your misplaced idealism, it’s only natural after all. Some people just don’t know what’s best for them.

They need to be shown.

—

You don’t stir as your bedroom door swings open.

Not as Hizashi pulls back your sheets, groaning softly at the sight of your swollen breasts and precious baby bump, stretching against the confines of your silk pajamas. “Ain’t she a fuckin’ dream, Shou?”

Not as the blonde busies himself in carefully sliding your sleep shorts down your legs, or even as Aizawa gathers up your wrists, pressing a kiss to each one, and binds them to the headboard with his capture weapon.

“Gentle, ‘Zashi,” he murmurs when the blonde crawls up on the bed beside you. “Nothing too rough.”

You wake as long fingers caress your cheek, tilting your face towards him so he can kiss you properly.

Shouta hadn’t bothered to turn on the lights, but bathed under the soft glow of moonlight from your window, he watches your eyes flutter open, the momentary confusion that flashes across your face followed by realisation, horror, as you try to jerk back and cry out–

Only Hizashi doesn’t give you the opportunity, winding his hand through your tresses and anchoring you against him, forcing your lips open so that he can deepen the kiss and groaning appreciatively when a terrified whimper escapes you.

You still haven’t noticed Shouta kneeling on the bed between your legs, too preoccupied by Hizashi’s tongue sliding against yours. “Relax, kitten,” he says, laying his palm on your thigh, letting his thumb glide over the smooth skin.

“Let us take care of our cute ‘lil baby mama, yeah songbird?” Hizashi adds, breaking away from the kiss with a lovesick grin.

Tonight is solely about you. Your pleasure, whether they have to tease it from you willingly or not.

Your tears are kissed away, your broken little pleas swallowed under ‘Zashi’s greedy lips as Shouta shuffles down the bed, nudging your thighs further apart so he can lie between them.

The keening cry that leaves you at the first stroke of his tongue against your warm sex is a thing of beauty.

Blood rushes to his cock as you writhe, and he tightens his grip as much as he dares to keep you locked in place as he delves in again. There’s little finesse to the way that Shouta eats your pussy – it’s a simple study of reactions; the way you gasp and shudder when the tip of his tongue circles your clit, the way your pussy clench and quiver around the muscle when he eases it inside of you, massaging your spongy walls.

Never one to be left out, Hizashi decides that there’s a better use of his attention than just your lips. With your arms bound, he’s not able to take your top off entirely so he settles with yanking it down, freeing your breasts.

“Fuck baby, you’re so pretty. Look atcha!”

Your tits must be tender and aching, because the moment Hizashi’s mouth envelops one of your nipples, sucking at the pert nub, a fresh sob bursts from your lungs and you’re trying desperately to wriggle away.

Hizashi just frowns, breaking away for a second to brush a stray lock of hair back behind your ear, “Ah shit, sorry babe! I’ll be gentle, promise.”

Shouta’s far too preoccupied by the intoxicating taste of your sweet cunt to notice whether he actually does or not, but he trusts him not to push you too far. There’ll be plenty of time for that later.

Your baby bump is cute and all, but Shouta wishes that it wasn’t blocking his view of your face – he wants to watch every little expression as he slides two thick fingers into your dripping cunt and your hips buck up to meet him. It’s a twisted kind of pride he feels, pride fused with filthy, maddening pleasure as he pulls a string of choked moans from you with just a few shallow thrusts of his fingers.

His jaw’s slicked with your juices, your cunt sucking his fingers deeper when he turns his attention back to your poor, neglected clit. He can tell that you’re close, not just from the needy whimpers and the way your muscles are tensing beneath him, but the desperate canting of your hips, rocking up against his face even as you beg for relief.

“Shouta, Shouta, please– oh god, please stop, p-please!”

He longs to wrap a fist around his throbbing cock, desperate to help relieve the burning ache deep in his gut as you cum for the first time on his tongue. Or better yet, maybe have Hizashi wrap that perfect mouth of his around his cock and suck him off–

But now’s not the time for him to be greedy.

Rough fingertips prod at your walls, searching for that hidden little spot that’s gonna make you go wild–

You almost convulse when he finds it, and Shouta can’t help but smirk against your cunt as you tighten and quiver around his digits. With Hizashi playing with your tits, pressing hot, open mouthed kisses along your neck, Shouta’s lips wrapped around your clit, tongue flicking at the sensitive pearl as he suckles on it and long, thick fingers driving you to madness with each and every stroke, it’s too much for your poor, pregnant, oversensitive body to handle.

You cum with a strangled shriek, and Shouta almost moans at the flood of juices that gush from your trembling cunt onto his waiting tongue.

“How’s she taste, baby?” Hizashi asks, green eyes blown wide, his own erection straining against his leather pants.

Shouta doesn’t waste a beat, pushing himself up with one arm and grabbing his husband’s wrist with the other, yanking him into a fierce kiss – letting him taste your honeyed juices on his tongue.

Fingers tangle in dark locks, tugging him closer, and ‘Zashi lets out a low, throaty groan. It’s rough and eager, a slow burning frenzy that makes the blood in his veins sing with excitement. With their lips still locked, the blonde hastily yanks at the zipper on his pants, freeing the painfully hard member with a tight hiss.

But when he finally does break for air, it’s not Shouta that he addresses, but you, lying spent, crying and breathless between them, beautiful in your fucked out state.

“You can’t expect to put on a show like that and not get me all worked up, sweet thing,” he coos, taking his flushed, throbbing cock in hand and giving it a few slow, cursory pumps. “I’m gonna fuck ya so good, baby – have you singin’ like a little birdie for me,” his eyes meet Shouta’s, a wicked smirk tugging at his lips. “Nothin’ but the best for our cute ‘lil wife. Whaddya say, songbird? Lemme make you feel all nice and special, yeah?”

#yandere bnha #yandere shouta aizawa #yandere hizashi yamada #yandere erasermic #yandere shouta aizawa x reader #yandere hizashi yamada x reader #shouta aizawa x hizashi yamada x reader #tw non con #tw pregnancy #tw breeding kink #tw age gap #oh my god it's like 5am why do i keep doing this to myself

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outoftheframework · 4 years ago

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my proposal for tropes we as a fandom should adopt in all fanworks going forward: Duke Thomas edition

So every fandom has tropes and characterization quirks that have been generally accepted into fanon and, like, maybe? they were originally based on some obscure comic panel from the 80s or something but it doesn’t really matter because we’re all just,,, cool with it? Like for example- in the dc comics fandom, an art piece could show 3 of the bats that look virtually identical except one of them is holding a box of cereal so that one is obviously Dick Grayson. . . Y’know?

Anyway, these things usually come up naturally I guess but I’ve been here a while and it’s finally time to put my foot down. It’s high time for Duke Thomas to be more in fanon than “the sane one.” Because he might be the relatively new guy but he is certainly fears no gods or laws of the land just as much as the other bats, lemme tell ya.

TL;DR here are character quirks (”canon-based” or otherwise) that we should all really latch onto seriously I’m begging y’all to make at least one of these happen-

Duke “Habitually Jumping Out of Moving Vehicles” Thomas

This one’s actually based in canon y’all; Duke did indeed yeet himself out of the back of a cop car and off of a bridge (in We Are... Robin). Normalize Duke’s wearing knee and elbow pads as Signal because jumping out of a car turns out relatively fine once and then suddenly Batman’s rooftop disappearing act seems mellow compared to the amount of times Gordon has whipped his head around to see a now Signal-less backseat.

Like, he’s going 60 mph?? And he didn’t even hear the door open?? and tHE DOORS ARE STILL LOCKED??

Imagine this leaking into civilian life and Bruce waking up to a blurry photo of Duke mid-escape from a limousine on the front page of the Gotham Gazette.

(more under cut)

Duke “Puzzles are my Passion” Thomas

Duke is ~canonically~ very skilled at both solving and concocting riddles (as a child during that time where The Riddler just,,, controlled Gotham, he worked non-stop on riddles, trying to make the perfect one). Please y’all- let Duke solve puzzles. Have the other bats ask him for help after 36 hours straight of brooding over some brainteaser that Duke works out within the half-hour. He texts a picture of the solution scribbled out on loose leaf in the margins of his pre-calc homework because this boy shows his work.

My guy is a word-cross FIEND. A mind-sweeper speed-runner. That guy who mails into the Gazette to correct a solution in the “fun & games” section and also ps that photo is not of me I am simply a polite young man who is much too busy writing into the paper in the year 2021 to jump out of limos-

I also would love to see this integrated into the type of cases he investigates / runs into on his daytime patrol. Like, obviously the criminal activity is going to dramatically differ before and after sundown, but that doesn’t make Duke’s work any easier or less important. It’s a different skillset; he has to work differently. Instead of jumping into fights, halting mob meetings, saving civilians in dark allies, etc. Duke has to sort through all of the moving pieces before they all converge into something catastrophic.

It’s a known fact that criminal organizations in Gotham make and execute a lot of behind-the-scenes plans during the day specifically not to run into the bats. And Duke knows and monitors this shit all by himself; his work is crucial to logistics and information gathering for the bats as a whole. Now criminals have like, a 2 hour gap between bat-shifts to try and get stuff done. But Duke would 100% set traps on timers or lead them on this pre-set convoluted goose chase to distract them until the night bats come out and to let himself enjoy the whole thing playing out on the news while he finishes homework that’s due at midnight.

Duke “I Know a Guy” Thomas

So in going off of the basic concept for the “We Are. . . Robin” run in combination to his general likability, Duke has a lot of friends all around Gotham. Okay, sure, he doesn’t have a Super best friend or a Speedster on speed dial, but he does know this guy who details cars up on West 35th and will tell them all about the new mods on Black Mask’s transport vans if they come through the third floor window and bring takeout.

Bruce and Tim will be waiting for the facial recognition software to identify at least a partial match off of security cam footage when Duke pulls into the cave, takes one look at the screen, and says “Oh, that’s <insert name, address, abridged life story, and known associates here>.” This also brings in the opportunity for Duke to have some sort of perfect recall for faces, voices, names, etc. which I think could be a really cool element for his position as the batfamily member who has a lot more personal interaction with the people of Gotham.

I’m also into the idea of a lot of people knowing/telling stories about Duke. Not to reference the Chuck Norris meme but almost like the Chuck Norris meme lmao. Think about Jason mentioning his brother to someone and she replies, “Duke Thomas? Like that Duke Thomas? The one who swam across the harbor because he said it’d be faster than the subway and it actually was?” These stories have varying levels of truth to them but Duke will never confirm nor deny when he gets random calls from family members yelling “you dID WHAT”

So those are my top three, and the following is a little speed-round of headcanons :)

Duke has a super expressive face. Like when he’s relaxed around family, you can tell exactly what he’s thinking and how he’s feeling by his visual reactions to things

Duke rotates through picking up new and revisiting old hobbies at a pretty rapid pace. Some hobbies include: bullet journaling, origami, viola, cello, synth, conversational basics in multiple languages, up-cycling and embroidering clothes

Duke has a really fucking adorable smile. He can’t help it. He’ll try to grin sarcastically or smug to be annoying but his smile just cannot be anything other than endearing. He also has a very specific booming laugh that’s an absolute treasure to hear, because it’s the most genuinely happy thing ever.

Duke unironically enjoys Signal by Twice even though the first time he heard it was after Steph had set it as his morning alarm.

So.

Come and get your food, I guess.

Feel free to add on if you’d like! I’d love to see anything you guys write/draw/etc. based on anything from here if you feel compelled to do so!

Stay safe and be well :)

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aspiring-writer-hidden-voice · 2 years ago

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First Kiss: Shoto Todoroki!

A/N: Hey, everyone! SA here with a mini head canon (sorry, I’m still getting used to all of these new terms so hopefully I’m using it right!) that I think you’ll like! This little series is called “First Kiss” that will feature different pairings with the reader (fem!): first up is Todoroki! As always, please let me know what you think!

F!Reader x Todoroki; pronouns are “She/Her”; Your Quirk: “Sweetheart” where anything you cook comes out sweet no matter the dish. Age: All characters are 18+

Warnings: Fluffy fluff!

You shift your weight from side to side, hoping to bring some sort of life back into your legs that had steadily grown cold despite the careful consideration of outfit you wore; knee length skirt the color of chocolate, sweater leggings that were pure white with gray patterns of snowflakes, thick cushion lined beige boots that reached your mid calf, a simple long sleeve with scattered gingerbread men but that was hidden by the near parka style coat that protected your upper half from the chill in the air. A hand rose to swipe a fallen strand of hair, taking a moment to survey your reflection in the nearby bus stop booth to make sure that it was tucked within the red headband that you sported. Normally your hair was up in a simply ponytail but not today! You’d even curled it at the ends so that your highlights were on display! Not only that but your makeup was a bit more than the usual foundation or mascara. The several video tutorials you’d looked up had helped you achieve a festive Christmas look that wasn’t too over the top but more subdued than what they had suggested and couldn’t help but smile when tilting your head to admire the candy cane inspired eyeliner that you had painstakingly applied.

“Are you ready?”

With a shriek, you spun around to find the person you’d been waiting for calmly standing behind you as though it was the most natural thing in the world. Shoto Todoroki blinked as he took in your appearance, at first a bit surprised at how different you appeared today than the others when you had met up for outings such as this one, but he made no comment as you smiled brightly up at him. “You must really love the coming holiday, (L/N).”

“That’s not the only reason I’m wearing these. You forget that white and red are my favorite colors. It just so happens to be the same ones used most often during this time of year.” A small pout made to dip the corners of your mouth but you forced them to remain upwards. “What do you think? The ribbon earrings you gave me I mean. Do they look okay?”

His duo eyes blinked as they rose to your ears where the petite bows could be seen. “They’re fine.”

This time you did let the smile fade from your face with a sigh. Classic Shoto. You honestly should’ve known better since he’d often reacted in the same way whenever you wore something new or asked his opinion on something.

“You’re hair is different.”

Your lips parted but they became a quivering mess as he leaned down into your personal space, his bare fingers carefully collecting a few strands of your hair to bring them closer to his face as if he were studying them. He was so close that you were sure that he could hear your hammering heart that was attempting to burst out of your chest cavity. The shock however ebbed away into something else the longer he remained close with your hair lightly wrapped around his fingers. Pink slowly entered your cheeks when he came closer with a small step, almost making you reflexively want to retreat the few inches that he’d taken up, but you forced your legs to remain locked even when the softest of smiles lifted the corners of his mouth.

“I like it but your ponytail showcases your face better.”

A near audible crack sounded as his words permeated your being. It had taken you hours and several hair products to get these curls right so anger at first threatened to boil your blood but then it simmered instead. “My face?”

He nods while releasing the tresses of hair he held, retreating the step he’d taken. “I like its shape.” A tilt of his head directed your attention to the nearby twinkling light display that had brought you both here and began walking once you gave a nod.

Part of you was ecstatic at the interest he had in you, though it was a bit on the odd side but you’ve come to know him enough over the few weeks that you’ve been dating. Honestly it had been a surprise to you when he’d approached you back at UA in the Home Economics classroom. Your class was made of those whose quirks weren’t suitable for the hero line of work but would be handy in other areas that would assist in each forming a different career or style of living. By some miracle you had been one of the lucky few whose quirk aligned with your passion and you were on your way to being a successful baker. Quite frankly you only knew of the Hero’s Course thanks to the Summer Festival but you were over the moon when one of Class 1-A’s students began taking extra time to come visit your home away from home: the economics kitchen. It still made you smile when recalling the day that he’d first asked if you’d like to go somewhere with him. Was it pompous of you to consider it your first date? You certainly didn’t since he made it a monthly event of taking you somewhere to sample from local cafes.

Today was the first time you’ve gone out together where the focal point of the outing wasn’t on food itself.

The lights glittered and shone with near visible halos as you began walking through the poinsettia decorated tunnel. Every year the city would create a spectacle within each of the public parks where vendors of nearly every kind could showcase their wares to those who came to enjoy the showcase of lights. This was your fist time coming since your family wasn’t too big on large crowds and your breath that came out in clouds was nearly stolen away by each stunning display you came to a stop in front of. A large fountain with statues of various art centerpieces was turned off to save the plumbing from freezing over but lights had been fashioned in a way that made it still appear to be running as the two of you took a break to rest along its concrete basin’s rim. With the sun setting, the lights appeared even more spectacular as you gazed around in awe as more people began appearing.

“(L/N).”

A hand waved in front of your face, effectively snapping you out of the wondrous world that the surrounding twinkling lights had created, a sheepish smile raising your lips when finding him watching you with amusement. “S-sorry, Todoroki, I didn’t mean to space off like that.”

“You’re shivering.”

Your gaze shot downwards to find that he was indeed correct. When had that happened? A shake of your head deterred him from ending the outing early, not wanting to spoil the evening, but the sneeze that wracked your body practically gave away the fact that you’re body was craving something warm. A nearby beverage stand was serving hot cocoa so you directed his attention to it with a tilt of your head but didn’t make a move towards the stall when he remained where he was. “Or we can find something else?” Anger threatened to rise again when he denied every booth that you pointed out; warm cinnamon buns, cider, coffee, everything that was served hot he denied with a simple “no” until you were ready to throw up your hands in exasperation.

“I don’t want to drink or eat anything that wasn’t made by you.”

Did your heart just freeze mid-beat? A hand rose to press against your chest as heat tingled within your chilled cheeks. If anything it felt as though your heart was sprinting a marathon! Sure people had said that your treats tasted alright but never had anyone expressed such favoritism to what you made like this. “You really like what I make that much?”

His head bobbed in a nod, slightly turning his being to the side so that he was still facing you but also the display you’d come to a stop beside that resembled a fireplace. “Nothing else tastes as good when it’s not made by yourself.” A passing cab on the nearby street briefly illuminated his face for you just long enough to spot the hesitant expression he wore as he slipped the scarf that had been wrapped around his neck to instead tuck it within the collar of your thick coat. “Your hands are pale. Did you bring gloves?”

You barely had the mental capacity to shake your head no when his fingers collected your own. One hand was a bit warmer than yours but the other quickly heated to the point where his palm was casting a soft glow while he rubbed your hands between his own for a few seconds. Brief courage rose within you as he worked for a few seconds. “My cheeks are a bit cold too.”

Duo eyes blinked as he met your gaze, his briefly taking in the light cherry hue that had seeped into your skin thanks to the chilly air. The palm of his hand that corresponded to his quirk’s heat met your left cheek first before it followed the plane of your jaw to the other. Concern filled his facial features as he took a step closer to you. “Your nose is redder than that large man wearing a suit.”

“It is pretty cold out here,” you sheepishly giggled while smiling, “thought I had dressed well enough but guess not—”

Before you could comprehend it, his head had bent downward to press his lips against the tip of your nose.

Panic and adrenaline pounded through your system when finding that his eyes were carefully watching you despite the closeness, as if he were attempting to gauge if this action was being accepted by you, and you were thankful to have worn contacts today instead of your glasses as he retreated slightly. “T-T-Todoroki?”

“We should warm you up before you catch a cold, (Y/N).”

The sentence meant to assure him that you were fine was lost in a gasp as instead of his fingers or hand meeting your lips…his own descended to mold over yours. A squeak would’ve slipped up your throat courtesy of the warmer hand that found a resting place against the side of your neck, effectively trapping you against his being that suddenly felt like a heater against your own, but the shock gave way to bliss as the lids of your eyes drifted closed.

His lips were hesitant against your own but you couldn’t help but think that they fit so nicely. They alternated between light presses and firm ones, the hand resting against the side of your neck giving the lightest of squeezes whenever you mustered up the guts to return a press with one of your one. A tilt of your head caused his mouth to slip slightly but the motion elicited a soft sigh from the two of you when it resulted in your lips meeting each other’s fully. Your senses were tickled by the faintest hints of cinnamon as he parted from your lips to inhale but his lips met yours again before the warmth that had seeped into them dissipated, causing the ghost of a sigh to slip up your throat when his seemed to eagerly return to yours.

It wasn’t for several seconds that he finally released his hold as he leaned back, your eyes fluttering open just in time to spot his own cracking to reveal warmth filled duo orbs. Words failed you as he suddenly drew you against his chest in a sudden embrace. He was not one for displays of affection, let alone initiating them, but you quickly returned the hug when noticing how stiff he was. “I’m all warm and toasty now,” you soothed with a hand rubbing circles across his back, “thank you.”

Brief surprise filled you when he adjusted so that you were at arm’s length again, finding his cheeks sporting the lightest of blushes. “Can you say it for me? My first name I mean.”

“Kiss me like that again and I’ll think about it.” Horror filled you as his eyes widened with shock. “W-wait, that came out before I—”

“Spicy.”

You blinked. “Come again?”

“Sweet but with a hint of spice.” The fine hairs across your body rose as he drew you close again by the hand now resting against the back of your neck, your foreheads meeting with a light tap as his nose brushed against your own. All the tension was gone from his body as the fronts of your beings met, a gentleness that you’d never seen in his gaze stealing your breath away. “Best thing I’ve tasted of yours yet.” The tip of his nose trailed the length of your own in a nuzzle as he voiced his earlier request, as if silently encouraging you to consider fulfilling it.

A glance upwards brought to your attention the foliage that was hanging above your heads, earning a blink from him as you giggle before he too followed your gaze. “Mistletoe. It’s bad luck if the people caught underneath don’t kiss.”

He nodded with conviction. “Then we shouldn’t break such an old tradition, (Y/N).”

Warmth flooded your being the moment your name left his lips. Never had it sounded so wonderful coming from anyone else that it left you in momentary bliss. A part of you wanted to ask him to say it again but keeping him in suspense would be borderline mean. “I’m waiting, Shoto.” The teasing smile that had raised your lips dissolved along with a sigh as his mouth descended upon your own once more.

#bnha fluff #bnha #bnha todoroki #mha x y/n #bnha x y/n #bnha x reader #bnha x you #mha x you #mha x reader #shoto x y/n #shoto x reader #shoto x you #shoto todoroki

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copperbadge · 1 year ago

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em-bee-cee

Do you feel like this has helped your ADHD at all? Would you recommend it?

I hope it's okay that I popped this out into a reblog, because I would get way too wordy for a comment :D

It's difficult to say because it takes time and progress is tough to pin down, but yes, overall I'm pleased with it. I would recommend it because I really like it. However, some caveats to that...

The company says you may see changes in as little as two weeks, but it may take longer. Within the game, my "score" has risen from 36 to 61, but it's a new enough setup that it could just be measuring how much better I'm getting at the game (I've plateau'd at 61 for a while now). Each course is six weeks and their studies say most people see improvement, but I suspect major changes may take a couple of courses. I'm using it specifically to address emotional regulation, and while I've had bad days here and there they've been less frequent than they were a few months ago, but that could also just be the ups and downs of life.

I don't begrudge the half hour daily spent playing. However, the game is also not free; the base cost is $130 per year, and for me because of high taxes in Chicago it was closer to $150. I have the disposable income to drop on that, but not everyone does, and I don't know if something like an FSA would allow it (it's currently only available in the USA). There is a prescription version that presumably insurance would pay for if your psych prescribed it, but it's aimed at kids.

I am seeing some results. The most notable is that I need my headphones less; usually if I'm running errands, any time I'm not talking to someone I have earbuds in and music playing. It's a combination of blocking out sensory input and preventing boredom. About ten days into the "treatment", around the same time I hit the first goal the game set for me, I took my earbuds out to go through security at the airport and just...didn't put them back in, and didn't notice for half an hour, in a busy airport where I usually very much need my tunes. I can only chalk that up to Endeavor, since I've been on Adderall for over a year and it never had that kind of effect before.

Usually even if I'm just running downstairs to pick up my mail I'll bring my earbuds along for the elevator ride, and I don't need to do that anymore. I've also lowered my Adderall dose -- for most of 2023 I've been on 20mg once daily (it was 10mg twice daily in 2022) and now I'm down to 15mg once a day, because I simply don't need more. And this is super subjective, but I feel like I'm calmer in conversation -- I find it easier to listen to other people and I feel less urgency to speak.

So -- it feels like there's been a mild effect, and I'm monitoring for more significant impact. For the cost of a year's subscription you can do about six or seven courses -- you do six weeks on, one week off, then start again -- which averages out to roughly $20-$30 per course. I'll certainly keep posting about it; next Friday I'll have finished the first course, and I'll probably actually do a two-week break because of end-of-November stress, so early to mid January I'll have results from the second course.

But yeah, if you can afford it and have the half hour daily to spare, I would say go for it. And if you're curious about what the game "looks" like, you can see a couple of videos I've made of myself playing it here.

[ID: A screengrab of a phone app game, Endeavor OTC, showing three stats in a summary screen: Response Speed, which is rated as "okay", Selectiveness, which is rated as "needs work", and Concentration, which is rated as "good".]

Endeavor OTC recently updated, and I was hoping they were adding new worlds; I feel a bit disincentivized to continue now that I've "beaten" the game. You can't truly beat the game, because the point is to develop skills, but I've unlocked every world and all the avatar costumes I truly cared about.

They didn't add new worlds, but they did add new data; now when you finish a mission you get this summary that compares your performance to your overall score. I like this because I'm a data guy and very results driven, but I can see how it might be something they should offer an "off switch" for, given not everyone with ADHD wants to constantly be told how they're performing at tasks that specifically challenge their ADHD. ("Target selection" is a massive weak spot for me from my initial ADHD eval, so at least the data is accurate.)

I'm going to finish out the treatment, but I'm glad that they recommend a break at six weeks. I'm feeling "disincentivized" in general, honestly; I'm also changing tactics with my Duolingo Italian learning that makes it less fun, and getting tired of my other app games. My therapist asked if I could find something new to bump the dopamine, so I think I'm going to go back to doing diagramless crosswords, and I might fire up the old ukulele again.

First, though, I've gotta get through November, or at least finish off Endeavor. No dilettantism until I have the time and energy for it.

#em-bee-cee #sam has adhd #endeavor otc

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yostresswritinggirl · 4 years ago

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Genshin Boys would be Horrible as Disney Princes

Headcanon and Reader Perspective, Drabble

Sojourner Special (Followers Event)

Despite being the gentleman and sweethearts that they are, in the wrong hands, of badly aligned context and universal rules these boys can barely function as princes given their own ideals.

Diluc in Cinderella

Shortest one, oops.

Our Diluc would honestly be too busy for balls if we're doing this canonically, night time of all times. He's not your prince tonight, he's off somewhere doing Knight stuff...

If by chance you did catch him in the ball and he did indulge you with your dance until you escapaded at midnight, he's not gonna question it.

And since he didn't even REMEMBER your face, the next day just goes on as usual. No decree for searching the whole land for your foot or anything, it's just a normal day after a party.

"They left without a word, no name or promise, who am I to say no when they clearly don't want to stay?"

He's a gentleman. Too gentlemanly...

Childe in Sleeping Beauty

In this scenario, Childe embraces his knight-ness more than the princely aspect. I mean sure, he danced with you in the forest all so lovingly, sang along to your pretty lil voice. But when the prophecy came, his focus changed—

To the thrill of fighting a big ass green fire breathing dragon! Big woah, Childe had soooo much fun fighting it that he didn't even cheese it.

He lived for every hour of the fight and made it as slow as possible. Taunting, playing with his PREY- mid-fight the dragon would realize just how strong and horrifying Prince Childe is, but the entertainment had started, and the dance won't end until Childe wills it.

When he DID finally slay the damned thing, he'll come up to your quarters and stare at your sleeping body, and then think "Hey, if them being put under this spell gave me the fight of the century? What if ANOTHER dragon comes? That would be amazing!" No waking up for you, or the whole city for that matter.

Albedo in Frog Princess

You... You don't even get the chance to be the frog princess in here... simply because he himself REFUSES to change back to normal. You have never met a man so intelligent, much more a frog.

"I know of which you are not, I won't be fooled by cardboard crowns and secondhand dresses," you choke as he berates every fiber of your being, "It matters not, I still have much to learn about the life of an amphibian."

He disappears after that and you've never heard from him ever again, although at the back of your mind you're pretty sure he's a live and well, that bastard is too smart to end up as roadkill.

And well, you're right, he's out there in the world of frogs doing frog things. Triumphant over frog science and the other talking creatures he may meet.

He'll also find a way to revert himself back to normal, either making his own cure or just enlisting the help of a princess to bargain.

He might come to you upon the logic of marriage counting you as princess, but don't get too hyped, you won't be treated as his wife. He'd be too busy putting his frog research into paper...

Zhongli in Beauty and the Beast

A beast he may be, he's still dignified and elegant, upholding his end of the bargain so long as the other does the same.

Your father may have trespassed and have taken some flowers in his domain but well, really it's such a petty crime that can easily be solvable. And even if there needs to be punishment incured...

When you stumble to the mansion in search of your father, ready to take his place from his jail cell, you find him and the beast (ohh half-dragon Zhongles) by an elegant table drinking cups of tea with light conversation. Huh?

"There is no need to fret, your father and I are just discussing the terms of our contract. He spoke of his woodworks that I wish to commission in exchange, such good potential should not be wasted."

You can also, well, pay off things within contract? But either way, it would be hella awakward, he won't impose on your life and most certainly not about the curse when you had so much to live for.

Kaeya in Rapunzel

Little bitch, thru and thru. If Eugene is such a criminal, he's taking it TENFOLD.

He's not even gonna be the slightest bit trustworthy for you, little Rapunzel, because he raises so many red flags your frying pan wouldn't even be enough to threaten him. He probably has a really thick skull, and your resolve won't be able to smack that pretty face.

Bargaining won't work, he'd sleight of hand his way out and get the crown knowing you'd hid it in the pot immediately, and then just backflip outta there.

If you manage to get him to get you out, he's not gonna be of help either. Kaeya would be amused with toying with you, leaving you in the dark as you get scared shitless/dance around with some tavern criminals. Otherwise, ehh...

One way or another, he's gonna find a way to get you off his case. Either forcing you to travel with companions that's headed to the city anyways or forcefully knocking you out and heaving you back to your tower.

"You have a mother that never ages lock you up in this tower? Nu uh, sweetie, I'm not dealing with the dark forces of witchery when I'm already well off with the crown."

He got the crown.

Venti in Snow White

I'm sorry what? Free apples? Eternal sleep in a beautiful bed? He's gonna be glad to just take your place. (Spoilers, he would)

He'd be most definitely entertained with your dwarves, playing his tunes. You life would be filled with his lyre as he plays around, not even caring about the other implications of yours or his status in this woodland forest.

You ran away from home? Cool, freedom, man. Wish he could the same without jeopardizing the kingdom and his family. He'd probably take the apple too just for you~

During your rest, he'll come up with the most eloquent song to play for your seven dwarves as he watches your fate sadly. How peaceful you looked, away from the world and from the grips of death.

The dwarves would force him to please try and break the spell, and he'll shrug and indulge- except it didn't break the spell, as he expected it to be. And they are clueless on who else you had encountered in your life to even spare a true love's kiss.

"How saddening, the princess lays. Maddening to those around as they'd say, if only my kiss was enough for the curse to sway." You died, ouch.

Xiao in Mulan

Brutal. Brutal. Brutal. His voicelines would come in sooooo handy here, oh my goodness.

If you miraculously bypassed his analytical gaze enough to hide your sexuality, you're going to die in his training program. He's not gonna go easy on you, not when the fate of the nation lies upon your capability to keep up. You're gonna go through far worse than what true Mulan went through, and you may or may not just die in the process.

If by chance you survived, this would warrant enough respect to not kill you (oh, you lived) but you better not show up again.

He's never gonna be delighted to see your traitorous face again, he can save China on his own, thank you very much. And you know he can. Try and approach him, and a sword would be at your neck once again.

"Foolish gremlin, you think you had the right to present yourself after the treason you willfully committed? We won't crumble at the loss of one person, your job here is done." How sad.

Cyno in Little Mermaid

First of all, wack, mermaids exist! Sadly, that's nothing new for him. He knows a lot with that intelligent mind of his, so it would be no surprise that the existence of such mythical creatures doesn't make him bat an eyelash. He's been living near water, he's not that stupid.

With that in mind, your presence in your first meeting is going to be bad. Very bad. Cyno knows about sirens and he's not at all gonna fall for it, and if by chance he had known you before the ship was wrecked, he's probably gonna be veryyy keen in capturing you instead.

So if by chance you're stupid enough to interact with him and DESIRE to be on land with him, you're gonna deal with a lot of problems.

You're not getting that kiss easily. No, it's a huge challenge. He'd be repulsed in your naivety and will most likely be more concerned on your voice than ever. He'd be so kind to try and give a shot in helping with the cure but it's not the cure you needed.

He'll drown himself in every literature in full concentration just to see if there's any text he can find about curses and muteness. His curiousity would get the best of him, and you'll barely see him after you managed to explain your predicament without the need for words. Octopus woman doesn't even need to show up to intervene.

"A kiss? Surely not, such ailment won't be cured by fairytale methods." And then he goes back to his library once again. And you will be seafoam the next sunrise. Or was it sunset?

"So now that we've established these grounds," Exiled turns to the other two in the area, "Maybe, these boys would be better off as princesses."

And so the trio concocts a new type of fairytale, collaborated to masterpieces soon after.

@moaa @dandelion-dreams @witchsungie @zelos-simp @legionqueensav @snackgod @rxsalinee @cala-ran @wind-wheel @struggljng @ellitx @kookieyachi @dandelion-dreams

#genshin impact #genshin impact x reader #diluc x reader #cyno x reader #albedo x reader #venti x reader #zhongli x reader #childe x reader #xiao x reader #kaeya x reader #genshin impact headcanons #genshin impact imagines #exile.flower #exile.circlet #disney genshin #ajajjajajaja #this was made on impulse #sojourner special

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heyiwrotesomethings · 3 years ago

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Warmth

Bela Dimitrescu x They/Them Reader

A/N: Yes, I’ve contracted the RE8 fever, and a bit late at that, what about it? Anyway, hope ya’ll like it. I don’t think there is anything that I should have to warn any of you about but let me know if I’m wrong. Word Count: 2,176

Being the fire stoker for the Dimitrescu daughters was simultaneously the best and worst job in the castle. It was the best job in that the daughters saw them as too valuable to kill or maim since they did their job so well. It made the daughters actually quite appreciative of them. Worst because if (Y/n) were to, god forbid, let a fire die in one of the girl’s rooms, their own light would be just as quickly snuffed out for such an error. That appreciation could turn to devastating hate on a dime if they were to slip up.

Winter was the most critical season. (Y/n) was often running room to room stoking the fires of each daughter’s most favorite areas of the castle to keep the most desirable temperatures. Often times they would fall asleep in the halls outside of the most at risk rooms and jerk awake at the slightest drop in temperature. Lady Dimitrescu had caught them dozing off once and scared them terribly when they awoke. Luckily, the Lady simply rolled her eyes and continued on her way, but not before reminding (Y/n) how easily a fire could fizzle out without the proper care and consideration. A warning.

The castle was huge, (Y/n) wished to argue, it wasn’t their fault that the daughters and their favorite rooms were so spread out. They’d like to see the Lady tend to every fire all throughout the harsh Romanian winter and see how long she could go without suffering from exhaustion. Well, on second thought, could the Lady even get tired? (Y/n) shook their head and sighed, rubbing at their bloodshot eyes. Lady Bela’s room was next in the rotation so they made their way to her wing while checking the state of their matchbook. They’d need to visit the kitchens to get a new one soon.

As they neared Lady Bela’s chambers they noted a slight chill which made their blood run cold.

“No, it can’t be...!” They gasped, fully sprinting down the hall now. They somehow remembered decorum despite the frenzy they had worked themself into and knocked upon the door, announcing their presence before stepping in. Their heart dropped to their feet.

The fire had completely died and Lady Bela was shivering in her bed, only her golden eyes could be seen staring at (Y/n) from beneath the covers as they rushed to the fire place with trembling hands.

“I’m so sorry Lady Bela!” They apologized fervently. How could this have happened? They had the timing down to a science! They had gotten too comfortable as Lady Dimitrescu had suggested and now the eldest daughter was sure to kill them for their carelessness. “I’m so sorry, I don’t know how this could have happened! I swear I’ll fix this, you’ll warm up in no time!”

Soon enough, the fire was blazing, the snap of the wood causing (Y/n) to flinch back. They heard the rustling of sheets and saw a black silk nightgown in their left periphery before they scrunched their eyes tightly shut. This was it, they had outgrown their usefulness. They held their breath and waited to be dragged away by Bela’s sickle but the biting pain never came. Instead, they were enveloped in chilled arms and wrapped in a luxurious duvet. An Ice cold nose dug into their neck and made them flinch.

“You will warm me. Move before I allow it and this will be the last fire you tend to.” Bela shivered and chattered against (Y/n)’s neck.

“Y—yes Lady Bela. Of course.” (Y/n) replied, back stiffening as Bela moved curl up in their lap. It was a bit awkward considering she was taller than most, but once settled she seemed pleased enough.

They sat like that for what felt like hours to (Y/n). Enough time to make their legs cramp and back ache. If Bela didn’t let them go soon, they were sure they’d have more than one displeased Dimitrescu sister to worry about. Fortunately, Lady Bela seemed to have grown tired of them and rose from their lap with a sigh before languidly moving back to her bed.

“Move along little human, if you let Cassandra’s fire go out I can’t say she will be as merciful as I.” Bela informed, looking back at (Y/n) over her shoulder with half lidded eyes.

“Yes, of course! Thank you Lady Bela, I swear I’ll never let it happen again!” (Y/n) bowed deeply before running out of the bedroom, shutting the door tight and quick not only to keep the heat in, but to hinder Bela a moment if she decided to change her mind on being merciful. They ran down the hall like a bullet leaves a gun to tend to Cassandra’s fire next, praying it hadn’t met the same early death as Bela’s.

***

It happened again.

It happened again and (Y/n) was absolutely beside themself. They had never been so sloppy in their life and even if Bela wasn’t going to kill them they almost wanted to sickle their own shoulder for their ineptitude.

“Tell me, what did you promise me yesterday little human?” Bela taunted from the bed while (Y/n) frantically stoked the fire to a roaring blaze.

“I— I don’t know what to say Lady Bela, I am disgusted with myself. Truly, I’ve never—“

“Hush now.” Bela glared from the pile of soft covers. If she wasn’t a vampiric bug woman with murderous tendencies, the scene would have been adorable. But (Y/n) knew better than to entertain the thought for long. Then Bela stretched her hand out from beneath her mountain of blankets.

“Come, warm me little human.”

“Whatever you wish, Lady Bela!” (Y/n) nodded, giving the fire one last look as if to say, ‘behave!’ and then they quickly stood beside Bela’s bed. There was no time to be shy when Bela lifted the covers, (Y/n) dove right in and let Bela maneuver them however she wished.

Unlike the day before, this warming position was much more comfortable and so much more dangerous. (Y/n) could feel that they were starting to drift off in the luxurious bed. If they fell asleep here, surely they would not wake again. Well, that might actually be kind. Who wants to be awake for their death anyway?

“I can feel your heart slowing, little human. Perhaps you’d best be on your way before you succumb to sleep and leave another fire to die.” Bela whispered a bit snidely.

“Right!” (Y/n) shot up and fell out of the bed, scrambling to their feet and anxiously smoothing the covers back down, “Thank you again for your mercy, Lady Bela. I’ll do better!”

“See to it that you do.” Bela replied airily as (Y/n) left the room. They failed to notice the small smile curling Bela’s lips as she watched them go.

***

Two weeks. Nine out of the fourteen days Bela’s fire had died before (Y/n) could stoke it. Sometimes, it even happened twice in one day and (Y/n) was dangerously close to a mental break. Bela, miraculously, seemed to have the patience of a saint and had yet to kill (Y/n) for their failures, simply making the fire stoker warm her with their body before sending them away. Despite the circumstances that preceded the impromptu cuddling sessions, (Y/n) couldn’t help but enjoy every moment they held Bela close or visa versa. It was actually really nice. They would have been lying if they said they hadn’t felt an attraction for the eldest daughter growing within them as they became used to life in the castle.

That didn’t mean (Y/n) didn’t feel horrible though. Each failure, every shiver drawn from Bela’s body, hacked at them like an axe and it was only a matter of time before they became the timber for the next fire.

So they set out for today to go differently, they quickly stoked Daniela’s fire and the one in the library, as well as the parlor, before bounding over to Bela’s room to arrive nearly half an hour earlier than usual. They knocked, announcing their presence, before promptly opening the door. They were already halfway across the room when they glanced up, pausing mid step when they saw Lady Bela out of bed standing over the fireplace. She stared back with wide golden eyes, seemingly frozen in time as well if not for the trickle of water pouring from the small bucket in her hands.

The sizzle of the water meeting the hot wood drew (Y/n)’s eyes to the fireplace and they watched slack jawed as smoke billowed and the small fire drowned into nothingness.

“...what?” (Y/n) whispered, their eyes shifting back to Bela who had the decency to look thoroughly embarrassed before fruitlessly hiding the bucket behind her back. The unusually meek display from the eldest Dimitrescu daughter seemed to spark (Y/n) to speak further out of turn, though words did not seem to be coming easily to them as they just continued to say, ‘what’, only getting louder and sounding more confused and utterly flabbergasted with each utterance. Their arms gestured between Bela and the sodden, burnt wood several times before Bela finally groaned and tossed the empty bucket into the nearest corner of her room with a clatter and a dull thud against the carpet.

“That’s enough!” Bela said sternly, causing (Y/n)’s jaw to snap back shut. She stalked over to them and lifted them by their shirt, quickly pushing them back against a wall in such a way that left their feet slightly above the floor as their hands scrambled to hold onto Bela’s.

“You will speak about this to no one!” She hissed, a buzzing sound emitting from her chest.

“My Lady,” (Y/n) wheezed, “I won’t say anything I swear!”

Bela scrutinized them closely before lowering them back down with a shallow nod.

“Good. Now,” she cleared her throat sheepishly before turning back towards her bed, “light the fire.”

(Y/n) didn’t need to be asked twice, scrambling to their knees in front of the fireplace. As they replaced the soggy wood with fresh timber, their mind raced. Why would Lady Bela douse her fire only to demand it be relit? Why would she do such a thing when she was so susceptible to the cold?

Once the fire was blazing once more, they tentatively turned to Bela, watching as she sat on the edge of her bed and stared at her feet. If (Y/n) couldn’t know the motives behind such a play, they were sure to lose their mind. So, they tested their luck and addressed Bela who gave them a warning look.

“Lady Bela, forgive me, but why ever would you douse your fire? Lady Dimitrescu had informed me of how important it is that you and your sisters stay warm when she assigned me this position. And... well, please forgive me if I’m wrong, you seemed to have made a bit of a habit out of it...”

Bela clenched her fists and growled, making (Y/n) jump to their feet.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” They said, making a dash to the door only to bump into a wall of Bela’s flies. This had to be it. They should have just kept their mouth shut!

“Stop panicking, little human.” Bela sighed and finished reforming in front of (Y/n). The fire stoker nodded, but their heart still beated ferociously in their chest. Being told to stop panicking by a Dimitrescu was like a great white shark telling a bleeding seal in open water to do the same.

“I’m only going to say this once so listen closely,” Bela averted her eyes for a moment and bit her lip before focusing back in on (Y/n), “you’re beautiful... handsome? Pleasant to look at and very warm and soft, sweet. I can’t very well snuggle up to a fire without being burned so I... stop looking at me like that.”

(Y/n) had a cute little smile on their face that seemed to be growing by the second. Their eyes were bright and alert as they soaked in every word and Bela couldn’t stop the small smirk tugging at her own lips.

“If it’s cuddling you wish for my Lady, you need only ask. I do enjoy the time we’ve been spending together as of late. Well, minus the heart attacks every time I see the fire’s dead.” (Y/n) informed.

“Just please,” they added, “no more fire sabotaging. I hate to see you shiver.”

“Easy enough,” Bela hummed before pulling (Y/n) back to her bed with visible excitement in her eyes, “hurry now, you got here early today so we have extra time!”

Before, Bela had been rather stiff with her demands. It was like (Y/n) was warming a block of ice wary of melting, but now she all but flung herself at (Y/n) with no inhibitions now that her secret was out. She hummed pleasantly and (Y/n) wiggled in her hold while icy fingers trailed beneath their shirt to settle on heated skin. It was shaping up to be a rather eventful winter.

#re8 oneshots #resident evil oneshots #bela dimitrescu #bela dimitrescu x reader #resident evil village oneshots

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bbangsoonie · 4 years ago

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backdoor

member: jaehyun (hyunjae) genre: fluff (requested) word count: 3,120 synopsis: jaehyun has always been your rival. so when he bets that he could make you fall for him, you can’t back down and say no. but when you’re too confident, you let your guard done.

backdoor: a term used in league of legends; when you secretly attack the enemy’s nexus while they’re focused elsewhere. this is done by sneaking into the enemy base and taking them by surprise

Lee Jaehyun was the cockiest and most annoying person you had ever met. You would think that growing up as childhood “friends” would make you two close. After all, your parents were best friends with his parents.

But no, you and Jaehyun had been rivals ever since you were both enrolled into a tennis club as young children. You always had the upper hand until he suddenly hit puberty and became a lot more physically fit than you. Once he started beating you in nearly every match, he became your #1 enemy.

He had always been super competitive and made everything into a contest. Who could run to the car faster? Who could receive a higher score on the exam? Who could make the other lose their temper first?

With high school came his sudden increase in popularity. It inflamed his ego to the max, which irked you to no end.

Every Valentine’s Day, he would brag about all the gifts and confessions he received. And every White Day, he would compare the numbers to yours.

He was loved by the girls for being a casanova and admired by the guys for his athleticism and gaming skills.

You, on the other hand, could not comprehend why the entire school was infatuated with him. You had your eyes on someone else. Kim Sunwoo. He had caught your attention since the first day of freshman year. Now, as a senior, you were about to graduate without ever making a move.

You were too shy to approach him. You couldn’t even find a common interest to naturally bring up and talk about. All he ever did was make music and play League of Legends.

So you found Jacob during lunch and practically begged him to teach you how to play the game.

“Please please please?” you whined.

“It’s not that I don’t want to. It’s that I can’t,” Jacob said apologetically. “I have basketball practice every day. Besides, I haven’t played in almost half a year. I’m rusty.”

“I just need you to teach me the basics!”

“I’m sorry, Y/n.”

Sighing, you gave up and slumped in your seat. You poked at the food in front of you with a pout.

“Did I just hear the Y/n ask Jacob to teach her how to play League?” Jaehyun suddenly popped out of nowhere.

“Fuck off,” you rolled your eyes at him as you set your chopsticks down.

“You know, I’m the highest ranked player in our school,” he said smugly. You wanted nothing but to wipe that look off his face.

You ignored him and took a sip of your water. Jacob awkwardly glanced between you and Jaehyun as he tightly held onto his spoon. He could sense another argument coming.

“I can teach you if you want,” Jaehyun offered.

“I don’t want,” you coldly rejected.

“Of course you don’t,” he scoffed. “You’re too afraid to spend time with me because you might realize that you actually like me.”

“Oh please. There are a few things in this world that will never change. The sun rising from the east, the sun setting in the west, and my hatred for you,” you said.

“Well if you hate me that much, then let’s make a bet out of it. The first one to fall for the other’s seducing loses,” he smirked.

Still stuck in the middle, Jacob shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

“You don’t have to accept the challenge if you’re not confident,” Jaehyun shrugged, making you narrow your eyes at him.

A list of pros and cons was being made in your head as you contemplated the crazy suggestion. The logical part of your mind wanted nothing to do with him. You knew that stooping down to his level was childish. You had much better things to do than go along with his bet.

The competitive part of you, however, couldn’t bear to back down. You would have to deal with him flaunting over you and calling you a coward if you didn’t agree to this.

So you disregarded all rationale and crossed your arms with a curt “deal”.

The walk to school the next day was full of complaints as you whined about falling for Jaehyun’s trick and Kevin chided you for it.

“I don’t know why you thought it would be a good idea,” Kevin tsk-ed. “He makes your blood boil within seconds. How are you going to hold back from tearing him apart? Never mind flirt with him.”

“I’m already regretting it,” you groaned.

“Speaking of the devil,” Jacob coughed, nudging you.

You looked up to see Jaehyun waiting by the school gates. He was holding a bouquet of flowers and every girl who passed by whispered to their friend about it. To everyone’s shock, he walked up to you and handed you the flowers.

“So it starts now?” you stared at the roses. “You call this seducing?”

“I call this romantic,” he grinned.

Rolling your eyes, you handed Kevin the bouquet and walked away. He awkwardly chased after you as Jacob offered Jaehyun a pat on the shoulder.

“She doesn’t like roses. She thinks they’re cliché,” he said before leaving.

When the dismissal bell rang, Jaehyun was waiting for you outside of your classroom. Hushed whispers erupted again as your classmates tried to figure out why he was being so affectionate to you. It was no secret that you two never got along.

After gathering your belongings, you grabbed your backpack and left without sparing him another glance. Unfazed, he easily caught up to you and slung his arm around your shoulder.

“What? Are you wavering already?” he teased.

“Not a chance,” you scoffed.

“As a part of the bet, I can teach you how to play League. That’s what you wanted anyway. Think of it as killing two birds with one stone.”

You ignored all the incredulous looks you received with Jaehyun by your side as you left the school grounds. You didn’t realize that you weren’t headed home until you stopped in front of a PC Room. Puzzled, you stared at the building in front of you.

“I promised that I’d teach you. Our first lesson starts today,” he said as he dragged you inside.

Your brain was bombarded with a whole new world. You struggled to keep up as he rambled on about bots and gold. He was showing you a demonstration by playing a round but your inability to multitask made it difficult to understand what was going on on the screen.

“My main is Jace and I usually go jungle,” he explained and you pretended to understand by nodding. At your silence, he eyed your expression and chuckled.

“So is Sunwoo the reason why you’re suddenly interested in League?” he asked, catching you off guard.

“How did you know?” you gaped.

“You thought I wouldn’t notice your little crush on him?” he raised a brow.

You were taken aback to say the least. You didn’t think he paid much attention to you other than when he was bored and wanted to mess around.

“Anyway, he usually goes mid as Zed,” he shrugged. “To be honest, the best way for you to bond with him through the game is for him to play ADC and for you to be support.”

“As if I know what all that means,” you frowned.

At that moment, his character died and the screen went gray. You snickered, earning a light flick on your forehead.

“ADC stands for attack damage carry. It’s the champion who usually does the most attacking. They go in the bottom lane with whoever’s playing support. Supports are supposed to aid and heal the ADC. So you would follow and communicate with them.”

“Sounds complicated,” your nose wrinkled in distaste.

“Sounds fun,” he corrected before turning back to the computer.

The next day, Jaehyun surprised you with a small potted plant in front of the gates.

“Since you don’t like roses, I got you a succulent instead,” he said proudly.

Next to you, Kevin giggled and Jacob let out a soft “aww”. Slightly touched yet also slightly embarrassed, you took it from him in a hurry and stormed off.

“You’re slowly getting there,” Jacob laughed as Kevin shot him a thumbs up.

Smiling, Jaehyun watched as they ran to catch up with you. He heard you yell at them after what was probably a teasing remark. You then began to chase Kevin, who ran away shrieking.

After two weeks of spending hours at the PC Room after school, you were starting to get a hang of the game. You found Teemo, who you insisted was a dog (he’s actually a rodent), and gushed over how cute he is.

Jaehyun made fun of your champion choice and shook his head as he explained that Teemo was the most hated character.

“Why? He’s adorable!” you defended. “And I love the little eggs he plants.”

“For the nth time, those are mushrooms! Not eggs,” he exclaimed. “And that’s exactly why everyone hates him. He’s so annoying.”

“You’re annoying,” you shot back.

“Well, Teemo’s not an option right now,” he pointed out.

He was teaching you how to play Howling Abyss that day. And playing ARAM meant your champion would be randomly given.

“Oh! The cute cat is available,” you excitedly clicked.

“That’s Yuumi and that’s actually not a bad choice,” he nodded in approval. “You just have to attach onto me and heal me.”

You hated to admit that you had grown closer with Jaehyun. Only a couple of weeks had passed by since the bet and you didn’t completely despise him anymore.

He gifted you something small each morning, whether it was a plant or piece of bread. He was always waiting for you at the gates. Dating rumors were already circulating the school but you hadn’t forgotten about the bet. You were determined to win it.

Which was why you began to wake up earlier to put on makeup and even complimented him during games. It was easy to make him smile. All you needed to do was throw a lame joke in here and there and he would burst out in laughter.

It was almost suspiciously easy. He was too willing to respond to your advances and never put up a wall.

But that didn’t mean he didn’t get on your nerves. His antics still bothered you to no end.

On the way home, he insisted on feeding you ice cream instead of having you hold it yourself. Except he kept pulling the spoon back when you opened your mouth to eat it.

The first time, you gave him a dirty look. The second time, you punched his arm. The third time, you gave him the finger and walked off after a “fuck you”.

“Is that a threat or a promise?” he laughed.

Once again, you were reminded of how immature he was.

“So has there been any progress?” Kevin asked.

It was gym period and all the students were running around in the field. Jacob was playing volleyball with Jaehyun while you and Kevin were sitting on the sidelines.

“I don’t know,” you shrugged.

“It would be the best enemies-to-lovers trope if you two actually end up dating like this,” he commented.

“Never,” you snorted in disbelief.

You had seen Jaehyun ever since he was a snotty little kid. Even back then, he was a mischievous brat. There was no way you could ever see him as anything but that.

The teacher blew his whistle, signaling the end of gym class. You got up, dusted your pants, and skipped down the steps. Unfortunately, you landed wrong and felt a sharp pain in your ankle as you fell down.

After Kevin shouted your name, Jaehyun turned his head to see you on the ground. Without thinking twice, he ran towards you and asked if you were okay. When you couldn’t reply, he put you on his back with Kevin’s help and sprinted to the nurse’s office.

Your heart was beating fast but you couldn’t pinpoint the exact reason why. Was it because of the pain? Or all the attention you were receiving from your classmates?

By the time you reached the office, your ankle was throbbing and swelling up. The nurse was nowhere to be seen so Jaehyun retrieved an ice pack himself and wrapped a towel around it before applying it.

You were sitting on a cot while he was bent down to tend to your wound. His forehead was wrinkled with worry and you stared at him. This was the first time he had ever treated you with such gentleness.

“I don’t think you broke anything but it’s definitely gonna hurt for at least a week,” he winced in vicarious pain.

You suddenly didn’t know how to act around him. You weren’t used to receiving sympathy from him.

“Uh that’s okay,” you coughed to cover up the awkwardness. You’d rather have him make fun of you for being clumsy. But instead, he seemed genuinely concerned for you.

“You should’ve been more careful,” he scolded.

There was something about the way he looked at you. His eyes were no longer playful but you couldn’t figure out what emotions hid behind those eyes.

Those eyes. His eyes clouded your mind. For some reason, you couldn’t get it out of your head.

You found yourself avoiding him as you struggled to organize your thoughts. Or rather, your feelings.

Wanting to distract yourself, you decided to finally talk to Sunwoo. Surely, spending time with him would help you forget about Jaehyun.

So you mustered up the courage to ask him out on a date. To your surprise, he happily agreed and suggested that you watch a movie together. There was a new romcom film that came out and that he had been wanting to watch.

The date wasn’t as awkward as you thought it would be. Sunwoo’s goofiness offset any nervousness and it was fun to be around him. But yet, it also wasn’t as heart fluttering as you thought it would be.

Perhaps you had idealized him too much in your imagination. Your romantic feelings for him dissipated and you saw him as a good friend. Luckily, he felt the same.

However, word about your date had already spread by the time you got to school on Monday. It had reached Jaehyun’s ears and his expression hardened when he saw you laughing with Sunwoo at lunch.

He knew what the ugly feeling in his stomach was. And he wasn’t happy about it. So he reacted in the only way he knew. By clinging to your side and pestering you.

He spent the whole day messing up your hair and being sarcastic. Eventually, you finally snapped and told him to piss off.

“I’ll consider it if you can beat me in tennis today,” he said.

You crossed your arms, wondering what was going on in his head. You hadn’t been able to defeat him since middle school.

“If you can get a single ball past me, I’ll leave you alone,” he proposed. With a huff, you reluctantly agreed. It would be faster to just get it over with.

That was how you two ended up at a tennis court after school. He never went easy on you but he was going especially hard that day. He gave you no breaks and flung the ball back at you with what felt like all his strength. Ball after ball flew past you as he grabbed another one to start again.

“What the hell, Lee Jaehyun?” you yelled across the court. “Why the fuck are you so aggressive today?”

“Are you giving up?” he taunted while bouncing the ball.

“Oh hell no,” you grumbled as you got in position.

Another half an hour passed by with him beating you again and again. You were drenched in sweat and starting to feel sore. But you refused to give him the pleasure of watching you admit defeat.

So you kept going until the ball accidentally hit your shoulder. The amount of force he put into that backhand made you yelp in pain as you dropped the racket.

Startled, Jaehyun ran over to make sure you were okay.

“You just can’t bear to see me win once, can you?” you glared as you shoved his hand away. “You turn everything into a competition and act like you’re superior over me.”

“I-I didn’t mean to do that,” his brows furrowed in guilt.

“Didn’t mean to do what? Make my childhood a living hell by ruining my favorite sport? Use my crush on Sunwoo to trick me into another stupid bet? Confuse me into thinking that you might actually not hate me?”

“I don’t hate you.”

“Then why are you so clingy?”

“Because I like you!”

His words brought upon silence. The tension in the air was thick as you both stared at each other.

“You’re so dense,” he sighed. “I wanted your attention, okay? But back then, I was a kid and didn’t know how to stay by your side without annoying the hell out of you. And then I didn’t know how to transition out of that.”

He fidgeted with a loose string on his shirt and took a deep breath before continuing.

“This stupid bet was supposed to change our relationship. I was supposed to show you that I’m not as bad as you think I am. That I’m a guy too. That I’ve been in love with you for a whole decade now.”

To say you were surprised would be a massive understatement. All your life, you had been sure that Jaehyun’s purpose in life was to irritate you. So when your heart began to skip around him, you cursed yourself for giving into the hormones that made you see him in a different light. You never thought that the feelings would be reciprocated.

“You don’t feel the same way? At all?” he carefully asked.

Your mouth opened but no words came out. You couldn’t find the right words to answer his question.

“You’re not saying no,” the corners of his lips curved up.

He took a step closer to you and held your cheeks. You felt your heart race at the proximity and froze.

“For confirmation?” his lips ghosted over yours. You barely managed to nod slightly before he closed the gap between you two.

As cheesy as it sounded, you felt sparks fly the moment you had your first kiss. By the time he pulled away, you felt your cheeks heat up.

“So I guess that means I won the bet before it even began,” you joked, making him laugh.

“Yes, yes you did,” he smiled as he hugged you.

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quicksilverrwrites · 3 years ago

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𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆: peter maximoff x reader 𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘: you can’t sleep and neither can peter, but at least you both know exactly how to comfort one another. 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓: 2.4k 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒: 18+, fluff, peter and reader are early to mid twenties, british reader 𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑'𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐒: y/n is known by the mutant name “scribe” and is charles xavier’s niece.

It’s eleven-thirty, and you can’t sleep.

Your thoughts shift to your lessons in the morning; to how tired you’re going to be; to that iced coffee you’d had while getting your assignment done after class; about how that drink was definitely a bad idea considering how you’re lying awake now. It had tasted good then, and it had given you the energy you needed to fire out five thousand words in the span of a few hours… but now you regret it.

Sighing, you roll over. Your eyes glaze over the objects on the nightstand beside your bed. Your alarm clock, rectangular in size and wooden in material, glares at you. Eleven thirty six. Eleven thirty seven. The time seems to spiral, and you realise that you might as well do something with yourself if you’re awake.

You eye the books stacked on top of the alarm clock; you’d been reading one before and it had bored you half to death, so you can’t bring yourself to pick up any again. What else? What else?

Your gaze settles upon the picture frame on the dresser next to your nightstand, and you let out a sigh as you settle upon the silver-haired speedster within it. You’re next to him, a mere blur since he’d sneakily taken the camera from your hand and taken a picture with an expression that radiates cheekiness, but you’d liked the picture enough to keep it.

You’ve got a few more picture frames scattered around your room—photos of you with Scott, Jean, Jubilee and Kurt. Even some of Charles. You might not be close, but he is your uncle, after all. He’s still family.

And yet it’s Peter you keep your eyes on. It’s Peter's mischievous aura which calls to you across the room.

What would he be doing right now? He’s probably playing video games or practicing on one of his guitars. You’d been surprised to see him play well; you’d been surprised to see that he actually had the attention span it takes to successfully learn an instrument. You would know: your mother used to nag you about practicing the piano to perfection. Practice makes perfect, she’d always said, and yet she’d always left out how much energy it took to practice in the first place.

Is it too late to reach out to him? The two of you have a specific way of speaking to one another across distances by now, although even the thought of doing such a thing due to the time seems rude. Your mother had always told you that it was your duty to be polite, and your father had by example. You think you picked it up from him rather than her, but—

Don’t think of him right now. Don’t think of what happened. Don’t.

As if in an effort to push the memory of that night from your head, you move. You pull the drawer attached to your nightstand open to reveal a mess of junk inside, but what you need—and what you spy—is a pen and paper. You pull it from the drawer and slam the nightstand drawer shut quietly, and after, you get to work writing:

Are you up? Can I come over?

Your fingers buzz with azure energy as you feel your mutation working in your favour. A tiny portal of blue opens before you, one you could make larger if you wished but one which you keep small for now. It’s no larger than a letterbox would be, and the faint sound of music from the other side tells you that Peter is very much awake.

You slip the note through the portal, and then you leave it open as you wait.

When you receive no response for a solid fifteen seconds but can hear movement on the other side, you wonder if this was a mistake after all. It’s too late, you scold yourself, mentally preparing for rejection. Oh, god, this is going to be awkward. What if he—

An empty Twinkie box falls at your feet.

You blink at it, momentarily confused, and then you pick it up. You glance about the dessert’s display as you begin to turn the box over in your hands. Nothing on the front, but on the back—

Scrawled in pink glitter pen—probably his sister’s—, the box reads on the back: Yeah. Come through.

You grin lazily as you set the box down on your bed and extend the portal with your fingers like you’re prying open a heavy door. The orange light from Peter’s basement slips through and becomes one with the light of your dorm, which is yellow and warm with your room’s wooden accented walls and flooring. And as you slip through the portal and your bare feet touch the soft tartan carpet of his room, you let the portal shut with a soft shum behind you—

But Peter Maximoff does not look his best. In fact, he looks downright miserable.

His eyes are red as if he’s been crying, his hair is messy—messier than usual, at least—and he’s wearing a band tee and some tartan pajama bottoms that look intended for comfort rather than style. You were about to say hey, but you stop in your tracks. You tilt your head as you look at him.

Peter is still. It’s strange, especially since he’s usually so eccentric. He blurts out, “What?”

You frown, momentarily stuck for what to say. “Nothing,” you respond, but it doesn’t seem right.

Peter stares at you. You stare at him. You’re both quite similar, so it strikes you then that you both know that you’re each not telling each other something.

“You okay?” You ask, suspicion clear in your tone.

Peter shrugs nonchalantly. It’s a rigid movement. “Yeah,” he says, far too confidently to be true. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

You narrow your eyes on him. His tone of voice has all but solidified your suspicions. “Okay, first of all,” you say, crossing the small space of the room between you and the sofa, “you use a very distinctive tone when you lie.” You settle down on the sofa as you cross your legs under you. “Second, your eyes are really red. Have you been—?”

“No.”

Crying, you were about to ask, but he cut you off. You narrow your eyes again.

Peter sighs and averts his gaze, running a hand through his hair. “Tonight’s just… not a good night.”

You press your lips together as sympathy wells in your eyes. “Why not?”

“Can’t sleep.”

“That makes two of us."

Peter inhales deeply, and before you know it, he’s sitting on the sofa next to you. You’re used to how fast he moves by now. Something warms your heart in the way he sits with his body angled towards you. Like he’s opening himself up to you.

“Wanna stay here tonight?” He asks.

You glance at the other end of the sofa and then back to him. You’re reminded of how he took the sofa to sleep on that night after you guys got caught in the rain. “Here?”

Peter’s brows rise. “Is my basement not fancy enough for you?”

You know he’s joking even despite the lack of humour in his tone, and you let out a small huff of laughter as you flash him a lazy smile. You sit back on the sofa, reaching out your hand to intertwine it with his. Things between you are still blooming after your first date, but you both feel comfortable enough to do this. Peter’s fingers wrap around yours as he starts drawing patterns on the back of your hand with his free one.

“I just mean,” you murmur, just loud enough to be heard over the backdrop of quiet music, “won’t your mom mind?”

“She didn’t mind when you stayed over last time.”

Your lips quirk upwards in gentle amusement. “That time you slept on the couch. This time I was thinking, I mean, if you want to, then maybe—”

“Oh,” Peter murmurs. His head lifts upwards in a sort of understanding motion. “Yeah, I mean… ah, I can deal with whatever safe sex talk she wants to give me in the morning.”

Your cheeks flush red. “I didn’t mean that. I just meant maybe we could…” Oh, god, embarrassment— “cuddle.”

Peter grins. “Cuddle, huh?” He pauses, until— “Okay,” he murmurs, reaching an arm around the back of the couch to wrap around you. “I guess I could be down for cuddling.”

You snicker softly as you lean into his touch, your head resting against his shoulder. “Do you want to tell me why you looked so upset when I arrived?”

Peter tenses. “It wasn’t because of you, if that’s what you were thinking.”

“Mm,” you murmur, “I think I’m confident enough in our relationship to know that your reaction when seeing me is generally excitement rather than the dread that accompanies sad under eyes and red markings around them.”

He pauses for a few seconds before he lets out a long breath of defeat. “That obvious, huh?”

“Mm,” you murmur, looking up at him. “A little.”

His lips twist to the side as he lowers his gaze. “I was thinking about my dad.”

It’s your turn to pause now, looking up at him in a way you didn’t before. You assess every detail of his body again: the way his shoulders slump, the way his head hangs low, the way his hair falls in the way of his view and his eyes are heavy with something you haven’t seen in him before. He’s usually so full of life.

Is this what he’s hiding deep down?

“Tell me about it,” you say softly.

Peter grimaces. “It’s a long story, and the stupid thing is it’s mostly my fault.”

Frowning, you sit up and face him. “I don’t believe that.”

Peter lets out a humourless laugh that might be bitter if he showed a hint of anger, but he doesn’t. “It’s true. The only time I’ve ever been too slow and it’s in finding the most…”

He trails off, pulling his arm away from around you so that they both now rest in his lap. He continues, “It’s a mess.”

“Start from the beginning."

So he explains, if not vaguely: about trying to find his father, about finding a house empty and police arriving on the scene. Peter had fled at the sight of them, and—

“His name’s Magneto,” he admits. “Erik Lehnsherr. You’ve probably… seen him on TV or something."

Suddenly, it all adds up. You weren’t at school to see what happened with Apocalypse, but you’ve heard about it from your friend group. Peter doesn’t talk about it very much, and now you know why; had he been part of that whole adventure because of his father? He hadn’t been involved with Xavier’s School before, that much you know.

You suck in a breath. Okay, Y/N, push the fact that his dad’s a known terrorist aside— “Does he know?”

Peter shakes his head. “Nah. I had the chance to tell him and I didn’t. I screwed it up. And now I’m right back where I was before all of it, because I have no clue where he is and no way of telling him the truth. I couldn’t even do it for Wanda.”

“Hey,” you murmur, your fingers moving to cup his cheeks. “Fight or flight, right? It’s normal. To see him right in front of you—to have to muster up the courage to tell him? Knowing what a change that would be for you? Peter, that’s normal.”

Peter’s eyes well with softness as he listens to you, gazes upon you, and you think you’ve never seen him look so vulnerable as he lowers his head to your shoulder. He takes in a shaky breath; wraps his arms around you; pulls you into his lap—

“Thanks,” he murmurs into your shirt. It’s not his shirt this time; you’re wearing a pyjama set that consists of blue silk shorts and a top. “Not sure I believe you, but thanks, Y/N.”

“Is there anything I can do to make you believe me?”

Peter takes a deep breath. “Aside from mind control? Not sure.”

You press your lips together and begin to stroke his hair. “To be honest,” you murmur, “I’m not sure I’d believe you if you tried to tell me something similar about my father, either.”

Peter lets out a choked laugh. “Maybe that’s why we work together.”

Your lips curve upwards, still stroking his hair. His face is still buried in your shoulder. “Maybe,” you whisper, pressing a soft kiss to his head.

Peter shifts so that he’s leaning against the back of the sofa and you’re in his lap again. You turn so that you’re straddling his waist, but your fingers find his jaw to cup the skin there. Your thumb brushes soothingly against his skin.

“You mean a lot to me,” Peter murmurs, staring up at you. It’s almost as if the music in the room has stopped; it’s almost as if the two of you are the only souls left in existence. His brows are slightly raised and there is awe in his voice as he says, “I don’t really believe you’re real half the time.”

You let out a soft laugh. “Definitely real, Peter. Definitely here.”

“Yeah,” he says, his tone riddled with amusement, “and here of all places. You could be anywhere. You’re like, perfect and—”

“Ssh,” you murmur, pressing a finger to his lips. “I don’t want to be anywhere but here with you.”

Peter tilts his head up towards you, a silent request for consent, and you kiss him in answer.

He wraps his arms around your waist as he deepens the kiss, your tongue slipping out to meet his own. He makes a low, guttural noise between pleasure and content at the feeling of it, and your free hand clutches at his shirt as your other hand remains at his jaw.

You spend the rest of the evening like that, whether it's on the sofa or in his bed, but in those moments together there’s nothing carnal about it. Your touches are soft and comforting rather than lustful and yearning, and as much as you’ve thought about him that way before, you know that now’s not the time.

Tonight, you both need this. Tonight, your sole purpose is to be there for one another.

“And for the record,” Peter murmurs between kisses, his words random and uncalculated, “I think your tragic backstory’s way worse than mine.”

#peter maximoff x reader #peter maximoff imagine #xmen imagine #peter maximoff fluff #peter maximoff fanfiction #peter maximoff fanfic #peter maximoff x y/n #xmen x reader #quicksilver x reader #quicksilver fanfiction #quicksilver fanfic #xmen fanfic

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lightsburnbrite · 2 years ago

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The Inevitable End: Part 1

Sitting in her car, Lilli glanced at the clock and figured she could let the song finish before she'd need to get out. Key fob in hand, she pressed the small button on the handle to lock the doors as she made her way towards the lift. It was a quick walk from the garage to the office but it could still be tedious in mid January, especially before sunrise.

She unlocked the etched glass door with the gold MK logo before locking it behind her. Lilli always went in at 7:30, half an hour before her boss was to arrive and another hour until the office actually opened. She got everything set up, started the coffee and made sure they were prepared for whatever was on the schedule that day before sitting down at her desk and checking the voicemail messages. She'd get to emails after that.

When she heard the door open, she called out. "Morning, Maria!"

"How are you always so chipper in the mornings?" Maria's tone was sarcastic, but Lilli knew there was humor behind it. She also knew Maria was definitely not a morning person and did her best to schedule any appointments later on for that very reason.

"I've already had my coffee." Lilli called back as she started making her boss a cup.

Once everything was set, she took her place at her desk. Within minutes, her personal phone lit up.

Lunch?

Lilli closed out of her messages app to check her calendar. Usually, meeting Marissa for lunch would be fine but every so often, Maria scheduled a lunch meeting. When she saw her calendar was clear, she responded.

12:15 at Heimwerk good for you?

Marissa and Lilli had practically grown up together, spending most of their academic career at the Bavarian International School. They both stayed in the area once they finished school and now Lilli considered Marissa to be her closest friend. They usually did something together on the weekends but would meet for lunch at least once a month. They took turns picking the spot but it was usually something that was close to one of them.

After ordering the house salad with grilled goat cheese and honey and a side of sweet potato fries, Lilli filled Marissa in on the various goings on in her life. She didn't have much to report except that she had just gotten back from a trip to Marrakesh courtesy of their friend Irina.

Marissa rolled her eyes. "I don't know how you've managed to stay friends with her since we left school. Her constant need for attention grates my last nerve."

"I know," Lilli laughed. "She can be very sweet and generous but I think we have more in common that the two of you do. She also invites me all over the place and you know I have a hard time saying no."

"At least you look good in her instagram pictures." She smirked. "I swear the last time the three of us hung out, she chose the single most unflattering picture of me to post."

Lilli raised an eyebrow. "There's no such thing as an unflattering picture of you, Maris."

"Whatever, I can tell she doesn't like me and doesn't want you hanging out with me." Marissa leaned in a bit closer. "I think she's trying to buy your friendship."

Sitting up straighter, Lilli put on a pretend posh accent while looking at her fingernails. "Darling, if that's the case, she can't afford my love."

After they both laughed, Lilli continued. "You know, ever since you started dating Serge, she's been acting super jealous."

"Why?" Marissa pulled a face. "I wouldn't consider him to be her type at all."

"He's a world famous athlete and she's a social climber." Lilli shrugged. "Not to imply that you're only-"

"Oh!" Marissa glanced up, "Speaking of, Serge and I are going to a party tomorrow night, you should come too!"

Lilli laughed. "Not sure that being stuck in a room with strangers is my first choice of things to do on a Friday night."

"C'mon. You'll know me and Serge isn't exactly a stranger." Marissa smiled and did her best doe-eyed impression.

Playfully tossing her napkin across the table, Lilli relented. "Look at you taking advantage of my people pleasing kink."

When Marissa sent her the details of the party, Lilli initially wanted to back out when she realized it was at a club. She got home from work and flopped down on her bed, eventually mustering up the energy to get back up in pursuit of something to wear. Finally, she settled on a black one shouldered long sleeve mini dress. It wasn't really anything special, but then again, Lilli didn't feel like making any sort of statement either. Simple hair, simple makeup, simple jewelry, and she was set. After briefly contemplating driving herself, Lilli ordered an uber and was on her way.

Making her way to the back of the club, Lilli found a bench that spanned the length of the back wall and sat down. Crossing her legs at her knees, Lilli scanned the crowd to see if she saw Marissa or Serge. When she didn't see either of them, she found herself searching to see if there was any interesting activity to keep an eye on. As she looked back, her eyes met with those of a man she hadn't initially seen. He seemed to be about the same age as most of the others in the room but carried himself as someone who was more mature at the same time. His features were sharp but his eyes were warm, and his effortlessly tousled hair seemed to balance things out. She realized her gaze had lingered a beat too long and she made a point to look in another direction.

Lilli was silently scolding herself for looking too long when he approached her and offered a smile. "Something tells me that you're not thrilled to be here."

She looked up at him and glanced around before answering. "Is it obvious?"

"Not overly," He smirked. "Why are you here then? Why not just leave?"

Lilli was taken aback by the edge to his voice. "I told my friend I would come so I'm not just going to leave without making an effort."

"How thoughtful of you." He raised an eyebrow this time.

"Why did you come over to me?" She stood only to realize that he was taller than she anticipated. "Why bother speaking to me if you're just going to be a dick?"

He shrugged this time. "Maybe I don't think you should be here."

"I don't even know you, how can you be so convinced that I shouldn't be here?" Lilli put her hands on her hips, doing nothing to hide her incredulity.

He smiled, clearly getting a kick out of winding her up. "That's the whole point. It's my party so I should at least know who you are."

"Fine. Point taken." She pushed past him and made her way towards the exit.

It wasn't until she had made it outside that he caught up with her. "I was just giving you a hard time, I wasn't really asking you to leave."

"But you're right." Lilli raised an eyebrow. "You don't know me and I don't know you so I really don't need to be be here."

He smiled again but this time it seemed much more genuine. "Would you stay if I asked you to?"

When Lilli didn't answer, he held out his hand. "C'mon. Let's get a drink."

Lilli allowed herself to be led back inside, her hand in his. They stopped at the bar and all of a sudden he had draped his arm around her neck while ordering drinks.

"You're giving me whiplash, you know." Lilli sat her drink down on the bar table and then placed her foot on the rung of the bar stool so she could lift herself up onto the seat. Something about sitting up high where her feet couldn't touch the ground set her on edge in an already uneasy situation.

"Sorry." He nodded as he laughed at himself. "That wasn't the best way to introduce myself, I don't know what I was thinking. I'm Leon by the way."

She offered a strained smile in response before introducing herself. "Lilli."

"Right," He took a drink. "I mean, you're Marissa's friend. I've seen you pop up on Serge's instagram."

Lilli rolled her eyes as she took a long swig from her glass. "So is there a particular reason you were being a dick to me?"

"Misguided attempt to talk to you?" Leon shrugged as he took another sip.

Taking a long drink to finish her glass, Lilli scoffed. "Hi works too, you know."

"Hi." He grinned broadly. "Can I get you another drink?"

"Fine," Lilli had to force herself not to laugh at him, his charm was definitely starting to win her over. "But make it a double vodka soda. Please."

"Of course. I'm going to say hi to a few people but I'll be right back." With a wink, he was off.

Lilli covered her mouth with her hand, laughing at herself at how quickly her opinion had changed.

"There you are!"

She turned to see Marissa on her way towards her. "I thought you'd decided not to come."

"Sorry, I was trying to find you. I've been here but I got a little side tracked." She glanced around. "Do you know Leon?"

Marissa turned almost giddy. "He's hot isn't he? Do you want me to get Serge to introduce you?"

"Ok, chill. I just wanted to know if you knew anything about him besides the obvious of him being hot." Lilli laughed as she put her hands on Marissa's shoulders.

"They play football together. He's nice. A pretty decent guy, has more of a social conscious than you'd expect." Marissa grinned, "Go for it."

Lilli looked off to the side, a nonverbal hesitation.

"Oh," Marissa started in again. "Looks like someone might have beat you to it."

They both looked in the direction of the bar where Leon stood, two drinks in hand, while a leggy blonde chatted him up. Lilli felt a brief moment of panic set in before she realized that Leon's body language was completely different than when he was talking to her. A few seconds more solidified Lilli's belief that Leon was simply being polite.

"No," She stood and wobbled ever so slightly, her third drink kicking in, and made a bee line for Leon.

"There you are." Lilli inserted herself between the two of them and placed her hand on Leon's chest. "I was looking for you."

The girls started to protest, but Lilli kept her back towards her and completely ignored her attempts to get Leon's attention.

As soon as he realized what was happening, Leon's eyes lit up. He put his arm around Lilli's neck, despite the drink he was holding in his hand, and kissed her. "I told you I'd be right back, babe."

When they walked back to the table, Leon's arm still around Lilli, Marissa was practically giddy.

"Um, excuse me, when did this happen?" Marissa's eyes darted back and forth between them.

"Ok, nothing has happened," Lilli took another drink and unintentionally leaned in to Leon. "I was just rescuing him from whatshername that he had no desire to talk to."

Standing behind her, Leon simply draped his arm over her shoulders again and smiled.

"And you, mister," Marissa pointed towards Leon in jest. "You better be good to her or I will find you."

Leon mimed a confused face as though he couldn't imagine what Marissa was implying.

Eventually, Serge joined them and they stood around the bar table and chatted for a little while longer. Marissa kept an eye on Lilli, thinking to herself that she would cut Lilli off if she went for another drink, but fortunately, Lilli didn't seem interested. Instead, she was clearly enjoying Leon's little displays of affection.

When Serge excused himself, Marissa took the opportunity to pull him aside. "You know Leon far better than I do,"

Serge looked back at Marissa and nodded. "Well, yeah…"

"I just want to know if I need to keep an eye on Lilli." She didn't want to shout so she was speaking almost directly into his ear.

Serge looked back over at his friend and realized what Marissa was implying. "Do you think he's going to try to take advantage of her or…?"

"No, it's obvious she wants him, I just don't know what kind of guy he is." Marissa glanced back at the two of them, apparently deep in conversation. "Lilli can wear her heart on her sleeve and that has hurt her in the past."

With a smile, Serge rested his hand on Marissa's cheek and leaned in to give her a kiss. "I know how much you care about her and I love that about you. Leon's a really decent guy, I don't think we'd be friends otherwise. She'll be fine, ok?"

#leon goretzka #the inevitable end #football fanfic

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