#yeah i've been holding onto some of these since i've been away on my phone can you tell

[luscinai]

Also. Because I can. Meta on luci + gymnastics + thievery skills she’s acquired. That’s too fun. @clawsextended

so it goes pretty much without saying that, as a bat, lucille's gymnastics are top-notch, olympic medalist standard, along with the parkour required to perform. she's fast and slippery and her dancer build enables her to move with grace and fluidity without thought. however, as a metahuman with the capacity to manipulate force, she's also well-practiced to adapt to movement changes on the fly—regardless of whether she changes the forces on her or on anyone / anything else.

in terms of thievery: being personally taught by selina ever since she was a young girl, it's safe to say that she's mastered most—if not all—of catwoman's tricks on the field, from basic card tricks to hacking the most guarded security systems. that, and she's got quite a keen eye for examining anything of relative monetary worth.

still, if you ask, her favorite is sleight of hand.

the skillset she's earned from selina usually isn't used on thievery. usually. it's also a lesser known thing about lucille because her primary job remains kicking ass and fighting crime rather than stealing the most auction-worthy thing at the louvre. but if you need something stolen, she's as good a replacement to catwoman as any. she's also a big fan of stealing or putting trinkets into her loved ones' inventory from time to time.

[ META ] + ANYTHING | accepting ! @clawsextended

[osaemu]

GETO SUGURU: ❛❛ SNOWFLAKES IN MY STOMACH WHEN WE KISSIN' ❜❜

.ೃ࿐ your boyfriend can't be home for christmas? fine then, you'll just spend it with his best friend! but be prepared, 'cause your boyfriend's gonna be mad when he gets home. NSFW

contents: fem!reader. modern!au. best friend!gojo. degradation, spanking, p –> v, you guys are loud and you get walked in on! gojo gets slutshamed.. a lot. and he's very annoying!! also there's lots of borderline crack in this fic, have fun with that! 3.6k words, not proofread.

author's note: it's been a hottt minute since i've written for geto and i lowk forgot how to write him.. anyways.

“what do you mean, you’re not coming home for christmas?” you huff, hopping on your bed and lying on your stomach. 

the man on the other end of the phone sighs exasperatedly, and you can almost see suguru massage his temples when he replies, “i have work, baby. i’m sorry, but i really can’t miss this chance to—”

it’s the night before christmas eve, and you just learned that suguru won’t be home in time to spend christmas with you—obviously, you were upset, because you’d been looking forward to spending the holidays with him. but to your dismay, holiday season’s always the busiest time of the year for businessmen like suguru.

“fine,” you groan, rolling over onto your back and staring at the ceiling. a soft sigh escapes your lips as you do so, and you mutter something about life not being fair as suguru lists all the reasons he can’t be home by christmas morning.

“i have a big meeting with some potential investors tomorrow, and there’s no way i’ll be back by the morning after,” suguru explains tiredly. you can hear the sleepiness in his voice, but the selfish part of you wants to keep him on the phone longer—it’s only seven, and you could easily spend the next couple hours convincing him to come home sooner.

“but suguru—” you try, even though you know nothing’ll convince him at this point. 

“i’m sorry, honey,” he interrupts. after a moment, suguru’s voice softens and he continues, “i just can’t make it home by christmas. we can spend the day after together, though—i think i’ll be free for the rest of the week.”

you roll off the bed, stuffing one hand in the pocket of your hoodie—suguru’s hoodie—as you make your way to the kitchen to grab a mug of hot chocolate. the other hand still holds your phone to your ear, and you swallow back the rest of the protests you have to suguru’s absence.

“anyways, i gotta go,” suguru murmurs, obviously suppressing a yawn. “love you, baby. n’ i’m sorry, but i really can’t do anything about it.” 

he hangs up before you can reply.

almost instantly, you dial satoru’s number—he’s probably the only other person you and suguru both trust enough to confide in about your problems, and like always, satoru picks up right away.

“hey, satoru?”

“heyyy, i already heard about it from suguru,” satoru replies, and there’s some suspicious squelching sounds in the background. are those grunts, too?

“uh, what are you doing?” you ask tentatively, hopping on the counter and sitting with your back pressed against the wall. the oddly wet sounds continue for a couple more seconds, and then they stop. “satoru?”

“shit, sorry, i was in the middle of something,” he replies with a breathless laugh. “yeah, i’m done now. wanna see?” your phone lights up with an invitation to facetime, and you hit the ‘x’ immediately.

“no, i don’t want to see whatever the fuck you’re doing,” you grumble, ignoring his laughter. “you’re disgusting, i’ll call you ba—”

“no, i’m free, i’m free!” satoru interrupts, and you can practically hear the smile in his voice as he continues, “suguru won’t be back for christmas, right?” 

you pause and sigh, closing your eyes for a second. “yeah, he won’t be.”

“and you want a way to get him to come back sooner, right?”

“yep. you have anything in mind?” you ask, half-hoping that satoru’ll be able to come up with some genius plan to get your boyfriend to fly back here to make it in time for christmas. but if you’re being honest, you know that there are very few things that could convince suguru to drop his supposedly important meeting and come straight home.

and somehow, satoru devises a plan that makes you certain he will.

————

the next morning, you receive a text from suguru asking you to facetime—under normal circumstances, you’d just ask him to call instead since you’re at a cafe, but not today. today, you want him to see you and your mischievous little plan, so you eagerly accept.

“hey, sweetheart,” suguru says the second the call connects. his dark hair is pulled back into its usual half-down half-up style, and he props up his phone on something to use his reflection to adjust his tie. “how are y— wait, is that satoru’s jacket?”

you smile innocently and turn the phone to show satoru, who’s sitting just across from you at the table by the window. after satoru’s taken his time to wave and blow a kiss to suguru (who rolls his eyes in response), you turn the phone back and say, “oh, i just got a little cold. it’s pretty chilly down here!”

suguru frowns, brown eyes narrowing at your cheeky expression. “very funny. why didn’t you just bring your own jacket? or one of mine?”

oh, this is the question you’ve been waiting for. you shrug off satoru’s rather comfortable jacket and show suguru the tight, long-sleeved shirt you’re wearing underneath it. the fabric hugs your skin in a way that shows off all your curves, and even better, it’s a light shade of blue that’s somewhere in between the color of satoru’s eyes and hair. 

“i did! but then it just got so cold and satoru was nice enough to offer me his jacket,” you say nonchalantly, pretending not to notice the way suguru’s jaw tightens. you flutter your eyelashes innocently and smile at suguru, thoroughly enjoying the way his eyes focus on your outfit.

“you jealous?” satoru chimes in, snatching the phone out of your hand and posing in front of it, admiring himself in the camera.

“no,” suguru mutters, but it wouldn’t take a genius to tell that he’s just lying through his teeth. satoru grins in response, making a peace sign with his hand and winking.

“good, ‘cause i’m gonna be hangin’ out with her all day long!” satoru cooes, blowing suguru another kiss before you swipe your phone back out of his hand.

“is he joking?” suguru grumbles, crossing his arms and raising an eyebrow, seemingly unimpressed. you shrug in response, not buying his cool and collected persona. you know suguru better than most, and the subtle way his shoulders tensed the second he saw you in satoru’s jacket gave it all away.

“nope,” you reply, soft lips tugging themselves into a little smile. “we might spend christmas together too, ‘cause you won’t be here. but i guess i don’t really mind anymore—satoru’s good company!”

satoru covers his mouth to hide his laughter at your comment, giving you a thumbs-up when suguru doesn’t reply. your boyfriend says something about already being late and having to go, and this time, you’re the one who hangs up.

“oh, we definitely got him,” you grin, smugly lifting your mug of hot cocoa and clinking it with satoru’s in a celebratory expression. satoru hums in agreement before he takes a sip of his cocoa, face growing pink at the sudden warmth.

“so, how long d’you think it’ll be until suguru texts you that he’s on his way?” satoru asks, leaning back in his chair and blowing on his cup to cool off the smoking-hot liquid.

“hopefully soon.”

“i’m betting on… three hours.”

three hours later, you don’t get a single text from suguru. four hours later, nothing. on the fifth hour, you finally receive a message from him, but it’s just a “how are you?”

“was that not enough?” you whine, half-looking at your phone as you walk through the mall with satoru. “how else can i convince sugu to come back by tomorrow?”

satoru shrugs, pulling the red lollipop he got from a toy shop’s cashier out of his mouth. “i mean, we tried jealousy, so how ‘bout we go the other route?”

you tilt your head curiously, waiting for satoru to elaborate. 

“y’know, why don’t ya tempt him in… other ways?” satoru wiggles his eyebrows suggestively, and your face grows warm despite the chilly air around you.

“satoru…” you pause, face unreadable as you stop walking and turn to him. satoru holds his breath in anticipation, waiting for your verdict.

“that’s a really good idea.”

————

and that’s how you ended up in a clothing store, sifting through hundreds of dresses in search of one that’d be alluring enough to draw suguru back home.

“what color does he like on you?” satoru asks, seemingly oblivious to the strange looks he’s receiving from the other people in the store as he examines handfuls of dresses with interest. “red? black? white?”

you shrug, running your fingers over a form-fitting dress the color of suguru’s eyes. “i dunno, do you think he’d like this?”

satoru turns, takes one look at the dress, and instantly grabs it. “c’mon, let’s get you into a dressing room.”

the second you and satoru get there, the dressing room attendant gives you both a weird look. her eyes settle on satoru, and she asks, “weren’t you just here a week ago with another girl?”

satoru’s face goes redder than you’ve ever seen it. “uh, yeah, i was. oh, this one’s my best friend’s girlfriend, not mine—”

you shove him aside and hand the dress to the attendant, smiling bashfully. “just trying on this one, thanks.”

the attendant eyes satoru suspiciously and then nods. “okay, but he doesn’t get to go inside. last time, we got a noise complaint from the other customers.”

if you thought satoru’s face was red before, now it’s a shade redder than you knew was possible. in fact, you’re almost considering sending him to the hospital to get checked on as you close the dressing room door behind you and try the dress on.

it’s a little tight, but that’s expected given the skin-hugging fabric. after a couple minutes, you turn and admire yourself in the mirror—the dress, thankfully, fits perfectly. the fabric accentuates your features in the best way possible, and it’s all you can do to stop yourself from staring in the mirror any longer.

“how do i look?” you ask, stepping out of the dressing room and doing a twirl for satoru. his jaw drops, and he nods instantly. 

“yeah, this is the one,” satoru affirms, taking out his phone. “want me to be the one to send the pics to suguru? that way we can still make him jealous!”

you give him a thumbs-up and blow a kiss at the camera, trusting satoru to take a flattering picture before you head back into the room to change out. on your way out of the store, you buy the dress at the counter—knowing suguru, he wouldn’t reply to satoru’s text, but you just knew he was dying to see you in that in person.

————

later that night, well after satoru’s gone back to his house and you’re relaxing in your own, suguru texts you again.

sugu: can we call?

you grin and roll over onto your back, nestling yourself deeper into your pillows before you dial his number. it only rings once before he picks up, and he instantly asks if satoru’s still with you.

“nah, he went home,” you say offhandedly, toying with the corner of your sheets. “did you like my dress?” you ask coyly, enjoying the way suguru pauses for a long second before replying.

“yeah, it looked good on you.”

“that’s it?”

“it really brought out your eyes.”

you bite your tongue to suppress a groan, instead opting to bury your face in a pillow instead. you had just spent the past twenty-four hours running around in circles, doing everything possible to get suguru to come back, and that’s all you get? really?

“anyways,” suguru continues, and you hear a soft rustling sound in the background—if you had to guess, he’s probably in bed right now. “how was your day, baby?”

“good,” you respond briskly, a soft scowl appearing on your face. suguru, being as observant as he is, picks up on the subtle change in your tone, but he doesn’t say anything. “satoru and i had a really good day. how was yours?”

suguru pauses before answering. “i missed you.”

“then come home, sugu,” you plead, even though you know that there’s no way he’ll be back in time. but it’s worth a try, right?

“you know i can’t,” suguru murmurs, exhaling softly. “no way can i get a flight back this late and make it back by tomorrow morning. i—”

“then get a sleigh!” you huff indignantly, unable to resist smiling when you hear suguru laugh. “please, sugu? christmas won’t be christmas without you.”

“just spend it with satoru,” suguru mutters under his breath, and that’s when you realize that your efforts haven’t entirely been in vain. he’s obviously sour that you spent the whole day with his best friend instead of him, and a small spark of hope starts to fester in your heart. 

“maybe i will,” you reply coyly, and you can hear your own smile in your voice—and you’re sure that suguru can hear it too. “anyways, i’m a little tired. good night, baby.”

“night.”

————

the next day, you host a party in your otherwise empty house—after all, it’s christmas, and it’d be rather depressing for you to spend it alone. so you invite satoru, satoru’s friends, and their friends, and so on. word gets around fast, and people show up in droves.

which is why you don’t notice when suguru himself slips in through the back door.

you’re giggling with satoru and his stoic friend kento when they both stop laughing, and you look up at them, confused. “what is it?” you ask, sipping the sweet liquid in your glass with a smile.

“suguru?” satoru asks, lips tugging themselves into a wide smile. “guess you didn’t wanna spend christmas alone, yeah?”

you turn around, half-expecting satoru to be joking. but to your surprise, your dark-haired boyfriend stands in front of you, smiling dryly. you stare at him for a solid two seconds, certain that you’re hallucinating. “sugu? but i thought—”

“thought you could mess around with my best friend?” suguru muses, arching one of his eyebrows. his suit’s a little wrinkled, and his hair’s more disheveled than normal, but somehow, he seems more alert than ever. suguru’s amber eyes go from yours to satoru’s wide blue ones, and satoru shrinks away from him with a nervous smile.

“i’m gonna go,” kento says offhandedly, a glint of amusement in his eyes. he turns and disappears into the crowd, leaving you, satoru, and suguru alone in the living room. 

“hey, bro, it was her idea!” satoru says instantly, raising his hands as if he’s a burglar in front of the police. you turn to him in disbelief, scoffing indignantly at his pitiful attempt to get out of trouble.

“no, it was your idea!” you insist, jabbing your finger at satoru. he gasps dramatically and pretends to faint, to which you roll your eyes good-naturedly. you turn back to suguru, rounding your eyes in an attempt to gain his favor. “i swear, sugu, this was all satoru’s idea!”

“you liar,” satoru grumbles, crossing his arms and huffing childishly. you turn and glare at him, and coupled with suguru’s unimpressed look, it’s enough to scare satoru off. 

and now it’s just you and suguru, alone in your mint-scented living room. christmas pop plays in the background from another room, and maybe it’s just the dim lighting but you swear you can see suguru’s face go a shade redder than before.

“hey,” you mumble, averting your eyes.

“hey,” suguru replies. he smiles, and just like that, all his features soften. “don’t you want to know how i got here so fast?” he drawls, reaching out and brushing something off your shoulder. his fingers trail down from your shoulder to your collarbone, which is all the more prominent thanks to the dress you’re wearing. incidentally, it’s the same dress you had sent suguru a picture of yesterday—maybe that’s why he can’t take his eyes off you.

“yeah, how did you get here so fast?” you ask curiously, suppressing a shiver as his fingers trace your figure down to your waist. suguru’s eyes go from your dress to your face, and he grins.

“well, i had to leave right before my meeting started and bribe some passengers with a shit-ton of money for their seats,” suguru starts, taking you by the hand and leading you to your shared room. “and believe me, it was a lot of money. and most people still said no, ‘cause they want to be with their families for the holidays.”

he makes a face as he pushes open the door, and stops in his tracks. your face grows warm as you realize that you had set up your room for him too—it’s illuminated with soft candlelight, the linen sheets are changed, and you—oh, you look perfect in suguru’s eyes. it takes a great deal of his willpower to stop himself from fucking you right there and then.

“oh, yeah, it was a lot of money,” suguru continues, smiling down at you coyly. “between the deal i just fucked up and the ridiculous amount of bribes i had to make, i think you owe me.”

suguru makes his way over to your bed and sits, spreading his legs and showing off his growing erection. you grin, following him and sitting in his lap. “did you miss me, sugu?”

“damn right i did.”

and barely a minute or two later, he’s got you face-down ass-up in the sheets, a calloused hand clamped over your mouth to muffle your increasing moans. “shh, wouldn’t want our guests to hear ya,” suguru whispers, breath hot against the side of your face.

you squirm underneath him, mind hazy from the feeling of his dick buried in you for the first time in.. how long? does it matter? “s-sugu, please fuck me,” you mumble, pretending not to notice the way he hasn’t bothered doing anything to you besides use you as his personal cockwarmer.

in the short time he’s been inside you, suguru’s barely moved—and fuck, he enjoys watching you squirm around and beg him to do more than just.. nothing.

“sugu, plea—”

he cuts you off with a slap to your ass, relishing the lewd whine that slips out of your lips in reply. “fuck, you thought y’could get me back here by fuckin’ with my best friend?” suguru cooes, shifting his hips. 

“we didn’t—”

“yeah, no shit, baby,” suguru interrupts dryly. “otherwise this’d be a lot worse for you—and for him.”

suguru’s dark eyes flit over to where the dress you bought lies, discarded somewhere in the corner of your room. he grins and uses his hand to turn your head, gesturing at the fabric. “and i bet he was the one who gave you the idea to do whatever the fuck that was,” suguru drawls, clicking his tongue. “tell me, whose idea was it to have him send me that pic? yours, or his?”

when you don’t reply, suguru sighs dramatically and grabs your hair, pulling your head up enough for him to lean down and whisper in your ear, “this’ll be a lot easier for you if you just answer—the—question,” suguru breathes, punctuating each word with another slap to your ass.

“it wasn’t m-mine!” you cry, looking up at suguru with shiny, rounded doe eyes. “i just wanted to—”

suguru cuts you off by pulling out of your drenched cunt just enough to allow him enough space to go back in, and his thrust is harsh and hits all the right places inside of you. your walls clench around him, and shit, suguru realizes that he missed fucking you like this more than anything else in the world.

“fuck, you’re so damn tight,” he hisses, shifting his hips again to allow himself more space to move. “did ya not touch yourself at all while i was gone?”

“n-no,” you stutter, swallowing another pornographic sound from escaping your lips. “i waited for you, sugu,” you gasp, feeling him hit spots you haven’t felt throb in a painfully long time. and fuck, you’re so out of practice that affer just a few thrusts, you’re mewling all over his cock and whining about how you’re close to cumming.

your vision gets speckled with spots of white as thoughts of suguru take up every corner of your mind, even as he teases you for getting so close so fast. but it’s not your fault you’re about to cum faster than you’ve ever done—you’ve tried fucking yourself with your fingers on times when suguru was out for work, but he’s spoiled you with his dick more than you can imagine.

and that’s why you cum all over his cock in what has to be a record-breaking time, tongue lolling out of your mouth as you mumble indecipherable words.

“aw, look at you,” suguru murmurs, stroking your hair as you tremble underneath him. even though it’s unbearably cold outside, it feels scorching hot in here—but maybe that’s because of both of your heaving chests in the aftermath of your orgasm.

“‘m sorry, sugu,” you mumble hazily, and suguru chuckles in response.

“it’s alright, baby,” he responds lightly. “y’know i like fucking your bratty cunt dumb every once in a while, heh.”

you two lie there, basking in each other’s presence for a little while longer before the bedroom door creaks open. and to your horror, satoru stands there, seemingly bored by the whole scene.

“can you two keep it down?” satoru groans, dragging a hand down his face. “we’re trying to have a karaoke competition, but you guys keep going agh—”

suguru hurls a pillow at satoru, cutting off his mocking moan. “you’re next, asshole,” suguru grumbles, getting off of you and covering you with the sheets.

“you’re gonna fuck me next? wow, what happened to hi, hel— oww, okay, i’m going, i’m going!”

[shigarosie]

Match His Energy part three

Kirishima's phone has been ringing nonstop for the past ten minutes.

Finally, after trying to just ignore it and hope the problem goes away, Bakugo throws down his book onto the sofa and heads into the kitchen, bitching about his best friend leaving it behind before meeting up with Tetsutetsu and-

If course it was you who was calling.

He stared at the caller id, debating if he should just let it ring. Eventually you would get the hint, right? But then again, if it was some sort of emergency...

He grabs the phone and swipes to answer, unable to even get out a "what" before you hiccup a sob in his ear.

"I fucking hate men they're so stupid," you cry angrily. "I didn't ask this prick to buy me coffees and shit, but I go out with him to be nice and somehow I owe him an invite back to my place?"

Bakugo's jaw clenches. He doesn't fuck with douchebags like that, who think they're entitled to someone's body.

"And now he's telling people at work that I've been talking about them behind their backs? Like what the fuck?!"

You start sobbing again, more from rage than sadness.

"I'm coming over." He hangs up the phone before you can even process that it wasn't Kirishima you were talking to.

Bakugo didn't really know why he was coming over. He could always text Tetsutetsu and tell him that you need Kirishima to come over for some best friend emergency bullshit. But his feet moved on their own and he was grabbing stuff from the fridge and shoving his feet haphazardly into his shoes before he was out the door and in his car.

You were still crying when you opened the door, but you were definitely confused to see Bakugo outside your apartment.

"What-"

"Kirishima left his phone at home," he says. "You sounded like you were going through some rough shit."

You stare at him, blinking tears away best you could, but a few managed to escape and were making a break for it down your flushed cheeks.

He holds up a tinfoil covered pan. "I brought brownies. Made them last night."

At that, you were letting him in.

He sets the pan on your counter and shoos you off to go sit on your couch, going through your cupboards and your fridge.

You feel awkward, even though you're in your apartment. "I didn't know it was-"

"I know."

He's good at that; shutting you down. For once you're grateful for it.

When he finally leaves the kitchen he has two plates in hand, each with a turtle brownie covered in ice cream and chocolate sauce he sourced from you.

"Comfort food," he grunts, holding one out to you. "Eat."

You don't have to be told twice, you lip beginning to quiver again.

"Report that asshole to hr," he says. "Record any further interactions you have with him. I know a good lawyer if the harassment continues."

You start crying again. Bakugo's eyes go wide- did he say something wrong? He was actually trying to be helpful for once.

"Thank you." Your voice sounds squeezed, like you would say more if you could but the shakiness of of your breathing made it hard. "You know, I wouldn't have expected this from you. You like to pretend like you hate me."

"Who's pretending?" He asks, obviously joking despite his serious tone. "Just needed the phone to stop ringing."

"Well maybe if Kiri didn't leave his phone lying around everywhere-"

"How does he fucking do that? Every morning he leaves for work and then walks back in a minute later. Every morning."

"Clearly he's unreliable," you say, scooping up a pool of chocolate sauce on your spoon. "I'm starting to think I should just call you next time, but I don't have your number. You know, since you hate me and all."

"Yeah, I- um. That would. Shit. Fuck."

"Or I can just keep calling Kiri and hope you pick up?"

His face is pink. It's the first time you've smiled all day.

"Whatever. I guess that's fine."

[woso-dreamzzz]

Broken

Wonze x Child!Reader

Summary: You break your arm

There's not really any other way Lucy can describe you but depressed.

With your arm stuck in a cast, you're severely limited in what you can do and you just kind of trudge after Keira.

The atmosphere in the house has been a bit frosty since the accident and Lucy knows it's her fault. She's the one that wasn't watching you on the climbing frame at the park until after the nasty tumble that had your arm snapping when you tried to put it out to stop your fall.

Keira's right to be pissed off at her but your own bad moods have noticeably worsened everything.

You cry a lot more now and you keep whacking your cast on things that wouldn't usually cause you pain.

"How's baby bear?" Georgia asks at breakfast one morning.

"Sad," Lucy replies sullenly," She can't leave Keira's side for even a minute. I tried to give her a bath yesterday when Kei was on the phone but she just cried the whole time. Her arm's been bothering her too."

Georgia makes a sympathetic noise, head turning to where you and Keira have just walked in.

It's not an uncommon sight now to see you in Keira's arms. You don't want to leave them almost as much as Keira doesn't want you to leave them.

You sniffle a little as Keira sits you in your usual seat between her and Lucy and you stiffly place your casted arm onto the table. What makes it worse, is that it's on your dominant hand so you're struggling a little bit to do everyday things like feeding yourself and drawing.

Lucy loads up your fork and shovels food into your mouth. Your appetite has been affected by your mood so it's always hit and miss how much you're actually going to eat for breakfast so she's hoping to get as much down you as possible before your mood finally catches up with you.

You turn away when you've had enough, pushing your food away and looking over at Keira.

"Bear," Lucy says softly," Don't you want to eat some more? You haven't eaten much."

"No, thank you," You say sullenly, moving to climb into Keira's lap, resting your head on her chest and curling yourself into her body.

Keira sighs as she rises from the table. "I'm going to see if Leah can cheer her up. I'll be back in second."

"Jesus," Georgia says as she and Lucy watch Keira go," You're right. That kid is so depressed. She's had that cast on for at least a week now. You'd think she'd have adapted by now."

"She will," Lucy replies, suddenly feeling defensive," She's getting there. It won't be long now. She's getting better."

"I heard she had to miss her friend's birthday party," Georgia says," Keira said she'd been looking forward to it."

Lucy sighs, pushing her food around her plate. "Yeah. It was the day after she broke her arm. Bear was pretty bummed at missing it."

"I can imagine. Being so sad doesn't suit her."

"Hopefully, Leah can snap her out of it."

No matter what Lucy's hoping Leah will do, it doesn't really seem to be working.

Auntie Leah's sitting with Beth from Arsenal and she's trying to get you to detach from Mummy but you refuse.

"Come on, bear!" Auntie Leah laughs," Don't you want to see this cute video I've got?"

You think for a moment. You really want to watch it but you don't want to let go of Mummy at all. Letting go of something was how you got hurt in the first place and Mummy's more sturdier than the climbing frame and you feel safer holding her tight.

She would never drop you.

She's your Mummy bear and you're her baby bear.

She's big and warm and safe and you press yourself further into her like you could melt into her skin and stay there forever.

"How about some chocolate?" Auntie Leah asks," You can hang out in my room with G and I and we can eat chocolate until our tummies hurt."

Normally you would agree with that. You love spending time eating chocolate with Auntie Leah and G but you don't really want to be away from Mummy and Mum. It's bad enough that Mum's across the room from you but you can see her so you know that she's safe.

"We can even watch Brother Bear!"

That nearly breaks you. Brother Bear is your favourite movie ever but Mummy and Mum don't really like screen time so you only get to watch it if you've been very good.

But, still, you'll give up Brother Bear if it means you can stay with Mummy and Mum.

You shake your head. "Want Mum," You whisper against Mummy's skin.

She sighs, resting her head on yours. "Okay, bear," She says, defeated," Let's get Mum."

When you get to Mum, she's whispering to Georgia, who smiles at you before scampering off to Auntie Leah.

"What are you two planning?" Mummy asks suspiciously as she sits in the seat that used to be yours.

"Nothing bad," Mum says quickly before her hand runs over the back of your head and you turn to look at her," How are you feeling, bear?"

"Itchy." You hold your casted arm out to her.

Mum's gotten good at scratching your cast itches.

"Itchy?" She echoes," Well, we can't have that!" She takes a small wooden spoon out of her pocket and starts tapping at the cast. The doctors told her that she's not allowed to let you put stuff down it in case it causes infections so hopefully the vibrations will knock out your itchiness.

It does for the most part and you flop your head back against Mummy when Mum is done.

"Thank you, Mum," You say.

"Of course, bear."

Lucy watches as G and Leah wander out of the room and awaits the text she knows is coming.

You get a bit restless doing nothing and Keira gently runs her hand through your hair to settle you against her again.

"Come on," Lucy says when she finally gets the text," We've got a little surprise, bear."

Your brow furrows in confusion but you don't put up a fight as you're taken back up to the bedrooms. You bypass Mummy and Mum's room in favour of going to Auntie Leah and G's.

Both of them are waiting for you.

Their beds have been pushed together to create a mega bed and their sheets have been made into a little nest with space for all five of you to curl up in.

There's bags of your favourite snacks and your favourite chocolate milk. The title screen of Brother Bear is paused.

You sniffle.

"Oh, no!" G says," Don't cry!"

"These are happy tears," Mum says, wiping them from your cheeks," Isn't that right, bear?"

You nod. "Happy tears."

"Are you ready, bear?" Mummy asks," We're going to have nice chill day with G and Auntie Leah."

"Ready."

[prettypinkporkchop]

Can I request one where the reader overhears her boyfriend Paul calling the reader clingy so she went from being by his side to always having plans barley seeing him and he finally gets her and she just breaks down saying she didn’t wanna be clingy anymore

You smile to yourself as you walk around Billy Black's house toward the back, where you know Paul is.

"Yes! Same, dude! Is y/n the sam way as Nessie?" You hear Jacob ask. "She's just clingy!" You can hear Paul say. Your heart jumps and then falls onto the ground, shattering. You feel sick to your stomach. You don't even want to hear the rest. You turn your feet and walk right back to your car. You start the engine and go.

On the drive back home, you're crying. But, things are going to change if you want to keep Paul.

You stop at a gas station and pull out your phone. You call your coworker who you get along with.

"Hey Angela." You say. "Hey! What's up? Oh, if it's to cover for your shift Thursday, I would, but I can't. Ask for any other day, though!" She pipes up. "No, no. I was actually wondering if you wanted to hang out." You say. She pauses but then starts talking again, "Yes! When? Where?" She giggles. "Are you busy now?" You smile. "Nope."

You drive to Angela's house. You know where she lives, considering you've had to scoop her up for work a couple of times. Her car hates to start on freezing mornings. You walk up the steps and knock on her door. Eric opens it. Typical Eric, in his nice suit from work. "Hello?" He asks. "Hey! I'm Angela's coworker, y/n. I'm just coming to hang out." You say. "Oh!" He smiles and then points at you, "Yeah, yeah! She just mentioned that! Come in." He lets you inside.

You get home, and you go to bed. Your phone starts ringing. You pick it up. "Y/n, where have you been?" He asks kind of angrily. "I've been with Angela." You reply. "Your coworker?" He asks. "Yes." You say dryly. "Oh.. uh, you didn't tell me?" He said. "Sorry, babe." You sigh. "You're acting off." He said. You had to think quickly. "I just forgot to tell you. I'm sorry, babes. Needed some girl time." You giggle. "Oh, I see. Well, tomorrow I'm not doing anything at all! My day off of being a wolf." He laughs. Your heart is pounding. Oh god, do you want to be next to him. "Want to come over?" He asks. "Uh, no, I have plans." You say. You put him on speaker phone and go through your contacts. "With who?" He asks, surprised. You see the texts between you and Leah. She asked you a couple of days ago to decorate her house since you're good at that. "Leah wants me to decorate her house." You text her saying you'll be there tomorrow. "How about after?" He asks. "I'll visit for a little bit." You sigh.

-------- 2 weeks later -----

You wake up to pounding on your door. You jump up out of bed and open the door. There stands a disheveled, hurt, and angry Paul. "Paul?" You ask. He pushes past you and walks inside, going straight to your room. You follow him, and he bear hugs you. Squeezing you and sighing of relief. "Jesus christ. You know it hurts to stay away from you. Why the fuck have you been avoiding me?" He pulls away and looks at you. Seeing him in this state and completely missing him just brings tears to your eyes. You can't hold it anymore. You sit on your bed and start sobbing. "What is going on, baby?" He leans down and holds your face, looking into your red eyes. He wipes your tears away, and you blink a few times. "Paul, I heard what you said to Jacob at Billy's house." You said. He raises an eyebrow. "I'm too clingy." You said dryly. "If that's what I am to you and you're unhappy, you should've just told me. I'm scared to lose you." You cry. "Babygirl." He pulls you into him. "No, I didn't mean it like that at all. I love that you're clingy. It's my favorite thing ever." He cooes. You shake your head and try to push him off. "No. You meant it bad, I could tell." You sniffle. He holds tighter, so you can't get out of his grip. "We were talking about you and Renesmee. We were saying things that we like that most guys hate. Babygirl, we are soulmates. Nobody understands what it's like to truly love someone." He strokes your hair. You look up at him, and now you feel stupid. "I promise you. I can't lie to you, you know that. And look at me!" He chuckles. "I actually feel like death.'' He says. "I'm so sorry." You sigh and wrap your arms around his neck. He kisses you deeply, it feel like the first time kissing him. It feels like it's been forever. He pulls away from your lips very slowly. "I'm staying the night." He says, demanding. You laugh and nod your head.

[coolemmasulivan2]

Rewinding Us | 4

Pairing: Mason Mount x Reader

Summary: You and Mason built a love story over five years, but after an accident, your memories are wiped away, including any feelings for your constant bickering "rival". Can you remember your love story with Mason, or will you have to start all over?

Word count: 2523

YYou can read more chapters here.

You are the only one I'll ever love Looking back on my life You're the only good I've ever done (ever done) Yeah, you, if it's not you, it's not anyone (anyone) Not anyone

The weather in Manchester was unpredictable, providing you with both happiness and annoyance. When you longed for the chill of winter, the sun would shine and when you craved a dose of vitamin D, the sky would unleash an amount absurd of rain. Today was no exception. It was August and it felt like nature was teasing your wish for some sunshine.

You returned home after a long day at work, packed with groceries for dinner. It had been a week since you'd returned to Manchester, and tonight, you were finally going to see Mason again. He had a reason to visit, something to pick up from the house and since you were aware of everything, he'd simply asked instead of sneaking in when you weren't home.

Since your last encounter, Mason had encouraged you to reach out whenever you had questions about your shared history. True to his word, you had bombarded him with texts, curious about the memories that were slowly coming back to you. The most recent memory had occurred at three in the morning when you dreamed about a dog.

You: Did we had a dog?

Mason was fast asleep when his phone buzzed, the sound jolting him awake. Without moving his face, he reached out and grabbed the phone, his fingers fumbling in the darkness. As he saw your name on the screen, his heart skipped a beat. Worry gnawed at him as he unlocked the phone, fearing the worst.

When he read your question, his relief turned into a mix of amusement.

"She's going to kill me!" He muttered, sinking back into the pillow.

He quickly typed out a reply, attaching a photo of Ace.

Mason: We still do! His name is Ace.

The photo showed Ace sitting beside you by the pool, your smile bright and infectious. Seeing the image, you couldn't help but smile.

That night, you bombarded Mason with questions about Ace, your curiosity insatiable. Later that day, when you turned on the TV and saw him preparing for a match, you let out a curse. You'd completely forgotten about his game. He'd stayed up late, answering your endless questions, when he should have been resting.

Today, knowing Mason was coming over, you asked if he could bring Ace and without even realizing it, you ended up inviting him to dinner. It wasn't a romantic dinner, you kept reminding yourself. Just 'friends' having a meal.

Since the kiss you exchanged in the car, you couldn't stop thinking about him. The constant texting wasn't helping. One moment, you'd despise him, and the next, you'd be imagining what lay beneath his clothes.

Cooking had always been your therapy, you were always good at it, so that wasn't the problem. What made you nervous was not knowing what to wear. A dress? You were at home. It wasn't a date. Why did it matter?

"Just wear something casual but nice." Your friend and coworker, Dianne, said over FaceTime. "Like a blouse or a nice shirt. I mean, Mason would probably love you even if you were wearing a potato sack."

You threw the long summer dress you were holding onto the bed. "You're not helping." You muttered.

"I'm just telling you the truth." She insisted. "That man is so head over heels for you, he wouldn't notice if someone else was in the room."

A blush crept across your face. It was nice to hear those kinds of things, to know you were loved and appreciated. Your past relationships had been a series of disappointments, but with Mason, it seemed different.

"Since we came back, I can't stop thinking about him." You admitted, running your hands through your hair. "It's like… something clicked when he told me we used to date. Sometimes I want to punch his stupid face but at the same time I…"

"At the same time, you want to jump on him." Your friend finished your thought.

You groaned, falling back onto the bed. "I hate this!" You exclaimed, tossing your phone onto the mattress making Dianne face the ceiling.

"Girl, I've seen your relationship with Mason. You love him, and he loves you. You're that perfect couple who's still in their honeymoon phase, and it's inspiring to watch." She said, her voice filled with admiration. You listened attentively, her words sinking in. "Don't be afraid to approach him." She encouraged you.

You thanked her for her support and ended the call.

Gathering the clothes from the bed, you opted for a pair of nice jeans and a floral tank top. The weather outside was miserable, but inside the house, it was warm and cosy.

The food was in the oven, and you were chopping tomatoes and onions for the salad when the doorbell rang, making you jump. Ace's excited woof echoed outside the house.

Drying your hands, you hurried to the door barefoot, nearly tripping over the rug. Taking a deep breath, you opened the door.

A wave of happiness washing over you as you saw Ace running towards you, his tail wagging furiously. He'd missed you, that was clear.

You crouched down, welcoming Ace's enthusiastic jumps and licks. Dogs had always been your favourite, growing up with more than one back in the day when you lived with your parents. You spent a few minutes showering him with affection, your worries - or even Mason - temporarily forgotten.

"Hello, Ace." You said, stroking his soft fur. "You're so pretty, you big goofball." Ace's tail wagged with happiness. His eyes, filled with love and adoration, mirrored your own emotions.

Mason stood behind and watched you interact with Ace, a tender smile playing on his lips. His love for you was evident in his gaze.

"Hi." You managed to squeak out, your voice barely audible.

"Hi." He replied, his voice equally soft.

You stood up, Ace disappearing into the house. You tucked a strand of hair behind your ear, your nerves showing. Mason mirrored your posture, his hands stuffed in his hoodie pockets.

"Come in!" You insisted, opening the door wider.

Mason mumbled a thank you and stepped inside, the familiar scent of home washing over him. "It smells good." He commented as the smell from the kitchen hit him.

You closed the door behind him and smiled. "Thank you. Dinner's almost ready. I was just finishing the salad."

He followed you into the kitchen. "Need help?" He asked.

"No, you can sit." You replied, continuing with the salad as he sat on a stool by the kitchen island. "Thank you for bringing Ace."

Mason watched as Ace wandered around the kitchen, his tail wagging happily. "Why don't I let him stay here and see if you feel the same way after." He suggested a playful glint in his eye. You stopped cutting the onion, your eyes locking with his. "It was a joke, Y/n." He added, sensing your reaction.

"But he can stay!" You persisted, your eyes sparkling. "I love dogs."

Mason chuckled, his heart melting. "He's your dog too." He said. "It's only fair to share custody."

You grinned, looking down at Ace. "Did you hear that, goofball? You're staying with me!" Ace's tail wagged with enthusiasm. Mason couldn't help but smile at the heartwarming interaction.

Mason had placed the salad on the table when the oven timer beeped. You grabbed the oven gloves and started walking towards the oven, but Ace, catching you by surprise, ran between your legs, causing you to lose your balance.

"ACE!" Mason shouted, his voice filled with both irritation and concern. He quickly reached out, his arm wrapping around your waist and pulling you towards him. Your back pressed against his strong chest and you could feel his warm breath against your ear. "Are you okay?" He asked, his voice laced with worry.

His hand rested on your belly, his warmth seeping through your tank top. For a moment, you felt an overwhelming urge to turn around and kiss him, but you resisted, your heart pounding in your chest. "I'm fine." You whispered, your voice barely audible. "Thank you."

You didn't step away, and neither did he. The warmth of his body against yours was comforting, a familiar sensation that sent a shiver down your spine. You stood there for a moment, lost in the moment until Ace's loud woof broke the spell.

As Mason stepped away, you felt a pang of disappointment. "Let me help you." He offered, taking the oven gloves from your hands.

He carefully removed the food from the oven and placed it on the table. You both sat down, the aroma of the meal filling the air. Ace sat at your feet, his tail wagging hopefully.

The dinner passed in a blur, the awkwardness of the beginning replaced by a comfortable ease. Mason's ability to make you laugh was infectious, and before you knew it, hours had flown by.

As you cleaned up the rest of the kitchen, Mason reminded you of the time. "It's getting late." He said, glancing at the clock. "I guess I should go get my things." You nodded, a pang of disappointment settling in. He dried his hands on the kitchen cloth after helping you and then disappeared upstairs.

You didn't want him to leave. The thought of staying alone in the big house again made you feel unsettled. Having him by your side felt comforting and familiar, and you didn't want that to change.

Ace, curled up on the living room rug, looked up at you. "Guess it's just you and me, goofball." You said, playing with his fur.

A chill had settled in the air, and you shivered involuntarily, so you grabbed the blue Nike hoodie you had left in the bathroom and you pulled it on.

As you sat down on the sofa, Ace eagerly joined you, his head resting on your lap. You turned on the TV, the soft glow illuminating the room.

Mason's footsteps sounded from the hallway. "Y/n?" he called out.

"In the living room." You replied.

"Have you seen a blue hoo--?" He stopped when he saw you wearing the hoodie he was looking for.

You shifted uncomfortably. "Is it your hoodie?" You asked him, realizing why the hoodie was so big on you. "Sorry, I didn't know." You grabbed the ends, ready to take it off, but Mason quickly stopped you.

"It's fine." He said, a playful glint in his eye. "It looks better on you anyway."

You blushed, feeling a warmth spread through your cheeks. "But you wanted it."

"It's fine. I have plenty." He insisted.

"But--"

"Y/n--"

"You can hav--"

"It was an excuse!" He said and you looked at him.

"What?"

Mason ran his hand through his hair. "I found what I was looking for yesterday in one of my suitcases, but you had already invited me over, so, my excuse was going to be the blue hoodie… You have on."

"Oh." You looked at him as he looked down in embarrassment.

"The things I do just to be with you." He whispered. He let out a shy chuckle and you gave him a smile. "Sorry."

"You don't need to apologize. I get it. This was your life for five years and I took it from you."

Mason shook his head. "You didn't! The man that hit your car did. It's not your fault." You looked at him, not knowing what to say. Mason took your hand and held it tightly. "We didn't do anything wrong."

You looked down at your hand in his, feeling a warmth spread through you. Your eyes met his, and a smile crept across your face. "Do you want to watch a movie? I know it's late, but you can sleep in the guest room," you suggested.

Mason smiled, his gaze lingering on your face. "I'd like to, but I have training tomorrow morning." He replied.

A blush crept across your cheeks. "Oh, yeah, right."

He took a step closer, his hand still holding yours. "But I would like to take you on a date." He said, his eyes filled with sincerity. "If you want, of course."

Your heart skipped a beat. "I-I would like that." You stammered, your voice barely audible.

Mason squeezed your hand. "Good!" He said, a wide smile spreading across his face. "I'll call you." You nodded. He looked down at Ace and petted him. "You're staying with Y/n, buddy! It's your job to protect her, okay?" The dog gave him his paw and you laughed.

"I'll walk you out." You offered.

You followed him toward the front door. "Just to be clear," He started, stopping himself when you opened the door. "I'm asking you out because I love you and I want you back. It doesn't matter if you don't have your memories back. I want you to fall in love with me again, so, I'm going to do whatever it takes for that to happen." He said. You felt like your legs were going to give up as he leaned in and kissed you softly on the cheek. "Good night, Y/n!"

"Good night, Mason!"

You watched Mason's car disappear down the driveway, a wave of sadness washing over you. You closed the door and leaned against it, letting out a sigh.

A few weeks ago, if someone had suggested you would develop feelings for Mason, you would have laughed in their face. The idea had been absurd, but here you were, feeling sad after seeing him leave.

As you sat down on the sofa, Ace joined you once again. "Do you like Mason, goofball?" The dog looked up at you, his ears perking up at the mention of his favourite human and let out a joyful woof. "Me too! Me too!"

Half an hour later, you were lost in thought when the doorbell rang, startling you out of your trance. Standing up, you approached the door and swung it open, your surprise evident as you saw Mason standing on the doorstep.

"Hey, is everything okay? Did you forget something?" You asked, your voice laced with concern.

Mason's gaze flickered between your eyes and your lips, a hint of something unsaid lingering in his expression. "I re- I remembered you didn't have Ace's food." He stuttered, his words stumbling over each other.

"Oh." You replied, disappointment washing over you. "You want to take him back!"

"No, no. It's not that." He said quickly, shaking his head. He went back to his car and returned with a bag of dog food.

You watched him, a knowing smile playing on your lips. "You didn't have to." You said, your voice soft.

He shrugged, his cheeks reddening. "I thought it would be nice."

Your heart swelled with warmth. "Thank you, Mason." You looked at him, your heart pounding in your chest. "You're sure you don't want to stay over?" You asked, your voice barely a whisper.

Mason hesitated, his eyes locking with yours. He took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling. "I'll stay." He smiled and said, his voice barely audible.

Relief washed over you, a smile spreading across your face, as you closed the door.

[satforsatoru]

𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐞

➪ 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐭. 𝐟𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐨 𝐦𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐦𝐢

warnings: brief, nondescriptive mention of throwing up

a/n: the end feels a little rushed but i've had in this in my drafts forever

A chest-rattling cough left you, one harsh enough that you collapsed backward onto your bed. You were supposed to be doing homework, but you’d had a virtually unshakeable cold, and it was making everything that much more difficult. 

Between classes, exorcizing curses, and extra work, you’d hardly had the time to recover and it had long since begun to take its toll. The buzzing of your phone broke you from your thoughts and you dug it out of your pocket with a pitiful sniffle. 

You weren’t surprised to see the text from your boyfriend, Megumi, especially since you’d been holed up in your room since classes had gotten out hours ago. His text, though short, radiated concern. 

‘Hey, is everything okay w you? You’ve been locking yourself in your room for the last few days… im getting worried.’

Ordinarily, his attention to you would make you swoon, but making him worry was the opposite of what you wanted. What you actually wanted was for your cold to go away quietly without anyone noticing. 

You were busy, but you couldn’t imagine that it compared to what Megumi faced, and you hated the idea of adding another thing to his plate when it was such a minuscule matter.

You quickly typed back a lame excuse about homework and how busy you were before tossing your phone to the other side of the bed. As you curled up with a soft wheeze, you rolled your eyes at the notion of studying. 

At this rate, nothing was getting done until tomorrow, most likely. You let your eyes close, hoping that when you awoke, you’d be feeling better. 

+

You shot up, wide awake before you could even process the act of waking up. Soft knocking cut through your daze, and you blinked, confused for a new reason. “Yn? Can I come in?” Megumi. Shaking your head to further orient yourself, you responded. “Come in!” 

As the door instantly realized that shaking your head had only made you more dizzy, but you didn’t have time to dwell on that now that your lover was already walking up to you. 

“Yn? I brought you some snacks and stuff… you’ve been really busy and I don’t remember you getting dinner,” Megumi murmured, holding out an adorable basket of fruits, crackers, a blanket, and face masks. 

You momentarily forgot your illness and quickly stood up to throw your arms around the ravenette’s neck. “You’re too sweet, love, I really appreciate it,” You grinned, leaning into him. Without even seeing his face, you knew that his cheeks were tinted pink as he held you close, but it only made him more endearing.

“It’s nothing,” he smiled, pulling away, “what are you working on?” You accepted the basket and turned to gesture to your (forgotten) work when it hit you. 

A wave of nausea washed over you, causing your head to spin and your stomach to churn. “Yn? Are you-” Before Megumi could even finish, you were stumbling over to your trashcan, bile rising quickly in your throat. 

You hardly made it in time, dropping to your knees just as you began to heave. Footsteps echoed behind you and then hands were holding back your hair and rubbing your back. 

“Shit, you’re okay, just breathe, love,” Megumi whispered, fear seeping into his voice. After what felt like an eternity the ordeal was over and you slumped backward into your boyfriend’s waiting arms. He tucked you into his chest and gently wiped your face with a tissue.

“Hey, hey, eyes on me, yeah?” He soothed, caressing your cheek, but his face turned stricken. “You’re burning up… have you been sick?” 

You averted your gaze, shame burning through you at not only throwing up in front of Megumi but also how quickly he saw right through you. “Just a little under the weather,” You mumbled, “I’m sorry you had to see that,” You added quietly.

Megumi scoffed, but not unkindly. “You should’ve told me, love. Have you taken anything? Well, I guess you haven’t since you haven’t even eaten,” He answered himself, looking right through you. “How long have you been feeling like this?” He asked suspiciously. 

You hesitated, but his eyes narrowed and you knew that there was no point in lying. “About a week,” You revealed. “That long-! Yn, why didn’t you say anything?” Megumi rushed, conflicted about what to do. 

“It’s just… everyone’s busy and has stuff to worry about, y’know? I didn’t want to add another thing to your plate. It really isn’t that big of a deal, I promise,” You insisted. 

“‘Not a big deal’?” Megumi echoed, frowning deeply, “Yn, you just threw up after being sick for a week. You don’t have to hide this stuff, especially not from me, okay? I don’t want you to be suffering all by yourself.” 

Not giving you a chance to make another excuse, he easily moved you to your bed and carefully laid you down. Guilt began to sit in your stomach like a pit as you watched Megumi mutter under his breath, no doubt creating a plan to help you.

“I don’t want to lecture you, especially not when you’re feeling like this, but… I don’t want you to think for a second that you’re just ‘another thing on my plate’,” Megumi started, lithe fingers caressing your cheek, “you’re my priority, always, I want to help you as much as I possibly can because I truly care about you, more than you can possibly understand,” He finished, leaning closer to you. 

You felt your cheeks warm and you nodded in understanding. “Sorry for disappearing on you,” You murmured. Still, Megumi looked somewhat relieved as he brushed a cool hand across your forehead. 

“I’m just glad I know now… stay put, I’m going to grab a couple things,” He mumbled, already heading toward the door. As much as you felt slightly guilty to derail his day, you couldn’t deny that it was nice to have him take care of you. 

A couple of minutes passed, and you felt your eyelids begin to grow heavy and you were losing the battle against sleep. 

Just when you were about to truly give in to your exhaustion, a damp, cool towel was placed on your forehead. Your eyes blinked open, meeting familiar ones. “Feel good?” He questioned quietly. You nodded, lost in a deep yawn. 

“I brought some medicine for you to take, and then you can get some rest, okay?” Megumi decided, opening a small pill bottle. You sighed but relented and accepted the large-ish capsule and the glass of juice with a small ‘thanks’.

You quickly downed them both, but you couldn’t stop yourself from making a face at the gross aftertaste, to which Megumi let out a quiet laugh. “Not too much,” You huffed, but pulled him by the arm, contradicting your words. 

“Want me to stay while you rest?” He asked, sitting beside you on the bed. A resounding ‘yes’ rested on the tip of your tongue, but you didn’t want to essentially trap him here, especially if he had other tasks to attend to. 

“I don’t mind, I’m kind of tired myself,” He added reassuringly. You pursed your lips, but when the back of his hand carefully caressed your cheek, the rest of your resolve crumbled. “If you insist,” You grinned.

The ravenette rolled his eyes, but joined you beneath the covers, nonetheless. For a few seconds, the two of you maneuvered around until you were comfortably tucked away in his chest. 

Megumi’s lips pressed against your forehead for a long moment and he held you closer to himself. “You’re important to me, okay? I want to be the first person you come to when things happen,” He whispered. 

You finally felt yourself truly relax now that you were right where you belonged. You managed a whispered ‘I love you’ before you succumbed to your exhaustion.

requests are open and reblogs are appreciated!

[strawb3rryscorpio]

Could you just write like ANYTHING that’s Dominic x reader because there is a severe dom fic drought rn

𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐎𝐎𝐒, dominic fike x reader

𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: you and your boyfriend get matching tattoos 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: cursing, sexual jokes

You and Dom had been discussing matching tattoos for months now. You loved the idea, but the only issue was that neither of you could agree on what tattoo to get. Well, that had been the case until earlier today, when your boyfriend finally compromised on getting a cherry stem with two cherries as your tattoo. Cherries were symbolic to your relationship; you had them on your first date, and since then they always reminded you of your relationship. Dominic liked the idea behind it, but he argued that the tattoo should be more corny and obvious. But after hours of reasoning and many puppy eyes later, Dominic just couldn’t say no, and had finally accepted defeat to those damn cherries.

"Dom, what am I supposed to wear to a tattoo appointment?" you asked, looking at yourself in the mirror, attempting to think of an outfit in your head. “Nothing at all if it was up to me," he deadpanned, scrolling mindlessly through his phone.

You rolled your eyes before turning to him. “Dominic, I'm being serious," you scolded, a wide smirk appearing on his face. “I am the most serious I've probably ever been." You groaned in response, walking into the closet in search of an outfit.

"Okay, how's this?" you asked. He looks up from his phone and eyes you up and down. "Perfect," he grins. No matter what outfit you put on, it was perfect to him, meaning he was zero help.

“You say it’s ‘perfect’ every time,” you sighed, knowing stuff like this riles him up. “What else do you want me to say?” he asks and you just walk over and plant a kiss to his forehead in response and he wipes it away jokingly.

You turnto face the mirror, having to trust your own opinion in this situation. "Is it too booby?" you ask yourself, caressing the top of your tank top.

The look on his face immediately tells you he’s thinking of another sly remark. "Nothing is ever too booby," you giggled and walked over to your dresser to grab your purse.

As you checked your phone, replying to the texts you missed while getting ready, you heard the sound of one of Dominic's notorious dramatic sighs. "What're you so loud for?" you teasingly question as you put on your earrings. You hear him get off the bed and walk over to you, gently placing his arms around your waist and nuzzling his head into the back of your neck.

"'Cause I'm bored," he mumbles into your neck, barely audible. "I've been watching Reddit confessions for like three hours." The buzz of his words on your neck send a chill down your spine.

"It's not my fault you were ready two hours ago," you joke, turning to face him, placing a soft kiss on his lips. "Plus, you love those Reddit confessions,"

.

"Still set on those cherries?" he asks, pulling into the parking lot of the tattoo parlour. "Yes, one hundred percent set," you smacked your glossy lips together to emphasize your words.

You walk towards the building, hand in hand. "I'm nervous," you admit, squeezing his hand extra hard. “Why? You'll be okay and it’ll be a quick one,” Dominic replies and rubs your back for reassurance. "Plus you should be perfectly fine since you got to pick the tattoo." He turns to you a smirk plastered onto his face.

"I didn't pick it. We agreed on it," you emphasize, stepping into the parlour as Dominic holds the door open. "Yeah, yeah, whatever," he says before wrapping his arm around your shoulder.

"Hi, we're here for an appointment at four thirty," you smile at the lady at the counter. "Oh, yes! A couples tattoo, that’s fun!" She exclaims pulling out a clipboard and some pens for you to sign with

"Yeah, we've been talking about it for a while, and we were both free today, so we were like, why not?" you explained as Dominic signed the waiver. "What are you guys planning on getting?" she asks, as Dominic hands the clipboard to you.

"We're getting cherries," Dominic answers as you continued skimming through the waiver. "We had them for dessert on our first date." The woman’s face softens at Dominic's reasoning for the tattoo. "That is adorable," she grins.

“He said it was not corny enough,” you explain handing the clipboard back over to her, as Dominic sends you a playful glare. “Well for the record, I think it’s super corny” she replies.

You turned your head towards Dominic before mumbling, "Told you.”

“Okay, you’re all set! I'll have the chairs set up in a couple of minutes," she announces before walking off into the back.

The both of you take a seat, and you lay your head on his shoulder. "Dom?" you whispered, barely loud enough for him to hear you. "Yes, my love?" he looks down at you, eyes wide and attentive, ready to listen to whatever you have to say.

"If you really don't want to get the cherries, we can do something else. I don't mind, I promise," You look up, immediately reading his face for a response.

He lets out the slightest chuckle. "Baby, if I really didn't want those cherries, I would've been on your ass about it,” he smiles, brushing his hands through your hair. "And plus, I'd get your face tatted on my forehead, so I have zero issues with some little cherries," he adds, causing you to chuckle.

"You're very corny, you know that?" you say after a few seconds of silence. "It's my specialty, really," he replies and places a kiss on your head.

A few minutes later the woman comes back out. "We're ready for you two!" She calls out and you stand up as he grabs your hand for support to get up, though he really doesn’t need it.

“Ready?" he asks from a few feet behind you. "Readier than ever!" you grin.

You decide to go first. Dominic sits beside you on the chair, holding your free hand, and squeezing it occasionally. You watch Dominic converse with the tattoo artist and can help but smile at him. A big, goofy smile that displayed nothing but love and commitment. And you think to yourself as the tattoo artists sanitizes your arm; what is committing if not getting a matching tattoo?

—————————

🪽h speaks: guys i’m not very happy with this it was kind of rushed but i was eager to post something. i hope you enjoy and thank you so much for 300 followers!! love you guys :)

[vscabarca]

relax - pablo gavi

summary: gavi comes home exhausted after an intense week of football, but you‘re there to help him relax.

genre: fluff

———

gavi came home absolutely exhausted. It was the week before the game against Atlético Madrid, so xavi didn't give his players any rest, but kept pushing them to their limits. After an already intense practice, the coach then announced a spontaneous meeting, where they would discuss their tactics for the game.

already annoyed by the sudden change of plans and a headache forming, he stumbled into the meeting, sitting down next to araujo. what gavi didn't know, this meeting would take about two hours before he finally sat in his audi to head home. a sight left his lips as he looked at the time. 8:17pm. you were probably already done with dinner and left him a plate to eat.

you sat on the couch with your glasses on, trying to do some homework for the next day, as you heard the keys jingle, indicating gavi was home.

he stumbled into your shared apartment, holding his phone and keys in one hand, while the other held his backpack. his eyes were half closed already and his hair was all over the place. after finally looking up, his eyes met his girlfriends. you smiled softly at him when you saw the worn out boy standing in front of you.

"you look like you need a hug." you chuckled and walked over to him.

gavi only half smiled, but put his strong hands around your shoulders nevertheless. you knew how exhausted he must've been, so you let him hug you as long as he wanted to.

"i've missed you." he muffled and placed a soft peck on your neck.

"I've missed you too pablito." you spoke, holding his cheeks to give him a proper, long kiss.

"i already ate but i can warm it up for you, if you want." you spoke again, taking the backpack from his hands to put it away.

gavi just nodded sleepily, stumbling towards the kitchen.

you came back and prepared his food when Gavi whined in pain as he sat down. "Ow!" he growled, putting a hand on his lower back.

"does your back still hurt?" you asked him concerned and walked over to him, rubbing his back softly.

"mhm, i couldn't rest that much these last few weeks, so i guess the pain came back." he replied, leaning into your touch.

his back had been giving him problems for a while now. during a game, he received a blow from another player onto his lower back muscle and since then it hurt. over time it got better, but when gavi played a lot and couldn't rest properly, the pain came back. the physiotherapists at Barça said nothing could happen if he played through the pain, but his ability to perform at his best was restricted.

"how about i'll give you a massage after you're finished with eating? it helped the last time."

"yeah that would be nice, thank you amor." he replied and gave you a soft kiss to which you blushed in response. he ate dinner in silence, watching some videos on his phone while you got everything ready. gavi walked upstairs, his face contorted in pain with every step he took, until he reached the bedroom.

you patted the bed, indicating for gavi to lie down. with a plop, he was face down on the bed, eyes already closed.

"baby if you want me to massage you, you have to take your shirt off." you laughed at your boyfriend's silliness.

he was quiet for a second until he spoke.

"you could've just told me if you wanted to see my abs." he replied cockily as a joke to tease you.

you just shook your head, but secretly liked the view when Gavi stood in front of you shirtless. still with that cocky grin on his face he came closer, looking down at you.

"you like what you see, don't you?" gavi stepped even closer, only inches apart from each others faces.

"i'm trying to be all cute and helpful for you and you make me nervous over here. stop it." you replied only above a whisper.

he laughed out loud before pressing a gentle kiss on your lips.

"you are cute and helpful, but i love to see you all shy and blushing because of me."

finally laying on his stomach, you swung your legs on either side of Gavi, sitting on his butt.

"it's going to be cold for a sec, sorry." you had already warned him before you placed the cream onto his lower back. he shrieked at the coldness but relaxed shortly after.

pressing your thumb into his skin, you made slow but strong movements, trying to ease the tension out of his body. he sighed in relaxation, sometimes giving you an appreciative smile or comment, like "oh that's nice" or "keep doing that, it feels amazing".

you now wandered from his back to his shoulders and neck, giving his other muscles also a good squeeze. you enjoyed letting your hands wander over his broad shoulders and loved to see your boy relaxed, as his body was often in constant pain or exhaustion.

it's been about half an hour when you stopped as your hands started to hurt. you hadn't heard much from gavi, so you gently got off him, only to see him sleeping.

his eyes were closed and his lips slightly parted as soft breaths left them. you pressed a sweet kiss onto his cheek, before placing the duvet over him to let him have his well deserved rest.

[helloalycia]

𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐏𝐈𝐃𝐋𝐘 𝐉𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐒 [𝐎𝐍𝐄] — 𝐀𝐋𝐘𝐂𝐈𝐀 𝐃𝐄𝐁𝐍𝐀𝐌-𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐘

summary: it was only supposed to be a summer job, and yet it became so much more when you met the girl you'd soon fall in love with.

warning/s: none.

author's note: okay so being ill recently has delayed me getting this out lol, my bad. Either way, it’s finally here and will have a few parts. It’s an au so Alycia isn’t famous in this, but yeah! hope you like it! :)

just to note: Y/S/N = your sister's name and Y/M/N = your mum's name

two / three / four / five/ masterlist / wattpad

Prologue Part One...

"I want to congratulate you all, once again, on getting this job. Hopefully you'll enjoy this summer as much as we all do!"

I squinted my eyes as I looked at my employer giving a longwinded speech about how myself and a bunch of other 17-year-olds got the job to work as camp counsellors at a summer camp.

"Before you go, I want to remind you that your emails should have all of the relevant information regarding your buddy. This should help you both settle in nicely and make friends. After all, a happy team is good for the kids."

My employer, Mr. Fox, smiled at the group of us as we all waited impatiently to get on the coach already.

As if reading our minds, the coach driver approached him and mumbled something to him, making him straighten up and nod. The coach driver headed back to the coach, getting in, as Mr. Fox cleared his throat.

"Okay, you should all get going now, but remember to have fun! This is more than just a job, it's an experience!"

He looked out at us all, as if expecting some sort of reaction, but everyone stayed staring at him until he waved us away. I followed the group of teens onto the coach, taking a seat in the middle by the window since I was one of the first few on.

I didn't really know anybody, at least I didn't think I did. The job came up as an opportunity advertised at school and I applied because I needed the money before I headed off to university. My friends didn't want to do it with me which meant I was alone, but I tried not to worry about it too much. Making friends wasn't impossible.

As I put my seatbelt on and got comfortable, a pretty girl stopped by my seat and looked down questioningly.

"Is this seat taken?" she asked, and I noticed she had an accent that I couldn't quite pinpoint just yet.

"No, go for it," I said with a small smile.

She flashed me an easygoing smile in return, before putting her backpack up top and taking a seat beside me. Admittedly, I grew a little nervous as I realised there and then that it had been a long time since I'd had to make friends with someone, and I couldn't for the life of me remember how to make conversation.

"So what's your name?" she asked, taking the lead (to my relief).

"Y/N," I said with a nod. "Y/N Y/L/N."

"Y/N," she repeated, and I still couldn't figure out where she was from – Australia, maybe? Or New Zealand? I could never tell the difference – but it sounded pretty cool. "Nice to meet you, Y/N... wait, I think we're buddies! Hold on..."

She pulled out her phone and began to scroll through a bunch of stuff before nodding in agreement and showing me her email.

"Right there. Y/N Y/L/N." She smiled widely. "We're buddies."

I chuckled at her enthusiasm. "I guess we are... so you must be Alycia?"

"Alycia," she repeated in agreement. "Alycia Debnam-Carey."

"Well, nice to meet you too, Alycia," I said, before adding curiously, "I'm sorry, this is going to sound stupid, but where are you from?"

She chuckled and it sounded adorable, lighting up the whole coach. "I'm from Australia, but I've lived here for a few years now."

"Ah, I figured it was Australia," I said, nodding my head. "Makes sense."

"No problem," she said with amusement. "I'm guessing you're from around here then."

"Yeah, I go to [your school name]," I said, turning so I could face her better.

"Oh, see, I go to [another school name]," she said with realisation. "Not far from each other."

"Apparently not," I said with a stifled smile. "So what made you want to do this? You really love kids or something?"

She nodded in agreement. "Yes, actually, that's exactly it."

"I was kidding."

She laughed quietly. "Well, I wasn't. I just thought it would be nice to do something like this before I go to university. Spice up my summer a bit."

I nodded in acknowledgment and she stared at me curiously.

"How about you?" she asked, and the coach began to move off when she did.

"I'd like to say it was something cute like your answer," I admitted, "but I just needed the money to be honest."

She cracked a smile and I noticed how it matched her eyes perfectly.

"It seemed like a good way to make some more money before uni," I continued. "Plus, I guess, like you said, it should make for a good summer. I mean, the activities these kids get to do..." I raised an eyebrow. "Canoeing? Rock climbing? Pottery class? That's some rich people shit right there. I definitely never did that as a kid."

She snickered, nodding in agreement. "Fair point. It looks fun, that's for sure."

I hummed in agreement.

"Also, you're not like, a weirdo, so that means being buddies should be fun," she added.

I felt my cheeks heating up as I smiled with amusement. "Er, thanks, I guess?"

Her green eyes lit up as she mirrored my smile. "It's a compliment."

I couldn't help but laugh. "I figured."

She got comfortable in her seat and looked down the aisle before sighing to herself. "How long is this trip again?"

I checked my watch. "It's nine now, so... three hours, give or take."

"Awesome, I'm gonna take a nap," she said instantly, before crossing her arms and shuffling about until she found a spot.

"You're tired?"

"Didn't sleep much last night," she said as she closed her eyes. "Don't wanna be crabby when I'm there."

I quirked a brow as I studied her. She was anything but crabby, and in fact seemed like she was wide awake. Strange girl, for sure.

"You're staring," she said, before opening an eye and looking at me. "What's up?"

My lips curled into a smile and I soon began to shake my head, stifling laughter. "No reason. I guess I'll wake you when we're there."

She opened her other eye and smiled tiredly, before giving me a cute little nod. "Greatly appreciated, love."

I ran a hand through my hair as my smile somehow stayed fixed on my face. She closed her eyes again and I distracted myself by looking out the window, but all I could think about was how strange this girl next to me was.

I was unpacking my suitcase when the camp leader was making her rounds in the counsellors' cabin. There were several bunk beds and I was sharing with Alycia, who dibbed the top bunk after claiming she'd always wanted one as a kid. Again, strange girl, what'd I tell you?

"...and who do we have next?"

I looked up from my suitcase and saw the camp leader approaching Alycia and I with a warm smile – a blonde woman in her forties. Alycia jumped off the top bunk and joined my side, smiling widely at me before looking to the leader.

"I'm Y/N Y/L/N," I introduced myself, returning the leader's smile.

"Great to have you here, Y/N," she said enthusiastically. "I'm just introducing myself to everyone and letting them know who I am and what my role is. So, I guess," she laughed, "I'm Marissa and I'm your point of contact for any issues or queries you have."

"So, my boss?" I suggested with a raised eyebrow.

"Technically, yes," she nodded, then shook her head, "but I hate the way that makes me sound. So consider me one of your colleagues, like everyone else here."

"Okay, cool," I said with a nod, before looking to a quiet Alycia, wondering when she'd introduce herself.

"And would you look who decided to sign up for this summer," Marissa said knowingly, smirking at Alycia. "Alycia Debnam-Carey."

Alycia smiled awkwardly and I grew confused. Did they know each other or something...?

"I see you read my name on the list," Alycia said quickly, motioning to the clipboard in Marissa's hand. "I mean, how else would you know who I am?"

"What are you talking about, silly? Why wouldn't I know my only niece–"

"Nice, thank you! So are you, Marissa," Alycia cut her off, nodding her head.

I looked between them both as, clearly, Alycia was terrible at hiding the fact that she was Marissa's niece. I wasn't sure why she was hiding it, but whatever. It was too amusing to witness.

"Okay...," Marissa said with confusion, eyeing Alycia curiously, before looking between us with a smile again. "I'll leave you lovely ladies to settle in. There's no pressure today since the kids will arrive tomorrow, but do read your handbooks for more information. And if you have any questions, feel free to find me or any of the other supervisors."

I nodded and watched her leave, before leaning against the bunk as Alycia looked everywhere but at me.

With an entertained smile, I said, "So you're related, huh?”

She played it off very badly. "Pfft, what? What are you talking about?"

I chuckled. "You're very strange, you know that? But don't worry. Your secret is safe with me."

She finally met my eyes, startling green ones filled with relief as a sheepish smile spread on her lips. "Thank you..."

"I mean, I'm definitely curious why you're hiding it, but I'm sure I'll find out eventually," I added, before going back to my suitcase.

"Sure...," she said sarcastically, before jumping up onto the top bunk to finish unpacking.

The next morning, the kids arrived in coaches and were getting their initiation in the main hall, leaving all the camp councillors to prepare for their daily activities.

Alycia and I were assigned to fishing for the morning, so we found ourselves by the lake in the early morning sun. It was beautiful out and I was grateful to be spending the summer in such a lovely area. I couldn't have imagined being somewhere like this otherwise, or even having the opportunity to.

"Okay, so according to this, we need to find the instructors and the fishing cabin," I said as I studied the handbook. "It should be nearby apparently. Hold on, let me get my map."

"No need, I know the way," Alycia said with a shrug, before leading the way.

"Oh, awesome," I said, following after her and falling into step. "How d'you know where it is?"

Alycia paused, before answering, "Studied the map last night."

I hummed, impressed. "That explains how you knew where to find breakfast this morning."

She chuckled and I cracked a smile before looking ahead. Indeed, Alycia was correct as I saw a cabin up ahead, presumably where the instructors were.

"So, are you excited to get our group of kids today?" I asked, glancing her way.

She smiled with ease. "Yeah, I am. It should be fun! Aren't you?"

"I guess," I said, noticing how her excitement was contagious and made me feel like a smile was permanently fixed onto my face. "Let's hope they like us."

She slapped me gently on the arm, taking me by surprise.

"Pardon you?" I said sarcastically with a quirked brow.

"Why would would you say that?" she asked incredulously, an amused smile on her face. "Of course they'll like us... right?"

I chuckled. "Seriously? You're fussed about that?"

"As much as I love kids, you can get some really evil ones," she said knowingly. "You don't want to be on the wrong side of an evil child, Y/N."

"Clearly you've been," I realised, finding her expression amusing. "Care to share?"

She rolled her eyes playfully. "It wasn't me actually. It was a friend of mine. We were doing work experience at some primary school when one of the boys threw water balloons at her."

"That doesn't seem so bad," I said with a shrug.

"She was holding a tray of hot tea," Alycia added bitterly.

I winced. "Damn... remind me not to carry tea around or piss off any water balloon-owning boys."

Alycia breathed out with exasperation, but I could see her laugh lines appearing as she held one in.

"C'mon, let's get settled," I said to her when we reached the cabin.

After meeting the fishing instructors and being told what and what not to do, Alycia and I joined them by the lake and waited around until our group would finish with initiation.

"You know," I said, earning Alycia's attention, "I was thinking about yesterday and how you didn't want me to know about Marissa being your auntie."

Alycia closed her eyes. "Oh, god..."

"Nobody will care, y'know," I said to her with a reassuring smile. "We're all grown up. Nobody cares how you got the job, if that's what you're worried about."

Alycia opened her eyes and forced a small smile. "Right."

"I mean, it's not like your family owns the camp, is it?"

I was only joking, but the way Alycia's face changed made me realise that maybe I was right. Her eyes widened so much that I could make out the green, even with the sun streaming in my eyes.

My jaw dropped. "Your family owns the camp?!" Everything started to fit together like puzzle pieces in my mind as I realised aloud, "That makes so much sense... why you know where everything is. You were here as a kid, right? You would have to be if your family owned it."

Overcoming her terrible ability to lie, Alycia moved forward and glanced around before smiling dismissively. "That's not it. I mean, it is, but–"

"Wait, aren't the people who own this place like millionaires?" I realised, raising my eyebrows. "This is one of their many camps around the world, right? Shit, is that why you wanted to hide it?"

"That's not right!" Alycia exclaimed awkwardly. "I mean, okay, it is, but it's not my family. It's my auntie's family! She's the millionaire. Not me."

I smiled with disbelief. "Holy shit. That's wild."

"Look, it's not that big of a deal," she tried to laugh it off nervously, "I just needed a summer job and my aunt helped me out. She lives here and runs this camp, so she didn't mind giving me the job. No biggie."

I was still very surprised, never knowing anyone who was this closely linked to a wealth of that amount. I always assumed people with that much money were quite snobby – presumptuous, I know, but can you blame me? – but Alycia was way too nice to be like that, as was her auntie. Guess I was wrong.

"Look, I get why you hid it now," I said, hoping to reassure her. "Terribly, might I add, but I get it." I smiled to hopefully make her feel better. "Like you said, it's not a big deal. Don't worry. I won't say anything to anyone."

She seemed very relieved as her shoulders relaxed and an appreciative glint was in her eyes.

"Thank you," she said gently.

Sensing her discomfort, I tried to change the subject as I nudged her in the shoulder gently and nodded to my fishing rod. "So, how are your fishing skills?"

"They should be good," she said, piquing my interest, "since I was one of the kids who did the 'rich people shit' here when I was younger."

It took me a second to realise where I'd heard that before, until I realised I'd said that to her on the coach ride yesterday. Cringing with embarrassment, I face palmed as I heard her laughter surrounding me.

"Sorry for saying that," I apologised with warm cheeks. "If I had known..."

"It's cool," she said with a suppressed smile. "But seriously? I can help if you need any. I fished at a camp back in Australia as a kid. Was pretty fun."

I nodded, but I still felt embarrassed as she studied me with humoured eyes.

Why was I like this?

"It's been two weeks, mum, are you really gonna do this every day for the next month?"

My mum smiled teasingly, knowing it would bug me. Nonetheless, I cracked a smile as she and my little sister stared at me through the phone.

I was FaceTiming them in my free time and updating them on my life since almost twenty-four hours ago when I'd last called them. I'd been doing it every day since arriving here because my family just happened to be that annoyingly protective.

"You know I'm extremely jealous of you, right?" my sister, Y/S/N, said with an eye roll, though she was smiling. "Mum keeps giving me chores. Bit of a piss-take if you ask me."

My mum slapped her upside the head, making me laugh at her expression.

"Mind your fuckin' language, Y/S/N," she warned, only making me laugh harder.

"I wonder where she gets it from," I joked.

"So, how's it going?" my mum changed the subject. "What did you do today?"

I thought to myself as I recalled the day. "Er, same old same old. Went for a hike this morning, then had some lunch. Did some rock climbing in the afternoon and now we're having some leisure time before dinner. It's not too bad. Really fun, actually."

"You should've taken me with you," Y/S/N mumbled, making my mum nudge her with annoyance.

"Shut up, you love it here," my mum said, before pulling her close with a teasing smile. She looked to me, adding, "We're having fun too, Y/N."

"All she keeps saying is how much she misses you," Y/S/N deadpanned, making me roll my eyes playfully.

"Funny since I feel like I've barely left 'cause I call you every bloody day," I said with a knowing look.

"You know your dad likes it when you check in," my mum countered.

"Yeah, so do you," I fired back, making her laugh.

"Yeah," she agreed between laughter.

Before I could say anything, I looked up at the sound of the cabin door opening and saw Alycia walking in. When she spotted me, a smile appeared on her lips and her eyes lit up.

"There you are," she said, approaching me. "I was looking for you. I wanted to ask if– oh, shit, are you on the phone? Sorry. I can leave if–"

"Who's that?" my sister asked curiously.

"Oi, you finally made friends?" my mum joked a little too loudly, making me smile with embarrassment and kill myself internally.

"Sorry, that's my family," I explained to Alycia. "It's okay. If you need me, I can–"

"Hi, Y/N's friend who I've never met before and probably never will!" Y/S/N sang from the phone, making me release a shaky breath through gritted teeth.

Alycia was clearly amused as she took a seat beside me on my bed and appeared in the camera.

"Hi there," she greeted politely, a shy smile on her face. She gave a little wave as she glanced to me, before adding, "I'm Alycia."

For someone with a big mouth, Y/S/N went quiet as she awkwardly waved back in response.

"Not so much to say now, eh, tit face?" I mumbled.

"Alycia, you must be Y/N's buddy, right?" my mum realised, surprising me with how much she listened. "The one from Australia?"

I sighed to myself as Alycia laughed from beside me.

"Yeah, that's me," Alycia said with a nod. "I'm guessing you're Y/N's mum?"

"She's probably talked badly of me when mentioning me, right?" my mum joked, making me groan loudly.

Alycia nudged me in the shoulder gently as she answered my mum, "Only nice things, Mrs. Y/L/N, honestly."

"Call me Y/M/N," my mum insisted. "So, how are you finding the whole camp thing? You enjoying it?"

"She's just gonna talk your ear off, so you may as well just take it," I said to Alycia, handing her my phone.

With amusement, she accepted it and began to chat to my mum on FaceTime. Y/S/N chimed in some times and I merely sat there, praying to God that none of them would say anything embarrassing, which of course was unlikely.

"Right, I'll leave you girls to it," my mum said after ten minutes of pointless conversation. "Enjoy your evening. Love you lots, Y/N."

Feeling Alycia watching me, I got out with embarrassment, "Love you too, mum. Bye."

She waved goodbye to me before hanging up. When I put my phone away, I stood up and avoided Alycia's eyes.

"Sorry about that," I said awkwardly. "She does that a lot."

"No need to apologise," Alycia said with a kind smile as she stood up too. "They're lovely."

I finally met her eyes, giving her a knowing look. "They're embarrassing. My mum literally insists on one call every day to make sure I didn't happen to die in the forest or anything."

Alycia's smile widened as she laughed at my joke. Admittedly, my stomach flipped at the sound, as I realised just how amazing her laugh sounded.

"That's sweet though," Alycia defended.

"It's sweet when it's not your own parents," I countered.

She shrugged. "I guess. Mine aren't that overprotective."

I leaned against the bunk as I asked, "Have you talked to yours since we got here?"

"Once, when we arrived, but nothing since then," she said with a shrug. "They're not fussed since my auntie is here.

"Ah," I said with realisation. "Makes sense. She literally does this for a living, no wonder they trust you."

She chuckled and nodded, before crossing her arms and looking down at her shoes.

"What do you parents do?" I asked curiously.

"Oh, you know...," she said dismissively. "Finance."

"Sounds... fun," I said with a confused smile, before adding, "Your parents and your auntie must be complete opposites."

She cracked a smile as she shrugged again. "Yeah."

"What did you need anyway?" I asked. "When you came in before my mum hijacked our conversation to speak with you?"

Alycia raised her brows with realisation. "Oh, yeah. I wanted to ask if you wanted to get dinner together. You don't have to though."

I couldn't help but smile. "Sure thing. I see you're not sick of me just yet."

As we began to walk to the door, she glanced at me with a playful smile. "Surprisingly, no, I'm not."

I shoved her jokingly, making her stifle a laugh, before feeling my phone vibrate. I saw it was a text from my sister.

She's way too pretty to be your friend, it read, making me roll my eyes.

"Who is it?" Alycia asked as she held the door open for me.

"Sister," I said, before nodding appreciatively at her and walking through.

"Already?" she asked with confusion. "She okay?"

As I wrote my response, I answered, "Yeah, she's just being a tit."

Dickhead, I texted her back, before smiling with satisfaction and pocketing my phone.

When I signed up for this job, I honestly didn't expect to be enjoying it this much. Not only were the kids lovely, but so were the other workers. Plus, the activities were super fun, especially because we basically got paid to have a good time.

I'd like to think I had a new friend also, which was Alycia. We'd grown closer in the past four weeks of being buddies and working together, and to my surprise, it felt like we'd known each other way longer. I couldn't remember the last time I'd grown this comfortable with someone so quickly, but I tried not to question it since I was trying to enjoy this summer the best I could.

Speaking of Alycia... I was talking to one of the instructors about where the spare hiking boots were one day, and when I finished my conversation and the instructor left, I was approached by the Australian herself.

She had something behind her back as she smiled brightly my way, making my stomach do another flip, something I noticed it had been doing a lot whenever I was around her.

"Hey," I greeted her, returning the smile. "You good?"

She glanced over her shoulder for some reason, before nodding and revealing what was behind her back – some freshly picked flowers.

"Aww, Alycia, those are beautiful," I said, admiring them and giving her a smile. I knew how much she loved flowers, so this wasn't too unexpected. "You wanna put them in the cabin?"

"No, actually, they're for you," she said confidently, before holding them closer to me.

I was certainly surprised, but accepted the flowers. "Oh, I– er, wow, thank you."

I wasn't too sure if she was giving me them in a friendly way or in a bit-more-than-friendly way, so my brain was still catching up.

"I wanted to ask you if you wanted to accompany me to the campfire this evening," she said, her gaze softening ever so slightly, making my throat go dry.

Was she asking me out?

"Oh, er...," I began, but was still a little confused.

She sensed my confusion and subtly motioned to the kid that was standing nearby, watching us in the distance. I wasn't sure what that meant either, but Alycia's little nod made me play along.

"I'd love to," I said, thought it sounded more like a question as I quirked a brow.

She grinned and stepped back slightly, eyes lingering on mine. "Great. I'll see you later, Y/N."

Waving goodbye to her with my free hand, I called back, "See you later...?"

I watched as she walked away and eventually met with the kid, a young girl, in the distance and began talking to her about something. I was pretty confused, unsure whether that was for show or if she actually wanted to go with me, so I tried not to think about it as I put the flowers in some water and headed to the pottery room for our next class.

About twenty minutes later, I was sat at one of the benches with a few of the other kids, focusing my attention on carving into a pot I had made. It was pretty darn good, if I do say so myself, so I barely noticed when Alycia slipped onto the bench beside me until she leaned down on it and peered up at me with shimmering eyes.

"Hello," I said with a slight laugh, looking at her. "You okay?"

"Great," she settled, before looking at my pot. "Just as great as that looks."

"Cheers for that," I said, a little chuffed with myself, before distracting myself with carving a pattern.

A comfortable silence settled between us as she played with her own clay and I decorated mine, but I couldn't help but think about earlier and what she'd asked me. I wanted to know if she was genuinely asking or not, so I figured I'd just ask.

"Hey, Alycia," I got her attention without fully giving her mine so she wouldn't think I was thinking too hard on it. "D'you know earlier, when you asked me if I wanted to go to the campfire with you?"

"Yeah...?"

I licked my lips, a nervousness suddenly washing over me as I asked, "That was because of the kid, right?"

She nodded. "Yeah it was."

I swallowed hard as I nodded, trying to hide my disappointment. "I thought it was."

I could see her staring at me in my peripheral vision as she explained.

"Basically, Angelina likes Taylor but didn't know how to ask her to the campfire tonight, so she asked me to show her how. So, I figured I'd ask you in front of her to show her."

I nodded, glad I wasn't meeting her gaze otherwise she'd know for sure that I was disheartened.

"Why? Did you want me to ask you?" she asked with a raised brow.

"No, that's not what I meant," I said quickly, flustered at the situation. "I– erm–" But I didn't know what to say, so stopped speaking.

Thankfully, she didn't take much notice as she looped her arm through mine and grabbed my attention. I looked at her and she nodded ahead, making me follow her gaze. I saw Angelina approaching another kid, presumably Taylor, with a bouquet of freshly-picked flowers, just like Alycia had done earlier.

I couldn't hear what they were saying, but Alycia was very interested as she leaned against me and watched like it was the most interesting thing ever. It must have been going well as it soon ended with Taylor accepting the flowers and both girls grinning to each other. Angelina eventually turned to walk away, but not before finding Alycia's eyes and giving her a thumbs up with an adorable grin.

Alycia returned the thumbs up before sitting up straight and smiling widely at me, a look of pride on her face.

"I am a genius," Alycia said aloud, before popping her collars on her polo shirt for added effect.

I cracked a smile, admiring how cute she looked. "Debatable, but you're definitely helpful."

She gave me a knowing look, her green eyes dark as she held our gaze. "Flowers always work, Y/N. Who can say no to flowers?"

"True," I agreed with a nod, whilst also thinking about how it helped that the girl holding them was pretty awesome too.

"Anyway, forget that," she said quickly enough, before leaning in the palm of her hand and staring at me. "What d'you say then?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Pardon?"

She looked to me like I knew what she was talking about. "You know... to going to the campfire with me this evening."

I tried not to laugh. "I mean, I guess so, but–"

"As my date," she clarified, surprising me yet again.

I felt my mouth go dry as I raised my eyebrows. "Oh."

She waited patiently, eyes flickering between mine with confident green ones, though there was a hint of nervousness shining in them. I realised she was asking me out for real now and had to take a moment to acknowledge it before finally responding.

"Yeah," I said, finding my words. "I'd love to... yeah."

She smiled with relief. "Great. I can't wait."

I felt my cheeks grow warm as I returned her smile, feeling butterflies in my stomach at the way she stared at me, before looking down to to my carvings again.

[fictionalcharactersaremypassion]

I've Got Somebody To Love

“Ay, lover, get up. We’re going out for breakfast.” 

It was decided on a whim. Ian sometimes makes remarks about doing couple-y things with Mickey. It’s just not his thing. He’s more than satisfied staying home, eating pizza bagels and watching a shitty movie. 

But he’s far more open now. He’ll go out to a shitty diner so they can eat overly salty food while the waiter tries to make small talk that he’ll ignore, just so Ian can be happy. And he’ll do it because he loves him. Plain and simple. 

“What?” Ian pushes himself up, rubbing his bleary eyes. 

“You deaf or somethin’?” Mickey swats at his foot still under the blanket. “We’re going out for breakfast. No pop tarts for us today.” 

“Why?” 

“My God-do I need a fucking reason to take my husband out?” Mickey is in the midst of grabbing a shirt, and if that shirt so happens to be Ian’s, well so fucking what? He shoots Ian a look of exasperated disbelief. “Jesus...” 

“No,” Ian is a little more awake and he props himself up by his elbows. He stares curiously at Mickey. “But you do hate mornings. And people.” 

“Yeah, well. I’m doing it for you. Said you wanted to do that sometimes. Get your ass up and let’s move.” 

Ian’s grin is blinding. His eyes are all big and doe-y like fucking bambi. Mickey’d be lying if he said it doesn’t make his damn heart beat a little harder. “You know I love you, right?” 

“Yeah, whatever,” Mickey grumbles, going into the bathroom to slather toothpaste on his toothbrush. He tries to suppress his own smile, though he’s more than sure Ian’s already seen it. “If you’re not ready in ten, I’m leaving without you.” 

Ian stretches his arms, just laying there for another minute or two. “I was having a really good dream, you know,” he hums. 

“Oh, yeah?” Mickey says when he’s done in there, his clothes already thrown on. 

Ian catches him by the loop in his jeans, and pulls Mickey a little closer. He peeks up at him through his eyelashes, his voice going low. “Fucking mind-blowing blow job.” 

Mickey grins, holding onto Ian’s chin. “Yeah?” 

“Yeah. And maybe I'll get something mind-blowing from you too someday."

His words set in and Mickey shoves him away, laughing. “You’re a fucking dick.” 

Ian’s laughing too, rolling onto his back again. “You should’ve seen your goddamn face.” 

“Fuck you, man,” Mickey says when he calms down, shaking his head. “Ay, you’re laughing now but not you won’t be later when all you’ve got to touch your dick is your left hand.” 

Ian just raises a lazy arm to flip him off. 

Mickey shuts the door behind him, plopping down on the couch to wait. While he does that, he glances out the window, immediately wrinkling his nose at the sight across at the other side of the building. The couple’s blinds are open, allowing him to see them attempting some kind of yoga position. Thank fuck Ian never actually made him attend that stupid fucking yoga class this place offered. 

Yeah, he’s definitely not doing whatever the hell they're doing. 

What are they doing? Mickey gets up to peer closer. They’re making a box shape, he realizes with his eyebrows furrowed. Or a square? Either way, it’s weird as hell, them all stretched out and held onto each other’s ankles like that. 

Jesus, he could write a fucking book on all the weird ass shit that goes on in this place. 

“You ready?” Ian’s out now, running both hands through his hair. It’s grown out a bit since they’ve been here, not like how Mickey’s had been when he broke out of prison, but he’s got a couple pieces of longer hair like he did back when Svet and Yev were still in the picture. 

“Yeah,” Mickey turns around, and feels warmth pool in his stomach. 

There’s a familiar red and gray checkered flannel he’s wearing over a brown t-shirt. His jeans are dark too, just like Mickey’s. Overall, he looks almost strikingly similar to his fifteen year self, without the fringe, plus his freckles are much lighter now. 

And holy fuck does he look good. Ian’s fiddling with his phone, unaware that Mickey’s blatantly staring. At least for a moment. 

“What?” He says, puzzled. 

And well, at one point back when he was under Terry’s thumb, scared out of his fucking mind and hating himself for who he really was, Mickey would’ve shot back something in response just to get the attention off him. 

Now, he doesn’t have to. 

It kind of hits him right then and there too, even though he’s been open to showing Ian how much he loves him for a while now. 

He doesn’t have to hide it anymore. 

He’ll never have to go through anymore of his life pretending he doesn’t find Ian fucking Gallagher attractive or some shit. And it’s really fucking great. 

Mickey smiles softly, standing in front of him, holding onto a fistful of the flannel. Ian’s hand comes around to rest on the back of his shoulder, and they just stay like that. “You look really fucking good, man.” 

“Okay,” Ian says, amused. 

“M’serious,” Mickey murmurs. “Reminds me of some kid I used to like back in the day.” 

“Oh, yeah?” 

“Some freckly, alien looking fucker. Real annoying.” 

Ian laughs softly, kissing Mickey sweetly. “I could probably say the same about the bastard I have to live with.” 

“Go easy on that bastard. It ain’t easy to live with your ginger ass,” Mickey teases. 

Ian swats at his ass when they let go of each other. “At least I wipe the toilet seat,” he shrugs, grinning when Mickey rolls his eyes. 

“For the love of God, we were in fucking prison!” 

“That’s no reason to leave piss on it!” 

If that couple across the way ever unties themselves, they would see the two of them making gestures with their arms, seemingly yelling until Ian pushes Mickey against the window for a searing kiss. 

Breakfast would have to wait. 

[amaratas]

I Didn't Know This Time Would Be Our Last

TITLE: I Didn't Know This Time Would Be Our Last PAIRING(S): Civil War!Steve Rogers x AFAB!Reader TRIGGER WARNINGS: Porn with plot, smut, unprotected sex, piv sex, angst, oral sex (female receiving), beard burn, abandonment, mention of vomiting (but not explicit). A/N: Reader is a civilian. Steve is (kind of) a jerk, but for a good reason tbh. It dangerous, obviously. Sharon and Steve are not a thing. Reader and Steve have been in a relationship since 2014.

You can't slow your heartbeat, that's the one thing you notice when the very publicized signing of the Sokovia Accords in Vienna ended in an event of terrorism, a bombing, killing the King of Wakanda and countless others. You'd hardly spoken to Steve, especially since Ross demanded he sign the Accords, and he'd refused. Peggy's funeral had passed them by and Steve was, quite rightly, distraught. Your thoughts drift to Natasha, your best friend, who was meant to be in Vienna for the signing. You shakily pulled out your phone as it buzzes, expecting it to be your boyfriend, but sighing in relief as a text message from Natasha comes through. I'm fine. Stay put. You let your phone fall to the floor. They were saying it was the Winter Soldier, and all you were wondering at the moment was where the fuck was your boyfriend.

Your hands covered your eyes as you started to take deep breaths. You stood up from your place on the couch, biting your knuckle as you paced the Brooklyn apartment. Eventually the sound of keys jingling on the other side of your front door became evident to you and you took a step back, holding your breath. And then Steve came through the door, "Y/N, I'm been calling you," He muttered, shutting the door, locking and bolting it behind him.

"What's happening?" You demand, voice unsteady. Steve was eerily quiet. He appeared as though he hadn't shaved in days, and it showed. Likely not since Peggy had passed.

"He didn't do it." Steve stated after a moment. You look at him hesitantly.

"Baby, it's all over the news..." You watched as Steve shook his head, walking to the bedroom and pulling a duffle bag off the top shelf, beginning to stuff clothes from his drawer in it. "What are you doing?"

"I've got to find him." You were taken aback. Not signing the Accords was one thing, though you didn't think Steve would ever lay down the shield willingly, but this? This was treason, wasn't it? Against the law? You took a deep breath. If Steve was doing this, he had good reason to believe it. And you would too. You weren't engaged and there was no ring on your finger to say it for you, but then again "for better or for worse" went without saying.

"Okay. Hand me my bag." You stated, hand outstretched. Steve looked over at you, expression vacant but blue eyes piercing. "...what?"

"No." He said firmly. You scoffed in disbelief.

"I'm coming with you." You declared stubbornly. You try to soldier past him into the closet, though you didn't really expect to be able to move him to the side. "Steve, just hand me my bag. I'm not letting you go alone."

He shook his head. "I'm not alone, Sam's coming with me."

You gave him a pointed look, "You know what I mean." And for a moment, he drops his bag onto the floor and turns to embrace you. You're on the defensive, though, hands placed against his pectorals and pushing him away. "No. No way. I'll stay at some safe house, but I'm not letting you go without me."

Steve looked to be some mix between forlorn and exasperated. "Baby, listen. This is dangerous."

Another scoff of disbelief falls from your lips, "Yeah. I know." And in a simple split second, Steve's demeanor changes, walls fall, and he shifts his weight, twisting to take your bag down from the top shelf of the closet. "Wait, are you serious?" You asked, "Just like that?"

Steve sighed, nodding. "Well, you're one of the only people I know who's as stubborn as I am," He admitted, shoving the bag into your arms. "We gotta pack fast, doll. Sam's picking me up as soon as night falls, we've got a lead in Romania."

Romania. The two of you were in England, so that'd be what? Thirty hours, give or take, by car? A sixth of that if they flew? How were they even going to get there? You blew out a short breath, moving to your dresser and pulling out clothes, shoving it into your bag. You drift to the bathroom and do the same with toiletries. "How are we getting there?" You called over your shoulder.

"Don't worry about it," Steve called back. "You done?" You replied in the affirmative and he made his way into the bathroom taking your full bag from you and dropping it at the foot of the bed. He cupped the side of your face, looking at you as if studying your features, something you didn't really think too hard on at the time.

"Are you okay?" You asked quietly. He nodded, kissing your forehead.

"I will be. I've got my girl with me." He muttered into your hairline. You pulled back, placing your own hand on the crook of his neck, pulling him down to kiss you.

"We've got hours, right?" You muttered against his lips. He nodded, grunting as his hands found your hips and hoisted you up with ease, his lips finding yours again. "I love you." You murmured.

"I love you," He replied swiftly, lips connecting once more as he held you steady with a hand cupping your lower back, pulling the bathroom door open and walking through it to the bedroom, shutting the door behind him. He gently tossed you on the bed, crawling over you, his hands intertwining with yours.

Bodies moved in tandem like a well-oiled machine, his five o'clock shadow rough against your petal soft cheek, against your chest as he fixed his mouth to the supple skin of your breast. His kisses trailed south, across your navel, on your exposed hip, and his fingers swiftly pulled your cloth shorts and unmentionables down, past your thighs, your knees, throwing them to some corner of the room to be found later.

His mouth connected with your core, tongue circling your clit. The burn between your thighs as he devoured you sent a jolt of electricity up your spine and your hands covered your mouth as you moaned out. He plied the use of his hands, thick digits slowly sinking into your cunt and one of your hands hit the bed, gripping the sheets tightly and pulling the sheet up as he brought you closer to the edge.

"Steve," You moaned. Your mouth fell open and you writhed beneath his touch, "I need you," You whined, and for a moment, he stopped, and you watched as he lifted his head to lock eyes with you, chin glistening with your juices after he'd consumed your cunt like a man starved. He stood, sending his shoes flying as he took them off, then unbuckling his belt, tossing it aside and kicking off his slacks and boxers. He parted your legs, crawling back over you and positioning himself with your soaking slit, sinking in without warning, causing a loud moan to escape your lips.

A particularly hard thrust had a sharp intake of breath leaving your body, his thrusts meaningful and particular. He was not slow, with each piston of his hips jolting her body, eliciting some noise. "Let me hear you," He begged in your ear, breath hot, voice low. You were all to happy to oblige, especially as you felt the coil in your core quickly winding up and burning red hot with desire. Your moans were loud and wanton and you could tell Steve was relishing in the way you completely gave him your body, your words, your mind.

His hands were everywhere. Within his bruising grasp, Steve desperately grabbed at the supple flesh of your ass, groping and pulling with each fluid movement. Sweat from his brow dripped down onto you, and as he hit a particular spot within you, you shuddered, suddenly going rigid and crying out as your walls clenched around his length, and you came. "That's it, baby," He crooned, his breath hot in your ear. You tapped him fervently on his shoulder, moving to take a different position.

He reentered you from behind as you flipped onto you stomach, Steve pulling your hips up and towards him. He brought his hands to cup your breasts, one hand trailing down to grip your hip for better leverage as he fucked into you. He pulled you up straight as he fucked you from behind so your back was flush with his chest, lips attached to you neck, marking you, leaving bites and hickeys as the rough movements of his hips became more fluid and more frenzied.

He was nearing his peak. You could always tell. He was faster, he made more noise, his breathing would change. Currently, he was breathing hard into your ear, leaning against you for support as he chased his high and quickly coaxed a second orgasm from you. It was almost overwhelming, this feeling of him inside of you, you looked over your shoulder at him as he began to grunt, began to pant faster and almost whine.

You were close too, and seeing the blissed out, desperate look on his face-- seeing his head tilted back and feeling how he slammed into you, you cried out, cumming around his cock once again. He was muttering like a madman, sweet nothings as his thrusts slowed, his hips jerked, "So good for me, so good..." Steve buried his face in your neck and let out a low groan, emptying his load inside you. You never felt so close to him as you usually did in these moments, fucked out together, feeling rope after rope of white hot spend battering your insides, feeling the little movements of his hips as he rode out his high.

The two of you fell to the mattress, Steve's heavy weight on top of you, weighing you down as you warmed his cock, the pair of you catching your breaths. After a moment of silence, he placed a kiss behind your ear, and the onslaught of kisses that he placed from your neck to your shoulder. After a few more minutes, him moving to cradle your figure from behind. You groaned in protest as Steve removed himself from you.

You felt his spend spill from your entrance, thinly coating your thighs and you flipped onto your back, gazing at him with nothing but love as he walked to the bathroom to likely get a washcloth for the aftercare, his usual routine. "Marry me." You muttered to him. You saw him freeze, turning back to look at you. "I know you heard me," You teased him. "We're running away, right? We're gonna save Bucky, and it'll be awhile before..." You sighed, sitting up. "I'm all in. That's what I mean. I'm all in. With you." You were startled as he walked over to pick you up off the bed, kissing you, and you grinned widely, giggling and peppering his face with kisses. "Is that a yes?"

Steve nodded, laughing softly, "That's a yes, Y/N/N." He carried you to the bathroom, turning on the faucet to the showerhead and kissed you softly, directing you into the tiled vessel.

After taking a quick shower in the bathroom, which included a slow and steamy round two, you flopped ungracefully back onto your bed, sleepy fingers fussing with the fitted sheet, having annoyingly come undone as he'd ravished you earlier. He settled in next to you, playing with your hair. The clock read 19:15. Finally giving up your battle with the bedspread, you ended up turning over, and snuggling into Steve's side. "Sam'll be here at midnight, right?" You watched him nod. "Don't let me sleep too long." You murmured, closing your eyes and yawning.

"I won't."

He lied.

Perhaps the only reason you woke up, two and a half hours later, was because you felt Steve hug and roll. The mattress dipped under the stress of his weight, and you, at first, thought he was heading to the restroom. But then you heard him picking up one of his bags, and you sat up quickly, almost glaring at him. "You were never going to bring me with you." You stated.

He shook his head. "No."

"Please, stay." You said softly, desperately. Steve was quiet, hand on the doorknob. "Please, just-" You didn't know how else to phrase it. "Please stay."

"Even though you know I don’t want to?" His voice was low, and serious. A tone he'd never taken with you before, left you breathless- and not in a good way.

"Yes." You breathing was faster now, he opened the bedroom door, walking out to the living room. You leapt out of bed like a bat out of hell, sliding right in front of him with your hands up. "Baby, think about it. Just think. I-If you sign the Accords, Tony can help you, right? The Avengers can help, and it won't break the team apart. You can convince Ross, I know you can, just don't do this. You said that we would... why would you say yes to me if you were just going to..." You were at a loss for words.

He was still quiet, before breaking the choking silence, "Stay put." Just like what Nat said. Your stomach twisted. "I'll be back before you know it, everything will be... fine. We'll have a church wedding, a house, a damn white picket fence if you want. I have to go, baby."

You dropped your bag onto the floor, shaking your head, "You don't believe that. Because if you did, you'd be looking at me. Because you've been lying to me the entire time you've been here, right? About why you've been here? I'm not stupid, Steven! You won't even fucking look at me! This is treason! You'd be a fucking war criminal, baby!" You exclaimed, wiping the tears as they welled up in your waterline.

He pushed past you, unlocking and unbolting the front door, hand hesitating on the knob as he spoke, "I didn't say you were, Y/N. I promise, I will be back."

Your jaw set, teeth grinding against teeth and you shook your head, "You're not fucking stupid either, Steve. If you go without me, I'm not going to be here when you get back!"

More silence.

And then...

"I know."

The knob twisted, and as Steve walked out of the apartment, the sound of the door slamming shut was synchronic with the sound of your breaking heart. Your hand covered your mouth, and you sank to the floor, a scream of... what? Sorrow? Heartbreak? Anger? Regardless, it was muffled by the skin covering your lips. Because even as he left you, you couldn't bring yourself to draw attention to his leaving. You still wanted to protect him.

For a moment it felt as though you were struggling to breathe, and as your stomach twisted further, your nerves on fire and slowly becoming sick, you bolted up from your place collapsed on the floor, scrambling to the bathroom and heaving into the toilet. Tears flooded your cheeks as you sobbed, as you heaved, as you choked on your own bile.

Damn him. Fucking damn him.

Everything was blurring together; time especially. How long had you been on the floor before running here to get sick? You coughed and hacked, trying to grab your mouthwash cup just to get some water down your throat, tryin g to dampen this parasympathetic response possessing your body and causing such turmoil, though none of it undue. You glanced at the clock, finally, as the water slipped down your esophagus and your stomach began to bear some semblance of settling.

God, was it already midnight?

As you slowly came back to yourself, you brushed your teeth. You jumped in the shower. You made your way unsteadily back into the bedroom, you picked your phone from your nightstand. Text message alert. From Steve.

I love you. I love you. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I'm tossing this phone so they can't track it. Don't do anything stupid until I get back. I hope you'll still be there. Please understand, I had to. It's Bucky. I had to.

Against your better judgement, you dialed his number. When the call went straight to voicemail, that's when it really hit you. You swallowed thickly, walking to your balcony door and stepping outside, and throwing it as hard and as far as you could muster. You watched under the light of streetlamps as it landed in the street. No tracking his number, no reading your texts, especially as the phone shattered against the pavement four stories below. A car and its tires obliterated the remnants, and you let out a shaky breath.

He was gone. Steve was really gone.

And you were alone.

[artisticxlly]

MY TURN!!! Trick or treat my dear friend :D

Ceceeeee, a dear Kagehina enthusiast! Whatever shall I do /s

A shorter one (my dearest apologies), but here's some sweet airport reunion fluff!

Kageyama frequently glanced back from his phone to the signs around him, rubbing his eyes.

Hinata had been kind enough to write down what words Kageyama had to look for, but navigating Brazil's airport was no less overwhelming despite it.

Getting away from the crowd he took a moment to recollect, looking out for the exit Hinata would be waiting at.

Apparently, his friend Hector would be tagging along with him since he owned a car. And wanted to meet this 'boyfriend' Hinata was always talking about.

It quieted down a bit once most people scattered in their directions so Kageyama took off his headphones, letting them hang around his neck. 'Exit 5...' Kageyama mumbled to himself, finally finding the right word on one of the signs. He grabbed his bags and walked off, following some other people.

"I'm nervous, you think he still recognises me?" Hinata asked Heitor, looking up at his friend, who grinned. "You haven't grown that much. Plus, you stand out with red hair."

Hinata hummed, leaning back in the metal seat to try and relax. There were people coming in now, were they from the same flight as Kageyama?

"That him?" Heitor nudged him and pointed to one guy trailing behind, squinting at his surroundings with mild curiosity.

"Shit, yeah, it is." Hinata grinned. "Kageyama! Over here idiot!" He yelled in Japanese, the man perking up immediately. He scanned the hall, and his eyes landed on Hinata. Hinata grinned from ear to ear when he changed his direction to go straight towards them.

"Go on, meet him half way." Heitor encouraged and Hinata jumped up from his seat, sprinting towards the other. Kageyama walked in his direction as well, arms open with one still holding onto his bags.

They crashed together, Hinata laughing as Kageyama caught himself, stumbling a few steps back. Hinata wrapped his arms around his neck, hugging him tight.

"Nice receive." He joked, Kageyama hugging him with one arm across his back. "Been a while since I've seen you fly." The words hit something deep in Hinata's core. He had missed the other a lot, it was like getting a piece of home back.

"Hey." They parted slightly and Kageyama was smiling. Smiling warmly, so unlike what Hinata was used to.

He kissed him without thought. Kageyama's hold on him loosened a bit, lowering him down on the ground. Hinata's stomach did flips when Kageyama kissed back, his arm hugging Hinata's broad shoulders.

They part when steps sounded out behind them, Heitor having gotten up from his seat as well.

Hinata giggled at the blush across Kageyama's face.

"Heitor, this is Kageyama." Hinata said in Portuguese. "Kageyama, this is Heitor, my roommate." He then continued in Japanese.

"Ah, it's uhh... Nice to... Meet you." Kageyama said, in badly pronounced yet even more endearing Portuguese. Heitor laughed and offered Kageyama a handshake, which the other accepted. "Nice to meet you too." He spoke in Japanese, which was pretty solid in pronounciation. Thanks to his very enthusiastic tutor.

Heitor then turned to Hinata. "He's quite handsome. Lucky you!" He ruffled Hinata's hair. Kageyama couldn't understand the compliment as it was spoken in Portugese, but Hinata blushed nonetheless.

---

🍬 Happy trick or treat'ing!

[darkwaveho]

Favors

Short Tempered

Pairings: Stoner!Wanda Maximoff x Reader

Summary: A phone call leads Wanda to saying something she instantly regrets.

Warnings: 18+ Cursing, drug use/ drug mention/ angst, fluff, hurt comfort, brief smut

A/n: This has been in my drafts for so long I had to get rid of it, so enjoy the lil stoner baby and her inability to deal with emotions correctly.🙂😂

Series masterlist

You let yourself into Wanda's apartment, you love the fact that Wanda was so eager to gift you with your own key. You walk past the threshold expecting to find your girlfriend on the couch watching tv, smoking or running that creative brain of hers rapid. When you close the door, it was anything but the usual routine playing out in front of you as you watch your girlfriend pace back and forth on the phone with her voice raised and irritation clearly plastered on her face. Natasha catches your confused state as she nears you from the kitchen.

"Hey, Y/n." she gives you a small smile but there was a clear sense of new softness in her voice. "Nat, what's going on? Who's on the phone?" She glances at Wanda in the same moment went Wanda's frustrations reach their limits. "Yeah? well I don't need you! I don't need you for anything, I haven't for a whole year now!" Wanda was ready for more retaliation, but it never came the sounds of a disconnected call line flowed through her ear before she carelessly throws her phone and storms into her room shutting the door before you could attempt to console her. Natasha softly grabs your arm before you make a few steps towards your girlfriend's door, you don't know what's going on, but she's clearly upset, and you want to be there for her.

"I think you should give her a minute to cool off." You study her for a moment, she's not surprised by what just occurred. As if she could read your mind, she answers your question. "It's nothing new, but it has been a while since she's argued with her dad." Yes, her dad was a piece of shit in your opinion. The way he just cut her off financially just because she wouldn't let him hold some form of control over her was a disgusting move. You honestly couldn't wait to visit Wanda's parents on break, you're going to make sure you give him a piece of your mind. wherever Wanda lacks in the argument you'll be sure to pick up the weight and stand up for your girlfriend.

"Fuck, that makes a lot of sense now." Natasha sighs and tucks her hairs behind her ear. "Yeah, just give her a little space, this one was more intense than I've ever seen before." She rubs your shoulder and doesn't leave until you nod in agreement with her. Once Natasha leaves you can't help but to contemplate on knocking on Wanda's door. Your thoughts of doing the action go away when Wanda walks out of room fast on her heels searching for something, she barely greets you. In fact, she doesn't greet you at all, too enraged and focused on whatever was in the living room.

You follow after her cautiously, as you watch from the small distance and once you see what she was searching for you make your presence known more clearly. You sit on the couch beside her reaching around her and turning her face in your direction. You press your lips onto her which she oddly enough doesn't put much effort into like you hoped. When the small actions of kisses or lack thereof is done, she turns away from you and continues rolling her blunt with determination and much more effort than she did during the kiss.

You have a quick battle internally on if you should stop her and tell her to talk about what happened or just leave her alone all together, but you couldn't just let her keep those emotions bottled up inside of her. “Hey, baby, maybe you should chill on the blunt for a second.” you proceeded with caution, but it still didn't do any good with how fast she responded to you with animosity.

“I just got a lecture from him I don’t need one from you too…not right now.” Her voice and her hands shake from frustration. Frustration for briefly talking about a detail that happened on the phone and frustration for not having a steady hand right now while she was trying to roll and smoke her problems away.

“I was just saying- "

“Can you please just get off my damn back? You're smothering me!” She frantically expresses her frustration as she rubs her hands harshly against her face and storms into her room slamming the door in the process. You stand there in shock for a moment. You can’t believe what just happened and how quick things went left. To be fair Natasha did warn you about Wanda’s mood beforehand but that’s never stopped you from deescalating a situation. Especially since it was you asking her to lay off the weed for just a moment, she’s never really blown up at you before over something that seems so minuscule.

You won't stay where you're not wanted, you pick up your bag and place your key on the counter before leaving out of the door. Wanda finally calms down and realizes she went overboard and blew up at you instead of communicating to you in a healthy way. She feels bad, no she feels like shit. She felt worse when she opened her bedroom door to find her apartment empty. She thought for sure you were still here just on the couch or in the kitchen until she got herself together. hell, half of her thought you would've stormed into her bedroom and set her straight for speaking to you like that. "Shit." She releases a shuddered breath before running to the window, she wants to see if you're still within walking distance to catch up to you. So, she waits, so waits for you to come back to the apartment. You've been sleeping here for some time now and only going back to your dorm during RA room inspections. When waiting for you to return home to her fails, she immediately goes for her phone that now has a cracked screen from her previous outburst of frustration. Every call and text went unanswered and ignored before you finally put your phone on do not disturb.

---------

You go the rest of the day successfully avoiding Wanda, but you knew soon or later she'd find you with the hype about the football game, she knew you'd be there and sure enough as she arrived, she spotted you immediately on the bleachers sitting next to Darcy and Monica. She walks quickly along the side of the football field, her only focus is getting to you and fixing this misunderstanding. You were too engaged on the game happening in front of you to even see Wanda approach you, but Monica lightly taps your elbow and whisper near your ear. "Here comes Wanda." She leans back with a soft smile as you take a quick glance out the corner of your eye. Sure, enough you could spot your girlfriend a mile away, but you still don't acknowledge her as she sits down on the bench next to Darcy, she wants to push her out of the way to sit insanely closer to you.

"Hey, Wanda." Darcy smiles as Wanda greets her with a head nod and very brief eye contact before her eyes were on you again. Monica pops her head forward to greet Wanda as well and she's met with the same response. She didn't have anything against them she considered them as friends but right now you and the status of this relationship mattered more. "I've been calling and texting your phone princess." She has to lean forward so she's not speaking directly into Darcy's ear while Darcy has to pretend, she's not listening to the conversation. Its awkward speaking to you this way.

"Lewis, can you move?" Wanda was done being nice she needed to talk to you and apologize. Wanda doesn't want this to fester into something much bigger she's learned from her mistake the first time and she'd rather not experience that pain again. Darcy wasn't going to protest to that, but she wouldn't be moving away too far because she's just unapologetically nosy. Just as Darcy was about to stand up and sit somewhere else you harshly pull her back down to sit on the metal bench causing a few curious looks from Darcy's loud display of shock and pain. "Ouch, what the hell!" She holds her bottom soothing the stinging pain.

"I didn't tell you to move Darcy, I don't want to talk to her right now." You plead with Darcy to stand her ground and be a good friend to you. She sees that you're serious and obviously there was some tension between you and Wanda. She turns toward an annoyed Wanda and says she's not moving. Wanda tilts her head to the side slightly and narrows her eyes down on Darcy and that was enough to get her off the bench. Darcy sits on the other side next to Monica, who was being respectfully about the clear tension with you and Wanda. Wanda eagerly slides next to you sniffling in the process. You made note of her red nose and rosy cheeks. She only had on a thin zip-up hoodie as chilly as it was outside and she didn't have a hat on either, you don't make a remark about it like you normally would. It takes a moment for Wanda to speak up, how should she start the conversation off? It's easy to sit in mutual silence as the crowd cheers and boos around you both. She musters up the confidence to start the conversation with her taking accountability for her actions.

"I'm sorry." You keep your eyes on the field not giving her any form of eye contact while she's so close to you. You're still mad at her. The silence from you only made her more anxious she nervously fumbled with her jacket pocket and pulled out your key to her apartment. "You left this on the counter." She brings it your eye view not waiting to see if you'd grace her with your beautiful eyes again. You hum in acknowledgement and turn away from her completely. "I know." Now she was really worried, she thought you left it in the heat of the moment not on purpose. "W-what why would you leave it intentionally?" She has to raise her voice in volume as the crowd cheers again, this was probably not a good place to fix an argument. Wanda drops her hand and tightens her grip on the cold metal, it would surely make marks into her skin when she checks her hand later.

"I didn't think it was best for me to stay where I wasn't wanted, besides I'm just giving you what you asked for, I wouldn't want to smother you anymore than I have, right?" Instantly Wanda regrets what she said to you, it didn't come out the way she wanted it to, what she meant was that she wanted space to deal with her emotions on her own rather than being coddled and comforted, she wasn't used to it so it's only normal that she reacted that way, but she still won't excuse herself for it.

"Hey, I want you there. I always want you there hence why even made you a key in the first place." She swallows the tension in her throat and slides closer to you on the bleacher. "I didn't mean that Princess, smother me all you want. Preferably I'd want you to smother me with your thighs." She attempts at making light of the situation. It doesn't work. Especially not a horny joke right now. Her playful smile drops within an instant when she doesn't hear a giggle, or she doesn't see a lopsided smile on your face. Without word you stand up from the bleacher and walk past a tight crowd, Wanda hurries after you she catches up to you in the process and when you don't stop after her calling your name a few times she runs after you and the only thing you feel is her hands and your body being lifted up. "Put me down Wanda." She nears the side of the bleachers away from the crowd with you still in her arms.

"No, I'm sorry, I was just trying to lighten the mood I'm not trying to make you upset." You wiggle in her grasp and release a disapproving scoff. "Too late for that." She releases you slowly and until your feet are back on the ground and you press your back into the hard surface of the bleachers. "About what I said earlier, I didn't mean it like that." She pokes her lip out and fidgets with her rings silently waiting for you to say something as she gathers her thoughts. "I was just upset, and I took it out on you when you were just trying to help."

"Wan-" She cuts you off before you have the chance to say anything. "Don't breakup with me, please." She steps closer to you but still gives you enough space to not feel crowded. "You really think I would breakup with you because of this? Seriously?" Wanda's mouth hangs open. "I don't know, this is all still new to me, and you left your key and....I just don't want to stop being your girlfriend." The longer you stare at her the more you know you won't be able to stay mad at her any longer. "Stop looking at me like that."

"Like what?" She has a small grin starting to creep out and you know you're a goner. "All adorable and doe eyed." Wanda gasps with fake annoyance. "I'm not adorable!" You chuckle for the first time today and it puts her at ease. "Yes, you are." Wanda doesn't fight back she only moves closer and buries her face in your neck. "So, since I'm so adorable, you forgive me then?"

"Well, I probably should've just let you cool off on your own, I just wanted to comfort you. So yes, I forgive you." Wanda surges forward to attach her lips to yours the kiss is rushed and sloppy, you love the desperation of it after being on the receiving end of the lack luster kiss earlier. Before things get too heated you gently pull away from her as she groans in disappointment. "Do you want to tell me what happened? it's okay if you're not ready to talk about it yet but I just wanted to ask." You bite your lip waiting anxiously for an answer and hoping you didn't push too hard again for another blow up.

There is a sense of hesitation in her eyes, and you were about to tell her it was okay, but she surprises you with actually opening up and being willingly to communicate with you. "The phone call was going surprisingly well a little too well I should've known he'd still be nagging me about the same thing, but the conversation took a turn. I finally thought we were in a good place so I told him about me entering the art showcase and how I would love it if he came to support. I wasn't even expecting him to praise me for my art or anything but just for him to be present during this big accomplishment." You wrap your arms around her waist and pull her into your arms, but you still remain silent only offering her comfort until she's done releasing all of these feelings and emotions.

"I just wanted him to come to my first big show. He didn't even want to come to my show, Y/n." "Is that asking for too much? even after he said he couldn't support me financially I found a way to secure myself on my own and it's still not enough. I'm not enough all he cares about is Pietro and his future track career." She releases a frustrated breath of air as tears well up in her eyes. "I love Pietro and I would never wish harm on him, but Sometimes I just wonder what would happen if he got injured and couldn't run track anymore. Would my father still treat him better than me or would he make Pietro fend for himself now that he can't do something they mutually liked."

"Hey, no, no its not asking too much, Wanda. in fact, is the bare minimum he should want to support you no matter what, and I'm sorry for saying it out loud but your father is a piece of shit. He's going to look stupid in the future when you're so successful doing something he tried so hard to keep you from pursuing." You take a brief pause, bringing your fingers up to her face and swiping away the fallen tears. "And when that day comes, I'll be there to remind him that he had no part in your success at all and that you did it all on your own, without his help and without his money." She studies your face; she needs a moment to actually believe in what you're saying to her right now. Her blank expression is soon transformed into a growing smile as she leans her forehead on yours. "I love you."

"I love you too." You snuggle your nose against hers softly as you pull her in for a kiss. Once again, the kiss picks up in momentum and her hands move on their own traveling down to the zipper of your jeans. "Do you." She cuts you off by the intrusion of her tongue. "Want to." she cuts you off again sucking on your tongue. "Go to the car?" She bites your lip and chuckles sinisterly as she leans back but not giving you too much space. "Nuh un." Was all she said before she's back on her mission into your pants. You shriek from the first contact of her ice-cold fingertips. "Your fingers are fucking freezing."

"That's why I'm trying to warm them up, princess." Her fingers move in slow languid motions, she's completely focused on you from the small breaths you take to the utter self-control you have to use in order to not be so loud, even though you doubt you could be louder than the rowdy and emotional people in the bleachers. Every time she spoke words of simple matter you couldn't ignore the sultry and hunger in her voice, as her warm breath fans over your ear you feel yourself nearing closer and closer to your climax.

"I'm sorry for being an asshole."

"You look so hot when you're mad at me."

"I wish everyone on that field could hear how hot you sound. I wish everyone could hear how good I make you feel." That did it, that had you eager to please her, eager to make her good.

She's distracted and entranced by you and how she's making you feel she doesn't feel your prying hands on her jeans, and she gasps in surprise when your cold fingers slither their way into her warm and wet cunt. "Fuck." She whispers softly, you focus on leaving your marks on her neck, she still continues fucking you with her talented fingers. you're both panting and clinging to each other against the cold metal surface. The cold weather no longer being an issue when your bodies are radiating so much heat and ecstasy. You never thought you'd end the night like this, bucking into each other's hands at the football game not even having the decency to go to the car. You didn't care though; you find yourself not caring a lot about consequences when it comes to public sex since you've been with Wanda.

"Fuck, add another finger, baby." You add another finger, and she picks up in speed and whines against your lips. She's been working you up longer than you have been doing to her. "You're my girlfriend, say it." her breathing grows shallower and quicker paced, she's close. "I'm your girlfriend." You smirk as you thrust your hand harder you didn't even bother tugging her jeans down further for better access. She has you repeat the words over and over until she gets the reassurance she was looking for. "Are you gonna cum with me?" Wanda just nods her head not bothering to say any verbal words, you think it's cute when you have her lost for words and too fucked out to speak. "Yeah?"

"Uh hun." Her face is flushed, and her skin is hot and sweaty.

"You know you make me feel so good." You lean your head to whisper in her ear adding a playful bite to her earlobe for extra effect. She releases a loud moan so loud you're certain someone heard it since the crowd has quieted down. The moment you slip your free hand under her hoodie and twist her nipple while you simultaneously hook your finger in the right spot, you know she's cumming with you. The way both of you clench around each other's fingers at the same time.

The sight of pleasure plastered on each other's faces at the same time, and the feeling of your warm juices leaking down one another's fingertips at the same time. Both of you having the same thought of sucking the juices off each other's fingers but Wanda takes her hand away before you can put them in your mouth and sucks on them mockingly in your face.

"Now that's just being greedy." You fold one arm across your chest. She releases both fingers with a pop sound and grins at you as the saliva glistens on her face. "Hm, I'm sorry Princessa, here you can have a taste." She pulls you forward and shoves her tongue in your mouth making sure that no spot within your mouth was left untouched and unclaimed. You both share a few soft kisses before pulling apart. Wanda apologies once more for her actions earlier. "Stop, it's okay. I was upset but I wasn't going to end things because of an argument Wands, we're okay." You wait for her to acknowledge that nothing is changing, and couples have arguments and disagreements sometimes. She nods her head once and holds your hand, rubbing her thumbs against your skin.

"Do you wanna go back and watch the game?" You look at her like she's grown another head, especially since you've missed half the game already. "Fuck no, let's go home." You kiss her cheek and finish fixing you clothes in a presentable manner. You had plans on watching her favorite shows with her and possibly a few more rounds. Wanda grins and doesn't really bother to properly fix her clothes. You place a hand on hers just as she gets ready to close her zipper. "Leave that open I might get hungry on the way home." You shoot her a wink and walk away towards the parking lot. "Holy shit, I fucking love you." As Wanda quickly catches up to you in the parking lot, she can't help but feel like this is the bright side of having a short temper paired with a loving and understanding girlfriend.

[212-apricity]

1999, part four - final part!

oh my gosh. final part and what a surprise, she's a long one again💀💀ive loved writing this silly little series so so much and i love all of you very very much🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽please give me requests on what to write next bc my mind is completely blank rn, all i can think of is the cold war and bolsheviks from my history revison and i dont think they would make v good fics🤡🤡

lmk what you think of this part and your fav moments, enjoy!!

warnings: tiny angst, mostly fluff, swearing

conrad fisher masterlist

masterlist

༝ ˚ ｡⋆ 𓇼 ⋆｡ ˚ ༝༝ ˚ ｡⋆ 𓇼 ⋆｡ ˚ ༝༝ ˚ ｡⋆ 𓇼 ⋆｡ ˚ ༝༝ ˚ ｡⋆ 𓇼 ⋆｡ ˚ ༝

conrad’s pov

Since Y/n is unable to hold a phone herself, I'm tasked with a lot, but I didn't fully realize the worry of her family until she had me working through each task with her.

No wonder she’s overwhelmed. The number of texts from Laurel, Mom, Belly, Jere and Steven she has to sift through in a given hour would drive anyone insane.

Or maybe I'm just going crazy by sitting this close to her. The smell of her coconut soap is permanently ingrained into my memory as she sits flush against me, pointing at different texts with her uninjured hand.

I can tell her nerves grow stronger as the Uber near the hospital.

Her knees bounce up and down as she dictates message after message I need to send, confusing me more and more with every word.

The work doesn't stop there. After we check in, a nurse hands us a clipboard filled with pages of information that need to be filled out. Y/n stares at it like it might catch on fire at any moment.

"Here." I pass it to her.

Her eyes shift toward the exit. "Will you help me please? I can't write like this." Her voice drops to a barely audible whisper.

"Okay. Tell me your answers and I'll write them down."

Her throat bobs as she scans the first line. It takes her far longer than necessary to read the first question.

"Do you mind reading the questions aloud for me? I'm too stressed to concentrate right now." Her overcompensating smile irritates me.

"Are you sure? Some of the questions are probably personal."

Don't be a dick. Just do what she says.

"I don't care.”

The rigid way she sits in her chair says the complete opposite.

She seems to be one minute away from breaking down, so I concede. I sigh as I grab the pen and get started on the first question. The paperwork doesn't take us as long as I anticipated, so Y/n and I sit together in silence. She stares at the exit longingly.

The way her eyes dart around the room as she gnaws on her bottom lip makes me feel merciful enough to save her from the anxiety eating her up inside.

“If it's any consolation, I hate hospitals too."

Her head swings toward the direction of my voice.

"Yeah?"

I nod. "Haven't been to one since…"

"I know." she says as she sees my chest heaves as I remember the millions of times we’ve been here before.

I keep my eyes focused on the soundless television playing in one corner.

Her good hand clasps onto mine and gives it a squeeze. I'm grateful she understands me enough not to ask any other questions. The idea of offering another raw part of myself feels like a betrayal of the years I've spent carefully developing a certain kind of persona.

"I hate them too." Her voice cracks.

"Why?"

She stares down at her swollen hand. “My dad…” She pauses, and I give her hand a reassuring squeeze like she gave me. "Let's just say mom ended up in the ER a couple of times for being clumsy."

I take a deep breath to stave off the anger bubbling beneath the surface. "And did you have issues with being clumsy?" If she says yes, I swear to God two men will end up floating in the Chicago River tonight.

She shakes her head rather aggressively. "No. No." My rapid heart rate can be heard through my ears. "If you were, you can tell me." While I can't promise I won't do anything about it, I can promise to make him hurt. A lot. With sulfuric acid or something, those pre-med studies are starting to come in handy now.

The overwhelming sense of protectiveness hits me hard, and I don't shy away from it. There is nothing I hate more than men who use their fists against innocent women and children.

"It never got to that point. Suze made sure of it." she says with a small smile.

"How?"

"She caught onto the signs and interfered before things got bad. Used her savings from my grandpa's life insurance policy to help Mom get a divorce and start a new life." A tear slips down her face, and I can't stand the sight of it.

I brush it away with the pad of my thumb, but the damp trail still lingers. A driving force inside of me wants to erase the sad look on her face. "Did her plan also happen to include a jug of sulfuric acid?"

She forces out a laugh. "I think concrete shoes were more in style back then."

I fake shudder. "Remind me to never make mom angry again."

"Forget her, you'd have to deal with me." She holds up her injured hand like a war trophy.

"I'm absolutely terrified."

"Miss Y/n?" a nurse calls out.

Y/n doesn't move at the sound of her name.

"That's you." I place my hand on her thigh and give it a squeeze.

She sucks in a deep breath as she stares down at my hand.

Her chair nearly tumbles behind her as she bolts out of the seat, throwing her one good hand up in the air. "I'm here!"

The nurse leads us through the emergency room bay.

Individual beds line the wall, each area divided by a paper curtain.

The empty bed meant for Y/n is unacceptable. Between the person retching behind one partition and the individual on the other side hacking up their lung, I refuse to let her be seen here.

"I'd like my…my friend, to be taken care of in a private suite," I speak up. I know I sound snotty right now but honestly, I’ll be damned if I let her already horrible hospital experience get any worse.

The nurse grimaces as her gaze licks across my body. "This is a hospital. Not the Ritz. Take a seat and wait for the doctor like everyone else."

Y/n hops on the bed without any complaint, and I'm tempted to grab her and go elsewhere. The nurse doesn't seem the least bit bothered by all the noise happening around us as she checks Y/n’s vitals and asks some routine questions.

Y/n answers each one while chewing her bottom lip raw. This atmosphere couldn't put anyone at ease, least of all her.

The nurse hangs the clipboard at the foot of the bed, and I decide to try again.

"I'll pay whatever it takes to have her seen somewhere quieter. Money is no object."

The nurse only replies by shutting the paper curtain in my face.

Y/n laughs while I stare at the curtain, dumbfounded to be treated like this.

"You find this funny?"

She nods, her eyes alight for the first time all night. "Did you see her face when you said money is no object? I think if she didn't put the clipboard away, she would have slapped your face with it."

"It's not my fault she isn't accustomed to how things are done in the real world."

"Wake up baby. You're living in the real world." She waves around our room.

"It's terrifying." I say, looking away so she couldn’t see the blush that appeared on my face at the nickname.

"Come here. I'II make it better." Y/n pats the bed.

Doubtful, but I'm a glutton for giving her what she wants lately. Paper crinkles as I sit next to her. I take up most of the bed, giving her little room to get away from me. My thigh brushes against hers. She tries to scoot away, but there isn't enough space.

“Isn’t this cozy?" she quips.

I give her a small smile before she asks, “Hey! Let me see your tattoo.”

God I’d forgotten all about them. I move the collar of my shirt to show the two small ivy leaves we’d gotten. She gasps and gently touches my skin, “Oh my gosh it’s so pretty Connie.” she stares at it for a moment before I ask to see hers.

She lifts up her shirt on the side, exposing her ribcage and the two matching leaves.

“I can’t believe you agreed to get a Taylor Swift referenced tattoo with me Con.” she says as I admire the tattoo for a bit.

I smile until saying, “Hey I might be quiet and mopey but at least I have good taste in music.”

She softly smiles at me before eyeing the IV bag with horror before checking out the exit.

"What’s wrong?”

She leans closer to me and whispers, "Is now a bad time to admit I pass out whenever someone tries to stick a needle in me?"

My lips lift at the corners. I don't know why I find the idea hilarious, given her ability to watch eight consecutive hours of true crime documentaries without so much as flinching.

"You're afraid of needles?"

She sputters. "No. I'm not afraid. It just happens to be a bodily reaction I can't control."

“That's good then because the nurse needs to set you up with that IV when she comes back."

“No! Don't tell me that! I thought she was one of the good ones.”

I nod, pressing my lips together to prevent myself from laughing.

"She lied to me!" She bolts from the seat and would have tripped over her own heels if I didn't reach out and catch her.

*Careful." I place her back on the bed and decide to stand guard in case she gets any ideas to flee the scene.

Her eyes fit from me to the gap between two curtains, as if she is thinking how she can get past me.

"I'm joking.”

She scans my face for the truth before she slaps my shoulder with her good hand. "Asshole! I believed you!"

Laughter explodes out of me like a bomb, stunning her.

“Did you just laugh?”

"No."

“Yes." Someone calls out from the other side of the curtain.

“Now, do you mind shutting up? Some of us are trying to get some sleep over here after having our stomach pumped."

Fuck this place and the people in here. "We're leaving."

"Not so fast. You can't leave before I check you out." The doctor strolls in and points at the bed with his clipboard.

Y/n remains tight-lipped as the doctor checks her chart. He asks her some questions about how she got hurt, all while staring me up and down like I'm the person she was trying to injure. She is taken away for a few scans, and my breathing doesn't return to normal until the nurse brings her back.

That should be my first sign that things are getting out of hand on my end. I'm inching closer to an emotional minefield without any kind of map, only one wrong step away from exploding.

The doctor checks the scans. "It looks like you have a boxer's fracture."

Her face brightens. "That sounds badass."

I glare at her. "Calm down, Muhammad Ali. I wouldn't count today as a victory by any means."

The doctor's eyes lighten. "Next time, avoid any initial contact on the fourth and fifth knuckles."

"Please don't encourage her."

The doctor shakes his head with a laugh before giving Y/n a detailed set of instructions regarding the healing time. I'm skeptical about the whole visit and, given the setting, doubtful about the level of care. I'll be damned if Y/n sustains permanent injuries because of Dean. My chest tightens at the idea.

“Great Thanks, Doc!" She hops off the bed, but I hold my arm out, stopping her

"I’d like a second opinion." The command bursts out of me without any rhyme or reason. Deep down, I know a boxer's fracture isn't the worst thing that could have happened. But things aren't right in my head where Y/n is concerned. At least not anymore.

Both of the doctor's eyebrows arch. "For a small fracture?"

"Don't mind him. He tends to be a bit overbearing." She shoots me a look as if I'm the crazy one out of the two of us.

"Okay..." the doctor says.

Maybe I am losing it because why else would I care?

You hate it when she cries.

You wouldn't mind murdering someone who hurt her.

You took her to the hospital even though you despise them with every fibre of your being.

The signs all point to one thing: our situation is quickly crumbling, and I'm the only one to blame.

Y/n interrupts my thoughts. "I'll be sure to wear the brace for a few weeks and avoid any kind of activities that could aggravate the injury."

"Perfect. And don't forget to schedule a follow-up visit with your physician. "The doctor gives me one last look before handing Y/n the discharge paperwork. "Nice meeting you."

"Will you help me with this?" She holds out the clipboard with her left hand as the doctor leaves.

I grab it from her and fill it out.

She checks the time on her phone. "Well, at least that didn't take as long as I thought it would. I'm sure you're dying to get back home."

That's the scary thing. I didn't think about anything or anyone once during our entire time here because making sure she was taken care of was my only concern. I've spent the past seventeen years of my life thinking solely about my future, and all it took was one girl to make me completely forget about my responsibilities for a few hours.

As if that doesn't scare me enough, it only takes one glance at her makeshift brace to make my blood burn hot under my skin. I know exactly why her injury angers me more than anything else.

It's the same reason I feel the urge to push Jere away from her whenever he gets too close or the way I unexplainably need to see her whenever she is out of my sight for longer than a few hours.

You’re in love with her.

Fuck.

                ༝ ˚ ｡⋆ 𓇼 ⋆｡ ˚ ༝༝ ˚ ｡⋆ 𓇼 ⋆｡ ˚ ༝༝ ˚ ｡⋆ 𓇼 ⋆｡ ˚ ༝༝ ˚ ���⋆ 𓇼 ⋆｡ ˚ ༝

y/n’s pov

We’re in an Uber on the way home, sitting in comfortable silence until Conrad breaks it.

“Why’d you get with Dean anyway?” My stomach doubles over.

Comfortable silence is so overrated.

I sigh. I’ve been dreading this question for ages now.

“I don’t know.” I answer vaguely.

Conrad gives me a puzzled look, “What do you mean you don't know? You must’ve had a reason.”

His restlessness gets me more agitated.

“I don’t know Conrad. I don’t know why I got with him, I don’t know why I was waiting on you for so long either.” I look out the window as the car stops in front of the house.

“What? What do you mean?” he says as I get out the car and speed up to the front door, taking the keys out of my pocket and refusing to carry on with this conversation anymore.

Conrad keeps yelling after me as he follows me upstairs to my room, both of us trying to ignore everyone else who joined Conrad and are trying to ask their own questions.

I slam my door shut and collapse on my bed hearing Conrad trying to calm everyone down and telling them everything that's happened until he asks them all to give me some space for now.

I cry in the silence as I hear everyone leaving from outside the door until it opens.

“Hey.”

Steven. Thank God.

“Steve…” I say sniffling.

He looks at me with a sad smile before sitting on the bed with me and taking me in his arms.

“Con told us everything,” he says after a few minutes of holding me, “did you really get a boxer's fracture?”

I laugh in tears before showing him my hand and saying, “You should see the other guy.”

Steven and I laugh together before going back to the silence as he hugs me.

“He really cares about you, you know.”

“No he doesn’t. He hates me. I yelled at him and now I’m crying here on my bed like an idiot.”

“Did he say anything to you?” Steven looks down at me.

I shake my head before saying, “He asked why I got with Dean.”

“Oh. That’s not too bad.”

“No it’s not.”

“Then why are you so upset?”

“Because I’ve been waiting for Conrad for so long and I’m just sick and tired of always being there to help him get over his breakups when he’d be so much better off with me. I know I sound selfish and none of my reasons are justified but I just thought that after everything we’ve been through together, he’d maybe like me just a little bit.”

Steven hugs me again and softly says, “He does.”

After that almost everyone but Conrad came in to check up on me and make sure I was okay, making me feel even more guilty about being all emotional like this. It’s not until Susannah’s holding me and whispering sweet nothings that my eyes start to feel heavy.

I think I fell asleep after that, I don’t remember much except waking up to the sun shining its very unwelcome face in my eyes.

I step out of my room after freshening up and I’m about to make my way to the kitchen for food until I’m stopped by something in the hallway.

Or should I say someone.

“Conrad,” I bend down and stroke his hair out of his face, “Conrad wake up.” I say gently.

He stirs for a minute before sitting up and taking my hands in his.

“Have you been out here all night?” I ask.

“Yes.” he says in a raspy voice.

God that voice would make my knees give out if I wasn’t already on the floor with him.

“Why?”

“I need to talk to you.”

I sigh before he interrupts me, “Listen, I heard everything you said to Steven last night and I know I shouldn’t have and I was eavesdropping but I’m sorry it was by accident. And I know I don’t deserve any more of your time…I’ve already wasted a lot of it but just hear me out for ten minutes.”

“No.” I try to get out of his grasp.

“Stop fighting and give me ten minutes.”

“No way.”

“Nine then.”

“Five.”

“Eight and a half.”

“Six.”

“Seven.”

I pause, knowing that he won’t let me go anywhere before I hear him out.

“You don’t deserve seven seconds, let alone seven minutes of my time.”

“How about seven words then?”

I laugh. “I’d like to see you try.”

“I am falling in love with you.”

I blink up at him. Either I am still sleeping or I must have not heard him correctly because there is no way Conrad Fisher just admitted that he is falling in love with me.

Absolutely no fucking way.

Right?

I squeeze my eyes shut as if that can erase the words from my memory.

"You're joking.

"I'm not."

"This is just another part of your game." I try to push him away, but he doesn't budge.

"It stopped being a game for me a long time ago."

"You're lying."

His brows pull together. "Ask me why I hate when people touch my bookshelf."

"Are you serious right now? What does that have to do with any of this?" I think back to his bookshelf he won’t let any of the others go near but loves to let me organise and re-organise each year.

"Because I did it for you."

"I'm sorry, what?"

"I read somewhere online that organising objects like books and things is good for people with anxiety, because then they can feel in control of something and know exactly what to expect especially if things are the same as they've predicted all the time. You love reading too, so I changed it. Bought all the books you like to read so that you’d stay and read with me more often. I forced everyone else out of my room and especially away from that bookshelf. All because I wanted to help you."

Emotions clog my throat, preventing my ability to reply.

What can I possibly say that could compare to that?

Conrad doesn't give me an option as he continues. "Want to know why I kept this plant you got me?" he says pointing to the small green cactus with “Don’t be a prick” written on the pot that we could see looking into his room from the hallway.

I nod.

"Because it was the first time someone got me a present that made me laugh."

If hearts could melt into puddles, mine would be liquified right about now.

I take a deep breath.

Remember what he did.

“Con that doesn't change anything you still ignored me for a whole year. Every time I tried to call you or text you, you’d just leave me on read or decline, and now you’re telling me you love me? Who does that?"

"Someone who doesn't understand the first thing about loving someone, but is willing to try if you give me a chance."

"You want me to give you a chance after everything? Do you think I'm stupid?"

He winces, and a bit of my anger fades away at his vulnerability.

"Intelligence has nothing to do with this."

"Easy for you to say when you're not the one who feels like a fool."

"Really? Because based on your reaction today, I'm feeling pretty damn foolish for ever admitting that I'm falling in love with you." He gets up off the floor, leaving me feeling chilled to the bone.

"Con..." I reach out, but he takes a step back.

My eyes sting from his rejection. It hurts.

“I’m not asking you to love me back. I don't expect that and I'm not sure if I ever will because I'm the furthest thing for lovable. I'm selfish, and rude, and don't know the first thing about being in a proper relationship with someone. But that doesn't mean I’m not willing to try for you if you let me."

How am I supposed to be angry at him when he thinks he is unlovable?

A pain rips through my chest at the thought of him talking about himself this way.

I get up off the floor and walk straight into his chest. His arms quickly wrap themselves around my waist, holding me even tighter.

"Just because you make selfish choices doesn't mean you're a selfish person. At least not completely."

This boy had been there for Belly, Steven, me and Jere for years without any kind of payback, especially when Susannah was going through her cancer and despite feeling an immense amount of pain himself, he shoved all his emotions aside so that he could be there for us. For me. If that isn't a selfless sacrifice, I don't know what is.

"Your logic is half-baked at best."

"So is yours, seeing as you called yourself unlovable."

His body tenses. "I'm stating facts."

"I don't know what bullshit your father told you over the years, but it's not true. Your brother loves you."

"He’s obligated to."

"No one is obligated to love someone else. Blood or not."

He takes a deep breath. "You're right."

I smile up at him. "I could get used to hearing those words."

He reaches up and cups my cheek. "Give me a chance and I'll tell you them every single day."

I sigh and look away. "I don't know.”

"Tell me what's stopping you."

"You don't do relationships."

“Good thing our feelings lead us here rather than our minds, and mine are willing to try then."

I avoid his penetrating gaze. "What if my feelings are telling me to run?”

“It's cute you think you can outrun me, but I'll give you a head start just to make things interesting." he smiles down at me.

"Do you always have an answer for everything?"

"Not for the one that matters most." The way he looks at me stirs up something deep inside of me.

Longing. I want to give him a chance, regardless of the potential fallout.

You might get hurt.

I might, but I might miss out on something special because I’m too afraid of the what ifs. I'm done being that person. Even if it means getting hurt, I'd rather try and fail than never try at all.

I stand on the tips of my toes and press my lips against his.

He holds me tight against his chest, as if he is afraid of letting me go.

I pull away, only to clasp onto his chin. "This could be a disaster, but I'm willing to try."

He shuts me up by pushing his lips against mine, sealing our new deal. The way he kisses me is different than any time before. He cups my face with the palms of his hands as his lips mold against mine, teasing me until I feel dizzy. His thumb brushes across my cheek back and forth, and heat rushes down my spine straight to my belly. He makes me feel cherished. Protected.

Loved in a way that makes me never want to come back down to reality.

I could spend forever being kissed like this and still feel like it isn't enough. While Conrad might not be the best with words, his kiss says it all.

He is falling in love with me. And I’m falling in love with him. No translation necessary.

                ༝ ˚ ｡⋆ 𓇼 ⋆｡ ˚ ༝༝ ˚ ｡⋆ 𓇼 ⋆｡ ˚ ༝༝ ˚ ｡⋆ 𓇼 ⋆｡ ˚ ༝༝ ˚ ｡⋆ 𓇼 ⋆｡ ˚ ༝

ahh i cant believe its finished omg😔💔...

anyways, onto the next one😍🙏

again please lmk what you think of this and please give me requests on what to do next!!

[deathc-re]

choso x afab!reader

cw: swearing, smut, fluff summary: (this is a repost bc the first one got flagged) you arrive at your long distance bfs house after not seeing him for months. you've both obviously missed each other

walking in and you dropped your bag by the door. you looked around, "you moved the couch?"

he locked the door and turned to you, "yeah, it was yuji's idea. apparently opens up the room?"

"it does. where is he by the way?"

"he's spending the weekend at megumi's. per my request."

you giggled," oh yeah? why?"

stepping to you, he wrapped his arms around your waist and squeezed you tight. he took a deep inhale then pulled back to look at your full face.

"i've missed you so much baby. i wanted to spend at least a couple days with you and just you."

with a smile you kissed him. and kissed him and kissed him.

"i love you choso sweetheart, lemme wash that flight off real quick then i'm all yours." with a final kiss you broke from his hold and brought your bag with you to the room. the shower was much needed, all that tension from flying melted down the drain. you hopped out, lotioned and walked into the room to grab one of choso's shirts. why pack pajamas when you're stay at your boyfriends?

you opened the door, steam escaping behind you, only to find choso sitting on the bed waiting for you. elbow on his knee, phone in hand he looked up at you and you watched the blood rush to his face.

your towel hung around your hips loosely and some water still ran down your chest. you pushed some hair out of your face, "love can i borrow a shirt to sleep in please?"

wordlessly he stood and made his way to you. with no effort he scooped you off the ground, leaving your towel behind, and dropped you on his queen sized bed. you sunk into the mattress and comforter, looking up at him with the eyes you knew drove him crazy.

you chuckled, "did you miss me, love?"

he crawled on top of you, face just above yours.

"you know i did."

the two of you locked lips, hungrily entangling together. his large, warm hands found their way to your waist, pulling you up. your back arched to follow his guidance as your arms wrapped around his neck. you made out sloppily for all but two minutes before choso pulled away.

now kneeling he looked down at you while tossing his shirt into the far corners of his room. your eyes trailed down his chest. it heaved up and down with his breaths, muscles on display. at this rate you'd leave a puddle on the blanket.

he got off the bed, slipped out of his shorts and you let out a shaky breath at the sight of his length in front of you. just as you remembered, thick and heavy, the prettiest you've ever seen.

you maneuvered yourself to be right at eye level with it. you tossed choso a quick glance before peppering the head with kisses and kitten licks. you loved the sound of his strained breaths. with a hand at the base you wrapped your lips around him. back and forth, back and forth, you took his dick into your throat, thighs clamped tightly together.

once you felt him twitch inside your mouth you pulled off with a pop. confused and frustrated he looked down at you, and you only smiled.

"you're still keeping up with the teasing shit, huh?" he pushed you onto your back and flipped you over. now on all fours you can't help the excitement that builds from the familiar position. he adjusts himself behind you, hand running up and down your back before giving your ass a good smack. the recoil alone made him want to moan.

he slapped his length against your awaiting cunt, rubbing it between the folds and marveling at just how wet you are. strings of your juices sticking to him everytime he pulls his dick away. it's so lewd. so exiting.

you whined at the repeated taps against your swollen clit, "baby please!"

with a chuckle he lined himself up and slowly began to push himself in. you gasped and threw your head forward, it's been so long since you felt that familiar drag along your walls. choso grunted as he bottomed out, hands gripping the creases between your thighs and ass.

"can i move?"

you nodded, about to give a verbal response when he snapped his hips out. he thrusted into you and you gave a moan of surprise and pleasure. he started out slow but with a lot of power, nearly making you fall forward.

the slow drag along your walls was tantalizing, the feeling made your toes curl and your fingers dig into the sheets. his balls slapped against your clit in just the right way, just the way you remembered.

as the two of you got closer, the faster he got, hips banging into you with rapidness. your moans and his grunts filled the room, surrounding you both like a symphony of pleasure. the coil in your stomach got tighter and tighter, you couldn't do anything but squeeze your eyes shut and bring a hand back to grab at his wrist.

"you're close baby?" choso breathed. "me too, c'mon my love come for me. i know you- haa- i know you missed this as much as i did. come on baby, show me how much you missed this."

he was close, he only got the courage to talk like this when he was delirious with pleasure. you would giggle if you weren't too.

"fuck fuck fuckkkk" you cursed, you were coming undone, clenching hard around your lover. his groans and whimpers, his hard, quick pace, his warm fingers rubbing at your clit just the way you liked it. it was too much. it was too much.

like dynamite your fuse brunt out, you exploded. you slurred curses and cried choso's name, pushing your face endlessly deeper into the mattress. the feeling of you around him and the sound of your moans sent choso over the edge too. as much as he didn't want to, he pulled out and spurts of his load landed in ropes on your back.

panting and heaving, the two of you road out your high. he recovered first, chuckling and giving your ass another smack.

"that shower was pointless."