#yes i cried. yes i am filled with joy and inspiration

[love-songs-for-emma]

sometimes a family is just a girlie and their cat

[verstappensrealwife]

hello, can you write about lewis proposing to his girlfriend on the beach

Love on the Beach - Lewis Hamilton x Fem!Reader

fluff.

approx. 1030 words.

warnings: kissing?

lewis hamilton masterlist - here. f1 masterlist - here.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the tranquil shoreline, Lewis found himself standing on the sandy expanse of a secluded beach. With the gentle rhythm of the waves as his soundtrack, and the salty breeze caressing his skin, he felt a sense of calm wash over him, masking the nervous excitement bubbling beneath the surface.

Beside him, his heart beat in time with the ocean's gentle lullaby, echoing the anticipation that pulsed through his veins. 

Today was no ordinary day; it was the day he had been waiting for, the day he would ask the love of his life to spend forever by his side.

As he watched the waves dance along the shore, Lewis's mind drifted back to the moments you had shared, the laughter, the tears, the countless memories that had woven your hearts together like an intricate tapestry. And as he thought about the future that lay ahead, he knew that there was nowhere else he would rather be than here, on this beach, with the woman who had captured his heart in ways he never thought possible.

With a steadying breath, Lewis reached into his pocket, his fingers closing around the small velvet box nestled within. The weight of the ring felt like a promise, a symbol of his unwavering commitment to the woman he loved. And as he turned to face you, the setting sun painting a halo of golden light around your silhouette, he knew that this moment would be etched into your memories forever, the beginning of a new chapter in your love story.

As Lewis's words washed over you, filling the air with a sense of love and vulnerability, you felt a rush of emotion welling up inside you. Tears pooled in your eyes as his heartfelt confession echoed in your ears, each word a testament to the depth of his love for you.

And then, in a moment that seemed to freeze in time, he sank to one knee before you, his eyes filled with nervous anticipation as he held out a small velvet box. Your breath caught in your throat as you watched him, stunned by the realization of what was happening.

"Oh, my god," you whispered, your heart pounding in your chest as you struggled to comprehend the enormity of the moment.

As Lewis spoke your name, his voice trembling with emotion, you turned to face him, your eyes locking with his in a silent exchange of love and understanding. And then, before you could even process what was happening, he asked the question that would change your lives forever.

“Y/N, I have loved you since the day I met you. From the first moment our paths crossed, I knew that you were destined to be more than just a passing acquaintance in my life. You have been my rock, my confidant, my greatest source of joy and inspiration. In your presence, I have found a kind of happiness that I never knew was possible. And that is why I am asking you here, now. Will you marry me?”

With tears streaming down your cheeks, you threw yourself into his arms, overcome with emotion. He stood up quickly, lifting you with him as you peppered his face with kisses, your heart overflowing with love and joy.

"Yes, yes a million times yes!" you cried, your voice choked with emotion as you held him close.

With trembling hands, Lewis reached for the ring, his fingers shaking as he slid it onto your finger. As you admired the beautiful ring that now adorned your hand, your heart swelled with gratitude for the man who had chosen to spend his life with you, and the promise of a future filled with love and happiness.

The engagement ring that Lewis delicately slipped onto your finger was a breathtaking sight to behold. It featured a dazzling round-cut diamond as the centerpiece, nestled within a delicate platinum setting that glimmered in the soft light of the setting sun.

Surrounding the radiant diamond were intricate pave diamonds, their shimmering brilliance adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the design. The band itself was sleek and refined, adorned with additional diamonds that cascaded down the sides like a cascade of sparkling stars.

As you admired the ring, you couldn't help but marvel at its beauty, each facet catching the light in a mesmerising display of brilliance. It was a symbol of Lewis's love and commitment, a tangible reminder of the promise they had made to each other on this unforgettable day.

With every glance at the ring, you felt your heart swell with gratitude and love for the man who had chosen it for you, and the future that lay ahead as you embarked on this new chapter of your lives together.

In the months that followed the magical beachside proposal, Lewis and yourself found yourselves swept up in a whirlwind of wedding planning and anticipation. Together, you poured your hearts and souls into creating a celebration that reflected your love and commitment to each other, weaving together elements of their shared passions and dreams.

Finally, the day arrived when you stood hand in hand, surrounded by your loved ones, on the same sun-drenched beach where your journey had begun. As the gentle breeze whispered through the air and the waves crashed rhythmically against the shore, they exchanged vows of love and devotion, promising to stand by each other through life's joys and challenges.

With tears of joy glistening in your eyes, you sealed your vows with a kiss, surrounded by the love and support of their family and friends. And as you danced under the stars, hand in hand, you knew that your love was a force to be reckoned with, a bond that would only grow stronger with each passing day.

el fin.

[goldenhypen]

"Idk if your requests are open but if they are could you write where Jay’s s/o watched the new concept trailer & they’re jealous of that girl😭like even tho they’re dating cuz who is this girl that’s against your chest & putting her lips on his neck" sunghoon ver.?

lollll this is so funny to me. when the trailer came out i told everyone that if they write or find fics inspired by the trailer to tell me about them so i could read them (and not write them myself 😭) but here i am,, writing them myself 😭 how did this even happen? idek 😭 but this idea do be giving me butterflies frfr

a disbelieving scoff filled the room as it brushed past your lips.

“what is she doing to you?!” you cried. “what are you doing to her?!”

sunghoon smirked, with his tongue poking his cheek.

he had put enhypen’s new comeback trailer on the tv displayed in front of you two, showing off to you what he and his group had been working on. but you were not having it.

sunghoon started, “i think i kinda like this look on you.”

“what look?”

“you’re jealous,” he drew out. such a tease.

“i’m not jealous! you should just know that a golden rule for boyfriend duty is to not do obvious things like treat other girls—who are not your girlfriend!—in a romantic manner!” you argued back.

“and how exactly did i break this said rule?” he questioned, perking a brow.

“uhm?! let me see,” you got your counting fingers ready. “protecting her, making her laugh, making her cry tears of joy, fighting for her, hugging her… the list goes on, hoon! you even hurt your members for her!”

“it was only acting, y/n. it’s different.”

“ah—no. no, no, no,” you said. “you don’t get to use that as an excuse! what about my feelings?” you looked down with sad eyes as you let out your last words under your breath, really only for you to hear, “you’re mine.”

“what was that? i didn’t catch that,” sunghoon said with an evident smirk plastered on his face. well, according to that look, he most definitely did hear you. he just wanted to hear it again.

“you’re mine,” you let out out weakly.

“of course you are,” he said, smiling as he reached out and pulled you into his chest. “and that’s exactly why you are and always will be the only one who i will allow myself to love like i love you.”

“and how exactly so?” you asked playfully, peaking up at him. “show me.”

he smiled before pulling you up with his hands cupping your jaw, bringing you closer until his soft lips connected with yours.

he kissed you, and continued doing so until either of your breaths were stolen away, and you pulled back, meeting his eyes, panting, only to find he was already looking into yours.

“convinced now?”

after that kiss? yes, it was a very good reminder. but you wanted more.

you shook your head.

“well then, let me see what i can do about that,” he said with a smirk before pulling you over his lap, pressing his lips against yours passionately for another many more.

a/n. y’all requests are closed 😭 this was fun, but no more please 😭

[concert-bflat]

I need to rant about Ivan guys guys I neeed to rant about Ivan (<--- keeps trying to write fics of him but Never finishes him) like God this man is so gay and so in love it genuinely hurts it Hurts and I am Injured by it and the imagrey is Sooo Good (and Yes this is probably me just parroting stuff Everyone has already said before but shut up it's my turn now!! (aka please I've been holding in these thoughts for Months now I must let them out of their cage before one of them Dies)) [Edit I am Not fucking proofreading this I spent 2 hours on it if there is a mistake you Imagined it </3]

Just like,

You can see it in the way he sees the stars in Till. His own hopes for freedom and the only real light in this world that he lost sight of in Till. He is the hope and wish for freedom that he has shut away and repressed and it makes him fall So Hard

Or how you only really see that red in his eyes (after. Almost Dying) when he's with or singing/thinking about how Till has Inspired him, like a fire has been lit inside him. A fire lit in the darkness. . hmm...

even at the end of the song, where he knows full well that he absolutely Crushed his opponent and also knows full well that Till is his next one. I'm sick. I'm so sick.

Or like. When he frees Till and everything is just Engulfed in that red now. How Till has that same fire in his eyes, he and Ivan are on the same page now. They see that same hope for freedom and they both share it. They're running towards the light (like the sky's lighter there, more on that in a sec), hell, the corners of the right side of the screen are literally tinted in LIGHT GREEN. Till's color. God dammit the whole scene is tinted in red and green. They are literally Complementary Colors. I'mmm soooooooo (God these scenes are soo pretty too I was genuinely Stunned when I first saw this)

DID YOU EVEN NOTICE I ONLY NOTICED NOW the Stars are fucking green. You can see it better in some of the Later Images but they are Literally Green because Ivan sees the stars in Till and uuuughsdfbshb

OR LIKE WHEN TILL TURNS BACK?? AND. And that red is no longer in his eyes and before The Realization hits Ivan his eyes are just Glowing with red. Because he was just Filled with that hope. Freedom was, potentially, Right There

Did you guys even notice in that like. 5 frames in the half-second animation of Till turning away he's totally engulfed in his shade of green. Like of Course. That's such a Till thing to do because of Course he's running back he never actually liked Ivan that way in the first place.

And also the lighting of the sky Flips. Because the light has always been with Till. And Ivan's left in the darkness. In the. Haha. Ha. Black Sorrow. Aha *sits down cries*

And Again with this mf's stupid eyes how they revert to just black because that hope's been stripped away again, how it's even reflected in his present self singing as he reminisces on it. Fucking. Ivan's Expression when Till runs away.T here's so fucking much like the irony. Like did he even see Till hesitate or did he just see him turn and run away.

Like the irony that the guy who's always breaking the rules and fighting and defying and clearly hating living in a world like this won't run away with him, who has always been passive and obeying the rules and just accepting captivity and has been repressing his desire for freedom is so Bitter and Awful but also he always Knew this would happen what the Hell was he thinking this was such a stupid idea like

this man gets No Breaks No Breaks Ever oh yeah btw they're facing off against each other in a literal Death Match. That they might've had a Chance of avoiding if they ran away. Ahah. Hh *sob*

Also this art brings me so much Joy as much as it hurts me on a visceral level like. Ivan Always has his eyes on Till but it goes from a fond smile. Like So Fond flat out lovestruck affectionate gaze because he loves this man and loves spending time with him to a grimace once they're on stage. How Till never really changes or really Has Changed, and that's why Ivan loves him as much as he is resentful towards him. How that's what brought them here, to the stage. How Ivan changed for Till and Because of Till but still Till is like a god damn immovable object with how he stubbornly sticks to his ways. There's such resentment but isn't he himself also stubborn for always sticking to Till anyways? Hell, he's singing all about him in Round 3 and loses control over his own emotions and expressions during it I'mmm Guhhh

Also the first image is titled Observation while the second one is titled Decision(? I think). Like mf What are you deciding. What happened Last Time you decided to do something I'm going to punt you into the next planet

Speaking of observing,

Just. How Ivan's Always Observing. I saw one person point out he's like a background character and it's like he sees himself as one too. He is a passive observer in his Own Life. How he watches all the other children in Anakt garden play. How his childhood leading him to Anakt Garden just kind of. Happens around him while he watches indifferently.

How he's always trailing behind Till. Or how he tends to just. Observe quietly and is portrayed as such.

Not to mention how he doesn't appear in the memories of Anyone else's rounds, not even Till's, even when he literally (temporarily) freed him from the city. He doesn't even appear At All in Luka's round even though we get a clear shot of Till getting his hopes and dreams shattered (though it Does parallel another shot of him from Round 2)

And then the One Times he tries to take action. Or start something. It gets rejected and he's resigned to just. Trailing behind again. Because of Course he'll always follow after Till. And of Course he's fucking bitter about it and bitter about himself because he Knew this would happen and Till is Always looking at someone else and that Never Changes but. He just thought for a moment that he could change something. Man.

Oh I forgot to talk about the competitions themselves huh? Wellll, (and I'll Attempt to keep it brief because I've been writing this post for Much too long but)

Till spends his first round singing completely devotedly to Mizi. Hell, his song wasn't even in the program, it's likely- no, almost definitely something he wrote entirely for her, and Ivan has no part in it, just watches bitterly as he passes out after his, er, stunt at the end

And continues to be passed out for almost the entirety of Ivan's song

Oh but he woke up for the emotional/musical climax at least, going over Ivan's most important memory of them together, that's cool at least right?! Surely Till felt something from that

Maybe they can talk something out, or at least acknowledge their relationship in Some way. Maybe Ivan could at least be seen by Till-

Aaand Till's Actual love interest Supposedly gets shot and now he probably thinks she's dead. His attention is turned to her once again, like it's always been from the start. He never really changes huh?

Better luck next time Ivan--

Just. This mf Never Wins and it makes me Laugh as much as it makes me So Sad

Gets hopes and dreams and future crushed by aliens (standard stuff). Sold off in an auction. Put in prestigious singing school and up to that point he hasn't really cared about Anything and has simply been going through the motions.

Meets boy that basically embodies the freedom and hope he used to have. Falls badly in love. Boy loves someone else. Tries to free him and give him the thing he'd surely want most. Rejected. Back to school you go loser.

Oh btw this school is to train you for a competition to the death. Btw you're facing off against that boy you love in the semi-finals of said death competition. And you might kill him or he'll kill you. Because you didn't run away when you had the chance.

Also he didn't sing or think about you at all during his round. In fact I'm pretty sure he wrote a whole ass song that wasn't even registered in the Alien Queue or whatever for someone else. Also he probably has hardly looked at you. Also he was unconscious for almost the entirety of your song. Except for the part where you lost control of your emotions.

Oh but that doesn't matter now because now he thinks the person He likes was just killed. So he's kiiinda gonna be distracted by that. And that might fuck up your round with him. Sorry man

This was Originally a rant about how much I love Black Sorrow's imagery and the portrayal of Ivan's love because this man clearly has Complex Emotions and then Kinda derailed into me just ranting about how many L's he's being handed before getting the executioner's blade. Uhhhhh oops. Congrats on sticking to the end though?

I just love Ivan very much. He is So Bitter and so Horribly In Love and looks up to and is inspired by Till So Much and I wish people explored him on a deeper level/more personally.

I wish I saw more deep looks at Ivan/Till, there's clearly Complicated Things going on there. Hell, we don't even know what Till's pov on the whole thing is aside from that One scene of him hesitating before running away from Ivan. As much as I love fluffy interpretations of them, I (did I mention that I'm an angst addict btw. Could You Tell) wish all their Complexities could be acknowledged. Like how Ivan Clearly puts Till on such a spotlight and it is Such a downfall for him through and through and he Kinda knows it but also What Else does he Have and he really looks up to him Sooo Much (just. Look at them in that official art of them in Anakt Garden !!!) and deep down just wants to run away from this horrible place and wants to run with Till, the Light of his life the fire in the darkness the fucking stars the universe his black sorrow just. Oh My God I need to end this post already I was supposed to be studying but spent those 2 hours Writing instead

But anyways yeah uuhhh long story short? This guy is a gay loser. He tries to look sooo cool and smooth but he is suuuch a gay lovestruck loser and his rose tinted glasses are so thick he can't see shit (I'm pretty sure I quoted that from something (but also no genuinely when I first got into alnst after just watching the first 3 rounds videos and saw Ivan in official art I was So Surprised like "Oh he's actually That kind of mf that tries to look Cool and Hot but is actually just Pathetic and Sad and Gay I thought he was Just Sad and Gay")) he's probably also touchstarved as hell idk and his love is doomed by the narrative (unless Hyuna saves his and Till's asses. Buuut we'll see </333)

Love ya Ivan keep taking L's <3333 mwah

[the-fluff-piece]

Law's wedding day

Fluffy, fluffy sfw story about Law x fem!reader getting married. In this first part it's the evening before this great event and he thinks about his past.

Tomorrow was the big day, Law would marry the love of his life and everyone he ever cared about was there. It was absolutely overwhelming to him, he couldn't fathom that this was really happening. There had been enough moments in his life when this seemed like a fever dream. First he thought he wouldn't live that long - than he was driven by revenge. But he found someone that completely changed his priorities and turned his life upside down, for the better.

He sat in his room in the polar tang and dreaded the tradition that he had to be apart from her on the night before their wedding. It was the first time in months that he had to endure a night without her and the loneliness didn't really help his anxiety.

His gaze fell on his suit hanging on the wall, ready for the big day. It suddenly seemed to big to fill for him. Too much meaning entwined within. Would he be a good husband? What did he know of love or family?

Like so often when he felt alone and had no one to turn to, he looked up to the night sky. It made him think of all the people that where gone. And in moments like these, it felt like a conduit to the past.

"Hey Cora-San, how are you?", he began talking to the stars above him. He didn't have a picture or a reminder of him, so he just spoke to the same sky he had once shared with his savior. "You wouldn't believe what happened. I asked her to marry me and she said yes! I will be a husband. I will have a family.", he happily announced, imagining Corazon smoking on his bed. "I'm really proud of you Law!", he would say. "I knew you could do it! You're free!", he would probably add proudly.

He would be so proud, Law thought as the image of his dear friend faded and he was alone again. I wish he could be there when I say my vows. I wish he would slip and fall on the dancefloor the whole evening. The thought made him chuckle. But he won't.

Like many he'd cared about - he won't be there. It has been so long, Law could only guess what his parents might be like on his wedding day. Would his father have made a far too long, awkward speech, spiked with typical dad jokes? He hoped so. Would his mother have cried when he kissed his bride? Maybe. And Lami...? He didn't even know who she would have become. But he was sure she would have been unnerving and wild and absolutely wonderful.

As his thoughts where slipping towards all he had lost, there was a knock on the door. "Law?", Bepo's familiar murmur came from beneath the door. "Law, are you awake?"

"Yes, what is it?", Law answered.

"I can't sleep, I am so nervous", the blushing bear confessed as he opened the door. "Can we...I mean can we just...talk?"

"Sure", Law pointed at his bed and his first men sat down with a groan. "Aren't you nervous?", he asked shyly.

"A little", Law answered, raking his hands through his hair. "It is a big day after all."

"It is", Bepo said.

They sat in silence for a few moments, the huge mink staring at his fumbling paws. "I hope I don't mess up my speech", he said softly.

"And even if, it would be funny", Shachi's voice said from the half open door. "Mind if we join you?", Penguin asked while already pressing past his buddy.

Law knows that he won't be able to stop them and points towards the bed. All three of them where sitting there squeezed on his small bed in the small cabin, Law sitting at his desk. They brought some grog, for the nerves and where in the highest of spirits. "MAN LAW I am so HAPPY", Shachi announces to half the ship. "This will be an awesome wedding! I'm gonna eat and drink so much!", Penguin chimes in. It seemed to inspire Bepo, the bear seemed happier and more relaxed. "Oh, I look forward to my suit. Law and me have similar outfits. It will be so great!", his black eyes gleamed with unfiltered joy.

A chuckle escaped Law's throat, his gloomy thoughts gone. "Now you smile Law, but wait until I tell everyone in my speech what a weird kid you were!", Shachi joked. "What?! At my wedding? In front of my bride?", Law shook his fist. "Like the story when you tried to use your powers to fly and hit your head so hard you almost past out?"

Penguin, Shachi and Bepo exploded in laughter - it was so infectious Law couldn't help but smile, too. "If you do that it's toilet cleaning duty for a month!", Law reprimanded him.

"What's going on here, you guys are so loud I can barely sleep!", Hakugan stood in the door frame with his hands on his hips, his white mask gleaming like a ghost in the shadows.

"Yeah, you look so tired, man!", Penguin teases and they laugh some more.

"Jeez boys, can you tune it down?", Ikakkus locks appeared behind Hakugan. "If you're throwing a party at least tell us?", she complained. Law could already see more figures in the hallway as both of them squeezed into the tiny room, too.

"It's getting really crowded in here", Law said, jumping a little in his chair when Jean Barts giant face appeared in the porthole of Law's room.

"Hey, I want to party, too!", his muffled voice could be heard from outside. "There is no party here", Law screamed at the crowded cabin. "Party? We're in!", Law could hear even more of his crew from outside. This was getting out of hand - everyone pushed into his room.

Unnerved, he summoned a room that engulfed the ship and teleported everyone, including himself, on deck, so he could finally breathe again. When everyone thumbed onto the polar tang, there was a short moment of confusion - until Penguin screamed "PARTY ON DECK", followed by a collective "YEAH!", as everyone started bustling around to get tables, food and drink outside to get the party really going. Law stood there, baffled, as he watched his crew.

They where a great bunch, he would be getting married to a great girl. On the horizon, he could see the lights of the straw hat's boat. They were great friends. Fully realising that he was surrounded by his friends - his found family, Law couldn't be happier. For the first time in so many years, he could hardly wait what the future would bring him. With a laugh, he joined his crew.

In the next part, Law's wedding will take place. There will be quite a lot of fun. Will Bepo mess up his speech? What will the straw hat crew do? Who will take the microphone and sing karaoke?

Like this one? Check out my masterlist!

Tags: @julia-shephard

It's not part three but maybe you like this one, too!

[sasha199]

The Gauntlet

Big DA: Origins spoilers

When Marissa's father appeared, she became a different person. Gone were the straight proud shoulders that bore the weight of the world's burdens with dignity. Gone were the narrowed eyes that viewed strangers with suspicion. Gone was the heart of stone that faced demons and abominations unflinchingly.

Before her companions eyes stood a young woman, a very young woman. Her face open and soft, eyes wide with hope and despair. Her voice was timid, crackling with unshed tears and disbelief as she absorbed the noble visage of a dead man.

"D-daddy?"

He moved towards her. Teyrn Bryce had been handsome, with little grey in his hair. His eyes sparkled with a mischievous light that Marissa's often echoed. A sly smile spread across his gently ruddy face, making him look dashing and debonair.

His voice echoed as if from across a great chasm, but it was a deep and rich timbre. A voice that had inspired confidence and trust, as it did now. "Mari, you know that I am gone. I have heard your prayers and wishes. And as fervent and dear as the are, they will not bring me back."

Marissa was shaking, the arrow quiver on her back rattled softly as she brought her hands to her mouth. Her blue eyes reflected the holy light that emanated from him and they sparkled like stars.

"No more must you grieve, my darling girl," he raised a hand as if to touch her cheek, "take the pain and the guilt. Acknowledge it, and let it go. It is time."

Tears were streaming down her cheeks, trickling over her fingers. She reached out to him, but instead of embracing her he only placed something into her palm. His touch was cool and distant but the item in her hand was real.

"You have such...a long road ahead of you, and you must prepare. I do not doubt you, and Andraste help any on this mortal plane who would dare. I know this will be safe in your hands. You have never failed me."

He took his eyes away from her then, and as his gaze left her to look at her allies, to take them all in, he began to fade. "You are the answer to your own question. I know you will do great things with it..."

"No!" Marissa lunged into the empty space where he had been. And as her desperate arms enclosed around herself she fell to her knees on the broken tiles.

"I'm sorry!" she howled, prostrate on the ground. She pummeled the earth with a fist and her tears scattered wet droplets in the dust, like rain. Her unabashed cries of despair filled the quiet air of the temple. How dare he. How dare he tell her to move on. To let him go. How? How? The injustice of it burned in her belly. She had been robbed of her happiness, her joy, her family and the world would know her wrath. There would be no quarter, no peace for anyone who stood in the way of her revenge.

She felt a gentle hand on her back and turned to see Leliana beside her. Called back to the reality of the moment and the task at hand, Marissa stood quickly brushing off her knees. This was no time for tantrums. She had reverted to the naive girl that had mocked the Grey Wardens in her father's hall. The spoiled brat who thought she knew pain and loss because someone had told her no once.

He face flushed with shame. "I-I'm sorry." She muttered, rubbing her swollen eyes and adjusting her armor. She could feel her companions staring.

Leliana handed her a small kerchief. "Do not apologize for your humanity, Marissa. Alistair is right, you are too hard on yourself. Your father must've been such a wonderful man. You were very lucky."

"Yes." Marissa looked down at the item still grasped in her palm. She handed the kerchief back and wiped her nose with the back of her hand. She couldn't quite make herself meet Alistair's eye as she walked past, forward to the chamber beyond. "Let's get on with it shall we. The Ashes are just ahead, they must be."

[mickmundy]

hiii (again lol) just wanted to elaborate a little, but there is so much in the way you write particularly Sniper and his struggles with shame, loneliness, that hunger (in all its forms) and complex parental relationships that just resonates so deeply. Reading (and rereading) through the series and the evocative way you describe everything and break down/talk through it within and in bonus posts has really helped me put words to some of own feelings and motivated me to work towards improvement!

(i hope its okay that i combined both of your asks, i didn’t want to risk mixing up my thoughts or leaving anything about either one unanswered! ;-; <3) FIRST OF ALL…… i’m ltierally so speechless ;;; thank you SO much for sending me this, it really means the entire universe to me… like i genuinely adore that something that i wrote from such a personal part of me is emotionally impacting people who read it… like it fills me with so much love knowing that there are people out there who can relate to….. sniper’s…….. yes… of course…. sniper’s……… journey with falling in love, internalized homophobia, sexual repression, rental trauma etc… sometimes being a human feels So Much and i really don’t know how else to describe it LOL but it’s… A Lot. in good and bad ways. and sometimes i’m just overwhelmed with emotion and i don’t know how to feel or what to feel or what i’m even feeling, i just know i’m feeling a LOT! and i’ve always felt like a total freak for how i process emotions and how i see love and so it just brings me so much comfort and joy to know that not only do people understand and appreciate sniper’s journey, but they also relate to it too ;;; i am holding all of our delicate hearts so close to my chest!! ;u; <3333

and YESSS ;;;; i love both of these things too, they were Big Deals to me to write. i cried when i wrote the first two chapters of fever over a year ago and back then i didn’t have anywhere near the amount of engagement (on here, twt, ao3, anywhere really) and so i was so scared that when i Would post this fic, i’d get laughed at or misunderstood (couldn’t decide which was worse lol) and so it’s really… like.. idk how to describe it… but it feels like a heavy hand on my shoulder in a really good way.. like the reception it’s gotten, i’m genuinely blown away… ;___; and i really appreciate people being comfortable enough to be Vulnerable with me like i feel like i’m being Vulnerable with you by posting my fics.., ;; i’ve cried a lot of tears as i’ve been writing these fics and they really are a massive part of Me (and my gf + our relationship heh) and i’m just so happy that people enjoy them…

the tenderness hurting more than pain..,., like idk how else to describe it lsdkfjsdjf. being told your whole life that you can’t let your emotions dominate you, you can’t let your feelings get in the way of What Really Matters (which as it turns out.. is… nothing really at all lol. or nothing that can’t be Enhanced With Feelings…!) and realizing later in life like oh my god. i’ve wasted so much time being This Person and now it’s not working anymore… and you cling to That Person because they’re all you’ve known how to be… and the idea of putting yourself out there as Who You Are and not Who You Were Told To Be… god it’s horrific. and so scary. and it sucks. but for the sake of love… you want to try… but how do you even try… well… with a lot of attempts! and after a while it starts to get a little more natural.. and a little more natural…. <3 hehe.. and the feeling of rejection from your parents (who you are desperate to please) for things that you can’t help or don’t even understand yourself… it feels really bleak. and sniper’s only been taught to just “power through it” but it’s like… that can’t work forever.. sometimes you need to turn around and Face what you feel… and shoving through it only works for so long…!

i’m so happy to hear that you’ve been inspired to improve yourself too, i’m right there with you!! being in a place emotionally where you find the ability to like. Look Within Yourself and at least Try to improve,, it’s really hard!! and sniper and medic doing it in their own unique ways (and the slow crawl that they do it at!) and seeing them be… not so great at it but they’re getting better! i think that’s a really human trait… like it’s okay that things don’t magically fall into place all at once Conveniently, you know what i mean? and i think with tf2 characters especially it’s like… they’re all immature, they’re far from perfect, but they’re also so capable of love… in their own ways hehe!! but i think that’s fun. i like that we can all have a little emotional vulnerability… together! :’)

thank you SO much again for this wonderful message, i sincerely adore talking with you about my writing and i am always so glad to hear that you enjoy it!! ;_; <333 ILYYYYYY MY DEAR FRIEND ;_____; <3333333

[persistentprobings]

document the highs. document the lows. document the interim. 

——

fell asleep last night with my index and middle finger squeezed between pages of the hour of the star. i started on the intro and only made my way into the acknowledgment section. hours before that i locked myself in the next room and cried. i was so tired, of the packing and the selecting. shifting between fulfilling orders alone, with my body sore from previous yoga practices, and completing the list for the next titles with an adrenaline-charged brain (no caffeine but this bookshop endeavor really feels like a shot of espresso for most parts). halfway done there, so i gave myself time to sink into other queries: could the bookshop be a sustainable source of income, and more questions in that line of thought. only because i am late to realize that yes, i need my passions fulfilled, while also securing an easeful future for myself, and i need money for my nerves to relax. the unreachable parts of me stretching out into view. merging. collaborating to build what the external world calls strength, both of body and mind. all through the night i disconnected from my phone and concentrated on stitching myself back into reading. gradually my emotions settled. i was just a person holding a book on her bed.

in sleep i had vivid dreams, of discovering a secret source of water hidden from public knowledge, and of old friends asking me out for lunch and. one in pursuit of knowledge, and the other in pursuit of play.

this morning i checked my bookshop’s messages and found gems. two encouraging messages from my undergrad prof and another person who ordered lispector and dickinson. i think another way to describe that latter person is she’s really beautiful and interesting (curiosity leads me into checking on my customers’ profiles, if only to ponder what their lives are and imagine the circumstances that brought them into choosing their book order/s. they are the major source of inspiration for me right now). i found that it was really nice for my professor to ask about my sales as a way to show support (he suggested my bookshop to other lit majors from our uni). it was like a pat on the back. and sophie, the other customer, filled me with such joy. the deep type, the one that seeps in my blood. she said that finding my bookshop has been the highlight of her year and thanked me for the service, for the selection of books, “you a beautiful human being.” her message carries the energy i need to continue this pursuit.. of this pursuit,, that makes me feel alive and exhausted, so human, so in flesh and close to the inner workings of my mind. the median. the equilibrium. 

[jdgo51]

I Am with You Always

Today's inspiration comes from:

Jesus Calling for Easter

by Sarah Young

"'I broaden the path beneath you so that your ankles do not turn. This shows how intricately I am involved in your life-journey. I know exactly what is before you, and I can alter the path ahead of you to make your way easier. Sometimes I enable you to see what I have done on your behalf. At other times you are blissfully unaware of the hardship I have spared you. Either way, My work to widen the way before you demonstrates how lovingly I am involved in your life.

From your perspective, My workings are often mysterious. I do not protect you — or anyone — from all adversity. Neither was I shielded from hardship during my thirty-three years of living in your world. On the contrary, I willingly suffered unimaginable pain, humiliation, and agony on the cross — for your sake! When My Father turned away from Me, I experienced unspeakable suffering. But because I was willing to endure that excruciating isolation from Him, you will never have to suffer alone. I have promised: I am with you always!

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” — Matthew 27:46 NKJV

... And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. — Matthew 28:20

You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn. — Psalm 18:36

You will never have to suffer alone.

I am the resurrection and the life; all lasting Life emanates from Me. People search for life in many wrong ways: chasing after fleeting pleasures, accumulating pos- sessions and wealth, trying to deny the inevitable effects of aging. Meanwhile, I freely offer abundant Life to everyone who turns toward Me. As you come to Me and take My yoke upon you, I fill you with My very Life. This is how I choose to live in the world and accomplish My purposes. This is also how I bless you with Joy unspeakable and full of Glory. The Joy is Mine, and the Glory is Mine; but I bestow them on you as you live in My Presence — inviting Me to live fully in you.

Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. — Matthew 11:28-29

Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. — 1 Peter 1:8-9 KJV

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies.”' — John 11:25

Excerpted with permission from Jesus Calling for Easter by Sarah Young, copyright Sarah Young.

[jihyuncompass]

Good Boy

I wrote this at 1 AM in a rush of inspiration. If there’s any problems in this, that’s why. 

Marius x MC

Word Count: 2.1k

Warnings: NSFW, read only if 18+ 

“Oh my god.” She moaned. He opened his eyes to glance up at their face where she lay, enjoying the bright redness in their entire face. Her half lidded eyes hazy with pleasure. 

Focusing on her clit for a second more he sucked harder to try and get another moan out of her, he wanted to hear that sound again, he wanted to hear her sing for him. He pushed the two fingers already inside her deeper. Trying to seek out that sweet spot that always made her turn into a puddle above him. 

Releasing his mouth for his moment he smirked at her. “How’s that baby? How’s that feel?” He watched the way they tried to pull themself together enough to speak. 

“It feels so good, please don’t stop.” She whimpered. Marius grinned, returning back to having his lips pressed against her nub and pulling another moan from her throat. Each one was like music to his ears, he could listen to it for hours. He wanted her to feel good, he wanted her to say it.

His eyes closed he focused on what he was doing, moving the two fingers inside her to focus on her G-spot. Each stroke making her moan louder and louder, he could feel the way her clit grew swollen between his lips. How her wetness coated his chin, the taste was so sweet he could stay there forever. 

Her hands running through his hair sent a chill down his spine. Fingers tugging on strands of his hair as he inserted a third finger into her, the following clench of her walls around them sending warmth right down to the growing bulge Marius was struggling to ignore.

Still he continued further, that could wait a little longer. He wasn’t finished with what he was doing here. With three fingers inside her he continued his movements, his tongue working overtime to drag more noises from her. 

“M-Marius..” She said, voice getting cut off by another small cry. 

“Are you close jiejie?” He teased, using that nickname that he knew she loved. He didn’t even have to ask the question. The way her face was filled with nothing but pleasure, how her fingers gripped his hair, the way her thighs were starting to tighten around him gave him all the clues he needed. But he wanted to hear her say it, he wanted her to tell him how he was making her feel. 

Her voice was shaky as she spoke. “Y-yes, I’m so close, Ma-” She was cut off again by another moan as he sucked her harder. Her eyes fluttered closed as he moved his fingers faster and closed his eyes in concentration. Her voice raised in volume the closer she got. “Marius, Marius, Marius, Marius!-” Her voice crescendoed as her back arched, thighs nearly crushing his head as her walls throbbed and clenched around his fingers which never slowed its speed. Her entire body shook with pleasure as she cried out. 

He removed his lips from her clit to lick up all her juices as she came down from her orgasm, letting the sweet slick coat his tongue and lips. Once he’d gotten enough he lifted his head up to meet her gaze. Her chest heaving and face covered in sweat already. She looked gorgeous like this. He’d have to remember this face to paint at a later date. 

Slowly he pulled his fingers from inside her, she sighed as he did so. Raising his hand he spent a moment admiring the way his fingers shined with her. He made sure she watched as he sucked each finger clean, groaning with joy at getting another taste of her. 

She sat up straight and pulled him into a long kiss. Her tongue brushing against his lips, letting her get some of her own taste on her tongue. Lips working against each other her hand travelled down the planes of his bare chest, moving lower and lower, past the hem of his pants and straight to the nearly painful bulge there. Marius groaned as she palmed him. She wasn’t even directly touching him there yet, and he already felt like he was going to lose his mind. 

“Mmm Marius.” She whispered against his lips. “You’re so desperate for me aren’t you?” She teased. Maybe he would have teased her back, but the way her lips was brushing against his, and the way her hand was rubbing him he couldn’t even form a proper sentence. 

“Yes.” He whispered back. “Please baby. Please.” He begged, grinding against her hand. On a different day maybe he would have teased her, but today he couldn't even think about it. Trapping his lips in another kiss she quickly made work of undoing his belt, dragging his pants and boxers down to let the throbbing erection come free. No longer straining against the fabric. The cool air sent a jolt of pleasure through him. 

She moved along his jawline, peppering kisses as she did. Breathing hot and heavy against the shell of his ear she spoke in a low and sweet voice. “You’ve been such a good boy Marius. You’ve been so good.” 

He could have finished right there and then but he held himself back. Her words were sweet like honey and sugar that sent warmth in waves across his whole body. 

“I have.” Marius said weakly. “I’ve been good. Baby please.” She smiled against his ear as she wrapped her fingers around his shaft, hot and thick in her hand. Using her thumb she brushed over the tip where beads of precum had already gathered. Marius groaned and whined as she began to stroke him up and down. Purposely moving slowly and gently. 

“Lay on your back for me, let me reward you.” She told him, without hesitation he lifted himself up and rolled onto his back. Seconds later she flipped to be straddling him. Her hand returned to his cock, earning an instant moan from him. 

His mind was in shambles, all he could think and focus on was how good her hands made him feel, how he couldn't wait to be inside her. Forcing himself to keep his eyes open he watched her, he wanted to see her face, he wanted to enjoy every sight there was to see as she touched him like this. 

“Does that feel good baby? Do you want me to keep going?” She asked him.

“Please. Please keep going.” He said, more of a whimper than an answer. She smiled at him. The hand around him moving faster than before, another loud whine coming from him. He couldn’t help himself, he couldn’t do anything, his entire mind filled with her and her arm working him up and down. His mind was empty beyond just wanting her to continue. 

As one hand stroked him up and down she used her other hand to tease him further, using one hand to cup his balls and squeeze them just enough that Marius let out a small cry of pleasure. Letting go of him her free hand slid up his chest, tracing the faint lines of his abdomen, following them up to trace his nipples and then further up to trace the curve of his jaw, the softness of his lips, slightly swollen from when he’d gone down on her. His face was hot, more flushed than she’d ever seen it. The very slight brought a smile to her face. 

The way she was looking at him made his mind go blank again. She was making him feel so good he would have let her do anything. She could have asked if she could peg him and he would have said yes in an instant.  He loved watching her take charge, focusing on him like this. 

“You’re doing so good Marius.” She cooed. “I’ll let you choose, do you wanna finish in my mouth, or inside me?” 

“Inside you, please, I need to feel you. I need-” She ran a finger against Marius’s lips to quiet him. Removing her hand briefly from him to reposition herself. 

“It’s okay baby, you’ll get what you need.” She put one hand on his chest as she used the other one to run his cock across her folds, letting the wetness coat him too. The feeling was so good, but he knew it was only a small fraction of how he’d feel once he was inside. 

Once she felt he was ready for her she positioned her entrance right above him. “Are you ready?” She asked him, tracing small circles into his chest. He nodded furiously. He wanted this so badly he couldn’t even speak. 

She gasped as she lowered herself onto him, a similar sound coming from Marius too. Once he was inside her completely they both took a moment to adjust to the sensation. The sweet stretch of her walls and the intense throbbing of Marius’s cock inside her. His hands shook as he held her thighs, urging her to move. 

Once she’d adjusted she wasted no time in raising herself up just enough before coming back down. Earning a groan from the both of them. It took a moment but soon she found her pace, bouncing on his dick as he tried to thrust up into her. 

“Just like that, that’s right.” She said, “You’re doing so good Marius. Such a good boy.” He bit his lip to keep from moaning from her words alone. He felt like he could burst at any moment, his heart racing so violently in his chest. 

One of his hands quickly found her clit, rubbing in fast circles. She gasped, eyes going hazy again. His other hand gripped her thigh tightly as he moved. Helping her go up and down. 

He wasn’t going to last like this. Already he could feel the heat in his abdomen growing hotter and hotter. It was taking every ounce of his willpower not to finish. He squeezed his eyes shut. Trying to just focus on her. 

The warmth of her palm cupping his cheek made him open his eyes. She was leaning closer to him. “Baby?” 

Marius struggled out the words he forced himself to come up with. “It’s too good, jiejie I can’t.” He whined. 

She laughed warmly, although all he could focus on was the way she clenched around him. “Do you need to cum baby?” 

Biting his lip so hard he thought he might start bleeding he nodded. She brought him a kiss. Albeit a bit of a sloppy one. “It’s okay baby, cum for me. Cum inside me like the good boy you are.” 

That was all it took for him to go over the edge. White hot pleasure racked his body, every muscle in his body tightening as he felt himself finish inside her. She continued to rock against him as she found her own orgasm, finishing not even a minute after him. The clenching of her walls providing one last wave through him. 

She collapsed against his chest. Both breathing heavy and covered in sweat. Laying there Marius felt like he’d died and seen heaven, he remembered that term he’d read in a book once le petite mort or the little death. 

After a moment to catch their breaths she lifted herself off of him, letting Marius sit up in bed. His body felt worn out, but he leaned over to kiss her. Once, twice, three times. 

“I’ll clean you up.” He said, before forcing himself to stand on shaking knees. Making the short walk to the bathroom and the kitchen. Returning quickly with a damp towel and two drinks. 

He cleaned her up first, wiping away the white evidence of him from her body. He felt a rush of heat just seeing it, but he was too tired to even imagine going for another round. Once she was clean and cleaned himself up. Tossing the towel into the laundry basket and crawling back into bed next to her where she’d pulled the covers over herself. 

“Come here.” She said, holding her arms out to him. He found himself in his favorite place, wrapped up in her embrace. His arms pulled her closer. 

He pulled a piece of hair away from her eyes. “How was that?” He kept his voice just above a whisper. 

“It was so good.” She said, kissing him. “Did you like it?” He nodded in agreement and kissed her again and again. He could feel sleep pulling at him, but not just yet. 

“I did.” He said. “You make me feel so good. jiejie.” 

She smiled at him. “I want you to feel good.” She ran his thumb against his bottom lip. “Let’s get some sleep now okay? I think we’re both exhausted.” He nodded in agreement, holding her close in his arms and him close in hers. “Goodnight baby, my Marius.” 

He muttered out a goodnight, just as he fell asleep.

[natewriteslol]

Hello!! Would you mind if I request a small scenario of Yuu who had made a part of Ramshackle into a quaint little greenhouse and invited Ortho over for some tea! If you can, could you write it from Ortho's point of view? Thank you for this, I always absolutely love your writing! Words can't possibly describe the joy that fills me when I see you've posted, it's always a wonderful escape from how hectic the world is right now. Lots of love and luck to you!! ♡♡♡

Ortho with reader on a PLATONIC fun outing

Warnings: none!

Y/N is gender neutral :)

A/N: Yes I almost cried when I saw this in my inbox. Please know it fills me with great joy to illustrate my ideas through writing, and to have so many people enjoy my content is just unbelievable. I'm so greatful to have such an amazing audience 💞💕

It used to be so terrible within the Ramshackle house. No sign of life (no shade to the ghosts) with essential repairs needed inorder for it to be somewhat livable.

But you indeed managed to make it your own little home, not exactly transforming the whole house, but it was home. However a part of you was inspired by the botanical garden on campus, you went there often and it was beautiful. In fact, you were found there so often that Rook called you “Fleur de lys”.

Yet the garden was just always so far, too many people, or you’d accidentally wake up a sleeping Leona. So you decided, hey? What if I made my own garden in the dorms, I’ve got plenty of space.

For a couple of months you spent remaking the room, adding windows and some seats. And you continued to culminate a collection of plants. From buying them yourself, borrowing plants from the science club, and taking some seeds plants from botanical garden.

It was soon your own little paradise, yet you had no one to share it with besides your roommate, Grim. Until you heard a little someone talking, specifically about plants after your magical law class had ended, and you were packing up your things.

“Oh I sure do love plants! Don’t you too, Idia?”

“I’m not the biggest fan, Ortho… let’s just go home. Class is already over.”

“I think you don’t like them, since you’re afraid of the outside!”

“SHUT UP ORTHO, I’M NOT AFRAID OF THE OUTSIDE-”

You had always babysat Ortho when Idia was busy, even when he would make the strange comment that “Ortho doesn’t really need it”. You never understood, but you decided not to pry.

“Wait, Y/N. Don’t you have a garden in your home?” Ortho asked, bringing your attention to him fully.

“Why yes, I do,” you replied with a smile, turning to face the young boy behind you.

“Oh Idia, please let me go see their garden! Pretty, pretty please, big brother” Ortho pleaded, staring at him with his cute beaming eyes.

By the Great Seven, why did he program him to be so cute?

“O-only if it’s okay with Y/N” Idia stuttered, looking at you to give permission to his brother.

“Of course it is, you guys are always welcome in my house. You can come this weekend, if that’s good for you guys?” you asked.

“Of course it is! Yay! I’m gonna see Y/N’s garden! Thank you, Y/N!”

~~~

It was already Saturday, and Ortho was at your doorstep at 10 am sharp. Bringing the gift of freshly made cookies, Ortho excitedly told you how he got the recipe from Trey.

You invited him into your home, him holding onto your hand as he floated with you. He was so excited seeing all the plants, each of them having their own unique traits and needs.

“How do you keep up with all these plants?” Ortho asked as he watched you pour tea into his cup.

“It’s been a journey, since these plants are way different from the ones where I come from. I’ve had to do alot of research, but it’s all worth it!” You explained.

“You’re so cool! Just like how my brother said!” Ortho beamed.

“Idia talks about me?” you asked, wondering why the little boy’s brother would talk about you. I mean, you barely knew anything about technology so you both weren’t really on the same page in relating to your guy’s interests.

“Uhuh! He says that you’re ‘so O.P without even needing magic’” Ortho said, giving a hilarious impression of his big brother. “Idia thinks that you’re really cool too!”

Heat rose to your cheeks, you didn’t know that Idia had this much admiration for you. You definitely should talk to the flame haired man more often.

“Well, once you go back to your brother make sure you tell him that I think he’s cool as well” you smiled, extending your pinky to make a pinky promise.

“I promise!” the robot boy replied.

You continued to spend time in the garden, playing games, listening to music and giving the young boy a tour of all the plants in your garden. Once it was the afternoon, Idia gave you a call telling you that he was in his dorm room. And while the little boy held a pout and didn’t want to go home, Ortho sure did love his brother so he obliged to go, following you as you escorted him back to the Ignihyde dorm.

“I’m sure Idia misses you Ortho, he would probably really want to see you. After all, the presentation probably made him incredibly nervous,” you explained, happy once you saw the change of expression in Ortho’s yellow eyes.

“Ah! You’re right, I should give him a big hug once I see him!” Ortho said.

~~~

“Big brother!” Ortho said, wrapping his arms around Idia’s waist.

“O-Oh, I didn’t expect you guys to be back so soon,” Idia said, embarrassed that you were looking at Ortho’s animated displayed affection.

“Yeah, but I missed you! It was so fun, we drank tea, and Y/N gave me a tour of all their plants! Aren’t they super cool just like you said?” Ortho beamed, staring up at his brother.

“O-Ortho I never said that!” Idia retorted.

“Nope, you said that they were super cool and o.p! Remember what I told you, Y/N?” Ortho said, gesturing to you.

“Uh yeah, that’s what I heard. And you’re pretty cool too, Idia” you said, giving a thumbs up. Idia looked like he was about to pass out of embarrassment.

“See! Didn’t you say it was bad to lie, Idia?” Ortho said, crossing his arms to scold his older brother that sat in his gaming chair.

“I also told you that it’s bad to overshare private conversations, Ortho.”

Maybe next time you should bring out Idia, show him that the outdoors aren’t too shabby.

[elizabeth-mitchells]

What if when Deena kills Goode and the Shadyside curse is broken, all of the victims finally get to rest in peace, and they are all reunited?

Starting with Sarah, waking up to meet Hannah again. All the killers waking up, reunited with their loved ones. Everyone from 1666, 1978, 1994, waking up in some perfect place and then meeting each other and...

okay i wrote it

Sarah…

Sarah…

At first, there was only darkness, calling out her name.

“Sarah?”

The darkness started to bleed. Black gave way into powerful red. It was a familiar voice calling out her name.

“Sarah, dearest, wake up.”

Light started breaking through the red. A blue sky above was revealed, and then, the loveliest of faces. The woman she’d loved and died for.

“Hannah?”

“There you are,” Hannah smiled, as she continued to lovingly brush away the red moss covering all of Sarah’s body.

Sarah gasped for air, and jumped to a seated position. She took a deep breath. It felt like being born again. Soon, it registered there wasn’t an ounce of pain in her entire being. In fact, all she could feel was the warmth of the sun, the softness of the moss around her, and the tenderness of Hannah’s eyes.

“You’re finally here,” Hannah whispered in awe, placing a gentle hand in her bewildered lover’s cheek.

“Oh, Hannah, my love,” Sarah returned the gesture.

Then before wondering at all about explanations or reason or logic, Hannah pulled her in for a kiss. It felt exactly as Sarah remembered, and even better. Better than life itself, Hannah Miller’s kiss. When they had to pull away, due to Hannah’s growing smile and Sarah’s overwhelmed tremble of her entire body, they continued to rest their foreheads against each other until their breathing calmed down. “Hannah,” Sarah said, pulling back a little more to look around them, “What is this place?”

“Peace,” Hannah replied.

“What?” Sarah frowned. She stared at the ground, covered in that recognizable red shade as far as she could look. The trees, the large rock beside them, it was all familiar. “Where are we? Is this Union?”

Hannah shook her head softly. “It’s just… peace,” she insisted. There was no other way to explain it.

It appeared Sarah didn’t need to hear more. She exhaled a sigh of relief. Then her eyes met the love of her life again. “I’m so sorry it took me so long,” she apologized.

For the first time since their reunion, Hannah looked slightly less than blissfully happy. “It was nothing, Sarah. Time was meaningless without you,” Hannah stated with loving fierceness, “Eternity begins right now, with you, and only with you.”

Simultaneously they moved in for another kiss. Sarah’s instincts told her to keep kissing her lover. Danger could be around the corner. Threats. Neighbors. Evil. They had to make the most of whatever time they had. But… hadn’t they left all of that behind? Didn’t they win? That victorious feeling blossomed inside her chest and soothed her fervor. As the kisses slowed down, they found the strength to pull away from each other.

“Who did it?” Hannah wondered as her hands caressed Sarah’s hair. “Finally, who managed to break the curse?”

Immediately, Sarah grinned. “Two girls. Two wonderful, wonderful girls. I am sure you would have loved them. And their marvelous friends. And I pray we won’t see them around here for a long, long time.”

The two girls shared a blissful chuckle. “Good,” Hannah nodded.

There was a brief moment of silence then. Hannah studied Sarah. How terribly she had missed her all this time. How long had she waited for her lover to achieve her well-earned peace. And Sarah Fier wouldn’t have let herself rest until her entire land had also reached equal freedom. Sitting beside her, Sarah took a moment to look around them again.

“This is pretty,” Sarah commented about the red moss that covered the entire ground. She ran her hand over it and marveled at the lovely, perfect softness of it.

“You’re welcome,” Hannah replied with lips pursed into a playful smirk. It was true she had been the one to place the crown of red moss on her fallen savior’s head.

“The afterlife has made you even more playful, love,” Sarah lovingly accused her.

Hannah looked nothing but proud to hear that. It wouldn’t be paradise if they weren’t there laughing together. Suddenly, Hannah’s visible joy increased, and she turned eager to be on the move. “Follow me,” she said, standing up and offering her hand to the other girl.

“Where, my darling?” Sarah asked, despite the fact that was already standing up and willing to follow Hannah anywhere, to the ends of heaven and hell if necessary.

“There’s a lot I want to show you,” Hannah smiled. “They’re all coming here.”

“Who?”

Sarah was being led by the hand. Hannah looked over her shoulder at her with a brilliant smile that had been the light to inspire Sarah’s fight and therefore became the miraculous force behind the ultimate liberation from the curse. Hannah was all light, and hope, and love, and good news, for eternity.

“Everyone,” she replied.

--

Sarah and Hannah knelt behind a rock and looked on at the most wonderful sight.

“Henry?” Sarah exclaimed in a breathless whisper.

Hannah was holding her hand, and Sarah’s grip was so strong it nearly hurt, if they could hurt in that place. “And my dad,” Hannah added, “and everyone else.”

It was true. Not everyone had made it, but a group from Union was right there, happily wandering around the woods, stepping on the soft moss, exchanging fresh, delicious fruits, and talking to each other. Henry looked perfectly healthy and happy. He was talking with Lizzie and Isaac, the pair of friends were smiling brighter than ever. Pastor Miller looked as happy as a man could be, surrounded by children that looked all healed, that couldn’t feel nor remember any pain. The Berman sisters were there too. Abigail cried in relief and Constance made fun of her for it, while eagerly returning the embrace. A few feet behind them, the widow Mary was dancing with her husband and child.

“Look at them!” Sarah sighed, there were tears shimmering in her eyes. Joyful tears.

“You made this possible, you know?” Hannah told her.

Overwhelmed by her emotions, Sarah wrapped her arms around Hannah’s waist, and held tightly, perfectly safe and comforted by her lover’s arms wrapped over her shoulders, holding her close.

“What did you do?” Sarah wondered after a while of the two of them simply holding each other. “After… what happened with you?”

“I left,” Hannah replied simply. “I left, and Union separated in two. I was a widow, I decided, and our friends weren’t many, but eventually, we made a place for ourselves.”

“Shadyside,” Sarah smiled.

“Oh, have you heard about it?”

Sarah laughed at Hannah’s playfulness once more. “I have seen glimpses of it.”

“Then you will love what’s next.”

--

Hannah hadn’t been wrong. The more they walked around the woods, the more Sarah’s heart overflowed with joy. Everywhere around them were victims of the curse coming home, families reunited, lovers embracing, kids being kids.

A tall man taking off his mask, breathing freely for the first time in too long. A little boy being picked up by his loving parents. A man throwing his arms around his friends. No weapons on sight. Nobody a killer. They were who they always had been. Their loved ones remembered them as such. Forgiveness filled the air. They were free, and loved, and at peace. And there were more of them.

“Ruby!” Sarah exclaimed. It was her turn to drag Hannah by the hand as she rushed to take a closer look at the young girl. “She was so strong,” Sarah praised her, her voice trembling with emotion. The young Ruby Lane was running into the arms of her friends. There was no need to forgive. There was only forgetting the bad things that happened, things that weren’t the killer’s fault, for they weren’t killers but the first victims each time.

“Where’s her mother?” Hannah wondered.

“Not here yet,” Sarah replied, “By now she has probably heard the good news, I am sure. Last thing I heard, she has a good friend.”

“She will be welcomed by her daughter when her time comes,” Hannah added. “They will be eternally happy.” After thinking about it for a long moment, she looked at the love of her life with a proud smile. “You were looking after them, weren’t you?”

“I did my best,” Sarah looked down bashfully. “I’m not as strong as the curse. But I could nudge certain things to go the right way here and there.”

“You’re mistaken, my heart,” Hannah fondly shook her head. “If anything, you have proved you are stronger than even the Devil.”

Silently, Sarah lifted their joined hands to leave a kiss on the back of Hannah’s hand. She faintly wondered if this entire experience would consist of always being overcome by emotion. Her angel. Their friends, their people, the Shadysiders.

“This is... incredible,” Sarah sighed.

“It’s all thanks to you, Sarah Fier,” Hannah said.

“No…”

“Yes, of course it was you,” Hannah looked at her earnestly. “You kept your promise. You haunted the Goodes until you found someone that could help you break the curse. They couldn’t have done it without you.”

“And I couldn’t have done it without you,” Sarah replied with a trembling voice.

Hannah wouldn’t let her remain wistful too long though. “There’s more,” Hannah said, lighting up smiles in both their faces, as they resumed their journey across the woods.

--

“Oh! Hannah, look!” Sarah exclaimed, hurrying her pace as the couple neared the next clearing in the woods.

“Calm down, Sarah,” Hannah laughed fondly. When they were close enough, she stopped her, and wrapped her arms around her to keep her still. “We can’t meet them yet.”

“Why not?” Sarah wondered. She turned her face slightly to look at her lover, and seeing her face so close over her shoulder, she couldn’t help but place a sweet kiss on that inviting pair of lips.

Hannah blinked slowly. Life, death, and beyond, she would never be unaffected by Sarah’s affection. Finally, she smiled. “You will be famous, dear,” she said, “And I am not ready to share you yet.”

The two of them shared a laugh. Sarah seemed to accept that answer, and relaxed in Hannah’s arms. They rested their foreheads together and basked in the silence for a moment. It didn’t last long though. A loud yelp of surprise coming from somewhere nearby startled them.

“Oh, I’m happy to see her,” Hannah chuckled as the two of them moved closer and hid behind a tree to watch the scene in front of them unfold.

Cindy Berman stood up from the ground with a gasp, staring at her somehow not pristine polo shirt. “There’s still moss?!” she nearly yelled.

“Seriously, Berman? Even here?” teased a voice from behind her.

“Alice!” Cindy really yelled then. She jumped in the arms of the other girl and started peppering her face with kisses while Alice laughed loudly and happily, holding her close.

Observing them from a safe distance away, Sarah and Hannah shared an amused look. “They are a lovely pair,” Sarah whispered.

The blonde girl nodded, then asked Sarah, “How is her sister? The younger one?”

“Older now,” Sarah replied with an affectionate smile. “She is fine, and she will be doing better.”

“I hope she won’t be here any time soon. But that will be a reunion I will love to see,” Hannah added. They were watching as the realization dawned on Cindy Berman’s face. Her younger sister wasn’t there. Ziggy was alive. It was the best part of this entire moment for her.

A few steps behind Cindy and Alice, Arnie affectionately slapped Tommy Slater’s back. “Don’t worry man, you’ll get a hug too,” he said.

The blonde guy chuckled. He glanced at his hands, as if expecting an axe to still be there. Seeing himself free, he took a look around. They were surrounded by a group of children in their blue t-shirts. At first, they looked confused, dazed, but they quickly gained their footing. They started running around, openly laughing while a couple of teenagers almost chased after them to protect them, carrying the instinct of old camp counselors with them. They weren’t in danger though. There was nothing to fear. Everyone greeted each other with smiles, and Tommy smiled the brightest.

--

“Oh…” Sarah breathed out. She was delighted to see so many people reunited, but it didn’t come without a heavy weight on top of it. “So many children…”

“I know,” Hannah agreed. She kept a hand on Sarah’s shoulder, offering silent support. Noticing this, Sarah placed one of her hands atop Hannah’s. They’d missed each other. She felt she needed to be touching the other girl at all times.

“Why… How was so much cruelty possible? So much horror,” she wondered out loud.

“It was the devil’s work, Sarah,” Hannah did her best to reply. “It wasn’t human. Nobody here was ever cruel. And the horror is all over now.”

“It is?”

“It is,” Hannah promised. Her hand had moved to Sarah’s face, and with the back of her fingers, she tenderly caressed the girl’s cheek.

Sarah took her time breathing in and out. Staring at the love of her life, as alive as she ever knew her. Breathing in and out. The ethereal world around them, perfectly real. Breathing in and out. Her racing heart had barely calmed down enough when she was startled by a sound of rustling leaves coming from behind her. “What was that?” She asked in a tense whisper.

“Do not be scared, Sarah,” Hannah replied quickly. “There is no evil here. nothing to hunt us anymore.”

“No threats?” Sarah wondered, staring at Hannah with a small frown on her face.

“No fear,” Hannah reassured her.

“No hate?” Sarah inquired, though this time a small smile was growing on her lips.

“Nothing but peace.”

“And joy?”

“And love,” Hannah grinned. Then, seeing as she couldn’t find a reason not to, she leaned in forward quickly to steal a small kiss. “And friendship,” she playfully added. She took Sarah’s hand in hers once more to lead her to a new spot. “Take a look.”

--

There, with his hands behind his back as if afraid of himself, Ryan Torres was repeatedly apologizing to his friend. Heather was tearing up, shaking her head and dismissing his apologies. Her hands had been on his shoulders, but she soon pulled him into a warm hug. Nervously at first, he eventually reciprocated the embrace, carefully holding her close as she whispered soothing words to him. A few steps away from them, staff from the mall, and the hospital, and the police station were sharing awe-struck conversations. The heavenly spectacle of watching old friends come together, victims open their eyes again, friendship being born in the afterlife… it was all a mesmerizing sight. Sarah believed she could have spent a good portion of eternity simply staring at the people around her.

That’s when Sarah and Hannah were startled by a pair of voices coming from nearby. They simply had to move closer to get a better look at them.

“How does my hair look?”

“Aren’t you dead?”

“Yes, idiot. But how’s my hair?”

“It’s fine!” Simon laughed, accepting the hand Kate was offering him to pull him up from the ground.

He didn’t waste a single second wrapping his arms around her and holding her as closely as possible. Kate pressed her face to his chest, closed her eyes tightly, and didn’t even try to hide her smile. The two best friends enjoyed the embrace for a while, and eventually pulled away slowly. They brushed away the red moss that lingered on their clothes and slowly started taking a look around them.

“Where are we?” Simon wondered.

Kate didn’t really hear him, though. She’d seen something that stopped her in her tracks. “Deena?” Kate blurted out.

“Sam?” Simon exclaimed, equally as surprised.

Realizing they’d been caught, Sarah and Hannah hid behind a tree. They shared a look, wide eyes, and guilty smiles. A second later, they were running away, hand in hand, to avoid causing a confusion, for the time being. When they were safely away from most curious eyes, right in the middle of their gorgeous, red-tinted forest, they stopped. They had been laughing the entire time. They came together at once for a new kiss, familiar and exhilarating at once. Their hands lovingly cradling each other’s faces. A perfect embrace. A love that resisted life and death and three hundred years in between. They could kiss forever, until the end of times, and even then, with souls intertwined, their love would last longer than time itself.

All around them, love continued to blossom. There was the red moss, spreading further and further away from the spot where they stood, welcoming more and more souls. The freed victims were starting to leave the spots where they woke up, they were starting to explore. All over there were stories intertwining, timeliness melting into one, friendships being born. People were confused, and shocked, and fascinated by everything around them. Cindy Berman met Abigail and Constance. Tommy Slater shared a hug with Ruby Lane. Heather started a conversation with Alice. Pastor Cyrus Miller carried Billy Barker on his shoulders. Ryan Torres shook hands with Harry Rooker. Isaac met Simon, and Kate met Lizzie. Ruby Lane’s friends joined the Camp Nightwing’s counselors. Parents found their children, friends were reunited, lovers found each other, everyone searched and found new friends and people they had lost, and some of them patiently waited for the distant future where they’ll meet again the ones they left behind. Tales from the seventeenth century met myths from the eighteenth, legends from the nineteenth, and songs from the twentieth century. Every now and then, somebody made a joke about a certain family that wasn’t present, and would never be. Even the trees, the leaves, and moss at their feet seemed to laugh and rejoice in the Goode’s absence.

At the center of it all, Sarah Fier and Hannah Miller remained. They kissed, they laughed, they danced, they held each other, and their love continued to shine strong enough to sustain a land of pure and absolute peace that would last forever.

[write-ur-wrongs]

Be Your Man

A/N: I know I say it every time, but seriously, thank you SO MUCH for your requests, anon or otherwise. It means the world to me that you trust me with your visions. Here’s a requested fic inspired by the song “Be Your Man” by Rhys Lewis! It’s angsty and has the slightest hint of smut if you look really hard. As always, there are no physical descriptions of the reader! I hope you like it - I cried at the end lmao. 

It’s not proof-read so I apologize in advance!! I really hope you like it. 

_______________________________________________________

Being with the bard was, in a word, comfortable.

His connections ensured you always had a soft bed in a warm inn waiting for you at the end of the day. His reputation and acclaim afforded you a higher status among villagers, scholars, and even knights. Everyone loved his music and adored his visits. With him, you were always welcome.

With him, every day was a gift and every evening a celebration. With him, you never found yourself in harm’s way. Never felt the gnawing pull of hunger or the ache of thirst. He never left your side and you had no reason to leave his. And he loved you, he really did. He showed you everyday, through his songs, his words, his touch.

You were his sun and you were, for lack of a kinder word, comfortable.

That isn’t something you were used to, being comfortable. Your life had been tumultuous from the start and you had hardened yourself accordingly. Everything you had you’d earned as a journeying blacksmith; working whatever you could to make a sale. Now though, having access to any workshop, material, or tradesman the continent could offer, you were at the height of your craft.

But still, nothing could ever compare to the blade you forged for Geralt.

It was stunning, perfectly balanced, crafted from your best steel and iron Geralt had been gifted from the mines of Mahakam. The ornate curve of the hilt took you days to perfect and the faceted garnet you’d set within the pommel shone brilliantly with a clarity that royal houses across the continent would envy.

“It’s exceptional,” he murmured, completely in awe, while examining your work, “how you manage to make your blades look so intricate without sacrificing quality, I’ll never understand.”

You bit your smile to keep yourself from gushing as you watched him wield the sword as if it was an extension of him. And it should be, as you crafted it with him in mind.

“Whoever buys this will be one lucky bastard,” he said as he came out of a mock-parry and pirouette.

“Oh, I’m not selling it!” you said, shaking your head at him as he sheathed the weapon.

“What? Y/N this could get you four maybe five hundred Novigrad crowns! Did someone commission you for it?”

“No, no, it’s a gift.”

“Y/N you are far too generous.” He admonished, attempting to hand the sword back to you.

“Hush, it’s for you.” You say, laying your hands over his, your eyes sparkling.

Gods the way he looked at you then. The way his face softened when you laid your hands over his, how his breath hitched when you took a step towards him. Your bodies so close, eyes flitting from his hooded lids to his lips, and when you finally –

“We’re just about there, darling!” Jaskier sang, pulling you out of your reverie just as the familiar ache began pulling at your lower belly.

“Ah! Y-yes! Wonderful!”

“Well look at you, you’re blushing! Are you remembering the last time we were here?” He teased flirtatiously, giving your thigh a squeeze.

“Mm you know me well,” you lied, quickly taking his hand in yours to get it off your thigh. “How much farther, would you say? I’m starving.”

“Not too long, darling.” He said softly, glad that you were watching the forest with rapt attention, and praying the sting of your deflection wouldn’t be too obvious should you turn to meet his eyes. You didn’t turn to look at him though, and that filled the bard with both relief and immense sadness.

Jaskier wasn’t a fool, he recognized your guilt, sensed the way your heart longed for another. But every now and then, when it was just the two of you, he was sure he saw joy in your eyes. You loved him, maybe not quite as he loved you, but he was certain you loved him.

She just loves him more. He smiled at you sadly, rubbing his thumb along the back of your hand in silent resignation.

**

“God, I fucking love these beds!” you sighed blissfully, rolling onto your back. The pair of you had meant to get your room and then head out into the village to find work but you hadn’t been able to ignore the fire the earlier memories had ignited.

“Careful my sweet, or I’ll start to think you’re only with me for the fine accommodations.” Jaskier chanced, hoping you’d finally say the three words he so desperately wanted to hear you say, and see that you meant it.

“Ha! Shut up, Jask.” You laughed lightly, snuggling into his arms where you couldn’t catch the disappointment in his eyes, and where he couldn’t see the sadness in yours. Don’t go there, Y/N, you thought, Jask is Jask, and he loves you just fine.  

“Why don’t you let me,” you whisper, peppering his neck and jaw with kisses between words, desperate to get your mind off your witcher, “show you how much I love you?”

“Aa-euhm…” Jaskier let out a breathless squeal as your hand creeped between his thighs and he let himself be lost in your touch. Maybe, he thought, good enough could be enough.

**

You’d given up on the idea to go out to find work long before the sun had set on the village, but that surely didn’t keep work from finding you. The pair of you had barely settled yourselves at the table when you were recognized and showered in contracts.

“Please, madam, I know it’s not the priceless blades you normally work with, but my pots and pans are in desperate need to be replaced –”

“Of course, miss Eldridge,” you interrupted the inn’s owner gently, placing a light hand over hers to calm her nerves, “it would be a pleasure to help you. I’ve recently been working with new casting molds, and it would be an honour to sell you my first.”

“Oh, my! Thank you, Y/N, thank you!”

“No, thank you – this stew is easily the best we’ve ever had! It would be a crime if you weren’t able to keep serving.”

“Oh, you’re too kind!” she laughed humbly, giving your arm a squeeze in thanks before walking back to the kitchen.

You were beaming as you watched the woman practically skip back behind the heavy wooden door.

“What? Why are you staring?” you asked Jaskier, bringing your beer up for a long sip.

“I love watching you work; you shine like the stars on a winter’s night.” He said, reaching over to hold your hand in his.

“Ugh, Jask,” you groaned, wrinkling your nose at his poetics. “You’re such a cheeseball,” you teased him lightly, as you’d done many times before, but this time something flashed in his eyes.

“Hey! I know you were never showered in compliments when you were with Geralt, but-”

“What?!” you interrupted, practically spitting out your last sip.

Jaskier merely leaned back in his seat and gave you a one-shouldered shrug. You could tell he was trying to be aloof but in the six months you’d been together, the topic of Geralt had been a like a landmine. Someone always got hurt, actually, you both ended up hurt.

“What do you mean, ‘what’? I’m not wrong here, love.”

“Look, I didn’t mean to hurt you, Jask. It was a beautiful sentiment, really! I’m just – y-you know how I am with this kind of stuff.”

“I know, dear” he said quietly, keeping his eyes on his drink.

“I adore your work,” you added, your nerves heightened by his apparent sense of calm, “I’m just not… always comfortable being the subject.”

“My expressions of love make you uncomfortable now?” he scoffed, looking up at you with big, sad eyes.

“No! No, Jask. T-that’s not what I meant!” you put your drink down and scooted closer to him to take both his hands in yours. “Jaskier, please… I love you. This is how I love, it-it’s who I am, it’s how I am. Please, I’m sorry. I’ll be your star.”

Jaskier only shook his head slowly as he looked into your eyes. “I’ve seen you in love, Y/N. I believe you love me,” he said, giving your hands a squeeze, “but you’re not in love with me.”

“That isn’t true, Jask.” You whispered, blinking back heavy tears. You held his hands so tightly now, as if afraid he’d just disappear into thin air before you.

“It is though, and that’s okay.”

“Jaskier…”

“You know, you always use my name,” he said, nodding slightly as he thought, “not always my full name, but alas.”

You opened your mouth to disagree but couldn’t bring yourself to use a pet name, and so your mouth opened and closed silently like a fish. The bard looked at you knowingly with his large, knowing eyes, full of love but still heavy with sadness.

“Jaskier,” you finally conceded, feeling yourself crumble under his heavy gaze, “what’s happening?” you asked, your voice coming out of you like a strangled whisper.

“What do you want to happen?”

“I can’t lose you too.”

“‘Too’.” He repeated flatly.

You wanted to comfort him, to correct him, but nothing was coming to you. He wasn’t wrong, and you couldn’t bring yourself to lie to him now.

“Why are we doing this now, Jask? I thought we were doing okay. I thought we were happy,” you finally managed to ask, your voice shaky.

“Look, I’m,” he tried, his own voice breaking despite himself, “I know I can’t compare with him.” He waited a beat to see if you’d interrupt him with a correction and when you didn’t, he rested his elbows on the table and leaned closer to you and took a deep breath before continuing.

“I know how you feel. How you’ve… been feeling. Y/N, Geralt is here. He walked in not long ago, and he’s sitting at the back the of bar.”

Everything went blurry. You could tell he was still talking to you it was like your ears were stuffed with cotton – everything was muffled but too loud. You were going to pass out. Or throw up. Or both. Every inch of you was screaming to turn around and look for him, but you were frozen in place like a deer who’d spotted the archer and heard the bow snap but just stood stock-still and let the arrow hit.

“Y/N,” Jaskier pulled your hands closer to him, pulling you back to reality along with them, “I made the decision that I’m okay being your second choice,” he swallowed thickly before continuing, “but now I need you to make a choice.”

You felt as though you’d just been struck. He was looking at you with too much kindness, too much understanding, too much compassion. Holding his gaze made you feel as though a knife was being twisted into your chest, but you were so afraid that if you looked away, he’d leave you.

“My dove,” he says softly as if reading your mind, “I love you and no matter what you chose I’ll be there for you, always. I just want you to be truly happy.”  

You squeezed your eyes shut to keep more tears from falling, but upon feeling him get up to leave the table, your eyes shot open and you let the tears fall.

Very softy, Jaskier cradled your face in his hand and gave your forehead a lingering kiss before pulling away.

“I’m going to head upstairs… I’ll see you up there?” he whispered hopefully.

You nodded up at him wordlessly and let the tears fall as you watched him head up the stairs.

Left alone, you wrapped your arms around yourself and bit your cheek until you tasted blood to keep yourself from openly sobbing. The bustle of the inn allowed you some sense of privacy, which you appreciated, but it also exacerbated your loneliness. Letting out a shaky breath, you poured the rest of your drink into your mouth and swished it around to wash away the blood before swallowing.

Jaskier knew. All these months you thought you were the only one hurting, the only one who felt the weight of the witcher’s memory, but you were wrong. Gods were you ever wrong.

You felt terrible, and far too sober. You quickly swiped at your tear-soaked face, picked up your empty stein and turned to make your way to the bar.

But then you saw him.

He was alone, as always, wearing the thick wool cape you loved. The hood wasn’t up so you could see that his snow-white hair was a mess of knots. His eyes were fixed on his drink, so you were saved from meeting his gaze. Gods, you’ve missed him, and fuck he looked good. And tired. Your heart broke at the sight of him.

Then he looked up at you and your breath caught in your throat. His rich, golden eyes were looking straight at you… and they were vacant. He was looking through you, not at you; he didn’t remember you or care to, and your already broken heart shattered once more.

I am nothing to him, you thought somberly, exchanging your empty mug for a full one. You took a deep, shaky breath and downed your beer in one go, slamming the stein back down decisively. But I’m everything to him, maybe that will be enough.

Before heading up the stairs to where you knew the bard was waiting, you allowed yourself one last look at Geralt, only to find he wasn’t at his table anymore. Seems the fates had decided for you, your thought, letting a hollow laugh escape your lips.

The staircase wasn’t especially long, but the trip up felt unending. You took every step slowly, allowing yourself these brief moments of grief over the official loss of your witcher before you committed yourself fully to Jaskier. No more daydreams, no more longing, no more imagining his large, strong arms around you while the bard’s sinewy frame enveloped you.

You had just about convinced yourself that you’d made the right decision when you spotted him, leaning against the wall at the top of the stairs.

“G-Geralt,” you breathed, feeling yourself smile despite yourself.

“Y/N.”

“What, um, how – uh, hi,” you stuttered, needing to look up at the ceiling to keep yourself from completely melting under the burn of his gaze.

“Hm,” he hummed, taking a hesitant step towards you, “still the wordsmith I see.”

“Hilarious,” you retorted, falling effortlessly back into your habits. “I’m happy to see you’ve still got my blade,” you said, nodding to the sword behind his back.

“Of course,” he breathed, now dangerously close to you. “I take you with me everywhere.”

“You mean my blade?” you scoffed with a roll of your eyes.

“No.” he said, his eyes boring into you, sparking the flame you’d spent so long trying to tamp out. “Are you here with him?” he asked with a tilt of his head.

“You know I am.” You replied defensively, irrationally angry to hear him bring up the bard.

“How is he?”

“He’s fine,” you spat, but seeing the way Geralt’s eyes softened knowingly at you, you couldn’t help but to backpedal your aggression. “He’s Jaskier, you know? All silver linings and sunshine.”

“I’m sure,” he murmured, casting his eyes downward as he remembered his friend’s almost insufferable positively. “And you? Are you happy?”

“Geralt…” you practically groaned, crossing your arms to keep the heat radiating off of him from taking over you.

“Are you?” he insisted, reaching over to let his warm, calloused fingers ghost over your forearm. The feeling lit your body on fire and left an obvious layer of goosebumps in their wake.

He was standing so close to you know, you could smell the leather, cedar, and smoke emanating off of him, just like it always had. You could feel his breath on your face. Despite yourself, you looked up at him through your lashes. His proximity was intoxicating, inexplicably comforting.

“This is cruel… you’re being cruel…” you whispered, wiping stubborn tears away but not taking a step in any direction, unable to risk his leaving if you were to move.

“Y/N…”

“He loves me, Geralt, so much.” You insisted, almost like a mantra.

“But are you happy?” Now he was whispering. He sounded sad, his deep gravelly voice melting over you like sunlight after a frozen night.

“Geralt –” you warned, shaking your head.

“Answer me.”

“No. I-I’m not.”

“You’re not going to answer me?”

“I’m not happy.” You conceded, the truth of the statement washing over you as you heard yourself say it.

“Me either.”

You looked up at Geralt then, letting yourself take in the sight of him in full; his eyes, big and sad and fierce as ever, his brows furrowed, creating that deep crease you so desperately wanted to reach up and soothe, his mouth, his lips. You were barely inches from each other now, all you had to do was tip your chin, stand a little straighter…

He closed the gap between you then, his lips crashing into yours hungrily. You fully surrendered yourself to him, reveling in the feeling of his body against yours and you let yourself be happy, insanely, deliriously happy, for the first time in months.

***

Jaskier sat on the edge of the bed, his head in both hands, and sobbed. His broken breath echoed around the empty room, sporadically drowning out the sound of his best friend kissing the love of his life on the other side of the door.

She was never mine, he thought as sobs broke through him.

She was never mine.

[crystalas]

Hind Sight

This is both inspired and a sort of prequel to Starfics’ answer to my prompt, I loved the idea of it so much that I started a Demon Bull Divorce AU, have fun!

Hindsight

Like a lot of things in hindsight MK could see that this was a very dumb idea.

It was a spur of the moment idea that came to him and Mei as they saw Red Son in the garage with his signature jacket hanging up because said fire demon was currently up to his elbows in tuk-tuk engine bits.

Red Son had just shown up at the noodle store one day declaring that he was there to ‘pay off his father’s debt’ after the whole lunar new year event. Everyone was a bit suspicious at first but Mei and MK decided to give him the benefit of the doubt, after all they knew he wasn’t all evil. True to his word he helped out with fixing stuff and had offered to upgrade the Tuk-tuk, after a few weeks they had managed to convince him to hang out with them after work as well.

That day MK had figured out how to shrink himself and after showing Mei she grinned and suggested they surprise Red Son with it.

Which was the aforementioned very dumb idea.

Said idea was for MK to shrink himself and then have Mei put him in Red Son’s jacket pocket, and when Red Son put it back on, have Mei ask the fire demon if he has seen MK and when he said no ask him to check his pockets…boom! Itty MK!

So, the joke was set, a shrunk MK in place and Mei was now walking up to Red Son as he clambered out of the Tuk-Tuk’s mechanical guts wiping away the grease from his hands.

“Hey Red boy” she beamed.

“Hey dragon horse girl” he said back as he got up.

“Have you seen MK?”

“No but I need to show him how to operate the upgrades…” he began but stopped when he looked at the clock on the garage wall, his smile dissolved into mild panic.

“Is that the time?!” he yelped and rushed past Mei grabbing his coat, igniting his hands to burn off all the grease and oil that had clung to him still and began to make a move for the door. “I’m sorry I need to get home tonight, tell Noodle boy I’ll show him tomorrow, okay?” Red Son yammered quickly.

“Red wait!” Mei cried as he vanished into a swirl of fire.

“Did you check your pockets?” she whimpered sheepishly.

 MK felt like he was in a weird fair ground ride, cushioned in fabric and being swung around like on a rollercoaster; it was kind of fun. Not to mention he found a wrapped candy in here and at his current size it was as big as a pillow! He could hear Mei and Red Son talking and waited for his que but then things got very bumpy and then felt very hot and weird for a second as he felt his whole body move in a way that shouldn’t be possible for him before the background ambience of the city suddenly died into a hushed sound of far-off clanking and whirring.

He poked his head out of the pocket to see he was now in an old Chinese style mansion but it was underground and hewn from the rock itself, the walls were adorned with demon Bull family heirlooms and pictures all showing the grand history of the conquering demon clan. MK could hear Red Son muttering to himself.

“I’ve got enough time to check on the projects and get in my best clothes…did I remember to check the repair schedule for the clones?”

MK was about to poke out of the pocket and announce himself when Red Son stopped by a large door that seemed to lead to a main hall, he seemed to hesitate near the entrance as MK and no doubt Red Son could hear angry raised voices.

“How is it I was the one stuck under a mountain but you are the one stuck in the past?” Demon Bull King demanded.

“I am thinking of our legacy and heritage, things you seem keen to throw away!” Princess Iron Fan retorted.

“Our pursuit of power has only brought us trouble!” came the angry reply “We need to move with the times!”

“Listen to you!” Princess Iron Fan screeched “You sound that useless son of ours!”

MK poked out of the pocket and looked up at Red Son who looked forlorn but not surprised as he carried on past the door his shoulders hunched over as he hurried through. Red Son came to a kitchen that seemed big enough to feed a whole court full of people but it was sadly empty and hollow except for one corner where a bull clone was currently working at a stove top. It saw Red Son and bowed respectively.

“I don’t think family meal time will be happening tonight” Red Son declared “so I will be taking my evening meal in my room…again…” the bull clone nodded and got back to preparing said meal. Red Son continued walking through the vacant halls as the vicious shouting ebbed away to quiet muffled sounds. He came to his room and sat at his desk; MK looked around to see his room unlike the rest of the castle had a bit of life to it. There were posters of car designs and movie mechs adorning the walls, a work table filled with small cabinets of tools and gear and what looked to be a shelf filled with scrolls and old tomes. MK had wondered why someone as tidy as Red Son would have what looked to be an arranged pile of tinfoil and fabric in a corner of his room before he realised that must his bed. He remembered Pigsy saying how some demons prefer nests to human style beds.

Okay I really need to show myself before things get even more awkward MK decided and he started to climb out but froze when he heard the door open, Red Son turned to see his mother glaring at him and MK quickly dived back into the safety concealment of the jacket.

“You’ve ruined him” she hissed, and MK could feel Red Son flinch. “Your father was a proud mighty demon King who conquered whole armies alone and made the heavens fear him and now looked at what you have done!”

“Isn’t this better?” Red Son said quietly “I mean…this way we won’t have to worry about him being hurt or sealed… aah!” came the pain gasped as MK could hear a very sharp and painful smack, MK grabbed the fabric of the pocket as Red Son’s whole body violently jerked to the side.

“Be quiet you worthless whelp!” she snarled “I kept our family name safe and proud for centuries and in one year you’ve weakened your father, the great Demon Bull King to the point that he wants to ‘settle down peacefully’!” she said the last bit dripping with venom and MK wished for Red Son to speak up or say something or at the very least move from where he was sitting but he didn’t.

“I’m sorry mother…” was all he managed after a moment of silence.

“Sorry doesn’t undo what you have done!” she spat and MK listened to the sound of her shoes moving away, “Sometimes I wish you had never returned!” she exclaimed coldly before shutting the door.

The fabric around him lurched as Red Son moved and he could feel energy pulse around him like the sky before lightning struck, it was only then did MK realised how dumb this idea really was. Red Son ignites into flames when upset or angry and it’s pretty obvious his clothes are fire proof to deal with that.

MK wasn’t fire proof…

MK made a mad scramble out of the pocket and leapt away just in time for a massive inferno engulfed where he had been hiding and everything else around it. He landed on the cold stone floor and patted himself down to make sure nothing was on fire and once he was sure he wasn’t smouldering he looked back up at the crackling fire ball that was his friend. Red Son still hadn’t moved from the desk but was now hunched over it his hands clawing into his fiery hair his eyes tightly shut but flames still leaked out and his whole body was shuddering as he tried to control his breathing.

MK decided that maybe he should give the fire demon with known anger issues some time to breathe and started to make his way to hide in the nest till he seemed to have calmed down but as he tiptoed his way across the room Red Son sensed the movement. The fire evaporating into the air as Red Son turned around and scanned the room, he glanced down to see a tiny MK in mid sneak.

Red Son looked at MK confused.

MK looked at Red Son worried.

There was a pregnant pause.

“Heh heh …Ta da!” MK said weakly and held out his hands as if to show off “Look what I can do now!”

“Noodle boy?” Red Son muttered quietly as his brain tried to fathom him being there before it clicked that he was and what that might imply. “How long have you been here?” he asked a look of dread falling on his face.

“Oh pssh!” MK tried to dismiss “Not long…no not long at all!”

“Noodle boy” Red Son growled, “How long?”

“… … …” MK struggled to come up with a decent excuse before sighing and returning to his full size, if they were going to have this talk he wanted to be able to look him in face. “Since you made a mad dash out of the garage…”

Red Son gave a groan and covered his face before returning to slump on the desk.

“I know this is going to sound dumb but is everything ok?” MK inquired, “I don’t know how demon families work but that…didn’t sound good.”

“Everything’s fine Noodle boy!” Red Son declared sharply, “My parents are just…going through a rough patch, that is all!”

“A rough patch huh?” MK muttered before walking over to the desk and lightly touching Red Son’s face where the red mark showing where his mother had slapped him was now fading away. How many times had that happened and no one knew thanks to demon healing powers? Red Son batted his hand away and snarled angrily.

“Yes!” he snapped and glared at his desk.

Things were clicking into place in MK’s mind, in hind sight he should have wondered why Red Son showed up out of the blue and wanted to pay off some demon debt, why he had wanted to stay around them as long as possible and even agreed to hang out in the evenings and only on certain days [apparently for family meal times] would he actually go home before anyone else.

MK remembered in the first week of Red Son coming over, Pigsy finally gave in and let Red Son help by telling him to try and get his old tricky stove working again. Red Son had not only fixed it but cleaned it up and gave it a full work through and when he was finished the thing looked and worked as if brand new. Pigsy in his joy of getting his stove back to its prime for free patted Red Son on the back and declared he had paid back the debt in spades.

MK had wondered that day why Red Son had looked so upset but had dismissed it when a moment later the fire demon had gone on a tirade about how insulting it was that Pigsy thought his father’s life was worth only an afternoon of labour.

Maybe Pigsy and Tang had cottoned on a lot sooner than he had because after that they would always find little things for Red Son to do to ‘pay back the debt’.

“Red Son” Mk said as these thoughts mulled in his mind “Was there even a debt to pay off?”

Red Son turned to face him, he fidgeted with his hands for a few moments before sighing.

“I…I…I thought you would be more at ease if you thought that I was honoured bound to behave…”

“Why didn’t you just say something?”

“Like what?!” Red Son retorted “Please may I come over here because I rather spend my days with my enemies rather than my parents because they’re constantly fighting and I can’t do anything to fix it?!” Red Son jaw snapped shut and his hair flared up angrily. “Because they don’t! Fight all the time…I mean…” he exclaimed as he tried to back pedal out of the conversation.

MK watched Red Son and felt a wave of pity come over for him, it was like looking into a mirror of seven years ago. He could almost feel the emotions Red Son must be going through right now, the uncertainty of what was going to happen next, the guilt of not being able to stop it, that gnawing anxiety of thinking if he was to blame somehow. And that horrible cold fear of knowing that sooner or later one of them will be coming up to take their frustration out on someone who won’t fight back…

He thanked the gods regularly that he was fortunate enough that it was Pigsy that caught him dump diving behind his store, how different would his life had been if Pigsy and Tang hadn’t taken him in? He probably had starved to death on the streets that winter.  

“Everything was supposed to get better when Father came back…” Red Son muttered to himself but was jolted back into the room as MK put his hands on his shoulders.

“Your parents are going through some stuff right now, so do you want to hang out at my place while they work it out?”

“What?” Red Son spluttered.

“Maybe they just need some space I dunno” MK said, “but what your mom did was not okay, and I’m worried about you”

“Why?”

“Because we’re friends you dummy!” MK laughed “and friends help each other even without demon debts to pay!”

Red Son stood up and pulled out a duffle bag from his wardrobe, he started to fill it with clothes, a stuff bull toy that looked to be antique and over-night necessities.

“You seem to have experience with this sort of thing” Red Son ventured quietly as MK helped him put his tools away in a box for travel.

“Let’s just say I’ve been where you are” MK said softly.

“In your experienced opinion…will me not being here helped my parents to reconcile?”

MK swallowed a hard lump in his throat, he didn’t know if it helped with his parents because he ran away from home and as far as he knows they never came looking for him. Mk was on the streets for three weeks before that fated night at Pigsy’s and it’s been seven years since then and he’s only ever caught a glimpse of them while during his deliveries on the streets.

“Sure, they will” MK answered with a smile “I hope so!”

Red Son left a note telling his parents exactly where he was and how to contact him before they left.

MK wasn’t all that surprised when after explaining the situation Pigsy happen to have a spare fold out bed in the store room.

[just-someone-who-likes-to-write]

...Story Imagine...

((An AU with Loki a story Inspired by the movie "Tale of Tales".))

(Y/n) is the dear daughter of Odin and Frigga, the beloved Princess of Asgard, and only younger sibling of Thor. However, despite the title and the luxurious life of Royalty (Y/n) was saddened for her father never gave her the same attention as he does for Thor.

He refused her request of being skilled in fighting like her brother, and instead forced her to play music, ignoring the fact of her mother being a skilled fighter with the sword. When she asked to go to parties held in other Manors, in hopes of making friends, he again refused and instead hired more ladies in waiting for her and set up a party in the castlr where she was forced to stay by her father and mother's side while Thor had fun with his friends and was surrounded by women, Which lead to her latest request.

(Y/n) asked Odin that she wished to pursue love in hopes of marriage and happiness. But again Odin refused, and was even enraged by her request, which made the young princess run to her room crying.

Later that night Odin is berated by Frigga, telling him how he cannot keep their daughter close to them forever, how she is now a young woman who deserves to see not only Asgard and it's people but have friends and even lovers if she wanted. Wanting to please his wife but still refusing to let his dear daughter go Odin Comes and idea.

He brings his family together and tells them that he agrees to allow suitors from all 9 realms to come pursue his daughter's hand in marriage. (Y/n) cheers in excitement and goes to hug her father, Thor feels uneasy of the new of his little sister leaving him to marry some man, Frigga was the only one who looked at her husband with weary eyes. When she asked him further he revealed a request that only when it's met shall he accept his daughter to be wed.

Poor (Y/n) was too happy to ask first and immediately agreed and that's when Odin said, that he will put an item from his treasure room in a box and if the suitors guessed correctly what item is it then and only then will he let them take not only (Y/n)'s hand in marriage but also the item held within the box. Such news upsets both mother and daughter, while thor thought it would be good fun.

The word spread all over the 9 realms of the competition that Odin was holding and almost all came forward. First, it was only Asgardian Noblemen who guessed wrong each time, which upsets (Y/n) because not only did she see a few whome she fancied, or the obvious enjoyment in her father's face, but also of how unfair the game was. Odin's treasure room held many items and only few do the realms know of, not (Y/n), or even thor know how many items are in there, which means that no-one would be able to guess what they don't know.

Months pass, and even the creatures from other realms could not guess the item inside the golden box. By now they were just repeating guesses, Thor and Frigga tried to assure her that there was still a chance, while Odin only said how it was meant to be for her to stay here.

One day all Asgard is shaking in fear for the new suitor was none other than Loki Laufeyson, Prince Of Jotunheim, and with him came 3 frost giants as escorts. When they entered the throne room, everyone backed away in fear except for thor who came forward with his hammer demanding why are they here. It was Odin who stopped his son and told him that he allowed the Jontunheim Prince to try his chance. Both Frigga and (Y/n) who was hiding behind her mother were shocked of how much joy Odin was having from rejecting his daughter's suitors that he allowed their enemy's son to win his daughter's hand.

Loki approached the box and stared circling it, he observed with such thoughtful and focused gaze ignoring the murmurs that echoed through the throne room. When Loki tried to touch the box Thor stopped him saying it was against the rule to touch it.

Loki: "The box is forbidden to the touch?"

Odin: "Yes."

Loki: "is the item magical?"

Odin: "It is."

Loki: "Is the item one of your treasures from your glorious battles."

Odin, eyes narrowed: "......"

Loki just smirked knowingly, his eyes met (Y/n)'s, and if the princess wasn't so terrified she would hace noticed how his red eyes softened lightly before looking back to the all father.

Loki: "The item inside the box is none other than my people's relic which you had stolen..."

Frigga, Thor, and (Y/n) noticed how Odin suddenly had his calm demeanor, to those who knew him like his close family knew that it means he is troubled.

Loki: " the item inside the Box is... The Casket Of Ancient Winters."

Everyone looked to the allfather, waiting for him to deny it but after a long silence Odin clenched his staff and slamed it lightly to the ground, which caused the box to open, revealing the Casket. Shouts of protest filled the room, accusing the Prince of cheating that he didn't deserve their princess. Odin only lifted his hand stopping his people before saying...

Odin: " As King of Asgard I am forced to follow my own word...my daughter along with the casket are yours."

The frost giants started to cheer for their Prince. (Y/n) overwhelmed and shocked by this ran out of the room crying, refusing to believe that her father gave her away as if she was one of his things that he keeps. As she reached her room princess (Y/n) contemplated suicide but it was Frigga who came to stop her and comfort her, before saying how Odin was wrong for what he did but he cannot go back against his word.

Preparations were made for the princess to leave with Prince Loki. She saw how Thor started breaking everything is the castle in protest for his union, he even tried to take his sister away and forbid her from leaving with the Prince but it was Odin stopped him in fear of starting another war. As you bid everyone goodbye without sobbing for you cried all your tears already, Odin tried make rules but was stopped by Loki.

Loki: "With all do respect Odin, you have no rights to make demands or requests for the moment I was correct princess was already mine... And only she can make demands."

This caught you off gaurd for two reasons, the first was you didn't expect him to give you any right as his "Wife" and second, he didn't even mention the casket, which was already being carried by one of the giants along with your luggage. Everyone turned to you waiting for you to say something.

(Y/n): "I... I wish to still be able to visit my home."

Loki: "As you wish."

You probably should have asked for more but the shock of what happened today was too much on you that still being close with your family was plaguing your mind. Thor escorted you and your "Husband" to the Bifrost and all the way he kept throwing threats to Loki, promising great painful death if he dared to harm you in any way Loki just ignored him, saying "Yes" and "Of course." To entertain him.

In Jotunheim, it was very cold that you'd have freezed immediately if they didn't already supply you with a lot of clothes to keep you warm, you also notice that there wasn't a big welcoming like the ones you father would hold to Thor. As you continued to walk you could see from the distant the throne of Laufey surrounded by warrior Giants, which made you stop in your tracks with fear, Loki noticed that and instead of forcing your forward as you thought he placed a hand on your back which you barely felt because of the heavy coat and he whispered.

Loki: "I promise you on my honor that no harm shall come to you. They may look intimidating but will never hurt you."

Your eyes met his red ones and you saw the sincerity, which encouraged you to keep going. When you came face to face with Laufey, he went to this speech on how his son had made a fool of Odin and returned with not only their rightful relic but also his daughter as his wife, everyone cheered and you had to bite your tounge to not try and defened your father. He maybe did something unforgivable but he was still your father.

---

From here on out the story would continue with Laufey wanting to take the casket and plan to conquer Asgard and other realms, but Loki stops him reminding him thay HE was the one who came up with the plan upon learning of the competition, HE was the one who went there and faced the allfather personally, That HE was the one who risked not only his but also the safety of a few of his people. That everyone including his father laughed at him because they never believed he would win.

Unlike his father, Loki doesn't want anymore war, that enough blood was sheed from both sides and he hoped that his marriage to princess (Y/n) would start an alliance between the two realms. Which was difficult because neither side wanted to submit first. When (Y/n) would go to Asgard Odin would ask he of the numbers of the frost Giants and how strong they were, when Loki I'd aslone with his father he'd try and remind him of the great advantage they have now.

There is a moment where Thor would come with his friends to try and "Rescue" you from Loki.

But during all that Loki would try and woe (Y/n) even using his magic to give himself and appearance of an asgradian to not only assure but be able to touch her hand and even kiss her in the future.

He'd let her learn to fight and hold a weapon because even the female giants were warriors, what's stopping his wife from becoming one. Because of the size difference Loki would personally be the one to train you. When you ask to be able to explore he would take you through secret passage to other realms so you may enjoy them.

--

That's all I have so far, but it will have happy ending promise.

[deerixiie]

Omg your event is so cool! Congrats!!! 🎊🍾🎈🎉 could I maybe request “long drives and sleepless nights” with noya? (PLS LMAO I’m so bad at titles I was trying so hard to think of something inspiring enough for you and something fun to write, I hope you enjoy writing it if you do 🥺 and congrats again!)

long drives and sleepless nights - nishinoya y.

—angst, gn!reader, sorta bittersweet ending, timeskip

—this ask is like 3 months old... and this turned out way longer than expected oops 😭 im gonna crosspost this to ao3!!

Nishinoya is terrified.

You’re sitting so close to him that your shoulders could brush against his if you leaned to the right, but of course you don’t. You’re staring frustratingly out the car window instead, refusing to look at him.

Nishinoya is terrified because he knew was going to screw this up even more than he already did.

Tsukishima had once told him, at the end of his last year in Karasuno when people were starting to consider driver’s licenses, that he should not be trusted behind a wheel of any sorts. He had scowled, ready to snap back at his junior, but then you had laughed, and Nishinoya was staring at the way the corner of your eyes crinkled and how you moved your hand to hide your giggles.

He forgot what he was going to say to Tsukishima, but none of it really mattered because it turns out it was true. He had only obtained the license because of his sister’s persistent teaching and apparent history with his driving instructor (he couldn’t look into his instructor’s eyes after learning that), and even after he did, he managed to crash his car into a stop sign. And a tree. And a ramen stand. His infamous driving accidents had become an inside joke between you, Tanaka, and him; but again, Nishinoya didn’t really mind because you looked so cute whenever you were laughing.

So when three years had come and gone and he was back in Miyagi and he had asked you, “hey, go on a late-night drive with me?” out of nowhere and you had said yes, he was completely floored.

“You’d trust me driving a car?” was what he had said, completely confused, and when you just shrugged it off saying that “it’s been three years, maybe there has been improvement,” he almost cried with joy.

Turns out none of that matters, because despite the fact that there were no road accidents he forgot to fill up the tank of the car.

And now he’s stranded in a car with you on a back road in the middle of God-knows-where, and his phone has no service and its freezing cold. You refuse to talk to him, glaring at the window with a finality that was stubborn, for even you.

Sigh. He really knew how to screw it up, didn’t he?

His ingenious Plan (the capital was intended) was that he’d drive you out to a beach in the middle of the night and then whip up some sappy confession that creates enough romantic tension that it would be ethical to kiss you. And then he’d ask you out and you’d say yes, because he was a great kisser and you were totally in love with him.

(At least, that’s what he’s been trying to convince himself of since he got back to Japan.)

But Nishinoya, being the idiot that he is, didn’t even get to drive you to the beach.

You’re obviously worked up about the entire thing, but apart from arguing with him about what to do earlier, you had remained silent this entire time, avoiding his gaze. He can see the firm press of your lips and furrow in your eyebrows.

(God, he hates that expression. He wants to see you laugh again.)

A quiet voice in his mind instructs him to be quiet, that talking to you would probably make you more upset, but the irrational voice in his mind, the one he always listens to, tells him: “Y/N can’t stay mad at you forever, yolo.” And that, in Nishinoya’s book, is pretty good advice.

So he opens his mouth.

“Hey, Y/N.”

He sees you bristle, but you stay silent. Nishinoya’s heart sinks. “Look, I know you’re mad, but-”

“Are you stupid?”

Nishinoya blinks. “What?”

“You. Are you stupid?”

Yes, he is stupid. He is completely aware of that. He lets out a soft, self-deprecating laugh. “Yeah, I am. I’m sorry.”

“About what?”

“Uh… being stupid? Stranding you in the middle of nowhere? Ruining everything?”

“Yuu.”

You turn to look him straight in the eye, and he realizes your eyes are rimmed with red. God, did he make you cry?

“You left.”

Nishinoya’s world comes crashing down.

He did leave. After learning of Tanaka and Kiyoko’s engagement, he had packed his bags and disappeared. Because the world was moving too fast. Everytime he looked at you and felt that ache in his chest, he told himself he had time. Savor this relationship, this friendship, you can always hide your feelings. But then he saw the way everyone was moving on to new chapters of their lives, even you, and he realized with a shock that if he didn’t confess to you now, you’d move on.

But he was terrified. The threat of rejection loomed over him, taunting him with heartbreak and humiliation, and when he’d try to run from that, the threat of you moving on laughed in his face.

So he ran away.

He ran away from Miyagi. From Karasuno’s volleyball club. From you.

It took him three years to come to his senses and return, and he was so relieved when he found you just where he left you, at home in Miyagi. He picked up things where they’ve left off and tried his best to avoid the issue of him leaving. He mustered up his courage and created the Plan with the intention of going through with it.

But then things went to shit, and suddenly the elephant in the room—“Why did Nishinoya run away?”—became bigger and bigger.

And apparently, you were going to address it. Elephants are hard to ignore.

“You left, Yuu,” you repeat, your eyes piercing into his. “Not even a proper goodbye, just a text to the group chat at 1 AM that you were going halfway across the world. That’s such bullshit. Did you ever think of how we felt?”

Nishinoya opens his mouth to respond, then closes it. Like a dumb-looking fish out of water.

“Did you ever think about how I felt?”

All the air is sucked out of Nishinoya’s lungs. The fish out of water metaphor was apparently becoming more and more fitting.

“I was scared,” Nishinoya mumbles, but it’s a half-assed excuse.

“Scared of what?” Your voice is sharp and it cuts straight through the curtain walls hung around his heart.

“Everything was moving too fast, and I couldn’t keep up with it. I needed to do...something, but I was scared of doing it. So I ran.” Nishinoya sighs. “I’m not saying it was a good thing, I just.. I just panicked. I was barely sleeping because I kept worrying about everything, and it kind of felt like everything was crashing down. So I ran away.”

“What were you scared of doing?”

Your voice came out of seemingly nowhere. The sharp edge was gone, replaced with something softer. Curiosity? Anticipation?

Nishinoya closed his eyes. Yolo, his mind whispered.

“Telling you that I love you.”

(The curtain walls fall to the ground.)