#yet he leaps and holds for the cheeks…huh

[watmalik]

WOULD.

[ackermans-posts]

𝓬𝓪𝓻𝓷𝓲𝓿𝓪𝓵 𝓯𝓾𝓷

feat: bf!satoru x reader

contents: public sex, exhibition kink, daddy, dirty talk, tit play, riding, horny reader, multiple orgasms,cream pie, breeding, slapping, goofy, ferris wheel, late night, blowjob, oral

“satoru! let’s go on the ferris wheel,” you giggle, pulling his sleeve in your direction, “haven’t been on one of these in forever!”

satoru can never deny you, grinning from ear to ear as he follows you. looking down at your skirt, he tells himself it’s not because of how your ass bounces with every hop you take; he tells himself it’s because he likes Ferris wheels too. somehow you know he’s staring at you, thinking naughty things. your pussy flutters at the thought.

“can you pay, baby?” you ask with a smile, turning to face him with the cutest pout you could muster. he tsks, laughing to himself before giving a small smack to your ass. “killin my wallet, hun,” he murmurs, handing the worker the cash for the ride. not even seconds later you’re climbing on the little ride and pulling him in with you, waiting till you’re at the top before speaking.

“you enjoying today’s date so far, huh sweetie? you must be, considering I’ve spent over $100 already,” he hums, the tone sounds harsh but you know he’s kidding around, he couldn’t care less about the money if it means makin his girl happy.

“mhm, daddy,” you prop yourself on his lap, hands hugging around his neck, “been so good, the view is wonderful,” you tease, staring directly at his lips. satoru leans in, brushing his against yours, lightly ; just teasing. your legs squeeze against his.

“you sure?” he grins against your lips, “nothing’s missing?”

you smile, drinking his face up with your eyes, “jus- just one thing,” you whisper, movin your clothed pussy against his thigh lightly, “jus’ been so so horny since we got here,” you whine, giving his faces small kisses.

“yeah?” he lilts, “you can hold off till we get home, can’t you?”

“you’re supposed to take care of me, daddy”

satoru sucks in a breath, feeling your legs squeezing against his. he takes a quick look out of the window and groans, “the shit you make me do,” then he’s grabbing your cheeks, forcing your lips into a pout and his mouth is on yours. you giggle against him, moving your tongue along his as he tries to pull you closer. your little gasps fuel satoru on more and more, loving when he lifts your tiny skirt up, kneading your ass.

you feel wetness sliding down your pussy, n you can’t help but keep kissing him. the feeling of his tongue gliding over his lips turns you feral, “shit-,” satoru laughs, trying to keep up with your mouth, “so fuckin hot,”

his hands squeeze at your ass one more time before he’s hissing in annoyance, toying at your pink fucking panties. he’s breaking the kiss, leaning towards your ear.

“I’m’ gonna rip these fuckin things off, baby” he whispers, leaving harsh kisses on your neck and chest. you feel yourself hump your pussy on his leg again, wanting his mouth back on yours.

“oh god,” you whine, “m’ gonna cum”

satoru grins, he cannot stop himself from chuckling. he pulls down your top, letting your tits run free. “yeah, baby? how? i haven’t done anything to you yet,” his mouth sucks on your nipple, teasing and pulling.

“gimme a kiss, baby,” he teases, smiling at how eager you are to listen. you almost leap at the opportunity, lips smashing on his as you whimper, reaching to toy with your nipples as he takes control of your mouth. one last moan and he doesn’t miss how you’re shaking, grinding that lil pussy on him like your life depends on it.

“ya just came, hm?” he laughs, noticing a big wet spot on his jeans. he smiles at your cute little nod, loving how you already look out of it. he’s about to speak when the Ferris wheel cart suddenly stops, and a loud intercom fills your ear.

“Hello! I thank everyone for coming to this lovely spring carnival! As a little treat, please look out your windows as we pause this ride to release some fireworks. Thank you, and do not be alarmed— the ride will resume once they are done.”

“please, satoru,” you gasp, “wan’ you to fuck me so so bad before we get off,” he winces, growing noticeably harder and harder at your cute begging. you bury your face in his neck, sucking and leaving little kisses, doin your best to hurry him up.

“shhhh, baby,” he hushes you, trying to calm you down as he grabs onto your hips, “I’m gonna take good care of ya, pussies gonna be well fed when I’m done wit her,” his hands toy with your skirt for a little before peelin off your panties.

“lift your hips for me, love” he mumbles, finally ridding yourselves from that barrier. satoru exhales, fingers soaking themselves as he dips through your folds. you gasp, holding onto his neck as he starts to circle around your clit.

“ah— satoru,” you cry, trying to ignore the hard pounding in your core as he dips a finger inside you. he grins, inching it inside and out before adding a second finger.

“so fuckin wet,” he grins, “shit, don’t even needa prep you as much,” his fingers slide out to rub against your mouth, spreading your juices against your tongue. satoru’s dick grows incredibly hard under you, almost popping out of his zipper.

“you want it so bad? ya’ gotta work for it,” he coos, “be a good girl n’ get on your knees for me,”

you whine, but don’t want to wait to figure out what’ll happen if you don’t listen. you slide off him with a pout, your tits bouncing with the movement as you end up on your knees, face rubbing against his leg. satoru’s eyes are glued on you, fuck the fireworks. he can’t look anywhere else. he rubs the bulge on his jeans, head falling back with a groan at the feeling.

“ah shit,” he groans, grabbing your hair with one fist, “take my cock outta these jeans for me,”

your core flutters with the command, and your eyes don’t differ, they stay directed at him as you hastily unzip his pants, pullin them down to his legs before you do the same to his boxers. you could cum, just by watching how his dick pops out, smacking against his abdomen. precum’s already slippin out, n your mind goes fuzzy with the need to taste him.

“good fuckin girl,” he gives his dick a few strokes, eyes rollin back while he stares at your tits. he’s not gonna fuckin last so he has to make the most of this. “spit on it, baby, go ahead.. spit,” he murmurs, almost spilling himself on your face right then and there when you oblige, drool seeping from your lips onto him.

you’re honestly dazed. nothing’s registering through your mind, your boyfriends cock only thing you can think of, only wanting him inside of you, breeding you, pounding into you so fuckin hard in this cart that someone starts to question it. you must be so fuckin lost that satoru’s words weren’t even reaching your brain.

“are you listening to me, baby?” he murmurs, giving a little slap to your face that finally knocks you out of your dream. “am I gon have to stop all this? cus my girl isn’t listening?” he threatens, his strong hand gripping your cheeks together.

you panic, of course you don’t want him to stop! “no, no m’ sorry daddy, m’ listening,” you plead, staring up into his gorgeous blue eyes.

“you gon listen to daddy? I said stick your tongue out… yeah, fuck, jus like that… keep it out while I tap my cock against your lil tongue,” he groans, mumbling intelligible words as he slaps his tip against your tongue before sliding his whole length inside. you can’t help but gag, throat constricting against him. he doesn’t let up, gripping your hair as he fucks his cock into your mouth straight away.

“hollow your cheeks out… just like I taught you,” he murmurs, dick sliding even deeper, feelin your nose hit the base of his cock each time, “yeah, fuck jus like that”

drool seeps from your mouth into his balls. you do your best to keep going, but eventually satoru notices your quick shortness of breaths before finally giving you a little break. he pulls his cock out of your mouth, givn you time to cough and heave.

“cmon, you can handle a little more for daddy, right?” tears pool from your eyes but you nod, grabbin the base of him to give his tip little sucks and kitten licks. you’ll do anything for him, he admires. he has to pull you away before the tightness of his balls becomes too much. he needs to finish inside of you tonight.

“god, please! want you inside of me, satoru,” you cry, wiping the incoming tears from your eyes. the need to being full is pulling at your insides.

“aww, don’t cry baby, you’re gonna get it real soon,” he coos, wipin your tears away along with the drool on your chin. “jus’ gotta work for it okay? cmon, hop on daddies lap.”

you sniffle, standing up to climb over him. “lift your hips again, yeah.. good girl,” his cock slides up and down your cunt, spreading the wetness over his tip. you gasp, and can’t help but sit all the way down on it. satoru curses, groaning loud as he grips your hips tightly.

“oh, fuck. bad fuckin girl,” he hisses, feeling your walls squeeze against him so tight, even he has to take a second to compose himself. you’re crying, knowing you took him all way too fast without taking time to adjust to the pain.

“oh, fuck! daddy it hurts.. hurts so bad,” you whine, sitting all the way down at the base of his cock, being careful not to move. “shh, I know, I’ll make it all better soon,” he says, thumb immediately reaching down to rub at your clit. you moan, grabbing into his shoulders. some pain immediately reduces to pleasure, n you’re still left a sobbing mess.

“more more, oh god,” your loud whimpers fill the cart, your own fingers toying with your nipple as satoru continues rubbing at your puffy little bud.

satoru grins, givin your lips a little peck. “feel better? yeah?” you nod at him, mouth gaping in pleasure.

“good girl. bounce up and down on my cock, alright? I know it hurts, do it to make daddy happy,” he commands, and you’re doin your best to listen. you start with a slow roll of your hips, moaning as your clit rubs over his abdomen.

just then, the loud intercom starts again.

“Good evening! Thank you for your patience and I hope you all enjoyed the view. The ride will start up again in 5 minutes, thank you.”

your eyes widen, that’s not enough time for you both.

“satoru, what do we do,” you whine, still rolling your hips against his cock.

“guess ya gotta hurry up, hun. don’t care if it hurts, m’ gonna fuck you myself if you don’t start bouncin,” he hisses, feelin your tight pussy squeeze the life out of him.

panic races through your veins as you lift up just until the tip is in before sliding all the way back down. you know you’re being loud, but you could not care anymore. light pain fills you but you keep going, sliding up and down until you’re seeing stars. the sound of your ass smacking over his hips is the only thing registering between you.

“oh fuckk, doing so fucking good,” satoru groans, staring at your tits rolling up and down between each bounce. his eyes roll back as you finally find your pace. “you fuckin feel that? your pussies squeezing me so damn tight,”

his hips start meeting you halfway, increasing the pace and intensity way more than before. you feel out of it. In the best way possible. the tip of his cock hitting your sweet spot every thrust sends you away, more and more moans pouring out of your throat. you can’t help, you cum right away.

“oh fuck, you cummin for me? cumming on my cock like a little slut— oh shit,” he groans, thrusts growing sloppy and careless. “reach down and play with your pussy,” he hisses, moaning alongside with you as your pussy contracts around him. cream coats his cock, makin sure his pace doesn’t let up.

“m’ gonna fuckin cum inside you, fill your pussy up until you can’t hold anymore.. fuck fuck,” he leans forward to suckle your tit in his mouth, loving how you’re still trying to bounce on his cock.

“I-I can’t anymore! satoru please, s’ too much,” you cry, pussy feeling overstimulated with how much his cock keeps hitting your g-spot over and over again. you feel as if you’re gonna cum once more with the pressure.

“you can, baby. fuck, I feel you tightening up again, you gonna cum with me?” another hard thrust follows by another through his constant mumbling, and it’s his finger pressing on your clit that sends you to paradise again. you squeeze around him, a loud wail comin from you as you release.

“good girl, gonna cum inside this tight little pussy- shit shit-,” one last sloppy thrust has him releasing his load in you. thick ropes of cum filling your womb has you trembling over his frame. his name the only thing coming from mind fucked brain. satoru’s groan fills the air as he at last stills his hips, letting go of the last drops of cum. he chuckles, laying his head back as you fall alongside him, his cock still nestled in your pussy.

“can’t believe you made me fuck you inside a ferris wheel,”

“feel so much better now, daddy,” you smile against his neck, all content and happy.

satoru laughs before looking out the window.

“shit, hurry up and put all your clothes on. we’re almost at the bottom.”

[kissedsuns]

HORMONES ARE HIGH, LANDO NORRIS.

content warnings! suggestive behaviour. fem!reader. dirty talk. explicit sexual content. p in v. pet names. fluff. slight overstimulation. praise. dom + sub undertones.

when your boyfriend finally manages to sneak into your house by climbing up the tree, he usually ends up staying the night. your neighbours tend to turn in early, so that gives you and lando some alone time without worrying about anyone knocking on your door.

he’s insatiable, always has been. sometimes, you’d joke that he’s more interested in sneaking in for sex than anything else, but deep down, you know it’s more than that. sure, he’s constantly horny, but it’s because he can never get enough of you. lando’s body reacts like it’s starved every time you're alone together.

you knew he wasn’t there just to talk—he never is. what’s worse is that you don’t even mind, if your cunt practically leaking at the sight of him is any indication.

“you don’t always have to sneak in just to jump me, you know,” you would always tell him.

and he would just chuckle, that mischievous, toothy grin spreading across his face as his hands slide down your hips. “but where’s the fun in that?”

you two were like rabbits. ever since you started dating, it had been impossible for lando to keep his hands off you. if you were bent over, he’d rut his hips against your ass, grinding just enough to pull a needy whimper from your lips. he couldn’t help himself—his hormones were driving him crazy. and you were no different, constantly craving him, unable to stop touching or kissing him whenever you were in close proximity.

so, obviously, whenever the boy was in town, he’d leap at any chance to see you. to fill you up completely and pour all his love into you, making the most of every second before he had to leave again. it killed him to let you go on those weekends—he felt it in his bones, the ache of being apart—but you always knew he’d come back. and when he did, he was always more eager, more desperate than the time before.

“lan!” you squealed as he threw your legs over his shoulders, bullying his fat cock deeper inside you. “shhh, gotta be quiet for me, okay?” he hushed you.

“uh-huh, okay…” you nodded, still dazed from the two orgasms he'd given you earlier when he was between your legs with his tongue attached to your clit and you though you might just die.

“wanna hold my hand?” he asked, offering the one that wasn’t gripping your hip. his sweetness made you mewl, even as he fucked you like he hated your guts.

“mhm, mhm!”

“here, sweetheart.” he intertwined your fingers with his, the soft sound of skin slapping skin filling the room, careful not to wake anyone—or the entire neighborhood—with how hard he wanted to shove his dick into your spongy walls.

your lips were swollen from his kisses, some rough enough that his teeth left tiny indents in your bottom lip. tears of pleasure stained your cheeks, and yet, lando thought you looked like the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen.

“y’look so precious, c’mere.” he grunted, pulling you up by the back of your neck to smash his lips against yours again, his other hand slipping under your nightgown to fondle your ass. he loved when you wore delicate things like this to bed—lace-edged, soft, and just short enough to leave him fantasising.

“please, lando, please!” you whimpered, your voice shaking with every thrust as he pounded into you, pushing so deep that the tip was just about kissing your cervix. it wasn’t long before you were seeing stars.

“you begging?” he teased, barely holding back a laugh at how high-pitched your voice had gotten. but you didn’t care—your brain was foggy, practically turned to mush, and all you could do was cling tighter to his hand.

“g’nna cum again!” you cried, your hand slipping from his to claw desperately at his back.

the sight of you like this—eyes wide, face flushed with pleasure—had lando throbbing inside you. he wanted to memorise every detail of the moment. so fucking gorgeous.

“c’mon, sweet thing,” his voice was all saccharine and syrupy as he planted a kiss to your sweaty forehead. “get it all outta your system, there you go, atta girl.”

“o-okay, okay!” you tapped his arm, your body trembling from overstimulation as he kept his thick cock lodged inside of you and sloppily thrusting it into your little pussy. yeah, definitely rabbits.

“i’m sorry, baby, ‘m, mmh, sorry,” lando spluttered, spilling his load into you before slipping out with a hiss. both of you watched as his cum leaked from you, and his eyes were literally glowing.

“please don’t tell me you’re hard again,” you groaned, noticing his cock twitching and still oozing with cum.

“nuh-uh, jus’ love my girl so much,”

© kissedsuns

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Stolen Goods 3

Warnings: noncon and other dark elements. As usual, be mindful of your content consumption.

Ft. Lloyd Hansen, petite!pregnant reader

I also beg of you to leave me some tuppence in the form of a comment and/or reblog. You are cherished!

Enjoy, my loverlies.

You hit the back of the trunk with your fist, the tires put to the limit as the man drives without caution. He's honked several times and screeched to many jarring halts. You're trapped in more than just that compartment, bouncing around with the groceries, you're enshrined in a fervour of fear and despair. 

Why is this happening to you? Who is this man? What is he going to do to you? 

Well, what has he already done? 

“Please, sir, I won't tell anyone,” you beg through the back seat, "please. Just take me back--" 

"Do you like classic rock? Jazz?" He asks as the car swerves and he switches lanes. Holy shoot, is he on the highway?  

"What? Please, I promise--" 

"You're distracting me, sweet stuff, you're gonna get us both pancaked by a sixteen-wheeler," he clucks, "just calm down and enjoy the music." 

He flips on the stereo and the local pop station plays. He hums along for a moment, "Ariana, nice." He turns up the familiar top ten and you whimper. 

This is surreal. You really can't believe it. It all happened so quickly. The way he touched you, the way you just stood there and let it happen, then how he just locked you in here! Who does that? Who lets someone do that? Who doesn't raise her voice and tell him to stop? Or ignore him and get in the car and drive away? 

You. You're stupid. You should have been patient and waited for Jake. You should have done so much differently.  

Your tears spring as easily as ever. Your hormones have you always ready to overflow and now seems as suiting as that cat food commercial. You crumble completely, giving up on begging, and bawl. You're going to die, your baby too. 

Maybe that's your fault too. You were so scared when you saw the positive. When you realised the condom broke. There was that split second you wished it wasn't true. When you hoped that it might undo itself. Then you wanted it. You still do. Your baby. Things aren't perfect but you can make them better. 

You jostle with the paper bags, wallowing in your resignation and dread. Time throttles you until it feels like the whole world is on your chest. You hug your belly and apologise to your child. You're supposed to take care of them. 

When the car stops, the sudden dearth of sound slaps you in the face. You sniffle and listen with breath bated. The driver's side opens and dips. He stands and his footfalls stride undaunted towards the trunk. 

You brace yourself. You can't give up yet. The lock clicks and the lid lifts. You push it up before he can open it all the way but he has his hand on your neck before you can leap out. 

"Oh, baby cakes," he squeezes and you cough, "you don't think I'm that stupid, do you?" 

The dimming sky shrouds his figure and he puts cold metal to your cheek, "you don't wanna get yourself hurt. Or the kid, huh?" He presses the metal barrel firmly to your temple, "I don't wanna hurt you either but you gotta give a little." 

"S-sorry," you choke out and latch onto his thick wrist, teetering on your knees as the rest against the edge of the trunk, "I---I--" 

"I know, baby. You're scared. Change is terrifying but I heard you talking to the deadbeat," he pulls the gun away and holsters it. He eases you forward and helps you put your feet to the ground. He keeps a strong hold on you, "you can do better." He smirks, "hi, I'm better, but you can call me Lloyd." 

You gape at him. Is that a joke? 

“And you are...” he enunciates your name. “Sorry about your purse, I tossed it some ditch, but I got the important shit out of it.” 

“Huh?” You blink at him dumbly. 

“Phone’s wiped too. So, I’ll probably just break that down for parts--” 

“Wait, what? Why—please, why are you doing this?” 

“I’m not too sure myself, shortcake, but we’ll figure it out.”  

He slips his hand down to your wrist and pulls you away from the car. He shuts the trunk and the noise echoes off the high ceiling. You look up at the interior of the garage. Several cars are parked in the space. What kind of place is this? 

“Come on, you don’t wanna hang out in here,” he snorts and tugs you to follow him. 

All you can do is let him guide you. You keep your free hand on your stomach as your eyes burn. You can’t give up. You have to keep going for your baby. 

He takes you up a short set of steps and into a house just as colossal as the garage. He looks down at your feet as you stand on the mat. He tuts. Your slides were lost somewhere in your struggle. Your feet are cold and dirty. 

“Hm, well... what now?” He asks. 

“What now?” You squeak. “What do you--” 

“Look, honey buns, I’m not asking you,” he turns and keeps his hand around your wrist, walking you forward as if you’re on a leash. 

You’re confused. What does he mean? He doesn’t even know what he’s doing. What kind of man just does this spontaneously? 

“Erm, Lloyd,” you say softly, “it’s... not too late to take me back.” 

“Ah, but you’re wrong, sweet stuff. It’s way too late,” he snickers. “I scrubbed the traffic cams and the surveillance at the grocery store. It’s all gone. You’re gone.” He stops you in a bright foyer and faces you, “I don’t give my toys back.” 

[zzukowo]

the prince meets his princess <3 (26 September 2024)

Zuko x Reader

Prompt! Gaang goes to meet the water tribe princess who zuko finds himself at his knees for.

The journey to the Northern Water Tribe had been long and arduous, but the group finally neared the icy shores of the grand city. Zuko stood at the edge of Appa’s saddle, his eyes locked on the towering walls coming into view. His mind raced—part nerves, part anticipation. Aang and Katara had spoken about meeting the Water Tribe’s princess, Y/N, but Zuko wasn’t sure what to expect.

As they landed, they were greeted by a group of Water Tribe warriors, though it was clear they were awaiting someone more important.

“The princess will meet you shortly,” one of the warriors said, bowing slightly. “She’s been preparing for your arrival.”

Sokka nudged Katara with a grin. “Princess, huh? Bet she’s like Yue. All noble and proper.”

Katara smiled fondly at the memory of Yue but shook her head. “Not everyone’s like Yue, Sokka.”

Toph scoffed, her arms crossed as she sat comfortably on Appa. “Great, another fancy royal type. She better not be all high and mighty.”

Zuko remained quiet, his gaze focused on the palace. The Northern Water Tribe’s city shimmered in the ice and snow, a place of incredible beauty and power, but he couldn’t shake the sense that something—or rather, someone—was about to unsettle him.

And then she arrived.

Y/N stepped out from the palace gates with a group of waterbenders trailing behind her. She wore the elegant, traditional attire of the tribe, but there was something casual about the way she held herself—graceful yet relaxed, confident but not boastful. Her eyes swept across the group, lingering on each of them until they finally landed on Zuko.

“Welcome,” Y/N said, her voice carrying easily across the frozen courtyard. “I’ve been expecting you.”

Aang was the first to move, practically leaping forward in his excitement. “Thank you for welcoming us, Princess Y/N! Your city is amazing!”

Y/N smiled, her lips curving gently. “Please, just Y/N. No need for titles here.”

Sokka grinned at her, giving a mock salute. “Well, you’re already cooler than most princesses.”

Katara elbowed him hard in the ribs, but Y/N just laughed, her eyes twinkling. "I'm glad you think so. But don't let the title fool you—I can hold my own."

Zuko hadn’t said a word, too busy studying her. She was powerful; that much was obvious. But there was a warmth to her that reminded him of Katara, though her energy felt more like the calmness of water flowing steadily.

Y/N turned her attention toward him, and Zuko stiffened under her gaze. "And you must be Zuko," she said, a hint of curiosity in her tone. "The prince who turned against his father."

Zuko straightened, nodding slightly. “I am.”

Her smile didn’t falter. "You made the right choice. Fighting for peace instead of fear is the path worth taking."

For a moment, Zuko didn’t know how to respond. He wasn’t used to receiving such acknowledgment without any bitterness attached. His silence didn’t go unnoticed by the rest of the group.

Toph grinned knowingly, sensing the vibrations in the ground from Zuko’s nervousness. “Oh yeah, he’s all tense. She’s totally got him wrapped around her little finger already.”

Sokka snickered. "Called it! Bet he’s already regretting wearing that broody look."

Zuko shot them a glare, but Y/N either didn’t hear or didn’t care, gesturing for the group to follow her. “Come, you must be tired from your journey. My people have prepared a feast for your arrival.”

As they walked through the grand halls of the palace, Zuko lagged behind, his mind swirling. He could feel the others’ eyes on him, especially Toph’s.

“I can feel how nervous you are, Sparky,” she said quietly as they walked. “She’s just a person, you know. No need to have your insides twisted up in knots.”

Zuko shot her a look, cheeks faintly reddening. “I’m not nervous.”

“Uh-huh.” Toph smirked. “Sure you’re not.”

When they reached the grand hall for dinner, Y/N took her place at the head of the table, her eyes occasionally flickering toward Zuko. He pretended not to notice, but everyone else certainly did.

“So, Princess Y/N,” Sokka began, leaning forward. “How do you spend your royal days? Training waterbenders? Organizing parties? Or, you know, defeating enemies like us.”

Y/N smiled, amused. "More like training waterbenders and making sure our warriors are prepared for anything. Parties aren’t exactly a priority these days."

Zuko remained quiet, watching her interact with the group. He could tell she was a capable leader, someone who was strong but kind, and it made his chest tighten in a way he hadn’t expected. There was something about her, the way she handled herself, that made him feel... off balance.

"You’ve been quiet, Hothead," Toph whispered, her voice dripping with amusement. “What, the princess got your tongue?”

Zuko stiffened, glaring at her. “Shut up, Toph.”

Toph smirked. “Relax, Sparky. Your heart’s pounding like a stampede.”

Sokka, overhearing, grinned from across the table. “Hey, Zuko, how’s it going over there? Enjoying the royal company?”

Zuko glared at him, his face flushing slightly. “I said shut up, Sokka.”

Toph snickered. “Too late. She’s already got you all flustered.”

The next morning, the group gathered at the training grounds to practice their bending. Y/N stood in the center of the field, demonstrating her mastery over water. Her movements were fluid and precise, the water responding effortlessly to her will. Zuko couldn’t help but watch, mesmerized by her control and grace.

“Are you just going to watch, or are you going to join me?” Y/N’s voice cut through his thoughts, and Zuko blinked, realizing she was looking directly at him.

“Uh, I—” Zuko hesitated, glancing at the others, who were grinning like idiots. “I’ll join.”

As he stepped forward, Toph elbowed Sokka. “He’s gonna embarrass himself, I can feel it.”

Sokka grinned. “Maybe he’ll manage to impress her. I doubt it, though.”

Y/N and Zuko faced off, her smile teasing yet focused. “Ready?”

Zuko nodded, trying to push aside the heat creeping up his neck. The spar began, water and fire clashing in a dazzling display of skill. Zuko fought to keep up with her fluid movements, but there was something disarming about the way Y/N moved—almost playful, like she was testing him more than challenging him.

From the sidelines, Toph grinned. “His heart’s pounding harder now. Looks like he’s a goner.”

Katara crossed her arms, smiling knowingly. “I think Y/N might be just what Zuko needs.”

As Zuko and Y/N sparred, it became clear that she was holding back. Her waterbending flowed like a river, never forceful but always controlled, while Zuko’s firebending was more aggressive—he couldn’t help it. The frustration building inside him made his flames larger, hotter, but none of it seemed to faze Y/N.

She deflected his flames with a single movement, sending the water back toward him in a spiraling wave. Zuko quickly dodged, skidding to the side, but as he turned back to counter, he found himself staring straight into Y/N’s teasing grin.

“What’s the matter, Prince Zuko?” she asked, her voice light, playful. “You seem distracted.”

Zuko clenched his fists, his brow furrowing. “I’m not distracted,” he muttered, trying to regain focus.

But it was no use. His mind kept replaying the soft, teasing lilt in her voice, the way her smile seemed to be aimed directly at him. And that only made him push harder, launching another stream of fire toward her. Y/N dodged with ease, stepping lightly across the icy ground as if she were dancing.

“Zuko, breathe,” Katara called from the sidelines, her arms crossed but her voice filled with concern. “You’re not going to win if you let her get under your skin.”

Toph chuckled, her grin widening as she shifted her feet, sensing the vibrations in the earth. “Oh, he’s definitely got more than fighting on his mind.”

Zuko shot a glare in Toph’s direction, but that second of distraction cost him. Y/N took the opportunity to send a jet of water straight toward him, knocking him off his feet. He landed with a thud, the breath knocked out of his lungs as he hit the ice.

For a moment, there was silence. Then Sokka burst out laughing. “Oh, man! She wiped the floor with you!”

Zuko groaned, pushing himself up, but before he could stand fully, a hand appeared in his vision. He looked up, seeing Y/N offering him a hand, her expression soft and amused.

“Good match,” she said with a slight smirk. “You put up a good fight.”

Zuko hesitated before taking her hand, feeling the warmth from her fingers despite the cold air around them. He rose to his feet, his eyes locking with hers, and for a brief moment, everything around them faded. There was something in her gaze, something playful but also… understanding. As if she saw something in him that no one else did.

But then the moment was broken by Toph’s snort. “Wow, Sparky, she knocked you down and now she’s got you all tongue-tied too?”

Zuko pulled his hand back quickly, his face flushing as he turned away. “I’m fine.”

Sokka came over, patting Zuko on the back with a grin. “Yeah, sure. Fine. Totally fine. Except for, you know, getting completely owned by a princess.”

“I didn’t get owned,” Zuko growled, shooting a glare at Sokka, who just laughed harder.

Y/N smiled, her eyes still lingering on Zuko for a moment longer before she turned back to the group. “You all must be hungry after watching the match. Come, let’s get something to eat.”

As they headed back to the palace, Toph fell into step beside Zuko, her smirk unmistakable. “You know, Sparky, for someone who claims not to be distracted, your heartbeat was going crazy the whole time. I could feel it all the way from the sidelines.”

Zuko groaned, running a hand through his hair. “Can you just… not, Toph?”

She grinned. “What? I’m just saying. She’s clearly into you too. You’re just too dense to notice.”

Zuko glared at her, but a part of him couldn’t help wondering if Toph was right. There was something about Y/N—something that pulled him in, no matter how hard he tried to fight it.

As they approached the dining hall, Y/N glanced over her shoulder, her eyes meeting Zuko’s again for a brief second. She gave him a small, knowing smile before turning back, and Zuko’s heart thudded in his chest.

Toph was right. He was definitely in trouble.

As they gathered in the grand dining hall, the group settled around the long, intricately carved table, the warmth of the firelight bouncing off the ice walls. Y/N took her place at the head, her calm demeanor only adding to the regal aura that surrounded her.

Zuko, sitting across from her, tried to focus on the food in front of him, but his eyes kept flickering back to Y/N. The way her fingers effortlessly twirled a strand of water from her cup, the smile that never seemed to fade, it was all too distracting. The others noticed—of course, they did—and it didn’t take long for the teasing to begin.

Sokka leaned forward, a grin already forming on his face. "You know," he started, glancing between Zuko and Y/N, "it’s kinda poetic, don’t you think? The Fire Prince and the Water Princess. It’s like something out of one of those old love stories."

Katara’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she chimed in. "Yeah, opposites attracting and all that. You two would balance each other perfectly."

Zuko’s face immediately flushed, his hands gripping his chopsticks a little tighter. "We’re not—" he started, but Sokka cut him off with a wave.

"Oh, come on, Zuko. Don’t pretend you haven’t thought about it." He leaned back in his chair, smirking. "Fire and water. It’s practically written in the stars."

Toph snorted from beside him. "I can feel your heart pounding from here, Sparky. You’ve been all jittery since we landed, and it’s definitely not because of the cold."

Y/N raised an eyebrow, her amused gaze flitting over to Zuko, who was desperately trying to keep his cool. She didn’t seem flustered at all by the teasing, instead taking it in stride.

"Well," Y/N said with a smirk, her voice light and teasing, "if we’re talking balance, I guess it would make sense. After all, fire needs water to keep it from getting out of control, right?"

The comment sent the group into a chorus of laughter, and Zuko could feel his face heat up even more. He glared at Sokka and Toph, though it did nothing to stop the teasing.

Aang, ever the peacekeeper, grinned as he nodded in agreement. "I think it makes sense! You both have this calm intensity about you. Like… you’re passionate in different ways, but it would complement each other."

"Exactly!" Sokka said, pointing his chopsticks at Zuko dramatically. "See? Even the Avatar agrees! The Fire Prince and the Water Princess, destined to—"

"That’s enough!" Zuko finally snapped, slamming his chopsticks down on the table, his face a deep shade of red. "We’re just… allies. That’s it."

But Y/N, ever calm and unbothered, leaned forward with a playful glint in her eyes. "Allies, huh?" She glanced at the group before meeting Zuko’s eyes again. "Well, I suppose we’ll see what happens, won’t we?"

Zuko nearly choked on his drink at the way she said it, the subtle teasing in her tone making his heart race even faster. He quickly looked away, his mind scrambling for something—anything—to say that wouldn’t make him sound like a complete idiot.

Toph grinned, clearly enjoying every second of Zuko’s discomfort. "You’re making this too easy, Zuko. I didn’t even need to bend to feel how hard you’re blushing."

Sokka leaned closer, whispering loud enough for everyone to hear, "I bet they’ll be exchanging love letters by the end of the week."

Zuko shot him a death glare. "Shut. Up."

But the teasing only continued, the group laughing and throwing playful jabs at the so-called "perfect match" of the Fire Prince and the Water Princess. Through it all, Y/N remained calm, an amused smile on her lips as she occasionally glanced at Zuko, clearly enjoying how flustered he was becoming.

And as the laughter died down and they returned to their meals, Zuko couldn’t help but steal one more glance at Y/N. She caught his eye, giving him a small, knowing smile that made his heart skip a beat.

Maybe, just maybe, there was something to the whole "Fire Prince and Water Princess" idea after all.

The air was crisp and cool as the group moved from the dining hall to the palace’s outer courtyard. The sun had just begun to set, casting shades of pink and orange across the sky, reflecting off the ice sculptures that lined the walkway. Y/N led the way, her steps graceful as she guided them to a peaceful overlook by the water.

Zuko trailed behind, still feeling the heat in his cheeks from the relentless teasing at dinner. Every time he tried to shake the embarrassment, Toph or Sokka would shoot him a look or make another comment under their breath, and it would start all over again.

Y/N, seemingly unbothered by the playful jabs, kept a small smile on her lips as they walked. Her posture was relaxed, her hands lightly trailing along the icy walls of the palace as if she had all the time in the world. Zuko couldn’t help but admire her ease. While the world was on the brink of war, and their futures felt uncertain, she moved through it all with a sense of calm that made everything around her seem less daunting.

It drove him mad—and fascinated him all at once.

As they reached the overlook, Y/N stopped, gazing out at the vast expanse of icy waters. The setting sun cast a golden glow on the waves, the calm surface reflecting the fire in the sky. She turned to face the group, her eyes bright with excitement.

“There’s something I want to show you,” she said softly, motioning for them to sit.

The group gathered around her, curiosity piqued. Aang, always eager to learn new bending techniques, practically bounced on his toes. Katara folded her arms, a smile tugging at her lips, while Sokka, now more relaxed after their earlier banter, sat with his chin propped in his hand.

Zuko, despite his best efforts to act indifferent, found himself leaning closer, his attention fully on Y/N.

With a graceful flick of her wrist, Y/N pulled water from the ocean, bringing it up into a sphere that hovered in the air. She stepped closer to the group, the water shifting and moving as if alive, responding to her every command. Zuko watched as the sphere shimmered, the light from the sunset refracting through it, creating a kaleidoscope of colors.

“I’ve been working on this for a while,” Y/N explained, her voice low and calm. “It’s a technique unique to our tribe, passed down through generations.”

She stepped back, giving the water a gentle push with her palm. It began to spiral, turning faster and faster until it formed a vortex, hovering just above their heads. The group looked up in awe as droplets of water began to fall, catching the light and sparkling like stars.

Even Toph, though unable to see, seemed to sense the beauty of it. “Whoa… that’s pretty cool, Princess.”

“Wait—” Sokka held up a hand. “Is this your way of showing off for Zuko? ‘Cause if it is, I gotta admit, it’s working.”

Y/N shot him a look, her expression soft but amused. “Sokka, not everything is about trying to impress someone.”

Zuko, once again the center of attention, immediately stiffened. “I wasn’t—”

But Sokka wasn’t finished. “I mean, come on, fire and water? It’s like destiny, right?” He leaned back with a smirk. “You two were literally made for each other.”

Y/N laughed lightly, shaking her head. “Is that so?”

Before Zuko could say anything, Aang chimed in, ever the optimist. “He’s kind of right. Fire and water balance each other, just like in nature. It’s all about harmony.”

Toph snorted, smirking in Zuko’s direction. “I dunno, Twinkletoes. I’m still sensing a lot of *tension* from Sparky over here.”

Katara, always the voice of reason, smiled gently at Y/N. “It’s amazing how you control the water so effortlessly. You and Zuko could probably teach each other a lot.”

Zuko, whose face was now burning brighter than the setting sun, couldn’t take it anymore. “Enough!” He stood abruptly, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. “Can we just—” He paused, taking a deep breath, trying to steady himself. “Can we focus on the mission, not on… this.”

The teasing grins around him didn’t fade, but they did settle down for the moment. Y/N, however, remained calm, her gaze never leaving him.

“Alright,” she said gently, waving her hand and allowing the water vortex to collapse back into the ocean. “The mission it is, then.”

The group fell silent for a moment, watching the last remnants of the vortex disappear beneath the waves. The only sound was the gentle lapping of the water against the icy shore.

Zuko turned away, embarrassed by how easily the group had gotten under his skin. He was the Fire Prince, and yet, when it came to her, he couldn’t control his reactions. It frustrated him to no end.

But before he could spiral further into his thoughts, Y/N spoke again, her voice soft and steady. “Zuko.”

He hesitated, then turned to face her. She stepped closer, her eyes shining with warmth, not a trace of teasing in her expression.

“I know they’re just messing with you,” she said quietly, so only he could hear. “But if it helps, I’ve always admired your strength. Your fire isn’t something to hide from.”

Zuko blinked, her words sinking in deeper than he expected. She smiled at him, soft and sincere, and for the first time in a long while, Zuko felt like he wasn’t fighting alone.

“Thank you,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

Y/N nodded, stepping back to rejoin the group as they began discussing the next part of their journey. But Zuko couldn’t shake the feeling that something had shifted between them—something subtle but undeniable.

And for the first time, he wondered if maybe—just maybe—the group’s teasing wasn’t all that far off.

[nahoney22]

Hi ! Congrats on reaching 4000 followers, I'm so proud of you and you totally deserve it ! ❤️

Can I request a Crosshair x fem!reader one-shot with the prompt "every time i see you, i fall in love all over again" with Crosshair saying this to the reader after seeing her do something silly/cute (and they've been married for a few years already) ? I just feel like it'll be so cute 🥰

4000 Prompt List Celebration

Crosshair X Fem!Reader

word count: 1.2k

prompt

• “Every time I see you, I fall in love all over again.”

Warnings: Fluffy goodness, married couple, female reader, kisses, reader is a terrible cook, baking chaos, pet names, soft crosshair.

Authors note: so sorry for the wait my darling! @coraex , hopefully this is fluffy enough for you! Enjoy 💜

Life on Pabu was a paradise. The weather was always idyllic, the beach pristine, and your husband, well, he was nothing short of perfect. Yet, amidst this perfection, there lingered one imperfection: your baking skills, or rather, lack thereof. However, fate bestowed upon you an opportunity to fix this flaw while your husband ventured off on a supply run for the people.

And so with meticulous precision, you measured each ingredient, ensuring nothing fell short of perfection. You had even ventured to local vendors and handpicked the finest ingredients to craft a savoury delicacy introduced to you by Phee so naturally, you had to make it. Or give it a go, at least.

As the oven worked its magic, you stepped onto the balcony to your home, allowing the warm breeze to tousle your hair and the sun to caress your skin. Your gaze wandered to the sky, where the familiar silhouette of the Havoc Marauder emerged.

Remaining on the balcony, you observed as the men and the lone girl disembarked the ship. Crosshair, as always, locked eyes with your shared home, a smirk adorning his features. With a wave and a beckoning gesture, you invited him to join you inside.

As soon as the door hisses open, you eagerly dash across the threshold and leap into his arms. The man staggers momentarily before finding his footing, wrapping one of his long arms around you. "Missed me, pretty lady?"

"As always," you grin, leaning back to plant a kiss on his lips. "Even if it has only been a few hours."

"At least I got a hug this time," he chuckles, placing your feet back on the ground and bestowing a sweet kiss on your forehead.

Stepping back, you let Crosshair settle his belongings and smile fondly at him. "Well, last time, you went 'what? No hug for me?'" You recall, earning a playful eye roll as he places his helmet on a table next to a framed holophoto of your wedding day. Every time you look at it, nothing but fond and loving memories fill your mind.

"Very well," he declares, launching himself onto the couch, kicking his feet up on an ottoman. He pats the spot beside him, and you gratefully accept, snuggling into his side. "So, what are you trying to bake this time, then?"

"How did you know I was baking something?" you inquire, a hint of surprise in your voice, as you glance towards the kitchen where you were certain you had hidden any sign of evidence of you baking.

Then, he leans forward and as you think he’s about to steal a kiss, a mischievous glint dances in his eyes. His thumb playfully swipes across your cheek and nose, leaving behind traces of flour and sugar on his finger that he holds up that makes your face flush with embarrassment. "Ah," you chuckle, realising the source of the sensation.

He chuckles too, but his amusement is tinged with concern as he sniffs the air with a subtle frown. "How long have you been cooking for?"

Glancing at the chronometer on the wall, then back at him, you reply, "About two hours now. Should be ready in the next hour or so." Your grin conveys eagerness, but his expression remains neutral, a hint of skepticism lurking in his eyes.

“Babe, I think it’s already done.”

Again, you blink at him, momentarily taken aback. "Huh?"

“I smell burning.”

Just as he finishes his sentence, the shrill sound of the smoke alarm fills the air, and you wince at the piercing noise. Cursing above the noise, you rush towards the kitchen, your heart pounding with a mix of frustration and urgency.

“Gloves! GLOVES!” Crosshair's urgent voice rings out, but you're focused on the task at hand and it falls on deaf ears. Ignoring his plea, you yank open the oven door, confronting the billowing clouds of black smoke that engulf the kitchen. Fetching your hand inside the burning oven, you grab a hold of the tray of the baked goods, yanking it out with a small yelp.

Crosshair springs into action, swift and decisive. In a matter of seconds, he's by your side, checking on you with a mixture of concern and determination etched on his features. But after you insist you’re fine, he shifts his focus to the task at hand, pushing open the window to let the smoke out and silencing the alarm with a practiced hand.

“Come here, run your hand under the tap quickly,” he instructs, his voice gentle yet firm as he guides you towards the sink. Switching the water on, he ensures the temperature is just right before gently urging your hand underneath the cool stream.

“Crosshair, I’m fine. Honestly,” you assure him which was not even a lie because you were. It was pretty much a miracle you somehow didn’t burn yourself but as for the savoury treats… burnt to a crisp.

Crosshair moves away from you and inspects the smoking tray, blinking at the almost incinerated food. “Well, maybe they taste better than they look.”

“Oh, stow it,” you retort at his sarcastic comment, though you know he means it playfully. Disappointment paints your features as you glance at the charred remnants of your baking attempt. “Why can’t I cook anything?!”

“You can. Just, badly.”

“If you’re trying to hurt my feelings, you’re succeeding,” you pout, flinging water droplets from your hand at him before switching the tap off and folding your arms over your chest in annoyance.

Crosshair comes back your way and drapes an arm over your shoulder, using his hand to tilt your chin up to look at him. “Don’t worry about it. You can try again?”

“What’s the point? I’ll probably burn our home down.”

“That’s true.”

You playfully slap his hand away and begin to tidy up your mess, Crosshair helping you along the way by washing up the tray before you move back to the sofa and faceplant onto it with a heavy sigh. The soft cushions provide some comfort as you let out a frustrated groan.

You hear the running water switch off, a small clang of him putting the washing away, and then faint steps towards you.

“I don’t know how you do it,” he starts, quickly earning a loud and unwilling-to-listen whine before you ask what about.

“That every time I see you, I fall in love all over again.”

You roll onto your back and stare up at him with narrowed eyes. “Why are you being soft?”

He laughs, warm and soft before he scoots you into his lap, taking a seat and peppering kisses over your cheek. “You know I don’t like it when you call me that.”

“I don’t care,” you giggle as you let him gush over you, “you are.” You grin at him with bright eyes. “But why did you say that?”

“It’s true,” he shrugs casually. “You may try and burn our home down all the time, but I love you all the same for it.”

You playfully squint at his jokey insult, but instead of trying to be smart and think of a retort, you kiss your husband and tell him exactly how you feel too, cherishing these moments of love and laughter.

“Let’s go out for dinner. It’s on me.” Now that’s an opportunity you won’t pass up on.

Masterlist

More Prompt Works

Crosshair Works

Tags: @photogirl894 @id-rather-be-a-druid @the-bad-batch-baroness @whore4rex @imperialclaw801 @temple-elder @mysticalgalaxysalad @imalovernotahater @tech-aficionado @grizabellasolo @therealnekomari @tech-depression-inventory @brynhildrmimi @greaser-wolf @tinyreadersmur @seriowan @kaminocasey @marvel-starwars-nerd @ladytano420 @ladyzirkonia @thesith @raevulsix @mssbridgerton @cw80831 @knightprincess @andyoufollowyourheart @littlefeatherr @kaitou2417 @eyecandyeoz @captxin-rex @jesseeka @ashotofspotchka @theroguesully @ladykatakuri @jambolska-grozdova @arctrooper69 @padawancat97 @staycalmandhugaclone @ko-neko-san @echos-girlfriend @fiveshelmet @dangraccoon @plushymiku-blog @chrissywakingup @pb-jellybeans @nunanuggets @sleepycreativewriter @erellenora @zippingstars87 @ezras-left-thumb

[rizzyu]

▵▿— Flickering Candle Lights

— Dazai Osamu x gn!reader

Category: Yummy scrummy fluff, susggestive

Synopsis: You help Dazai let loose after the most tiring two weeks on his special day with a nice little bath :)

CW: Nudity, making out ayo 🤨

A/N: Happy birthday Dazaaaaiiii <3333

Click.

The front door to Dazai's dorm room creaked open and the man sluggishly strode into his mess of an abode. His hair was messy and there were bags under his tired eyes. He hasn’t been sleeping for almost two weeks now, and as much as he hate to admit, he's tired of everything. For now he just wished to slump himself onto his worn out futon beside the empty bottles of cheap sake and cans littered all around the floor.

Though, looking around, the empty bottles and cans were no longer scattered on the floor. In fact, the floor was for once actually clean. If not for his completely not-functioning brain, Dazai would've figured everything out long before he entered his room. But the answer to his curiosity came flying to him the moment you jumped out from around the corner. “HAPPY BIRTHDAYYYYYY” You yelled out as you leaped forward, not even caring whether people from the other dorms could hear or not. You embraced him into a tight hug and snuggled yourself into his chest.

The man was overjoyed to see you after so long but couldn’t help but be slightly confused. “Huh?” He tilted his head to the side as his gaze lingered on you. “It’s your birthday, have you forgotten?” You looked up upon hearing his noise of confusion. Dazai sheepishly scratched the back of his neck. “Noo…? Of course not.” You stared at him with a deadpanned look on your face.

“Alright fine, I forgot. I was so busy lately though… You can’t blame me, right bella? Besides, it’s not that important anyway.”

You dramatically gasped at his remark, feeling absolutely flabbergasted. “What?? Don’t say that! I promise I’ll make you cherish your birthday and look forward to the next one!” Dazai found himself softly smiling at your words as you pulled away slightly and grasped his hand in yours. “Have you seen the bathroom yet?” You watched as Dazai slightly shook his head before dragging him to the bathroom.

Dazai’s eyes widened at the sight. You really have overdone yourself this time, haven’t you? The bathtub was filled with steaming water with fresh crimson rose pedals floating on it, creating perfect ripples. Meanwhile, lit candles are placed all over the side of the tub. Refreshing scents filled the warm steamy room while the flickering candle lights set a comfortable atmosphere. The corners of Dazai’s lips curled up into a soft smile before he leaned down to press a quick and fleeting kiss on your cheek.

“You did all this for me? Heheh thank you my bella”

He cradled your face in his palms ever so tenderly, his thumbs gently caressing your cheekbones, as he leaned forward to press another kiss to your forehead. “Shall we get in bella?” You nodded and began helping Dazai shred of his layers, gently pushing his coat, his waistcoat and his shirt down his shoulders. You press a kiss to his bandaged neck before helping him unwrap the ribbons of bandages off his scarred body. You let Dazai help you unbutton your shirt and slip your slacks off before letting you guide him into the bathtub.

A pleasant sigh escaped Dazai’s lips as he felt the warm water envelop his body. You hands trailed up his torso and found refuge on the smooth surface of his shoulders, kneading gently down onto his tense muscles to release the built-up stress. Dazai’s hands held onto your hips as you let your hands trail down again and your lips pressed soft kisses on his neck and shoulders. Trails of soft whimpers escaped his pretty lips at the sensation he hadn’t felt for so long.

Unable to hold back, he cupped your cheeks and brought your face to his, clashing his lips to yours. You gasped softly when he pulled you into that passionate kiss. His tongue dragged along your bottom lip, asking for access before slipping in when you gave him permission. Your tongues danced together before you pulled away, gasping desperately for air. You pressed another chaste kiss to his lips and buried my face into the crook of his neck. The candles on the side illuminating your bodies embraced together in a warm yellow light, as you whispered:

“Happy birthday ‘Samu.”

19/6/2024

[junnieverse]

KISS AND TELL ➳ C. SOOBIN

➙ synopsis: you and soobin had been best friends for as long as you could remember and during the course of your friendship you developed a crush on him. Could confessing be the right way to go?

pairing: choi soobin x gn!reader

genre: fluff, best friends to lovers au

word count: 1.3k

warnings: not proofread so there may be a few typos I didn't notice.

"(Y/N)!!"

Not failing to recognise the voice, your door was busted open as Soobin excitedly ran into your room and leaped on top of you disrupting your once peaceful relaxation in bed.

"Geez Soob, you're so heavy dude." you groan in pain feeling his weight on you as he laughed.

Choi Soobin had been your best friend for the past eight years and over the time you managed to developed a small, tiny, itsy bitsy HUMONGOUS crush on him.

I mean who could possibly blame you, Soobin was adorable, funny, had the cutest chubby cheeks, pretty eyes, tall, handsome and had such a caring heart.

Just perfect.

"I just missed my best friend." he said giving you a tight hug not moving in the slightest no matter how much you tried pushing him off of you.

"Okay, now get off before I tickle you." you tell him still attempting to use all your strength to get him to let go.

"Say it back now or I'm not moving," he interjected as he lifts his head sticking his tongue out at you teasingly.

Feeling your cheeks heaten up at the close proximity you were both in, you mentally debate whether or not to say it back but decide to rather stay quiet having secretly enjoyed this affectionate side of his.

"So we're just gonna stay and cuddle like this?" you ask shyly as he nods with his head laid between the crook of your neck.

"Not unless you say it back, unless you didn't miss me," he tells you.

"Well ofcourse I missed you... now get off," you admit to which Soobin chuckles holding onto you even closer.

"No I'm good, it's more comfortable this way," he teases you as you only sigh in response.

It was the things like this Soobin did that made your heart want to beat right out of your chest.

He wasn't even actively flirting with you and yet he had you wrapped right around his finger.

You then slowly reached out your one hand to gently massage his head since you knew how much he enjoyed those and you both stayed laying in bed that way enjoying the comfortable silence.

Using your other free hand to busy yourself on social media, you soon found yourself scrolling through Tiktok and came across one challenge in particular which caught your attention.

'Kiss your best friend challenge'

You had seen a few people doing this challenge all over your feed, some being successful whilst others... weren't.

What was crazy was the fact that you were actually considering trying this with Soobin.

I mean there's absolutely no possible way he would even kiss back, all you were to Soobin was his best friend of many years and despite being happy with that title, you knew you wanted more out of it too.

Seemingly lost in thought, you're brought back to reality feeling Soobin poke your cheek.

"You okay? You zoned out for a good minute there," he asks poking your cheek again playfully as he showed his infamous dimpled smile.

"Huh? Oh uh, yeah, I'm okay Binnie. Just thinking." you tell him smiling softly to not worry him.

Could you ever really confess to him?

This challenge could either make or break your relationship with Soobin and you weren't sure you were ready to take that grand leap of faith that could change everything between you both.

Be it for the good or bad.

Honestly the logical side of you was saying no but your heart and intuition was saying you had to take the risk to see results.

And that's what you were going to do.

"Hey Soobin?" you called out to him as he hummed in response.

"Could I try this Tiktok with you?"

"What's the challenge?" he asks curiously sitting up as you did the same.

Setting up your ring light to use as a tripod, you then set the phone in front of where he was seated.

"Don't worry. You just need to sit next to me and look pretty like always."

You proceeded to set the timer and countdown and waited for the music.

Making your way back to him, you sit down next to Soobin and he awkwardly smiled looking at you signalling to ask what is going on.

The music started playing and you held Soobin's hands placing them around your waist as he looked at you completely confused.

"Here we go," you mumbled under your breath.

When the timing was right, you gently placed your hands on his face and leaned in to kiss him.

Just as you were prepared to pull away and deal with the rejection you were left baffled when he kissed back!

Smiling into the kiss, you felt his grip tighten around your waist as he laid you down on the bed hovering over you to deepen the kiss.

You then realise what just happened and pull away and jolt up from your position in the bed as your eyes widen in pure shock.

"W-what in the world just happened..." you mumbled to yourself as your fingers gently touched your lips.

Looking over at Soobin who was turning as red as a tomato, you excitedly hug him as he hugged you back.

Pulling away, you let out a deep breath before confessing, "I like you Soobin... a lot."

"I like you too (Y/n)... a lot." he tells you shyly as you both laugh at the turn of events.

Maybe making the Tiktok wasn't such a bad idea after all.

"How about I take you out on a real first date soon? But before that, I have a suprise for you in the kitchen." He says sheepishly smiling as he looks down.

How can someone this big be so adorable, he's such a baby.

"Well what are we waiting for then, let's go."

He then crouched in front of you and usually someone would be suprised at this but Soobin sometimes enjoyed carrying you on his back.

You then hopped on his back holding on tightly and went on your way to the kitchen.

Soobin then sat you down on the counter as he proceeded to then open the oven and showed you the tray of bread rolls.

"You made those?" you ask as the whiff of the freshly made bread hit your nose

"Yep, and obviously it wouldn't be fun to eat them alone so I thought we could enjoy them together." he says looking proud of how his baked goods turned out.

He looked through one of the cabinets searching for plates and he got two out so you could both evenly share the rolls.

You both casually conversed enjoying the bread Soobin had made and before you knew it, your plate had been cleared.

In all fairness Soobin did an amazing job, it all tasted amazing.

Although it did seem like Soobin had one left...

Slowly maneuvering your hand onto the plate whilst he wasnt paying any attention, you stole his bread roll and ran into your bedroom as he chased closely behind you managing to catch up.

"Yah! I know you stole my last bread roll!" he yelled as he tackled you trying to tickle you in an effort to get his bread.

Finally giving in, you gave Soobin his bread as you laid in bed trying to calm yourself down from all the intense laughing.

He broke the bread in half giving you a piece and he playfully rolled his eyes as you thanked him.

Placing a quick kiss to his cheek you watched him redden in suprise and you couldn't help but laugh at his reaction.

"I'm glad you did that Tiktok challenge." he says pulling you closer.

"Yeah?"

"Because now I can actually kiss you whenever I want."

Nodding in agreement you finally closed the gap between each other feeling his soft lips on yours once again.

This was a feeling you would definitely never get used to.

And it was all thanks to a Tiktok challenge.

All you had to do was kiss and tell

[aotearoa20]

Foresight Third.

//1//2//3//4//5//6//7//

There was a stranger in the nursery.

Fëanáro stood in the doorway hands clenched at his sides. He couldn’t see much of him, save that he was tall and dressed in a worn dark cloak that hung down to the floor. He smelt like blood. Every part of his being screamed danger, an inconvenient affliction that left little room to bring to mind what else to do. Little Nelya cried out and his heart went to leap from his chest. He surged forward ready to raise hell.

“Don’t.”

The stranger’s voice came out like a growl as he turned. Fëanáro had never been not one to be told what to do but his voice caught in his throat. There was a stranger in the nursery and he had his son in his arms. The baby looked tiny against his chest. He babbled softly grabbing at the intruder’s thin graying hair.

“He’s so small,” he said,not softly, “Such a beautiful baby.”

“I know. He’s mine.” Fëanáro glared, he dared not do anything else.

“You should appreciate it while it lasts,” when he smiled and the scar on his lip twisted strangely, “He’ll not be either for long.”

Fëanáro could see him properly now. He thought he might be an elf, “Who sent you? What do they want?”

He could think of any number of people who’d had reason to come after his own. He could think of none who would sink such treachery. His mind brushed quickly upon the thought of Nolofinwë before dismissing it out of hand. He was too dull for blackmail and far too enamoured with Maitimo to threaten him.

The stranger merely hummed in response, rocking the child gently. He steps towards the window. The light of the trees brushed the shadows off his cheeks and he grimaced. It was as though the air itself was burning. Fëanáro is so aware of the distance between his boy and the window. He inched forward again.

“Please,” he winced, not intending to sound so desperate, “Give him to me.”

The stranger was still staring out at the glowing streets of Tirion. Fëanáro took another step and he sighed. There is a look on his face, tired, like those of the Journey.

“Who are you, what - what do you want?”

The figure turned, leaning against the sill, and regarded him a moment. He opened his mouth as if to reply but Maitimo started babbling up at him, catching them both off guard. He chuckled, electing to ignore the Prince and focus entirely on the nonsense sounds the child was happily spewing.

“Indeed, is that so little one,” He smiled and nods sagely, as the child continued to babble, “Uh huh, of course. Well aren’t you your father’s child. So many words, so little time. You must be careful, you know, people will listen to them.”

He looked up then at Fëanáro. Grave eyes staring right past his fëa and for a moment Fëanáro cannot think to breathe. He is pinned down like a butterfly under glass. Silver eyes like his father’s in shape as well. There is recognition there and… pain, such pain.

“Who are you?” He asked again, terrified of the answer.

When the stranger laughed, it sounded like a foxes scream. With a clumsy movement, for he holds the child in one arm only, he offers him to him and Fëanaro snatches him into his arms. Tears blur his vision as he buries his son’s face against his chest. The baby squeaks that the sudden movement though settles quite happily a moment later.

“I wouldn’t hurt him.” There is a poorly veiled hurt in his voice. Suddenly the great presence that shrouded the elf seemed far less foreboding and mighty.

“I know,” he reaches his free hand out. The elf froze as his fingers brush the edges of his cheek. He saw it now, clearer and clearer. Echoes of Nerdanel, echoes of himself in his face. He reaches up to pull Fëanáro’s hand away, but the prince grabs his wrist and lets out a frail breath. There were scars that ran like pale webbing all across his face, but the burns on the palm of his hand looked agonising and red. They must cause him great torment and yet he had been holding the child the whole time.

“Maitimo,” he said softly and the boy shuddered, “it is you, isn’t it?”

Maedhros stares down at his scarred hand, “Not really. Not anymore.”

Fëanáro felt the air rush out of his lungs. Not even at sight the wraith that was his child but the mirthless smile that adorned his face. There was no life in his eyes, no hope. Everything in him wanted rush forward and wrap the boy in his embrace but fear he could not put into words kept him back.

“What happened?”

Fëanáro watches a million thoughts flicker over his face. He doesn’t answer and familiar, irrational thoughts creeped into his mind as they always do. This was you, they say, as he stares at his son. He shakes his head, he waited for Nelya to deny it but he still says nothing. Why isn’t he saying anything?

“I’m sorry,” he said at last, his hand twitched at his side but he didn’t reach over, “I tried.”

The baby in his arms squealed. Fëanor looked down on his little face for but a moment when he turned back he was gone. Maitimo is mumbling again. Outside the sounds of the courtyard, filtered back into the bedroom. Light shone from the trees and few stars still visible so close to them. But a shadow fell over his heart that did not leave him even as he convinced himself the phantom to be nothing more than a dream.

[duckymcdoorknob]

𝓣𝓲𝓬𝓴𝓵𝓮𝓽𝓸𝓫𝓮𝓻 𝓓𝓪𝔂 1: 𝓐𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓬𝓲𝓹𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷

SEND FUCKING HELP I FLUSTERED MYSELF WRITING THIS

Tags @undercovergamer @ticklish-n-stuff @chrimsss

—This do have tickles under the cut—

Aether should have known better than to challenge Itto in, well, anything. After all, as the old saying goes, never poke a sleeping, erm, oni... The blonde was currently running through the fields of Narukami island, Itto hot on his heels.

“Get back here, you little brat! You can’t escape the wrath of numero uno!” Itto roared, effortlessly hurdling tree stumps and leaping across rocks.

“I didn’t mean it, I didn’t mean it!” the traveler whined in reply, keeping an eye on his footing.

In all reality, there wasn’t a bone in Aether’s body that anticipated Itto actually harming him. But, maybe he should have thought a bit before he said that the oni was a bad TCG player…

“Oh yeeeeaaaah sure! Didn’t mean it my left- WAH!”

Aether snapped his head backwards to see that the oni had overlooked a small stone, and he was now face-down in the grass.

“Haha! Smell ya later- woAH-“

Before he could realize, the blonde toppled onto the grass, using his hands to break his fall. Ouch… As he attempted to scramble to his feet, he felt a weight press onto the center of his back.

When his head whipped around, the traveler was met by an amused snort from Ushi, the very same “obstacle” that he had tripped over.

“Ushi! How could you just betray me like this, after everything we’ve been through?!” Aether whined as he tried to push himself upward.

“Haha! Good boy, Ushi! Who’s my widdle babywaby abuubuubuubuububbah-“

The traveler couldn’t help but snort at the incoherent baby talk that was being vested upon the animal atop of his back.

“Oh? Is something funny, mister tough guy? Huh? Got anymore zingers for me n’ Ushi? Eh?” Itto interrogated, effortlessly lifting the little bull, and flipping the blonde over to face him.

Aether squeaked at how easily the oni flipped him, glowing red when both of his arms were pinned above his head with great ease.

“Ohhhh? Someone’s embarrassed, how adorable!” Itto cooed as he pinched the traveler’s left cheek.

The blonde giggled a bit in nervousness from the contact, squirming in the white-haired male’s hold.

“Ohohoho! Got a case of the giggles, traveler? I know juuuuuust the cure!”

The oni formed his right hand into a claw and wiggled his fingers above Aether’s neck. The swordsman squeaked and giggled once more, attempting to wiggle away from the threatening claw.

“No? You don’t want your giggles to go away? Aww, soooo sad. I guess we’ll have to get you to the doctor then!” The oni stuck his lip out and pretended to pour as his fingers continued to wiggle above the traveler’s body.

He moved his hand downward toward the blonde’s middle, coming dangerously close to touching.

“Ihihihittohoho!”

“Hmm?”

“Stahahahap thahahat!” Aether whined as he tried to wriggle a hand free, the ghost tickles not giving him any mercy.

“I haven’t even touched you yet!”

“Ihihi cahahan feheheel ihihihit! Stahaha-AGH Stahahappihihihit!”

“What do you mean? Stop what? I’m not even doing anything!” Itto rebutted as he repeatedly inched his hands closer and then recoiled, accentuating his teases as he dipped dangerously close to Aether’s bare stomach. “Ooooh, Itto’s gonna gETCha! Ohhhh yES he is! Ohhhhhh he’s gonna gETCha!”

The traveler whined incoherently as his giggles grew in volume and his squirms were more desperate. “Ihihihitto! Plehehehehease! I cahahant tahahahake ihihihit!”

“Please what? You gotta tell me what to do, or else you’ll never be free from the wrath of numero uno!”

“Gohohods- juhuhust dohohoho it ahahalreheheady!”

“Oh? What am I gonna do?”

The traveler whined through his giggles as itto’s hand got closer and closer to his bare stomach…

“You want me to… tickle ya? Huh? Want me to get my revenge so bad? You must love it, how adooooorable!don’t worry, Itto’s gonna getcha, ohh yes he is!”

“IHIHIHITTOHOHO!” The blonde’s face were as red as the fresh dendrobium that had toppled out of his bag. “JUHUHUST TIHIHICKLE MEHEHE ALREHEHEADY!”

“Oh, tickle you? You’ve got it, traveler!” With a Cheshire grin, the oni released Aether’s arms and used both hands to gently squeeze at the blonde’s stomach.

The traveler squealed as he regretted his words, hands instantly shooting down to grab the Oni’s wrists. “WAITWAITWAITWAHAHAHAIT! IHIHIHI LIHIHIHIED! IHIHIHITTOHOHO!”

“No waiting now! I thought you wanted me to tickle you so bad? If you’d like, we can go back to the game we played before!” The oni chirped, continuing his gentle, ticklish assault on the poor traveler.

“HYEHEHEHAHAHA! IHIHIHITTOHOHOHO! WAHAHAHAIT!” The blonde shrieked as the ticklish squeezes on his right side switched to gentle pinching around his belly button. “HOHOHOHOLD OHOHOHON!”

The oni paused and let Aether regain his wind. “You okay, little buddy?”

“Y-Yeah. Just, uh… just a bit flustered. Give me a minute to cool off.” The traveler admitted, ears burning a fiery pink.

“Oh you are just so freakin’ cute-“ Itto gushed as he gave a little prod to the blonde’s side.

After a few moments, Aether nodded, resulting in another toothy grin from the oni.

“Just tell me to stop whenever you need a break, cause this oni is getting his proper revenge.” With a swift movement, Aether found his arms pinned above his head once more. “And we ain’t stopping till I’m the one outta breath.”

The traveler rued the day he ever made the teasing comment toward the oni the second he felt Itto’s lips blow a raspberry on the side of his belly button. He threw his head back and shrieked as he realized he had a longggg way to go.

Aether and his big mouth…

🎃————♡︎✞♡︎✞♡︎✞♡︎✞♡︎✞♡︎✞♡︎✞♡︎✞♡︎✞♡︎————🎃

[foxymoxynoona]

Amended Drabble but it’s just morning snuggles in bed with the kids and them being all domestic and the cutest!!!

Story: Amended Characters: Jungkook & Isabella and kids Words: 1630 Cw: fluff fluff fluff

Jungkook rolled over, half awake, just enough to realize something lumpy was behind him and he shouldn’t crush it. He rolled the other way instead, but something heavy on his feet tangled them up in the blankets. He hated his feet being tangled in blankets and tried to kick them off.

“Stop kicking me,” Ezra complained. Confused, Jungkook lifted his head from the pillow. The middle schooler stretched clean across the foot of the bed, no pillow, but the Switch tucked up in his arms, leading Jungkook to the conclusion he’d come in here to play video games and fallen back asleep. Why in the world he’d come to their bed to do so was beyond his understanding, considering there was an entire house full of beds, couches, chairs, and beanbags.

The lump his instincts had told him not to crush let out a sleepy sigh and shifted, one little foot flopping dangerously close to Jungkook’s crotch. The attention he focused on bending his knees and grabbing her foot to protect himself left his face open to her fists flung out, one of which connected cleanly with his cheek. The other tangled itself in Isabella’s hair, still sound asleep on Lily’s other side. A small pool of drool leaked from Isabella’s mouth to pillow, a testament to how deeply she slept in the windows between Kai’s bottle feedings. Of course Jungkook took half of them, and he was sleeping a whole four hours now in between bottles, but Isabella had never once slept through even a sniffle even when it was Jungkook’s turn to get up. 

As if cued, a little chirp and squeal came from the co-sleeping crib nestled against Isabella’s side of the bed. Jungkook saw Kai’s little feet lift into the air followed by chubby little hands not quite reaching his own toes. He’d been working on that for a few days now, trying to grab hold of those deliciously thick little feeties. Jungkook could understand, he grabbed them and nibbled every chance he got, much to Kai’s delight. He finally understood why people were always doing that. How could you resist?

Before he could even think of reaching for Kai, Isabella sat up –eyes still closed– and pulled Kai from the crib. Kai chirped happily and grabbed at her face. 

Also with her eyes still closed, Lily offered, “I want to hold the baby.”

“Huh?” 

“Stop kicking me,” Ezra said again, even though no one was. He rolled over, only to let out a yell as he nearly fell off the foot of the bed. Gidget sprinted over to lick his face and Ezra rolled further up the bed, sputtering.

“Here, Bella, I’ll take him, you go back to sleep,” Jungkook offered, reaching past Lily’s grabbing hands to take Kai. Isabella handed him over and Jungkook felt himself fully awaken at the bright smile from his son. “Are you going to be a morning person?” he asked the baby, amused at the sharp contrast between Kai’s total alertness and the other three lumps in the bed. 

“I’ll hold him,” Lily said again. She sat up but wasn’t quite awake enough yet and wound up just wrapping her arms around Kai and Jungkook both. Isabella blinked and reached out to rub Lily’s back as Ezra rolled further intentionally.

Suddenly Gidget jumped up onto the bed and pounced right on Ezra’s stomach. He oomph and nudged Gidget away with a, “Down, Gidget.”

“Off, pup,” Jungkook added. Gidget was not supposed to ever be in the bed, now that Kai was here. But Gidget was in the bed, and the realization of this alongside maybe recognition that Jungkook’s hands were full and everyone else was too slow to shove her off yet awakened a fire in Gidget. She began to leap around the bed, landing on arms, legs, stomachs, rolling into everyone as so many bodies twisted beneath the sheets, everyone shouting at her to cut it out.

Isabella managed to grab hold of Gidget and while selfishly Jungkook thought Gidget must be a little jealous not to be in his lap, she actually seemed quite happy to lick the bottom of Isabella’s chin as Bella stifled a yawn. 

“Hi Kai. Morning Kai. Morning baby Kai,” Lily murmured, sliding around Jungkook’s lap so she could wedge in more comfortably. Kai immediately grabbed at her eyes, not the most fun habit he’d developed recently. Lily just twisted her face into Jungkook’s shoulder and Kai turned up to grab at Jungkook’s, settling for flicking his hands against Jungkook’s mouth.

Ezra squirmed up to take Lily’s abandoned space and admitted, “I’m stuck on my level, can you help me? Don’t do it for me but just help me figure out what to do.”

“Oh is that why you’re in here?”

“Yeah but then I was tired and I just went back to sleep,” he said, eyes drifting closed again as he scratched Gidget’s head. “Lily was snoring and everyone was so cozy.”

“I don’t snore,” Lily complained and tried to kick him. Gidget thought it meant time to play and attempted to squirm out of Isabella’s arms and pounce on the moving blankets, but just tripped over Ezra’s legs. Kai giggled and managed to hook his fingers into Jungkook’s mouth and when he rushed to pry them out, he didn’t realize that pulling his arm away from Lily would send her tumbling to the ground.

“AGH!” she cried, laughing as she scrambled back onto the bed. Kai had a fierce grip on Jungkook’s lip, like a little lobster, so Jungkook couldn’t even apologize right away, but Gidget had already rushed to comfort Lily, licking her face and nearly ball-crushing both Jungkook and Ezra in the process. Isabella let out a noisy yawn and rolled onto her side, away from everyone, as if she would just go right back to sleep.

“OK everyone pile on mommy,” Jungkook decided. She started laughing even before anyone moved, despite how quick the kids were to take Jungkook’s suggestion to heart. Ezra threw an arm and leg over her to spoon, Lily slithered across them both like a snake, Gidget plowed her way across the pillows to lick Isabella’s ear, and Jungkook settled Kai in front of Isabella so she could get the full power of his little coos and smiles as he reached for her eyeballs. Isabella caught his hands quickly though, and kissed his knuckles while also grabbing Lily and trying to tickle Ezra with her foot. The volume of giggles and puppy barks shattered the final remnants of morning sleepiness. Kai wasn’t quite audibly laughing yet but his little coos had already changed the soundtrack of the family and maybe it wouldn’t be long before his laughter became a part of these mornings too.

Free of everyone, Jungkook enjoyed a big stretch and a noisy yawn and pushed from the bed, “Ok, guess I’ll go for a run or something since Isabella’s got the kids–”

“No, we need breakfast!” Lily cried, clambering off of her mother. Isabella grunted at the impact. 

“What about my game?” Ezra added, sitting up to dig for the Switch in the blankets. 

Gidget took a flying leap off the bed and danced around Jungkook’s feet as if to say You better be taking me on that run!

Isabella just sat up, pulling Kai to her chest, and arched her eyebrow at Jungkook, not even dignifying his joke with a response. Obviously he wasn’t going to just peace out on his family. He didn’t run much these days and eyed the scale nervously, but there just wasn’t the time to work out as much as he used to and if that meant he put on a few “new baby” pounds in order not to miss a moment in these early days, so be it. 

“All right all right, breakfast and video games. Want me to take Kai too so you can wash up?” Jungkook asked, holding his hands out for his son.

“What’s that supposed to mean? Wash up for what?” Isabella asked, narrowing her eyes.

“You had a little… little bit of drool here while you were sleeping,” he teased, scratching at the side of his own mouth. Isabella kept Kai but did throw a pillow at him as Lily and Ezra laughed about their parents teasing each other. 

“I’ll take eggs with my toast,” Isabella informed him. “Make a pot of coffee too and cut up some fruit?” She gave him a sassy look, as if taunting to see how he’d respond to the bossing around. But she was so soft looking with her messy hair and puffy face and sleepy eyes and their baby boy suddenly fixated on the necklace she’d slept in, probably too tired to remember to take it off. Picture-perfect family.

“As you wish,” he grinned with a low bow.

“I want Nutella on my toast,” Lily announced, while Ezra added, “I want bacon too. But hold the coffee.”

“Ok wait, I’m not actually a line-cook here. You’re both helping me.” He began to walk, leaving Isabella to change Kai. It was only a matter of time before Kai demanded his bottle, so Jungkook needed to get the water heating anyway. Ezra and Lily and Gidget all migrated with him, bickering about breakfast but in a light-hearted, playful way. They would help a little, then get distracted and wander off, pulled into games or books or other trains of thought. Jungkook would forget to start the coffee but Isabella would do it without complaining. They’d all look at the deep snow outside and debate whether it was worth bundling up to play in or if they’d be better off staying inside by the fire. The weeks were busy but on this cozy Sunday, they had no plans until dinner with his family, and so the morning could stretch out as long as they wanted to. It was perfect, even when Jungkook overcooked the eggs.

[dc-and-arfrona]

Brewed

—-

Jason Todd x GN!Reader

Type: Fluff

Word Count: 1.2k+

Masterlist

Summary: You’re a local friendly barista.

—

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as Jason stepped into the cozy café. The place was a haven, a respite from the chaos that defined their life as the Red Hood. As they approached the counter, their gaze fell upon you—the barista with a smile that could brighten even the darkest of nights.

"Hey there," you greeted, your voice warm and welcoming. "What can I get for you today?"

Jason couldn't help but feel a flicker of intrigue as they met your eyes. "Just a black coffee, please," they replied, their voice tinged with a hint of curiosity.

With practiced ease, you prepared their order, the rich aroma wafting through the air as you handed them the steaming cup. "Here you go. Enjoy."

As the days turned into weeks, Jason found themself drawn to the café, unable to resist the magnetic pull of your presence. Your conversations were fleeting yet meaningful, laced with humor and genuine interest. In those brief encounters, they found solace—a respite from the relentless battles that plagued their nights.

"You're becoming a regular," you remarked with a smile, as you handed them their usual black coffee.

Jason's lips curved into a smirk, their eyes twinkling with a mix of amusement and something else—a flicker of warmth. "Guess I can't resist the coffee or the company."

In that moment, an unspoken connection formed between you—a shared understanding that went beyond words. The café became more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee—it became a sanctuary where two souls found solace in each other's presence.

Days turned into weeks, and your encounters with Jason at the café became the highlight of both your days. However, as feelings began to bloom, Jason couldn't help but feel a sense of nervousness whenever they approached the café.

One afternoon, as you stood behind the counter, Roy, another regular customer, approached Jason with a mischievous grin. "Hey, Jaybird, I've noticed you've been spending a lot of time here. Got your eye on someone, don't you?"

Jason rolled his eyes, trying to play it cool. "What are you talking about, Roy? I just like the coffee."

Roy chuckled, seeing right through Jason's act. "Uh-huh, sure you do. But I've seen the way you look at them, the way you light up when they're around. You've got it bad, my friend."

Jason's cheeks flushed slightly, a mix of embarrassment and a realization dawning on him. "Yeah, maybe... maybe I do. They're just... different, you know? They make me feel something I haven't felt in a long time."

Roy nudged him playfully. "Well, it's about time, Jay. Life's too short to let love pass you by. Maybe it's time to take a leap and see where it goes."

Jason's gaze drifted back to where you stood, your attention focused on another customer. The nerves gnawed at him, but he knew Roy was right. It was time to confront his feelings and take a chance.

Later that day, Jason found himself standing outside the café, taking a deep breath to steady his racing heart. He glanced at his reflection in a nearby window, adjusting his appearance, an unconscious effort to present himself in the best possible light.

As he entered the café, his eyes sought you out—your smile, your laughter—everything that made his heart flutter. The nervousness gripped him, but he couldn't let it hold him back any longer.

You looked up from behind the counter, a radiant smile lighting up your face. "Hey, Jason! The usual?"

Jason approached the counter, his voice filled with a mix of anticipation and vulnerability. "Actually, can I try something different today? Surprise me."

Your eyes sparkled with intrigue. "Sure thing. I've got just the thing in mind."

As you prepared the drink, Jason watched you with fascination, his heart pounding in his chest. He admired the way you moved with grace, the way your eyes lit up when you added the final touch. The nerves began to ease, replaced by a sense of anticipation and hope.

Finally, you placed the drink in front of him—a masterpiece in a cup. The rich aroma tantalized his senses, and he couldn't help but be amazed by your creativity.

"What's this?" Jason asked, curiosity lacing his voice.

You smiled, your gaze meeting his. "It's a blend of bold espresso, infused with a touch of sweetness and a hint of cinnamon. I call it the 'Courageous Heart.'"

Jason's eyes widened, the name resonating with him. He took a sip, the flavors dancing on his tongue—a perfect reflection of the complexities within him. "This... this is amazing," he said, his voice filled with gratitude.

You leaned closer, your voice gentle. "I wanted to capture the essence of who you are, Jason—the strength and resilience, the layers of sweetness beneath the surface. It's my way of saying I see you, and I appreciate everything that makes you who you are."

Jason's heart swelled with warmth, a realization settling deep within his being. This café, this drink, and most importantly, you—they had become a beacon of light in his life, offering him love and acceptance.

The next day, Jason walked in ready. Well, nervous… but ready.

Jason stood outside the café, his heart pounding in his chest. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. Why was he so jittery? It was just a simple visit to see you, the person who had captured his thoughts and sparked something new within him.

But it was precisely that thought that made him nervous. The idea of something new, something different—it both excited and scared him. He had faced countless dangers, but this vulnerability, this opening of his heart, was an entirely different battle.

Pushing aside his doubts, Jason steeled himself and stepped inside the café. As his eyes landed on you behind the counter, a smile brightened your face. His nerves eased slightly, comforted by the familiarity of your warm presence.

"Hey, Jason! The usual?" you asked, your voice filled with warmth.

He nodded, trying to appear composed even as his heart raced. "Yeah, the usual sounds great."

As you prepared his coffee, Jason couldn't help but steal glances, admiring the way your eyes sparkled and the way your smile reached your eyes. The nerves slowly melted away, replaced by a growing sense of comfort and belonging.

Handing him the cup, you met his gaze, a hint of curiosity in your eyes. "You seem a little different today. Everything okay?"

Jason's lips curved into a small, genuine smile. "Just a little nervous, I guess," he admitted, his voice laced with vulnerability. "Being here with you... it's starting to mean a lot more to me than I expected."

Your expression softened, a gentle understanding in your eyes. "I feel the same way, Jason," you confessed softly. "This connection we have—it's special. And it's okay to be nervous. It means we're opening ourselves up to something beautiful."

His nerves eased further, replaced by a warmth that spread through his entire being. "You're right," he murmured, his gaze locked with yours. "I'm ready for this, for us."

In that moment, the café transformed into a haven where their love story blossomed—a place where two souls, brought together by chance and fueled by bravery, found solace in each other's embrace.

[whatwouldvalerydo]

Stargazing

Last day for @hphm-ship-week and what a blast this has been. Thank you for hosting this wonderful challenge. For the last day we come full circle in this mini three part fic with Felix Rosier and Talia.

Trigger Warning: mild swearing, smoking, drinking, memories of past war

The fire in the middle of the camp was almost out, a few embers still trying to power through. The men were back in their tents after loud talks and alcohol, happy to catch up with Talia. As people started going to bed, their cheeks red and belies hurting from laughing so much, silence slowly tried to creep back into the camp.

But Felix did not go back to his tent. After a quick small hike up some rocks, he just stood there with a bottle from his expensive stash and a fresh pack of cigarettes, looking up at the stars, tracking their known patterns with his eyes as he soaked up the calm atmosphere.

Talia saw him retreat, making a poor excuse at that of being too tired, but decided to let him be for a while longer, until the crowd slowly dissolved. It was easier to talk to him when it was just the two of them.

“Room for one more up there?”

He wanted to ask how she knew he was up there, but he did not. Let the question roll inside his head and then dissolve like the smoke leaving his lips. Nodding, he watched her carefully make her way up on the rocks, taking his hand when he offered it, to make the final leap.

Sitting down on the cool rock, she breathed in and exhaled loudly, a sigh forming from her lungs, eyes closing as she relaxed.

It was odd in a sense, seeing her at the Sanctuary once more. She had hated it so much when she first came. Everything about it made her wrinkle her nose and she would be shut in for days on end in her tent. Away from the men, the elements of nature, the changing seasons.

“I missed you.” He wanted to say, as if the power of those words was enough to bring her back, make her stay, restore the fragile balance of their lives. Instead, he took a swing from the bottle and handed it over for her to drink as well.

He said his piece, long ago, in a letter before he went to join the Death Eaters. No amount of words would be enough to make Talia Crane stay where she did not wish to be.

“How are you getting along?” he finally asked as to not drag the silence between them any longer.

Tipping the bottle back to him, she leaned in, grabbing the cigarette from his hand, smirking “Next question Felix.”

“That bad huh?” he scoffed “How is everyone?”

Taking a drag, she watched the smoke drifting off into the distance “You’ll have to be a bit more specific, I happen to know a great deal of people.”

Felix frowned, then set the bottle between them. Maybe he wanted to know about how others were doing, maybe he did not. He was just trying to keep the conversation going. Because as much as he loved the silence, he did not like the silence between them. So he needed to speak, to say something, get something out of her.

Yet he just shrugged and asked another question “What are you really doing here?”

“What, am I banned from the sanctuary now?”

He glanced over at her, eyes wide before he narrowed them, noting she was just taking the piss “Sod off Talia. I am not in the mood.”

Her expression changed, smile faltering. Extinguishing the cigarette she stole, she extended her hand out, fingers raking through his hair “Talk to me Felix, tell me how I can help.”

“This is not on you.” He replied far too harshly, but it was out, he said it and he meant it. It was not on her. This was not something she could fix, she could not bloody fix him.

She continued to play with his hair, the sensation relaxing him “I know, but that doesn’t mean I won’t try. I know you don’t say much in your letters, or don’t want to, but I hope you know I’ll listen.” He turned his head to look at her, her eyes softening “And I hope you know I came here for you.”

“Because Charlie put you up to it.” He said taking her hand from his hair. He wanted to hold it, hold her, but he reluctantly let go.

“Was honestly hoping you would take some vacation and come back. See to the Rosier house, but you always did manage to evade the subject even when asked a direct question.”

“That is not my home.”

She offered a small nod “I know, I said house, not home.”

“I have enough money, I do not need it.”

“I know that too.”

And then he said it “I do not want to go back to England soon. I am…” the word refused to form, but he forced it out nonetheless “ashamed.”

He half expected her to say he had nothing to be ashamed of, he knew people have done much worse in times of war. At least he had the guts to stand up for something, against them, he still had that to fuel his pride. He then expected her to pity him, but that was something she was not familiar with when it came to humans.

“No one asks survivors what they had to do in order to stay alive. No one cares or they simply don’t want to know because they are well aware it’s fucking gruesome. They called us heroes when we were nothing but broken pieces of who we once were and we might never recover.” She took his hand into hers, force behind her eyes making him look at her. See her once more, for she was just as broken and beaten “We force each day, in and out like some sort of repentance. Because we can’t fail, not now after all that we survived right?”

Felix felt his chest tightening as he listened to her.

“I’m not forcing you, I just want to make sure you know I’m here if you need me. When you need me.”

He wanted to smile at her, to reassure her, tell Talia it would all be alright. That he was strong on his own and he would pull through. But her hand in his was like a safe line and once she would let go and go back to England, she would once again be far away in a land he once called home, now just a bad dream.

“I know all that Talia.” Gently caressing her hand, he looked up at the sky “But the ways I want and need you are different from your wants and desires. They always have been. You so close, right in front of me, but at the same time so far away, unobtainable.”

“Is that what I’m to you, unobtainable?”

He still had not let go of her hand and Talia did not pull away from his touch, but Felix still nodded “Just like the stars in the sky. Even up here, so close to them, they are still so far away.”

She suppressed a giggle, but he could still find the mirth in her voice when she spoke “But I’m here, not up there.”

“For now.” Letting go of her hand, he busied himself with the bottle “But I am not like Talbott, I will not force you one place or another.” There it was. What he did not wish to say, still out, his loathing for the man that held Talia’s heart evident.

“What does Talbott have anything to do with anything? You must be barking mad Felix, certainly.” She leaned forward, silent for a moment, before laughter erupted from her “He left for Hogwarts last fall to be a professor, he’s not in London anymore.”

His brows knit together, Felix trying to recall their letters. There was most definitely few talk about Talbott, however he just figured she wanted to spare him from hearing about his latest endeavors.

“And trust me Felix, no one can force me to do anything anymore. I decide. Free of my parents, may they rot in Hell or wherever they went. Free to do whatever the fuck I want.”

“Poetic.” He finally laughed.

“Always have been, you’re just too much of a snob to appreciate it.”

Giving the bottle to her, he shook his head “Perhaps, or perhaps I am still trying to figure you out Talia.”

She looked up at the stary sky, smiling “There’s time, we have all the time in the world Felix.” Resting her head against his shoulder, the silence suddenly didn’t appear as loud as they sat under the blanket of stars, eyes set on them, waiting for one to fall through the dark sky, a wish towards something better.

[baileypie-writes]

Can you please do a Westar x reader x soular fluff

A/N ~ Sure! Hope you enjoy!

~A Couch Not Meant For Three~

Westar x GN!Reader x Soular

~~~🍩~~~🍩~~~🍩~~~

Fandom: Fresh Precure!

Fanfic Type: Oneshot

Reader: Gender neutral

Relationship: Romantic, throuple, polyamorous

Genre: Fluff

Word Count: 933

Synopsis: One thing about being in a relationship with two guys, is that not everyone can fit perfectly on your couch when you all want to sit together. But you decide that it’s not exactly a bad thing.

Warnings: Cheesy, kind of uneventful but in a relaxing way, possibly OOC characters?

~Masterlists~

~Fresh Precure! Masterlist~

~~~🍩~~~🍩~~~🍩~~~

You sat comfortably on your couch, searching for a specific movie to watch. You were nearly finished typing the movie title on the search bar of the TV. Your finger was beginning to tire out from pressing the buttons on the remote so much. But at last, you saw the movie you desired as a result. After letting out a sigh of relief, you clicked on it.

Now, all you had to do was wait for your boyfriends to get there. Judging by their previous trips, it wouldn’t be much longer. Which was a bit humorous, considering that they lived in an entirely different world.

Almost as if you had summoned them, a knock came from the front door. You leaped up excitedly from the couch, rushing to answer it. As expected, when you opened it, Westar and Soular were on the other side. They were holding hands, though Westar let go to give you a bone-crushing hug.

“Hey (name)!” He greeted happily.

“Hey guys.” You struggled to get out. Soular chuckled at this, and placed a hand on Westar’s shoulder.

“Westar, if you don’t loosen that hug, we may no longer have a partner.” He joked.

He quickly let go of you, stepping back to ensure that you were alright. “Sorry!” He apologized.

“It’s alright.” You laughed. You walked over to Soular, giving him a hug as well. Not usually a big hugger, he patted your back lightly as a way of reciprocating. “You guys ready? I already have the food prepared.”

“Yeah! I can’t wait to see what movies on Earth are like!” Westar said.

“Yes, I agree.” Soular chimed in.

You led them inside your house, and into the living room. The cover of the movie was displayed on the screen of the TV, and they took a moment to look at it. “Hmm. This looks like it could be interesting.” Soular stated.

“Yeah, what’s it about?” Westar asked.

“You’ll have to wait and find out! Sit down, I’ll grab the popcorn.” You motioned to the couch, and left to go to the kitchen. The men obeyed, sitting down closely next to each other.

After you returned, they looked at each other, almost speaking telepathically. They then scooted to opposite ends of the couch, leaving a space for you in between them. “Oh, you want me in the middle?” You said.

“It’s only fair. This is your house.” Soular inquired. Westar nodded in agreement.

“Alright then.” You said, and sat between them. It was not a perfect fit at all. “Huh. Looks like my couch was not meant for three people.” You laughed.

“It’s alright. Now we’re extra close!” Westar playfully nuzzled into your neck, making you laugh yet again.

“But are you sure you guys are good with this? What about you, Soular?” You asked, knowing too much physical contact can make him a bit uncomfortable.

“I’m fine. It’s not too bad.” He smiled lightly.

“Alight then.” You shrugged. You began looking around for the remote, not remembering where you set it down earlier.

“Here you go, darling.” Soular said, handing it to you.

“Oh, thanks!” You gave him a kiss on the cheek. And to make sure Westar felt loved too, you gave him one as well, to which he happily chuckled at.

“This movie is my favorite! I can’t wait to see what you think.” You said, before turning on the movie. Soular leaned back and relaxed, while Westar leaned forward in anticipation.

~~~~

All throughout the movie, you watched the boys’ reactions to certain moments. You wanted to know if they were enjoying it. It seemed like they did, as Westar laughed at all the funny parts, and Soular made his “thinking face” during important parts. Both seemed interested in the plot, so you were glad.

As the movie went on, you couldn’t help but notice the space between you and the boys getting smaller and smaller. I mean, there wasn’t much to begin with, but they seemed to be scooting closer as time went by. Eventually, all of you sat shoulder to shoulder. It felt like you were in a can of sardines. But you didn’t dislike it. In fact, being squished between your boyfriends was quite enjoyable.

Soular eventually reached for your hand, which you gladly gave. His gloved fingers interlocked with yours, and you felt his thumb rub the back of your palm. You decided to let Westar in on the affection, so you took his hand too. He chuckled, and rested his head on yours.

~~~~

Eventually, the movie was over, and the credits began rolling. You looked at the empty popcorn bowl in your lap, and sighed. “Guess I better go take care of this.”

“No, stay here a bit longer.” Westar whined, putting more of his weight on you. Soular laughed, leaning on you as well to make sure you couldn’t get up.

“Well, I guess I have to now.” You said in a false annoyed tone. You smiled, gripping the boys’ hands tighter. “I love you guys.”

“I love you guys too!” Said Westar, and gave both you and Soular a quick peck on the cheek.

“Me too.” Soular agreed.

You had no idea how you got so lucky to have two loving boyfriends, but you were thankful. And they were too. And that moment, nobody had any plans on getting up from that undersized couch anytime soon. Even though you were all squished together tightly, it wasn’t uncomfortable. In fact, you all enjoyed it. And you decided right then and there that you were never getting rid of that couch.

~~~🍩~~~🍩~~~🍩~~~

~~baileypie-writes

[sexysilverstrider]

SGAO | Unrequited Destiny 5

   In life, Suguri ever wondered if he deserved some semblance of happiness.

   He couldn’t remember how long he had his parents, but he remembered sitting in a big room filled with quiet sobs and pitiful prayers. He remembered clutching onto his grandmother’s dress, hiding his face and whimpering in sorrowful confusion. He remembered seeing his sister’s back as she held their grandfather’s hand. He saw that her little hand was shaking. Her heavy head hung low. People who were dressed in black sometimes came to them, and Suguri did all that he could to dig his face deeper into his grandmother’s dress.

   He remembered seeing an altar. Placed on it were pictures of his beloved parents.

   Suguri couldn’t remember much, but he remembered crying, asking for his parents.

   As he grew up, reality sank in and he had to use that knowledge to forge a shield for a stronger self. It was hard. Unbearable. Yet their grandparents’ love and his sister’s strength helped him believe that all that was lost would be returned with something better.

   He believed that. He wanted to believe that.

   But as he grew up. As life continued to move on—sometimes leaving him behind—Suguri had to learn that the shield he had for himself wasn’t strong enough.

   People often say that he didn’t talk much. He didn’t know what to say. They all approached him with the intention that he should start the conversation. And when he didn’t? Most either shook their heads in awkward disappointment or shrugged away in blatant annoyance. While the older natives of Kitakami were much more sympathetic, much kinder, others outside of his hometown were proven to be the opposite.

   “You don’t talk much, huh.”

   “Here I thought Zeiyu’s little brother would be scary like her.”

   “Come on, speak up!”

   For a year since he enrolled in Blueberry Academy, it had been nothing but taunts and jeers of his wellbeing. The bullying came off as obvious at first, then quieted down immediately once Zeiyu got knowledge of it and taught them all a lesson. While the situation had calmed down, Suguri couldn’t help but notice that people would always, always paint him as the weak boy who sought safety from his big sister.

   The teachers were nicer, more understanding, but he knew they expected more from him. His classmates were patient with him at best, and ignored him at worst. Only his sister’s friends were caring enough to interact with him on a daily basis, and Suguri wholly believed that they were like that because they were Zeiyu’s friends.

   He never had any true friends. One that he could call his own. Even if the intention was there, the desire would then be halted by sheer fear. He couldn’t bear to have others deride him again. He couldn’t bear to see others smile pitifully at his poor, meek self.

   So, he stayed in solitude. He remained quiet in the protective shadow of his sister. He remained silent amongst a sea of people who towered intimidatingly above him. He had his Pokémon after all. And his grandparents. And his sister. Those should be enough to sustain his life on this earth. Those should be enough to make him believe he was happy. Right?

   “And what better way to get to know someone is through a battle.”

   Suguri wondered if he truly deserved some semblance of happiness.

   It was as if a spell had put him in a trance. During their first battle, his eyes gleamed to see exhilaration radiating from the girl. Even when her team’s skills and strength fared far, far better than his own, she never showed signs of holding back. The battle was fair and square, and Aoi’s confident tone made his heart leap to his throat. Every breath he took was stilled immediately every time they locked eyes. Every command she delivered displayed a sense of authority and assurance that flushed his cheeks red. His heartbeat raced, faster and faster, and the boy confusingly thought that he was merely enjoying the high of the battle.

   Suguri actually loved battling, and to see Aoi’s burning confidence only ignited his love for it—as well as love for someone who was starting to take root in his heart.

   And then he lost.

   It was to be expected. Zeiyu lost to Aoi. It wouldn’t make sense for him to suddenly claim victory against her.

   Ah. Yes.

   This was him, after all. A boy who cowered behind his sister’s back. No matter how excitable he was. No matter how determined he could be. He could never achieve a status that earned people’s respect.

   He knew that.

   He should know that.

   Another mere second passed, and a tiny sigh broke out of his mouth. Hands pressing to the sides of his head, Suguri congratulated her on winning. He was still happy. Happy for her. Happy for himself. The fact that he was still given a chance to battle her was something he was truly thankful for.

   He felt selfish for wanting more.

   Was he allowed for wanting more? Was he allowed to crave this new girl’s attention? Perhaps she accepted his battle out of pity. Perhaps she was quietly giving him flack given how desperate he was.

   Perhaps she was just like the rest.

   Crack.

   Ah, it hurt.

   He shouldn’t ask for more. This was a stranger, after all. Why would he deserve any glimmer of chance to be anywhere near her—

   “Suguri, I’d love to be partners with you!”

   For a silent, temporary moment, he felt time had stopped.  

   Was he deaf? Was this real? Minutes after the battle had ended, Zeiyu had suggested another preposterous thing that left him gasp in bafflement. He tried to stop his sister, honest to God, he did. He had been indulged more than enough by Aoi. For what reason would the girl want to indulge in him further?

   He remembered Aoi reassuring him. It wasn’t a lie. It wasn’t forced.

   In life, Suguri ever wondered if he deserved some semblance of happiness.

   He wondered. Again and again. Louder and louder when her honest, cheerful smile blinded his very sight. Clearer and clearer when she stayed resolute on her choice.

   Her choice to be partners with him on this field trip.

   Her choice to be partners with him.

   Her choice. To be with him.

——————————

   In life, Aoi ever wondered if she would ever be given a chance to fall in love.

   She knew what love was. She had experienced many kinds in her life. Even as a teenager, young and had quite a long way to go, Aoi was always curious at the types of love that endlessly filled her world.

   She had parental love not only from her mother, but also from her father. While the man was physically not around due to business in another region, Aoi still appreciated the attention and care her old man gave when it comes to taking care of her and her mother. When she was younger, disappointment rooted deep within when she realized her father was rarely around. She remembered asking her mother once, asking if her father hated them that he went away.

   “Of course not!” Her mother responded. “Your father has a lot of work. He’s working hard so that you and I can live a better life.”

   She didn’t doubt her mother’s words. But as life continued to forge her body and soul, Aoi began to wonder if her father really had no other options to make the family happier.

   She wondered and wondered. And the thought strengthened every time she saw her mother video-calling her father.

   The woman looked happier. More cheerful. Cheeks would always be kissed in red whenever she talked to him. Laughter would always fill the room whenever they were engrossed in a conversation. Aoi was quite a talkative person, and people often said that she got it from her mother. But the same people never had a chance to meet her dad, for the father talked way more that it evoked so many colourful reactions from her mother.

   To see her happy, Aoi figured that what she said before was right.

   Still, a tiny part of her would always nag at the question.

   Now, as school life and a journey painted her life anew, Aoi had a chance to experience other kinds of love that extended the lengths of her curious mind.

   The next love was familial love, though not from one anyone would expect.

   The day she got her Sprigatito, Aoi knew the starter would be something very important to her.

   Even though a Pokémon, Aoi’s excitement subconsciously made her treat the starter, Yuan, more than just a regular partner. She treated her like a little brother. Then sometimes like a darling son. Then other times like a cheeky friend. Although both human and Pokémon were unable to form a proper conversation, the bond they had enabled them to figure each other out.

   As a result, Yuan grew spoiled around Aoi. Her way of caring for him made him think that he was put on a pedestal in her heart—and he decided to convince himself that this was the truth. He became quite obnoxious, and this attitude sometimes stirred some petty dispute among other team members.

   Aoi treated her team with absolute love and care. And it was with her maternal love that shaped the Meowscarada to become what he was now. Yuan knew that Aoi would prioritize him above all else—it’s what he believed so—and in return, he made it his life to ensure that the girl was safe and happy as long as she lived.

   As Aoi’s journey broadened, so did her types of love.

   Her friends, Nemona, Arven, and Penny, were people she never expected to form a bond with. But they were people Aoi would never replace in a heartbeat. She never had siblings to begin with, so to build such unlikely friendships with them was something quite euphoric.

   While some people found Nemona unbearable, Aoi found her funny.

   While some people found Arven unapproachable, Aoi found him sweet.

   While some people found Penny dangerous, Aoi found her smart.

   And while most people revered Aoi, the three cherished her like an actual person.

   Her group of friends was someone so meaningful to her, and despite the roads of life that led them to paths that could shatter a person’s strength or dissolve a person’s spirit, Aoi was forever thankful that those same roads allowed them to meet.

   She loved her friends. Truly and dearly.  

   However, she knew platonic love was quite different than the romantic one. Arven was noticeably the clingiest of the three, and his possessive behaviour obviously targeted towards Aoi. Maybe it was the fact that she saved his Mabosstiff from his timely death. Maybe it was the fact that she made him reach a somewhat closure with a robotic version of his dead mother. Maybe…just maybe…it was the fact that she gave him hope to live again when all he ever thought about before meeting her was reuniting with Mabosstiff in the afterlife.

   Whatever it was, Arven was more vulnerable. And this allowed Aoi to open a part of her heart that welcomed him inside.

   She loved the man. Cared for him like a brother. But there were times where Penny commented that their friendship was too close for comfort to be called one. After the whole Area Zero ordeal, Arven clung to Aoi, sticking by her side during their studies and exchanging advices about simple matters of life. Rumours spread fast that the two were an item, and Arven quickly denied it in a series of flusters. Even Aoi laughed it off, simply shrugging it away with the words, “He’s just my best friend.”

   The rumours never ceased. It calmed down eventually. But the sight of the two together were always a natural occurrence even when Arven was about to graduate.

   Aoi couldn’t tell the difference between platonic and romantic. To her, Arven was just being his loving self.

   At least around her.

   Besides, she loved the attention. Being an only child, Aoi adored the love Arven poured for her. It made her feel like a cute little sister. Although he had a more nurturing personality, he was still a man, and Aoi relished on how spoiled she felt whenever Arven cooked for her or doted on her.

   Even if she never felt romantic love for the man, she assumed it was somewhat the same, right?

   “Oh yeah. So, my little brother had been googly-eyed over you since yesterday.”

   Aoi ever wondered if she would ever, ever be given a chance to fall in love.

   Sure, the boy was cute. When she first saw him, amusement tickled her mouth to see an adorable sight (that was paired with an unsightly welcome). It wasn’t new news to Aoi that people had crushes on her. She had rejected may confessions over the past year, and guilt only turned to nonchalance when she was so sure that others would still care for her even without possessing her heart.

   But when she talked to him the next day, amusement evolved into curiosity when she witnessed a variety of emotions from him. The boy barely knew her, and she barely knew him. But to see Suguri’s cute flusters, to see him trying his best to keep the conversation going, it tickled something funny in her heart.

   And his eyes.

   Haunting. Alluring. Hypnotizing.

   Aoi wanted to look at him more.

   She didn’t know what came over her. During their first battle, her eyes sparkled to see excitement bursting from the boy. Even with his team showing obvious signs of needing to train better, that never wavered his joy of battling. And through his enthusiasm that his Pokémon were just as excitable. Every breath she took was held momentarily every time they locked eyes. Every command he exclaimed burst a sense of childlike joy and glee that kissed her cheeks pink. Her heartbeat raced, faster and faster, and the girl quietly assumed that she was on an adrenaline high during the battle.

   Aoi always loved battling, and to see Suguri’s passion only ignited her love for it—as well as love for someone whom she never expected.

   And then, of course, she won.

   She was used to seeing people feeling dejected. She was used to seeing people cry after their battle. It had become a norm for Aoi to come forward and console the loser. None of her words sounded empty for it held such truth and comfort that could easily ease her opponent. It was something she’s good at. Aoi hated feeling hated, after all. It made sense for her to learn on how to do her best to please others. So, she was ready to come and give Suguri a few words of assurance after returning her Meowscarada.

   However, her body only froze when she saw his eyes.

   Wide. Haunting. Hollow.

   A second blink behind sunglasses, and she soon saw Suguri hold his head in meek disappointment.

   Was she seeing things, she wondered? It couldn’t be her sunglasses. They were not that dark to be able to shroud her vision. Maybe she was still feeling the jetlag. Maybe she was still quite groggy from sleeping at a new environment.

   Maybe. Probably. Surely.

   Minutes after the battle had wrapped up, the two walked towards each other. Aoi praised him for his determination while Suguri sheepishly congratulated her on the amazing victory.    Their heights weren’t that far off with Suguri being slightly taller than her. While he talked, a mouth curved a sincere smile while shaded eyes darted in curious glances.

   She really did love seeing his smile. It was always nervous and adorable, accompanied with cheeks that were dusted in pink under the brilliant sunlight. Deep black bangs covered most of his eyes, and it slightly frustrated Aoi for she wished to see his face clearly. An underlayer of mauve was seen as well, and it was something that put her in awe for she wondered if it felt just the same as his black strands.

   Black eyes then spotted a mole on the left side of his neck.

   She wanted to see more.

   And like a Jirachi, Zeiyuu came towards them with Aoi’s silent wish being granted.

   The suggestion sounded absurd to Suguri. The suggestion was the perfect chance for Aoi.

   “Do you…really want to be partners with me?”

   Ba-dump!

   She took pride in herself for not immediately clutching her chest there and then.

   In life, Aoi ever wondered if she would ever be given a chance to fall in love.

   She wondered. Over and over. Quicker and quicker when his blinking doe eyes blinded her vision. Sharper and shaper when he timidly, excitingly accepted her invitation.

   His acceptance to be partners with her on this field trip.

   His acceptance to be partners with her.

   His acceptance. To let her understand what this feeling really was.

——————————

   As much as Aoi was excited that Suguri would be partners with her, it seemed that trying to get to know him was still a challenge on its own.

   “Um…” She stopped. “Suguri…” One heel turned to face the person behind her. “Must we really walk like,” One arm stretched back and forth between them, “this?”

   She watched as he squirmed, probably at lost at giving a valid reason for his social distance. Sure, Aoi would respect a person’s choice, but she had her own choices as well; and her choice right now was to get to know him better.

   One boy stood a few steps away, nervous and anxious. “Ah…well...” Eyes seemed to pool in jitters the more she looked at her. “I told you I’ll probably get in your way if we stick so close so…” The view of the bright blue sky eased his nerves, but the very realization that his ‘partner’ was standing there, waiting for him, only sped up the beat of his manic heart.

   “I also told you will definitely not get in my way.”

   Ba-dump!

   Ah, his heart was about to burst out of his heaving chest.

   “S-Still!” Oh, how pathetic he was to let out a squeak. “You… You don’t know that.” He would rather she’d never know that. “Besides, I did promise to show you around with all the new Pokémon here. And Pokémon are more likely to appear if they don’t see too many humans in their line of sight.” Brilliant. That was a brilliant excuse. Although the Pokémon in Kitakami were mostly friendly around humans, that was one information Aoi didn’t need to know about.

   To him, he sounded convincing.

   To her, he sounded like a blatant lie.

   Still, respect was given when respect was due. “Okay then.” One hand on her hip, a sigh lazily slipped out of her mouth.

   Unbeknownst to her, the disappointed sigh tugged the curve of his mouth downwards.

   As quick as sorrow pierced through him, Suguri immediately expelled it with a straightened back and pursed lips when she returned his gaze. “I um…” He should make this right. He must make this right. “I’m sorry…” Despondency dripped through his apology.

   Black eyes widened at the surprise remorse. “Eh oh!” One foot slid forward. Both hands reached out towards him. “No need to say sorry!” A comforting smile beamed under the bright sunshine. “I was just being selfish on my part. I know you’re kinda nervous around me.” A silly laugh bounced off of her. “I’m sorry too. In any case, as long as you’re comfortable, I’m more than happy to be around you.”

   Arceus, must all the things she said cause an impact on his heart?

   For once, the smile on his face seemed less heavy to form. “Thanks, Aoi.” Hands gripping the yellow strap of his satchel, he looked around as a guise to see where they were—in reality, he was trying to rid the awkward atmosphere.

   Thankfully, an answer was given just a few distances away.

   “Oh!” One finger pointed to their right. “That’s the apple orchard!”

   Aoi looked at the direction, and an excited gasp followed suit. “Oooh!” Joy fluttered immediately out of her. The sight of shrubs and trees along with a cute little hut caught her attention. From afar, more Pokémon were spotted as well; some she recognized and some entirely new to her.

   Joy bursting from within, she looked at him with such enthusiasm. “Can we go visit?”

   Her adventurous instinct kicked in.

   If this was in Paldea, the cupped hands positioned under her chin and black eyes sparkled in enthusiasm would make people shiver for her reaction reminded them of the crazy battle fanatic who was also one of her best friends.

   Thankfully, this wasn’t Paldea. The only reaction came from her new partner who was chuckling at her heart-stopping behaviour. “Of course!”

——————————

   The Apple Hills was a common place for Suguri.

   Every now and then when he went back home, he would visit the orchard. Sometimes with his grandparents. Other times alone. It gave him a sense of peace. The fresh scent of apples erased his mind of stress of school and horrors of life. Usually, when he knew it was going to be a beautiful sunny day, Suguri would bring his Pokémon out and let them run and roam free in the grove. Meanwhile, he would lie on the grass, moving his palms against the soft soil as the wind caressed his hair and face. It was truly one of his favourite past times.

   And now, he was sharing that favourite past time with her.

   “This is delicious!”

   If stars could exist in a person’s eyes, Suguri would believe it by just looking at her.

   A shy, proud laugh tickled his lips. “I’m glad to hear that.” His hands held an apple of his own, fingers toying and rolling it while he cast his gaze on her. The two sat on an open field, not far from the orchard. Aoi had her legs stretched forward while Suguri sat cross-legged—distance still just a few steps away from her.

   Crunch. She took another bite, then savoured the taste as it lingered on her tongue. “Mmm!” Her shoulders jumped as the juice slid down her throat. “I’ve eaten apples before but this really, really tasty!” One thumb swiped away the crumb off the corner of her mouth.

   The more he looked at her, the more his smile tickled. To see such a simple sight of her enjoying a fruit of his hometown was enough to make his stomach flutter. In truth, he wasn’t that hungry, and he wasn’t sure if she was too. But all doubts were cast away when she sang praises of his home’s harvest.

   She was enjoying her snack while he enjoyed his view.

   He felt his chest flutter. He wanted to feel more.

   “You know…” The apple was lightly bounced on his right palm. “Candy apples are a thing here. And they tasted just as good, if not better.”

   He flinched lightly to see Aoi give her full attention at him.

   “Really?!” Even behind dark shades, none could deny the sparkle in her eyes. “Oh, I’d love to taste that.” Who knew the girl was such a glutton? In the past, she wasn’t much of a heavy eater. But ever since she started her journey, Aoi figured it made sense to have hearty meal in order to balance out the amount of walking and running she did.

   Granted, most of those walking and running were done by Koraidon, but Aoi reminded herself that she needed to stay fit—especially ever since Arven’s delicious cooking was introduced.

   Recollecting his calmness, Suguri coughed once. “I—It’s in season, so maybe you get to try one someday.” His promise was given with a bashful smile. Candy apples are a treat for him, and he wouldn’t miss it for the world every time he came home. So, to know that Aoi not only not made fun of him for his horrible sweet tooth but instead look forward to his tasty suggestion, it made his cheeks warm.

   “I’ve only eaten an apple sandwich when it comes to this fruit, but to have a sweeter version sounds way, way too mouth-watering to ignore.”

   Yellow eyes blinked in surprise at her statement. “Oh, there’s such a thing called apple sandwich?” Now, it was his turn to be enticed by her idea. The apple lingered close to his mouth, but curiosity about the new dish ceased him from biting it yet.

   “Yep!” Stopping herself from finishing the apple in one go, Aoi looked at him. “I think you have to marinate it and it goes really well with cheese.” Smugness bloated her chest as she watched Suguri gasp in awe. In truth, Arven taught her the recipe. Even though Aoi had fucked up some dishes once or twice in the past, bless the young man’s heart to have the patience and kindness to teach her new simple recipes.

   Simple, he said, as Aoi continued to still mess it up and throw the failure away to Koraidon.

   “That sounds really good!” Suguri was used to making and eating simple dishes. And even back in Blueberry Academy, he wasn’t a sophisticated eater. He just ate what benefitted him and called it day.

   Now, to hear this apple sandwich from her, a part of him itched to make it. To eat it.

   He was just hungry. He’s sure of it.

   Grumbling his bashful thoughts away, Suguri finally bit his apple.

   “If you think so, I can make one for you in the future.”

   He was sure the girl had ways to just turn him into a sputtering mess.

   The suggestion alone was innocent. Sweet. Yet the idea that she wanted to make something for him caused his reaction to be far idiotic than he’d feared. The piece of apple that he ate almost bounced into his throat, and this made Suguri cough in both shock and embarrassment.

   “Suguri!” Surprised by his reaction, Aoi stood on one knee and reached out for him. “Are you okay—?”

   “I’m fine.” Damn him and the squeak. “I’m—give me a mome—”

   Whoosh!

   Thump! Thump, thump.

   Ah.

   The fool that was him raised his arms, which then caused him to throw the apple backwards.

   What other stupidity would he display to her, he wondered.

   “Oh.” A single word popped out of her mouth. Still kneeling on one knee, both teenagers watched as the bitten fruit rolled down the slightly steep slope. They watched as it stopped inside one of the orchards, right behind a small shrub.

   A few moments of dumb silence lingered the air. The wind around the hummed a cheerful tone.

   It did not cool down the heat on his face at all.

   “I’ll—” Damn it. “I’ll go get it!” Damn it!

   Without waiting for Aoi’s dumbfounded response, Suguri jumped to his feet and rushed towards the orchard.

——————————

   A choir of curses sang in his brain as he looked for the fallen fruit.

   Oh, why was he born this way?

   Just when he looked impressive in front of her, he just had to fumble and embarrass himself even more than he’s used to. Even though he didn’t hear her laughing at him—thankfully—he wasn’t brave enough to see what sort of reaction was plastered on her face.

   Stupefied? Disappointed? Amused? Whatever it was, his heart was not ready to accept it.

   “Come on, Sugu…” A heavy sigh dripped out a frown. One hand scratched the back of his head, nails digging into his scalp in hopes that it would rid the mortifying memory away. “You have to be better than this. She wanted to be partners with you so the least you could do is not make yourself look like an idiot…” The word seethed through his teeth. Shaking his head, Suguri ignored the dark thoughts and focused on his missing fruit.

   Yellow eyes spotted the shrub that had the missing fruit. Since the apple was now too dirty to be eaten, the least he could do was give it to some wild Pokémon nearby.

   A heavier sigh slipped his tongue.

   Knowing that he eventually had to face her again, Suguri paraded towards the shrub and pushed the branches to the sides—

   Only to be welcomed with an Applin dangling right in front of his face.

   Pupils shrunk to meet tinier black and yellow dots. A brief moment of silence enveloped the two until three…two…one—

   “AAAHHH!” Realization finally hammering him in the head, Suguri released the branches and stumbled a few steps back—

   “Oof!”

   Everything was happening too fast.

   The first second, Suguri was met with a completely close distance of what he first thought was an apple with eyes. The next, he remembered shouting out of shock, the impact of his scream actually causing said ‘apple with eyes’ to fall off its branch and roll backwards. Then, his panic caused him to stumble backwards and slam against what he assumed was a tree.

   It wasn’t a tree.

   It was too soft to be a tree.

   A tree didn’t have arms and hands to catch him.

   A tree didn’t have a soft chest for him to lean on.

   Lastly, his spiraled mind told him to look upwards—right at the person who most definitely was not a tree.

   “Suguri…” A quiet gasp escaped her, warm breath tickling his forehead. “Are you okay…?”

   Silence was given instead of assurance. His arms were spread, draped by her elbows. Due to his slip up, Suguri had dropped his head against her left shoulder. The bump wasn’t as painful, thankfully, but it now throbbed drastically due to the very close distance between them. One foot was grounded to the soil, while the other had its heel dig deeper into the grass.

   And her face…

   Due to concern of his wellbeing, Aoi had lowered her head, lips almost brushing the soft, black and mauve strands of his hair. She smelled something sweet, and her hazy mind rolled in curiosity on whether the scent came from the apples or from him.

   A breath was held. She could still smell the sweetness.

   Eyes darted from forehead to his own pair, gaze once again hypnotized by such a vibrant yellow. His eyes were wide. His pupils had shrunk. They seemed to tremble lightly; gaze just as fixated at her.

   So pretty, she thought.

   Aoi was thankful for all the exercises she did during her journey. Either that, or that she was grateful Suguri looked lighter than he was. Her forearms were raised, then held perfectly still to ensure that both of them wouldn’t fall to the ground. Her legs bent; upper body lowered just slightly to gain stability. The back of his head rested against her shoulder, and if Suguri tipped his head higher, Aoi knew that her lips would be met with warm skin.

   Ba-dump.

   The sunglasses she wore slid downwards, just an inch, and this allowed Suguri to finally see the actual colour of her beautiful, breathtakingly black eyes.

   Ba-dump…ba-dump!

   The two remained in that position. Still. Hypnotized.

   Ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump!

   Black eyes met yellow. “I-I…” The sound of heartbeats echoed between them—neither knew whose was louder.

   Ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump—!

   Finally, a gasp felt like it was punched out of him.

   “I’M—!” Immediately, Suguri forced himself back to his feet. He almost fell again, and Aoi almost tried to catch him, but shame powered through and made him shuffle a few steps backwards with arms circling around and face full of red.

   “—SORRY!” The word blurted out so loud, it scared a few Starlys away. Heat burned right to the tips of his ears. The boy was thankful for his long bangs, for he had to fight the urge to yank them downwards to hide the shameful expression. Eyes spiralling in remorse, Suguri bowed forward. His hands now slapped both thighs, fingers digging into the skin of his knees.

   Just as baffled, just as stunned, Aoi had her arms raised and her eyes blinking dumbfoundedly at the ordeal. “Ah,” was all she said, mouth gaping and sunglasses comically tipped downwards to the right.

   The two teenagers stood still in their positions.

   Reality dawned on Aoi first. Quickly fixing her sunglasses in place, she straightened her back and burst out an embarrassed laugh. “It’s okay, Sugu—” she coughed, “Suguri.” His name, full and proper, was exhaled between the awkward chortle. Taking advantage of his bowing, the girl took a deep breath and flashed a charming smile. “Are you okay?”

   She didn’t make fun of him.

   She didn’t ridicule him.

   Nails dug into the materials of his white pants. “I’m…fine.” His face burned. “Thanks for catching m-me…” His eyes spiralled. “Aoi…”

   The sound of his voice calling her name tickled her chest.

   Thankfully, before the two could lament on trying to dispel the awkward situation, the sound of rustling shrubs diverted their gazes towards it.

   “Oh, right!” Aoi went towards the sound. “Your apple!” Though she also knew the fruit couldn’t be eaten anymore, it wouldn’t hurt to check and see what had made Suguri panic in the first place. Kneeling on one knee, Aoi carefully pushed the branches apart.

   Black eyes widened to see an Applin hiding behind a bitten apple.

   “Aww!” Her glee gleamed as she gushed. Quickly, she piped down though once she saw the Pokémon cower and tremble. “Oops, it’s okay, little guy.” A whisper was given as she pulled back slightly from the bush. Head turned to see a confused Suguri. “Suguri,” Right hand pushing a branch to the side, Aoi called him with her left fingers, “come here.”

   Truly, today was a day for him and it wasn’t even evening yet.

   To see her recollect her calm quickly. To see her not being too bothered by what just happened a few minutes ago. To see her flash a beautiful smile with brown cheeks kissed by the sun.

   One fist rested closely to his screaming heart.

   “Ah, mhm…” Still, he needed to be brave too. Trying his best to push away his jumbled thoughts, Suguri slowly walked towards her.

   He then saw her take a few steps back, not far enough to stray away from the bush but far enough for his comfort.

   He felt both touched and hurt.

   Lips pursed, Suguri focused his attention at whatever that caused him to jump. Confused sorrow popped into surprise to see his apple and an Applin.

   That explained the pair of eyes he just saw.

   “Isn’t it cute?” Aoi asked, still kneeling on one knee and holding parts of the bush. Her neck stretched slightly to see what’s inside, while her body kept her distance with him.

   A part of her did so because she knew Suguri wanted distance between them. She respected that. She respected his choice.

   Another part of her did so because she knew her heart needed distance between them. She had to cater to it. She had to listen to it in order to calm down.

   He looked at her, then back to the quiet Apple Core Pokémon. It looked back at him, tiny yellow dots blinking as it observed him. Neither said a word, only exchanging looks that posed both curiosity and amazement.

   The Applin finally broke the gaze by slowly rolling towards him.

   Surprise flickered in a pair of yellow eyes as it approached him. Unsure of what to do, Suguri gaped his mouth and inched himself backwards.

   “I think it likes you…”

   The whisper came as so soft, so delicate, so clear to him.

   Numbly, he looked peeked at her. Thankfully, she didn’t move closer, but the memory of their very close distance still lingered inside his mind. Still maximizing the speed of his heart.

   A breath held briefly, Suguri returned his gaze to the Pokémon. The Applin now looked at him questioningly. Taking Aoi’s words to heart, he carefully reached out towards it. His right hand shook. His fingers trembled. Slowly, slowly, he pointed one finger towards it.

   The Applin tipped its body slightly, now unafraid, then lightly bonked one of his long leaflike eyes to his pointy finger.

   The breath that he took shuddered.

   A soft chuckle lulled into his ears.

   “It’s adorable…!” The sight truly was. Scooting just an inch closer, her smile tickled at each corner to see the Applin nudging Suguri’s finger. “It kinda reminds me of you.”

   Her words. Her smile.

   While it may not seem much to her, it was everything to him.

[blorbologist]

Cat’s Cradle - Chapter 2?

Guess this is a thing now!

Part 1

--

Tuna doesn’t work. 

It’s premium stuff - intended for Percy’s sandwich of the day, sacrificed instead on a paper plate and left ten feet from his crouched form. No amount of tsktsktsk or wafting the oils around seem to draw her attention - not in her usual feeding spot, or near any cranny Percy suspects she could wedge herself into. 

He spots her, briefly. An hour in, a second from standing and texting Vex that he was on his way back inside.

She’s a brown and white blob on the other side of the road, peering at him from a rickety fence. Percy’s heart sinks - drivers inbound from the highway usually breeze through the stop, here, with poor visibility thanks to some wild hedges. It’s a dangerous crossing for a little cat. 

Less so for him - he follows Curio as slowly as he dares, plate of tuna in hand. 

As soon as he steps off the sidewalk she’s gone, leaping into the yard. Percy watches the space for a moment, breathing in cold air through his nose. It stings. He puts down the offering near where she had perched before turning back.

He’s not quite ready to trespass just yet.

--

Vex, it turns out, is more than happy to trespass, though she laments it would likely be useless.

“We need a trap for her,” she sighs. The forge has allowed her to shed her flannel, leaving her in a white tanktop. 

It’s warm enough Percy can blame the redness of his cheeks on it as he sheds the chill moment by moment.

The kittens have begun to mewl. All five wiggle and wail - an improvement over how quiet they had been before, as far as Percy’s concerned.

He’s tried to avoid looking at them, truthfully. In glimpses he has seen them all to be dark-furred, but one that’s stark white. 

(Five has been, in his mind, a number meant for them. It’s one-Julius, two-Vesper, three-four-Whitney-Oliver, five-Ludwig. It’s every open space when he says he has a sister and Cass notes she has a brother.)

One of the kittens practically yowls. It sounds a little too close to a baby’s cry for comfort.

“Could we use them as bait?” he asks. “Don’t most mammals come running if their young raise a ruckus?”

Vex hums,  tilting her head. “Not a terrible idea - but we don’t have anything to catch her in. It’s too cold to keep them outside for that long,” she worries.

Movement from the slipper basket. Vex darts out just in time to catch one of the kittens, cresting the edge with another scream. “Got you!”

Wiggling to sit comfortably cross-legged, she brings it close to hold with both hands. Percy peers over her shoulder - it’s a dark blue-grey, the drying fuzz now sticking up in every direction. It can’t quite hold its head up, so much as shuffle it from side to side, sniffing. 

It then - 

“Is it trying to hiss at you?” Percy whispers. Indeed, the little mouth is open in a pink gape, puffing air at Vex’s hand.

Vex’s eyes flit to his. “So intimidating,” she whispers back. The kitten downright spits - the both snicker at the display.

“I know, dears,” she coos. “It’s so scary. It’s so very scary without your mom, huh?” 

It mrr’s back - a sort of rumbling whimper as it noses at her fingers and the fabric of her top. 

“What do we do?” Percy murmurs. “I could drive them to the shelter-”

“No,” Vex says sharply. She lowers her voice again. Percy is fairly sure kittens are deaf at this age - this one certainly did not react. “No - they don’t intake new animals on Sundays.”

Abruptly, a kitten is carefully slid into Percy’s lap. He blinks at it. He’s certain it would blink back if it were not blind. He directs the next few blinks at Vex, who is standing with the wince of one whose leg fell asleep. 

“I’ll get some formula for these guys,” she says. “At least to keep them fed overnight - I doubt we’ll catch their mother before they’re really hungry.”

“I could-”

“Darling, you just froze your ass off for over an hour trying to get her.” Vex winks, and Percy decides he agrees with her assessment. “You warm up with the babies.”

Percy sighs indulgently. The kitten in his hands does its best to burrow into his sweater - it’s not quite soft so much as fluffy. A curious distinction.

“I should have a hundred in my wallet,” he calls as Vex gathers her things. “You’re not paying for this mess.”

Vex, lacing up her boots, shoots him a look. “Percival, formula is ten, twenty bucks. At most.”

He snorts. “So grab anything that catches your attention with the remainder. I trust you to spend it better than I could. Least I can give you for dropping everything to help.”

The kitten’s begun to try suckling on his thumb, which is - he isn’t sure how to feel about it. He does know how to feel about the tiny claws beginning to knead his hand, though. Which - ow, how can something less than a day old hurt?

“You certainly know how to treat a girl,” Vex teases.

She lingers a moment at the door, fussing with her gloves and scarf. “For what it’s worth, I would have helped you - you and the little darlings - without bribery, darling.”

Percy smiles. “I know.”

The kitten pauses when he shifts, to catch the moment she leaves. It resumes, then, with  a little, little purr.