tokyo-debunker-idk

[tokyo-debunker-idk]

A Song of Ice and Aneurysm | 02

Summary: Jin Kamurai might be feared and respected as the wintery King of Frostheim, but even he is no match for a cursed honor student denser than any iceberg known to mankind.

Pairing:Kamurai Jin x Reader

Genre: Humor, romantic comedy, fluff, Jin struggling to emote, eventual smut, COMPLETE

18+, minors DNI

~~~~~

"Bianerus."

You're so captivated by Jin's smile that it takes you a moment to register that he's summoned his stigma.

Shit.

The last and only time you had seen him use his ability, he had forced an entire horde of anomalies to their knees. His words of command had somehow bolstered Kaito's aim with his bow and arrow, saving you. Then, Jin had given Tohma enough power to bring down an entire building.

What is he going to do to you?

"Answer me truthfully."

Is he looking for blackmail material? Or perhaps he's going to have you spill your darkest secrets, your humiliation a punishment for pissing him off?

"Do you really not understand why I was upset with you?"

Before you can think, can come up with any sort of answer to appease him, your mouth opens as you are forced to obey.

"No," you respond, internally cringing at how breathy you sound. Though it's only to be expected when you've been subjected to the utter whiplash that has been this entire situation. Why you need to be in Jin's lap, why he has to be cupping your face like a lover as this strange conversation occurs is completely lost to you.

As your brain works overtime to process the overwhelming amounts of conflicting information it's receiving, something about his wording distracts you.

"W-was? Are you not upset with me now?"

Your own question makes his brows knit in annoyance, and he closes his eyes as if praying for patience.

"Oh no, you're still pissing me off," he answers bluntly. Yet despite his obvious irritation, his hold is still gentle, and your heart is pounding not out of fear but because his face is only inches from your own. "Are you always this fucking clueless?"

Apparently his command to answer truthfully is still in effect, because your response comes before you have even registered his insulting question.

"Yes."

What the fuck, brain? Your own psyche is betraying you, it seems.

Your answer at least seems to have eased some of the captain's ire, however, because he lets out a noise that sounds suspiciously like a "pfft".

"Are you pouting right now?"

How rude, of course you're not.

"Yes."

You hate his ability. You really do. You want to hate Jin too, but his amused expression is melting any leftover remnants of your self-respect.

It's unfair, really, just how beautiful he is. If he wasn't, maybe you could take his arrogance and rudeness at face value and forget the secret kindness he hides under his sheets of ice. The way he quietly does take care of his house and subordinates despite pretending otherwise. Maybe then, you would be properly worried that you are completely at his mercy. Instead, all you can think of is the warmth of his body against yours and the gentle way his hands have locked you into place.

"Continue answering truthfully."

You wonder why he's refreshed his order, what exactly he intends to ask you, because nothing about this meeting has gone the way you've expected.

For a moment, Jin hesitates. Then, his hand slides under your chin and your mind goes blank. Because his lips are suddenly brushing your temple in a gentle kiss that makes you freeze.

"Is that alright?"

Instantly, your own mouth opens to reply. "Yes."

You can't quite believe this is happening, that you're in Jin's lap and he's just kissed you like you're something delicate and perfect.

"And this?"

His next attack is to trail his lips against your jaw, and you can't hold back the tiny whimper that leaves your throat. You never would have expected this sweet, quiet treatment from the imperious captain and it's reducing your brain to mush and your insides to jelly.

"Mmhmm," you hum in assent, still dazed when he pulls back despite the fact that he hasn't even actually kissed your lips. There's a devastating, satisfied smirk on his face as he takes in your flushed expression.

"Is there anything else you want?"

Now that's just cruel, when it's clear he already knows the answer. Yet still, even without his stigma, you would tell the truth.

"You."

The smirk deepens.

"Take what you want, then."

Your body reacts faster than your mind, pressing closer against him as your lips finally meet his. You wrap your arms around his neck, tangling your fingers in his soft, messy hair.

In any other circumstance you might have been more shy, less certain of your actions. However, Jin's order strips away any inhibitions you might have had, and when his lips part you take the invitation to lick into his mouth a little more desperately than you meant to.

It's his fault, really, for giving free reign to the desire that's been itching under your skin since he fucking kabedon'ed you with his leg. Who the fuck would even think of doing that other than this foul-mouthed, grouchy, beautiful idiot of a man?

It's his fault for meeting your tongue with his own so quickly, just as needy as you. For the way his husky groan goes straight between your legs, reminding you that your uniform skirt provides no shield against the bulge forming in his slacks.

Take what you want? You want him. All of him.

"Anything?" you ask, pulling back just enough to gaze into Jin's icy eyes. His cheeks are flushed a pretty pink, and you can't resist rolling your hips against him. His hands come down to your hips to press you harder against his erection and you let out a little whine at the delicious friction.

"Whatever you want, princess."

Your heart flutters at the pet name, so sweet falling from his lips (and a welcome change from peasant). The way he squeezes your ass is decidedly less sweet, but the assurance that he wants you just as much as you want him sends heat throughout your entire body.

Jin's words are all the encouragement you need to kiss him again, and you shove the jacket off his broad shoulders in the process so you can run your hands down his chest.

The planes of his abs are evident even over his button-up, which is frankly not fair. Where does he find the time to maintain his body between his busy schedule of yelling at Tohma and ordering you around? Is it a ghoul physiology thing?

Whatever, that's not important when there is a veritable feast of beautiful man meat before you. Jin isn't the type to give free rein for long, and you waste no more time in unbuttoning his shirt as he chuckles into your mouth.

"You were so shy that time I told you to wash this," he remarks, shrugging his shoulders out of the shirt as you let your eyes rove over his bare skin. You pause your appreciation to frown at him.

"That's because you're incredibly confusing," you complain, horniness momentarily forgotten as you lean back to cross your arms. "I didn't think I was allowed to look."

"Oh?"

There's a dangerous undercurrent in Jin's voice, and suddenly your vision spins and you're on your back, staring wide-eyed at the shirtless man above you.

"And now?"

His hand slips under your shirt, and you shiver as his fingers skate over the soft skin of your belly.

"I'm still a little con-fused!" Your reply ends in a squeak when he cups your breast over your bra and pinches your nipple through the fabric.

Jin sighs, then leans in to you so his face is a hair's breadth from your own. His eyes pierce yours, locking you into place.

"I ask you to come see me every day."

Before you can say that "ask" is a very generous term for his demanding texts, he kisses you hard. When you moan he nips at your lower lip as if to punish you for your thought.

"I dance with you and only you at the ball I provided your dress for."

Your neck is next, and you whimper uncontrollably as he kisses you, bites you, sucks bruises into your delicate skin. He's good at this, adept at finding exactly where you're the most sensitive and abusing it until you're trembling beneath him.

"I give you a fucking boat for your mission."

He pinches your nipple again, hard, and you yelp despite the zing of electricity it sends straight between your legs.

"You really thought I felt nothing for you?"

You're hot all over, not just from his actions but at the way he's staring at you now, like he's ready to eat you alive. There's warmth in your chest as well, that this isn't just some physical way for him to vent his frustration – that you mean something to him.

"Show me, then," you order breathlessly, tangling your fingers in his hair to crash his lips back onto yours.

It's as if his (sort of) confession has broken down any remaining barriers between you, and the kiss quickly grows hot and messy. There's more passion than finesse and you love it, moaning into his mouth as you wrap your legs around his hips to grind against him.

Your hands roam the hard, warm planes of his bare back and he groans into your mouth when you scratch lightly with your nails. He's so broad, and you begin fumbling at the buttons of your shirt, desperate to feel his skin against yours.

Apparently Jin is just as impatient, because without removing his lips from yours, he grabs the sides of your shirt from your hand and rips it open, uncaring of the buttons as they go flying.

"Jin, that's one of my only shirts," you hiss, torn between irritation and arousal because holy shit that was fucking hot.

"I'll buy you a hundred more," he replies with a smirk, letting his eyes feast on your nearly bare torso. "Or not, you look better like this."

You feel yourself flush at the shameless way he's staring, and to mask your embarrassment you rip your shirt off the rest of the way. Your bra follows, and you feel a small thrill of confidence when Jin lets out a ragged breath.

"So beautiful, princess," he groans, sinking back down on you to reclaim your lips. His hands cup your breasts, and you arch into his touch when his thumbs brush your nipples. "I'm never letting you go after this."

You pant and moan into his mouth as he begins to pinch, rub, and knead, every one of his actions sending hot jolts of pleasure to your core.

In an attempt to give him some of the pleasure (and torture) you're receiving, you reach down to palm him over this trousers and damn, not only does he have a big ego and big sword, but apparently a big sword as well. He groans and bucks into your hand, but you're already fumbling with his belt.

Soon the buckle clinks open and you barely wait to undo the button of his pants before slipping your hand to find the hard length of him. To your shock he's not wearing any boxers, and when you wrap your fingers around him Jin gives another strangled moan.

"Fuck, princess," he growls into your lips, voice husky with desire. One of his large hands trails down your body to dip below the hem of your skirt, just barely brushing the edge of your panties, when a thought strikes you.

"Wait."

Jin freezes, withdrawing his hand immediately and looking at you in concern.

"What's wrong?"

"Were you freeballing when you leg kabedon'ed me?"

The worry immediately melts into relief, which then becomes disbelief. For a few long moments he just stares at you, expression growing more and more irritated.

"That's what you're worried about right now?" he asks in a low, incredulous growl. "I thought you were telling me to stop."

The idea that he essentially shoved his balls in your face the first time you met had been so startling that you had forgotten everything else. Including the fact that your hand is currently still on his dick and you yourself are half-naked beneath him. Oops.

"No, definitely don't stop," you assure him. You want to feel bad for worrying him, you really do, but he looks so sexy with his jaw clenched in annoyance that you're immediately reminded of the ache between your legs. He looks like he's about to complain again, and you decide now is not the time to inquire about his underwear habits.

"Jin," you murmur softly, giving his cock a squeeze that you hope distracts him from his ire. His sharp exhale tells you you're successful, and with your free hand you guide his own back towards your core.

You stroke him slowly, tentatively and he lets out a strained "fuck" before caressing your pussy over your underwear. When he realizes how wet you are, he curses again before shoving the fabric aside. You whimper as he slowly, torturously, drags his fingers up and down your wet slit, bucking into his hand in a wordless plea for more.

Jin obliges, and you're glad the room is soundproof because the noise you make when he presses one of his thick fingers into you is depraved and needy.

Then his finger curls, and the cry you let out makes all of your earlier moans seem like church prayers.

"There?" he asks smugly, leaning back so he can get a good view of your face as drags the pad of his finger against that spot again. You think you babble an assent as he sets a delicious, relentless rhythm and you try to do the same, stroking him in a manner that only gets more uncoordinated as he drives you closer and closer to your peak.

"Jin," you pant desperately, grinding your hips into the curl of his fingers. He must have added another at some point, because the stretch feels so good that all you can see are the stars Jin has hung before you. "I'm – I'm gonna –"

"That's it, princess," he gasps, thrusting into your hand because you've long since ceased being able to focus on anything other than the relentless pleasure Jin is driving into you. "Come for me."

He doesn't even use his stigma, and yet you're powerless to resist. You fall apart with a wordless cry, spurred by his clever fingers, face contorting in pleasure that radiates from your core all the way to your toes. He stills his movements but presses his palm hard against your clit just when your spasms subside and you choke at the fresh, muted wave of pleasure.

You're still coming back to your senses when he withdraws his fingers and kisses you softly, stroking your hair with his free hand.

"Such a good girl," he murmurs into your neck, nipping and sucking at your tender skin. Honey oozes through your chest at his praise and gentle touch, the side of Jin that no one gets to see but you. You tug lightly at his hair to encourage him to kiss you again, and this time the slide of your tongues is more relaxed, easing you back into the waking world.

Jin is still hard in your grip, and when you resume your ministrations, his movements falter. You rub your palm around his tip and his moan vibrates against your tongue, and you feel yourself getting wet again.

"Jin, I need you," you murmur into his lips, withdrawing your hand from his pants only to shove them down and off his ass. Which you also take the opportunity to squeeze.

He sits up to kick them the rest of the way off and you do the same, yanking your skirt and panties down and tossing them wherever so you can admire the Adonis before you.

Every inch Jin's body looks like it was carved from marble by ancient Greek sculptors, each muscle taut and perfect. Well, except the several inches that constitute his cock, which is much larger than what was fashionable at the time. And you're not really sure how many sculptures there were with erect dicks.

"You're drooling."

With a start you wipe at your mouth, then scowl at the ghoul in indignation.

"Hey! No I wasn't!"

Jin snorts and takes your hand to pull you closer, and you very quickly forget everything when he kisses your palm, then the underside of your wrist. You shudder as the light touches send butterflies fluttering through your chest. Were those areas always so sensitive, or is it just because it's Jin?

"So cute, even when you're being a fucking idiot," he murmurs, eyes glittering with amusement as you huff and roll to face away from him. So rude. Even if hearing him call you cute turns your insides into goo.

Jin chuckles and presses his body to your back, and for a man everyone says is cold, all you can feel from his skin is heat. His hand skims over your breast before trailing down your stomach and you melt into him in spite of yourself.

"So you want it from behind?"

He says it just as his hand dips between your thighs, breath hot against your ear, and you forget to reply when he just barely presses his finger past your folds. You moan quietly, grinding your backside against his cock and Jin groans just as softly when he feels you still wet for him.

Suddenly his warmth vanishes, but before you can wonder what he's doing, he's pushing you onto your back and forcing your legs apart with his knees.

"Maybe next time," he muses, stroking your exposed pussy as you stare up at him with swollen lips and messy hair. "I want to see your face the first time you come on my cock."

Your face floods with heat at his filthy words, and his predatory gaze makes you feel more like prey than a princess. It only turns you on further, and when he gives his length a few cursory pumps before lining himself up, you swear your mouth actually does water.

Jin pauses, the blunt head of his cock just barely kissing your entrance.

"Tell me you want this," he rasps. His pupils are dilated, eyes heavy with desire and he looks like he'd love nothing more than to devour you whole. Yet he still waits, and it makes you want him even more.

You take his free hand, threading your fingers together, and pull him down so his forehead bumps yours.

"Please, Jin," you whisper, heart pounding. "I want this. I want you."

Jin kisses you just as his length presses against you, swallowing the needy whimper that escapes your throat. Instead of pushing in, he drags his cock up and down your slit, rubbing your clit with each stroke and you buck your hips towards him, wanting more.

"Jin," you gasp against his lips and tongue, hot and needy and achingly empty. "Can you please just – ahh!"

You moan as he finally presses into you, eyes rolling back as Jin's thick length cleaves into your walls. The stretch is agonizingly delicious, and he's so big that despite your wetness he has to go slow, pulling out shallowly just so he can fuck you deeper with each roll of his hips. By the time he's fully sheathed in your cunt, you're gasping and digging your nails into his back.

"You're doing so good for me, Princess," Jin breathes in a strained voice, pressing kisses to your neck as you whimper and wiggle beneath him.

"More," you whine, wrapping your legs around his hips as you try to take him deeper, desperate to take everything he has to offer.

"Fuck," he curses, grinding into you so hard you swear you can feel him in your throat. You pulse around him, slick walls gripping his cock like a vice and he curses again, grabbing your hips so he can properly fuck into you the way you both want.

Each thrust makes you see stars, and the room echoes with the indecent sound of skin slapping skin, Jin's harsh, uneven breathing, and your moans as you beg him for more.

Jin feels incredible, his cock hitting spots you weren't even aware of, and when he reaches between your bodies to massage your clit you can't help but buck wildly against him.

"Nng, fuck," you choke, because it's almost too much and somehow still not enough. With each thrust of his hips, each circle of his thumb on your clit, you lose more and more of your grip on reality and you yank his face to yours in a desperate clash of teeth and tongue.

"Don't stop," you gasp into his mouth as he fucks you into what feels like another plane of existence. You barely feel like a human anymore, but rather a bundle of nerves and pleasure growing tighter, tighter, until –

"Jin!" you wail, back arching as the tension snaps into rapture and you explode into a million pieces.

"Shit," Jin grunts, pace faltering as he feels you spasm uncontrollably around his cock. He buries his face into the side of your neck and you wrap your arms and legs around him, still trembling from the aftershocks of your orgasm. "Where–"

"Inside," you beg, tightening your legs around him as his thrusts grow harder and more erratic. Jin's answering groan is feral, animalistic, and when he spills inside of you he bites your shoulder hard enough to make you cry out.

"Fuck," he pants quietly, running his tongue over the bite in a silent apology before propping himself up on an arm to gaze down at you. You smile as you brush some of his sweaty hair out of his face, looking into beautiful icy eyes that thaw only for you.

"You're beautiful," Jin murmurs softly, leaning in to press a kiss on your forehead, then the tip of your nose, then your lips. You're melting again, reduced to an embarrassing puddle of adoration at his gentle treatment.

"You too," you reply dreamily, in a haze of post-coital contentment as you snuggle into Jin's chest. You feel his chuckle vibrate against your skin and he wraps his free arm around you, holding you close. "Wait, so why were you upset?"

"Oh my fucking god."

[tokyo-debunker-idk]

GOD I HATE WRITING SMUT IT'S SO HARD IT'S SO ANNOYING UGHHHHH

[tokyo-debunker-idk]

My contribution to the community of 4 other people who obsessed with this stupid fruit tart mf bc almost everyone in my guild hates him (valid)

[tokyo-debunker-idk]

Crushed | 03

Summary: He's tried to convince Leo that you're a cool person, to which the former just scoffs and accuses Sho of having a crush. Honestly, the reaction is obnoxious – people of the opposite sex are perfectly able to have platonic friendships. Just because Sho's taken to bringing an extra lunch for you on training days so you can eat together after, and he enjoys spending time with you, and you're pretty and smell good even after an hour of sparring, doesn't mean he has a crush.

Pairing: Haizono Sho x Reader x Kurosagi Leo

Genre: Humor, romantic comedy, slowish burn, no real plot, Leo bullying

18+, minors DNI

~~~~~

"Besides, what are a few nobodies compared to the shit you've been dealing with anyway? You can handle it."

You finally realize what's been bothering you since you confronted Leo at the Vagastrom dorms (outside of the usual annoyance of Leo's general existence).

His response, despite his condescending tone… had been worded suspiciously like a compliment. Which, since it's Leo, means it probably wasn't.

"YoU cAn hAndLe iT," you mutter quietly to yourself, imitating the TikTok asshole's haughty tone. "Fuck off."

It makes you even more annoyed about the stupid sympathy that flared up when Leo mentioned death threats. He doesn't deserve your consideration, but your empathetic ass doesn't care about logical little details like that.

Sure, you've seen horrible comments and exchanges online in fan wars, but it's always been as a spectator. Receiving such disturbing messages personally, ranging from unhinged fans who call you ugly (whatever) to those that wish vile things upon you (less whatever) to others that send inappropriate pictures you wish you could unsee (your eyes, your poor non-quite-virgin eyes)… it's affected you much more than you would have expected.

For you it's mostly a weird blip in your life, and you can just deactivate an account you rarely used in the first place. Since you're stuck at Darkwick, it's not like your social life in the "real" world is exactly popping off, anyway. Despite logically knowing that nothing will happen to you, that the vitriol is being spewed by complete strangers who don't know you at all, you still feel shaken at the reminder that regular humans can be even worse than many of the anomalies you've experienced.

Even the sparse comments about you being cute together (which are repulsive in their own way, for obvious reasons) feel weird and invasive, as if you're their friend. It's like they think they know you, and that their opinion matters enough for you to hear it.

Leo deals with all of that constantly? Sure, he basically signed up for it and is apparently completely fine, but it still just… doesn't feel right.

Yeah, you dislike him, but he's not exactly evil. He's a douche who cares more about himself than anyone else, which is not a rare trait in the world. He just also happens to have brains and guts, without the morals that would keep him from using those around him.

So, a shitty guy, but not the absolute worst. At least, not evil enough for the insane hostility you received firsthand.

Then again, he's gotten those types of messages and was more than willing to put you in the line of fire. So maybe he is a little evil.

Why did he even post you to his TikTok as his girlfriend, anyway? For all his apparent dismissiveness of your capabilities, the guy is definitely way too vain to choose any random passerby, even if he later reveals it to be a joke. In its own fucked up little way, it's almost a compliment that he seems to think you're objectively attractive enough to be a believable partner to his audience.

Not that you're flattered.

Well… a small, petty part of you kind of is, because while Leo acts like a steaming pile of garbage, he's a steaming pile of garbage with taste.

Huh, then maybe he did actually mean what he said about you being able to handle it?

Nah, that can't be right.

Whatever. You have more important things to worry about than a toxic, twink-shaped gremlin. Like your new assignment with the Jabberwock ghouls. That should be your current number-one priority. You should probably go over the investigation notes right now, actually.

SHOulders: Hey Y/N, u free?

You're a strong independent woman who can prioritize important, life-altering tasks over silly crushes. You are, you can resist–

You: Yeah! What's up?

~~~~~

"So? What do you think of the sign?"

"It's amazing! It's even more impressive than it was in the photo."

Sho grins at your compliments, though he tries not to show just how pleased he is about your heartfelt praise.

"Didn't I say flattery'll get you nowhere?"

He's lying, of course. Flattery from you is always welcome, because he can tell you mean it. It's also why he's asked you to look at his menu and signboard before officializing the food truck – you'll give him your honest thoughts. Leo would have opinions on things that are trending, but Sho doesn't really want to rely on gimmicks. For all his irritation with the restrictions at Darkwick (and having to deal with his annoying ass brother), this food truck is something he's actually excited about.

Sho doesn't tend to take most things seriously… he's naturally intelligent and athletic, so he's never really had to try hard to get by. Not wanting anything badly means he'll never be disappointed if something doesn't pan out. Besides, Leo's the type of best friend to make fun of any endeavor or interest he doesn't deem worthy.

But you're different.

You work so hard every day to make up for the qualities you believe you lack, from struggling through workouts to staying up late to catch up on the classwork you miss due to being sent on missions. Maybe once he would have scoffed at your efforts, but instead, it gives him the courage to try something new.

It's safe to show you how much the food truck actually means to him. You're the one who constantly raves about his food, whose encouragement and support has helped his tiny idea grow into an actual dream. He trusts you.

"Do you have a date?"

Huh? A date for what? Why do you want to know about his love life? Or is this your way of asking him to –

You hand back the menu you were looking at, and Sho realizes you mean for his food truck opening.

Right. Thank goodness, because you guys have a good friendship that does not need to be complicated by anything like that.

"By next week, I guess? So long as no one gets in my way."

"I'm really looking forward to it!"

Yeah, the sensation in his chest is most definitely relief, not disappointment.

~~~~~

"What are you doing here?"

"Hello to you too, Kurokawa," you reply drily as you put down your heavy bag, unsurprised by Leo's unwelcoming greeting. He's lounging on a couch in the common area, and you suppress an internal sigh.

It's not surprising to run into him at the Vagastrom dorm, but you had hoped he was out turning princes into frogs, forcing poor parents to exchange their firstborn for vegetables, or whatever it is he does for fun.

"It's Kurosagi."

You ignore his correction, because you know it pisses him off.

You sometimes wonder why Sho bothers with Leo when you've never seen Leo do anything nice for his so-called best friend, but it's not your place to judge. You're mature enough to understand that there's a history there you're not aware of, and that you've only known them for a very short period of time.

"Maybe I'm here to see my darling influencer boyfriend," you say sarcastically, giving him the fakest smile you can manage as you plop down next to him. You know he doesn't like you, so it's another easy way to annoy him (if at your own expense). "How could I go a day without seeing that pretty face?"

You're mature enough to understand. That doesn't mean you're mature enough to not hate it. If you can't avoid Leo, you're going to do your best to be as annoying as possible when you do have to interact with him.

"Ugh, don't sit so close," Leo grumbles, despite not making a single move to move away like the lazy little princess he is. He does smell nice though, probably some trendy cologne that he uses to cover up the stench of his rotten personality. "Have you even showered today?"

Wow. You know you smell nice because you did, in fact, shower today. Right before coming here, to be exact, because despite Sho's knowledge of your sweaty form after training sessions, you want his memories to be of you fresh and perfumed.

There is really no need for Leo to be so fucking rude all the fucking time. Especially when you've done nothing to deserve it but apparently have the audacity to exist in his presence. If anything, you've been downright charitable in never bringing up "the incident" at the Pit. Though if you're being honest, it's also something you don't want to remember, because the knowledge that you willingly ground up against his dick – even if it was out of spite – is too embarrassing to think about.

Sure, he's pretty, but you have your standards.

Why are you even thinking about this right now? Clearly you have been spending way too much time either studying, doing odd jobs for the ghouls, and daydreaming about Sho if you're even thinking of Leo in any sexual-adjacent light. You don't even really want to think about him at all.

You know that being ignored is one of the things that bothers him most of all (an attention-seeking diva, truly), so you grab a textbook out of your bag and begin to read.

~~~~~

Leo knows he's an asshole.

He's perfectly fine with it. Sometimes, it even sparks joy.

Such as now, when you're scowling at him in a way that makes him want to antagonize you even further. You're always so nice and friendly to everyone that it's satisfying to be the one to elicit a different reaction out of you. It's a matter of pride that he's the only one that can make you lose your temper.

Besides, it's not his fault you look so cute when you're pissed off.

Leo freezes when he realizes what just crossed his mind, but before he can figure out exactly where that ridiculous thought came from, you're pulling a textbook out of your bag.

… Are you seriously about to study while sitting so close to Leo he can smell your flowery shampoo?

"Can I help you, Kurohagi?"

His eyebrow twitches, and he realizes he's been staring at you. And that you fucked up his last name, again.

"You're getting very comfortable, aren't you?" he replies in a scornfully, wondering why exactly you're even visiting when Leo's the only one here.

Unless… you came to see him. Maybe you're just playing it off as if you weren't, to save face. Why else would you even sit so close to him, anyway?

"I'm just waiting for Sho to get back, he said he'd be here soon," you reply with a shrug that annoys Leo for reasons he can't explain. Your answer makes far more sense, and yet that just pisses him off even more. So he does what he does best.

"It's cute how you're being such a good little gofer for Sho," he says mildly, pretending not to care one way or the other. "He's always been good at getting people to do things for him."

You stiffen, and uncertainty flits across your face before you straighten your expression. Though you're obviously trying to hide it, the way you shift away from him reveals that he hit a nerve.

It was exactly what he was going for, but the usual satisfaction feels hollow, as if the words have left a bitter aftertaste in his mouth. You don't snap back with your usual fire the way he expected. Instead you just look back at your book, and the sour feeling magnifies.

An oppressive silence blankets the two of you while unfamiliar pressure weighs down his chest, and Leo is almost relieved when the tell-tale sound of a rumbling engine signals Sho's arrival.

His friend's face brightens instantly when his eyes land on you, which irritates Leo in a way he can't explain. You smile back, though it's more subdued than usual.

"I brought the rest of the stuff from the diner," you call out, and the way Sho jogs to greet you seems to restore some of the sparkle in your eyes. It does not alleviate some of the heaviness Leo is feeling.

"Awesome, thanks," Sho replies with a grin. "You know you didn't have to, right?"

"Yeah, but I wanted to."

Barf. Are you guys fucking serious? It's nauseating, the way Sho is smiling at you like a lovesick puppy. Does he have no pride at all?

"Oh, Leo," Sho calls. Great, he's finally been noticed.

"What?" Leo replies a little petulantly, crossing his arms. Everything about this situation is pissing him off, and he doesn't even understand why.

"Stop pouting and help me out, I was able to pick up some liquor when I went on my grocery run."

"Ugh, fine," he grumbles, mollified by the promise of a night of drinking. It's sadly the closest they can get to clubbing when Darkwick watches their every move.

Leo stands to help grab some of Sho's bags and notices that you're hanging back with an uncertain look on your face. Are you stupid enough to actually take Leo's words to heart when it's obvious you have his best friend wrapped around your pretty little finger?

"Are you coming or not?" he asks testily, shoving a few bags in your direction. "We're not sharing if you don't help."

Your eyes widen at the implied invitation, and even Sho makes a sound of surprise.

"I… uh… yeah," you stammer, hurrying up from the couch to take the bag Leo is holding out. "Thanks?"

You still look and sound confused, but the smile you give him is genuine. It's the first time he's been on the receiving end of that particular expression of yours, and sunlight eases the uncomfortable feeling in his chest. It's similarly disconcerting, and Leo has no idea what to make of it.

"Whatever, just hurry up."

~~~~~

Prev | Masterlist | Next

[tokyo-debunker-idk]

Zayne — “Snowy Serenity” memory (Kindled moments only)

[tokyo-debunker-idk]

A Song of Ice and Aneurysm | 01

Summary: Jin Kamurai might be feared and respected as the wintery King of Frostheim, but even he is no match for a cursed honor student denser than any iceberg known to mankind.

Pairing: Kamurai Jin x Reader

Genre: Humor, romantic comedy, fluff, Jin struggling to emote, eventual smut, COMPLETE

18+, minors DNI

~~~~~

Jin: You better have a good fucking explanation, peasant

You gulp when you read the text sent by Frostheim’s haughty, commanding, somewhat terrifying Captain. It's barely been an hour since you've returned to solid ground from the terrifying foray into the sea, and part of you wants to dive right back in to avoid whatever confrontation Jin is expecting. You should have known that with your horrendous luck, something would go wrong during your mission with the Jabberwock ghouls.

Being taken to an illusory sunken ship in the guise of an undersea palace on the back of a talking turtle that ended up being progeny of a terrifying anomaly probably wouldn't have been your first guess, but being MIA for an unfortunate amount of time shouldn't have been outside the realm of expectation.

And, given the trend of everything in your life going atrociously, perhaps you should have considered the consequences of asking the Captain of the most prestigious house in Darkwick for such a huge favor, on such short notice.

Not only had he agreed and provided you with a boat (yacht, nearly) with only a day of turn-around time, but he had even staffed the craft with employees that had likely panicked upon your disappearance beneath the waves.

It wasn't exactly your fault that Towa had so impulsively leapt off the literal deep end, or that a strange wave had knocked you into the water after him. But then again, none of the disasters that have happened to you have been directly your control. You could have at least tried to prepare, or figured out a way to send communications, or had some sort of contingency plan. At this point, you should know better.

But alas, you are twice (Thrice? Ten times, at this point? Too many, definitely) the fool for being caught with your metaphorical pants down again.

You know that ignoring the text or giving feeble excuses will only piss Jin off further, so with a sigh you begin trotting towards the Frostheim dormitory, dread weighing down every footstep.

Well, at least you'll get to admire his perfect cheekbones while he yells at you.

~~~~~

"Why would I give a fuck about the boat?"

For some reason, Jin looks even more pissed than when you entered, and you feel your apprehension beginning to unravel into panic. Had you fucked something else up you can't even remember? At this rate you're going to be laundering the Captain's shirts until your curse kills you.

Though then you might be able to snag a couple for sleeping. Your premeditation of possible theft is only due to the fact that the material is the most luxurious your broke ass has ever felt, and that Jin's rich enough not to notice.

It's definitely not because his cologne smells masculine and delicious. That would be creepy.

Jin heaves an exasperated sigh, and your thoughts wander back to the reason you're currently here, at his mercy. Well, what you thought that was the reason. Now you are at a loss.

As if reading your confusion, he scowls and elaborates.

"I can always find another boat. Other things aren't so easily replaced."

Agonizing seconds pass as you wrack your brain for whatever could be so important that the Jin Kamurai, corporate heir, would have trouble replacing it. And then, finally, you get it.

Your sudden comprehension must show on your face, because his own relaxes. Thank goodness, too, because while Jin is gorgeous when he's angry, he's downright ethereal when he's not.

"Oh," you breathe, giving him a smile of understanding. "Don't worry, that dress you sent me is safe and sound in my dorm!"

Considering his background and the exquisite gowns of the other Frostheim ladies at the ball, it must have been very expensive, perhaps hand-made and thus more valuable than a factory-made vessel. You can't imagine it having sentimental value to him. To you, however, the lovely dress is not only a symbol of your first completed mission, but an indicator that some here accept you. You stomp down the hopeful part of your heart that wishes it was more than just mere acceptance, because that would be too unrealistic, too greedy.

The safety of the dress also does not seem to be the cause of his ire, however, because his expression is now so blank it's actually scarier than his anger. Deathly silence stronger than any anomalous sound-proofing begins to permeate the room as the regal ghoul stares at you, and you begin to sweat in spite of the cold. Perhaps he's upset that it's still in your possession?

You immediately feel like an idiot for not seeing it sooner. Of course it hadn't been a gift for you to keep, but rather, a loan.

It's obvious in hindsight – he needed to show that he was still the powerful man in charge of Frostheim, and you were a conveniently neutral party he could dance with to draw more eyes.

The realization stings a little more than you thought, and not for the first time you curse yourself for developing an attraction to someone so clearly out of your league. Thank god you've never let it show, soothing your pride if not your emotions.

"I-I can return it now, if you need it back!"

Your voice cracks a little, but you're otherwise able to keep your tone stable. You're a big girl, you can take a hint. It's pointless to feel an attachment to something that was never yours to begin with.

The offer does not appear to soothe the beast before you, however, because frosty silence emanates from Jin in ominous waves. You wonder if it might have been a good idea to write your will before your mission.

"Er, of course I'd have it dry cleaned first…?"

A muscle twitches in his (very well-defined) jaw, and you begin to pray.

~~~~~

Tohma Ishibashi is having what might be the best day of his entire life.

He watches silently as the illustrious, dauntless, emotionally constipated Captain of Frostheim malfunctions in the face of guileless misunderstanding. Is it really that difficult for the man to simply tell you he was worried?

You glance backwards to meet his gaze, and your own holds so much terror at Jin's oppressive silence that Tohma clears his throat to suppress a laugh.

"I believe, Y/N," the Vice Captain interjects, regretting the need to break the magnificently suffocating atmosphere, "that our Captain means that there are certain members of our house who would have been most upset had anything happened to you."

Tohma had almost decided not to interfere, because the Jin Kamurai's wordless suffering due to his own inability to communicate is a delicious treat. But all good things must come to an end, and prolonging such an entertaining scene would only take away the sweetness of the memory.

And that bashful smile of yours, surprised and a little bit grateful at the understanding that you are important to them, is worth it all on its own.

~~~~~

Jin doesn't know who to kill first. You, Tohma, or himself.

Not only have the meaning of his words flown over your head despite him practically announcing that he's grown rather fond of you, but the twitch of Tohma's lips shows that the Vice-Captain is enjoying this situation entirely too much.

He almost forgives his second when the bespectacled asshole finally deigns to clarify the situation, because your smile is warm enough to thaw the angry chill that's coated his heart.

"Ah, I see… I'm so sorry I didn't realize," you murmur, looking contrite and a little embarrassed. That's more fucking like it.

You had fucking disappeared, into the fucking ocean where humans famously cannot breathe, where there was a monster tearing fish and other anomalies apart. You were in danger, alone but for the Jabberwock rabble, and Jin was stuck here with no idea where you were and no way to get to you.

You should be sorry for making him wonder if he'll ever see your stupid ass again.

So many social climbers are willing to read far too much into a single look, a moment of eye-contact, one mere hello. He's shown you far too much favor already, even if part of it can be written off as repayment for giving him the ability to use his stigma again.

Why the fuck would he want the dress back? Do you think he wants to fucking wear it? He got it for you, tailored to your size based on the measurements in Darkwick's records. He doesn't remember what they are because they were only important to ensure the gown suited you perfectly.

You're an idiot. An irritating mixture of meek and headstrong. Someone who will take stupid menial duties from him without (much) complaint, like a doormat, but then the same day will also investigate paranormal murder with no promise of safety other than what others can give you. You're an open book, easy to read and impossible to understand.

You have grown on him, a sneaky tumor whose cells now circulate through his veins and invade his thoughts. Do you really think that just anyone has his contact information? Or has the privilege to be allowed to call him? And on top of that, be able ask for a fucking favor without immediately being blocked?

You needed a boat, so he got you a fucking boat. A big one. If one day you need the moon, he will find a fucking rocket. And eventually, he'll catch the damn flower that cursed you.

It is ridiculous that it's taken Tohma practically spelling it out for you to realize–

"I didn't know Kaito and Luca would be so worried about me that it would impact you."

You can not be fucking serious. Something dies inside of Jin, and he thinks it might be his sanity.

"It's really sweet of them, I never thought anyone would care enough about me to notice I was gone, but still. They're adults, and they need to understand the reality of my situation and their own responsibilities."

First, he's going to murder you for being this fucking stupid. Then, he is going to off the first-year brats because you think they're sweet. Next on the list will be Tohma, who has just let out what, from any less refined individual, would be classified as a snort.

And then he's going to kill every fucker at Jabberwock for putting you in danger in the first place.

"Shut the fuck up."

~~~~~

This is not going well.

In fact, if you were still on the boat Jin apparently does not care about, you would say it is currently sinking. And, true to form, you have no lifeboats prepared.

"Get out."

Ah, but one has been fortuitously offered to you, and with immense relief you turn to escape.

"Not you. Him."

You knew it was too good to be true, yet you still give Tohma a pleading glance as he bows gracefully. He meets your eyes with a calm smile. Then, like the cold bastard he is, leaves you to your doom without a backwards glance.

The heavy doors close behind him with an ominous thud, and you eye Jin nervously. His threats from your first meeting echo in your head like an alarm.

"My room has anomalous soundproofing. You can scream and cry all you like. No one's gonna hear you."

Oh god. You're fucked. You're so, so fucked.

"Come here."

Jin can't use his stigma without you, and yet you find yourself obeying, his commanding tone impossible to resist. Your legs move until you're standing before him.

Even though he is lounging on his luxurious couch and you're on your feet, he still manages to look down on you. His icy blue eyes pierce into your own, and despite the nervous thrum of your chest alerting you to danger, you're unable to look away. You've never been able to stare back at him so blatantly.

Somehow, the longer you look, the more beautiful he becomes.

You're close enough to catch hints of his cologne, and it clouds your senses as if beckoning you forward. You dazedly wonder if you should be admiring your potential murderer. But it's not your fault that he has such full lips, or beautiful silvery hair that looks perfect for running your fingers through.

It's not fair for that to be all you can think about when you're this close to evisceration.

"You're a fucking idiot."

His blunt words slice through the confused haze in your mind, and indignation restores your self-awareness.

"Excuse me? That is so ru–eep!"

He grabs your wrist to tug you closer, and you let out an embarrassingly inelegant noise as you lose your balance. And perhaps your grasp on reality, because you have somehow tumbled into Jin Kamurai's lap, practically straddling him.

No, you've definitely lost your sanity, because instead of pushing you away or lopping off your head for your transgression, your body seems to believe that one of his hands is resting on your hip, and the other is brushing hair out of your face. Perhaps you have already died, and this is actually heaven. You must have done enough good in the world to outweigh all the tampons you flushed down the toilet in the past.

Jin's thumb trails gently over your cheek, and you automatically lean into his warmth. He's normally so harsh with his words, aloof in a way that shuts others out with thick walls of ice. Yet that hidden, secret side of him is evident in the softness of his touch.

"J-Jin," your voice quivers, a whisper because for some reason it feels like you shouldn't speak any louder. If against all odds, this actually is reality, you don't want to break whatever spell is being woven around you. You don't want this gentle moment to ever end.

There's something you don't understand in those mesmerizing eyes, and his pretty, pretty lips of his curve into what, for Jin, is a smile. It spills into your chest like sunlight through the clouds, and for a moment you wonder why you were ever scared.

"Bianerus."

~~~~~

Part 2

[tokyo-debunker-idk]

(By trope-specific i mean for example all the slash fics hosting websites, or the nsfw-only ones, etc)

[tokyo-debunker-idk]

might be making a Jin drop soon... if I can think of a title lol (titles my worst enemy...)

[tokyo-debunker-idk]

Hiii thank you so much!!!! Come on, it's so clear Leo is a bratty twink LMFAO and yes Sho is a perfect boi we love him.

I hope you enjoy the next chapter!!! Thank you for reading :)

Crushed

Summary: He's tried to convince Leo that you're a cool person, to which the former just scoffs and accuses Sho of having a crush. Honestly, the reaction is obnoxious – people of the opposite sex are perfectly able to have platonic friendships. Just because Sho's taken to bringing an extra lunch for you on training days so you can eat together after, and he enjoys spending time with you, and you're pretty and smell good even after an hour of sparring, doesn't mean he has a crush.

Pairing: Haizono Sho x Reader x Kurosagi Leo

Genre: Humor, romantic comedy, slowish burn, no real plot, Leo bullying

18+, minors DNI

~~~~~

"If you can't do it what's even the point of taking you on missions?"

Leo's condescending, disappointed tone cuts you like a knife. Your stigma-enhancing ability, one of the only reasons you're supposed to be useful at this academy, didn't work on Sho during the mission.

"You just expect us to protect you? You're dead weight. Right, Sho?"

You tune out the rest of their conversation as shame flares in your chest, hot and painful. As much as you want to fight Leo's cruel words, the inherent truth behind them clogs your throat. Because he's right. You can't fight, you don't know anything about anomalies, and you've had to be rescued in every mission even when your ability did work.

He doesn't have to be such a dick about it, though. Stupid finger-hearting TikTok asshole. Harsh truths are even harsher when they come from someone you dislike, and you've disliked the pretty, silver-haired influencer ever since you met him, when he unnecessarily antagonized your friends just for his amusement. The impression has only been further compounded by his attitude during the mission, and just how convincingly he was able to spin tales and fake emotions and tears to convince his audience. Leo is a manipulative bastard, and you don't trust him one bit.

Unfortunately, that doesn't make any of his current words less valid. At this rate, you're going to die sitting on your ass while the ghouls do all the work. You only have a year until your curse kills you, and you've already almost died more than once. So why are you being so timid and hesitant? Might as well risk earlier death by giving it your all than sit passively and hope everything works out.

Your resolve grows, and by the time you're back at your own chapel-dorm, you've made a decision.

~~~~~

Sho blinks as he arrives at the Vagastrom Pit at lunch, because for some reason the honor student is already there. Looking at you gives him a twinge of shame – sure, he'll scam rich assholes with Leo and follow his plots, but he's never almost caused an innocent person's death before. Especially one who has done nothing but try to help others, the entire time he's known you.

The look of panic on your face, the way you had tried to reach out – still trusting him to save you despite his failure – had plagued his dreams last night, and seeing you solid, safe, and alive in front of him now is more of a relief than he wants to admit.

"What are you doing here?" he asks, making you squeak and almost drop your phone, and he resolutely does not notice that it's quite cute. He doesn't really deserve to.

For some reason you're the one who looks guilty, despite having done nothing wrong. And then he notices you're wearing athletic gear rather than your usual uniform.

"Alan told you to come here at lunch for training, right?" you ask, standing up and tossing your phone carelessly into your bag to give him your full attention in a way Leo never does. "I want to join."

"Are you crazy?" asks Sho incredulously, wondering why on earth you would voluntarily sign up for what is most likely going to be a beatdown. Based on how the mission went, you've never even been anywhere near a fight before coming to Darkwick. So why this?

"No. Maybe." you reply, your face determined. "But I'd rather be crazy than useless."

Oh. So that's why.

Alan arrives right then, which is probably a good thing because Sho feels a nauseating mixture of shame and – admiration? The reminder of Leo's jibes makes guilt bubble in his stomach, but something about the staunch resolve on your face fills his chest with a warmth akin to the first time he held your hand on the mission. Or maybe it's an after effect of you enhancing his stigma.

Sho's not really sure, but he does decide then and there that he is going to do his best to make it up to you.

~~~~~

"Oh my god, this is so good," you practically moan as you take a huge bite of your sandwich. "Sho, you should charge for this." You're so invested in your meal that you miss the way the tips of his ears turn pink at your praise.

"It's just a sandwich," he replies, brushing off your comment and resisting the urge to twirl his silver hair like a schoolgirl. The two of you are eating in the courtyard after getting pummeled by Alan for the better half of the lunch hour, sitting in the grass because all the benches are already occupied.

He shouldn't feel this pleased by your approval, but as he's gotten to know you, he's come to respect and value your opinion. Sure, maybe at first he had begun spending time with you out of guilt, but you really are cool – fun and snarky in a way he hadn't noticed during the mission. Hanging out with you is comfortable, easy, and he doesn't have to worry about silly intrigues and gossip. You're honest and upfront in a way Leo has never been, and while he loves his best friend, being around you is refreshing.

And you're determined, never complaining during the training sessions no matter what Alan has you do despite the fact that you're clearly out of your element. Sho supposes Alan saw that in you long before he did, because the captain seems completely unsurprised by your conviction. It makes him feel a little ashamed in a different way than guilt – that he has nothing to strive for other than whatever Leo comes up with.

Sho kind of wishes the three of you could hang out together, but Leo's made it clear he has no interest in ever interacting with you, and you look distinctly uncomfortable any time Leo is in the vicinity. Which Sho can't exactly blame you for, considering his friend's behavior.

He's tried to convince Leo to give you a chance, to which the former merely scoffs and accuses Sho of having a crush. Honestly, the reaction is obnoxious – people of the opposite sex are perfectly able to have platonic friendships. Just because Sho's taken to bringing an extra lunch for you on training days so you can eat together after, and he enjoys spending time with you, and you're pretty and smell good even after an hour of sparring, doesn't mean he has a crush.

"No, I'm serious," you insist, jabbing the half-eaten sandwich at him for emphasis. "The fried egg is salted perfectly, and I never thought of including green onion with other veggies. It's really delicious."

The sweetly earnest expression on your face brings that familiar warmth to his chest, and Sho can't help but smile when he notices a dab of mayo on your nose.

"So you're saying I should start charging you for these lunches?" he teases, using his thumb to wipe the condiment off your face and absently noting how soft your skin feels.

"What? I don't get VIP privileges for being adorable?" you reply with a pout that is, indeed, adorable. Sho just snorts at your audacity as he wipes his hand on a napkin.

"No, you don't. But I suppose I can give you friend privileges since we're both being physically abused together."

Your eyes sparkle when you smile, and Sho feels that fluttery warmth again. They really do need to do more testing with your ability.

"Thanks Sho, you're the best," you announce happily, dropping your head on his shoulder affectionately. "I'm glad you're my friend. And not just for the food, either."

How do you still smell so nice after all that sweating?

~~~~~

TikTokBitch: Hey honor roll

You: What do you want

TikTokBitch: I know ur free TikTokBitch: Come to the garage quick

Your brows crinkle as you scowl at your phone. Does he really think you're going to just rush over like an obedient little puppy? If his personality matched his good looks, you'd be happy to help him. It's truly a waste that such a gigantic turd has such a pretty exterior.

You pause, an idea sparking in your head.

You: I will if you owe me a favor

TikTokBitch: Whatever fine just hurry up

~~~~~

Leo rolls his eyes in annoyance as you stroll into the Pit, tape wrapped around your knuckles as if you're actually going to fight.

He'd been surprised when your "favor" had been to spar with him, of all things. Are you trying to impress him or something? Maybe you think close physical contact will make him like you. Sad, really.

Still, he had stupidly agreed to give you a favor in his impatience to hear more clandestine conversations, and now he's here wasting his precious time. He thought you'd learned your place after your mission together, but apparently he'll have to humble you again. Leo isn't exactly a fighter, but he is still a ghoul, and that means an NPC like you doesn't stand a chance.

Which is why it's laughable that you're stretching as if this is serious, like it's a real pit match rather than just the two of you here at night. Leo hasn't even told Sho, because he doesn't like the way his friend seems to be getting closer to you by the day.

Leo contemplates how Sho has been spending his lunch hours with you. Does he actually have a crush on you despite his denials? You're not even that interesting.

He narrows his eyes as he watches you finish warming up, trying to understand what Sho sees in you.

You are kind of brave, he supposes, considering you've been a normal person without any knowledge of this side of the world until recently. And you have a pretty face, when it's not twisted into a sour expression every time you see him. You also have a nice ass, he vaguely notes as you finish warming up. Then he realizes he's ogling and snaps out of it, irritated because you're definitely wearing those little shorts to show yourself off in a way your uniform skirt doesn't.

He really needs to get Sho off campus so he remembers other girls exist, because this is ridiculous. You aren't special, and Sho obviously needs to be reminded of that.

~~~~~

"I win," you sing out smugly, smirking down at the ghoul you've pinned beneath you. Leo's pretty face exudes irritation, if not a little bit of shock, which just serves to boost your ego even more. Not for the first time, you lament that such beautiful golden eyes and sharp cheekbones belong to an asshole like him.

"Don't get cocky," he hisses in frustration, too stunned to do anything but glare. "Just because you caught me off guard, doesn't mean you're any less use–"

– SLAP.

You are so sick of his shit. Perhaps he did underestimate you, but that doesn't make your victory any less valid. If you've learned anything from Alan and Sho (other than that it's possible to be sore in muscles you didn't even realizes existed), it's that there are no rules in a real fight. When you're trying to survive, any and all possibilities should be taken advantage of. The one time you managed to land a hit on Sho (not that it caused any actual damage), he hadn't been pissed and petulant. He'd been proud, approval for you shining from his handsome face.

Leo, on the other hand, can't seem to stand the idea of anyone being better than him. Or even having more attention than him. All he does is manipulate and pull down everyone around him, and you are done hearing the poison that drips from his lips. You open your own mouth to give him a piece of your mind when you feel it.

It being something stirring beneath you, and you're reminded that you are straddling the TikTok asshole in a rather compromising position. One glance at his face shows reddening skin from your slap and shock in his golden eyes.

What the fuck.

"G-get off me," he mutters, staunchly looking anywhere but at you as a rosy flush creeps up his neck. Holy shit. Did slapping him… turn him on?

It's the first time you've ever seen him this flustered, and as disgusted as you are, a petty part of you is pleased to finally have the upper-hand. For this small period of time, you seem to be the one in control, and that feeling is… satisfying in a way you're not currently ready to acknowledge.

So you make a somewhat questionable decision. Instead of scrambling off him as you probably should, you grind against him just ever so slightly. Leo's gaze meets yours, wide in surprise as you feel him harden beneath you, and at the edge of your vision you see his fingers twitch as his hands inch toward your hips.

You slap his other cheek, and feel him twitch against your shorts despite the way his eyes burn with rage. You give him your sweetest smile, infinitely pleased to have confirmed your suspicions, the sting of your palms a satisfying proof of victory.

Then, you do what any other vindictive human would do. You flick his forehead and get up, very charitably resisting the urge to kick him before walking away.

Before he can do anything other than gawk and splutter, Alan and Sho enter the room. Perfect timing actually, because despite your bravado you actually have no idea what to do next other than run away as realization of what you had just done crashes into you.

"Oh hey guys!" you chirp happily, doing what you do best and shoving the event into a dusty corner of your brain to avoid thinking about it. You prance over to the two and tackle Sho in a hug, just to annoy your opponent even further. "I beat Leo!"

Alan's lips quirk into what, for Alan, counts as a smile, and he pats your head gently.

"Good work."

You still haven't really decided if you have the best luck, or the worst. Sure, you've been cursed by a creepy one-eyed flower to die within a year, and sure you're basically Darkwick's slave and periodically sent on dangerous missions with superhumans of questionable mental stability, but well.

At least they're hot.

And most of them treat you like a human being, other than perhaps Jin who sees you as a glorified chore-peasant, and Leo who perhaps after today will stop looking at you like gum stuck to his shoe.

"You've been training with them?"

You turn to see the man in question, looking pissed but otherwise back to normal as if nothing has happened. He's still looking at you like you're unworthy of his acknowledgement, and you can't help but antagonize him.

"Yeah, maybe you should too. It seemed like you were having a hard time out there."

His expression twists – a mixture of furious and mortified – and it's more than enough to have made all this training with it.

Sho chortling as he teases Leo for losing to you is just the icing on the cake.

[tokyo-debunker-idk]

Crushed | 02

Summary: He's tried to convince Leo that you're a cool person, to which the former just scoffs and accuses Sho of having a crush. Honestly, the reaction is obnoxious – people of the opposite sex are perfectly able to have platonic friendships. Just because Sho's taken to bringing an extra lunch for you on training days so you can eat together after, and he enjoys spending time with you, and you're pretty and smell good even after an hour of sparring, doesn't mean he has a crush.

Pairing: Haizono Sho x Reader x Kurosagi Leo

Genre: Humor, romantic comedy, slowish burn, no real plot, Leo bullying

18+, minors DNI

~~~~~

"Haxs."

Leo is eavesdropping, an entirely common occurrence.

He is eavesdropping on you and Sho, an entirely uncommon occurrence.

Generally, the influencer uses his stigma to uncover juicy gossip or dark organizational secrets. It comes in handy when blackmailing rich, pathetic old men, or gaining influence in important decisions.

Plus, he loves to know things others don't. As soon as he smells anything suspicious, his own curiosity consumes him. Which is how he knows about the interesting issue with a spy amongst the ghouls.

Leo discovered that juicy little tidbit entirely by accident.

The salacious part of him had expected the secret meetings between Alan, the Vagastrom captain and Tohma, the prim and proper Frostheim Vice-Captain, to be some sort of lover's affair, kept secret due to the animosity between houses. He needed solid evidence before wielding the conjecture as a weapon (Alan's remarks about his investigation being incomplete do not rankle), so he used the honor student's ability to bypass whatever anomalous sound-proofing had been done to the beat-up old car the two men had been meeting in.

And he had learned something infinitely more fascinating than he had expected.

That ability of yours is quite useful, especially at Darkwick, where secrets simmer beneath the apparent calm of the status quo. No one wants to talk about the mysterious Clash that led to the dissolution of three houses and the poorly hidden tension in the air. It's obvious that any discussions of actual worth are held behind closed, sound-proofed doors.

To satisfy his itching curiosity, he needs to use the meek, helpful little honor student with no backbone or personality other than agreeing to whatever tasks you're given. The honor student who gets pulled this way and that by the ghouls you're working with, whether trotting documents or being taken on dangerous missions.

The honor student, who isn't as easy and pliable as he had been led to believe.

Leo hadn't taken your insistence on a favor seriously, because he hadn't expected anything substantial. Perhaps a selfie with him for social media, or help with schoolwork – he has top results, after all, and it's not like you've had any time to actually attend any classes. You hadn't shown enough personality for him to expect anything out of the ordinary.

But no, you scratched him with your hidden claws, and now he's lurking by the nearly empty Pit to listen to you and Sho as you unwind after training. Training he had not realized you were doing until the humiliating event he does his best not to think about.

If there's anything Leo hates, it's being out of the loop. Especially when that ignorance comes back to bite him so spectacularly.

He's not eavesdropping on you because he cares about what you think, or because he's curious about what you talk about with Sho. He's merely doing this so he can have something to use against you should you threaten to reveal… undesirable information about him.

Leo ignores the fact that you're not the type of person to do that to others, that even your dislike of him is straightforward and honest, much like yourself.

What is it like to wear your heart and intentions on your sleeve with no ulterior motives, without worrying about being taken advantage of? Aren't you scared? The world isn't fair, and when it rains misfortune, the "good" get just as drenched as the "bad". Potentially more, because he's perfectly willing to shove someone out into the open if it means covering his own ass.

Why is it so easy for you to accept the ghouls and take your own situation in stride? Anyone so blase must be an idiot.

"Ugh, Leo is the worst."

He seems to have tuned in at the perfect moment, as you complain about him to Sho. He rolls his eyes. Do you really think this transparent attempt to turn his best friend against him is going to work?

"He's competent and intelligent enough to make plans, and has the guts to follow through with them. And while he was an asshole about it, he was right about my shortcomings."

Wait, what?

"He has qualities I wish I did, and that's what makes him so much more obnoxious."

Leo misses Sho's response in his shock.

He's used to people judging him, for reasons both frivolous and valid. His good looks and social media acumen give him admirers who think they know him, and haters who think they know him better. Many are jealous of his success, and others who know him in real life dislike him for using people as stepping stones. Either way, he really doesn't give a shit what any of them think.

To have his actual abilities acknowledged in this fashion is both unexpected and surprisingly gratifying. Especially because considering your sour tone, you truly mean it. They're not empty words meant to get on his good side – not that you would even know he's listening. Besides, it's already clear you have no intention of being on his good side. You hate him despite your admiration. Or, more accurately, you admire him despite your dislike.

It appears you're more interesting than you initially seemed. Perhaps he can have a little fun with you.

Deep in thought, he heads back to his room, not even realizing that he's forgotten why he had been listening in the first place.

~~~~~

You're not blind.

Shohei Haizono (you sometimes idly wonder why he hates his full name) is incredibly handsome, with his messy silver hair, dark blue eyes, and snarky smile. The motorcycle and the cooking are only two of his many additional attractive qualities.

And you know that being a ghoul, he's much stronger than a normal human – especially you, someone who has had minimal athletic exposure until you've arrived at Darkwick. It's not lost on you that he and Alan hold back during training, the few times you're actually allowed to spar with them and not just do strength-training exercises while he gets thrown around by the captain.

While you have filled out some, your arms still feel closer to wet noodles than to anything resembling strength, and beating Leo doesn't quite translate to feeling tough because (1) he wasn't taking it seriously until it was too late, and (2) he has the slender physique (and diva-like attitude) of a prima ballerina.

Comparing your strength to a willowy pretty-boy doesn't quite translate to the silent, immovable fortitude of men as thick as oak trees. And you've seen that they are thick, thanks to the blessed few times Alan and Sho have worn shorts to work out.

You know all of this, and yet you realize you haven't grasped just how strong he is, or how much he holds back until seeing him hoist a full-sized, commercial refrigerator onto his shoulder with one arm. He doesn't even look particularly inconvenienced, which only makes it all the more humbling.

And hot. It's also really hot.

Particularly when you know that beneath his Darkwick Academy jacket lies toned muscle and broad shoulders.

Despite his rough exterior, Sho is surprisingly kind. He brings you (delicious, delicious) food, gives you fighting tips, and is so laid-back that time with him isn't draining the way it can be with your other new friends. And he's intelligent, needing to read or hear something only once before it's ingrained in his memory. So much so that he has somehow already learned all your favorite foods (though it's beginning to feel like every new dish of his you try becomes your new favorite).

In short, he is objectively husband material, and the reminder that he could toss you around like a sack of potatoes is not helping the attraction you feel for the ghoul.

"What's that moronic look on your face?"

With a start, you realize you've been ogling. Resolutely ignoring the heat on your face, you try for a casual comment.

"Oh, I was just…" Come up with something viable, YN, you got this. "You're… pretty strong, aren't you?" Goddammit.

Luckily, Sho doesn't seem to realize why you were staring, and you are silently grateful for small miracles.

"Not really. A normie could carry this," he replies with a shrug, though there's a smug undercurrent to his voice.

"Yeah, okay," you reply sarcastically, putting the fridge attachments in your bag so you don't have to be attacked by the way his bicep strains against his sleeve. "Definitely."

As the two of you begin to leave the diner, a shriek stops you.

"What are you doing here?!"

You whirl to see Ren Shiranami, the handsome but dour ghoul from the Jabberwock house.

Hadn't the front of the diner been empty? Where had he popped up from? For a moment you wonder if he had hidden under the counter, before discounting it as too ridiculous to be a possibility.

"Oh? You're the first-year who works here…"

"Who?" asks Sho with a scowl, sounding miffed at the hold-up.

"Huh?"

He looks surprised to be addressed, and you realize his outburst had actually been directed at a red-haired student who has thrown his arm over Ren's shoulder. "Um… hey…"

Ren looks so uncomfortable, like he's being held hostage, that you find yourself feeling somewhat sorry for him. Even if he acts like a crabby grandfather suffering from an arthritis flare-up.

"Sorry we were so noisy last time," you offer, not sure why you're trying to make a peace that you hadn't broken in the first place. The guy looks incredibly out of his element, and if there's any feeling you can sympathize with, it's that.

"It's fine… I don't care…"

His tone is miserable and resigned in a way that makes you suspect the ghoul is just an extreme introvert. He looks vaguely annoyed at everything in general rather than you in particular, and it helps you not take his grumpiness personally.

Huh, perhaps he really was hiding under the counter to avoid interacting with anyone. To be honest, you can't really blame him. You would probably do the same if Jin, Frostheim's demanding Captain, was looking for someone to iron his shirts (again).

"Oh! You're a friend of Ren's? Nice to meet you! Thanks for looking out for him!"

You jump at the loud, enthusiastic voice, and Ren flinches. Before you can even get your bearings, the red-haired stranger is grabbing your hand in a firm, vigorous hand-shake.

"Er… um, sure?"

You look questioningly at Ren, who just shakes his head and rolls his eyes at you.

"This is the worst…" he mutters, looking like he regrets every life decision he's ever made. The contrast between his sullen attitude and the newcomer's chipper demeanor is almost comical.

"I'm Haru Sagara, captain of Jabberwock! It's a pleasure!"

Ah, if he's a captain then he must also be a ghoul. He's cute, if a bit energetic, still shaking your hand as he launches into what seems to be a sales pitch.

You're a bit overwhelmed and bewildered as to what is going on, as Haru tells you about some nature tour and introduces you to the very adorable, round little creature with bunny ears swaddled in his baby sling. And he's still shaking your hand.

"No worries! Starting today you can be my friend! Mates rates guaranteed, whenever you want to swing b–"

"Hey man, back off."

Your hand is wrenched out of Haru's grip and you're suddenly faced by a very irritated-looking Sho. He's glaring at Haru, but you barely notice, because he seems to have unconsciously twined his fingers with yours. Despite the force with which he had yanked you away from the Jabberwock captain, his grip is surprisingly gentle.

A swim ring appears out of nowhere, trapping Haru's arms to his body, but it doesn't seem particularly interesting compared to the insidious warmth of Sho's skin, or the rough calluses on his palm. You wonder if there are other side effects to your flowery curse, because for some reason butterflies seem to have taken up residence in your stomach.

"This is dumb. Come on, let's go."

"Huh?" you're too focused on how warm Sho's grip is to pay attention, and he gives an impatient sigh. He doesn't even seem to notice your mini-short circuit, which is both a blessing and curse. A blurse. Much like your entire time with Darkwick.

"This fridge is heavy."

Fridge? What fridge?

Oh right, the fridge he is holding with one hand, the hand that isn't currently wrapped around your own. That fridge.

You have to jog to keep up with his long strides as he pulls you out the door, completely unaffected. Meanwhile, your own heart is racing, and for the first time you think you might be in some trouble. Imminent death and threats of maiming are one thing. Physical attraction, you can handle.

Real feelings are entirely more terrifying.

~~~~~

"LEO KUSANAGI, EXPLAIN YOURSELF RIGHT NOW!!"

Leo smirks as you burst into the Vagastrom dorm, emanating such an aura of rage that even the toughest thugs in the room suddenly decide that they have things to do elsewhere.

"What's up, Honor Roll?" he asks innocently, lounging on the couch with Sho, the picture of repose. Then he registers what you called him, and frowns. "And it's Kurosagi."

You stomp up to him (and the very confused Sho) and shove your phone in his face.

"Tell me why I woke up to five-thousand notifications on my Instagram," you seethe. "Most of which are from people who seem to think I'm your girlfriend."

Sho makes a choking noise beside him, and whether it's from amusement, shock, or any other assorted mixture of emotions, Leo doesn't really care.

"You're welcome," he replies blithely, giving a lazy stretch as your eye twitches. Seeing you this pissed off is quite amusing, and it relieves some of the stress he's been accumulating by being unable to leave the campus. It also makes him feel a little better about The Event. "Your social media presence was pathetic."

"I–you–" you splutter, clearly at a loss. Yeah, Leo is definitely enjoying this. "I don't want a social media presence! I'm getting death threats."

"Eh, you get used to that kind of thing after a while," Leo responds with a nonchalant wave of his hand, not thinking anything of his response.

"You are such a fucking – you get death threats?"

You actually sound concerned when you register his reply, which is most definitely not the reaction he expected. Your frown has acquired a hint of something that looks suspiciously like concern, and Leo is… very confused.

"It's nothing new and nothing to lose sleep over," he replies dismissively, annoyed and a bit off-balance by the way you're pretending to care. Your response does nothing to allay his discomfiture.

"Are you okay?"

He doesn't get it. You don't even like him. The two of you aren't friends, and have zero rapport to speak of. If anything, you should be pleased that others agree with your feelings.

So why aren't you gloating? Why does it seem like you're actually worried?

Leo told you the truth – he's used to death threats and hate comments. In a twisted sense, it's proof that he's made it, that he's somebody important enough to be angry about. One can't become a semi-famous internet celebrity without developing an immunity to venomous words.

It appears, however, that he has not developed the necessary antibodies to counteract the sincerity in your eyes, because he has no idea what he's supposed to say.

To cover his bafflement, he chooses his default derision.

"A useless normie like you wouldn't understand."

To his relief, the disconcerting compassion disappears from your face, replaced by the scowl he's used to. Sho shifts as if about to say something, and you open your mouth to no doubt begin a new tirade, so Leo continues before anyone can interject.

"Besides, what are a few nobodies compared to the shit you've been dealing with anyway? You can handle it."

You splutter at his words and take a deep breath, looking like you're struggling between calming down or leaping onto the couch to strangle him. Part of Leo hopes for the latter, if only because your taking the higher road would be boring.

Unfortunately Instead, a secret third scenario occurs.

Your phone buzzes, and the contact name "Ice King" flashes across your screen. You groan, immediately forgetting the situation to open your message. Irritation flares in Leo's gut – really, a text from the rich Frostheim prick is enough to grab your full attention?

"When it's not one asshole, it's another," you grumble, shoving your phone in your pocket. Leo momentarily forgets his ire when you jab your finger into his chest, giving him a look of delightfully malevolent intent that only makes him want to rile you up even further. "This isn't over."

The ire returns when you look at Sho and smile. As a master of false expressions, Leo can tell yours is real. And it's annoying.

"See you at lunch?" you ask in a tone so honeyed Leo wonders how Sho hasn't gotten a toothache. His friend grins back – also an obnoxiously genuine smile – and nods.

"Sure thing."

With that you're gone, leaving Leo wondering just how you've embedded your claws into his best friend so quickly.

"She's hot when she's mad," Sho remarks with a wistful expression completely opposite to the way he's ogling your ass as you leave. God, his friend really does have it bad.

"Ugh, you and your stupid crush," Leo replies disdainfully.

He ignores the tiny part of him that agrees.

~~~~~ Previous | Masterlist | Next

[tokyo-debunker-idk]

Crushed

Summary: He's tried to convince Leo that you're a cool person, to which the former just scoffs and accuses Sho of having a crush. Honestly, the reaction is obnoxious – people of the opposite sex are perfectly able to have platonic friendships. Just because Sho's taken to bringing an extra lunch for you on training days so you can eat together after, and he enjoys spending time with you, and you're pretty and smell good even after an hour of sparring, doesn't mean he has a crush.

Pairing: Haizono Sho x Reader x Kurosagi Leo

Genre: Humor, romantic comedy, slowish burn, no real plot, Leo bullying

18+, minors DNI

~~~~~

"If you can't do it what's even the point of taking you on missions?"

Leo's condescending, disappointed tone cuts you like a knife. Your stigma-enhancing ability, one of the only reasons you're supposed to be useful at this academy, didn't work on Sho during the mission.

"You just expect us to protect you? You're dead weight. Right, Sho?"

You tune out the rest of their conversation as shame flares in your chest, hot and painful. As much as you want to fight Leo's cruel words, the inherent truth behind them clogs your throat. Because he's right. You can't fight, you don't know anything about anomalies, and you've had to be rescued in every mission even when your ability did work.

He doesn't have to be such a dick about it, though. Stupid finger-hearting TikTok asshole. Harsh truths are even harsher when they come from someone you dislike, and you've disliked the pretty, silver-haired influencer ever since you met him, when he unnecessarily antagonized your friends just for his amusement. The impression has only been further compounded by his attitude during the mission, and just how convincingly he was able to spin tales and fake emotions and tears to convince his audience. Leo is a manipulative bastard, and you don't trust him one bit.

Unfortunately, that doesn't make any of his current words less valid. At this rate, you're going to die sitting on your ass while the ghouls do all the work. You only have a year until your curse kills you, and you've already almost died more than once. So why are you being so timid and hesitant? Might as well risk earlier death by giving it your all than sit passively and hope everything works out.

Your resolve grows, and by the time you're back at your own chapel-dorm, you've made a decision.

~~~~~

Sho blinks as he arrives at the Vagastrom Pit at lunch, because for some reason the honor student is already there. Looking at you gives him a twinge of shame – sure, he'll scam rich assholes with Leo and follow his plots, but he's never almost caused an innocent person's death before. Especially one who has done nothing but try to help others, the entire time he's known you.

The look of panic on your face, the way you had tried to reach out – still trusting him to save you despite his failure – had plagued his dreams last night, and seeing you solid, safe, and alive in front of him now is more of a relief than he wants to admit.

"What are you doing here?" he asks, making you squeak and almost drop your phone, and he resolutely does not notice that it's quite cute. He doesn't really deserve to.

For some reason you're the one who looks guilty, despite having done nothing wrong. And then he notices you're wearing athletic gear rather than your usual uniform.

"Alan told you to come here at lunch for training, right?" you ask, standing up and tossing your phone carelessly into your bag to give him your full attention in a way Leo never does. "I want to join."

"Are you crazy?" asks Sho incredulously, wondering why on earth you would voluntarily sign up for what is most likely going to be a beatdown. Based on how the mission went, you've never even been anywhere near a fight before coming to Darkwick. So why this?

"No. Maybe." you reply, your face determined. "But I'd rather be crazy than useless."

Oh. So that's why.

Alan arrives right then, which is probably a good thing because Sho feels a nauseating mixture of shame and – admiration? The reminder of Leo's jibes makes guilt bubble in his stomach, but something about the staunch resolve on your face fills his chest with a warmth akin to the first time he held your hand on the mission. Or maybe it's an after effect of you enhancing his stigma.

Sho's not really sure, but he does decide then and there that he is going to do his best to make it up to you.

~~~~~

"Oh my god, this is so good," you practically moan as you take a huge bite of your sandwich. "Sho, you should charge for this." You're so invested in your meal that you miss the way the tips of his ears turn pink at your praise.

"It's just a sandwich," he replies, brushing off your comment and resisting the urge to twirl his silver hair like a schoolgirl. The two of you are eating in the courtyard after getting pummeled by Alan for the better half of the lunch hour, sitting in the grass because all the benches are already occupied.

He shouldn't feel this pleased by your approval, but as he's gotten to know you, he's come to respect and value your opinion. Sure, maybe at first he had begun spending time with you out of guilt, but you really are cool – fun and snarky in a way he hadn't noticed during the mission. Hanging out with you is comfortable, easy, and he doesn't have to worry about silly intrigues and gossip. You're honest and upfront in a way Leo has never been, and while he loves his best friend, being around you is refreshing.

And you're determined, never complaining during the training sessions no matter what Alan has you do despite the fact that you're clearly out of your element. Sho supposes Alan saw that in you long before he did, because the captain seems completely unsurprised by your conviction. It makes him feel a little ashamed in a different way than guilt – that he has nothing to strive for other than whatever Leo comes up with.

Sho kind of wishes the three of you could hang out together, but Leo's made it clear he has no interest in ever interacting with you, and you look distinctly uncomfortable any time Leo is in the vicinity. Which Sho can't exactly blame you for, considering his friend's behavior.

He's tried to convince Leo to give you a chance, to which the former merely scoffs and accuses Sho of having a crush. Honestly, the reaction is obnoxious – people of the opposite sex are perfectly able to have platonic friendships. Just because Sho's taken to bringing an extra lunch for you on training days so you can eat together after, and he enjoys spending time with you, and you're pretty and smell good even after an hour of sparring, doesn't mean he has a crush.

"No, I'm serious," you insist, jabbing the half-eaten sandwich at him for emphasis. "The fried egg is salted perfectly, and I never thought of including green onion with other veggies. It's really delicious."

The sweetly earnest expression on your face brings that familiar warmth to his chest, and Sho can't help but smile when he notices a dab of mayo on your nose.

"So you're saying I should start charging you for these lunches?" he teases, using his thumb to wipe the condiment off your face and absently noting how soft your skin feels.

"What? I don't get VIP privileges for being adorable?" you reply with a pout that is, indeed, adorable. Sho just snorts at your audacity as he wipes his hand on a napkin.

"No, you don't. But I suppose I can give you friend privileges since we're both being physically abused together."

Your eyes sparkle when you smile, and Sho feels that fluttery warmth again. They really do need to do more testing with your ability.

"Thanks Sho, you're the best," you announce happily, dropping your head on his shoulder affectionately. "I'm glad you're my friend. And not just for the food, either."

How do you still smell so nice after all that sweating?

~~~~~

TikTokBitch: Hey honor roll

You: What do you want

TikTokBitch: I know ur free TikTokBitch: Come to the garage quick

Your brows crinkle as you scowl at your phone. Does he really think you're going to just rush over like an obedient little puppy? If his personality matched his good looks, you'd be happy to help him. It's truly a waste that such a gigantic turd has such a pretty exterior.

You pause, an idea sparking in your head.

You: I will if you owe me a favor

TikTokBitch: Whatever fine just hurry up

~~~~~

Leo rolls his eyes in annoyance as you stroll into the Pit, tape wrapped around your knuckles as if you're actually going to fight.

He'd been surprised when your "favor" had been to spar with him, of all things. Are you trying to impress him or something? Maybe you think close physical contact will make him like you. Sad, really.

Still, he had stupidly agreed to give you a favor in his impatience to hear more clandestine conversations, and now he's here wasting his precious time. He thought you'd learned your place after your mission together, but apparently he'll have to humble you again. Leo isn't exactly a fighter, but he is still a ghoul, and that means an NPC like you doesn't stand a chance.

Which is why it's laughable that you're stretching as if this is serious, like it's a real pit match rather than just the two of you here at night. Leo hasn't even told Sho, because he doesn't like the way his friend seems to be getting closer to you by the day.

Leo contemplates how Sho has been spending his lunch hours with you. Does he actually have a crush on you despite his denials? You're not even that interesting.

He narrows his eyes as he watches you finish warming up, trying to understand what Sho sees in you.

You are kind of brave, he supposes, considering you've been a normal person without any knowledge of this side of the world until recently. And you have a pretty face, when it's not twisted into a sour expression every time you see him. You also have a nice ass, he vaguely notes as you finish warming up. Then he realizes he's ogling and snaps out of it, irritated because you're definitely wearing those little shorts to show yourself off in a way your uniform skirt doesn't.

He really needs to get Sho off campus so he remembers other girls exist, because this is ridiculous. You aren't special, and Sho obviously needs to be reminded of that.

~~~~~

"I win," you sing out smugly, smirking down at the ghoul you've pinned beneath you. Leo's pretty face exudes irritation, if not a little bit of shock, which just serves to boost your ego even more. Not for the first time, you lament that such beautiful golden eyes and sharp cheekbones belong to an asshole like him.

"Don't get cocky," he hisses in frustration, too stunned to do anything but glare. "Just because you caught me off guard, doesn't mean you're any less use–"

– SLAP.

You are so sick of his shit. Perhaps he did underestimate you, but that doesn't make your victory any less valid. If you've learned anything from Alan and Sho (other than that it's possible to be sore in muscles you didn't even realizes existed), it's that there are no rules in a real fight. When you're trying to survive, any and all possibilities should be taken advantage of. The one time you managed to land a hit on Sho (not that it caused any actual damage), he hadn't been pissed and petulant. He'd been proud, approval for you shining from his handsome face.

Leo, on the other hand, can't seem to stand the idea of anyone being better than him. Or even having more attention than him. All he does is manipulate and pull down everyone around him, and you are done hearing the poison that drips from his lips. You open your own mouth to give him a piece of your mind when you feel it.

It being something stirring beneath you, and you're reminded that you are straddling the TikTok asshole in a rather compromising position. One glance at his face shows reddening skin from your slap and shock in his golden eyes.

What the fuck.

"G-get off me," he mutters, staunchly looking anywhere but at you as a rosy flush creeps up his neck. Holy shit. Did slapping him… turn him on?

It's the first time you've ever seen him this flustered, and as disgusted as you are, a petty part of you is pleased to finally have the upper-hand. For this small period of time, you seem to be the one in control, and that feeling is… satisfying in a way you're not currently ready to acknowledge.

So you make a somewhat questionable decision. Instead of scrambling off him as you probably should, you grind against him just ever so slightly. Leo's gaze meets yours, wide in surprise as you feel him harden beneath you, and at the edge of your vision you see his fingers twitch as his hands inch toward your hips.

You slap his other cheek, and feel him twitch against your shorts despite the way his eyes burn with rage. You give him your sweetest smile, infinitely pleased to have confirmed your suspicions, the sting of your palms a satisfying proof of victory.

Then, you do what any other vindictive human would do. You flick his forehead and get up, very charitably resisting the urge to kick him before walking away.

Before he can do anything other than gawk and splutter, Alan and Sho enter the room. Perfect timing actually, because despite your bravado you actually have no idea what to do next other than run away as realization of what you had just done crashes into you.

"Oh hey guys!" you chirp happily, doing what you do best and shoving the event into a dusty corner of your brain to avoid thinking about it. You prance over to the two and tackle Sho in a hug, just to annoy your opponent even further. "I beat Leo!"

Alan's lips quirk into what, for Alan, counts as a smile, and he pats your head gently.

"Good work."

You still haven't really decided if you have the best luck, or the worst. Sure, you've been cursed by a creepy one-eyed flower to die within a year, and sure you're basically Darkwick's slave and periodically sent on dangerous missions with superhumans of questionable mental stability, but well.

At least they're hot.

And most of them treat you like a human being, other than perhaps Jin who sees you as a glorified chore-peasant, and Leo who perhaps after today will stop looking at you like gum stuck to his shoe.

"You've been training with them?"

You turn to see the man in question, looking pissed but otherwise back to normal as if nothing has happened. He's still looking at you like you're unworthy of his acknowledgement, and you can't help but antagonize him.

"Yeah, maybe you should too. It seemed like you were having a hard time out there."

His expression twists – a mixture of furious and mortified – and it's more than enough to have made all this training with it.

Sho chortling as he teases Leo for losing to you is just the icing on the cake.

[tokyo-debunker-idk]

Europe (yur·uhp) is an exotic peninsula in the extreme westernmost reaches of Asia with many fascinating cultures and landscapes and home to many of the world's last remaining feudal kingdoms, offering a glimpse back into a more simplistic way of living.

[tokyo-debunker-idk]

Crushed | 01

Summary: He's tried to convince Leo that you're a cool person, to which the former just scoffs and accuses Sho of having a crush. Honestly, the reaction is obnoxious – people of the opposite sex are perfectly able to have platonic friendships. Just because Sho's taken to bringing an extra lunch for you on training days so you can eat together after, and he enjoys spending time with you, and you're pretty and smell good even after an hour of sparring, doesn't mean he has a crush.

Pairing: Haizono Sho x Reader x Kurosagi Leo

Genre: Humor, romantic comedy, slowish burn, no real plot, Leo bullying

18+, minors DNI

~~~~~

"If you can't do it what's even the point of taking you on missions?"

Leo's condescending, disappointed tone cuts you like a knife. Your stigma-enhancing ability, one of the only reasons you're supposed to be useful at this academy, didn't work on Sho during the mission.

"You just expect us to protect you? You're dead weight. Right, Sho?"

You tune out the rest of their conversation as shame flares in your chest, hot and painful. As much as you want to fight Leo's cruel words, the inherent truth behind them clogs your throat. Because he's right. You can't fight, you don't know anything about anomalies, and you've had to be rescued in every mission even when your ability did work.

He doesn't have to be such a dick about it, though. Stupid finger-hearting TikTok asshole. Harsh truths are even harsher when they come from someone you dislike, and you've disliked the pretty, silver-haired influencer ever since you met him, when he unnecessarily antagonized your friends just for his amusement. The impression has only been further compounded by his attitude during the mission, and just how convincingly he was able to spin tales and fake emotions and tears to convince his audience. Leo is a manipulative bastard, and you don't trust him one bit.

Unfortunately, that doesn't make any of his current words less valid. At this rate, you're going to die sitting on your ass while the ghouls do all the work. You only have a year until your curse kills you, and you've already almost died more than once. So why are you being so timid and hesitant? Might as well risk earlier death by giving it your all than sit passively and hope everything works out.

Your resolve grows, and by the time you're back at your own chapel-dorm, you've made a decision.

~~~~~

Sho blinks as he arrives at the Vagastrom Pit at lunch, because for some reason the honor student is already there. Looking at you gives him a twinge of shame – sure, he'll scam rich assholes with Leo and follow his plots, but he's never almost caused an innocent person's death before. Especially one who has done nothing but try to help others, the entire time he's known you.

The look of panic on your face, the way you had tried to reach out – still trusting him to save you despite his failure – had plagued his dreams last night, and seeing you solid, safe, and alive in front of him now is more of a relief than he wants to admit.

"What are you doing here?" he asks, making you squeak and almost drop your phone, and he resolutely does not notice that it's quite cute. He doesn't really deserve to.

For some reason you're the one who looks guilty, despite having done nothing wrong. And then he notices you're wearing athletic gear rather than your usual uniform.

"Alan told you to come here at lunch for training, right?" you ask, standing up and tossing your phone carelessly into your bag to give him your full attention in a way Leo never does. "I want to join."

"Are you crazy?" asks Sho incredulously, wondering why on earth you would voluntarily sign up for what is most likely going to be a beatdown. Based on how the mission went, you've never even been anywhere near a fight before coming to Darkwick. So why this?

"No. Maybe." you reply, your face determined. "But I'd rather be crazy than useless."

Oh. So that's why.

Alan arrives right then, which is probably a good thing because Sho feels a nauseating mixture of shame and – admiration? The reminder of Leo's jibes makes guilt bubble in his stomach, but something about the staunch resolve on your face fills his chest with a warmth akin to the first time he held your hand on the mission. Or maybe it's an after effect of you enhancing his stigma.

Sho's not really sure, but he does decide then and there that he is going to do his best to make it up to you.

~~~~~

"Oh my god, this is so good," you practically moan as you take a huge bite of your sandwich. "Sho, you should charge for this." You're so invested in your meal that you miss the way the tips of his ears turn pink at your praise.

"It's just a sandwich," he replies, brushing off your comment and resisting the urge to twirl his silver hair like a schoolgirl. The two of you are eating in the courtyard after getting pummeled by Alan for the better half of the lunch hour, sitting in the grass because all the benches are already occupied.

He shouldn't feel this pleased by your approval, but as he's gotten to know you, he's come to respect and value your opinion. Sure, maybe at first he had begun spending time with you out of guilt, but you really are cool – fun and snarky in a way he hadn't noticed during the mission. Hanging out with you is comfortable, easy, and he doesn't have to worry about silly intrigues and gossip. You're honest and upfront in a way Leo has never been, and while he loves his best friend, being around you is refreshing.

And you're determined, never complaining during the training sessions no matter what Alan has you do despite the fact that you're clearly out of your element. Sho supposes Alan saw that in you long before he did, because the captain seems completely unsurprised by your conviction. It makes him feel a little ashamed in a different way than guilt – that he has nothing to strive for other than whatever Leo comes up with.

Sho kind of wishes the three of you could hang out together, but Leo's made it clear he has no interest in ever interacting with you, and you look distinctly uncomfortable any time Leo is in the vicinity. Which Sho can't exactly blame you for, considering his friend's behavior.

He's tried to convince Leo to give you a chance, to which the former merely scoffs and accuses Sho of having a crush. Honestly, the reaction is obnoxious – people of the opposite sex are perfectly able to have platonic friendships. Just because Sho's taken to bringing an extra lunch for you on training days so you can eat together after, and he enjoys spending time with you, and you're pretty and smell good even after an hour of sparring, doesn't mean he has a crush.

"No, I'm serious," you insist, jabbing the half-eaten sandwich at him for emphasis. "The fried egg is salted perfectly, and I never thought of including green onion with other veggies. It's really delicious."

The sweetly earnest expression on your face brings that familiar warmth to his chest, and Sho can't help but smile when he notices a dab of mayo on your nose.

"So you're saying I should start charging you for these lunches?" he teases, using his thumb to wipe the condiment off your face and absently noting how soft your skin feels.

"What? I don't get VIP privileges for being adorable?" you reply with a pout that is, indeed, adorable. Sho just snorts at your audacity as he wipes his hand on a napkin.

"No, you don't. But I suppose I can give you friend privileges since we're both being physically abused together."

Your eyes sparkle when you smile, and Sho feels that fluttery warmth again. They really do need to do more testing with your ability.

"Thanks Sho, you're the best," you announce happily, dropping your head on his shoulder affectionately. "I'm glad you're my friend. And not just for the food, either."

How do you still smell so nice after all that sweating?

~~~~~

TikTokBitch: Hey honor roll

You: What do you want

TikTokBitch: I know ur free

TikTokBitch: Come to the garage quick

Your brows crinkle as you scowl at your phone. Does he really think you're going to just rush over like an obedient little puppy? If his personality matched his good looks, you'd be happy to help him. It's truly a waste that such a gigantic turd has such a pretty exterior.

You pause, an idea sparking in your head.

You: I will if you owe me a favor

TikTokBitch: Whatever fine just hurry up

~~~~~

Leo rolls his eyes in annoyance as you stroll into the Pit, tape wrapped around your knuckles as if you're actually going to fight.

He'd been surprised when your "favor" had been to spar with him, of all things. Are you trying to impress him or something? Maybe you think close physical contact will make him like you. Sad, really.

Still, he had stupidly agreed to give you a favor in his impatience to hear more clandestine conversations, and now he's here wasting his precious time. He thought you'd learned your place after your mission together, but apparently he'll have to humble you again. Leo isn't exactly a fighter, but he is still a ghoul, and that means an NPC like you doesn't stand a chance.

Which is why it's laughable that you're stretching as if this is serious, like it's a real pit match rather than just the two of you here at night. Leo hasn't even told Sho, because he doesn't like the way his friend seems to be getting closer to you by the day.

Leo contemplates how Sho has been spending his lunch hours with you. Does he actually have a crush on you despite his denials? You're not even that interesting.

He narrows his eyes as he watches you finish warming up, trying to understand what Sho sees in you.

You are kind of brave, he supposes, considering you've been a normal person without any knowledge of this side of the world until recently. And you have a pretty face, when it's not twisted into a sour expression every time you see him. You also have a nice ass, he vaguely notes as you finish warming up. Then he realizes he's ogling and snaps out of it, irritated because you're definitely wearing those little shorts to show yourself off in a way your uniform skirt doesn't.

He really needs to get Sho off campus so he remembers other girls exist, because this is ridiculous. You aren't special, and Sho obviously needs to be reminded of that.

~~~~~

"I win," you sing out smugly, smirking down at the ghoul you've pinned beneath you. Leo's pretty face exudes irritation, if not a little bit of shock, which just serves to boost your ego even more. Not for the first time, you lament that such beautiful golden eyes and sharp cheekbones belong to an asshole like him.

"Don't get cocky," he hisses in frustration, too stunned to do anything but glare. "Just because you caught me off guard, doesn't mean you're any less use–"

– SLAP.

You are so sick of his shit. Perhaps he did underestimate you, but that doesn't make your victory any less valid. If you've learned anything from Alan and Sho (other than that it's possible to be sore in muscles you didn't even realizes existed), it's that there are no rules in a real fight. When you're trying to survive, any and all possibilities should be taken advantage of. The one time you managed to land a hit on Sho (not that it caused any actual damage), he hadn't been pissed and petulant. He'd been proud, approval for you shining from his handsome face.

Leo, on the other hand, can't seem to stand the idea of anyone being better than him. Or even having more attention than him. All he does is manipulate and pull down everyone around him, and you are done hearing the poison that drips from his lips. You open your own mouth to give him a piece of your mind when you feel it.

It being something stirring beneath you, and you're reminded that you are straddling the TikTok asshole in a rather compromising position. One glance at his face shows reddening skin from your slap and shock in his golden eyes.

What the fuck.

"G-get off me," he mutters, staunchly looking anywhere but at you as a rosy flush creeps up his neck. Holy shit. Did slapping him… turn him on?

It's the first time you've ever seen him this flustered, and as disgusted as you are, a petty part of you is pleased to finally have the upper-hand. For this small period of time, you seem to be the one in control, and that feeling is… satisfying in a way you're not currently ready to acknowledge.

So you make a somewhat questionable decision. Instead of scrambling off him as you probably should, you grind against him just ever so slightly. Leo's gaze meets yours, wide in surprise as you feel him harden beneath you, and at the edge of your vision you see his fingers twitch as his hands inch toward your hips.

You slap his other cheek, and feel him twitch against your shorts despite the way his eyes burn with rage. You give him your sweetest smile, infinitely pleased to have confirmed your suspicions, the sting of your palms a satisfying proof of victory.

Then, you do what any other vindictive human would do. You flick his forehead and get up, very charitably resisting the urge to kick him before walking away.

Before he can do anything other than gawk and splutter, Alan and Sho enter the room. Perfect timing actually, because despite your bravado you actually have no idea what to do next other than run away as realization of what you had just done crashes into you.

"Oh hey guys!" you chirp happily, doing what you do best and shoving the event into a dusty corner of your brain to avoid thinking about it. You prance over to the two and tackle Sho in a hug, just to annoy your opponent even further. "I beat Leo!"

Alan's lips quirk into what, for Alan, counts as a smile, and he pats your head gently.

"Good work."

You still haven't really decided if you have the best luck, or the worst. Sure, you've been cursed by a creepy one-eyed flower to die within a year, and sure you're basically Darkwick's slave and periodically sent on dangerous missions with superhumans of questionable mental stability, but well.

At least they're hot.

And most of them treat you like a human being, other than perhaps Jin who sees you as a glorified chore-peasant, and Leo who perhaps after today will stop looking at you like gum stuck to his shoe.

"You've been training with them?"

You turn to see the man in question, looking pissed but otherwise back to normal as if nothing has happened. He's still looking at you like you're unworthy of his acknowledgement, and you can't help but antagonize him.

"Yeah, maybe you should too. It seemed like you were having a hard time out there."

His expression twists – a mixture of furious and mortified – and it's more than enough to have made all this training with it.

Sho chortling as he teases Leo for losing to you is just the icing on the cake.

~~~~~ Masterlist | Next