#I suppose I've just been feeling a lot of... dread and fear lately... especially in the late hours...

[babacontainsmultitudes]

80 or so years of life really ain't enough can I have an elf lifespan instead please? Or at least a dwarf's... I need at least a couple hundred years... Oh and a new spine every 5 or so years, if that's not too much to ask. 3. 3 years actually. Yeah, a new spine every 2 years, and a lifespan of 350-750 years, that's all I want really.

[hypmicdaydreams]

paradise; when you're stressed for the future and need words of assurance

-pairings: jakurai jinguji x gn!reader, hifumi izanami x gn!reader, doppo kannonzaka x gn!reader

-genres: fluff, comfort

-content warning: mentions of anxiety

-a/n: i've been experiencing a lot of dread and anxiety about my future as of late, so i decided to write something about it, inspired by and dedicated to one of my comfort songs. entirely self indulgent and a tad long for hcs i suppose, but regardless, i hope you guys still enjoy! for anyone that may feel hopeless about the future ♡

jakurai

he certainly is no fool, being quite the observant being; he's able to spot through your lies with ease, eyes narrowing and a perpetual frown as you give a tired smile

"i'm fine," the words leave your mouth, though it sounded much more like you were trying to convince yourself of that statement. "just overwhelmed, that's all"

even you could see that jakurai wasn't all too convinced by your words, that gaze of his burning a hole through your chest, your heart

ah, you were found guilty as charged, not that the dried tears on your cheeks and puffy eyes testified for you or anything

you had tried to dismiss it, even, but you knew how observant jakurai was; and that concerned look you was giving you, small frown and furrowed brows, surely didn't ease the anxiety in your gut, feeling so guilty for having your boyfriend so worried

having your boyfriend walk in on you amidst a breakdown; how embarrassing for your image, you can't help but muse, even after keeping your cries down and assuming he was still back at the hospital

what an utterly awkward situation

"darling," jakurai begins, his voice ever so soft yet also concerned, clearly worried about your wellbeing. he immediately takes in your form: curled position, tear streaked cheeks, wet sleeves of your hoodie

you clearly hadn't been well when he had been gone, jakurai thinks, only further frowning at the thought of it. you had been suffering while he was out, yet you didn't bother calling him or informing him of your state

he was a physician, after all, only the most worried about other's health, especially yours, his partner. so to know that you were clearly in trouble, on the verge of another breakdown, he surely felt his heart ache

"you've been sitting inside all day," he continues, as if he knew you so well, "it's not good for your mind or body." the utmost thing of importance to jakurai, after all, was your health; and to see that you weren't in too good of a shape, of course he couldn't help but worry

the bed dips down ever so slightly as you're met with jakurai's warmth, his long fingers delicately intertwined with yours, hands resting on the bed

"now, tell me," he says, voice so calm and reassuring, instantly easing the knot in your chest just a tiny bit. he truly did want to be of some help to his s/o. "what's been bothering you?"

jakurai certainly was no therapist, but he surely had the comforting presence of one. his words were so soft and caring, lending you his ear, and you certainly felt at ease with him

was it simply because you loved him that you felt this way? or was it because he was a doctor, the best in all of japan? ah, it felt so warm, all those insecurities seeming a tad insignificant suddenly; and sooner or later, you found yourself spilling out your chest to him

you told him of all your fears for the future, how uncertain everything seemed. you didn't have a dream, or well, if you did, had absolutely no clue if things would work out that way

it was all so terrifying, the prospect of your future. would you even be able to provide for yourself, to live a decent life? would things work out, or would you still be struggling? if your dream, if you had one, were to fail, then what would you do? everything seemed so uncertain, and you couldn't begin to imagine a you in the future. it was much too terrifying, the knot in your heart increasing tenfold, the pit in your gut worsening before you were tearing up once more

having such insecurities,,they were so terrible. you hated this feeling oh so much, hated how suffocating the future was

"darling," jakurai finally says after much intentive listening, giving your hand a quick squeeze as you begin to quiet down. ah, he only felt his heart ache more as he listened, so devastated to know that you had been struggling with such thoughts all this time, all by yourself. ugh, you truly didn't deserve that

"i know the future seems uncertain at times, but i advise you take it one day at a time." he smiles, so warm it melts your heart. "the only thing you can do is worry about today; the future is far off"

"plus, when the time comes," he runs his thumb over your knuckles, bringing them to his lips in an ever so dainty fashion and placing the lightest of kisses, as if his lips weren't even there, "i'll be by your side"

you can't help but feel flustered, that familiar feeling of warmth rushing to your face; yet, at the same time, that knot didn't seem all too bothersome anymore, as if it was quelled by your boyfriend's very words

right by your side? one day at a time? ah, when put like that, it didn't seem all too suffocating anymore, certainly. you weren't alone in this; you had jakurai right by your side. and perhaps he was right: you simply had to take things slow and easy, to stop worrying about the distant future when it's only tomorrow that was around the corner

and even if you didn't have a dream, all that mattered was today's joys for now, or so, that's what jakurai said. he surely knew better than you, being so knowledgeable and all. and believing in your boyfriend's words, that today was a gift you shouldn't put off in worry of a brighter future, well, it certainly eased those dreadful thoughts and feelings

perhaps...it was fine to not have a dream or to be uncertain of the future. no use worrying about something so far away

"thank you..." you mutter, brushing your thumb over the spot he had just kissed. you felt a bit of a tingle to the touch, but it was very much heartthrobing, the beat resounding in your ears

jakurai smiles and takes your hand in his once more. he was surely going to be by your side through it all, the present and the future; that was a promise

hifumi

he could feel his heart break in an instant or so as hifumi walks in on you, frowning almost on instinct as worries for you fills his mind

it was well past two in the morning, having just come back from another busy night as a host; and surely you were supposed to be asleep by now, not bedridden with puffy eyes and a runny nose, a heartbreaking sight

"honey..." he mumbles, jacket clutched tight in his arms, a perpetual frown and furrowed brows as he looks at your curled form. even as you turn to hide the fact that you had been crying, hifumi only feels his chest tighten

had something happened while he was gone, so late at night? gosh, the dark was already rather terrifying in a sense, and the thought of something having happened now only served to make him more antsy

"'fumi, i'm ok," you muster, trying your hardest to not let the sobs through, to convince your tired boyfriend that it was nothing to worry about. "i'm just...thinking a lot"

well, it wasn't exactly a lie, more of a fib perhaps. you didn't want hifumi to worry, or well, know of your insecurities

it surely was embarrassing after all, more so that he had walked in on such an unsightly ordeal when he wanted nothing more than to sleep

but hifumi certainly didn't buy it, his frown (he even looked as if he was going to tear up a little, perhaps) deepening. it hurt, really, knowing that you were lying to save face, to spare his feelings

did you not trust him enough to say the truth? surely not, he thinks, but even if you didn't want to hurt him, you were certainly doing the exact opposite right about now. it wound him deeply to see you hurt, to see you try to handle this yourself

"no you're not," hifumi retorts, the chirp usually in his tone now lost, only worried and a bit sad. gosh, you felt your heart pound, a sharp pang against your chest, so full of guilt and fault. he was so hurt, even you could see that

"honey," he quickly leans next to you, looking up at you with pleading eyes (even now, they still seemed to shine with a sort of light) and holding tightly to your hand, it was so warm, even when his hands were somewhat cold from the outside he had just walked out of, so assuring. that squeeze he did certainly made your heart leap, though in a manner much different than before, this one much better than the other. "what's wrong?"

that one statement, those two words, they instantly made all those emotions return, the tension in your heart, the suffocation of your lungs, the anxiety in your gut

seeing hifumi so worried, his cute eyes now so full of fear and worry, wanting nothing more than to hear that you were fine, that no one hurt you; you couldn't help but feel a little guilty for making him feel this way, feeling the tears prick the corner of your eyes once more

and so, the emotions overwhelmed you, the warmth of his hand on yours, how he gently brushed his thumb over your knuckles, how he gently rubbed circles on your thighs, all in attempt to calm you down

and it had worked, whether because you felt guilty for seeing your tired boyfriend in such a worried state, so plagued with fatigue yet, first and foremost, worried about your safety, or because you felt at ease around him enough to say it

but you spilled your guts, all those anxious thoughts that plagued your mind. you were terrified for your future, unsure of what it held or what you'd be doing. you had no dream, no semblance of what you wanted to do later on. it was all so scary, not knowing if you'd even be alive to experience the future or if your life would be in ruins. you had no idea what to expect. it was difficult to not break down the more you thought about it

"honey," hifumi begins, though still quite worried, visbily relieved. now that he knew what was bothering you, what he could do, hifumi certainly felt more at ease, at least. "you shouldn't care too much about the future"

he smiles at you, so wide and bright that it was blinding even at such dark nights. "no one knows what's going to happen, but who cares! it's out of your control, so no use worrying over it"

"just focus on today," he continues. "who cares if you don't have a big dream? y'know, i don't know what my future holds, but i still have things to look forward to!" hifumi exclaims, giving a small chuckle as you tilt your brows. "like, today at work, my dream was coming home and sleeping right by you! or even waking up tomorrow and cooking a delicious breakfast for us"

how cute, you think to yourself. such small dreams, so short-lived; yet, that's the only thing hifumi looked forward to or cared about. he didn't seem to care much for the future, yet, he had a point. it's fine to just take it day-by-day, to have small dreams to look forward to

your future...it didn't need to be so grand, right? it was too early to worry about something so far away, surely

"'sides," hifumi squeezes your hand, a small blush on the tips of his ears and lightly dusting his cheeks, "we'll still be together in the future, and that's the only thing that matters"

he firmly kisses, lips so warm against yours yet oh so sweet as he leans into the kiss and deepens it slightly. it certainly helped ease all those knots and anxieties, knowing that even if things were uncertain, you and hifumi would still be together, the only certainty. and well, you surely did take comfort in that fact, knowing that you wouldn't be all alone

"i love you..." you mutter on instinct a few silent moments afterwards, still much too emotional, though this time, in a good way. sure, you may be uncertain of the future, but you had hifumi now, small dreams to look to. gosh, all those treacherous feelings of anxiety and fear, all replaced by warmth and love by his very words, your chest at ease. gosh, how you loved your boyfriend

he smiles and kisses your temple, so delicately and softly, once more, saying in such a lively yet cheeky voice of his you've come to adore, "love you more"

doppo

his first instinct was to freeze, honestly, standing by the doorway and all senses on high alert, more so than usual

he hears the tiniest of sounds, down to your labored breath and your quiet sniffles, even the rubbing of your tears away

and doppo stays silent, still on edge; he doesn't know what to say, much less do or act. he'd never seen you in such a state before, never been in the position of being the comforter

but, of course, above all, he's fucking terrified and anxious, so worried about you and wondering what the hell happened when he was out. were you ok? that was his first question, but doppo is simply too stunned and worried to say anything for a few moments or so

"a-are you alright?" is what he manages to utter, fumbling over his words and sounding much more panicked that he would've like

"i'm fine," you say as you wipe away any excess tears with your sleeve, lying so effortlessly, even when doppo could very well see that you were, indeed, not fine

gosh, you were such a fool, you tell yourself, having been caught having a small breakdown, amidst all this anxiety and possible panic attacks

but doppo felt his heart sink a little at your words, only growing more nervous as he wonders what jakurai would do in such a situation. he didn't want to push it and cross your boundaries at the time you were the most sensitive, but doppo also couldn't just simply leave you alone! he cared too much about you to do that, panicking and thinking about what happened

so he unconciously takes steps forward, finding himself sitting right next to you at the bed, even if you looked off in embarrassment and wanted to hide your crying face, even when his mind was telling him that this was more awkward than he would've liked

"babe," he mutters quietly, massaging the back of his neck as doppo thinks about what to do next. and you, on the other hand, were trying your hardest to contain yourself

gosh, you knew the troubles that doppo himself had, so you simply didn't want to add on to that at all really, finding it rather embarrassing to pile on your own problems onto your boyfriend either way

the future felt you with such unease, not knowing the direction of your life or even what you would be doing or where you'd be. it was all a mystery, yet it was terrifying, the unknown

would you have achieved your dream? did you even have a dream? hell, all you wanted to do was get through the day, the next fifteen minutes or so; how could you even possibly know what you wanted to do or where you'd be fifteen years from now?

yet, before you could spiral any further, you felt a slight tug at the hand, warm (albeit somewhat sweaty) hands intertwining your own, much too familiar with doppo himself

you looked at him, those thoughts stopping for a moment or so, the anxiety easing just a tad when you saw doppo, so worried yet also silent, simply wanting you to know that he was right here, even if he wasn't the best with words

yet this warmth...it felt so good right about now, the perfect remedy for your troubles (or at least, enough so that you weren't constantly on edge). you had forgotten how warm doppo was, how comforting his hand against yours felt, how assuring his own presence was

and when you tell him your problems, feeling a bit more safe and comfortable within his presence and that overwhelming feeling in your chest beginning to dissipate as you ranted (having someone listening sure did wonders), doppo stays silent, only able to grip your hand tighter

he's certainly felt those exact same emotions, thought those same thoughts, before. doppo himself didn't really have a dream or couldn't see the future far from now. to him, it was all work, and he didn't know what it'd be like in a few years from now

the thought of only working, of being stuck in an endless devoid loop...it was terrifying to doppo as well, who didn't have any big dreams or plans as well

"i...understand how you feel," he begins, still a bit anxious, those same suffocating feelings you felt returning to him as well. you two were one in the same, really, sharing the same concerns

"but," he scratches his head, unsure of what to say next or if they'd even give some comfort, though all doppo could do was try and say what he truly thought. "it's not really important to have a dream, i think"

"um, i mean," doppo falters, "i don't..really like thinking about the future. i just try to get through the day. i think that's more important"

you stay silent, taking in his words. simply taking it one day at a time...that was ok, right? surely there was no need for all this stress. when the time came, you'd know what to do, perhaps. or so, that's what doppo was saying, right?

the future, however far off it may be, even if you didn't have any plans for it, things will be alright, surely. there was no need for big dreams, only the want to survive and perhaps be content. that was the most important thing to doppo, huh?

his words did offer comfort, certainly. hearing from your boyfriend that not having any dreams or plans for the future was perfectly fine surely was assuring, lifted that huge weight off your shoulders. i mean, doppo was the love of your life, the man you cared perhaps the most for. his opinion definitely held more weight than anyone else

and to hear him say that you were doing fine as is, well, you felt as if you could breathe again

"i mean, i don't have any big dreams, but," he looks at you, a small blush present, "right now, i only want to..focus on you"

he gives a small kiss before looking off all shy and pink, surely embarrassed for being so confident and initiating affection at such a moment. but, anything to make you feel better, anything to see that shy smile on your face, much better than the sad pout he'd walked in on

"thank you, doppo," you murmur, the fatigue from your crying session beginning to catch up, eyes too heavy and body too tired to do anything else. being so worried and tense, it surely did take a lot of energy didn't it?

"a-anytime," he can't help but softly squeak as your head falls on his shoulder, still holding on tight to his hand and never letting go, even as you fell into a light sleep

even if his shoulder were to go numb; even if his hand were to lose any sensation from how tight you clung to it, however, doppo didn't mind, not in the slightest. as long, as you had that cute smile on your face, all would be fine, doppo thought

“ stop runnin’ for nothin’ my friend, all the breaths you breathe are already in paradise ”

[liptonsbabe]

Chains of a family [B.W]

Bill Weasley x Grant! reader

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3

Summary: Your chains has broken but are you truly free?

Word count: 949

Warnings: none

A/N: Hi! this is my new Harry Potter fanfic and i just wanted to clarify a few things before you start reading. In this fic the reader's last name is Grant (sorry) but it’s just for the plot of the story, you’ll see that in the next chapters. Also, i’ll like to say that i have like six parts ready to publish but they’re originally in spanish so if you want to keep reading this let me know. As always, english not my mother language so please tell me if something’s  wrong. Anyways, Enjoy!

You watched the dark sky from the Weasley's garden.

An uncomfortable heat was burning through your body even though it was the coldest times you had ever had the opportunity to remember. Maybe it was just the feeling of nervousness or the adrenaline that still ran through your veins after having escaped from home, you didn't know, however, that sensation was tightening your throat.

Up in the sky, you could see what seemed the silhouette of a snake zigzagging among the small clouds that still remained late at night. Inside the burrow there were murmurs, you guessed, of William talking to his mother through clenched teeth so that you wouldn't hear everything they had to say. The other brothers were sitting at the table, being entertained by his father who, as dismayed as only he could be, was trying to less the surprise caused by the presence of a Grant in his house.

William had told them a lot about you, but he never mentioned what family you came from or what your last name was, omitting the talks in which your name was pronounced because he knew that his parents would overreact in one way or another. You were silent all afternoon and when Bill took you out of the Malfoy Manor and into his mother's house, Molly's little blue eyes widened in surprise, almost terrified to know that the woman her oldest son was in love with was a relative of the most powerful dark wizard of all times.

Molly was not a spiteful person, but that didn’t take away the fact that she remembered the days when she and her brothers entered the Order of the Phoenix with the intention of fighting Voldemort and then finding that, after many years - and that their only siblings lost their lives in the war - their son had ended up in love with one of Tom Riddle's relatives. For Molly it was simply dreadful.

You put a trembling hand to your lips, thinking of the severe betrayal you had committed not only to your parents, but your siblings as well. For the Grants, the most important thing was the family, reason enough to decide taking the wrong way, but what it felt right to protect those they loved the most. You closed your eyes. If you hadn't been such a coward, could you have attached your life to the man your father chose especially for you? Probably not, that was the reason why, even if the path to choose was away from your family, you decided to run away from the hand of the man you truly loved.

From that moment on you both understood the consequences of what you had done, because Voldemort would not take the betrayal lightly and because it was almost certain for you that the Weasleys wouldn’t help you.

You couldn't help but think that your place was not on the side of the Death Eaters, nor was it at the burrow. You never expected William to do something like that for you, but there you were, with the uncertainty of what was going to happen the next day.

The emergence of a new war was imminent, you knew that, standing in the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix, you would be dragged into being part of it and, as bad as it was, the time would come where you’ll have to face your parents and your siblings in the battleground

Just the thought made you shiver.

"Hey, are you okay?" Bill's voice startled you, you let out a strangled sigh turning to him. You smiled at him not wanting to worry him, even though Bill knew you well enough to understand that you were worried sick. He took you by the shoulders, kissing the tip of your cold nose. "I just talked to my mother."

"We have to go, right?" Looking for another place to stay?”

Bill's brows furrowed.

“No, of course not. Mom will let us stay here”

“I don't know, Bill. It’s dangerous”

“Why?”

“I've committed you enough, I don't want to do the same with your family”

"Now it's our family, (Y/N)," he assured you. You shook your head as you looked down. "Listen, nothing of all of this is your fault, okay?" There was no way you could know ...”

"It's what the family does, isn't it?" You asked. William didn't seem to understand. You took his hands “Carrying with their guilts, their good and bad deeds, supporting them in everything. Even if that drags you into being part of their plans. You are never supposed to let them down”

"(Y/N), sharing a bond isn't always about doing what other people do," he said, grabbing you by the cheeks. Your eyes twinkled through the tears “These are bad times. Children have stopped obeying their parents and everyone writes books” You smiled “This is not about whether or not you have betrayed your parents convictions, it’s about the way you want to take your life and you know better than anyone that what you want is not with the Death Eaters”

You sighed again, hiding your numbed face on Bill's neck snatching a hiss from him. The redhead's strong arms wrapped around your waist and you both saw the huge mark that was drawn in the sky, warning the arrival of a new phase within the war. you gasped in his arms and Bill kissed your forehead time after time in an attempt to calm his own fear.

“We'll be fine, love” he whispered into your ear. You nodded “I promise”

[aetheternity]

Hard Pass P3 (Levi X Reader)

Synopsis: Levi is forced out of his comfy dorm room and in a strange twist of events right into your arms at a college party.

Levi was relieved for the silence as he clicked away at his keyboard. Mike had gone to his only late class of the entire week. Which meant Levi could actually study in his room.

The scent of tea and the small aroma diffuser on his desk as well as the open window in front of him welcomed a nice calming smell that was normally masked by Mike's gym bags and sweaty clothes. Which reminded Levi of the laundry he would have to do soon.

He pressed his tea cup to his lips feeling a twinge of irritation as he was interrupted by two knocks on the door. He looked down at the time. 6:15. A little too early for Mike to be back complaining that he'd forgotten his keys.

Then it was probably one of his girls complaining that she'd left her shit in the room. If Levi had a dollar for the amount of times that had happened he could pay for a new roommate.

The next couple knocks were a bit louder. "Levi? It's Y/N.."

Y/N?!

His face practically exploded. He stood far too fast because just as quickly he was flopping over his stupid desk chair and hitting the floor with a hard thud. He gasped audibly tugging at his knee and gritting his teeth.

"Levi? Are you ok?" Came her voice again.

He pulled himself up with a huff and staggered over to the door. Unsurprisingly he had to limp. With a quick turn of the lock he yanked open the door right into his forehead. God fucking dammit.

He groaned in a mix of fury and disgust partially because he'd idiotically stood so close when opening the door and partially because he hated the stupid inanimate object.

"Oh my god! Are you ok?" Y/N gasped, squeezing herself inside and shutting the door behind her. "Let me see? Did you hit your eye?" She asked

Her fingers were so delicate as she brushed aside his hands. So close.. Her thumb traced the already appearing red spot on his forehead. Soo close.. She brushed his hair to the side cupping his cheeks to gently reposition his head towards the light. Close....

She breathed out a little chuckle. "It's probably gonna bruise."

Levi barely registered her words. Occupied with her beautiful eyes illuminating moonlight and the dim lights in his room. His lips parted ever so slightly. When her hands fell away he gulped and jerked his head back. Trying to find literally anything to take the edge off.

"I'll.. go find you an ice pack, ok?" Y/N began already heading for the door.

"K-knee.." Levi tried and mentally cursed himself.

"Huh?" She asked, turning back.

"M-my.. t-two please.."

Her smile was gentle, "Two ice packs. Got it." And with a little wave she was out the door. Her lingering touch still causing heat to pool in Levi's chest.

~~~~

"Aww sweetie, are you sure you're ok?"

He was not. Definitely not. One of her hands was on his uninjured knee and the other was brushing his hair away from the ice pack. He didn't even know if he'd breathed in the last 20 minutes. His brain echoing the word sweetie.

The two of you had been sat on his bed as he uncomfortably laid his head back on the wall. Trying and failing to not fixate on your touch. Every brush of your fingertips was downright intoxicating.

"You look kinda red. Do you wanna try seeing a doctor or something?"

"N-no.." It was barely audible but he knew she heard when she nodded.

If there was a hole nearby he would crawl into it and never come out. Though he also didn't wanna move as the fear of making this situation worse for himself stayed ever present.

"Let me see?" He partially removed the ice pack from his forehead, spine tingling over the way she sucked in a breath. "You should be more careful."

Levi didn't answer. Just squeezed his legs closer together and sighed. In all the time he'd been in this room he'd never hit himself in the face with the door. Just what kind of power did this girl have over him.

"I know because my little cousin has done stuff like this but you should put some cream on the bump so that it doesn't get redder and it'll go down faster."

Little cousin? That wasn't a fair comparison. Little kids do stupid things cause they're kids. Did she think about him that way? Uggghhhh.

He was yanked from his thoughts by her hand coming down to squeeze his. "Are you positive you're ok? Do you need anything else?"

"I-I'm fine.."

Just as Levi said that his attention was brought to the door. Mike had barely stepped into the room and he was already grinning like a fucking idiot.

"Well, hello." He greeted, stepping closer. "Levi, you didn't tell me you were inviting anyone over. Especially not a pretty girl."

Y/N's chuckle was nervous, "Hello, you must be Levi's roommate." She stuck her hand out which Mike immediately took placing one hand on top of their joined hands.

"And you must be Y/N." He said "I've heard so much about you."

His teasing was met with a glare that could slice concrete. If Levi had known Mike was gonna come straight back to the room he definitely would've gotten rid of Y/N sooner.

"Oh? Really?" Y/N turned to look at Levi behind her. "You told him about me?" It was a split second thing but Levi could've sworn her features softened.

"Oh, no I meant Hange." Mike replied

"Oh."

Oh? Was she disappointed? It sounded disappointed? Did she want Levi to talk about her?

"But at no point did Hange tell me you were this pretty. Neither did Levi honestly, I'm kinda disappointed."

Alright that's enough of that. Levi stood. Placing the ice packs on his bed.

"You should probably leave." He gritted his teeth at how harshly it came out.

Now Mike was letting go of Y/N's hand. "Oh wait! I came to get my phone. Hange said you had it."

Levi blinked. He'd almost forgotten about that. It had been sitting on his desk since yesterday. His knee was screeching in absolute horror as he staggered his way over to his desk.

"What the hell happened to you?" Mike asked, clearly trying to hold back a snicker.

"Aw, it was an accident. I scared him."

Levi returned with the phone shooting daggers into Mike who pretended not to notice.

"Thank you." She breathed a sigh of relief.

"Y-yeah.."

"Did you put your number into it?"

Levi's face perked up a little. "Yes."

"Ok, then I'll text you later." She assured, brushing her finger tips over his forehead once again. "Goodnight boys." And with those last words she took off.

"Faking an injury?! I didn't think you had it in you!" Mike celebrated as soon as she was gone.

"Dickhead." Levi scoffed.

"Hey, is that any way to talk to the best friend who just confirmed your biggest fear moot?" Mike plopped down on his bed with a playful huff.

Levi flopped down into his desk chair, staring up at the ceiling. "One you're definitely not my best friend especially after that shit. And two I'm not you I don't fake shit to get girls."

"That would totally be hurtful if it wasn't true." Mike shrugged "I meant the fact that she doesn't have a boyfriend."

Levi practically flipped himself out of his chair. "How do you assume that."

"Simple. Hange told me about her ex boyfriend. By the way it was probably that guy that took her from the library that day. And Hange says that a lot of guys find Y/N attractive. Because of this her ex got too overprotective and they broke up. But he had no reason to be because Y/N would always tell people she had a boyfriend or at least around Hange she did."

Levi stared at his barely drunk tea. The liquid probably cold after being left on the table so long. So she had dated that guy.. He had been so tall and pretty muscular looking, was that her type? She didn't seem like she was going to get back together with him.. but he was still around.

"All I'm saying is she seems loyal. You better snatch her up before someone else does or she gets back together with her ex."

His attention was drawn away by his phone softly buzzing on his table. He pressed the on button, swiping his pin and clicking the notification as it popped up.

Hey Levi, it's Y/N.

Listen ik you said you're ok but I bought you some cream just in case. I'll bring it to you tm ;)

His heart fluttered and ached remembering her touch and her kind words. If he didn't full blown know Mike was staring at him he would probably hug his phone.

~~~~

Too much time had passed and suddenly the whole school was on break. Levi had been dreading this. Not because he was a workaholic like Mike claimed but because he knew Hange was gonna drag him away and make him vacation.

And no form of vacation could possibly be more relaxing for him than curling up in bed with some books, doing some casual cleaning, and drinking tea with light music playing at all times. Mike was definitely going home during this time so it'd be the perfect way to spend his break.

But Hange's family owned a couple lodges and that meant another year of begging for Levi to come ski and freeze his fingers and toes off.

"Come on, Levi!"

"Absolutely not."

"Erwin!" Hange called to him where he sat on Levi's bed, scrolling through his phone.

"You knew he was going to say no." Erwin replied

"Which is why I brought you to help me make my case." Hange complained

"You clearly made an error in judgment then." Erwin retorted

Mike laughed from where he was laying on his own bed. "Might as well give it up Hange, Levi is just too stubborn about this. We all know he wants to be close to all my junk while I'm gone cause he'll miss me."

"I wouldn't hesitate to tell your stalker where you're going over break." Levi spat

"She'll figure it out anyway. She's a high class stalker. And I'm not her first." The room fell in uncomfortable silence but Mike just leaned back giving his full attention to his phone screen.

"That disturbing remark aside.." Erwin began shaking his head. "I'm going."

"And that's supposed to change my mind? How'd Hange force you into it?"

"It may stun you but I chose to go through with this all on my own. There are studies that claim it's good for the mind to get away from normality during breaks or away from your comfort zone to properly clear your mind. It'll also help you make less mistakes when classes resume."

Hange smiled, "Yes, that's exactly what I was thinking."

Levi rolled his eyes. "If I go you can't beg me next year." Hange's loud shrill screeching made Levi's heart drop out of his ass.

"Finally!!" Hange screamed in excitement as she wrapped her arms around Levi's neck.

"Get off already! You're such a pest!"

And that was how Levi ended up on a train for almost three long hours with Hange blabbering on about nothing and Erwin sat in the seat across from the two of them listening to podcasts while staring out the window of his own very sad music video.

And all of the crap Erwin had spewed about getting away being more relaxing proved to be completely from the ass as Levi shivered along wrapped in two scarves, a pair of gloves, his long green coat that fell around his ankles and a winter hat plopped over his ears.

"Walk faster Levi! Is that the best your little legs can do?!" Hange called, somehow racing her way up the slope with three bags. One that wasn't even hers

Levi grunted in irritation. Not only were they walking up a hill but it was covered in snow so deep that every step felt like he was falling.

"Do you need help?" Erwin asked, not waiting for Levi to respond as he hoisted the overnight bag off his shoulders.

Levi just huffed. "I swear Hange was made in a lab."

"As possible as that is, Hange was basically raised in the snow so this is the equivalent of dust for her." Erwin replied as the two of them trudged along.

"Her parents own multiple ski lodges why the hell did we go to the one up a fucking hill."

"The other closest one was more than 6 hours away. Did you really wanna be stuck on a train with Hange for more than 6 hours?"

Levi just groaned as they finally walked through the surprisingly big doors of the huge ski lodge. Hange raced over to the front desk as Erwin slipped onto the lobby couch, followed by Levi who was still kicking snow off his boots and his second bag.

"What's in that bag?" Erwin questioned, nodding to the luggage Levi had yanked over his lap.

He exhaled loudly giving the bag a couple soft pats. "Clothes, extra boots, extra gloves, two bottles of cleaner and a small box of tea as well as some light reading material."

"When are you gonna have time to read? We're going to be skiing most of the time we're here."

"If you think I'm getting on a ski lift you have less working brain cells than Hange."

Erwin smirked with a roll of his eyes, "Alrighty then, what's in this bag."

"All of the shit that didn't fit in this bag, toothpaste, toothbrush, cologne, extra pairs of underwear-"

"Woah, Levi you can't just talk about your underwear in a public space." Erwin chuckled at his own joke.

Levi rolled his eyes, "It's bad for your health to hang around Mike as often as you do."

"How is it you're not dead yet then?" Erwin retorted

Hange had been chatting up the receptionist for almost 15 minutes, bouncing up and down in front of the desk and indulging him in the stories of their travel up here. The man just gave her a sheepish grin and honestly Levi felt a little bad for the man but a little less when he thought about how it wasn't his problem anymore.

Moblit.. his name tag read. Somehow Hange's mannerism seemed more crazed with him if that was even possible.

"Yeah.. it has been so long." He heard the man say. You got.. taller..

"We're never getting out of this lobby are we?" Erwin sighed as the two continued to chatter on. Levi and Erwin stared as Hange continued on about her car with a surprising amount of engagement from the other party. "You know they kind of remind me of you and-"

"Hey, Hange!" Erwin cut himself off as a brown haired girl that Levi instantly recognized hopped down each step, a bald boy following her. And Levi believed he remembered them from Y/N's stories as Connie and Sasha who he remembered from the party.

"Hange, what're you doing here?" He asked as the brown haired girl gave her a hug.

"My family owns the lodge so I brought Erwin and Levi for the break!" Hange said, pulling Connie into side hug that he immediately reciprocated.

"Oh god! Why didn't you tell me your plans for break? Jean would've driven all of us up here and you wouldn't have had to waste gas."

Hange just shook her head. "It's quite alright I was already out of gas so we just took the train up here."

"You didn't put gas in your car again?" Connie asked

"Wait, if you guys came then does that mean Y/N is here?" Hange asked completely dodging Connie's question.

At her name Levi bounced out of his seat. Almost launching himself into the spot next to Erwin. Pulling his hat over his eyes and sliding his back as far into the chair as he could.

"What's up with you?" Erwin questioned

"I embarrassed myself last time I was with Y/N.."

"What? Didn't she buy you cream like a month ago?"

"Y-yeah." Levi shimmied his feet together as he slid further down in his seat.

Erwin's chuckle next to him made him grimace. "I know you don't really get it Levi. But uh, making an ass out of yourself in front of your crush is the first real hurdle to knowing you've got it bad."

"Shut up.."

"It could've been worse.. You could've accidentally injured her. Or got caught by the loud mouth in your class while writing her first name and your last name in a notebook."

"Sounds like a personal story.." Levi replied, inching the hat off his eyes to look up at Erwin.

Erwin scoffed, "Point is it happens." He said with a roll of his eyes.

Levi let out a little snicker that instantly got caught in his throat. It had never occurred to him that he'd actually paid attention to the romance movies he'd seen a hundred times with his mother. But now that Y/N was walking down the stairs it was like a scene from all of those movies combined.

Her smile just as warm as always. Turtleneck sweater hugging her features along with dark blue jeans and brown boots. Each step felt slower than the last as if everything in this particular room had been put on the slowest speed imaginable.

The butterflies in his stomach swarmed like they were all chasing after one specific thing. Everytime she appeared somehow it was different.

"We're still going skiing today right?" Connie questioned as Y/N stopped on the last stair.

"If Jean's up to it sure." She replied, her cheeks flushed like she'd just walked in from outside.

"Well this is gonna be a fun weekend." Erwin said but Levi didn't even register his words. His heart stammering in his chest. "Go make a fool out of yourself." Erwin nudged

"Hey Jean! Come on!" Connie said

"Yeah, Jean I'm hungry!" Called Sasha

Levi's heart stopped, his chest crumbling in on itself. The same guy from before.. just as soon a loud crash sounded and everyone turned all at once.

"Oh god are you ok?!" Y/N was the first person by Hange's side followed by Moblit from behind the counter.

Hange let out a laugh, wincing as she pulled herself up with Moblit and Y'N's help.

"I'll be ok. Just took a little spill." She continued to laugh.

Erwin was soon standing by her side. "Are you sure, you're alright? Your face is super red.."

A momentary lapse in Hange's facial features made Erwin step back a little. "Shut up Erwin." She huffed

"You fell on your side. You should rest a little bit." Moblit said, coming closer. "Just.. in case."

"Ok.." Hange replied

Y/N seemed to relax at this information. Her gaze immediately falling on Levi surprisingly. He really hoped he didn't outwardly wince.

"Hi, Levi." She spoke plainly giving Erwin a small greeting as well before her, Connie, Sasha, and Jean were leaving the lobby.

Hange and Erwin unsurprisingly crowded into Levi's room about five minutes after the whole ordeal. But Levi couldn't even bring himself to wipe one thing down like he'd wanted to. He just laid still on the bed, eyes planted to the ceiling.

Surprisingly Hange had also stayed silent. Her eyes shut where she laid next to Levi.

"I can't believe you broke the handle on my luggage Hange." Erwin called still sat on the floor holding his luggage in one hand and the handle in the other. Pressing the broken part of the handle to his bag as if it'd be that simple to fix.

"Now what am I supposed to do?"

"It broke my fall Erwin. Be grateful."

"For what exactly?"

"I don't know!"

Levi blinked, his gaze falling on Hange for the first time since she took that spill in the lobby. Her hands were crossed over her stomach, thumbs rubbing the spot where she fell.

"Are you alright or not?" Levi questioned

"I'm fine."

"Ok, I know why Levi's upset but why're you?" Erwin chimed up

"What's Levi upset about?"

"What else? Y/N."

"Uggggghhh Levvviiiii why don't you just ask her out already?" Hange said

Levi sat up on the bed pulling his feet into his chest. Shoes long gone, pushed up against the wall as soon as they'd walked into the room.

"I'm not talking about this shit anymore this week."

"Levi, if we're staying here all of this week and next then chances are she's also staying here all week and next. Which means somewhere in here is a perfect opportunity to-"

"Get in her bed." Hange interrupted

"Or something less crass." Erwin suggested "You did pack condoms in your emergency undies bag right?"

"Did you pack a spare handle in yours?"

Hange's obnoxious laughter was almost loud enough to muffle the low knocks on the door. Her irritating jabs to Levi's shoulder quickly halting when Levi grabbed her fingers.

"Who is it?" Erwin asked, one hand on the door.

"It's Y/N.."

Now Hange stopped laughing. Erwin shrugged as he looked back at both of them before pulling the door open.

"Hey, here." Y/N sounded filled with fatigue as she handed over a small bottle to Erwin.

"Oh! Thank you! Where'd you get this?" Erwin smiled with delight immediately flopping back down next to his bag.

"Jean carries around extra strength glue because Connie always manages to break something fragile." Y/N replied "I doubt it'll work but maybe it'll help a little?"

Erwin nodded happily as Y/N turned to look at Hange. Her hands balled up and her fingers fidgeting where she was pulling at them.

"How's your rib Hange?"

"It's ok now, thanks for asking."

Y/N nodded and at this moment everyone in the room was looking at Levi who automatically felt extremely naked.

"Levi um.. can I talk to you? In the hall?"

Levi didn't know if he had nodded in his head or in real life but he was swiftly moving across the room. Passing Y/N where she stood and then holding the door open as she walked out just behind him. The door shut behind the two of them and if Levi felt naked before the feeling out here was somehow worse.

"What happened?"

Levi could hear the slightly muffled footsteps on the other side of the door and even a whispered Hange as Y/N spoke. His hands felt both too dry and wet all at once as he looked into her mildly menacing gaze.

"Wh- where wh-when.."

"You barely said anything to me after I brought the cream for your forehead. What happened? Did I do something wrong?"

Oh god how can she possibly assume that? Levi felt his stomach clench. He had never had it easy with text, which was why he pretty much always called everyone.

"I-I didn't mean.. it um.." He shuffled his feet a bit now remembering that he still had no shoes on.

Y/N sighed. "I wanna be your friend Levi. Please tell me you want that too."

With a deep breath he replied, "Call me."

"When?"

"Anytime.. I'm a bad t-texter.."

When her facial features softened Levi felt his shoulders finally sag for the first time since he'd heard her name in the lobby. "Ok.. oh ok, that's all it was? I thought I did something wrong. I'm glad we talked."

And Levi was barely registering her hands wrapping around his shoulders. Her body pressing oh so comfortably close to his. Hand sliding over his back, scent overwhelming his nose. And then just as soon it was all being taken away.

"I'll call you, ok?"

"Ok.." Levi's hand was still waving long after she'd already disappeared out of plain view.

"Oh god you're her friend!" Hange laughed the door suddenly yanked open behind Levi.

"It's as cute as it is sad." Erwin clicked his teeth.

"Tch, shut up." Levi stomped back into the room.

"Levi, you're in the friendzone!" Hange huffed as Erwin shut the door. "And if you don't get out of it. You're gonna be the short shoulder to cry on when some big dude with an invalid drivers license, a shit ton of tattoos and a porn addiction breaks her heart."

"That's oddly specific.." Erwin retorts

"All of you keep assuming I wanna be her boyfriend. I don't!"

Erwin rolled his eyes, "That tall guy that she was with actually. I think he'll be the guy who has her running to Levi's shoulder."

"Oh you mean Jean?" Hange nods "But they broke up a while ago."

"Then why is she still hanging out with him?"

"He's Sasha and Connie's best friend. So they've all known each other a while. They're a set, don't separate type deal."

"Then it's only logical that Y/N will marry Jean someday. You know if they all stay so close."

"Yup, definitely."

"You can both eat shit."

~~~~

Day one

Levi strained awake, blinded by the harsh sunlight stabbing his eyes through the uncovered window. He couldn't even remember when he'd fallen asleep last night but he could already tell it was too early for everyone else to be awake.

He could recall a couple things from last night. Hange overstaying her welcome in his room, Erwin suggesting that Hange pay for his fucked up luggage and somethings he would rather not think about.

Preferably the others joining in his room to discuss breakfast plans. At which Sasha had suggested the diner they had already planned to go to early in the morning. Levi's heart sank as he recalled Y/N's gorgeous smile directed to Jean who had stood behind her rubbing her shoulders and whispering in her ear.

He squeezed his eyes shut, standing from his bed and immediately working to straighten out the sheets before eyeing the book he'd unpacked last night.

Maybe he could get some reading done before Hange inevitably came to annoy him.

The one he was currently holding was of a dog wearing a big floppy hat in the mist of sunflowers. He quickly matched it with his black and white sweatpants. And with a small sigh he headed to the bathroom.

He thumbed at the spine of the book, sliding his finger between the pages to the current bookmark. A shower would probably be a better start to the morning though. He set the book down unzipping one of his bags and pulling out the first pair of clothing folded at the top. Levi hadn't remembered packing one of his mother's many silly birthday gifts to him. She had always bought him shirts with pictures on them that confused him.

He didn't even remember the last time he'd had a shower that was hot for more than five minutes. Or the last time he could look down at his feet without seeing a hair monster in the drain.

He took a couple extra minutes to completely wash his hair, combing his fingers through the strands before shutting off the water and quickly getting dressed.

As he reentered his room he remembered the random gaze Jean threw his way. The smirk on his lips, the taunting glare and then just as quickly it was over. And he was talking to her like nothing had happened.

Levi had never once in his entire life thought about having a girlfriend. It just wasn't something that absorbed his thoughts but he knew the second he saw that smirk on Jean's face what he wanted to be to Y/N.

He just couldn't imagine how.

His fluffy towel hugged his head as he popped open the book he'd discarded a couple minutes ago. He pulled his feet in closer to his body tracing the letters on the page, delving into the story-

"Levi!"

Two fucking seconds.. that had to be a new record.

A barrage of harsh knocks sounded outside his door and he yanked it open to see Hange standing there out of breath with a barely alive looking Erwin behind her. Excitement flooding her features as she pushed past Levi with Erwin in tow. A blue toothbrush almost falling from his lips.

"You couldn't let him finish brushing his fucking teeth?" Levi grunted, shutting the door behind the two of them. Erwin sighed his eyes shut, toothbrush dangling from his mouth. "Why're you here?"

"We're all going for breakfast remember?"

"Not for another thirty minutes." Levi narrowed his eyes and leaned back against the tv table.

Hange smiled, "Yup and that means we have enough time to figure out a game plan to get you and Y/N together by the end of today." Hange clapped excitedly though both Erwin and Levi couldn't possibly look less enthused.

"I don't need your help."

"Erwin, back me up here!"

"I'm not doing shit since you didn't let me spit and I had to swallow toothpaste." Erwin remarked, squeezing the bridge of his nose.

Levi's face scrunched up and Hange let out a snort. "Why did you swallow it.. you could've just spit it out in the hall or something."

"That's fucking disgusting." Levi grunted

"Why the hell would I do that?" Erwin asked

"You're not supposed to swallow toothpaste duh!"

Everyone huffed all at once and Levi flopped down next to Erwin on the bed. "If I need any help I'll ask.." He mumbled already feeling heat fly to his cheeks.

"We're finally gonna get you a girlfriend Levi!!" Hange squeezed his body in a tight hug.

Just as Levi was about to push her away a couple of soft knocks sounded on his door again, "We're leaving a little earlier, hurry and come downstairs."

~~~~

Before the car had even pulled up back at the lodge Hange was already screaming about going skiing. Erwin had asked if Levi wanted to which he'd replied with a scoff.

"Really? Cause there are plenty of chances for Y/N to fall on you. Or you to fall on her." He shrugged.

Levi just rolled his eyes and at that Erwin gave up and now he was standing at the freezing cold railing watching everyone go down the stupid slope for what had to have been an hour or so. How'd he end up with bag watch? He didn't even wanna come outside.. He blew on his fingers trying and falling to warm them. At this point he felt exhausted, absolutely none of his clothes were keeping him warm.

With a sigh he pulled Hange and Erwin's bags up onto his shoulder along with Sasha and Connie's belongings. If he could manage to get upstairs he could warm up at least a little. A hot cup of tea practically beckoning him.

It took him only a couple seconds to realize he didn't have Y/N's bag. He looked around for a couple seconds. Did she bring a bag outside? Did he lose her bag?? He'd only left once to got to the bathroom. Did someone steal it.. Shit. He grumbled in disgust. Where could he have left it?

Feeling a bit panicked he headed towards the stairs. Blood running cold, his eyes practically bouncing out of his skull. His heart stopped at the display in front of him. Jean's hand on Y/N's waist as she leaned forward on the railing. Their lips pressed together..

(Hey Siri, play Heartbreak Anniversary by Giveon.)

[mithranqueersmusings]

I Think I'll Love You Too II

Chapter: 2/?

Rating: U

Summary: George and Ringo have been going out officially for a couple of months. Ringo anticipated that dating a stripper would be complicated, but he didn't understand exactly how complicated it would be.

Tags: Modern AU, Established Relationship

Pairing: George Harrison/Ringo Starr (Background McLennon)

AO3 link here / Fic masterlist here

The following clean-up from their nocturnal experiment was far from easy, the wax seemed to crumble into tiny pieces and was determined to cover each inch of the carpet. George was insistent on doing most of the work, a struggle of manners ensued in which Ringo was adamant that he should help but eventually gave in and took up George's offer to relax in the bath.

Soaking in the warm water, Ringo's mind began to wander to their first official date. It seemed like such a long time ago now, although it had only been a couple of months at the most. Ringo could vividly picture arriving at George's house for the first time and picking him up for dinner, bruises still dotted across George's pale skin from the somewhat embarrassing but retrospectively rather comical fall at the club. Ringo had struggled to figure out the best place to take George, unfortunately the only advice available was John's.

"He's a vegetarian." Ringo emphasised for the fourth time, John had once again offered up a meat-only establishment.

"Oh, well you could've told me sooner." John scoffed, sometimes Ringo couldn't tell whether he was joking or truly that oblivious.

"What about sushi? That can be veggie, right?" Ringo was fiddling with a bouquet of flowers that had been left on John's kitchen counter, a small card had the name 'Paul' written on it, punctuated with a kiss.

"Sure." John offered "You could always, and hear me out, ask where he wants to go."

Ringo rolled his eyes "Great advice John, thanks. What if he doesn't know either?"

"Then you're both helpless and you belong together."

In the end Ringo had settled on sushi, which only calmed his panic somewhat because he still had to find which sushi place was best. He'd forgotten all about how stressful dating could be, and it'd been a long time since he'd been a proper date. Eventually he settled on a fairly affordable place that wasn't too far from his house, he felt rather silly calling up to make a reservation an hour in advance but he didn't want to risk embarrassing himself by not having a table booked.

This struggle with the restaurant left Ringo only an hour to get himself looking presentable for the date, his closet was emptied onto the floor and bed as he rummaged around for something suitable. He felt like making more of an effort than usual, this was one date he didn't want to screw up, especially knowing how fashionable George was likely to look. In the end he settled on a paisley blazer, it had been a gift from John years ago and had hardly been worn, and a black shirt underneath which he experimented with the buttons of.

He left himself just enough time to brush his teeth, sort out his hair and tidy the room as quickly as he possibly could. Hurrying over to George's in the car, he'd almost forgotten to be nervous about the date itself. Almost forgotten, because as soon as he knocked on George's door Ringo felt a wave of dread washing over him. He hadn't even thought of any conversation starters, or what he was going to order at the restaurant. As he waited for an answer, the dread only festered further. Yet once the door finally opened, revealing George draped in a decorative kimono, all fear subsided.

"Hi." Ringo spoke, suddenly sheepish.

"Hey." George replied with a grin, stepping out onto the street and locking the door behind him.

The two of them looked at one another for a few moments, eyes tracing from head to feet with no words being said. George was wearing makeup: his eyes darkened with liner and mascara, his gaunt cheekbones sparkling with highlight and his lips painted a tempting shade of red. Ringo could see that he'd tried to use foundation to cover over the bruises on his face but it wasn't entirely successful, not that it mattered.

"You look great." Ringo managed to get out without stumbling over his words as they walked over to his car.

"Thanks, so do you." George responded but Ringo supposed he was only trying to be polite.

Passing a shop window, Ringo stole a glance at the reflection and found himself presently surprised at how good the two of them looked together. Ringo was even beginning to believe George's compliment, a surge of confidence arising merely from being stood next to George. He'd anticipated that George would only make him look worse, but there was something complimentary in how the two of them were dressed. It was a small boost that Ringo needed to quash his nerves, he was determined to not ruin the night just because he was feeling anxious.

"So... Where are we headed?" George asked, stretching his legs out in front of him.

"Sushi." Ringo replied more curtly than intended "Is that alright?"

"I love sushi." George answered cheerily.

"What a relief." Ringo chuckled "I'm not gonna lie I was struggling to find a place to eat, with you being a vegetarian and all."

George paused for a moment "You remembered that?"

"Of course I did." Ringo panicked for a moment, afraid he'd said the wrong thing and given too much away but the smile that spread across George's painted lips calmed him back down.

It didn't take them long to arrive at the restaurant, it was rather busy but not so much that it would become uncomfortable. Ringo still couldn't believe his luck, that he'd actually been able to get a date with George. Looking back on how their relationship started, it was strange to consider that they'd end up here.

"Is your face alright?" Ringo asked when they'd been seated, it was hard to not notice the swelling on George's lip.

"Oh yeah, it's fine." George provided evidence with a genuine smile "I've had way worse, don't worry."

"You fall over a lot then?" Ringo joked, looking down at the menu and feeling a little intimidated by the amount of choice.

"Only when I know you're there to catch me." George winked "No, I've had my fair share of scraps here and there. That's just life, isn't it?"

Ringo chuckled "Not in my line of work, no."

"Don't be so modest, I haven't forgotten when you beat up that creep in the club." George was studying his menu with far less fear than Ringo "Any idea what you're gonna order?"

"Haven't the faintest." Ringo read the same words over and over again as though it'd help him understand "What about you?"

"Hmm, I think so." George answered with a confidence Ringo envied "Want some help?"

"Please." Ringo smiled sheepishly, laying down his menu and looking to George for assistance.

The date was hardly going as Ringo had anticipated, but while George went through dishes on the menu with a clear expertise Ringo couldn't stop himself from smiling. The intimidating Spike was describing in detail the difference between maki and temaki with such delicacy, it was such a strange moment of realisation for Ringo that made him truly understand how far they'd come. Ringo realised too late that he hadn't been listening to what George had been saying but it didn't matter in the end because George ordered for the both of them.

"So..." George began, drink in hand.

"So." Ringo repeated with a raised eyebrow.

"How long have you been waiting to take me out?" George asked with a knowing smile.

Ringo half expected this line of questioning to begin, he only wished he'd prepared some answers "Does it make a difference?"

"I'm just curious." George leaned in a little closer, a devilish look in his eyes.

Ringo sighed "Now I'm debating whether to lie so you don't think I'm a loser."

"I wouldn't bother with that, I already know you're a loser Ringo." George spoke deadpan, staring without expression then burst into laughter "I'm sorry, I had to."

"And that's meant to encourage me to be honest?" Ringo laughed nervously.

"Come on, tell me." George sounded almost whiny, a tone Ringo had heard before but never in regular conversation.

"Fine, fine." Ringo conceded after drinking his beer "In all honesty it was probably the first time I saw you... Not that I thought you'd ever say yes, of course."

The answer seemed to satisfy whatever itch George had "Really? I'm that good looking am I?"

"Not to sound cliché, but have you seen you? I don't think I've seen anyone more attractive." Ringo spoke somewhat seriously.

George blushed just slightly, having to look away from Ringo's intense gaze "You're sweet. But why were you even in the strip club in the first place? You didn't seem too at home, at least from what I remember."

Ringo felt rather complimented that George even remembered how he'd been acting all that time ago, he'd always supposed he hadn't left much of an impression at all and whatever he did was surely negative.

"John dragged me there. He, uh-" Ringo stopped himself before saying too much "Thought it'd cheer me up."

George squinted his eyes in suspicion "What aren't you telling me?"

Ringo paused, debating the best verbal exit strategy but the good beer and even better food was slowing his thought processes "Uh... Nothing?"

"Oh come on." George kicked Ringo lightly under the table "You think I'm gonna judge you?"

"Well, yes... But fine, I'll tell you." Ringo chuckled, pausing for an anticipatory breath "I'd been going through a bit of a... dry spell, so to speak."

A grin spread across George's face "Seriously?"

"Seriously." Ringo repeated, hiding his shame behind his beer.

"I find it hard to believe that you were having a 'dry spell'." George rested his hand on Ringo's own, his finger tracing around the metal of the rings.

"Well, I'd, er- I'd still be having one if you hadn't come along." Ringo stammered "Shit, that sounds really pathetic, doesn't it?"

"Just a tad." George smiled reassuringly "I'm just glad I could be of service."

"For a while you were making it worse, actually." Ringo had finished his beer and was itching for another "With all my pent up frustration and then I see you undressing on that stage, I nearly lost my mind."

George chuckled, looking rather proud of himself "I can only apologise for being so tempting." He emphasised the word by running his tongue over his top lip onto his sharp canine tooth.

"No need to apologise, it's your job after all." Ringo tried to remain composed "And in the end it all worked out so... No harm done."

"My aching body disagrees." George pouted his still somewhat swollen lip.

"Well... That was your own fault really." Ringo joked, finally catching the waiter's eye so that he could order another beer.

"You're right, you're right." George's hand was still pressed against Ringo's "Hopefully from here on out all the pain will be consensual."

Ringo blushed "Hopefully."

Later that night it was clear that there was no longer any need to be hopeful.