#and sorta jog

[thebrainrotsreal]

Eve, Kate, Mark and Rex! Nailing some ideas down on how I wanna draw them in the future, and enjoying messing with their designs like usual! Not a fix-it whatsoever just fun + ref for the future! I cannot do realistic styles so translating them into something I can do while still being recognizable is peak. I will mess with Rex's suit more. Trust. I Kate so much now. Look at her <333333

[icantalk710]

A story in three parts, spread across four hours (10-2am) and featuring 15-20% help from my roomie and her gf, I've officially installed my first A/C 😤😌💨 #AdultingWin

[Not pictured: the bad writing making me drop the base's two little slat things that hold up against the wall and awkwardly go outside to get to the inner basement alley for them... Suddenly glad I'm only two floors up lol]

[windupaidoneus]

fuckkking hell i just remembered i'd thought of a fengage s/i last time i cracked the game open but i've completely forgotten everything i'd thought of FUCK.

[cattatoir]

Honestly another thing I love about the soft touch for tears Antichrist that Anathema accidentally gave existential fear and a look at the Beast he was meant to be that put him temporarily over the edge is that his parents are worried. They’re like scared about what’s happening with their kid. Not in a dramatic oh god let’s try killing him way just in a normal parent way. They know he’s going through something they don’t understand and they’re worried

[rhaeverie]

No Pain, No Gain — ljn

pairing. gym-rat!jeno x aider!reader genre. fluff, (kinda)friends-to-lovers, a dash of hurt/comfort, slice-of-life wc. 4.3k summary. Jeno’s well aware that he looks like an idiot in front of you, but what else could he do when just the sight of you makes him feel like a kid with a schoolboy crush?; or in which, Jeno’s been coming to your office with the tiniest of scratches just so he has an excuse to see you warnings. mentions of minor injuries (fake & real) and some bleeding (nothing super detailed but it’s still there), I sorta wrote this as if it were like a sitcom, cliche scenario an. clearing my wips! yet another fic set in the most random place u can possibly think of and it’s bc I (unhealthily) romanticize everything (×-×)—I started writing this during my gym rat (mouse?) era in 2023 but never finished it til now oops dk if its any good,,, enjoy!!

“I can’t move my thumb.”

You use your finger to smooth down the sports tape over its first layer, gently grabbing the younger boy’s wrist to inspect your work, “That’s the point, Chenle.” 

“How am I supposed to play basketball with this,” Chenle pouts, bringing his taped thumb and wrist to show you as if you weren’t the one who just did it. His posture grows worse at the realization of his small injury and now he’s slumped on the bed. 

You sigh and repeat yourself, “That’s the point. You need to rest it or else you can get an injury worse than this. I recommend maybe a week? But I’m not a doctor.” 

You start cleaning your station up, fully expecting Chenle to understand and leave. But instead, he remains seated on the medical table, pouting. You know he’s trying to get you to change your mind, but seeing that he reported his wrist feeling tight and stiff, you know that it’s sprained and playing with it could make things worse.

“Chenle, I’m being serious,” you groan, “You need to rest it or you can’t play basketball for the rest of your life.” You were obviously exaggerating, raising your brows for even more emphasis. If he won’t listen to you by simply telling him, you might as well scare him into listening to you.

“Rest of my life?” He frowns, looking down at wrist, “I… I guess a week doesn’t seem too long… Thanks Y/N.” 

You smile, relieved that he’s choosing to listen to your advice, “I’ll see you next week then?” 

He nods and gathers his duffel bag and his sweater, dragging himself out the door of the first aid room. 

You turn away from the door, ready to busy yourself with some housekeeping items when you hear a knock at the door. It’s quiet, and you almost think that you were imagining the sound, but when you turn to face the door, you’re met with the vibrant gaze of Lee Jeno, accompanied by a sheepish smile. 

Ah… Lee  Jeno—of course.

“Almost thought you weren’t going to show up today,” you joke, “What happened now?” 

To anyone unfamiliar with the two of you, it might come across as if you weren't exactly doing your job well, seemingly rushing through treatments even when faced with potentially serious injuries. However, the guy standing in the doorway right now has been delivering the most poorest excuses for injuries you've ever heard.

Sure, perhaps a couple of questionable 'injuries' wouldn't bother you much, because maybe the person was just overly cautious about their well-being. But when Jeno strolled into your office recently with the tiniest scratch on his left calf, you couldn't help but suspect that something was definitely up. 

“I need ice,” Jeno side-steps into your office and pulls the corners of his lips higher on his cheeks, “Please?” 

“Next time, just jog over to the nearby McDonald’s and get ice there,” you say jokingly. This was his nth time in the past month asking for ice. You wonder if he’s just been using it to put into his water or if this dude just has some kink involving ice. 

You only question Jeno’s recent tendency to visit your office because, ever since you started working at the gym, he's been a regular. Hell, his physique alone is proof to his long-standing commitment to the gym. It just doesn't add up that Jeno, with his apparent gym ‘seniority’, would be falling victim to injuries so frequently.

“Here you go,” you hand him a small, transparent bag that was partially filled with ice, “Anything else?” 

Jeno’s irises fall to the right corners of his eyes in brief thought, “More… ice?”

You groan to conceal your amusement and move closer to Jeno, “Goodbye, Jeno. See you again another day!” You gently place your hands to his elbows, spinning him around and out your door.  

“No, wait I—“

“See you!” You wave, leaving Jeno no choice but to actually take his leave. 

Your coworker Jaemin sees the interaction from the front counter, and seeing that there weren’t any gym goers coming into the facility, he waves you over. 

"Everything alright?" he asks, his gaze flicking briefly from the computer screen to you.

You glance at his screen and notice a game of minesweeper unfolding. Suppressing a snicker, you retort, "Yeah, same reason as last week." Swiftly, you click on an empty tile on his minesweeper grid, revealing the mine locations.

“I’m trying to help you and you do this,” Jaemin clicks his tongue against his teeth and diverts back to the situation, “It’s not in a creepy way, is it?” 

You give yourself a moment to think everything through, “I’m not sensing anything weird or creepy with it, if I’m being honest. He’s going about it… in a cute way?” 

Jaemin lets out a hysteric laugh and it echoes throughout the gym, “A cute way?” 

"There's no other way to put it," you casually shrug. Leaning against the desk, you absentmindedly flip through the management binders laid out before you.

Jaemin's brows knit, his curiosity piqued. "Cute, how?"

“I don’t know.” You’re lying. You know damn well what you meant. 

Every time Jeno decides to pull one of his ‘stunts’, he’s at your door, eyes all glossy and resembling a hopeful puppy. And when you choose to pretend not to notice him, he doesn't hesitate to clear his throat (rather obnoxiously) or hum out a soft, "anyone home?" even though you're clearly rummaging in your cupboards for more supplies.

Jaemin reads right through your feigned innocence, eyes narrowing, “Sure you don’t.”

“Well, it’s not something I can explain,” you groan, “Just take my word for it.”

“Okay… cute… does that mean you’re enjoying all this?” Jaemin’s eyes wiggle your way and you’re glad that no one’s around to see or hear this. 

You scoff, “Enjoying what?” 

"Come on, Y/N. Let's not play naive," Jaemin smirks, "Jeno is practically inventing reasons to see you.” Jaemin pats your head like you would a child, which you dodge almost immediately, “Which is honestly disappointing. A guy like Jeno could probably think of something way better but he resorted to something so basic.” 

You glare at Jaemin, your annoyance evident, “I hate that you’re probably right.” Because what else could the reason be? Jeno couldn’t be that concerned for his well-being. And you distinctly recall questioning your other coworker, Xiaojun, about whether Jeno tends to show up frequently on your days off. His response? A shocking no.

“I always am,” Jaemin brushes non-existent dust off of his shoulder, “But you didn’t answer my question.”

“What question?” At times like these, you have the memory of a goldfish.

“If you were enjoying it,” Jaemin clarifies, "You did call it cute, and cute usually equals enjoyment."

There were a couple ways you could go about Jaemin’s question. Was he asking if you were reciprocating this attraction Jeno seemingly had for you? Or maybe he wanted to know if you found amusement in the ongoing situation?

Regardless, your cheeks betray you by warming at the question and the thought of your answer sliding off the tip of your tongue.

“I’d be lying if I said no.”

—

It’s no surprise when Jeno shows up to your office two days later with the same smile plastered on his face. 

He’s standing right outside of your office, waiting for you to welcome him in. When you do, he enters the room slowly, greeting you as he moves toward the medical bed situated at the far corner and away from the entrance. 

Jeno watches as you rake through a pile of disorganized supplies, “How are you?” You weren’t in search of anything specific, but you were trying to busy yourself now that Jeno was in the room with no clear purpose. 

“I'm all right," you reply casually, your voice calm. "You?” You quickly glance up at him and almost crumble to your knees. Today, Jeno is sporting a black muscle tee and grey sweatshorts, and though you've never really taken notice of his outfits before, you secretly (and shamefully) remind yourself to start doing so. 

“I’m okay,” Jeno hums, “I was wondering if I could get a heat pack?” 

You take a good look at him and narrow your eyes, “It doesn’t look like you need one.” But regardless, you make your way toward the heat packs sitting in a cupboard by the fridge. You simply wanted to hear what his reason was this time. 

“My quads are really stiff today,” Jeno replies, subtly gesturing to his legs, “I could barely get through leg day with them.” 

“Well, this should work,” you say. You pop the pack and wrap a towel around it, “There you go. See you!” 

“Can I stay here for a bit?” You don’t see the way Jeno pouts. You’re too busy making your way to your box full of miscellaneous things. He presses the pack against the upper side of his thigh, remaining seated on the bed, “I’ll leave when the heat pack is finished.” 

Jaemin’s voice echoes in your head, "Jeno is practically inventing reasons to see you.” And you can now see that it was painfully obvious. 

“Of course,” you say, “Take as long as you need.” 

You move on to organizing the supplies, trying your best not to mind the pair of eyes that were burning holes into the side of your head. 

“So…” Jeno starts, “How was your weekend?” 

“You don’t need to make small talk you know,” you say, pulling out three pairs of medical scissors, “You could take a nap or something.” With your back turned to him, you go to put the tools away, “I don’t mind.”

Jeno swings his legs in the air and slumps, “Yeah, but I—uh—do want to make small talk.” He’s half-assedly holding the heat pack to the side of his thigh, growing annoyed that it wasn’t staying in a specific place. He resorts to pinning it under his thigh. 

“Which I also don’t mind,” you say, biting back a smile, “My weekend was okay… stayed home and relaxed. Nothing super special. You?” 

You stop and turn to look at him, keeping your eyes trained on the man who was now leaning back against the wall. The position looks uncomfortable, yet Jeno appears to be content. 

“Similar to yours,” he replies, “Except Hyuck forced me to play a few games online with him. It was fun, actually! But don’t tell him that.” 

You let out a snort. You’re familiar with Donghyuck, recalling how he and Jeno had made a deal that if Jeno managed to bring him to the gym for a few workouts, then he had to play some of his PC games in return. 

“How’s he doing anyways?” You question, “I haven’t seen him in a while.” 

Jeno’s brows furrow for a sliver of a second before they sit back to where they had originally been, “Last leg day killed him, so he’s given up until he recovers.” 

“Ah,” you giggle, “Can’t keep up with you, I’m guessing?” 

Jeno shakes his head, bangs creating a blanket over his eyes. He sweeps them aside, “Not really. I don’t really go hard on leg days. I’m more of a back and biceps type of person.” 

Your eyes defy you as they scan Jeno’s arms. You blame him. His statement was practically an invitation to look at his upper limbs as if you needed some kind of evidence, “I believe you.” It comes out a lot more flirty than you intended and you want to sprint out of the room before you make one more wrong move. 

“O-oh,” Jeno stammers. It was a sight seeing Jeno grow shy, using his hands to hide arms. And although he was hoping to conceal them, the man forgets that doing so only means he had to flex his arms, “Thanks?” 

You’re not sure how to reply, resorting to rummaging through the same box. You find some empty rolls of tape and you toss them in the trash. How do you even go about this conversation? Say ‘you’re welcome’? Weird. Ask him about his routine? No, it wasn’t like you were looking into building your arms. Ask if you could feel his arms? 

Shut up, brain, be fucking for real right now.

��Y/N?” 

“Hm?” You look up and Jeno’s looking back at you expectedly.

“Sorry, I zoned out a little there,” you sheepishly confess, playing with one of the box’s flaps, “Did you say something?” 

“I… uh, nevermind, it doesn’t matter,” Jeno clears his throat, “It was just about—um—something. But it can wait another day.” He smiles and it just about reaches his eyes. 

“Wait, no, tell me,” you frown. 

“It’s…” Jeno’s eyes flicker back and forth, contemplating if he really should go through with his question. He wants to—he really does—but his words fail him, teeth biting at his bottom lip. 

“It’s really nothing, ha-ha!” You watch as his gaze drops to the heat pack suffocating underneath his thigh. He uses the back of his hand to feel it. It’s still very warm, but regardless, he uses it as an excuse. “I’ll just take my leave… Um, I guess I’ll see you around?” Jeno slips off the bed, tossing the pack into the trash before he moves past you. 

“Wait, Jeno…” You make another attempt to stop him, guilt slowly creeping up on you, curiosity accompanying it because you should’ve been listening. 

For once, you wished he stayed just a bit longer. 

—

It’s been almost a week and a half since Jeno last visited your office. 

But who’s counting?

You check once, twice, thrice over your shoulder for Jaemin’s presence, nodding to yourself when you’re sure that your coworker wasn’t there to see the down-bad bullshit you were about to pull. 

Pulling up the gym’s database, you quickly type Jeno’s name into the search bar. While it loads, which feels so so painfully long, your fingers tap against the edge of the desk. You can’t believe you’re doing this.

“Hm.” 

Once Jeno’s profile finally appears on the screen, you follow his row to the Date Last Active column, seeing that he was at the gym this morning, two hours before your shift. 

A low whistle knocks you out of your trance and you jump, almost knocking the keyboard off the desktop. 

“Fucking hell, Jaemin!” You swing at his shoulder at a strength you knew damn well he wouldn’t even feel, “You think you’re funny sneaking up on me like that?” 

“Yes,” Jaemin shrugs, “Misusing the database I see…” His eyes narrow at you, brow raising. Then, he smirks and pokes at your rib, “Stalking your boyfriend.”

“Shut up,” you quickly exit the application and pull up Jaemin’s minesweeper game, “He’s not my boyfriend… Acting like you don’t do the same shit with other gym goers…” 

“I don’t see why you can’t just walk up to him and talk to him,” Jaemin sighs, “He’s still here, you know.” 

“He is?” 

“Awww your eyes lit up!” Jaemin teases, diabolically sticking a finger in your face. 

You threaten him again, which Jaemin completely disregards out of spite.

“But tell me why he’s been coming to the gym more often when you’re not here,” Jaemin, like you, was quite familiar with Jeno’s routines, “Did you do something that would force the poor guy to change his routine all of a sudden? Sometimes he wakes up at ass o’clock to get his workout done.”

Your mind reels back to your last interaction. Playing back each and every second and overanalyzing each and every word that left your mouth that afternoon. Yeah, you probably did but you don’t want to think that you’ve scared Jeno away. 

“I don’t think so?” 

“‘I don’t think so?’” Jaemin mocks, “Writing ‘liar’ on your forehead would be more subtle than whatever the hell that was.” He pauses his game and decides to fix all his attention onto you, “Now spill.”

“I really don’t know, okay?” you groan, “Last time I spoke to him, I zoned out and I missed what he was saying and then he left and he didn’t even choose to repeat it or anything.” 

Jaemin narrows his eyes at you, almost as if he’s lost all hope in his very good friend and coworker, “Y/N, did you not just graduate with a master’s?” 

Your brows meet, “Huh? What do you mean?”

He mutters a dumbass under his breath, which completely flies past your head. “Nothing.” Jaemin smirks subtly, turning away to leave in hopes that you don’t ask any further questions.

“Where do you think you’re going?” 

Jaemin gets flashbacks to his mom, “Uhhhhhhh, there?” The man points to nowhere in particular before taking off. 

“Na Jaemin!” You call out. Your voice echoes through the gym and you groan, slumping against the desk before accepting defeat—because what did Jaemin mean? Was he calling you stupid or something?

Not even five minutes pass when you hear Jaemin’s voice boom over the speakers, “Y/N, you’re needed in your office. Y/N, you’re needed in your office.” 

You look over to Jaemin’s office and shoot him a look that could kill. And again, Jaemin ignores your threat, grinning menacingly before he waves cause he knows he’s pissing you off. You’ve never grown used to this man’s attitude, but it doesn’t mean you don’t adore it. 

Logging off the computer, you let out a huff and pad your way past the exercise machines and into your office. And from all that you were expecting, you sure as hell weren’t expecting to find a very worn out Jeno, the hem of his tank sprinkled in faint drops of blood. 

“Jeno?” You don’t even try to mask your worry, fast-walking straight to him before you guide (practically tugging) him to the medical bed, “What happened? Are you okay?” 

An annoying and almost spiteful grin shyly appears on Jeno’s lips before he turns his palms up for you to see. His hands were covered in blisters, some popped and others brand new. They looked extremely painful to even look at.

“Fuck,” you mutter, “Didn’t I say not to overwork yourself that one time?” You turn your back to Jeno and begin gathering all the supplies you need to treat his blisters. You’re rambling under your breath, words unrecognizable from where you’ve sat Jeno down. 

Your heart’s beating out of your chest, mostly because this is the first time you’ve seen Jeno in a while. But to add his injuries on top of that? You’re certainly not sure how you’re keeping composure. 

Meanwhile, Jeno really can’t do much but watch you move from one corner of the room to the other. He wants to get up and help, but by the way an eleven forms in between your brows, he’s reluctant to even say anything. 

It’s funny because despite how aggressive you’re handling all the supplies, the second you make contact with his wrist, your demeanor changes, suddenly shifting to be more gentler. You hold his hands as if you were holding a newborn, delicately rotating them to understand what had to be treated.

“If it hurts, tell me,” you say quietly, “Actually don’t. I’m mad at you right now.” 

Jeno’s head tilts to the side like a confused puppy. Then he finally says, “Mad at me?” 

“Yes,” you grab a sheet of gauze and begin wiping away at Jeno’s palm, dabbing carefully when it comes to the blisters, “I’m mad at you.”

“Why?” 

“This is why you need a break.” You ignore his question, grab new gauze and continue wiping away the new and old blood that’s accumulated in his palms. “Jeno, I know you like it here, but your body needs rest, too.” 

A response sits at the tip of Jeno’s tongue and he’s not sure whether or not he should tell you. The last time he decided to take a step out of his comfort zone, you didn’t even hear him. 

Does he want to try that again? 

You spray his palms with disinfectant before applying some ointment to help them heal faster. At this point, you hadn’t done as much as looked up to make eye contact with the man. 

“But..” Big step. “But this is the only place that I get to see you.”

What the fuck? 

You hope Jeno doesn’t notice the way you freeze for a burning second before you try to play it off by grabbing long bandages. It’s a good thing he can’t see the way your heart is beating erratically—and you’re hoping he doesn’t hear it, too. 

“You can literally see me wherever you want if you just asked,” you say nonchalantly, voice quiet, “But instead you resort to…” You stop yourself from speaking any further, unsure if you would even want Jeno knowing that you had suspicions of him pulling fake injuries out of his ass to make excuses to see you. 

“I’m not even sure if you’d even agree to it,” Jeno confesses, “I like… I really like talking to you but—“ 

“But what?” You slowly begin wrapping the bandage around his wrist, making your way up to his palm. 

Jeno can’t help but whisper, “You don’t seem to like me as much as I wished.” 

You hold back a giggle. Jeno’s always so accidentally cute and he doesn’t even know it. It’s literally pissing you off that a man you’re fake-mad at is doing absolutely nothing to earn your affection, yet here he was, doing just that. “You don’t know that.”

“I do know that,” Jeno counters. 

“No, you don’t,” you ping-pong back. The bandage crosses between his fingers and you manage to finish wrapping the bandage around his palm. 

“I do.”

“Did you ask me?” You gulp, because at this point you’re afraid where this conversation was going. 

“Well, do you like me?” 

You move onto his other hand, grabbing another roll of the long bandage. You could feel the atmosphere in the room begin to shift and now you’re beginning to sweat in your light sweater. 

“I do.” 

Jeno clears his throat, “In the way I like you?” You groan. Of course he’d say that. It was a valid follow up question, simply because your answer could very much cover that broad spectrum of like. 

You ask, “How do you like me?” 

Jeno takes a moment to think about his answer, watching as you start replicating your work from his other hand, “I honestly… think it’s obvious how I like you.” “Mmm,” you hum. At this point you’re teasing him on purpose, “How so?” 

“I make myself look like a fool when it comes to you,” Jeno huffs, “Ice? Heat packs? Who am I kidding…” Jeno scoots back in his seat and you follow, practically falling between his knees from the way he’s sitting. “Every time I come here looking for you, that’s when I gain the confidence to finally ask you out… well not always out but maybe for your number or just simply talk to you or something. I wanted to be friends and then more if it went well…” 

Your movements slow, attention failing to even do a decent job at bandaging. 

“But, when I finally reach this room and see you? It’s like I lose all that confidence and it’s stuffed in the bag with the ice you give me,” Jeno explains. “I’m even lucky enough that I can finish my sentences around you…”

You blink at his injured palm and the realization dawns on you. So this was what Jaemin was hinting at, “And that last time… you asked me out and—”

“And you didn’t hear me,” Jeno finishes, “And I couldn’t for the life of me repeat what I asked because my confidence plummeted and then the fear of rejection kicked in.” 

Your hands have since halted, cradling Jeno’s hand as you try to calculate your next move. It’s now clear as day that Jeno has feelings for you, and you’ve slowly been coming to terms with yourself that you care a little too much about Jeno than a normal person should. 

“Ask me now.”

“What?” Jeno practically jumps, startled and confused. 

You drop the bandage roll and lightly tighten your grip around his hand. Looking up, you find that Jeno’s gaze has already been sitting and waiting for your own to meet his. You clarify, “Ask me what you asked then, now. This time, I’m listening.”

The reassurance from you lifts some weight off of Jeno’s shoulders, ones he didn’t know even existed. Then, he fixes his composure, moistens his lips and finally says, “Would you–um–like to go out for dinner with me?”

“My answer then and now are the same,” you smile down at your feet, suddenly feeling shy under his gaze, “I would really love to.”

Eyebrows reaching for his hairline, Jeno’s eyes widened, “Wait, really?” 

“Really,” You nod. And although you try to look anywhere else in the room, Jeno’s eyes capture your eyes once again, holding them there for a few skips of your heartbeat. 

You clear your throat and let out a breathy laugh, “Haha so um… let me just—“ You hastily pick up the bandage roll and return to your work. 

It doesn’t take much longer before you finish, concealing and protecting his injuries under the bandages. “Now that you’ve got me, promise me you won’t overwork yourself like this?” 

“I’ve… got you?” Jeno’s cheeks heat up at your choice of words, the shift between the both of you being so evident now that he’s experiencing a weird case of whiplash. 

“Shut up,” you mumble, “Just promise me. I don’t wanna have to keep worrying about you getting hurt.” 

Jeno laughs, completely enamoured at your own flustered state. 

“Yeah, yeah… I promise.” 

[purinfelix]

YOU ASK FOR REQUESTS AND I SHALL GIVE. since most riki aus r often w him being the ‘nonchalant’ guy, what if its switched.. riki being riki who is the most troublemaking, silly, goofy, wont-get-off-your-tail guy while the reader is always keeping to herself, quiet. but when they get close shes a whole diff person

just for me - n. riki ୭ ˚. ᵎᵎ

summary: you and ni-ki's friendship makes no sense, but maybe that's what makes it so special ─────────── extroverted ni-ki x introverted reader || fluff, wholesome, college au || w/c: 1.5k

a/n: I LOVE THIS IDEA AAA i think so many people forget about how silly and cute niki can be when he's around someone he's comfortable with so i loved writing thissss hope u enjoy pookie!! <333

To most people, it didn’t make sense for you and Niki to be friends. 

Almost everyone on campus knew who Niki was, and those who didn’t had at least heard stories. It was hard not to, with the way he was constantly getting told off for chatting loudly during class - on the rare occasion that he actually showed up - or bounding down halls like he was on a mission, his backpack barely hanging on one shoulder, the other arm slung around whichever friend he’d dragged into his chaos for the day.

Most often, he could be found at the campus basketball courts, dunking on his opponents and then making sure everyone heard about it after. He was the kind of person who naturally demanded people’s attention wherever he went - loud, unfiltered, and almost annoyingly attractive.  

You, on the other hand, had yet to be late to a single lecture and could almost always be found in your favourite front-row seat. People typically only heard your voice when you’d answer questions, and even then, you only said what was needed to get your point across. Sure, it might’ve had something to do with shyness or introversion, but more than anything, you just preferred the peace that came with quiet - the control you felt when enjoying your own company. 

It was just your luck that Niki seemed to like your company almost as much as you did.

“Doesn’t he annoy you?” One of your friends whispered in a hushed tone as you left class together, being greeted by a familiarly lanky figure waiting out in the hallway. 

You don’t blame her confusion because, a couple of weeks ago, you would’ve reacted exactly the same way. He did annoy you, at first at least - you had always reserved a special kind of irritation for people like him. People who showed up late to things, were disorganised and loud for no reason, who always seemed to be disrupting things for others without so much as a modicum of guilt. 

But it was difficult to be so snarky when you were slowly trudging home from an almost 10-hour-long study session at the university library. And it was there, when you were dragging your feet along the dimly lit pavement, that you heard Niki’s voice calling out to you. Lifting your head just enough, you saw him bounding quickly towards you, chasing after a stray basketball.

It hits your feet, but you don’t move, seemingly frozen in place. He jogs up to you, scooping it up in his arm casually before turning to you.

“Sorry about that,” he says in between pants, and it hits you that this is the first time he’s actually spoken directly to you. 

“All good,” you mumble curtly, without much thought. 

You’re waiting for him to turn back around, to just leave this tiny insignificant interaction between two people who should be strangers at just that. But he doesn’t - instead, he stands there silently, as if studying you, running a hand through his hair. 

“Can I help you?” you ask, and it comes out a little meaner than you’d intended. You blame this on your exhaustion, hours of studying muddling the lines between what’s polite and not - though you can’t deny the sudden shyness you feel under his attention. 

“No, sorry,” he pauses, caught off guard by your tone, “you just look sorta tired, are you alright?” 

It’s your turn to be surprised, the sudden concern in his words feeling so alien that you’re unsure of how to respond. “Yeah,” you breathe out, “I mean, I’ve been at the library almost the entire day, so I am kind of tired.” 

The laugh you let out is almost self-depracating, an attempt to make light of your pathetic admission, and you wait for his response - for him to mock you for being such a nerd, or a try-hard. But it never comes.

“Wow,” he says instead, somewhat impressed, “you work really hard in class, don’t you.” 

You raise your head to catch his eye, trying to study his expression for any signs of mockery. “I mean, I guess.” 

Behind him, you spot his group of friends huddled around watching the two of you talk from a distance, presumably waiting for their ball to return to their game. 

“Your friends are waiting.” You shove your hands in your pockets, unsure of what else to do with them. 

“Oh, right,” he says calmly, and with a swift motion, he tosses the ball over to them, but doesn’t go to join them. There’s a beat of silence, the awkwardness of the whole situation heavy. 

Then, after what feels like forever - “You don’t have that little keychain today.” 

Your brows furrow as you look up at him in confusion. “What?” 

He blinks, almost like he didn’t mean to say it out loud. “Uh- just, you know that little stuffed keychain you have? I’ve seen it before, on your bag, I think - it’s, it’s not there today.” 

You stare at him for a moment, genuinely at a loss for words. It’s such a small, stupid detail, something that no one else has ever pointed you - not your classmates, not even your friends. But somehow, he of all people noticed. “Oh, the little bear?” 

“Yeah!” he smiles bashfully, rubbing the back of his neck, “Sorry, that sounded creepy. You just always had it when you walked past the courts - I thought it was cute.” 

You don’t really know what to say, but before you realise it, your cheeks are warming up and a smile is tugging at your lips as if threatening to break through. 

“Thanks,” you say softly, but earnestly, “I think it fell off somewhere.” 

He offers a small frown. “That sucks, I thought it suited you.” 

There’s a weird flutter in your chest that you try not to think too much about. He glances over his shoulder at his friends, and you take that as your cue for the conversation ending. 

“Well, I’ll uh- see you aro-” 

“Are you headed home now?” 

You nod without thinking.

“Mind if I walk with you?” 

You nod again. 

And you hadn’t really thought much of it then, but that walk proved to be the first of many. What started as a rare one-off encounter turned into something regular. Turned into meeting before class for drinks, into late night study sessions, which were basically you tutoring him - and once you both came to the conclusion that his grades were a lost cause, even later night snack runs. 

Something strange happened when you were around him.  You let yourself say things without filtering them in your head first, you laughed louder, and more often. Being around him felt a little less restrained, a little less quiet. 

And now here he was, waiting for you outside your class to take you to the newly opened cafe you hadn’t shut up about. 

“He’s not as bad as everyone makes him out to seem,” you say, turning to your friend with a small shrug. 

“I mean, no offence, but he’s Niki,” she sighs, like that explains everything “the only times I hear about him is people complaining about him tanking their group assignment, or whatever went down at his last party. I mean, you saw those photos, who even thinks ot hire a bouncy castle for a 19th birthday party?” 

You let out a soft chuckle that contrasts your friend’s incredulous tone, but she doesn’t stop.

“He’s never on time for class, I mean, I don’t think he even knows our professor’s name.” 

“Well, he’s never late to meet me,” you say, watching as she shoots you one last look - half confused, half resigned- before leaving. 

“Hey,” Niki says through a smile, waving you down, “ready to go?” 

“Of course,” you say, beaming up at him as he falls into step beside you like he’s done a thousand times before - like he belongs there. 

“Oh wait,” he says, stopping just before you reach the building’s door, “got you something.” 

He slings his backpack around, rummaging around in the mess inside it for a bit as you stand there, curious. Finally, he pulls something out with a dramatic flair, dropping it into your hands. 

You look at it - a tiny stuffed bear keychain, a little squished, but adorable nonetheless. Your breath hitches. 

“I know it’s not the same one you lost,” he says sheepishly, “but I saw it and it reminded me of you. Plus-” 

He holds up his own keys which you now notice has the exact same bear, just in a different colour. You stare at it, then back at him. 

“Twins,” he smiles. 

You let out a breathy laugh, fingers curling around the bear as you attach it onto your bag quickly. “You’re unbelievable,” you laugh. 

“Unbelievably thoughtful,” he corrects, shrugging smugly as you continue to walk beside him.

To others, it shouldn’t have made much sense - and really, it didn’t.

But whenever he flashed you that warm smile, or laughed honestly at a joke you made, one that really wasn’t that funny, it all seemed to make sense, at least to you - and that’s all that mattered. 

taglist for niki fics! <333 - @miniw0nz @microwvdstrawb3rri3s @charsworld96 @jenjnk @nocturnebite @nodoubtily @teireiii @starniras

[lovelettersforthedamned]

Reunion & Betrayal

✰ frank castle x fem!reader, matt murdock x fem!reader (platonic)

✰ summary: frank dissappeared a year ago and you haven't heard from him since. what happens when your closest friend brings you right back to him.

✰ warnings: language, sorta violence, mention of guns, angst angst angst, matt is lowkey a bitch, frank is stupid, canon divergance obvi.

✰ word count: 1.2k

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

saw pookie bear again, and i've had this idea in my head since. there is a potential for a part 2, so lmk if you want that shiiiii. I LOVE FRANK CASTLE!!!

gif by @darlingshane

Living without Frank was hard, but you found a way to get over it. It seemed easy after the long weeks of crying and sulking. You had Matt. He filled your once-dreary days with laughter and even brought you out of your dark apartment for dinner and some drinks.

It felt like living for and loving Frank was a distant memory. One that you have chosen to put to the side every time you went to sleep. Of course, you still loved him, but he left. He didn’t want you anymore, and that was it. 

With Hector Ayala gone and his murderer still unknown, Matt spent all of his downtime searching for them. Whoever killed the White Tiger was skilled. He was quiet, collected, and had his objective in mind. You knew to respect his wishes when he retired from his vigilante activities, but you never told him to stop. 

You could see the urge seeping out of his pores to slip back into the night and fight for what was right. But you knew after Foggy, it was a sensitive topic. So when he wanted to scope out the area of Hector’s murder, you tagged along. None of this was your business, but Thursdays were you and Matt’s happy hour night, you just happened to be there. 

Thanks to Matt’s sensitive hearing, he was able to find the bullet casing in the hill’s storm drain. Your interest quickly fell as he felt the casing, his eyebrows furrowing before handing it to you. Taking it from his hand, you look down and find the Punisher’s logo etched onto it, Frank’s logo. 

It felt like every emotion you’ve suppressed for the last year has reached the surface and flooded your senses. You're silent as you think about what this could mean. The rise of Punisher symbols has seemed to be tattooed on the NYPD, and you couldn’t help but chuckle out a laugh at the thought. “This can’t be him,” you pause and take a deep breath, “right?”

Matt chews on his lip before shaking his head. He doesn’t respond, instead he starts walking. Your eyebrows furrowed in confusion before jogging to catch up to him. “You know that I love you and that I would never hurt you,” Matt mutters, his tone serious. 

“Of course,” you look at him as if he’s crazy, “where is this coming from?”

He huffs, “I just needed to ask because you might not say the same answer in about fifteen minutes.” His answer worried you, but with Matt, you knew it was better not to ask questions. 

You followed him to a brick building, the cool streetlight making it look older than it is. Matt leads you to an elevator and pushes the button for the basement, leaving you in a nervous silence. Your heart is beating out of your chest, and Matt knows that yet he still doesn’t say a word to you. 

Pushing the door open, a long hallway with a ceiling full of piping and cables almost acts as your guide to wherever Matt is leading you. Lights are flickering while water is dripping from the walls as you stop at a door. 

MGR OFFICE

Looking back at him, you study his face. He’s emotionless, his lips drawn out in a straight line. “Where are we?” A simple question that only prompts a sigh. 

“You’ll see,” he says before pushing the door open, an ear-piercing screech coming from the hinges. Matt peeks his head in before stepping inside and holding the door for you. 

The first thing you notice is the wall of guns in front of dozens of papers stapled to the wall. The room was in disarray, and it seemed like whoever lived here didn’t mind that. Your back is to Matt as you take a closer look at the details of the papers scattered on a nearby table, “Matt, where in the hell did you take me–”.

An animalistic roar echoes off the cement walls as a blur of a figure shoves Matt into the lockers behind him. “Frank! Frank! It’s me, it’s Matthew.” 

You’re stuck in place as their heavy breaths are the only things ringing in your ear. You can’t help but take a clumsy step back in shock, the sound of your foot dragging against the floor catches both the men’s attention. 

Locking eyes with Frank a year after his disappearance wasn’t something you were expecting when you got out of bed this morning, and yet here you are. His pressure against Matt weakens as he swallows, trying to compose himself. Sniffling, he shakes himself out of his gaze, “What is she doing here?” 

Matt clears his throat, “She’s tagging along.” 

You’re still speechless as you keep your eyes on Frank’s form as he walks away from Matt and to a table deeper within the space. “I thought I told you to keep her safe, red. Now she’s tagging along your devil shit?” Frank pops a pill into his mouth before slamming the container on the table. 

Flinching, you walk towards Frank, a sudden haste in your stride that surprises him after being as still as a statue since you’ve laid eyes on him. And suddenly, you’re face to face, your neck tilting upward to meet his eyes. “How dare you,” your waterline is flooded with tears, but you would rather die than let one slip. 

Giving Frank a shove to his shoulders, you yell, “You told Matt to keep me safe after you left? How fucking ironic.” Your lip quivers as your eyes scan his face. His hair has gotten longer, and that beard is new. “Fuck you, Castle,” you bite your bottom lip as you try not to let your emotions come over you, “fuck you.” 

Turning away from him, you let a few tears fall when he can’t see them. Anger is still clear in your walk when you approach Matt, “Did you know where he was this whole time?” He looks down as guilt washes over him. “Damnit, Matt,” you take a step closer, “did you know?” 

“Yes,” he takes a short breath, “but I didn’t tell you to keep you safe.” 

A sarcastic laugh leaves your breath, you can’t believe it. “You’re joking, right?” You bring your hand to your hip and turn to Frank, looking at him in disbelief before doing the same to Matt. “Good luck with the casing,” you start, “I doubt Frank is going to be of any help.” 

You start to walk towards the door before looking at Frank one more time, “Next time you decide to leave someone who loves you, make sure you go farther than just the city.” You don’t wait for a response as you walk back toward the elevator, your hand covering the sobs that have been waiting to bubble over the moment you saw him. 

Walking home felt like a blur. So much so that you didn’t even feel the hand yanking you into the alley beside you before it was too late. 

✰ author's note: HEY!! long time no see (sorry). but i literally couldn't stop thinking about this idea and i was waiting and waiting and then i got impatient... so here i am!! don't forget to like, comment, and reblog!! love you!!!

[orangeocelotmartyn]

Martyn: I imagine it in my head--I've almost got like a, like a play by play it is, we all carry the ship, we head down onto the street, we make our way towards the river. We're on like this, really kind of like, makeship dock, of sorts, um. And then literally, as everybody's like, sortin' things out, I just step towards the back of the ship, and I just, like, use my sword to do a little slice, on the uh, on the, uh, the car at the back, on Ratman's car, uh, and I start the engine goin', and the boat starts taking off and heading down the canal.

Martyn: And everyone's like, y'know, holding on, and then, like, Ren is holding on to like, th-the mast of the ship, like, for the flag, and is looking at me goin' like, "Lieutenant, what are you doing?!"

Martyn: And I just sorta give him this massive grin, massive wave, and I just say, "See you later, Captain! It's been a pleasure! Hopefully this story will be a little bit more entertaining than the ones you usually tell. Give 'em a show." And off he goes, into the fog, and disappears.

Martyn: And I just sorta stand there for a moment, solitary tear on the cheek, wipe it away, turn around, and jog down the street into a slightly foggy, um, into a slightly foggy Paris road. And then, if we could, I would love to do a comic picking up in the window after that. Um...and yeah, so there you go. So that's that.

[sugurusombereyes]

breakfast with suguru

the smell of burnt maple syrup and something savoury wafted through your apartment; jogging towards your body and filled your nostrils as you travelled towards the smell.

“sugu?” you croaked out, your feet dragging themselves towards the tall figure looming around your kitchen. the counter tops beyond him were dusted in flour and empty egg cartons. what the hell was he doing?

“hi my love.” sugurus raven hair was tied into a messy bun, the rest of his hair cascading down his broad shoulders. he laid out a plate of waffles and bacon on the side, the little squares overflowing with maple syrup just how you like.

(even though he thought it was too sickly he was forced to eat it by you)

“i made us breakfast, sorta.” his breathily laugh sending the sweet syrup to your heart, melting it entirely while leaving your pulse beating in his breathing pattern. you let out a soft sigh, not a sigh of exhaustion but of content. the small act of geto making breakfast had evoked the feeling you had been fine with not having.

you settled for sufficiency all your life, happiness was being sufficient in your eyes as the same as love was butterflies and the spark you would spot in his eyes when you first starting going out. but geto had just fed you peace and serenity.

each square in the waffles he hated were coated in the harmonious hums of his heart once aligned with yours. the melted butter he used to fry the bacon full of the serene richness which sent those butterflies in your stomach to sleep; but your apitetie roaring to consume the affection suguru grew for you.

your arms found it’s way to getos bare torso, your head aligning with his chest; the beating of his heart slowly your breathing rate down. “you okay baby?” he hummed softly into your hair, kissing the top of your head gently as you squeezed a big tighter. suguru snaked an arm around your waist, his free hand rubbing your back into soft circles.

“we can go back to bed if you want.” you shaked your head no into his chest, his husky voice sending a pang to your heart. “ts’ okay if you’re not hungry, thought you loved waffles.”

(the kind of pang that would make you want to hold him tight and not let go until your hands had moulded your embrace onto his skin)

“i love you.” you whispered into his chest, your voice soothing the scars that he had sworn were closed but still felt like they were raw to the touch. “i love you tremendously angel.” his words felt like they were engraved in the lines of your palm, seeping into the cracks and coursing through your bloodstream. suguru softly rubbed the back of your nape with his thumb; his free hand playfully squeezing your waist as you took in his graceful presence.

“how bout’ we sit and eat your disgustingly sweet waffles yeah?“ he muttered into your shoulder, pulling back from the hug and holding your cheek with his other hand. “okay.” you mumbled, nuzzling your face into his soft skin.

“and then you’ll clean the kitchen while i watch right?” you beam at him while he drops his head.

“damn i thought you would’ve forgotten about that and been focused on the five star meal in front of your face.” he says playfully as you softly laugh.

he was going to propose that night.

[scribblesofagoonerr]

come get yer kid | chaos fc

summary: the chaos continues on the flight back to london

pairings: monkey!reader x katie mccabe | monkey!reader x kim little monkey!reader x alessia russo | monkey!reader x leah williamson | monkey!reader x arsenal wfc

heads up, it's sorta long...

chaos fc masterlist

While Katie stayed behind with you in the cramped airport toilet, Kim and Alessia practically jogged through the airport in search of the nearest shop, considering the whole fiasco with the younger guns switching all the cases around as a joke, and no one knew whose was whose anymore.

“I can’t believe that the Young Guns did that,” Alessia stated, dumbfounded.

“Bloody little terrors,” Kim muttered under her breath as they pushed into the little travel shop, “Here I thought Kyra and Monkey were bad, them young ‘uns are even worse!”

The shop was small, mostly overpriced travel essentials, novelty mugs, and a few racks of last-minute clothes. Alessia immediately veered towards the clothes.

“Well, hopefully Monkey will calm down as soon as we get her some dry clothes,” Aessia said, scanning through the limited choices available, “There’s not a lot here, though. Everything seems like nothing Monkey would wear.”

“I know,” Kim hummed, quickly rifling through the racks, “Here—leggings. Soft ones. Perfect!” She snagged a pair without even checking the size.

“She’ll be okay, right?” Alessia asked, quieter now, “Like… she was really upset.”

Kim gave a short nod, but her jaw was tight with worry, “Yeah, she’s just had a rough few days. Y’know? Long flights, feeling homesick, and well… the accident,” Her voice trailed off as she grabbed a kid-sized top from the next rack, holding it up.

Alessia blinked, “Is that… Shrek?”

Kim’s mouth twitched like she was trying not to smile, “She loves Shrek. This will cheer her up.”

Alessia let out a small laugh, “Well, that might help. Good call.”

They moved towards the till, but Kim suddenly stopped dead in front of the pharmacy section. Her eyes locked on a shelf low to the ground, the small, discreet packing unmistakable.

Alessia noticed and paused beside her “... Do you think we should?”

Kim stared for a second longer, “Perhaps. I’m thinking about it.”

“Maybe it’s the best call to make,” Alessia murmured, gently, “What if it happens again on the next flight? She’s already exhausted. Panicked. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

“You think she needs it?” Kim questioned, furrowing her brows and glancing at the blonde, “I… I don’t know if it’ll make things worse—I don’t want her to feel worse. She’ll hate me for this.”

“She might,” Alessia said honestly, “But would she rather have another accident? And go through this again?”

Kim let out a long, low sigh and rubbed her forehead like the weight of the decision was pressing straight down on her skull, “I don’t want her to deal with the embarrassment.”

“What would Leah do in this situation?” Alessia wondered, “Maybe… Maybe you could text her and see what she thinks?”

Kim didn’t answer right away, but her lips pressed into a tight line, “... Leah wouldn’t hesitate to do the right thing, not if it meant Monkey staying dry and not embarrassed—she would do it in a heartbeat.”

“Exactly,” Alessia nodded slowly, “I bet she’s already packed them in her suitcase, anyway. It’s just difficult to find it right now, ain’t it?”

“Yeah,” Kim muttered, glancing once more at the shelf before reluctantly reaching for the smallest packet, “Right, stuff it. I’ll get them and take the backlash for Monkey if so.”

Alessia didn’t say anything right away, just gave Kim a reassuring smile, as the Scottish woman hid them underneath the t-shirt and leggings, and began to walk over to the cashier to pay.

“You’re doing the right thing, Kim,” Alessia told her quietly.

“You reckon? I don’t think Monkey will see it that way,” Kim muttered, placing the items on the till to pay, “She’s going to be so upset when she sees these.”

“Probably,” Alessia admitted with a sheepish smile, “But not as gutted as she will be if it happens again, right?”

“Monkey, I know yer feelin’ upset about this, but I need yer to calm down, alright?” Katie’s voice was gentle, but there was a firmness to it, as though she knew you needed to hear that.

“No, no, no!” You wailed, your body trembling as you crouched in the corner of the toilet cubicle, knees pulled to your chest, and your hands covering your face.

The toilet cubicle felt like it was closing in around you, the walls felt too small,  the air felt too thick and suffocating. Your chest heaved as you fought to breathe, each sob coming out in loud, jagged bursts. The tears wouldn’t stop. No matter how tightly you squeezed your eyes shut, no matter how desperately you tried to pull yourself together, the overwhelming shame and frustration kept flooding out in waves.

Katie sat nearby, her hands folded in her lap as she tried to keep her voice calm and soothing as she spoke to you, “Monkey… It’s okay. Please, just breathe for me, alright? Yer safe here.”

But you didn’t want to hear it.

The more that she spoke, the worse it felt as the knot in your chest tightened even more, and the weight of everything crashed down on you.

And then, you remembered the single thought of the joke that Caitlin tried to make a few days ago.

“Careful, if your Mum hears that, then you might be disowned.”

It was an innocent joke on the Australian girl's behalf, and there had been a few chuckles, but what if she wasn’t joking? 

What if this, everything that had gone wrong today—the accident, the tears, the screaming—what if that really was the final straw?

What if Leah didn’t want you anymore?

“Don’t… Don’t tell my Mum. Please don’t tell her…” Your voice cracked as another sob forced its way out.

Katie blinked in sudden surprise, “Monkey, hey, hey now. It’s okay. It’s alright. Why would I—?”

“She’ll be mad, won’t she? ‘Cause I had ‘nother stupid accident. But I didn’t mean it—” Your words spiralled faster than your breathing, panic flaring in your chest, “She’ll think I’m a baby, just like everyone else does. And Caitlin said the other day that she’d disown me ‘cause I don’t like ham. I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”

“Oh, little lady,” Katie said softly, heartbroken at how tightly you were curling in on yourself, “Come here, Monkey—”

You suddenly flinched, cowering as you attempted to try back further into the corner, “N… No! Don’t hit me!”

Katie froze completely.

“Don’’t… Don’t hurt me! I promise, I won’t do it again!” You sobbed, “Please don’t hit me!”

“W… What?” Katie’s eyes widened like saucers, “I… I’m not going to hurt you, Monkey. Never!”

Katie’s stomach twisted, and something inside her stopped cold.

She’d heard the brief stories about what life had been like before you moved in with Leah and Jordan, but nothing too graphic. Nothing official. They weren’t allowed to talk about it during the custody mess. Nobody really did after. But hearing that, hearing those words out of your mouth—like it was some kind of expectation—it really did knock the air right out of your lungs.

“Monkey,” Katie whispered, her throat closing up, “No one’s ever going to hit you. Not here. Not ever again.”

You just sobbed harder.

Katie sat frozen for a few long moments, struggling to breathe through the sudden ache behind her eyes.

“I just…. I didn’t mean to,” You sniffled, “I tried to be good. I did, I promise I did…”

Katie couldn’t take it.

“I’m just gonna—I’ll be right back, okay, Monkey? I just need… I just need a minute,” Katie said quickly, standing up and stepping out of the bathroom with her hand pressed tight to her face.

Katie didn’t go far. Just outside—just enough to catch her breath, to stop herself from crying , where you could see. She leaned against the corridor wall, heart pounding and wiped furiously at the corner of her eyes.

But even as her own chest ached and her hands shook, she angled herself so the bathroom door stayed in view. She couldn’t not see you. Couldn’t leave you out of her sight, even for a second—not when you were in that state.

That’s when Kim and Alessia came back from the shop.

“Got the bits!” Kim called out, breathless as she rushed up holding the bright green plastic bag triumphantly, “And, er—less selection than I thought. There’s some leggings in there, and a Shrek tee, and I did grab some protection—”

Katie’s head dropped forward slightly.

Kim didn’t notice at first. She just kept rummaging through the bag, “Oh, and I got her some stickers too. Dinosaur ones. Figured it might—”

Alessia gave her a gentle nudge.

Kim turned, and her smile faltered when she saw the look on Katie’s face—the way her eyes were glassy, her jaw clenched like she was holding something back.

“... Katie?”

Katie blinked hard, shaking her head, “It’s nothing. Just…” She tried to wave it off, but her voice cracked, “She thought I was gonna hit her. Just ‘cause she had an accident.”

“Oh, Katie,” Kim said quietly, her voice dropping as she reached out and squeezed Katie’s arm.

Alessia stood still, eyes wide, lips pressed into a thin line as she dug into her pocket and pulled out a packet of tissues, and handed one over to Katie, “Where’s Monkey?”

Katie took it gratefully, dabbing at her tears, “In there,” She sniffled.

“Take a few minutes out here, it’s bound to be a lot for you as well, Katie,” Kim murmured, being the voice of reason in that current moment.

Katie took a few deep breaths before pushing herself off the wall, “Right, let’s get her sorted.”

When she stepped back inside the bathroom, you hadn’t moved. Still in the same curled-up position, still hiccuping from the tears.

But when Katie crouched again with the fresh clothes in her hand, she forced a smile.

“Right, little lady.. Guess what? This top has Shrek on it, yer favourite!” Katie exclaimed, trying to remain positive despite the situation at hand.

You blinked at her through puffy eyes.

“Proper grumpy-looking too. You’d get on well,” Katie continued to joke, hoping for you to crack a smile.

You sniffled, almost smiled—but only a little bit.

“So,” Katie began as she held out the leggings to you and the new t-shirt, “We’ve got some leggings here, and… I know yer might not like it, but we thought this could help for the flight back home—”

“No!” You whined, scooting back, knees drawn to your chest again. 

The moment your eyes land on what Katie has in her hand, your face crumpled.

Katie held her ground a little firmer, “Monkey…”

You lunged forward—not to take them gently, but to snatch the packet from her hands. Before Katie can even react, you launch them straight back at her face. It hits her cheek and falls to the floor with a dull slap.

“Right,” Katie blinked, deadpan, “I’ll take that as an answer, then, huh?”

Katie doesn’t waste time, bending down slowly and picking the packet up off the floor, exhaling a deep sigh, “Look, I know that yer don’t like this, Monkey, but since yer Ma ain’t here, I’m in charge of yer. And this,” She paused, holding the item up in her hands, “Is that something that I think will really help yer, little lady.”

“No!” You screamed back in her face. 

“Yer got no clean knickers, and I’m not about to take any more risks with the next flight,” Katie didn’t waste time beating around the bush, ”So, either you put this on, or I'll help you. It’s your choice?”

“You can’t make me!” You screamed back at her, suddenly scrambling back to your feet, grabbing them and trying to shove them in the bathroom bin—desperation all over your face.

Katie grabbed it before it fell in, “Alright, nope. That’s it. I’ve tried to be nice and patient about this, but yer little lady, are really testin’ my patience right now,” She said, stepping back and rubbing a hand down her face before reaching for her phone, “Last chance before I call in reinforcement, yeah? What’s it gonna be, Monkey?”

Your response? You just scowled at her and stuck your tongue out at her, “I don’t like you anymore! You’re being a meanie!”

“Wow, that was such a big jump!” Leah exclaimed, her voice tinged with enthusiasm, as she caught Buddy after she jumped out of the car.

“Uh huh! I da bestest jumper!” Buddy declared proudly. 

“I don’t doubt it, Bubba. Let’s get you inside, and we’ll sort out some lunch, yeah?” Leah suggested, finding her house key in her handbag.

“When Monks’ comin’ home, Mummy?” Buddy asked innocently.

“Not for a couple more hours yet,” Leah reminded her, faintly amused at the 3-year-old’s impatience.

“Dat so long do, Mummy!” Buddy pouted, throwing her head back dramatically.

Leah chuckled, brushing a stray strand of Buddy’s hair out of her face, “It won’t be too long, baby,” She reassured, unlocking the front door as the 3-year-old was eager to get inside.

“Can I watch Cars, Mummy?” Buddy questioned.

“Of course, Bubba—” Leah was cut off from what she was about to say.

“There’s my little ray of sunshine!”

Leah turned at the sound of the familiar voice. Buddy had already dropped her stuffed dinosaur and was toddling down the garden path, arms outstretched.

“Mama! ‘Ook, Mummy! Mama’s ‘ere!” The little girl chriped, excitedly.

Jordan stood just outside the gate, crouching down just in time to scoop Buddy into her arms, “Ooh, hello little ‘un. Missed you so much.”

Leah’s warmth faded. Her smile thinned as she stepped out of the doorway, “Jord, what are you doing here?”

Jordan didn’t look at Leah first as she pressed a kiss to Buddy’s cheek, “I’m here for answers. About Monkey.”

“We been to see G’anma Berny, Mama!” Buddy chimed, utterly unfazed.

“Did you now?” Jordan smiled at her daughter, brushing her curls back gently.

“Yuh-huh. I stayed wif G’anma while Mummy go shoppin’ wif Nana!” Buddy proceeded to ramble, “G’anma ‘elped me make a banner for Monks’!”

“It made the most sense,” Leah said quickly, “My Grandma offered to watch her for the afternoon.”

“Why didn’t you call me to help out?” Jordan’s voice was calm, but her words were tight, “I was free all day. I would’ve loved to have Buddy for a bit.”

Leah exhaled a sigh, running her free hand through her hair, “It wasn’t personal, Jord. I was just rushing. Monkey’s flying back today. I wanted to get everything sorted,” She explained, “I thought you weren’t even back in London yet.”

There was a beat of silence. She looked away with a clenched jaw, “Am I still having Buddy while you’re away with the England squad? Or have you changed your mind about that, too?”

Buddy blinked between them, sensing the shift, “Don’ be sad, Mama. Monks’ comin’ home! Be ‘appy!”

“I know, sweetheart,” Jordan smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes, “So, what’s this I heard from Katie about Monkey having a wobble? Were you planning to even tell me about that?”

Leah stiffened.

“It’s… been rough,” The blonde admitted, “She’s been struggling more than usual. Kim lost her temper with her.”

“Kim shouted at her? What the hell, Leah?” Jordan’s brow furrowed, “How could you let that happen! Why the hell am I always the last to know what’s happening with my own kids?”

“Jord, listen, I know you’re upset. But can we not do this in front of Buddy?” Leah’s voice dropped, trying to keep steady.

“Are you trying to replace me? Is that it?” Jordan jumped straight to that conclusion, “Are you trying to replace me with Lia?”

Leah’s jaw dropped slightly.

“What? No, Jord—Look, we can talk about this. I’m not avoiding this. I just think I should sort Buddy out first, alright?”

Jordan didn’t answer right away, just nodded stiffly, “... No.”

“Come on, Bubba,” Leah knelt by Buddy, guiding her back inside, “Let’s get the telly on and see what Lightning McQueen’s up to.”

“V’oom! V’oom! I be like Lightning ‘Queen!” Buddy chriped.

Leah kissed the 3-year-old’s head, “You are indeed, aren’t you? You're super fast and clever.”

Once Buddy was settled with everything she needed in front of the television, Leah turned to Jordan, “Sit down. I’ll put the kettle on.”

Jordan hovered in the doorway, “So… Kim yelled at her?”

“Yeah,” Leah exhaled a sigh, reaching for the mugs out of the cupboard, “And before you go off on one, I know I should’ve called and explained it too you before you found out via Katie.”

“Yeah, you should have done,” Jordan didn’t waver, “If I didn’t find out through Katie and brought it up now, would you have even told me?”

“Of course I would’ve!” Leah kept her voice low to avoid the little tears overhearing next door, “I’ve just been busy with things, Jordan. Like I said before, it’s nothing personal.”

Jordan scoffed, “Right, sure. So you keep saying.”

Leah ignored the small comment from her ex as she waited for the kettle to boil, “I spoke to Kim about it, anyway. She feels awful.”

“What else am I missing here?” Jordan questioned, furrowing her brow as shs moved to take a seat at the kitchen table, “What else has happened that I’ve been kept out of the loop from?”

“Well…” Leah trailed off from what she was about to say as she glanced at her buzzing phone—It was Katie calling, “One second, it’s Katie. I need to take this.”

“Leah, we’re having a conversation here!” Jordan exclaimed, outraged as the blonde was quick to answer the call, “Leah!”

“This might be important,” Leah told her, covering her hand over the speaker for a brief moment, “Everythin’ alright, Katie?”

Jordan didn’t hear exactly what was being said as she heard the tail end of what Leah said next, “Don’t give her the option. It’s in her best interest to wear them.”

Before quickly ending the call and sliding her phone back onto the kitchen counter.

“... She’s having accidents again?” Jordan frowned.

Leah bit her bottom lip, nodding in agreement, “Kim brought her protection to wear.”

Jordan flinched, “She’s nineteen, Leah. That’s humiliating for her! You can’t force that on her!”

“Maybe she will hate me for it. But she won’t be sitting in wet jeans and feeling worse, will she?” Leah fired back, raking a hand through her hair, “I’m not forcing anything. But if it’s between her having another accident and being able to relax, then of course I’m going to choose the latter.”

“You’re making a mistake,” Jordan retorted, shaking her head.

Leah’s voice wavered, “She’s scared, Jordan. This is just a one-time thing, either by the sounds of it,” She explained, turning back round to finish off making the drinks, “Katie had to sleep in the bed with her the other night, and Kyra snuck in too. I… I don’t know what she’s scared off, but it’s happening right in front of our eyes, and burying our heads in the sand isn’t going to do anything to help matters, is it?”

Jordan’s face fell, “I… I didn’t know.”

“Well, now you do,” Leah’s expression didn’t falter, setting a mug on the table in front of Jordan, “She needs help. She needs consistency. She just… She needs our care, Jord.”

“Am I even a part of the decision-making anymore?” Jordan couldn’t help but ask, raising an eyebrow.

“Don’t be stupid. Of course you are,” Leah answered truthfully.

“Doesn’t feel like it,” Jordan murmured, “You and Lia—always together, always planning, always knowing. And me? Always playing catch-up.”

“Jord—” Leah began to speak.

“I’m not daft, Leah. I know you and her are close, together even. Don’t act like it’s not true,” Jordan was quick to cut her off.

Leah stared at her ex-girlfriend, “Lia is the girl’s auntie. One of my best friends. She cares.”

“She knows everything, doesn't she?” Jordan questioned, jealousy seeping through her tone of voice.

Leah hesitated, “Not everything.”

“But more than me,” Jordan scoffed, “Do I even count anymore? Or did I lose that right when Monkey stopped speaking to me?”

Leah’s anger flickered and faded, replaced by guilt, “You didn’t lose anything. Monkey is confused. And hurt. But this isn’t about replacing you. It’s about doing what’s best of our girls.”

“Our girls,” Jordan murmured, shaking her head, ”Logan doesn’t even want to know me anymore, and you… You’re okay with that!”

“I’m not, Jord,” Leah stated firmly, “She just… She doesn’t know how to talk to you right now. You left, you moved clubs. And you know how that affected her.”

“Because of you!” Jordan snapped, rising from her chair, “This isn’t just about clubs, Leah. I’m their mother. Monkey has two parents—not just the mighty Leah Williamson!”

“Jord, you’re angry—please, calm down—” Leah tried to keep her calm and patient.

The hurt flashed over Jordan’s face, “I thought we could co-parent. Thought we could make it work. But no. Now you’re making decisions with Katie and Lia, and everyone but me. You didn’t even tell me Buddy was poorly!”

Leah opened her mouth, but Jordan kept going, “Beth probably knew. Lia knew. Even bloody Kim, probably. But me? Nothing. What am I even here for?”

They froze at the sound of small footsteps padding on the hardwood floor.

Buddy peeked around the corner, her stuffed dinosaur dangling from one hand, eyes wide with confusion, “Mama? Why ‘ou shoutin’ at Mummy?”

Jordan’s breath caught. Her anger that still simmered under the surface, faded into guilt as she dropped into a crouch, forcing her tone of voice to be calm even though her chest was tight, “No one’s shouting, angel,” She said quickly, keeping her tone gentle despite the storm brewing in her eyes, “Mama just… got a bit upset, that’s all.”

Buddy’s little face crumbled as the worry crept in, “Did Mummy do bad?"

“Oh, baby—no, no, nothing like that,” Jordan said softly, reaching her arms out, “No one did anything bad. Sometimes grown-ups…. They just get a little cross when they’re tired or worried. But it’s not your fault, and it’s not Mummy’s fault either.”

Leah was beside them both in a heartbeat, kneeling down so she could brush a strand of Buddy’s hair behind her ear, “It’s okay, Bubba. Mama and I are just figuring some things out. But it’s nothing for you to worry about, alright?”

Buddy blinked up at both of them, still frowning, “Monks’ still comin’ home?”

“Of course she is,” Leah reassured her, offering a small smile and smoothing her hand down Buddy’s back, “She’s probably getting on the plane now, flying all the way back to us.”

“She’ll be home soon,” Jordan echoed, pressing a kiss to her daughter’s forehead. Her voice cracked slightly, but she didn’t let it show, “We both love you so much, little ‘un.”

“And Monks’ too?” Buddy asked, sniffling.

“Yes, we love you and your big sister more than anything,” Leah said firmly, her hand still resting protectively on Buddy’s back.

Buddy looked between them, uncertain, “Don’ like it when ‘ou bof fight.”

Jordan’s face crumpled for half a second. Leah beat her to the words.

“I’m sorry, Bubba,” Leah said softly, leaning forward to hug her, “I promise, we’re okay. We’ll do better.”

Jordan wrapped an arm around Buddy, “We’re just figuring it out, like Mummy said. It can be tricky sometimes, but we’ll keep trying. For you and your sister.”

Buddy sniffled again, but gave a small, tired nod. She leaned into Leah’s chest without another word, comforted for now by the warmth and closeness of both Leah and Jordan being together.

Leah lifted her 3-year-old gently and carried her back to the sofa in the living room, “Come on, Bubba. Let’s go and finish watching Cars, yeah? We’ve still got a bit of a wait before we go pick up Monkey.”

“Le,” Jordan stood there for a moment, hesitating, “Is there… anything I can do? To help?”

Leah glanced back at her as something unspoken passed between them—familiar, complicated, and tender.

“There is, actually,” Leah said quietly. She moved to the kitchen counter and scribbled something down on the back of an envelope, “Would you mind nipping to the shop? Just a few things I didn’t get earlier.”

Leah handed it to Jordan without saying the words out loud. Jordan’s eyes flicked down to the list, and her throat tightened as she saw the item near the bottom.

“Are… Are you sure?” Jordan hesitated to ask, uncertain about things, “You’re sure this isn’t just a once-off?”

“It’s not,” Leah murmured, barely audible, “It’s happened twice now, as far as I’m aware. It’s just better to be prepared.”

Jordan folded the list and tucked it into her back pocket, “Okay. I’ll nip out now. I won’t be long.”

“Well, the verdict is in, little lady,” Katie murmured, sliding her phone back into her pocket, “Yer mum says yes. So—what’s it gonna be?”

“No!” You were quick to disagree, attempting to cower even further in the corner of the bathroom.

“Monkey—” Katie began to say.

“No! No! M’ not a stupid baby! I don’t need them!” You shrieked in protest.

Katie’s face softened with a sigh, trying not to let the volume of Monkey’s voice shake her, “Monkey, I know yer don’t like it, but…”

“No! You're a dumb, stupid meanie, and I’m not wearing them! You can’t make me!” Your fists balled up, jaw trembling with indignation, as you stamped one foot hard against the shiny tiled floor. 

“Monkey—”

Your eyes flicked wildly around the room until they landed on the fold-out baby changing table bolted to the wall, “What’s that?! That’s not—no! No, I’m not using that!”

Katie tried to follow your gaze, but you were already winding yourself up.

“That’s not for me! M’ not a baby, m’ not using that! You think I’m stupid?! I saw you lookin’ at it! I’m not—I’m not—!”

You darted forward suddenly and tried to wrench the plastic changing table off it’s hinges, your whole weight thrown behind it. The plastic groaned but held firm.

“Monkey! Stop—stop it!”

You shrieked again, a wild, animal sound before hurling the nearest toy—a chunky wooden hedgehog sensory spinner—straight at Katie’s face.

Katie ducked in time, but it caught her high on the cheekbone, “Ow! What the—Bloody hell, Monkey! Calm down!”

The commotion caused Kim to appear in the doorway, Alessia just behind her, “What happened?!”

“The bloody little menace threw something at me—is it bleeding?” Katie exclaimed in a panic, wincing as she felt the pain, “I feel like it’s bleeding!”

Alessia examined the cut quickly, grimacing, “Oh yeah. She got you good.”

Kim winced, “I think you might need to get some ice for that, Katie.”

Katie staggered back, pressing the heel of her hand against the side of her face, “She flipped out—”

Kim didn’t wait for permission. She crossed the room in three long strides, yanked you still screaming out of the corner that you had bolted to, and sat you down on the changing table despite your fierce thrashing.

“Monkey, enough!” Kim snapped, “You need to calm down. You’re going to sit right here, and you’re going to take a few minutes to breathe. You’re not going to move until you do, alright?”

“DON’T TOUCH ME!” You wailed, rec-faced and wild-eyed, “I’M NOT A BABY! M’ NOT SITTING HERE! THIS IS FOR BABIES! I’M NOT—I’LL BITE YOU!”

Kim blinked, “Did you just say—”

It was too late. You launched yourself like a rocket, throwing your whole weight at Kim’s chest in a fit of pure rage, shoving, kicking and slapping her.

“I HATE YOU! M’ NOT A DUMB FUCKIN’ BABY! YOU CAN’T MAKE ME!” You screamed, not letting up, “I HATE YOU! GET OFF ME—GET OFF!”

Kim caught you halfway through an attempt to bite her, “HEY—Monkey! ENOUGH!”

Katie stumbled forward again, hand over the growing bruise under her eye, while keeping her voice hoarse, “It’s alright, Kim. I’ve got it. Just… let go.”

Kim backed off, breathing heavily. You were still thrashing, now a sweaty, hiccupping mess.

“Monkey,” Katie crouched down to her level, her tone suddenly softer, “Listen to me, little lady. I know yer don’t want to wear… that,” She avoided saying the word to stop you from kicking off again, “I know yer don’t, but yer can’t keep doing this. So here’s what’s gonna happen.”

You hiccupped. You were crying too hard to fight again.

“Yer still listenin’, yeah?” Katie made sure that she still had your attention, “Yer ‘ave got two options, alright? Yer can either wear ‘em, or yer could try one of them pads to sit on, and I’ll get Kim to try and find you some knickers—”

Your chest heaved as you hiccupped between sobs, her eyes wide in disbelief, “I don’t…No! I don’t wanna! I don’t… don’t make me! I won’t wear them, Auntie Katie!”

“Erm, there isn’t any in the shop,” Kim admitted, scratching the back of her neck awkwardly, “We’re limited for options, right now.”

This only made you scream louder, thrashing your hands against Kim’s grip again, “NO! NO! YOU CAN’T MAKE ME! I HATE YOU! I HATE ALL OF YOU! YOUR MEANIES!”

The room fell silent, the tension in the air thick as everyone watched your frantic thrashing. Your chest heaved with sobs, tears streaming down your face. Kim and Katie exchanged glances, clearly at a loss of how to calm you down.

“Logan!” Alessia spoke up, her voice cutting through the chaos like a knife, “Hey, that’s enough! You need to calm down, please!”

Everyone froze. It wasn’t just the shock of her tone, but the sheer authority behind it. Alessia had always been soft and understanding with you, but this was different.

There was a firmness there that left no room for argument.

You went completely still, your wide eyes locked on Alessia and the anger momentarily drained from your face. You were visibly confused, as though someone had flipped a switch in you. 

The room held its breath.

“You need to calm down,” Alessia continued, her voice steady but stern, “You’ve got no other option, and you need to do as you’re told. You don’t want more wet clothes, do you?”

You blinked, your breath still uneven, but you didn’t immediately protest. You seemed to be caught somewhere between defiance and confusion, unsure of how to respond.

“Now, are you going to do what you’ve been asked, or are you going to continue to fight about this?” Alessia’s words weren’t harsh, but they were sharp enough to make you pause, “We’re not going to leave this room until you do, so make your choice, Logan.”

You faltered at her words, furrowing your eyebrow, “I… I hate that name. That’s not fair!”

“Made you listen, though, didn’t it?” Aessia said softly, her tone much gentler now that she had your attention, “What’s it going to be then?”

The silence stretched for a few long seconds before you, still sniffling and snorting, nodded slowly. The room let out a collective sigh of relief.

“Good,” Alessia murmured, leaning forward to brush a stray strand of your hair, “Good girl, Monkey.”

But just as everyone thought that things were settled, your defiance flared up again. Without warning, you leaned forward, baring your teeth and attempted to bite Alessia’s arm in a last-ditch effort to fight back.

Katie was immediately at your side, hand on your shoulder as she gently pulled you back, “Absolutely not, little lady. We’re not having a repeat of this again!” Her voice was steady but firm, her words remaining unwavering.

Katie’s gaze softened as she leaned in closer to you, “Alright, come on, it’s already been a long day, hasn’t it?” She murmured as you now trembled, “So I think it’s best if yer finish getting dressed, and then we’re going to get something to eat before we get on the plane. No more fuss, alright?”

You hiccupped, your anger dissipating as exhaustion started to take over. The fight seemed to drain out of you, replaced by a quieter, more subdued version of yourself. You nodded weakly, your head drooping in defeat as you finally seemed to accept the situation.

“F… Fine,” You mumbled, barely having the energy to fight anymore.

“That’s my little lady,” Katie felt relieved that things had now calmed down, gently lifting you up, “We’ll get yer dressed, and then we can go pick anything on the menu, yeah? My treat, of course! Anythin’ for one of my favourite nieces.”

“Don’t wanna be here,” You whined from where you sat, “I wanna watch Shrek!”

The restaurant inside the airport was bright and noisy, full of clinking plates and the hum of conversation, and the occasional screech of suitcase wheels passing by just outside the glass walls.

You didn’t like it one bit.

You sat slouched in your chair, your arms tightly over your chest as you glared at the untouched food on your plate like it had personally insulted you—you’d picked the batter of the nuggets, but the remainder of the chicken, chips and beans were left.

“Come on, Monkey,”  Alessia said gently from across the table, noticing, “You’ve hardly eaten anything at all.”

You didn’t answer. You just stared harder at the sad little pile of chips and beans on your plate.

Alessia reached over and picked up your fork, trying to spear the remnants of a chicken nugget, “Just a few small bites, yeah? You’ll feel better with something in your tummy.”

You didn’t answer—you didn’t have the words anymore. You just lashed out, slapping the fork out of Alessia’s hand. You hurled a clump of beans straight at her, the food splattered across the table, catching the edge of Alessia’s sleeve. Gasps came from both sides of the table.

Emily’s eyes widened across the table, “Oh shit.”

“Here we go again,” Vic muttered, rolling her eyes, “I feel like we’re in a restaurant with Buddy instead.”

“Oi,” Katie nudged her not so politely, giving her a cold stare, “There’s no need for them sort of comments.

“Right,” Kim muttered dryly, blotting Alessia’s arm with a napkin, “Maybe take away her fork before that gets thrown next.”

“Might be wise,” Katie murmured, holding her hand out, “Give it.”

“It’s mine!” You whined, reluctant to hand it over to her.

Katie didn’t waver, “Monkey, give me the fork, now please.”

“S’ not fair!” You huffed, begrudgingly handing her the fork like she had requested.

Katie stood up and walked over to grab some child-friendly cutlery from the counter. When she returned, you had turned sideways in your seat, arms wrapped tightly across your chest, and your thumb shoved in your mouth. You wouldn’t look at anyone.

“I wanna watch Shrek,” You mumbled around your thumb, “I don’t wanna eat stupid food.”

Katie closed her eyes for a beat, took a steadying breath, and flagged someone down, “Can I get a to-go container, please?”

Just then, a member of staff appeared at the table with a chirpy smile, “Hi there! Would she like a kids’ activity pack while you wait for boarding to keep her occupied?”

Everyone nodded—grateful of the distraction—but you snatched the paper bag and immediately ripped it in half, flinging the crumpled pieces to the floor.

“Oh,” The staff member blinked, retreating quickly.

Katie sighed, bending to pick up the mess, “She’s just a bit overstimulated,” She murmured, “Is there somewhere a bit quieter she can go?”

The server paused, then nodded, “There’s a sensory room by Gate 5. It’s small but calm. You’re welcome to use it.”

“Brilliant,” Katie didn’t hesitate to waste time for you to throw anything further, rising to her feet, “Come on, little lady,” She moved towards you, bracing for resistance.

But there was none.

Instead, you let out a small whimper and just curled straight into Katie’s chest, arms loose but clinging. Your thumb was still in your mouth, your other hand tangled in Katie’s hoodie.

Katie froze mid-movement, heart sqieezing, “Oh… this hasn’t happened in a while,” She kissed your temple gently, “Yer feeling tired, aren’t yer, little lady?”

Katie recognised that look—the one that meant there were no more words left, just feelings too big for you to hold in.

Kim stood up, slipping her bag over her shoulder, “I’ll come with you.”

Katie turned, confused, “It’s alright. We’ll be fine. She just needs to be removed from the situation.”

“I know,” Kim said calmly, “I’m just making sure you’re both safe… in case anything else happens.”

Katie didn’t have a retort to that. She just nodded, adjusted her grip on your limp body, and walked slowly toward the sensory room with Kim at her side.

The sensory room was softly lit, with cushioned walls and glowing bubble tubes, fibre-optic strands drifting down like jellyfish tendrils from the ceiling, and gentle music humming in the background. The second Katie pushed the door open, the atmosphere changed completely.

The moment they stepped inside,, your shoulders dropped. Your breathing evened out. Your hands, which had been clenched into fists for the majority of the day, slowly uncurled.

Katie bent down and gently placed you on the floor, “There yer go, little lady. Knock yerself out.”

Without a word, you padded straight over to the bubble tube and crouched beside them. You passed your palms to the warm plastic, eyes fixed in wide, glassy wonder at the soft glow and lazy swirl of bubbles drifting upward. Your thumb slipped back into your mouth as you leaned against the base, curling up around it like a cat soaking in the sun.

Kim blinked, completely floored, “... Well, would you look at that.”

Katie stared, mouth slightly open, “She just—”

“Yeah,” Kim murmured in response.

The two women stood side by side in stunned silence, watching as you quietly traced patterns in the light with your fingers. It was like someone had flipped a switch. Gone was the screeching, the flailing, the rage. In its place was a silent, blinking calm.

“She’s never settled like that,” Katie whispered, “Not that fast.”

Kim crossed her arms slowly, “Maybe this is something that Leah needs to invest in at home.”

“Already on it,” Katie murmured, already pulling her phone out of her pocket, crouching low to snap a quick video, “I’m texting her as we speak. She’ll be on Amazon before I even hit send.”

“Right,” Kim said, glancing at her watch, “I think we should think about heading to boarding now so we don’t miss the flight.”

Your entire body went stiff. You turned away from where you were curled near the sensory bubble tube, her eyes already brimming, “N… No! I don’t wanna!”

Kim raised a brow, “Monkey—”

“There’s gonna be people on that flight!” You shrieked, already scrambling backwards, wrapping your arms around the glowing tube like it could anchor you to the airport floor, “No, I… I don’t want to! They’re gonna see me!”

Katie crouched beside you, softening her voice, “Hey, hey, it’s alright. I know yer might feel embarrassed, but we can’t not get on the flight now, can we?”

“I don’t wanna get on it!” You yelled, tightening your grip on the tube while your body trembled, “They’re gonna know! They’re gonna look at me and laugh!”

“Monkey, you’re being silly,” Katie said, a little more firmly now, “We can’t miss the flight, little lady.”

You kicked your feet against the soft mat and continued to scream, “Lemme go! I’m not goin’! I’m stayin’ here forever!”

Katie stepped closer, trying to ease her hands around your arms, “Come on, Monkey. We’ve got to go. It’s okay—”

“Nooooooo!” You howled, flailing harder, trying to latch yourself tighter to the big glowing column of water, “Lemme go! Let go of me!”

Your screams echoed. Families turned. A nearby toddler stared, wide-eyed, thumb in mouth.

“This,” Kim said clearly, crouching down beside Katie with maddening calm, “Is exactly why I came with.”

Kim’s voice wasn’t loud, but it cut through your shrieking like a knife through jelly. Smooth. Cold. Completely unsympathetic.

Katie shot her a flat look, “Yeah, yeah, I know.”

Kim raised a smug eyebrow, clearly ready to bask in her correctness for at least a solid thirty seconds.

“Less being smug, more walking,” Katie muttered, trying to untangle your arms from the tube again while you shrieked and kicked, “We’ve gotta board that flight, we got no time to gloat about this.”

“You could just say I was right,” Kim offered mildly.

Katie gave a short, sharp laugh as you screeched in protest and went limp like a noodle in her arms, forcing her to awkwardly adjust her grip, “Yeah, I could. Or I could leave you with her to handle while I go get myself a coffee.”

Kim looked you up and down as you kicked out again, “No thanks. She’s all yours.”

With a deep breath, Katie finally hauled you upright, both arms wrapped around your middle. You squirmed and screamed, and kicking your legs, but Katie held firm, jaw clenched.

“Alright, that’s enough,” Katie said firmly, giving you a little bounce to stop you thrashing, “We’re going. Now.”

“Noooooo!” You shrieked one last time, hot tears running down your cheeks as your voice cracked, raw, “I’m not goin’! I can’t! They’ll see me!”

“Nobody is going to see anything, little lady,” Katie said, not unkindly, but with grit in her voice now, “And even if you did, they won’t care. Nobody is going to say anything, at all.”

You hiccupped, eyes wide and wild.

Katie looked at Kim, “Gate number?”

“Fifteen,” Kim said, already turning with military precision, “I’ll lead the way, shall I?”

“Be my guest,” Katie murmured, following with you still kicking and sniffling against her chest, “Monkey, stop it. I know you’re not happy about this, but we don’t have a choice, alright? I’ve got you. You’re safe, right now.”

“Nooo!” You wailed, “I want to go down! Put me down!”

“No can do, little lady. You’re a flight risk right now,” Katie retorted, keeping a firm grip on you, “Just a bit longer, and you can watch Shrek again, yeah?”

“PUT ME DOOOWN!” You shrieked, fists pounding against her shoulder, “You’re a meanie! I hate you, Auntie Katie!”

Kate didn’t miss a beat, dragging you toward the plane, “Join the club, little lady.”

“YOU’RE A STUPID MEANIE LEPRECHAUN!” You hurled the stereotypical insult at her.

Teyah snorted behind you, “Oh, there it is.”

“Since when did we board the flight with a screaming toddler?” Freya muttered under her breath.

Kim spun mid-step, keeping her expression thunderous, “Freya.”

Alessia, seated nearby, gave Freya a sharp look, “Give her a break. She’s having a rough day.”

Freya shrugged, “Yeah, well, so’s my eardrum.”

“Enough,” Kim snapped, stabbing a finger at an empty seat, “Sit. One more word, and Leah will have your head when we land. And that goes for anyone else who decides to make an unnecessary comment. Do you understand me?”

“Crystal,” Teyah muttered, slumping into her seat.

Freya folded her arms, “Why’re we treating this like it’s normal—?”

Kim, several seats ahead now, turned just enough to look at her. Not angry—just pointed. 

Be quiet. You’re making it worse.

Freya swallowed and looked away, cheeks flushed.

Katie ignored all of them, wrangling your squirming limbs into the seatbelt, “Monkey. Stop kicking me. I mean it.”

You gave one last pathetic wriggle—then went limp. Tears still wet on your face. Katie exhaled a pulled you gently into her side.

“I think it might be wise for you to get some sleep, yeah?” Katie murmured, brushing a few curls off your forehead, “And then when you wake up, you can watch Shrek.”

“M’ not tired,” You denied, but the heavy eyes were a dead giveaway, “I don’t want to go to sleep. I want to watch Shrek now.”

"Afterward, yeah?" Katie told you, keeping her tone of voice soft and gentle, "Sleep first."

You pouted, disappointed with that answer, "... No fair."

Despite your initial protest, it didn’t take long for you to drift off—thumb in your mouth, arms slack with your face tucked close to Katie’s chest. Katie remained still, warm and quiet, gently stroking your back.

Across the aisle, Freya leaned towards Katie Reid, keeping her voice low, “Did you see that?” She whispered, “Her leggings are all bunched up. It looks like she’s wearing—”

Katie Reid stiffened, “Shut up,” She hissed, not even turning to look at her. Her eyes flickered instinctively to Kim, three rows ahead.

Too late.

Kim slowly twisted around in her seat, her eyes remaining cold, “Freya.”

Freya froze.

Alessia glanced up from her book, “You seriously thought that was a good idea to talk abut?” She kept her tone deceptively mild.

Freya went pale, “I wasn’t… I just thought—”

“You thought,” Kim repeated, rising slightly from her seat, “Katie already told you to shut up. I suggest you listen.”

“I… I didn’t mean anything by it—” Freya shrank into her hoodie, deciding that now would be the perfect time to remain quiet to avoid another cold, hard stare from Kim.

“Regardless of what is happening, Monkey is your teammate. So you either support her, or you sit there and keep your mouth shut,” Kim told her firmly, “Got it?”

“G… Got it,” Freya murmured, face burning in shame.

“Pssst, Monkey. Pssst.”

You rubbed your eyes, barely awake as the edges of sleep still clung to you. The world felt fuzzy, your body was restless as you shifted in your seat while you tried to wake up. Katie was still fast asleep, her soft breathing the only sound.

“Wakey, wakey!” Vic’s face appeared in front of you, her grin wide and mischievous. She was holding something shiny and colourful right in front of your face—an energy drink. It seemed so bright against the dull haze of sleep, “Did you have a nice nap?”

You blinked, trying to focus but everything was blurry. A voice echoed from somewhere near, and you squinted in its direction.

“Wh… What?” You murmured, still rubbing your eyes and struggling to shake off the last bits of sleep.

Without missing a beat, Vic’s grin only widened, and she wiggled the can in front of you like it was a lifeline, “You want it? Come and get it!”

You blinked, still trying to process what was happening. You could see Vic and Teyah grinning at you. 

“Here, Monkey,” Vic waved the energy drink out in front of you, like she was taunting you with it, “Here, Monkey. Pspspsps. Come and get it. You know that you want to,” She said, handing it over to Teyah.

“Go ahead and drink it, kid,” Teyah chimed in, crouching beside you, “Ere you go, kid. ‘Bout time you had one of these, right?”

You rubbed your eyes again, still half asleep, and looked at the can with its garish colours. Teyah nudged it towards you, and Vic wiggled a packet of sweets in the air like bait, “Go on,” Vic whispered, leaning in closer, “This’ll perk you right up.”

Your hands felt heavy as you took the can. The tab popped with a satisfying hiss, and without a second thought, you tipped it back, draining it in one go.

Teyah and Vic exchanged a glance, both knowing what was coming.

Just like that, sleep was forgotten as the sugar and caffeine took over.

Five minutes later, you were buzzing—You were literally bouncing in your seat, legs kicking, fingers drumming, and non-stop fidgeting.

Katie? Still completely asleep beside you, her head tipped back and her mouth just slightly open.

You sat beside her, jittery and bouncing from sugar and your freshly demolished energy drink, kicking your heels and fidgeting like a wind-up toy ready to pop.

Teyah leaned forward, holding up a plastic-wrapped package, “We got you something else—”

“Gimme! Gimme!” You exclaimed, tearing into it before she finished talking.

Inside the packaging was a mix of different musical instruments. Your eyes landed on the recorder first, and you grabbed it.

“Go on,” Vic leaned over the seat in front of you, whispering like a devil on your shoulder, “Do it right in her ear. Wake her up with it. You know you want to.”

You didn’t even hesitate, grinning like a Cheshire cat.

You leaned in right next to Katie’s ear, took a deep breath and blew it.

Katie flailed like she’d been electrocuted, practically falling out of her seat, “JESUS F—!”

“WAKE UP! WAKE UP!” You bellowed, inches from her, “WHY ARE YOU SLEEEEEPIN’? YOU GOTTA WAKE UP!”

Katie blinked, stunned, like she was trying to remember what planet she was on.

You gasped dramatically, scandalised, “Auntie Katie! You can’t say that!” You stared at her, wide-eyed, while you put a hand to your mouth, “That is outrageous! Absolutely awful!”

Vic cackled so hard that she dropped her phone, and Teyah wheezed beside her, “Do it again! That was gold!”

You were still buzzing and eager to please, grinning and raising the recorder again until Katie saw sense and snatched it out of your hands, “Absolutely not!”

“Awh, Auntie Katie! Don’t be such a fun sucker!” You whined, trying to reach back for your newfound favourite toy, “Gimme it! Gimme!”

“No, Monkey,” Katie told you firmly, eyes narrowing as she rubbed her ear, glaring at Teyah and Vic, “This is yer doin’, ain’t it?”

Vic raised her hands like she was being arrested, “We just suggested—”

“You filmed it!”  Katie snapped, not fully awake, hair a mess and her heart racing.

Teyah was wheezing, tears in her eyes, “You fell off the seat! Oh, you should see your face— We just wanted to entertain Monkey!”

“She was fine as she was. Asleep and causing no trouble,” Katie gritted her teeth, not in the mood to deal with either of them, “What’ve you given her?” She demanded to know answers.

“Nothing that she’s not had before,” Vic shrugged her shoulders, “At least this way she’s a lot more happier now!”

Alessia woke up to hear the commotion and landed her eyes on a crushed up can tossed aside, getting out of her seat to inspect it closer, “Are you two insane?” She hissed, holding it up like it was criminal evidence, “You gave her an energy drink? Yu two have completely lost it! You know how she is with energy drinks, not to mention sweets!”

Teyah tried to look sheepish, “... Oops?”

“Yeah,” Alessia snorted, shaking her head, “You will be saying oops when Kim or Katie murders you,” She muttered incredulously.

“Why would I murder anyone?” From a few rocks back, Kim cracked one eye open, looking at them both in suspicion, “What’ve you two done, now?”

“That’s exactly what I’d love to know,” Katie muttered,

Vic threw her hands up, “Right, er, just remember… well, remember that she seems happy again right now,” Vic began to say, giving Kim a sheepish smile, “And that… That is the main thing right now!”

Kim furrowed her eyebrow, “Vic?”

“It wasn’t just my fault! Teyah suggested it, and I just went along with it!” Vic blurted out, throwing the younger girl under the bus.

“Hey! We both thought it was a good idea!” Teyah snapped back, “This isn’t just on me!”

Kim sat up straighter, “Girls, enough! I don’t care who’s idea it was, or wasn’t. What .Have. You. Given. Her.”

Vic winced, “... An energy drink.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Katie murmured in disbelief.

“And, uh… some sweets,” Teyah added.

Kim stared at them in stunned silence.

“And where did the instruments come from?” Katie questioned, confused as she wrangled with you to avoid you attempting to climb up her like a climbing frame, “Monkey, that’s enough. Sit down. Sit. Good girl.”

“Woof,” You retorted, beaming a wide smile as the remnants of stickiness coated your mouth.

Katie looked at you in disbelief, “Unbelievable.”

Alessia sighed, “You two are so dead.”

But Kim wasn’t finished.

“You two better hope Katie doesn’t kill you,” The woman muttered, leaning forward, “Because Leah? Leah is going to have your head's when she hears about this.”

Vic and Teyah paled.

Gulped.

Katie turned to Kim, “How long till we land?”

“Not nearly soon enough,” Kim muttered, glancing at the two of them, “Still think it was a good idea to feed her all that sugar, huh, girls? Just you wait until we get to London, and then let’s see what you think about it.”

“Wonderful,” Katie huffed, while you were gleefully oblivious and had decided to start to stick stickers on Katie’s arm, “I guess we’re just going to have to deal with this for the next few hours then.”

“Auntie Katie, lemme put one on your forehead too!” You didn’t care about the repercussions of what Vic and Teyah had done while you felt the adrenaline rushing through your veins, “Look, it’s a dinosaur! See? Dinosaurs are soooo cool! Roar!”

Katie tried to maintain a stern face, but there was a twitch of a smile at the corner of her lips as she allowed you to willingly continue to stick stickers all over her, “Go ahead, little lady.”

Freya snorted from a few rows back, “It feels like we’re on flight with Buddy instead, doesn’t it?” It was clearly meant as a joke, but the second the words left her mouth, Freya caught a death glare from Kim that could’ve frozen lava. 

The younger player coughed awkwardly, trying to stifle her laughter. She should’ve stayed quiet, but instead? She just didn’t know when to be quiet.

“Ummm,” Freya quickly looked down, eyes wide as her attention was quickly snagged again—though this time, it was by the obvious sag in the seat of your leggings as you stood up to stick another sticker on Katie’s cheek., “Is she supposed to look like that? Like… It’s kinda saggy…”

Everything went still for a moment.

Alessia’s eyes snapped to her, and before anyone else could react, she took Freya gently but firmly by the arm and leaned down to whisper in her ear, “Was that really necessary to make that comment?”

Freya blinked, her mouth forming a silent oh.

Katie Reid, seated beside her, elbowed her in the ribs with a pointed glare, “Freya, shut up.”

“I… I didn’t mean it like that,” Freya stammered, her cheeks turning crimson.

But you? You didn’t notice, nor did you care. You were far too busy explaining in graphic detail which dinosaur sticker you were going to put on Kim’s forehead if you just reached her.

“I like this one! He’s got tiny arms, but he’s super angry! Just like Auntie Kimmy!” You announced with a gleeful squeal, holding it up victoriously.

Kim raised an eyebrow slowly, “You wanna test that theory, Monkey?”

You paused… then giggled hysterically.

Vic buried her face in her hands.

Teyah, beside her, groaned quietly, “We’re so dead.”

“Freeeeedom!” You screamed the moment the wheels hit the tarmac, jumping up from your seat before the seatbelt sign had even pinged off.

“Sit down,” Katie barked, trying to reach for your hoodie before you slipped away like a greased-up goblin.

The second the cabin door opened, you launched yourself down the aisle, zig-zagging between sleepy passengers and dragging your sticker-covered backpack like a prize behind you.

“I need to breathe! Fresh air! Open sky! I’ve been trapped in a metal bird!” You howled.

“Someone is a bit eager to get off, eh?” Cloe smirked, watching the blur of you whizz past from a few rows ahead.

“It’s almost hard to believe this is the same kid who was having a full meltdown getting on the plane,” Emily added, lifting her bag with a sigh.

“That’s Teyah and Vic’s doing,” Kim said flatly, glaring over at the two culprits who both looked far too pleased with themselves.

“Monkey! Don’t—Come back ‘ere! Don’t run off!” Katie was barely out of her seat, scrambling to follow as you shrieked down the jet bridge.

“Run, Monkey, run!” Vic called after you with a laugh.

“Don’t encourage her,” Kim muttered darkly.

“She’s really goin’ for it!” Alessia remarked, trying—and failing—not to smile as you darted past the crew members and airport staff like it was a game of tag.

“I’m free! I’m free as a bird!” You announced to no one and everyone, arms flapping as you barrelled out into the terminal.

Then, somehow, God knows how, you spotted a pilot standing just off to the side chatting with one of the attendants. And you beelined for him.

“I’ll take that, thank you very much!” You declared, snatching his cap right off his head with the confidence of someone who had never been told no in their life.

“Monkey!” Katie’s voice rang out like a siren, “You can’t keep that! Give it back to ‘em!”

“No way, s’mine now!” You were already jamming the too-big hat on your head, pushing it down until it covered your eyebrows, “Finders keepers!”

“Bloody menace,” Katie grumbled to nobody in particular, trying to catch up to you.

“GIMME THE KEYS! I WANNA FLY THE PLANE!” You bounced on your toes, eager to get your hands on them.

The poor pilot looked somewhere between baffled and amused.

“Oh my God,” Alessia groaned, dragging a hand down her face.

Kim pinched the bridge of her nose, “Get her. Get. Her.”

Katie lunged forward just as you started pretending to steer an invisible plane with your arms, “Come ‘ere yer little Menace! Yer not steerin’ no bloody planes today!”

“Vroooooom!” You yelled, veering left and narrowly avoiding a luggage trolley, “Can’t catch me! Ha-ha! I’m super fast! Imma be like Russo airline!”

Freya was crying with laughter, “She’s lost it—completely lost it.”

“I don’t think she ever had it to begin with,” Katie Reid muttered.

Katie finally caught up with you, snatching the pilot’s cap off your head and handing it back with a mortified expression, “I am so sorry,” She muttered to the pilot, who just chuckled and waved her off.

You flopped dramatically to the floor, “You never let me do anything fun. I could’ve been the next Top Gun!”

“Definitely not, little lady,” Katie said, hauling you upright, “You’re not flyin’ anything except into bed.” 

You don’t waste time waiting around, wriggling out of Katie’s grip as soon as you made it inside the airport. Your eyes immediately caught sight of the colourful Lego in the airport of a nearby shop window.

“Ooh! Lego!” You gasped.

“Come hack ‘ere, you little menace,” Katie was straight away chasing after you, not letting you stray far from her, “Get back ‘ere, right now!”

“Looky! Looky! Look at the Lego!” You gushed, though you didn’t have a chance to look at it for much longer as you felt your arm being not-so-gently tugged away with it, “N… No, lemme go! Lemme go! Just wanna look at the Lego!”

“Yer not running off while yer like… this!” Katie exclaimed, not letting go of her grip on you, “Yer stayin’ right with me, right where I can keep an eye on yer!”

“You’re a meanie! No fair!” You whined, thrashing and doing your best to try and wriggle out of her tight iron-clad grip she had on you, “I just wanna look at ‘em!”

“Too bad,” Katie stated, firmly as she dragged you through the airport, “Look, your ma’s already  waitin’ over there.”

“Lemme go! Lemme go! You’re a big fat meanie!” You screeched, scowling at the older girl while you did your very best to break free, “You’re a stupid head!”

Across the airport, Leah stood rooted in place next to Lia, her brow furrowed so deeply it could hold water. She watched the chaotic scene unfold like it was happening in slow motion—the wild, sticky, shouting girl was a far cry from what she had been told about you.

“... I thought you said she was doing badly being away from home?” Lia asked in disbelief.

“She was,” Leah muttered, watching the chaos like it was some alien being wearing her kid’s skin.

Not wanting to get involved, Leah stood back with a pinched brow, letting Katie handle the situation to the best of her ability.

“Lemme go!” You continued to thrash, failing to see the new familiar faces, “I hate you—You’re a big fat stupid fuckin’ potato—” You howled, still flailing—until you bit Katie’s arm.

“Ow! What the fu— LEAH!” Katie barked, “Come get yer bloody kid! I’m done babysittin’!”

That was the last straw.

“Logan Reece!” You hear the familiar firm tone of Leah from a mile away, “Cut that behaviour out. Right now. You know better than to speak to people like that!”

“Hi, girls! Good trip?” Lia greeted all of you with a soft smile.

Kim scoffed, “Yeah, I guess you could say that.”

“Logan!” Leah’s voice cracked like a whip, “We do not bite people!”

Katie let go, shoving you gently forward, “She’s yer problem now.”

“What happened?” Lia asked, stunned, “I thought she was meant to be—”

“She was,” Kim cut in, sharply as she jerked her thumb over her shoulder,  “Until Tweedle Dumb and Tweedle Dumber gave her caffeine and sugar.”

“Hey!” Vic protested.

“She looked sad!” Teyah said helplessly.

Kim glared daggers, “You gave her an energy drink—I’m not babysitting her again for a while!”

“I second that one!” Katie huffed in agreement, rubbing her arm where there was a fresh bite mark in it, “Bloody little menace just bit me, after everythin’ I’ve done for ‘er while we’ve been away, and this is the thanks I get.”

Leah wasn’t listening anymore.

She dropped to one knee, arms open—and everything stopped.

“Mum!” You cried, voice cracking like you were breaking in half, “Mum!”

You launched yourself into her, crashing into her chest like a shot. Leah caught you with a soft gasp, holding you like you were her whole world.

“Oh, baby,” Leah whispered, clutching the back of your head and kissing your curls, “I missed you so much, my girl.”

You didn’t say anything. Just clung to her hoodie, trembling. All the screaming, the sugar, the chaos—it melted into that hug.

You were home.

“Mum,” You whimpered, so quietly only she could hear.

“You’re home now, Mokey. It’s okay,” Leah murmured, rocking you gently, “I’ve got you. You’re safe now.”

Everything else blurred out. Katie nursing her bite mark. Kim shouting. Teyah and Vic getting chewed out. Leah didn’t care.

Not when you were back in her arms.

“You’ve had a big week, huh?” Leah whispered, brushing your hair back.

You nodded tearfully into her hoodie.

“You were so brave,” Leah rocked you gently, her palm rubbing soothing circles on your back, “Buddy’s missed you too—she made you a sign and everything. But she fell asleep waiting.”

“Where’s Buddy?” You hiccuped.

“Back home. Fast asleep. Auntie Beth and Auntie Vivi are with her,” Leah explained in a gentle tone of voice, “She’ll be so excited to see you when she wakes up.”

You sniffled again, burrowing deeper.

“I’m never babysittin’ again,” Kim snapped, “I don’t know what’s worse—your menace of a daughter or those two clowns feeding her cheap energy drinks and jelly snakes!”

With those words being said, Kim threw Teyah and Vic one final look that was a mixture of disappointment and annoyance before she turned and stomped off with her suitcase.

“Wait—Kim! I still need you to babysit when we go to camp!” Leah called out in sudden realisation.

“Nope! Not a chance!” Kim yelled back, not even turning around.

“Kim, c’mon! I can’t take her with me again!” Leah pleaded.

Kim scoffed in response, “That’s your problem, Leah. Figure it out yourself,” She stated, vanishing through the doors.

You looked up with a sniff, “You know I’m nineteen, right? I can totally take care of my—okay, I’ll just shut up…”

The glares from Leah and Lia said enough.

“Poor Kim,” Lia murmured.

“Poor Kim? What about poor me?” Katie called, still rubbing her arm.

The glow of being home dimmed slightly as Leah turned stern.

“I told you to behave,” Leah said, pinching the bridge of her nose, “Seriously, Monkey?”

You pouted. Just a little.

Leah pointed at Vic and Teyah, her voice sharp and commanding, “You two. Over here. Now.”

The girls stepped forward like they were walking to their own execution.

“You both ought to look sorry,” Leah said coldly, “Between the three of you, you’ve done a number on Kimmy—and Katie. What the hell were you thinking?”

Vic winced, “... We just thought she needed cheering up.”

“She was upset,” Teyah added quietly, “We just wanted to help.”

Leah folded her arms, unimpressed, “Save it. I don’t want excuses. Tomorrow, you’re both in the gym first thing. You can sit there. Think about what you’ve done. Then you’re running laps until you drop.”

Vic’s eyes went wide. Teyah gulped.

And you? Well just because you’re a menace, you decided now was the perfect time to drop Freya into it too.

“Freya was teasing me too, Mum!” You piped up quickly, throwing Freya under the bus without a hint of shame.

Leah raised a brow, her gaze swinging toward Freya—who was mid-step in trying to sneak off.

“Oh, Freya?” Leah said sweetly, “A word?”

Freya froze, turning slowly, “... Yes?”

Leah smiled, all sugar and steel, “You mess with my girl, you deal with me. Tomorrow. Training ground. 6am. Be there.”

Her smile sharpened in a smirk, “Or else.”

Back at home, there was no escaping the consequences for you.

“I did behave!” You protested weakly from the doorstep of your house, still clinging onto the Lego story for dear life, “I only wanted to look at the Lego!”

Leah didn’t even flinch, “I’m not talking about just the Lego store. I’m talking about the biting, the swearing, and not to mention your behaviour as a whole while you were in Melbourne.”

You pouted, “Would it help if I told you that I missed you?”

“Save me the innocent act, my girl,” Leah said flatly, “I know exactly what you’ve been up to.”

“Muuuuuum,” You whined, throwing your head back dramatically.

“Don’t try that with me. I hope you know you’re grounded,” Leah stated firmly.

“What?! Why?” You protested, outraged.

“Because I told you to behave,” Leah replied, her voice sharp and unforgiving, “And you didn’t. Therefore, you are grounded.”

You scrunched your face up in disagreement, “You can’t ground me—I’m nineteen!” You exclaimed.

Leah had the audacity to smirk like it was the most ridiculous thing she’d ever heard, “Oh, that’s where you’re wrong, sunshine. My house, my rules.”

You stared in disbelief, “That’s not even fair!”

“It is more than fair, Logan,” Leah said, her voice dead serious now, a tone that she only used when you were in trouble, “Between you and Kyra, you’ve tormented Kim all week. We talked about this. You knew the rules. You broke them. End of story. I’m not changing my mind.”

“... Meanie,” You mumbled, staring down at your shoes.

Leah ignored your sulking and turned towards the others—Lia, Beth and Viv—still lingering in the kitchen, staying behind for debriefing and damage control.

“We’ve got a problem, girls,” Leah said, exhaling a small sigh, “I can’t leave Monkey on her own, and I can’t exactly take her with me to camp.”

“What are you going to do?” Lia asked.

“I don’t know,” Leah admitted, raking a hand through her hair, clearly at a loss.

“Well… there is a third option,” Beth said, a mischievous glint in her eye.

Leah turned slowly, “What’s that?”

Beth grinned and turned towards Viv, “Viv could—”

“No. No, definitely not,” Viv interrupted, catching on immediately, “You heard what she was like in Melbourne. I’m going to Scotland. I’m not dealin’ with that.”

Spoiler alert: You absolutely end up in Scotland anyway.

If you like this then please leave you support and leave me a tip 🫶🏼

[sparklystarrrr]

Hi! I was wondering if you could do a little thing where Jade is talking with reader then something comes flying over (maybe from the disaster duo or spelldrive) and she is just knocked the fuck out.

Bonk!

Synopsis: You get knocked out by a fucking broomstick.

Contains: Jade L. x Fem! Reader, straight crack (anon this made me cackle idek what im writing), romantic/platonic, Jade being his nerdy self, some cursing

Gym was grueling. I had zero idea how to fly a broomstick so participating in that was basically a no go. I had no magic so a broomstick wouldn’t just start flying whenever I tried. It was kinda disappointing I couldn’t use magic, but I guess that’s what happens when you get thrown into a world with magic, right?

Luckily in gym though while I was boiling out in the sun, I had close friends to keep me company. Even more lucky, I had Jade with me, and he was a bit wearing of flying a broomstick like all the other Octavinelle students. He was always a joy to be around! He jogged towards me as the class had begun,”(y/n)! I see you’re standing idly by. Would it be alright for me to join you?” He smiled softly.

“Yeah of course!” It was almost calming talking to Jade. Sure he was super ominous and lowkey scary sometimes, but off the Mostro Lounge job he was just kinda… normal? Well, not completely normal, he was still spooky and mysterious. But he would dabble in his hobbies more. Almost every time we found each other in conversation he’d report about his new mushroom findings. Today was like no other.

“There is a new poisonous fungus I must inform you about. Trichoderma cornu-damae, also known as the poisonous fire coral. As the name entails, it has a similar appearance to bright orange coral found in the Coral Sea. Quite interesting!” He said with delight absolutely radiating off him. It was sorta spooky how he had such an interest for the deadly mushrooms roaming around the wonderland. I wonder… does he use those on misbehaving students during contract signing? ‘Scary’… I shuddered at the thought. I noticed all the students flying overhead in the sky. I giggled to myself at the Heartslabyul freshman who was absolutely out of control on his broomstick. He looked kinda familiar though… Blue hair and everything…

“It is part of the—“ BONK

“Ack!—“Oh great. Right at my head. The rickety Heartslabyul student flew straight into my head.

The student, now identified as Deuce, straight up panicked while I laid on the grass, completely out. “AGH FUCK I HIT HER!!! Holy shit what do I do oh my sevens oh my sevens oh my sevensss……” Jade was flabbergasted. He was quietly shocked while picking me up slowly. His hands were under my arms while he laid me over his shoulder. “I’ll have (y/n) go to the nurse. We should get her there quickly.” He said to Deuce.

Poor freshie was still shaking in his boots from the aftershock of literally hitting his best friend and knocking her out. “Y-yeah yeah okay… I’ll go tell Coach Vargas.” With that, he practically sprinted off to Vargas to inform him of what happened, hoping and praying he wouldn’t get kicked out of NRC for this.

Luckily for me, Jade has scarily long legs. His speed walking ability was impressive. He bolted straight over to get me the treatment for whatever the heck just happened. Hopefully I wouldn’t be concussed… hopefully.

After what was most likely a few hours, I groggily woke up with a bandage wrapped around my head and Jade sitting silently next to me. I slowly sat up, a sudden headache pounding against my skull, “Ugh…” “Oh my, you’re up!” He spoke pleasantly, clearly shocked. “What the heck happened…?”

He sighed,”Well, young Deuce Spade hit you with his broomstick. Currently, he is being scolded by Housewarden Rosehearts for his lack of broomstick flying safety education. Apparently, he had been skipping class with Ace Trappola and missed plenty of lectures for quite some time.” Oh yeah, that definitely sounded like something those two would do… I don’t doubt Jade was telling the truth. “Yup, that definitely sounds like the truth..” I giggled. Jade smiled back at me.

Then, a sudden bright glint his heterochromic eyes. “Now where was I, ah yes. The Trichoderma cornu-damae is part of the Hypocreaceae family which means-“ Oh yeah, he was no where near done with his fungus talk. I don’t mind it though. I could never mind it<3

I GOT PAPA CREWEL’S SSR CARD TODAYYY

[withwritersblock]

Birthday

~Birthday by Katy Perry~

Author's Note: Requested sorta Summary: Y/N celebrates her birthday with Luke Warnings: implied smut Word Count: 2,453

“Are you sure it’s okay that I am spending my birthday at the lake house?” she asked him as she shifted her gaze towards him. He glanced towards her, away from the road for a brief second. A soft smile formed to his lips as he reached his hand over, interlocking their fingers.

“It was my idea, remember?” he expressed, a small chuckle fell from his lips. She dropped her head, a smirk formed to her lips. “I’m sorry your friends couldn’t make it,” he mumbled out, squeezing her hand. 

Her smirk faltered as she tilted her head to the side, looking towards Luke. He had his baseball hat on backwards as his frame was covered in a simple black t-shirt, with a pair of dark wash jeans. It was an outfit that he wore constantly. 

“It’s okay! Not everyone can afford plane tickets. I got my boy, that’s all that matters,” she said. Despite the words leaving her lips, she was sad. It was her twenty-first birthday and all she wanted to do was get drunk with her friends. Sure, she’s spent many years in college already doing that but doing it legally was definitely different. 

“Yes you do,” he mumbled as he pulled their interlocked hands towards his face. He pressed his lips against the back of her hand. “And I will absolutely make sure it will be great weekend,” he let out before he kissed her hand one more time. 

He had the whole weekend planned out. Her friends had asked him if he would help them with the surprise. They had lied about not being able to come to Michigan to celebrate. 

Today was Thursday and her friends were coming in Friday night. Her birthday was actually Saturday so it would be perfect for the whole plan to have them come into the house while Luke took Y/N out to dinner at a very fancy restaurant. She loves putting on floor length gown and going to fancy places. Since Luke would never say no to a gourmet meal or any meal for that matter.

He gave them a spare key to the lake house and they were planning on setting up an extravagant birthday celebration. 

“Thank you, my love,” she mumbled as she watched him turn down the street towards the Hughes lake house. 

Jack and Quinn were also showing up to help supervise the girls. And to also maybe flirt with her friends. But Luke spent multiple text messages saying things along the line of Don’t you think about sleeping with any of my girlfriend’s friends. Which the boys were never actually going to follow through with it but they loved messing with Luke.

“Hopefully the lake is not freezing,” Luke mumbled as he pulled into his parking spot. He threw the car into park as he quickly shifted his whole body towards her. She giggled as she slowly unbuckled her seatbelt. He excitedly smacked his hands onto her thigh. She giggled again as she met his gaze. 

“It’s going to be a great weekend,” he promised as he leaned towards her. He delicately took a hold of her chin. She nodded as a small pout fell onto her lips. He leaned closer to her, “Oh stop,” he mumbled before he leaned towards kissing her delicately. 

He pulled away, his hand still holding her chin in place. He watched her lips fall into a pout once more. He smiled softly, “What’s with this?” he asked, running his thumb across her bottom lip. 

“You stopped kissing me,” she said as she leaned towards him kissing him. He pulled away reluctantly a small chuckle leaving his throat.

“I meant before,” he whispered as he slowly glided his hand from her chin towards the base of her neck. 

“I’m happy to be here with you, I just wish my girls could’ve come too,” she mumbled as she met his gaze.

He nodded as he pulled his lips between his teeth. “I know,” he let out before he pressed his lips against her own. “Come on,” he whispered against her lips before he stepped out of the car. He quickly jogged around towards the passenger side of the car to open the car door for her. 

~

“This place is kinda creepy with just us,” Y/N mumbled as Luke ran his hands up and down her thighs. He rolled her eyes as she ran her hands across his exposed chest. He clenched his jaw as he scanned her frame, the red swimsuit was a color he’s never seen on her before. 

“It’s not creepy at all,” Luke offered as he continued running his hands up and down her thighs.

“We are alone on a boat in the center of a lake. This is the start of a horror movie,” she offered as she ran her fingertips across the curve of his abs. His body clenched under her touch. She leaned down towards him, “Do you think Michael Myers can swim?” she asked. 

He let out a sudden laugh as he tilted his head back. “I think-” he paused as he slowly began to glide his hands up her frame. “I have an idea to scare away any potential horror movie killers.”

“Oh yeah?” she offered as she leaned down and kissed him delicately. He tightened his grip along her hips. She let out a breathy laugh. “You do realize the first people to have sex in horror movies are the ones that die first,” she explained as she ran her hands through the ends of his hair. 

“What a way to go out,” he mumbled as he hungerily pressed his lips against hers. She gasped as she pulled away from him. 

“You are awful!” she let out with a giggle. He rolled his eyes with a teasing smirk. 

“You are beautiful,” he mumbled. She rolled her eyes as she leaned down, hovering her lips over his. 

~

The following night, the girls, Jack and Quinn were all inside the lake house setting up the night of her dreams. “I’ll be right back,” he mumbled as he ran his thumb across the top of her hand for a few seconds before he stood up from the table. She smiled towards him as she went back to finishing the chocolate cake in front of her. 

Luke walked towards the bathroom at the back of the restaurant. He pulled his phone towards his ear, hearing it ring a few times. “Lukey!” Jack shouted into the phone. Luke cringed as he pulled the phone away from his ear for a brief second.

“Is the place ready?” Luke asked, letting out a shaky breath.

“Yup, and your girlfriend’s friend, Ali-”

“Don’t fucking think about it,” Luke said in a hushed tone. An older gentleman walked out of the bathroom as he spoke. Luke forced a tight lip smile as he dropped his gaze towards the floor. “We’ll be leaving the restaurant in like fifteen minutes,” Luke expressed.

“Alright,” Jack mumbled as he hung up the phone. Luke let out a huff of air as he walked back towards their table. 

Luke sat down, “I’m sorry about that,” he let out as he met her gaze.

“You’re okay,” she mumbled as she brought her glass of water towards her lips. 

“How was the cake?” he asked, a wide smile on his lips. She tilted her head to the side as a small smile formed to her lips. 

“So good and so upset you made them sing to me!” she expressed dramatically. The waiter placed the check on the table and Luke quickly picked it up and placed his card inside of the black envelope. They both smiled polietly to the waiter as he walked away. 

“I didn’t make them do anything!” he let out while laughing, “I just casually mentioned that it was your birthday, they did the rest,” he smirked as he took a sip of his water. 

After another thirty minutes, they finally pulled up to the lake house. Quinn and Jack had parked a street away to make it look like the house was still empty. He pulled the car into park as he shifted his body towards her. She rolled her eyes playfully as she turned her gaze towards him.

“Happy birthday, beautiful,” he whispered before he quickly jolted out of the car. She furrowed her eyebrows harshly before she watched him jog around the car. He pulled open her door. “Come on,” he mumbled. She stared towards him suspiciously as she slowly unbuckled her seatbelt. 

He held out his hand for her and she quickly took a hold of it. He guided her out of the car. He took a hold of her lower back as he guided her through the garage. She took a hold of his arm as he pushed open the door guiding her inside. 

Her eyes widened as she saw the balloons, streamers, and giant banner. The banner wrote Happy 21st Birthday, throw away your fake! She chuckled as she turned her gaze towards Luke as several voices shouted “Suprise!” She gasped as her eyes jumped around the room.

Her five closest friends were scattered throughout the living room, alongside Jack and Quinn. She covered her face with her hands as she felt tears fill her eyes. “You guys!” she let out. She pulled her hands away from her face as she looked towards Luke. “I thought you were bad at keeping secrets!” she said as she shoved him back. He chuckled as he delicately pushed her towards the crowd.

Y/N’s friends all circled her as she walked towards the center of the living room. Quinn and Jack walked towards Luke. “Girl this dress!” her friend, Olivia, said as she hugged her excitedly. “It is beautiful but you need to switch into your sexiest swimsuit because we are getting drunk as hell on that boat,” she expressed. 

“Okay, come on and help me pick it out!” she said as she started guiding the girls towards Luke’s room. Aly, Olivia, Jessie, Carley, and Penny all quickly followed after her. Aly was taking a hold of some of the dress to try and help her from tripping and falling onto her face.

After a few seconds all six of the girls entered the small bedroom. “How long have you guys kept this a secret?” Y/N asked as she lifted her suitcase up onto the bed.

“Since you asked us! We talked to Luke about it and he was all for this surprise plan,” Jessie explained. Y/N smiled softly as she pulled out four different swimsuits for the girls to help her decide. “We know that you really wanted us here and we all saved up to buy plane tickets to be here,” 

“You guys are amazing,” she let out as her voice cracked slightly. “This is going to be so fun,” she mumbled as she stared towards each of her friends individually. 

“You’re not upset we interrupted your weekend getaway with your man,” Aly asked while hip bumping Y/N. All of the girls burst out into laughter.

“Not at all,” she let out as she picked up the black bikini and decided on putting that one on. Each one of her friends approved, “Don’t worry, we had a great day yesterday,” she let out as she smirked. 

“Oh did you?” Carley mumbled, leading to every girl to start quietly oooooo. “What did you guys do?” Carley pressed. Y/N rolled her eyes as she pointed towards the back of her dress. Olivia quickly helped unzip the dress. 

“Hung out on the boat for a while,” she said trying to hide the smirk forming to her lips. 

Olivia’s eyes widened, “You guys didn’t,” she let out barely above a whisper. 

“I’m gonna go get my swimsuit on,” she said changing the subject as she walked towards the bathroom just outside of Luke’s room. 

“You dirty dog!” Olivia let out while laughing. 

~~~

It had been an hour since the whole surprise birthday weekend started and she was in fact three shots deep and two beers in. Quinn was driving the crowded boat, he was in the process of tossing Olivia and Jessie around on the tube hanging off the back of the boat.

Y/N was laying down at the back of the boat with Luke laying between her legs. His head rested just beneath her chest as he was humming along to the song playing on the speaker. 

She was running her fingers through his wet curly hair. “So you were surprised?” Luke asked as he tilted his head back. She smiled down towards him.

“I’m throughly impressed with your secret keeping skills,” she mumbled as she continued running her fingers through his hair. 

“I wanted you to have the best weekend,” he mumbled as he absentmindedly caressed the inside of her thighs.

“Thank you, my love,” she mumbled before she shifted her gaze towards Aly. 

“You going to get on the tube?” Aly asked her. She shook her head dramatically. “Oh come on, birthday girl, you have to,” she expressed before she took another sip of her cocktail.

“Not with how Quinn is driving this thing,” she mumbled. Quinn threw his head back as he laughed. Olivia and Jessie were climbing back into the boat. 

“I’ll go slower,” he offered. She still shook her head.

“Take another shot, and let’s go,” Aly mumbled as she took a hold of the vodka bottle. 

“No!” she let out while laughing. 

“Come on, baby, it’s fun,” Luke said as he tilted his head back, meeting her gaze. She clenched her jaw as she looked into Luke’s eyes. 

She let out a huff of air, “Fine, but I swear to god, Quinn, you try anything funny,” she threatened in what seemed like a joke but she wasn’t. He laughed as he leaned back in the chair. Luke sat up from his laying position, letting Y/N climb over him.

She groaned as she followed after Aly towards the back of the boat. Aly jumped into the water first. Y/N reluctantly jumped into the water. 

“Let’s go birthday girl!” Carley shouted as she watched Aly and Y/N climb onto the tube together.

“It’ll be fun,” Aly muttered as she tightened her grip on the tube. Quinn stood up, double-checking that they were both on the tube before he started driving the boat. Half of her friends had their phones out videoing. 

“Why did I agree to this?” Y/N asked as she tightened her grip. Quinn quickly turned the boat hard to the left. A squeal left both of their throats as they nearly fell off after the first spin. 

[threepandas]

Bad End: No Good Turn

I rushed to catch up, as I saw the party leaving. Advisor Leukippos was a hopelessly busy man after all. Seeming to drift, with elegant unhurried steps, from appointment to appointment at a somehow impossible speed. It was near impossible to actually catch him NOT in the middle of something. And believe me, I'd been TRYING!

"Advisor! Respected One! Please wait!" I did not so much... shout (as that would be RUDE. One must NEVER be RUDE around the Yanderians. They take GREAT exception. I've looked them up. Have even started taking classes on the subject.) as sorta? Pitched my voice to carry? Kinda the verbal equivalent of that awkward half jog, not run, people do.

My Yanderian pronunciation is god awful. Probably butchering the words, since I can't, you know, actually HEAR any of the nuanced under or over tones. The slight inflections. Yanderian is a language of SONG. Poetry. Composing some of the most beautiful audible art in the known universe. Some of the pieces I've heard? Are like whale song made of starlight. Birdsong made of thunder.

And that's the RECORDINGS! Which are said to miss SO MUCH of the in person nuances, due to technological limitations!

I, being a human, literally don't have the philosophy to even speak the language properly. Never will.

Not the voice box, not the HEARING, and certainly not the lung capacity. But I wanted to at least try, you know? If nothing else, maybe learn the language. There WERE after all, auditory aids for Yanderians with ear injuries. And! I theoretically? Could contact the company? To see if they would be willing to design a set of nuance readers for a human sized head! Adjusted for human hearing and visual ranges!

To be honest? I just was waiting to be able to send my message in Yanderian first. To prove that it wouldn't be a waste of time. Nuance readers were a time consuming project after all! Had to be customized to the life form wearing them.

Leukippos and his entourage had stopped, turned. Some fully, some only half way, to glance in bemused and startled confusion at the (no doubt strange) little creature trying to hacksaw her way through a sentence in their language. None the less, they DID stop for me, for which I was grateful. Their people were fuckin TALL, man. Long legs. Holy SHIT long legs. G-gimme a second! Gotta...! Breathe...!

I could practically feel their amusement from behind the assorted fans. Eyes curving up to match hidden grins.

"No drink to spill upon me, little one? How shall I recognize you now?" Comes teasing song speech from the man I've been trying, for DAYS, to catch outside of any one of his many responsibilities. I think? That particular rumbling quality? Means "playfully said, not insulting you?"

His body language certainly suggests it.

The laugh that forces its way out of my body? Is the sort that you make, while contemplating throwing yourself into the fucking SEA or a bottomless pit, after dumping your breakfast on like... a world leader.

Because I Basically DID.

Which? Ha ha... oh god, kill me. They wear FUCKING WHITE. The higher the rank? The MORE WHITE! (It's the color of Divinity and Honor! Which DOESNT FUCKING HELP! Oh GOD, does this mean what I did was SACRILEGIOUS TOO?!) Nothing but pale, easily and irreversibly stain-able colors, as far as the eye can see! And I accidentally? Dumped my shitty break room "whatever has caffeine and is still in stock" on him!

FIVE TIMES.

I've literally GIVEN UP open air caffeinated drinks because of this! They are the devil! Evil! Trying to ruin both my sanity AND my life! I don't CARE if canned coffee is more expensive! At least I can't DUMP IT ON A DIGNITARY.

The worst part? The ABSOLUTE WORST? Was how understanding and calm Leukippos was, while I lost my shit. It wasn't even MY outfit. He was the one covered in probably still burning coffee! As I hyperventilated and blubbered apologies and cried at him. Hair a mess! Sleep deprived as FUCK because my boss is an asshole. Well... WAS an asshole.

He came over to yell at me.

Did not go well for him. What with that being Rude™ and me having already spilled the beans that the whole incident was CAUSED by me being overworked. Sleep deprivation slows reaction times, you know?

But then... but THEN! It? Kept?? HAPPENING!!!

Turn a corner? Bump! Right down his front. Leaving a lift? Bump! Splash! There goes my cup! Oh but what about a SAFETY cup? I, like FOOL, naively think! Ha ha...

I nearly concuss him! Somehow! Right over the edge of some railing! Slams into the ground at his feet. Nearly hitting him from THREE STORIES UP, right on the head! Pretty sure the sound I made? Was just as painful to HEAR as it was to rip out of my own throat in panic.

No More Cups! Cups are BAD. This? Anti-cup having household.

We'll drink from fucking SPOONS if we have too! Bowls!

NO CUPS!

And every? Single?? Time??? Leukippos not only stops, in the middle of his unspeakably busy schedule, to calm down and reassure this random ass low ranking alien, who's dumped potentially toxic or dangerous unknown alien foodstuffs, just ALL over his incredibly expensive clothes? He's KIND about it! Polite! Makes light hearted little jokes and says not to worry!

It would be one thing, if he was an asshole about it? But!? He's so politely understanding instead? You just end up standing there. Staring in HORROR. At the slowly spreading stains, on that beautiful, delicate, lovely embroidered white fabric. Clothes that are HAND CRAFTED. Take months if not YEARS to make!!! And you just? Feel your soul... die inside.

Kill me. Fucking END me. I deserve it.

Oh my god.... What Have I Done?

But, hey! If he wants to turn my Horrifying Drink Based Trauma Crimes into a cute friendship meet cute? I'm so unbelievably down for that. Literally ANYTHING so I stop feeling like I'm constantly setting this man's ceremonial robes on fire in front of him, then having him ask if I'M okay or need anything.

Speaking of which? Excitedly I reach into my messages bag, asking if he remembers the over robe he lent me. Another victim to our coffee attacks, the over robe was of a style that traditionally hung open, so it only slightly got hit. His main robe suffering the worst of it. Most importantly, though? The over robe is the main decorative one! Heavy on the subtle off white on white embroidery.

It creates a kind of magical looking effect as the light hits it, it's hard to explain.

But! I got coffee'd too, right? Right down my front! So what does he do? Leukippos slides off his over robe and puts it on me. So I won't be walking around in state that would get me socially embarrassed. Cause a scandal. Still not sure if it's a Yanderian or a "their region of the galaxy" thing.

However, that? Left me with a beautiful, BEAUTIFUL and quickly staining white over robe. Not Today, Satan! So I looked up how to save it. Rushed it to a professional cleaners. They kept it from getting worse but couldn't help me, due to the unique fibers the robe was made off, but knew who COULD and sent me on my way.

I ended up in a breathing mask in little Kkbrixxtttishky. And I know, okay? It's mostly oxygen in that dome. Yeah, it IS, but there are enough fatally toxic trace elements in the atmosphere that unless you have a REALLY good filter mask? It's just safer to go full breathing mask. It's not fucking "paranoid" or "racist" or whatever garbage they'll tell you.

Half those fuckers saying that? Wouldn't even TRAVEL there if their LIVES depended on it! For ALL sorts of VERY reasonable excuses, I'm SURE. Bastards. One breathing mask and an uncomfortable decontamination shower between domes is all it takes! It's barely a few minutes delay between domes. Then you're in!

And? The whole area is beautiful. Everyone is super nice, deeply kind (especially when you get lost... like... A LOT). And oh my god? Do you know how badly I wish I could eat the food without, you know, dying? (God those little pie thingies looked so fucking GOOD...)

Anyway! Long and short of it? The Kkbrixxtttishky cleaner knew how to clean the robe! Even stored it in an air tight container so it could be decontaminated for my safe handling. They? Were so sympathetic? Shared my absolute horror at the situation. We're and ARE an absolute gem. Swear to God I plan to recommend them to anyone who can breathe that grade of atmosphere.

It was worth every unit.

Pulling out a clean, neatly folded robe to return? Feels like a triumph.

"The robe of which I gave you, clean once more." He says, recognizing it on sight. The smile behind his fan seems to grow, from what charmed expression I can see of his face, as he steps closer. "Such care, in trusted hands, this robe has found. Little one, you have gone to great lengths. No easy thing, the cleansing of such cloth. And to return it? None would think you less, should you have kept a gift..."

The songspeech has a distinctly warm tone to it, more then the already fond tone that had been there before. Heck yeah~ Knew it! I KNEW I did the right thing! And besides, it WAS the right thing. I tell him as much. He didn't really GIVE me his robe, he leant me it to help me save face.

The Galactic Senate is unspeakably vast. He was running the risk of never seeing it again but did it ANYWAY. Just so I wouldn't be seen walking around covered in a mess. I was just sorry I couldn't fix the OTHER robes my clumsiness had ruined.

"Virtuous little one~" Leukippos says sings, the nuanced tones, which I could only barely hear, suggesting his words were meant to be both teasing and praise. He driftes closer. His other hand elegantly raising to join the first. Both gripping his fan in an... almost coy sort of way? Ah, I'm probably reading that one wrong. Still learning, after all...

"Won't you join me? A walk with good company, is a pleasant one indeed. I have not had chance to speech casually with you before. We would have sent you correspondence; In accordance with tradition and regard, however..."

Leukippos trailed off. Politely not saying the obvious. Which was that it was fuckin impossible to find me in the G.S. directory, since I was effectively a Nobody, and you'd have to know Going IN which Embassy I worked for. Even then, it'd be rough as hell, dragging me name out of that thing. I was the afterthought of an afterthought, that the forgettable once might of had.

But hey, it pays the bills.

I grin. Of course, I'd love to join him. If I'm not getting in the way! The robe is handed off to one of the smiling members of the entourage. Tucked away somewhere. And I am swallowed into the center of the group. Holy SHIT, they are tall. Like? I knew that. On average? Yanderians were about a foot and a half taller then humans... but STILL? I think these guys might be tall for Yanderians? I feel dainty. Wild.

Leukippos helps with my pronunciation, as we walk. Recommends a few new up and coming artists who's works sound fascinating. Distracted by it all, I don't notice our path meandering away from what I know is his next appointment, and towards his office. At least, I don't until we're alone.

His fan lower gently from his face, revealing handsome features.

I startle, don't know where to look. Uuuuuuuh?! No, wait, what!? No. See, I REMEMBER my basics of Yanderian etiquette block, from the sociology lessons I'm taking. He's not allowed to DO that! He can't DO THAT! Illegal! Naked! Why is he FACE NAKED!? That's like taking your SHIRT OFF! Fine around close friends and family. But JUST around them! ONLY them.

Going 0 to 150 REAL FAST, my guy!

Sputtering, I spin around. I saw NOTHING. Sexy lil fangs WHOMS'T? Ha ha! Jawline whaaaat? No, no! I'm actually BLIND. As of just a bit ago! Terrible, really. Should probably see a doctor! Now actually! Yeah. Now sounds good. I'm just gonna-!!

Softly, elegantly, like a dancer's pose, an arm in billowing white reaches over my should to delicately press against the door. It's the old fashioned kind. Swinging, not slide, made of wood. Must of cost more then I make in a year. The hand presses one finger at a time, a precise little sequence of tap tap tap.

Each finger accompanied by the softest sound of sharp nail tips.

I am suddenly hyperaware. H..How did he move that-?

The friendly atmosphere, the comfort, seems to have been sucked out of the room as thoroughly as an open airlock straight to the void. I am alone with a man I do not... now that I think about it... actually know. I FELT like I knew him. We keep meeting. I've been learning about his people. But do I know HIM? Personally? The nature of HIS character?

I... I do not.

And he is a very, VERY powerful man.

My eyes are locked on the hand, gently holding the door shut. I haven't tried my strength against his. Yet. But the numbers are in my head. The odds. Cold sweat prickles and beads along my skin, my breathe shallow, as I stand utterly frozen. It's a beautifully manicured hand, I note. Strong wrist, there a hint of true muscle, under all those robes.

He smells of trees and musk, spices and flowers not native to earth. The sleeve flowing over my shoulder is dangerously soft. His existence a pillar of heat, right behind me, not touching... but close enough. He seems perfectly content to wait me out. My mind is static.

"We fall in love quite easily, did you know? Oh little one..." His words are sighed confession, sung like falling leaves. Another hand comes up, on the other side of me. "My people greatest folly. Our weakness, our despair. Oh little one, we love too much. It frightens people. How quickly and deeply we fall..."

Why was he telling me that? I... I know the most obvious reason why he MIGHT be. B-but surely not! Ha ha. No way. C-can't be! So Why Is He TELLING ME THAT?!

"Courtship requires planning of course. Research. 'Meet-Cutes' I believe they are titled? Did you enjoy them? Were they proper? I'm to take you on outings next, yes? Flowers and material goods. To prove I can provide and know you well, and ah~"

There was mouth pressed to the nape of my neck, breathing deep against my skin. I could feel the almost lazy hunter's grin, splitting those lips into a smirk. Sharp teeth and hot breathe, dangerously close and already lusting to leave behind marks.

"And I DO know you so well. I have made certain of that, my little one. Dearest little one. Jewel of my heart, soon to be keeper of my name. I will court you in your ways, then I will court you in mine. Our wedding will be beautiful."

My heart was racing. I had to get out of here. Go and never, EVER come back. Oh god, at this distance? There was no WAY he couldn't hear everything. I had to lie! Do something! Anything! Just get out of this room. Back to Earth's embassy!

I... I couldn't move. Afraid. I was afraid.

He's so big. So much stronger then me. I have to get out.

"You shall such peace and love on Yanderia, darling. The other partners will rejoice for a new friend and you will be welcomed. Isn't that lovely? There is so much we do not show outsiders. But you, little one?"

"You will have the rest of your life to learn it ALL~"

[thebearer]

fall into me |carmen berzatto x reader|

prompt: part 2 of follow me. your date with carmen.

contains: fluff. anxious carmen. mentions of mikey. but all fluff :)

Carmen was sure he was going to be sick. A new kind of sickness, where his stomach felt like it was going to fall out of his mouth and ass at the same time. He changed his outfit six times, slacks and a tie felt too formal. Jeans felt out of the question, and while the very cool guy on TikTok swore that slacks and t-shirts were in this season… Carmen couldn’t bring himself to wear it. 

So he wore his slacks, good shoes he still had from pretentious meetings in the restaurant, and his good button down, a steely type blue- the saleswoman told him it really complimented his eyes, then wrote her number on his receipt. Of course, Carmen didn’t call it. He’d never allow himself the simple pleasures like that. 

Carmen smoked the whole way to the restaurant, a bottle of cologne in his pocket, which he doused himself in on the corner, popping a mint. He saw you standing there, awkwardly on your phone by the light pole, head ducked to your screen in your black, silk, cowl neck dress. Carmen could feel his heart jump at the sight of you, cursing while he started to jog in the still new shoes. 

“Hey, shit, sorry.” Carmen apologized, his chest tightening and burning as he slowed in front of you. “I-I couldn’t find my phone.” Definitely not because I tried on a million different outfits and had a panic attack.

“Ah, so that’s why you didn’t text me back. Thought you ghosted me at your own restaurant.” You quipped, his heart plummeting, face falling with it. You grinned, shoving your phone in your tiny purse. “‘M fucking with you, Carm. I just got here.” 

“Oh,” Carmen sighed. “Yeah, good. That-That’s good. Do you want to go in?” 

“Sure.” You giggled. “After you, Chef.” 

“C’mon.” Carmen laughed lightly, shaking his head, hoping it would hide his burning cheeks. You were ahead of him, reaching for the door, his heart skipping when he saw it. “I got it!” 

You drew your hand back, looking at him carefully. The blush in his cheeks spread down to his neck. “I-I got it, let me get it.” Carmen nodded, pulling the handle. You glided past him, his hand ghosting on the small of your back, leaving you shuddering under his touch. It was casual, you doubted he even knew he did it, just a slight usher while he followed you in. 

“It’s so different being here at night.” You whispered to him, your arm brushing his while you walked to the hostess station. 

Carmen nodded. “I know, it’s, uh, it’s nice to see it like this, ya know?” He muttered. “See it from a customer’s perspective.” 

“That’s what you wanted, isn’t it?” You asked, your head tilting to the side softly. “Why we’re kinda doing this?” 

Carmen’s heart fell, swallowing around the lump in his throat. He could feel his own mind racing. Of course, you didn’t think this was a date. Why would you ever want to be on a date with him?

“I mean, yeah, sorta. Here f’you too. To thank you for everything.” Carmen nodded, eyes cutting to yours. Fuck, he knew he needed to look at you, he wanted to look at you, but it was so fuckin’ hard. When you looked so pretty, so effortlessly calm and cool. It made him fluster. 

“C’mon, Carm. You hired me, paid me. And you guys have been so nice. Most places are… horrible. Act like I’m bothering them when they hired me. You’ve got a good place, great staff. I’m glad you wanted me to be a part of it for a while.” You smiled, stepping up to the hostess station.

Carmen could feel his heart squeeze, an uncomfortably tight realization that this would be the last time he saw you. He’d been running numbers all night, seeing where he could take cuts so he could keep you, but even then, you’d be gone for at least another two months since you already took another job. By then, whatever you had here, would be gone. 

“Ah, there you are, the VIP customers for the night.” Richie schmoozed, sliding behind the hostess stand. 

You grinned, Carmen’s eyes downcast making Richie’s jaw tick. “How are you two this evening?”

“Great.” You beamed. “Excited to try this place. I’ve never been here before. Heard it’s the best in Chicago.” You nudged Carmen playfully with your hip, grinning at him. 

He gave you a tight lipped smile, hands by his side, trying to nonchalantly wipe his hands on his slacks. Richie smiled at you, glaring lightly at Carmen. “Well, you heard right, sweetheart. We want your night to be extra special, so we have this booth back here just for the two of you.” 

“Hey, Syd,” Tina muttered, looking up from her plating to see your head pass with Carmen’s curly locks. “They’re here.” 

“Shit, are they?” Sydney turned, looking through the window. “God, Carmen looks like he’s about to pass out.” 

“Fuck, he does, doesn’t he?” Sugar huffed, her hands on her hips. 

Richie caught Sugar’s eye through the window, a flickering glance that told her exactly what she needed to know. “So, I will have the focaccia out for the two of you shortly. Can I start you off with anything to drink?” 

“‘M good.” Carmen muttered, taking the leather bound menu into his hands, knee bouncing under the table. 

You looked a little uncomfortable, eyes cutting to Carmen’s before a moment of hesitation flashed over your face. “Uh, I’ll take a glass of whatever you think would pair best with the meal?” 

“Perfect. I’ll have that out.” Richie smiled, hoping his silent screams at Carmen would be enough for him to catch on. Fak passed, slipping a piece of paper in Richie’s hand. Richie stepped away, reading Sugar’s scribbled writing: “GET CARMEN BACK HERE NOW!!!!” 

“Excuse me, folks,” Richie greeted apologetically, though the two of you weren’t talking. “Carmen, I hate to do this, but I need you just for a second, ok?” 

Carmen nodded, sliding out of the booth without so much as looking at you. Richie fought the urge to roll his eyes. “I’m sorry, sweetheart, it’ll just be a second. That focaccia and riesling are on the way.” Richie grinned at you, stepping beside Carmen. 

“What’s goin’ on? Did we run out of-” 

“-No, you fuckin’ moron.” Richie huffed, letting the door slam shut. “The fuck is your problem, huh? You’re not even- hey, send that to six with the Cakebread white, ok?- You’re not even looking at her, c’mon, Cousin.” 

Carmen blushed, running a hand through his hair. “What? I-I’m talkin’ to her-” 

“-No, you’re not.” Sugar snapped, rounding the corner. “You look like an ass, Carmy. You’re on a date with her and-” 

“-It’s not a date.” Carmen shook his head, brushing it off. 

Sugar blinked. “You’re on a date with her,” She repeated, her tone firmer- a mom tone she’d adapted since working here that would help with the baby. “And you’re acting like a total-total…” Sugar waved her hands, stuttering over the word. 

“Jagoff.” Neil added, passing through the kitchen for a moment before going out the doors. 

“Thank you! Yes! A total jagoff.” Sugar glared at Carmen. 

“I-I don’t even think she thinks it’s a date-” 

The kitchen erupted in groans, shouting at him irritatedly. “Look at how she’s dressed. If she thought this was a free meal ticket, she wouldn’t wear that. That is a date night dress.” 

“That’s true.” Sydney added. 

Carmen couldn’t help the way his heart flipped with excitement, looking out the window at you, sitting at the table, nursing your wine slowly- alone. 

“Cousin, c’mere,” Richie motioned him, leading him towards the office. “Look, I get you got this whole ‘I deserve nothing good’ doom and gloom attitude, but that right there. That’s good.” Richie jabbed his finger towards the door. “I see you, ok? You guys got that cute little texting thing goin’ on, alright?” 

Carmen stilled. He felt like a teenager again, being teased and tormented by Mikey and Richie about a crush he had. How the fuck did he know about your texting? “Look, if you let her go tonight without even trying, you’re gonna regret it. You only got one chance, cousin, do not miss your chance to blow.” Richie said seriously. 

“Don’t fuckin’ quote Eminem to me right now-” 

“-Alright, alright, but seriously?” Richie nodded into the office, the tiny frame that held Mikey’s note ‘Let it rip!’. Carmen felt his stomach turn, guilt trilling in it. He knew Richie was right and that fact alone made him queasy. “Listen to Mikey, alright? You can have good shit in your life.” 

Carmen looked at the photo, taking a grounding breath, Mikey’s voice ringing loud in his ears. “Let it rip.” Carmen muttered, pushing past the double doors back to you. 

“Oh, no way!” You laughed. “You don’t have TikTok?” 

“No, no. Don’t have time for it.” Carmen shrugged, sipping his water. 

“Then how do you watch our videos?” You asked, brow raising in question. 

“I click the link you send me and it opens up just on my Google or whatever.” Carmen grinned, shrugging lightly, popping another truffle fry in his mouth. He’d nearly fallen over when you asked for ranch, teasing you lightly. You’d only shrugged, sticking one in your mouth, declaring it would taste better with ranch. You were kidding, of course, it was perfect. 

“Wow.” You smirked, finger tracing around the rim. “You’re missing out. It’s addictive.” 

“Yeah? It’s weird too.” Carmen snorted lightly. 

“Says you! You’re Mr. TikTok Famous and you don’t even know it.” You pushed his arm lightly, trying not to gawk at how firm his biceps were. Sure, you’d definitely seen them while he was working, but… they felt better than they looked. “Should see how you’ve got everyone in a tizzy. Chopping onions and marinating wagyu.” 

Carmen laughed, cheeks reddening at the compliment. “Yeah, those comments were…shocking.” 

“You think?” You cocked your head to the side. “I thought they were pretty normal.” 

“Half of them were asking me to violently punch them.” Carmen laughed, eyes widening at you. 

“Well, can you blame them?” You grinned, leaning in closer. “You got nice hands. Of course, they’re going feral. I knew what I was doing with that shot. Giving the people what they want.” 

Carmen blushed furiously, hoping you couldn’t see under the low light of the restaurant. “Nah, c’mon.” He looked down at his fingers, etched with tattoos. 

“You c’mon.” You grinned, reaching out a little daringly to trace a finger over his veins. You’d blame the wine for your boldness, but Carmen shivered under your touch. “You’ve got hot hands. No wonder they all go so crazy. You’re a pretty chef with good hands.” 

Carmen knew you had to see his blush now, sure his body temperature went up ten degrees, heart beating so bad in his chest he was sure he wasn’t going to make it another course. “Uh,” Carmen laughed, running his free hand over his mouth, hoping to hide some of his grin. He didn’t dare move his hand from his. “Well, thanks, I guess. I, um, I wanna say I think the same.” 

You lifted a brow, biting back a laugh when he stuttered, his eyes widening. Your giggles were infectious to him, a stream of his own nervous laugh spilling out of his throat. “No, I-I meant- fuck, I meant… I, uh, I think you’re pretty.” 

There was a pause, your own teeth pulling in your lip, grinning shyly at him. “Really?” You asked. You felt like you were in junior high again, finding out the boy on the JV team like liked you. It was giddy, the feeling in your chest. Warm, your heart skipping a beat. 

“Yeah.” Carmen nodded, swallowing around the lump in his throat. “Beautiful, really.” 

“Well, thank you.” You grinned, hoping to hide your smile behind your own glass of wine. Fak came by, dropping your next course off, a temporary relief for the moment, letting the two of you get yourselves together. 

“You think he’ll do it?” Sugar asked, pretending to roll silverware while Richie handed them to her. A meaningless job that just so happened to be by the window, so they could see the two of you. 

“I dunno. Could go either way.” Richie sucked in a breath. “He seems to be close, ya know? Think he has it in him to do it, just… fuck, I hope he does.” 

“Me too.” Sugar sighed. “Can you hear what they’re saying? It looks… nice? So that’s gotta be good, right?” 

“Yeah, hopefully…” Richie hummed, squinting to try and make out the words you were whispering to each other. The two of you were pressed together, migrated together as the meal went on until you were huddled, like it was the two of you. 

“I really don’t want you to leave.” Carmen admitted, body pressed to yours, hand in yours in the dim light of the booth. Everyone had left, all the patrons shuffled out and escorted to their cars. Some of the kitchen staff went home, but some stayed, pretending to be extra tedious with their cleanup so they could see the two of you. 

“I know. I’m having such a good time with you.” You agreed, tilting your chin up to look at him, lashes batting, eyes a little glossy from the wine. 

“No- I mean, yeah I-I’m having a good time with you, too. But I meant… leave forever.” Carmen admitted, the lump in his throat growing more and more with each word. “I really liked having you here.” 

“I liked being here.” You hummed, tongue running over your bottom lip lightly. “It was a lot of fun. I liked spending time with you.” 

“Yeah? I liked spending time with you too. A lot.” Carmen admitted. “And I… I want to keep spending time with you?” It came out more as a question, all hopeful eyes and a rounded gaze. “If-If you want to-” 

“-Yeah.” You grinned. “I wanna keep spending time with you. I like being with you, Carmen.” 

“Yeah? Really?” Camren was half convinced he was hallucinating. 

“Yeah.” You nodded. “If you wanna spend some more time with me too. I’d like to get to know you more, and not to just write a staff spotlight on.” You giggled, his lips curling at the sound. “To, like, really get to know you.” 

“I would… yeah, I’d like that. Like to get to know you too.” Carmen nodded. 

There was a pause, the tension between the two of you was thick. Your eyes darted from his lips back to his eyes, already leaning closer. Carmen could feel his stomach lurch with nerves, Mikey’s voice ringing over and over and over. 

Let it fuckin’ rip, Carmen thought before he moved in, lips on yours. His hands were clammy cradling your jaw but you didn’t seem to mind, your own arms snaking their way around his neck, pulling him closer, deeper into the kiss. 

“Holy shit!” Richie gasped, dropping the fork. “Look! Fuckin’ look!” 

The staff clambered around to huddle by the window, watching the two of you kiss, pulling apart with small smiles, before going back in. Carmen’s hands sliding down your back, your arms, your waist- fuck, he just loved feeling you like this, and he hadn’t even felt all of you. Yet. 

“He fuckin’ did it.” Richie grinned, awing at Carmen. “Hey, Sug, might be a bad time, but I believe I’m owed fifty dollars.” 

You pulled apart, grinning at Carmen, still huddled close together, his hands rubbing the silk fabric of your dress, your sliding through the curls on the nape of his neck. Your mind was dizzy, the rush of adrenaline, emotion, and buzzing from the wine. 

“What’re you doin’ tomorrow?” Carmen asked. 

“Nothing.” You hummed. “Why? You’ve got something in mind?” 

“Not-Not right now, actually.” Carmen admitted with a small laugh. “But I’d love to do something with you.” 

“Me too.” You smiled. 

Carmen looked around, catching his staff standing in the window, rolling his eyes when they darted after he caught them, scampering in different directions. “Um, it’s gettin’ kinda late.” Carmen looked at you, fingers drumming on his thigh- that was still touching yours. 

“Yeah.” You nodded, looking at your phone. “I guess I should go, and I’ll, um, I’ll see you tomorrow?” 

Carmen nodded, sliding out of the booth then offering his hand to help you. “Did you walk here?” 

“No, I took the L.” You walked towards the door beside him. It was quiet, the soft hum from the kitchen, the muffled clatters of pots and pans being put away. 

“Me too. I’ll ride back with you?” Carmen offered. 

“I thought you lived like three blocks away?” You giggled, tilting your head to the side. “And I’m in the opposite direction.” 

“Yeah, I-I do.” Carmen nodded. “I just… You shouldn’t ride alone at night, ya know? Shit could happen and… I don’t want it to. To happen to you.” 

You could feel the heat flushing through your cheeks, through your chest. You laughed lightly. “Is this your way of trying to come home with me?” You lifted a brow playfully. 

“No! No.” Carmen shook his head, flustered, which made you laugh harder. 

“I’m kidding, Carm.” You giggle, reassuring him. “But… if you wanted to come stay the night. Since it’s late… and you’re insisting on coming with me on the L.” 

“I don’t wanna make-make it weird, or come off like that. I-I really am… I like you.” Carmen stuttered. Fuck, there was nothing more tempting than that invite, but Carmen didn’t want to fuck this up. He really didn’t want to fuck this up. 

“I mean, stay over so we can talk more.” You gave him a pointed look. “We were having a good conversation. Weren’t we?” 

“Yeah, no, yeah. Yeah, we were.” Carmen stuttered, hand on the door, twisting the lock though his eyes never left yours. 

“So… You want to come over then? Finish telling me about Copenhagen? Please?” And how could Carmen say no, his head spinning with excitement when he walked out behind you, letting the door fall shut, your arm looping around his while you walked towards the L. 

Richie ran to the front, pushing the door open with Sugar and Tina, watching the two of you walk towards the station. “Good job, Cousin.” Richie muttered. 

[diremoone]

the door with the floral wreath | r. sukuna

when sukuna gets a new neighbor on the third floor of his apartment complex, he’s pleasantly surprised to see who it is behind the door with the floral wreath. her two cats on the other hand, are a massive fucking problem.

w — honestly nothing? save for fluff and some cussing, slowburn-ish, implied boxer & sorta rich! Sukuna, implied polyglot(ish)! reader, cat! Satoru and cat! Suguru and both cats being in love, cozy themed again (I can’t help it), the formatting of this “fic” was how it was in my brain so I’m sorry if it’s a lil strange haha, this apparently became longer than I originally anticipated lmao, reader is mentioned to be partially Japanese but no physical appearances are ultimately described, mild angst at the end

a/n: not apart of the ‘make me (yours)’ universe but it’s definitely inspired by it

🌸 When Sukuna wakes up on a Saturday morning and opens his front door to leave for his morning run, the last thing he expects to see is a floral wreath on the door opposite of his. That can only mean one thing: someone has moved in. But if someone has, then why hasn’t he seen or heard the furniture being moved in? These aren’t exactly the cheapest apartments, so did they just not have anything?

It was weird, to say the least.

🌸 However, three months pass before he gets to see who the person who’s behind the door across from his.

🌸 Sukuna gets back from his jog a little early, the light sprinkles of rain turning into a downpour. That’s when he sees you leaving your apartment, locking the door to leave. Unfortunately, you’re not paying too much attention to your surroundings, and you two nearly collide into one another at the top of the stairs.

You narrowly turn in time to place yourself flat against the wall to avoid the behemoth of a man that was your neighbor from running over you and sending you both down the stairs.

“I’m sorry,” came your instant apology.

“It’s fine,” follows his gruff reply.

But he knows he certainly wouldn’t mind running into you again. Just not where you two can fall down the stairs and potentially break your necks.

On a random day not too long after your initial run-in (and near subsequent dangerous tumble down some stairs), you two run into one another to get the mail at the front office.

You pop up behind him right after he opens his mailbox, staring up at him and his very impressive height and build and apparently scare him, because when you speak next, his shoulders jump. “Gosh, you’re tall. You must’ve played basketball or something in high school, yeah?”

He would’ve either been silent or retort something in an asshole tone like he was used to. He just didn’t like people.

He would’ve, if it wasn’t his cute neighbor.

“Volleyball,” he replies quietly. “Quit after graduation.”

You frown. “That sucks. You must’ve been good at it.”

“It was a pastime.”

“Sounds fun though,” you chirp, putting your own key into your mailbox. “I tried to get into sports, but uh, lack of things made it hard to do so. Did track for awhile, until my ribs couldn’t keep up.”

Sukuna lets out a snort but says nothing further. He goes to leave, but not before hearing, “G’bye, neighbor!”

Ah, shit. He hadn’t told you his name, had he?

Hopefully, there would be a next time.

🌸 Sukuna doesn’t see you again for another month or two after that, fate still having you two separated like an awful slowburn romance.

🌸 What he doesn’t like in particular is the fact you don’t know his name and he doesn’t know yours. He doesn’t like that; doesn’t like that he’s missed his chance to know you a little better. By his logic, he should know your name, have your phone number, and have at least had you on a date and in his bed at least once already.

🌸 Come early December, he hears your door begin to open and close a lot. It becomes annoying, very very annoying, very very quickly.

That goes on almost until Christmas time.

Until one day he manages to catch the little reasons why your door has been slamming shut so much.

Twerp Number One wriggles in his hold as he holds them both up to eye level. She grunts and huffs at him. “Put me down!”

To which he scoffs at. “And why should I do that?”

Just as Twerp Number Two decides to speak, your door opens. This time it’s you.

“You can let them down,” you say, clearly amused. “They’ve come for cookies.”

Sukuna grunts. “So that’s why they’re always slamming the door.”

“I’m sorry. I’ve tried to get them to stop. They are six, though.” As genuine as your apology is, Sukuna can see the little twinkle of mischievousness appear at the end of your sentence in defense of the two twerps.

“Mr. Sukuna is a big grump anyway!” the oddly-orange-haired girl says. “At least that’s what my mama says.”

“Nobara, you shouldn’t be calling people names,” you scold the girl. “Put them down so they can get some cookies and head back, please. I’m sure Nobara’s mom is wondering about them. Nobara, the white box is for you to take home.”

Sukuna begrudgingly obliges. Nobara and her friend barge inside your home. The door stays open thanks to a cold breeze, allowing for the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and cinnamon rolls to drift outside and into his nose. And damn does it smell nice.

“So, I finally know your name,” you muse.

“Ryomen Sukuna,” he says, half-correcting you, “but everyone just calls me by my first name.”

“I can see why,” you reply in a joking tone and smile. “But yeah… It fits you. I’m [Name], and pretty much the same: everyone calls me by my first name. Since my last name isn’t exactly normal, you know… Since I’m not inherently from Japan.”

Sukuna’s brows raise. “You’ve lived here before?” he asks.

“My mom is [part/full] Japanese,” you admit. And then to his surprise, you ramble on further, “I’ve popped around, uh, a few countries over the last several years of my life, Japan included. I’ve just… never stayed in one place to technically be from somewhere. I was born in the States, but… I don’t, uh, really feel like I actually am from there… Does that make any sense?”

“It does.” But he doesn’t go into his backstory in return. And thankfully, you don’t seem to mind, just about as much as you minded sharing such a part of your life to someone who’s technically nothing more than a stranger to you, not in the slightest.

Nobara pops back out with her friend, who’s just a touch older than her.

“Thank you for the cookies and cimmanom rolls, Miss [Name]!” Nobara says.

You don’t bother to correct her cute mistake. “You’re very welcome, Nobara. Now head home. Goodnight, girls.”

“Goodnight!”

You watch the girls descend, and when they’re out of sight, you listen carefully for the telltale of their first floor door closing. And when it thuds shut loud enough to wake everyone in the apartments in the block, you turn your attention back to the gigantic man that was your next door neighbor… Who’s attention was on your door, more than likely concentrating on the smell in your kitchen.

Your lips curl up and you prevent a giggle. “You want some?”

Your voice snaps him from his stupor. “What? Want what?”

“Some cookies and cimmanom rolls?” you question, cutely reiterating Nobara’s mistake.

“Uh…”

He takes too long to answer, so you decide for him. “I’ll get you some anyway.”

You go back inside, leaving him out in the cold. But you don’t take very long and come back out not even two minutes later with another white box and place it into his hands.

“Well,” you say, teeth chattering from the cold. “It’s nice finally knowing your name, neighbor. Maybe we’ll run into each other again soon… Goodnight.”

He barely gets out a “goodnight” before you close the door. Sukuna tosses his head back and settles for a heavy exhale rather than the audible sigh he knows you would’ve heard through your door.

Another fuck up. But at least he got some food out of it this time.

🌸 You both end up meeting each other a lot more often by “coincidence” after that, like fate has finally determined you’re allowed to see one another or something. (To him that just sounds stupid, until it comes out of your mouth.)

For Christmas, you end up gifting him a tin of popcorn and another box of sweets by leaving them at a front door with a cute handwritten note.

🌸 Gradually, the two of you begin to interact more, and naturally gravitate toward each other’s energy and finally getting to know one another; he’s over at your apartment most of the time, it’s cleaner and smells at lot more nice than his (in his opinion). It’s not that he’s dirty, he’s quite clean actually. It’s just that he prefers your apartment to his.

🌸 You find out that Sukuna is about ten years older than you, and was almost a volleyball player that almost went pro, had it not been for his father’s death. He lost all motivation for the sport, and eventually settled for doing numbers for his father’s company, taking up boxing as a side hobby. To which he was more than good at.

A year ago, he moved into these apartments, getting away from the corporate world had had dived into, opting to do things from home rather than in-person. His prior neighbors never stayed around for too long, not with the amount of noise coming from his apartment in the middle of the night. You’re honestly surprised the person below him hasn’t moved out yet either.

🌸 For Sukuna, he finds out that you almost didn’t get to graduate high school because of how much you’d been moving around. You’d gotten depression from leaving so many friends behind so often that you just made graduation by the skin of your teeth.

Now, you’re online for college, majoring in linguistics, all while working as a translator for a special needs school of Japanese children that are deaf. Through that, he finds out you speak several different languages as well.

God, your personality is just as sweet as the goodies you bake, huh?

🌸 There is one problem, however, when he comes over: your goddamn cats.

🌸 The white Maine Coon is for sure out to get him and make his life miserable, with his attempts at wooing you almost a failed attempt every single time. His name is Satoru, and he’s by far the most obnoxious cat he’s ever fucking met.

Why on Earth you’d give a cat a human name is beyond him. But the again, the fucking cat acts so human it’s disturbing — it almost kind of makes sense.

🌸 Satoru’s claws almost end up in his ass every time he walks through the front door. He can’t even stand openly, but has to stay against a wall or sit on the couch so the cat doesn’t get his claws into his backside. And he can tell that that damn cat has a smug-ass smirk on his face every time. How a cat can smirk, he’s unsure; but he just knows that the look on his face is the one of a smug little shithead that knows he’s gotten away with being a menace. Thankfully, you’re aware of his tendencies and can tell when he’s being more of an asshole than other times and get onto him.

🌸 The black Maine Coon, Suguru, isn’t as terrible, but he opts to creepily stare down at Sukuna from his cat tower rather than be proactive in his distaste. He studies him every second every time he comes over, paying attention to every single detail and movement Sukuna makes with you.

He’ll do things more subtly than his white counterpart, like “accidentally” wave his long, black fluffy tail into his cup of water you gave him. He’s just as much of a menace, although you don’t get onto him as often like the white one, because while you know Satoru is more of an extroverted menace, you just seemingly can’t see that Suguru is just as awful. (Mostly because you don’t actually see it.)

🌸 This goes on for months and months, Satoru scratching the behind of his pants as hard as he can to make it rip and getting white fur all over his clothes, and Suguru glaring down at him from his tower and putting his paws in Sukuna’s food. Although it becomes a little less as often because they’re seemingly growing used to him, as if they’re seeing that he actually makes you happy and finally get the sense that he isn’t just going to break your heart and throw you away.

🌸 And the growing approval of your cats seems to mean a lot to you.

“I picked them up off the streets,” you tell him after he asks about where you got the inseparable pair. “I found them as kittens in a cardboard box three years ago on the streets, drenched and matted in dirt and nasty water.”

You remember the day very clearly. It had just stopped raining, and just as you were about to head home, stopping at the vending machines before heading to your car, you heard animal-like cries of something small and weak. And sure enough, on the other side of the food machine, stuffed away in a tacky, ruined cardboard box, were two, rain-drenched kittens huddled together to keep warm.

That was the day you got two new cats, two new responsibilities. And although times got hard a few times, you’ve never regretted adopting them.

Sukuna gazes up at the two cats on the tower, sitting next to each other in the bed at the top. Their tails are intertwined, heads rubbing at each other’s necks lovingly. He would have never guessed that’s where you found them. From the looks of it, they he would’ve guessed they’d came from a pet store.

“So you’ve raised them since they were kittens,” Sukuna says. “They trust you with their lives. And looks like they love you unconditionally, too.”

“I’d like to think so,” you muse, sipping on your coffee. “Sometimes it doesn’t seem like it with how ornery they are.”

Sukuna keeps his eyes trained on the two cats in love. He’s slightly jealous, and no he’ll never admit it. He just hopes he can have that one day with you.

He just has to stop Satoru from ripping him a new one every time he comes through the door.

🌸 Your cats eventually grow fond of having him over, fond enough that they’re not being the usual mischievous selves when Sukuna puts his arm around your shoulders and tugs you closer to him when you invite him over for movie nights, not trying to bite his fingers off (Satoru) or sit between you both (Suguru).

🌸 After a year passes and you and Sukuna know each other, he finally gets to take you on a proper date after manning up. Although it’s not a restaurant date, since he knows you hate being looked at while eating. It’s a picnic by the ocean, with the weather nothing short of perfect.

🌸 Your attempts to leave your cats at home for said date, however, are fruitless, the pair determined to come with you and your now-boyfriend who declares himself as such after dessert just to piss off the pair of felines. Sukuna plants a big fat smooch on your lips, turning you into a giggly mess.

🌸 They in return, somehow find a stray kitten and plop it in his lap in return. The kitten isn’t as bad off as when you found Satoru and Suguru, but he’s just as scared. He immediately imprints on your oversized boyfriend, who secretly takes an instant liking to the orange-red (honestly a little pink, too) baby cat and becomes a cat dad.

Date not necessarily ruined. But definitely not what he had planned.

🌸 After a week of having, he fondly named the cat a human name — Yuuji, and the fur baby took just as much liking to it as his owner did him. You do have to teach him the ropes and warn your boyfriend that he’d better be ready to have some of his stuff deep-cleaned if Yuuji doesn’t get to the litter box in time.

Satoru and Suguru take to the kitten like two doting parents. And as much as they still kinda dislike your boyfriend taking you from them, they still help train him to use the litter box. (Long story short, they felt bad after seeing you cry after they’d tore up [and peed] all over your third couch and quit being as ornery as they used to be.)

A few months had passed since Sukuna got Yuuji plopped into his lap, since you two had become a couple. It was always amusing seeing your big boyfriend playing with such a small cat. Honestly, the cat looked like he was part tiger.

You feel overwhelmed with contentment. You have a good job, a wonderful boyfriend (who’s apparently secretly rich) who loves to give you kisses, and two cats who love you. You have enough now, so why was the universe trying to take that from you?

You don’t know how your ex got your number, but what you do know is that you have to tell Sukuna. No later than tomorrow.

You exhale. You can’t think about it. You’ll tell him. You’ll tell him tomorrow that your dyed blonde-haired ex wants to see you again. You’re hopefully of one thing though: that the moment your boyfriend meets your ex, you hope Sukuna has enough restraint to not beat the shit out of him.

“Baby, you okay?”

Sukuna’s brows are raised. One would miss the concern on his face if they didn’t know him as well as you do.

“Yeah… Yeah, I’m good.” Woman up, girl, you tell yourself. “I do have something to tell you later. Just… remind me before dinner.”

The concern becomes more evident on his face, which prompts you to walk to him and kiss him.

“It’s nothing serious… I don’t think. Don’t worry,” you reassure him, partially reassuring yourself. “What we should worry about is what’s for dinner,” you joke. “Don’t think I can eat those leftovers.”

“Goddamn, I’m sorry I put too much salt in it.”

You laugh, wanting this happiness to ever be trampled on. You’ll do what you can to protect and keep it.

taglist:

@vagabond-umlaut | @poe-daydreams | @heresan @thedovahqueen | @lotus-n-l0ve | @chiyoso | @miraclecherryblossomsblog | @unbreakableblueheaven | @marscatbutler | @vanillabloo | @wo-ming-bai | @visionsofmagic | @tohsri

[writingwithciara]

For The Cameras ~Matt Sturniolo~

summary: a kiss cam produces unexpected results

word count: 1.9k (not as long as normal but a decent length imo)

pairing: matt sturniolo x reader

note: got a sweet message from @lolasturniolo and i loved the prompt. hope you don’t mind that i made it a sorta friends-to-lovers fic 😊

masterlist

“so who are we taking to the game tonight? we have 1 extra ticket and 3 options.” nick looked at his brothers.

"i vote to bring justin." matt said without looking up from his phone.

"really? i say nate." chris looked around the room.

"so you guys bring me back to boston and i'm not even an option for you?" y/n threw her hands up and shook her head.

"if it helps, i was going to pick you." nick smiled.

"if we each choose a different person, we're just right back where we started." matt set his phone down.

"we could always put their names in a hat and pick randomly." chris suggested.

"or, we think about this. both justin and nate have been to a hockey game and y/n has never been to one. plus, we did drag her all the way here. do we really want to be leaving her alone?"

"well, as good of a point as it is, i'm keeping my vote for justin. we don't spend a lot of time with him and i think it'd be nice to bring him to a game while we're here." matt smiled.

"i'm changing my vote to y/n. she deserves to have some fun on this trip." chris looked at his friend and smiled.

"that's two-to-one." nick looked at matt. "so you're overruled no matter what."

"okay fine. but justin gets to go with us to the next one." matt stood up and went to his room to get ready. chris did the same, leaving nick and y/n in nick's room.

"nick, i don't have anything to wear to represent the team."

"don't worry about it. we can buy you something when we get there. don't forget to dress warm. i'll wait for you to get changed then we can go."

"yes sir." y/n began to dig through her bag for something to wear. she pulled out her favorite ransom shirt and a hoodie she borrowed from chris nearly 3 years ago. after she changed into her favorite pair of jeans, nick came back into the room to change.

once everyone was changed, they met out at the car.

the drive to the arena was short and the car was filled with nothing but silence.

when they arrived, nick went to take y/n to get something to represent the team but matt pulled a boston jersey from the car and handed it to her.

"figured you wouldn't have anything to show your pride in the team so i grabbed an extra jersey."

"wow. you're so thoughtful for someone who didn't even want me to come to the game with you guys."

"i never said i didn't want you to come. i just said we barely spend time with justin and he would've loved it."

"i'm messing with you matt. i don't care that you didn't want me to be here."

"i didn't....whatever." matt walked away with nick. y/n pulled the jersey over her head and looked at chris.

"how do i look?"

"you look..really good." chris smiled and the two of them jogged to catch up to matt and nick.

the group looked at their tickets and went to their seats. matt was between y/n and nick, while chris was on the other side of y/n. he made eye contact with y/n as they sat down and he rolled his eyes.

he didn't hate her, nor did he dislike having her around. in fact, he loved having her around all the time.

to him, she was perfect. and his brothers knew it. they were always trying to push them together but y/n would never show interest in him & had only referred to him as a friend. and so born was his hatred towards her.

as the game went on, y/n cheered at the right moments and matt couldn't help but admire her every feature, hoping he wouldn't get caught.

unfortunately for him, chris and nick were in the bathroom when the kiss cam came around. he was still admiring y/n when the camera pointed at them. she noticed the stupid grin on his face and looked over at him.

"i think you should look at the screen, matt."

"huh?" he snapped out of his daze to glance at the screen. the large words KISS CAM flashed in red and his cheeks darkened. he knew he had been caught. he looked at the camera and shooed them away.

y/n stared at him with both shock and awe on her face. part of her wanted to kiss him but the other part of her didn't want to make him uncomfortable. so she just went back to watching the players skate around.

a few minutes later, the kiss cam returned to them and once again, matt declined. this time though, the fans around them booed. it nearly embarrassed matt but as he looked down at his feet, y/n grabbed his hand, almost immediately calming him down.

"thanks." he leaned closer and whispered in her ear.

"not a problem." she smiled sweetly at him and returned her attention back to the players. her hand didn't move from matt's grip but neither of them seemed to mind.

at the end of the 2nd period, the kiss cam returned. no matter how many times matt asked them to leave, they kept coming back. y/n felt matt's grip tighten on her hand so she placed a gentle kiss to his cheek, hoping it would satisfy everyone.

it did not.

the camera continued to point at the duo and all eyes, even the players, were on them.

"i'm sorry about this." y/n whispered to matt before turning his head and kissing him. the crowd finally cheered and the camera crew went away.

but y/n and matt were too wrapped up in each other to notice.

his hand detached from hers and he placed them on her cheeks. y/n smiled into the kiss.

when they both finally stopped kissing each other, the smile on their faces was permanent.

"i hope that wasn't too embarrassing or awkward for you." y/n smiled and went back o squeezing his hand. matt didn't say anything. his earlier focus on the game was long gone and replaced with y/n.

when the game was finally over, y/n stood up and stretched.

"oh my goodness. that was amazing."

"yeah it really was." nick smiled and began heading out.

"it was good but i think matt really enjoyed it." chris smirked, earning a punch to both of his arms by his brothers and best friend. "ouch."

"anyone have to use the bathroom before we head out?" nick stopped outside the bathroom and looked at everyone.

"yeah. i promise i'll be quick." y/n walked into the bathroom and matt felt his brothers staring at him.

"what?"

"so, that kiss was certainly something, huh?"

"it didn't mean anything. it was just to get the kiss cam people off our backs."

"i don't think that was the only reason you guys kissed." chris raised an eyebrow.

"yeah. it looked pretty intense from an outside point of view."

"what do you mean?"

"you guys kissed for like 10 seconds after the camera crew left. you can't tell me that your feelings for her aren't returned."

"please can we change the topic?"

"what are you dorks talking about now?" y/n asked as she walked out of the bathroom.

"the hockey game." matt quickly covered up before the awkward tension got too high.

"it was so good. and oh my god. jeremy swayman is so hot. wow." y/n swooned and began to walk ahead of the boys.

when they got to the car, chris got in the back, allowing y/n to sit up front with matt. the drive home wasn't as quiet as the first drive but the air felt different. like there was something that needed to be said but nobody wanted to say it.

matt put the car in park and everyone got back.

"well, i'm beat. think im gonna go to bed. good night." chris yawned and headed up to his room. y/n followed nick to his room and flopped down on the bed.

"hey, do you have feelings for matt?"

"why do you ask?"

"that kiss tonight seemed very electric. the chemistry between you two was already really intense and if you don't have feelings for him, you need to let him know. because he's been crushing on you for years and the way you kissed him looked like you might have the same feelings."

"god, nick. of course i like matt. what's not to like? he's incredibly thoughtful and he's so cute. he doesn't judge me for my taste." she shot her best friend a look. "he's just perfect in every aspect of the word and...." she paused and sat up. 'are you sure he likes me?"

"when have i ever lied to you, sweetheart?"

"every day since you learned to talk."

"only when it saved your ass." he looked at her as she walked to the door. "but i promise you that i am not lying about this. matt really does have feelings for you."

"okay. if this is some sort of cruel joke, i will never speak to you again."

"and why would i risk that?"

"good point. wish me luck then." y/n took a deep breath and opened the door.

matt was leaning against the counter and when he heard the bedroom door close, he looked up.

"hey."

"hi." y/n stood awkwardly just outside the bedroom. matt put his phone in his pocket and crossed his arms.

"can i ask you something?"

"of course, matt." y/n's composure returned to normal when she heard the worriedness lining matt's voice.

"why does this have to be weird between us?"

"what do you mean?"

"we kissed and now, the air around us has changed drastically. did you....did you not like it or something?"

"of course i liked it, matt. but it's not how i pictured our first kiss happening."

"really?" he finally looked at her face. "h-how did you picture it happening?"

"this is going to sound really cheesy and cliche. are you sure you want to hear it?"

"oh, absolutely." his interested piqued and he found himself moving closer.

"well, when i pictured kissing you for the first time, i always used to think it would happen after you stood up for me somehow. like a knight in shining armor. and then i would run up to you and kiss you. you would be shocked at first but you would kiss back and you would put so much emotions into it."

"how did the kiss cam kiss measure up to what you pictured?"

"it was incredible, sure. but it didn't meet my expectations." y/n smirked. matt took an extra second to understand what she was hinting at but when he got it, he returned the smirk.

"didn't meet your expectations, huh?" he inched closer. "maybe i should change that. i-if you want me to."

"just kiss me, please."

matt wasted no time at all. he quickly grabbed her face and kissed her. all the feelings they had both been building up for years was being poured out into the kiss.

matt pulled her closer and made sure she felt what he was feeling. and when they pulled away, they both couldn't stop smiling.

"how was that?"

"better than expected, for sure. and something i think i want to keep doing."

"i can totally deal with that." matt smiled before pulling her back in for another kiss.

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