#getting either of these two to admit anything is like pulling teeth i'm afraid.

[rxttenfish]

For future references, which one of the two has more problems opening up about their emotions ? Especially when it comes to intimacy and expressing love ?

HAH. honestly they're both equally matched, in the sense of "will literally never open up about their problems, ever, and even getting a tiny hint of one is a fucking miracle that you'd never be able to beat out of them". they're deep into the layers of repression. we had a running joke for a long time about wanting to author-ily yell at miranda that denial isn't just a river in egypt and aaravi's exactly the same. frankly, this is why the two of them should be placed together. absolutely anyone else would break under how emotionally constipated they are, but together they're able to effectively drip-feed each other enough trust and support to slowly begin to open up or even just roughly process what's going on, much like how you shouldn't give someone who's severely dehydrated too much water all at once.

on the surface, it looks like miranda is the one who's more open about showing intimacy and affection... but, you have to remember the situation she comes from. merfolk are extremely touchy, they never want to be alone (and can die from loneliness), a lot of standard friendliness and politeness to them involves basically piling on top of each other and touching faces and being very openly affectionate. miranda missed a lot of this, being a crown princess whom had to be very careful about who she showed affection to and in what way, making her seem strange and standoffish to a merfolk and weirdly silent, but when she started to mentally relax and stop viewing everyone else as threats to her survival when she came inland, she also VERY quickly switched over to "i'm going to lay in your lap and nap on you and demand you pick me up and hold me, and there's basically nothing you can do about it".

likewise, there's a separation that exists for miranda between this and ACTUAL intimacy. this is just a physical act done because she likes it, not necessarily because she even cares about the person on the other end. frankly, this is also why she acts so flirty and open and friendly, even easy to date in that RO kinda way. because you're being sorted into that "fling" category, where she ultimately just cares about what she can get out of you, not because she gives a shit about you personally. confusing these two is actually what's soured a lot of her past relationships, as a lot of people tend to think that, if they just go through the physical actions with miranda, that's basically the same as earning her trust and having a window into her personal life... and haven't realized that she hasn't talked about anything actually challenging or difficult with them, and certainly doesn't trust them with anything deeper than a projected puddle.

but, again, miranda's actual intimacy is a lot different... for one, it's a lot quieter, a lot more subdued. it's a lot more marked by uncertainty and fear, because miranda actually does feel constantly uncertain and afraid, and she's just not hiding it as much anymore. it's about actually seeing the ugly parts of her, and her slowly revealing more and more about herself that she doesn't like, that she's not uncomfortable with, that she's just not supposed to think, that she's only JUST realized she thinks or feels at all.

this is a lot similar to aaravi's way of showing intimacy, actually, although she's a lot more standard about it and to be expected. she's closed off and hostile to people, doesn't talk to them, certainly doesn't talk about her feelings and tries to chase people off by increasing aggression, refuses to open up, and certainly doesn't talk like she's ever experienced doubts at all in her life, ever. for her, it's also a lot of slow buildup, a lot of slow reveals about her life and moments of trust and willingly talking about things she feels incredibly vulnerable in, or has only just been provided the context and the place to realize that she thinks or feels at all.

they're both so deep in denial that they sincerely believe a lot of things they say about themselves, to the point of misattributing their emotions or just not recognizing their emotions for what they are, that to even get them to REALIZE that they don't feel comfortable with something or that they don't actually like something is an act of god, and a sign of deep, deep trust that should not be taken lightly or gone unrecognized. thinking that one of them saying or revealing something like this, no matter how minor it seems, is just a small thing to be brushed off or to poke at them for the seeming letdown of the intensity of the reveal, is also something that will ABSOLUTELY ruin a relationship with them, and basically entirely break all of that trust that you've gone through all that work to build up.

which is also why, by the time of caecilian, miranda hasn't even told aaravi that she doesn't really want to be a princess. miranda doesn't even know this herself, doesn't know who she would be if not that, has no idea what her future would look like otherwise or who SHE would be otherwise, representing such a massive kind of identity death that she just can't recognize it. aaravi certainly has a clue and has realized ahead of miranda that she's not actually very comfortable or happy in this role, but she's also not talking about it, and that reveal won't come for a while after caecilian.

likewise, aaravi hasn't told miranda that she maybe doesn't want to focus on slaying, that maybe less of it or getting away from it would feel a lot better to her, that it's a cloying kind of desperation that links her to it and demands her pull herself ever deeper the second she starts, demanding more for every inch she gives it, that putting together the addictive quality of it all would mean realizing that her upbringing wasn't actually okay, of confronting the idea that maybe her mom did kind of hate her at the end there, or was scared of her, and that what happened wasn't an act of fate and of aaravi being chosen but of a desperate and heartbroken woman lashing out in the only way she knew how against a world that decided it hated her and didn't want her. miranda certainly has her clues, certainly doesn't think aaravi's very comfortable around other slayers or that she doesn't get a wild look in her eye when she talks about being a slayer, but, again, that's not her place to comment on it.

again, there's a reason the second these two start dating they fall into it like an old couple. they've done a LOT of that work of building trust and intimacy by the time they're even able to admit to each other that they like each other and want to be together, and the leap from that to getting merfolk-married is extremely minor in comparison.

[koolaidoverliving]

a little ficlet i posted on ao3, but decided i might as well post it here as well! :)

THE COAT IS BETTER ON HER

✦ Ticci Toby / Nina the Killer ✦

CW: Light Angst, Ticciwork Mentioned

Words: I don't remember... 400~?

Nina and Toby are waiting outside of a concert venue. It's cold. And it's easy to reminisce.

"This is so unfair, Toby!" Nina whines. "It's so, so unfair! Why does the line have to be this long?"

Toby chuckles. "They really want to see Iron Maiden."

"It's stuuupid, Tobes. I bet they can't even name five songs..."

"Oh... Yeah... Stupid fake fans!" He can't name five songs either.

While he isn't a metalhead like his girlfriend, Toby listened to Iron Maiden's entire discography before the concert. He knows how much music means to Nina, and he wants to mean just as much. If Toby could, he would rent the concert venue for him and her only. But Toby can't, so he just pulls her closer, the warmth of his coat making up for what she lacks.

"Why aren't you wearing a coat, babe?" Toby asks.

"It would ruin my cute outfit," Nina replies, leaning into Toby's warm body. "Plus, I know it's gonna be, like, a total oven inside the venue."

"Wha—alright then! Just promise you won't get frost-bite?"

"Mhm, yeah. Frost-bite's got nothing on me."

"Gooood." He rests his head on-top of Nina's. Her outfit is cute, but very impractical for the winter.

Toby remembers when he still dated Natalie and how cold she'd get in the winter-time. She hated to admit she was freezing, but Toby could tell by the chatter of her teeth and the frost on her shivering hands. Natalie never did wear enough layers to survive Toronto's harsh winters. And whether she asked for it or not, Toby always gave her his coat.

While deep in thought, Toby feels a hand tug on his sleeve. "Toby! Th–The line's moving!" Nina exclaims through grinded teeth.

"It is?" Toby snaps back into focus. Slowly but surely, the line moves. "It is... That means we'll be at the concert in no time, babe!" He grins, ear to ear.

Nina makes an attempt to grin back at him. Her face is so clearly reddened and wet from condensation. For a split second, Toby sees a different person.

"Awh, you're cold," Toby says.

"I'm not cold," Nina retaliates. "I c–can totally last until we make it inside!"

"Oh, come on, silly." Toby starts unzipping his coat. "Let me give you my coat, okay? You can take it off when we get inside. You'll still have your cute outfit, you'll just be a 'lil warmer."

"Hmmm..." Nina presses her lips into a small, coy smile. "Okaaay! Fine, I'll take your coat."

Toby puts his coat over Nina. It's big on her and makes her look smaller than she is.

"Warmer now?" Toby asks.

Nina nods. "So much warmer." She puts her arms into the sleeves.

Toby admires his girlfriend, enjoying the way the pale fur makes her dark hair stand out. He loves her with all his heart, and he'll never be afraid to admit that. He loves her smile, her quirky humor, the sound of her voice, her green eyes...

"It looks good on you, Natalie," he says softly.

. . .

The line moves. But the two of them are still.

"I didn't mean—"

"Did you just..."

"I'm so sorry—"

"It's whatever, Toby! Don't ruin my concert night!" Nina retorts. "I don't want to do this right now." Nina turns around and moves with the line, her hands in the coat pockets.

"Wait, babe—Nina!" He follows her. "It was a mistake."

"I told you I don't care! We can talk about it later!" She continues to walk away, ignoring the fact she's now moving faster than the line is.

"But—Wait—..."

Toby doesn't say anything else, but his hands twitch, and he swears he can feel his stomach twisting. He follows her in silence. He painted himself as an idiot, but it's fine. Nina said they'll talk about it later—later.

So it's fine.

He'll listen to the concert with her and everything will be fine.

[im-not-good-with-names]

Leave the phone, Lucía!

One missed call sends Lucía spiralling. She begins to question her feelings towards her strange, snarky online friend. (Part 1)

[00:13] Missed call from Alex

Lucía frowned at her phone for the millionth time that morning.

“Has he said something terribly privileged again?” Amelie said over her shoulder. Lucía jumped so intensely she almost pulled a muscle; it was easy to forget how quiet her coworker could be when it wanted to.

“No, nothing like that,” she replied after her heart rate steadied. “He, er— she called me. Or, tried to. It was just gone midnight, I was asleep.”

“And this is bothering you because…?”

Lucía finally looked up from her phone. “We’ve never spoken over the phone before.”

“Ever? You’ve known each other a while though, right?”

“About a year and a half.”

“And you talk every day?”

“Near enough.”

Now it was Amelie's turn to frown. “And you’ve… never called? Never heard each other’s voices?”

“No.”

“Not even sent a silly voice note here and there?”

Lucía shrugged. “I’m not a voice note kind of person, with my accent 'nd all. Makes things harder.”

A long, slow nod was their only response, which was more unnerving than Lucía would’ve liked to admit. “Is it weird? That we only ever text?”

Amelie made a vague gesture. “If I were in your shoes, I’d think it a little odd, but—”

“Can I get some service, or is this establishment closed for gossip hour?”

Lucía’s head whipped around to find a customer waiting at the till, red irritation blooming high on his cheeks. She bit back an instinctive snarky response.

Luckily Amelie had a knack for dealing with difficult customers, and rushed over to serve him with a beaming smile. “Of course! I can’t apologise enough for being distracted. What can I get for you?”

Lucía decided she was in dire need of a break. She set a timer, threw together a cup of tea and drifted off into the break room, finding comfort in the battered settee with with so many cracks and tears the original leather was barely visible. She liked it here. It wasn't loud or social or filled with idiotic people.

She drew her phone out of her apron pocket. The missed call notification still sat there, taunting her for not knowing how to reply. Alex himself hadn’t said anything, either, which was incredibly unusual for her. It was bobbing on three p.m.; normally by now he would have sent at least two obscure memes, three colourful insults, and one post from their shared film forum with added commentary on how stupid OP was. Instead, she hadn’t heard a peep from her.

‘Unusual’ was a massive understatement.

Her teeth worried the skin of her lips. What if something serious had happened, and she was too hung up on a silly missed call to check up on him? What if she’d done something to severely piss him off, and the missed call was her last attempt to hash it out? She liked Alex! He was fun!

Or—the most likely scenario—what if she clicked the call button without realising, and she was making a huge deal over something hilariously insignificant?

She took a swig of her scalding tea, let her head fall back to stare at the ceiling for a long, excruciating moment of contemplation, then eventually opened their chat.

The cursor blinked. Lucía steeled the strange nerves and reminded herself that she was being a complete tit.

[Luce] oi

[Luce] did u mean 2 call me?

There! Message sent; she was officially no longer a cowardly over-thinker. She relaxed and sunk further into the chair, but stiffened as soon as she saw that Alex was typing. Okay, scratch that—she was definitely still a cowardly over-thinker.

[Alex] Yes, I'm afraid so. We need to talk, Luce.

Shit.

It took an embarrassing amount of time to type her response.

[Luce] shit, is everything alright?

[Alex] No, it's pretty serious, I thought it would have been easier to talk about it over the phone.

[Alex] But you're probably at work right now, so I'll just text it. Hold on.

Lucía straightened and waited with bated breath, tea all but forgotten about. In the time Alex took to type, Lucía involuntarily went through all of her worst-case scenarios one more time, and suddenly felt the need for a drink much stronger than tea. Did his father finally cut Alex off? Got kicked out? Her leg worsened? Gods—why was this bothering her so much?

[Alex] I've been diagnosed with pretentious cunt syndrome, it's fatal. I'm so sorry.

Lucía slowly placed her phone on the settee, counteracting the urge to lob it directly at the nearest wall. She gave herself a moment to breathe—in through the nose, out through the mouth, just like Amelie taught her to do when a customer really got on her nerves—before cautiously picking it back up again.

[Luce] ure a fucking menace

[Luce] dont pull that kind of shit again

[Alex] Don't lie, Lucie. I got you good.

[Luce] i knew u could b a proper knob but didnt think it was this bad

[Alex] Clearly you have to get to know me better.

[Alex] In all honesty, I didn't mean to call you, the call button is right next to the block button. An idiotic design choice if i ever saw one.

[Alex] I'm ought to send the developers a strongly worded email.

[Luce] who the fuck says ought in a casual conversation

[Alex] It’s a perfectly normal thing to say?

[Luce] yea if ur from the middle ages

[Luce] ok, no. we *not* changing the topic. if u didnt mean 2 call me why did u go radio silent??? the normal thing to do wouldve to say “Oops, my bad, didn’t mean to call you”

[Alex] Oops, my bad, didn’t mean to call you

[Luce] cunt.

[Alex] Huge one, yeah. It's a serious condition.

[Luce]🖕

[Alex] I didn't even realise I'd butt dialed you, I swear. I fell asleep right after and woke up like 10 mins ago.

[Alex] I'm a different creature past midnight, unaware of and unliable for my actions.

[Luce] good luck getting that 2 hold up in court

[Alex] I'd charm my way into acquittal, and you know it. All the lady judges would love me.

[Alex] Actually so would the non lady judges. I'm just that irresistible.

[Luce] more like irritating :/

[Luce] they declare u guilty so they never have to see ur ugly mug again

[Alex] You have no proof I have an ugly mug. For all you know I could be on magazine covers!

[Alex] Posing. Smouldering. Surrounded by pearls and feathers.

[Alex] Pretty face

[Alex] Pretty eyes

[Alex] Long legs

[Luce] stopping that list riiiiight there

She wanted to laugh so hard that her teeth were grinding.

[Alex] Buzzkill.

[Alex] I bet your manager keeps you in the back so your face doesn't scare off the poor customers!

[Luce] im practically the face of the company, babes!

[Luce] every1 luvs me

[Alex] This is some next level delusion.

[Alex] …Does ‘everyone’ include Pretty Lady?

[Luce] n this is some next lvl obsession

[Alex] I'm not obsessed with it! I'm far superior than her, anyway.

[Alex] If she saw me in the street she'd drop dead out of pure shock

[Alex] From seeing my pretty face,

[Alex] pretty eyes,

[Luce] STOP

[Alex] My sexy smoker voice alone could crush it's ego.

[Luce] wasnt aware voice cracks and nervous tremblings could do that

[Alex] Kiss my arse, Luce. You have no idea what I sound like!

[Luce] and same vice versa

Lucía's eyes narrowed. She had an opening here— should she take it? She took a sip of her tea, now disgustingly lukewarm, and decided to go for it.

[Luce] is it weird that we talk so much but only over text?

[Alex] Can't say it's ever crossed my mind, why would that be weird?

[Luce] idk. its just smt a coworker said

[Alex] So that’s why the missed call got under your skin!

[Alex] You're so painfully transparent.

[Luce] no im literally not?

[Alex] Denial is not a good look on you, dearie.

[Alex] If it bothers you so much we can just call, like any normal fucking people would do.

[Luce] ig

[Alex] It's not a big deal.

[Alex] Unless you swoon so hard at my voice you get a concussion or something.

[Alex] …Which is highly likely, considering your delicate disposition.

[Luce] wtf is that supposed to mean.

[Alex] last time Pretty Lady called you by your name you almost dropped your phone in coffee. Just saying.

[Luce] in hindsight

[Luce] mentioning that 2 u was a mistake

[Alex] It wasn't! It's a great addition to my Luce blackmail bank!

[Luce] har bloody har

[Luce] ure a comedic genius

[Alex] It's so nice to see my talent finally being acknowledged.

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

Her break was up. Startled that the time had flown by so quickly, she checked the clock on the wall, only to find she was indeed due back on the shop floor.

On the bright side, she no longer had to worry about the possibility of Alex being a) dead, or b) eternally pissed off at her. Instead, her mind focused on the very real chance that she’d be talking to him on the phone in the near future.

Lucía was by no means completely inept; she could handle a phone call when it was necessary. However, phoning her old insurance provider to get them to remove her from their annoying mailing list and calling a close (could she consider them close when she knew so little about her?) friend for the first time were very, very different things.

A hot burst of air greeted her as she emerged from the back and settled behind the counter. She’d been a barista at this cafe for so long everything was muscle memory. It was a mostly handy skill, until someone once switched the syrups around and she almost handed a hazelnut latte to someone with a severe nut allergy. Besides that, and… her tendency to text on the job… she swore she was a pleasure to have at the workplace. She didn't even bring anarchist theory up without a provocation!

“Got a clearer head now?” Amelie said over the sound of milk being steamed.

“Yeah. I brought it up, and now we might actually end up calling.”

“Ooh, how exciting!” Amelie beamed, then added quietly, “Unless he turns out to be a creep, that is.”

Lucía took moment too long to reply. “I’m sure she isn’t.”

“…Yeah!” Was Amelie's response, full of fake optimism that was far from convincing.

A third voice—one Lucía was becoming more familiar with these days—came from the other side of the counter. “Who might turn out to be a creep?”

Lucía rushed to meet Rem at the till. Even on a Saturday, she was still dressed smartly. “Oh, no one. Just— er, a friend of mine.”

“They only ever text! She could be anyone,” Amelie stage-whispered to it.

Lucía gently batted faer out of the way. “You don’t need to spill my private life to customers, mate.”

“But she’s our best regular.”

Rem beamed. “Glad to hear it.”

She playfully rolled her eyes and tapped the till screen out of standby. “Your usual?”

“No, actually,” it said, sounding ridiculously pleased with itself over something so trivial. “I’d like to try that new gingerbread latte, please.”

“A sucker for holidays specials, ain't we?”

It shrugged. “Who can’t resist a bit of seasonal marketing? I’ll also have a slice of lemon drizzle too, if you’ll allow it.”

A huff of laughter escaped her. “Wow, you’re really branching out today.”

It gave her another one of her tooth-less grins. As she paid, it quirked a curious eyebrow. “What’s this about a maybe-creep you only ever text, then?”

“Oh, I can’t believe Amelie told you about that.” Actually, she could—over the past month or so, Rem's visits had become less by-the-script, and the two of them had learnt more about her than they ever expected to. Of course, it was a two way street, and as a result Rem gained a firm grasp on Lucía's hedonistic nature, weakness for soft smiles, and now her friendship with a random guy on the internet.

She’d managed to avoid mentioning Alex to it, up until now. She was surprised the secrecy had lasted this long, though she was unsure why she’d been so keen to keep quiet about him.

“We met online,” she said slowly. Thankfully, putting Rem's order together kept her hands busy and her brain occupied, which meant she had less energy to overthink how she’d explain her situation. “Met through a shared interest. We were— er, well, honestly we argued a lot, at first. I’m not sure how it turned into a friendship, but it did, and now we talk pretty regularly.”

“Every day,” Amelie added.

“For...?”

Lucía shrunk in on herself slightly. “…Two years? Ish?”

Rem whistled, long and slow. “That’s quite a bit of time.”

“Exactly!”

“Am, shut it or I'll cut your tonge out,” Lucía said with very little venom. “We’re going to call. We’re going to talk. It’s not an issue.”

The woman leaned on the counter, watching her dust ginger onto its drink. “Right now?”

“What? No, not right now. That’d be mad.”

“Could be interesting.”

She slid the drink and plate over to her. “Don’t be nosey.”

“It’s in my nature, Luce.” She winced, taking a sip of her drink. “Gossip at heart.”

Lucía's stomach did a funny flip. She playfully waved her off under the pretence she was in a rush to serve the next waiting customer, and was harshly reminded she forgot to put her phone on silent when her pocket was met with a barrage of vibrations.

As the atmosphere lulled once all customers had been served and seated, she returned to her chat with Alex. Most of it was pure gibberish, a poor attempt at grabbing her attention again by way of spam.

[Alex] Did you fucking die?

[Luce] when will u get it into ur thick skull that I have timed breaks?

[Luce] n once said timed breaks r over I go back to work

[Alex] Yet here you are, still texting on the job!

[Alex] What a rebel you are, Lucie. It's cute that you spend your entire allocated free time talking to me.

[Alex] Clearly you have your priorities straight.

[Luce] if that were true id have blocked u 4 ages now, babes

[Alex] Oh no, my ego.

[Alex] Has PL swung by today?

[Luce] she just did!

[Alex] And? Come on. Give me the details, don’t deprive me of the gossip.

[Luce] nothing rlly happened

[Luce] she changed its order up, asked abt u

[Alex] she fucking what?

[Luce] my chatty coworker told her :/

[Luce] and it got curious

[Alex] Did you tell her about my pretty face,

[Luce] stfu wasnt even funny the 1st time

[Alex] Lies! Lies and slander!

[Alex] What did you say?

[Luce] didnt expect u to care sm abt what she thinks

[Alex] I don't. I'm looking for openings to bully her.

[Luce] just told it how we ‘met’

[Alex] Is that it? That's so boring.

[Luce] i mean. we also spoke abt the whole Only Texting thing

[Alex] Christ. What did it say to that?

[Luce] she thought I was going to call u up right there n then

[Luce] on the shop floor

[Alex] Is she stupid?

[Luce] hypocrite

[Alex] My intellect is vast and varied, thanks you very much.

[Alex] Why is everyone obsessed with the calling thing, anyways? Why is it such a big deal?

Lucía glanced at her phone sidelong as she wiped down the counters. Why was it such a big deal?She dwelled on it for a moment or two, but was cut short at the sight of the whole screen lighting up with Incoming call: Alex.

At first, she simply stared. Pressing the red decline button would mean everything stayed as it was—no awkward first phone call, no pressure to make their casual, stupid online friendship something more meaningful, no caving to the expectations of the more socially well-adjusted people around her. But pressing the green pick up button would mean… well, it would mean talking to Alex. Like actual friends. Listening to her voice. What would they even talk about?

Curiosity gnawed away at her.

Lucía pressed the green button.

“You were staring at your phone wondering if you should pick up, weren’t you?”

She wasn’t sure what she expected Alex to sound like, but it wasn’t quite this. He didn’t sound significantly older or younger, though her voice had a slight rasp to it, and she could hear his bourgeois, almost oxfordian, accent. It was unfamiliar, yet so undeniably Alex that she couldn’t help but smile a bit herself.

“No. I told you, I’m at work. Busy day.”

“Busy enough that you picked up the phone in the middle of your shift?”

She rolled her eyes fondly and signalled to Amelie she’d be back in five minutes— emergency, she mouthed, gesturing to the phone at her ear— and Amelie gave her a knowing look in return.

London’s wintery chill nipped at her skin as soon as she stepped outside, but the fresh air was nothing short of lovely.She squinted up at the sky; grey clouds loomed overhead. “Why now? Why not call later?”

“Got sick of you awkwardly bringing it up over text,” he said, then added softly, oh, so softly: “And I wanted to see if you’d pick up.”

“Well, here I am. I picked up. Now what?”

A short pause. “You were the one that was so bothered by it all.”

“Wasn’t that bothered.”

“Er, yeah you bloody were. So, my voice: what’s the verdict? Are you swooning?”

She gave a harsh huff of laughter. “You fucking wish, babes.”

“I can hear you moved outside. Needed some fresh air to cool your blush?”

“Shut up? You’re not funny. Besides, my voice is miles better. I bet you almost tripped over your own feet when I first spoke.”

“I’m nothing but elegant and graceful,” she said, playfully indignant, “even when faced with a really annoying, nasally voice.”

“Charmin’.”

A beat, then: “I didn’t know you were from East London.”

A small, ugly snort escaped her as she contemplated this. At the beginning of their acquaintanceship they’d stuck to an unspoken rule of avoiding delving into their personal lives, but as time passed and they became more comfortable with brutally bullying each other under the guise of friendship, details had come out here and there. They were both English. She worked at a café. His go-to drink order was an espresso martini (I’d had you down as a guinness kind of guy, Lucía had said, to which she responded thats the worst fucking insult). The drops of info were random and sporadic, and ended up so Alex knew Lucía had a stick-n-poke on her left arse cheek, but he didn’t know she was from Newham —and this, in her opinion, was downright hilarious.

“You do now,” she said. “Look, I really can’t talk for long. I already spend way too much of my shift on my mobile.”

“This was an emergency,” Alex said dryly, “you had to succumb to social pressures and modern friendship conventions.”

Lucía huffed in disbelief. “Friendship?”

“Slip of the tongue. I meant rivalry.”

“Of course you did. Denial is not a good look— er, sound, on you.”

He scoffed playfully. “Don’t throw my own words back at me. It’s not my fault you’re desperate for my attention and companionship.”

“And it isn’t my fault you’re projecting.”

“Ooh, you’re pushing it,” she said, and Lucía really could hear her smile. “I could just hang up right now and never contact you again.”

She sighed wistfully. “That would truly be the dream.”

“A nightmare for you, more like. You couldn’t survive without m—”

Lucía took great satisfaction in hanging up on him, and waltzed back into the shop with a lazy smile on her face. To her surprise, it wasn’t Amelie whose eye she caught first upon her return, but Rem's. She narrowed its eyes for a moment before flashing a grin—it was her split-second of hesitation that made Lucía wonder if she’d been watching her call Alex through the window.

So,” Amelie drawled, leaning in close as Lucía returned behind the counter, “how was the emergency?”

“Awful. Three wounded, one fatality.”

Amelie's teasing smile stayed in place; it was clear fae was fully accustomed to Lucía's sense of humour.

“It was fine. It’s nice to just have that over and done with. Now I can stop thinking about it.”

“What was he like?”

“Exactly how she is over text— no, wait, her ego was actually more inflated. He’s a bit insufferable.”

“The smile on your face counteracts your words, Luce.” Amelie playfully nudged her before diverting their attention to a waiting customer, and together they fell back into their routine. After the line had gone back down, she stole a glance at her phone, and held back a snort at the notifications waiting for her.

[Alex] How dare you?! How fucking dare you?!

[Alex] Next time we call I'm getting my revenge!

[Luce] XOXO

[shadowwolflady]

Old Comrades

Part 4

The day was beautiful. Puffy white clouds in the blue sky. The temperature was perfect, not too hot but not too cool either. Kakashi and Rai took a walk around the woods outside the village. Rai reached out and gently took his hand in her own. Several ninken raced by chasing two wolves.

“I'm afraid this may be our last date for a while.” Kakashi mentioned. “With the Chunin exams coming up, I'm going to have to focus more on the genin.” Kakashi hung a hand off the back of his neck. 

Oh? The Chunin exams? “Are you thinking of admitting them?” Rai inquired. They had talked about his students, but it usually ended up with the mention of needing more training. “I know you said they have grown, but I'm surprised you would throw them into the fire like that.” She was going to say ‘feed them to the wolves’ but she didn't feel like pulling a pun. From what she could gather, his students didn't quite seem to have the grasp of teamwork and the basics of being a shinobi down.

“They seem to do remarkably well when shoved into high risk situations.” Kakashi commented. His mind went to the Land of Waves and how maturely they handled themselves. 

“You must be really proud of them.” Rai commented. Glancing to her left, she spotted the unmistakable crinkle in the corner of his eye that meant he was smiling. Despite complaining about his students, he genuinely cared about them. It showed he was concerned. Rai squeezed his right hand that was in her left. 

“There's a rumor going around that the Sand is sending some genin this year.” Kakashi aired his concern after some time.

Ah. Rai had heard that. And some disturbing things about this group. Namely the individual. Being a demon, she kept an ear out about others, including tailed beasts. Rai had her suspicions about the kid. There was a feeling that Kakashi also had suspicion. Which is why he was asking her. 

“I am aware of it.” Rai could not go into details, for it was just speculation. “We will just have to wait until the documents come in.”

As the Chunin exams approached, Sandaime instructed the ANBU to be on high alert. All of the able bodied ANBU gathered and were divided into groups as rotations started to take place. The group Rai was in was stationed on the western border of Konoha. They were on sentry and security detail. Any sign of movement was to be evaluated and dealt with in any fashion deemed necessary. 

Their rotation was every six hours. 

Rai knew the area like the back of her hand. The animals and lessor demons helped to keep her aware of anything going on around them. For months, the Okami and Rai kept a close watch on their border and all who crossed it. 

As Kakashi mentioned, a deadly presence approached the border and wandered into Konoha's lands. Though she never set eyes on the being, there was a similar aura about it that caused unease in the surrounding animals and demons. Smaller animals scampered to Rai, complaining about the stench of blood around the one human. One of the small squirrels was given a tiny scroll that it could hold in its teeth. Rai asked for it to deliver the message to a friend. 

Not even an hour later, a black bird landed near her with a response. The writing was in code but the training Rai had taken under Inoichi allowed her to read the message clearly. 

Now, they were aware. 

Rai's concerns were coming to light. There was a monster approaching Konoha. And it was going to walk right through the gates. 

Kakashi wrote a letter to Rai. Pakkun generously delivered it to her door and waited for her to get home. Contained within the note, Kakashi apologized profusely for not being able to spend any time with her these past couple of months. A small smile crossed her lips as she read the note and stroked Pakkun's head. There was nothing for him to be sorry for. This was their job.

“Pakkun,” Rai asked the little being, “Can I give you a message to deliver?” 

The dog rubbed his nose with his front paw. “Not like I have anything better to do.” He mumbled. 

“I'm sorry.” Rai told him as she pulled out some paper and a pen. 

Writing back, she emphasized that he didn't need to apologize for doing his job. The job she had took time away from her too. So, neither of them would have been able to see each other during this time frame. Once things calmed down they could do something. As much as she wished her words were assurance, she felt like something else was going on. 

A mishmash of rumors circulated quickly through the ANBU. It was hard to tell what was fact and what was false. Things about missing genin, Orochimaru, the new Sound village that just cropped up. But now, the confirmed thing was that the Kazekage would make an appearance at the Arena battle section of the chunin exams.

When dismissed at their last briefing, Rai stayed behind. 

“What is it? Why do you linger?” Sandaime asked a still kneeling Rai. 

“I wish to be put in charge of watching over the one Sand Shinobi.” Rai's eyes were firmly fixed on the tatami mat beneath her. “The one with the gourd.” The clarification wasn't needed for Sandaime.

The elder sighed, “I appreciate your eagerness, but he is already being looked after.” As much as she wished those words were comforting, they did the exact opposite. Did those who watch know what may be lurking beneath? That this was a monster? “Do not worry, Wolf.” Sandaime called her alias. “Everything will be alright.”

Reluctantly, Rai nodded and then dismissed herself. 

Previous Chapter // Next Chapter

[oh-holy-slut]

Bloodlust

Pairing: Damon Salvatore x fem!reader

Warnings: smut, explicit language, blood sharing, mentions of death, oral sex

Word Count: 2,6k

Summary: Stefan forced Damon to try his animal diet. Damon hated it, but didn't had a choice... until Reader makes a suggestion. Suddenly things get steamy.

Being with Damon was complicated. Him and Y/N have seen each other a lot in the past weeks. The two of them had a lot of fun; saw a lot of movies. Actually, Y/N was sure Damon secretly hated many of those. However, anytime Y/N suggested another dramatic, romantic cliché movie like "Last Song" - the vampire groaned, put his arm around her shoulder, let her head rest on his chest and endured every single second of the movie of her choice.

Damon even flirted and teased Y/N here and there, but didn't lead to anything more intimate so far.

Today was another of those days. Y/N stuck around at the Salvatore boarding house, brought a few of Damon's favorite groceries and a bunch of movies, of which she thought that they will suit his taste. Even if they were a little to bloody and brutal in her opinion.

"Pick one!", she demanded, holding all three Blu-ray sleeves in front of him. Damon just shrugged, not bothering to even look.

"Don't be a killjoy, Damon Salvatore!" Y/N sighed.

"Tell me what's wrong or pick a movie. You've got no choice. And besides that... Which number of drink is this?" Y/N frowned, pointing at the liquor in her friends hand. Damon usually consumed his beloved bourbon with pleasure.

But the man on the couch didn't seem pleasured at all. His facial features totally hardened and a look in his eyes like he was ready to rip someone's heart out.

You put the disc's back in your handbag, closing the zipper and put the bag on the floor.

"Fine. No movie night today. Who are we going to kill?"

A small smirk appeared on Damon's lips, finally looking towards Y/N.

"Stefan and his hero hair. He made me go vegetarian... well, for a vampire... and I can't get myself to eat one of those chipmunks, bunnies or bambis." He shook himself with disgust.

"And why did he count you in? You clearly aren't excited about the changing... So, why did you agree?"

"He said, he would kill me, which is kinda funny. But-" Damon made a wide gesture "he stole my daylight ring. And he wouldn't give it back until I stop feeding on innocent people - and kill them."

"So, you truly let your younger brother blackmail you like that?! Wow... I don't know how to feel about your dieting or your new path. Or whatever this is supposed to be."

"You don't like me killing people either", Damon maintained, while taking another sip of bourbon.

"Well, I don't", Y/N agreed, took a step forward, stole the glass from the vampires hand and put it on a small table nearby. "But I don't believe in forcing as a method to get people to change their minds. I believe that change for the better must be an intrinsic motivation," she added quickly, giving the vampire an innocent smile.

Damon's lineaments suddenly turned from annoyed to curious. "Any suggestions, little one?" The vampire raised an eyebrow and a little smirk showed up on his lips. On the one hand, Y/N blushed over the nickname, Damon called her.  On the other hand she felt skittish looking forward to making a deal with him. Not only a deal. It's far more than a simple agreement.

It's Y/N, actually giving Damon a part of her. The red elixir of life. She was about to give him total control of her body and she not even for a heartbeat doubt that Damon will use it against her.

"Actually... Yeah. There's something on my mind." Y/N said chewing on your lip. "I could open up a vein for you. I mean, you could feed on me. And since you have my permission, there's nothing for anybody to have objection about."

Damon frowned and gave her an incredulous look. "You would do that for me?" The vampire couldn't believe, he understood correctly. Why would Y/N want to get involved with him feeding on her? What's in it for her? Damon tried hard to connect the dots, but he wasn't able to. It all seemed to make no sense. Y/N wouldn't have an advantage of that. The vampire hesitated, pinning his dangerously blue eyes on the girl in front of him.

"Is it so suspicious of me, that I'm trying to help my closest friend?" It pierced Y/N's heart, realizing, Damon's trust in her was rather fragile. "Never mind", she waved the pain away and forced herself to keep her composure. "I only had a hasty idea; you really don't need to fee-"

Suddenly Damon appeared behind Y/N, using his vampirism. "Shhhh", he whispered softly. "I never said, that I don't want your blood. I'm thinking about if we are going to cross a line? Blood sharing can be very personal..."

"It can be? It is personal already. Believe it or not - I'm not gonna offer my veins to all the vampires of Mystic Falls." Y/N rolled her eyes, her arms folded on her chest to point out the indignation she felt right now.

"Kinda sensitive today, huh?" Damon gently stroke a strand of hair behind her ear, Y/N could hear this smug smirk through his words. It was a true 'Damon thing' to do. "I didn't mean it like that, princess." He sighed; unsure if he should agree or not. Damon didn't want to act selfish towards Y/N. He compelled a lot of girls for the purpose of drinking blood in the past. He literally used them as long as they weren't too annoying - and then he acted like they have never met. Damon Salvatore couldn't imagine this scenario with Y/N. They've been so close, the vampire couldn't stand loosing her. The offer was risky, but it also could bring each other even closer.

Damon tried hard to avoid any serious attraction between Y/N and him, afraid of messing up. Indeed, he found himself thinking, and even dreaming, about Y/N more than he wanted to admit. She was smart and had this special sense of humor, the vampire adored so much. She was the only one, who could make him feel good no matter what. Needless to say she had that glimmer in her eyes, when she did something she truly loved. In these moments she was even more pretty. Y/N was hard to resist.

And maybe now he could have her like nobody else. At least the vampire gave in. He wanted her blood. He wanted her.

Y/N flinched by the feeling of Damon brushing her neck with his lips.  "Oh, Damon", she gasped. "Bite me." Y/N almost begged for the vampire's teeth breaking through her skin. Damon loved the sound of her husky voice. In less than a heartbeat he turned into his vampire shape. "If you insist", he grinned devilishly, ready to place his teeth on to her skin.

Suddenly Y/N made a slight move forward with the intention to interrupt her friend. "Did you change your mind?" Damon was close to switching back to human, overwhelmed by a mix of emotions. Mostly a lack of understanding, but also a little of disappointment and even anger. Was Y/N playing games on him? While Damon Salvatore was sorting feelings, Y/N turned around, standing now in front of him.

She was so close, not even a piece of paper would fit between them.

Y/N slightly exhaled breath, her eyes darting between the vampires eyes and lips. It was the first time Y/N saw him like this. The icy blue of his eyes, she loved so much, has turned darker. Purple veins appeared under his eyes; Y/N couldn't help herself. Damon's appearance fully intoxicated every fibre of her being. Her fingertips found their way gently brushing over his dark purple veins. She felt heat and softness, while tracing one of them.  It took her a few seconds to get out of trance, realizing what she had done. "Sorry", she murmured with a voice barely audible. "Don't apologize, little one." Damon tilted his head, his lips curled up in a self-assured grin, exposing a perfectly white vampire fang. "I never saw you like this before, you loo-"

"... look like a monster?"

Y/N shook her head. It was nothing like that. Yes, he did look unfamiliar. And she should be scared under normal conditions. Instead, his look hit her in an unexpected way. He looked hotter as a vampire, if it was even possible. 

Y/N cleared her throat, looking up at Damon. "I feel... attracted to you."

"So nothing's changed", Damon teased, raising his eyebrows. The girl in front of him softly slapped him on his shoulder; which was only possible because the vampire permitted. "You are always so full of yourself." She smirked, feeling more confident being to something, they have had been so many times before. Granted, he was terrifying accurate, but she wouldn't serve her feelings on a silver platter.

"I'm still into it. You can bite me; feed on me. I only needed to see you before..." 

A shockwave of electricity flowed through her body the second Damon took her hand and pulled her close.

"I'll be careful", he promised, nuzzling his head into the nap of her neck. Damon once again placed his lips on her soft skin. 

Suddenly a harsh pain made Y/N feel like in a kind of haze. She flinched and let out a groan at the same time, unintentionally biting her lower lip. 

During Damon embedded his fang deeper and deeper, she started feeling dizzy. Her hands searched for the vampires upper body, finally wrapped around his neck. She needed him to lean on. A narrow trickle of blood flowed down her neck. Let Damon feed on her felt like flames licking up every fiber of her body. 

With every passing second Y/N could feel her control slip away. Her body was now firmly pressed against Damon's, like she would want to merge them into one.

Damon noticed her staggering, wrapped his arms around her waist, supporting her.

Bloodlust already messed up the vampires mind, so he continued feeding on Y/N.

A tempting moan escaped her lips, but she didn't care to cover up. Y/N's heart was racing, her eyes flattering. It was almost as if he was about to push her over the edge, but in a different way. "Mmm, this...this… feels soo weird... and so good...", she whispered under a shallow breath.

As soon as Damon heard her fading voice, he abruptly

quitted drinking from her.

"Fuck!" He rapidly laid her on his lap and checked Y/N's vital signs, to make sure she was okay. Instinctively he bit his wrist, pressed it against Y/N's mouth. He knew his blood would heal her, but it wasn't going fast enough. A few seconds passed through, to him they felt like centuries. Y/N finally blinked and Damon was relieved. He cupped her cheeks, his gaze never leaving hers. "I thought, I'd gone-" Damon cleaned his throat. "I'm so glad, you are doing well", he whispered, while trailing her lips with his fingertips. "So, fuckin' glad..." The vampire exhaled a deep breath. 

"It... You made me feel good. Strange, but good", Y/N appeased and flushed over the memory. "Maybe you got a little carried away, but I don't mind. I wouldn't trade the feeling for anything."

Y/N quickly interrupted herself, before she could reveal too much.

However, Damon used his vampire skills, noticing that Y/N was hiding something from him. "Isn't there anything else you want me to know?", Damon asked without taking his eyes off her. Y/N shifted and flushed even more. "It's unfair. You use your vampirism to get everything out of me."

"Well, if that were the case, I could easily compel you." Damon shrugged and found back to his smugly self. "Tell me, what you are hiding". He said in a seductive voice.

"I wanted to get lost in you."

Her confession sent shivers all over the vampires body. At first he could not decide, how to handle this. "Are you sure that's what you want? I could really hurt you..." Y/N hummed.

In the next split second, Damon pinned Y/N against a wall, smashing his lips on hers, kissing her with all the passion he had to give. The vampire devoured Y/N with a new kind of hunger. He didn't know he could crave someone so much.

"Fuck me, Damon..."

The vampire felt him getting hard, only by hearing those little three words out of her mouth.

"Say it louder. Tell me, what you want me to do."

Y/N pulled him closer, gently biting his earlobe.

"Fuck... me, Damon." It took her a second to focus and forming the words again. After she was near to climax earlier, it wasn't a long way getting to the edge once more. "Make me cum... You almost had me there..."

A deep moan got over the vampires lips, once he understood, what Y/N was trying to tell him.

With the next blink Y/N found herself in Damon's bedroom, lying on his bed.

From now on there weren't many words needed. Damon's hand's found their way under her shirt, cupping her breasts and make her moan over and over again.

He closely listened to the rhythm of her heart, making sure he would be able to delay her climax to the point he needed her to.

"Don't cum yet... I want to taste your little pussy first."

Y/N grabbed the vampires head, running her fingers through his dark hair - pushing him down, since she was unable to form a single word.

As Damon got down, he didn't take his eyes off Y/N.

He used a hand pushing up her skirt and lightly stroking over her panties with his fingertips.

"My girl is so wet", he praised in a low husky voice."-and I barely touched you."

His dirty words in combination with his touch lead to another moan, almost turned into a scream.

Damon pushed the fabric aside, leaving sloppy kisses on the inside of her thighs.

Y/N's eyes fluttered, when his soft lips reached her middle.

Damon's tongue licking around her entrance was driving her nuts.

"...so delicious..." were the only words she was able to catch up. Damon knew, he couldn't thrill her forever, so he got back to her. He spit on his palms, stroking his hand over his crotch. In under a second Y/N finally felt this releasing pressure of his cock. It was like a switch went off in her brain and she braced herself for the hard thrusts that would follow.

Damon dimmed the whining noises Y/N made with a passionate, hungry kiss.

He cheated with his vampirism to give it to her deeper and faster, knocking out all the air of her lungs while Y/N screamed out Damon's name. Her walls clenched around him and made him twitch. It was like her pussy massaged his dick the best way possible.

Every time he hit her harder and rougher he was making sure he hit her spot with every thrust.

Damon gathered speed one last time and pushed her over the edge until she was a moaning whimpering mess.

With her last contraction around his shaft, Damon was cumming inside her.

"You are so tight, little one", he whispered under his breath. "We should make arrangements more often."

Please like or/and reblog if you enjoyed reading or/and want me to write more stories about Damon.

Thanks guys ❤️

[sylverstorms]

Cassandra x Maiden ----Anonymity Ch. 6

Ch.1 Ch.2 Ch.3 Ch.4 Ch.5

It becomes a sort of evening ritual between the two of you, waking Cassandra up at sunset.

You're always cautious with your movements and how much light you allow in from the hallway as you enter her lavish bedroom, but the cold fear that used to grip at your chest is no longer there.

Measured steps take you to the edge of her bed.

Cassandra usually sleeps on her side, yet today she's on her front, firm back and creamy thigh tantalizingly on display against satin crimson sheets. Her pretty face is turned halfway into her pillow, a river of rich brown waves falling behind her ear and over one shoulder.

The sight makes you stop and stare for a moment. A strange feeling —accomplishment?— swells within your chest at the thought you know just how smooth and sensitive that skin is.

Then you shake your head at yourself. Pull it together. It's one thing to accept you're in a mutually beneficial arrangement with a killer —you remain intact, she scratches an itch, both of you share the pleasure as a means of escape or passing the time— but it is entirely another to be proud of it.

She's nothing of yours. Not your lover, certainly not your girl. That would imply you stand on equal ground which you most certainly do not. You're exactly what she calls you;

A plaything.

The question is, inside your head, what do you call her?

"My lady." you say, keeping your voice low. She doesn't stir but somehow you know she's awake.

"Either wake me up nicely or don't wake me at all." the words come semi-muffled against her pillow. "If I wanted to hear 'my lady' I'd have another maid come."

Well. She does seem to enjoy when you take some creative liberties. So you lean forward and press your lips just over her knee, then move a tad higher on her thigh, then kiss the veins visible on her hand.

Cassandra's mouth slowly pulls into a pleased smile as she turns onto her side. Her fingers then curl on the neckline of your shirt and tug you forward, into a quick little kiss that ends with a nibble on your tongue.

You always get anxious when she does that —it's probably why she does it in the first place— that you'll end up with a piece missing, but so far you haven't even been cut. And if you're honest with yourself, which you're not, but if you were... the thrill is a turn on.

Cassandra licks her lips and scoots back, patting the spot she just vacated on the queen-sized mattress. You look at her, confused. Surely she isn't suggesting...

"Come, now. I don't bite." A devilish smirk curls her mouth while she tells probably the biggest lie of the year. "Keep me company until dinner."

You climb onto her bed like it's a freaking minefield. As carefully as you lower yourself onto the crimson sheets, however, the bruises across your sides still protest. You subtly suck in air through your teeth.

Cassandra's fingers slide over to you, to the exposed part of your waist from where your shirt has risen up. There's a visible patch of purple there that she traces —the coolness of her skin is so soothing— until she presses into it. The brief flare of pain makes you gasp. She giggles.

"You make such nice expressions to pain." she says, as though tempted to draw more from you.

"I've been told my pleasured ones are better." you reply quickly.

Cassandra chuckles. "Is that so?" Her yellowish eyes are gleaming with amusement as she pushes you onto your back and straddles you.

The sight is enough to steal your breath away. The sinful black of her underwear peeks through the royal red of the sheets tangled around her waist, all a wonderful antithesis with her incredibly pale skin.

You want to touch. But then you may lose your hands, so you lock your muscles down and wait for her move.

Cassandra slowly trails a slender finger up your neck, all the way to the underside of your bottom lip. "...yeah, they're good too." she breathes, although you've almost forgotten what you were talking about.

"Can't hold a candle to yours." you whisper back. At this point, you're not really capable of rational thought.

You loathe the effect she has on you. How everything she's done can just be bypassed in your head whenever she gets like this with you.

Cassandra's mouth twists into a near coy little smile. "I'll take your word for it." she says. "There hasn't been anyone else to see them, so."

Wait. Your mind stutters to a halt. Wait. What?

According to rumor, the Dimitrescus have been around for over one hundred years. From what you've seen in the castle, probably longer. And you... you're her first?

"Cat got your tongue?" she giggles again, taking your chin between two long fingers. "I think I may like surprise on you best."

You want to ask if nobody's ever interested her before, but you're afraid to overstep. Cassandra seems to know, though and has no problems answering your unasked question;

"The first few dozen years after the mutations were... very bad. The hunger and thirst were enough to drive one mad. Didn't leave much room for anything else." she explains. "And humans in general are only attractive to me chained up and bled out."

Something inside you recoils at how casually she says it. Like she's simply commenting on the weather.

"But you... you have a little spark that I like." She smirks down at you.

"What about before?" you ask.

"Hm?"

"You said after the mutations. What about before?"

Cassandra's smile gets swallowed up by the abyss so quickly you wonder if you imagined it there. Tension builds at her temples and her eyes take on an icy quality that feels like it extinguishes all warmth in the room.

"There is no before."

You've never heard her voice like that. You hope you never will again, either.

The conversation drifts to lighter subjects, then. She asks you about the world beyond the village and you share what you remember from your childhood, until it is time to escort her to dinner.

But even as she eats and talks with her family, even when she leaves with her mother and sisters and you're left alone, to clean after bloody plates with the other maids, you can't shake off that look in her eyes when you dared ask about her life pre-mutations.

The more you linger on it... there's only one word that comes to mind as an accurate description.

Haunted.

-

-

Deep in your slumber, you hear the telltale buzzing of flies.

Something winged flutters against your cheek, but you merely stir. It prods at your jaw and you grunt. Leave me alone, you want to protest, brain muddled with sleep still.

Until.

A nip that cuts a thin line on your jaw has you springing upright in bed. "Agh!" Your hand flies to the wound, eyes wide.

A familiar form materializes out of an insect swarm, right in front of you. Cassandra grabs at your hand before you can start flailing and panicking any harder than you already are. Your lungs empty of hair in the milliseconds it takes you to realize she's not here to kill you.

Probably.

"Calm down." she says it like you're overreacting.

You try to take a deep, relaxing breath, but she leans forward in the meantime, running the tip of her tongue over the fresh cut on you. So much for oxygen. She even hums against your neck. Despite the sting, your stomach flutters.

Cassandra pulls back, licking her lip. "There. All better now?"

No. Your heart is trying to jump out of your chest. Has she never heard of knocking? For the love of everything Holy out there, it's the middle of the night.

"W-what are you doing here?" you ask.

A dramatic huff escapes her. "I'm bored."

Ah, yes, that makes a lot of sense. You spare a moment to wonder what your life has come to, then accept lack of proper rest and sit back against your pillows. Cassandra takes it as an invitation to push off her hood and plant herself next to you.

"Do you... want to go for a walk outside?" you suggest, uncertain.

Her eyes light up like a Christmas tree for a moment. Then she seems to remember something that dims the glow. "Ugh. Can't. It's way too cold tonight."

That... shouldn't be and issue for her, should it? It makes you wonder.

"Well, if I stay here I'm going to fall asleep." you sheepishly admit.

Cassandra's gaze darkens as she runs her fingertips down the taut skin of your bare middle, leaning over you like a lioness cornering her prey.

"I don't mind biting you awake if you do."

You want to say that you mind, yet her lips are on top if yours, smooth, tasting of strawberry lipbalm and that's the end of that conversation.

"But I am willing to cut you a deal." A manicured nail presses a bit at the middle of your chest. "Put that smart tongue of yours to good use and I'll let you get your sleep."

So spoiled and so demanding, you think. But then, looking at her face this close up... So beautiful.

You forget all about sleep for the next half hour or so as you focus solely on Cassandra, your bedroom filling with her quiet sighs and moans.

True to her word, she does ease back when she's satisfied and you're so tired your eyes start drooping before you've even lowered your head to your pillow.

She doesn't move to leave though... and you find that you don't mind.

When you drift off to sleep this time, your last thought is that the gentle chill of her body beside yours is almost...

Comforting.

[starlessea]

Here Comes the Sun: XX. More Than A Feeling (Daryl Dixon/Reader)

Series Masterlist: Here Comes the Sun

Summary: Daryl Dixon scares the hell out of you climbing out of that damn creek. It takes hauling his ass halfway across Georgia and taking a bullet for him to realise that you're not half bad. He slowly starts to come around, despite grumbling about how much he doesn't like your singing, or that you can't use a gun for shit - and don't get him started on that ugly yellow tent of yours. It takes him a while before he starts to see for himself that he's found a best friend for life, and that he doesn't actually mind the colour yellow that much, after all.

Words: 6480

Chapter Warnings: Language, Violence, Injury.

Your head pounded like an alarm clock you couldn't shut off. The explosions hadn't done any favours for your tinnitus, either. The high-pitched ringing noise was constant, and only intensified the more you tried not to focus on it. Even now that everything had settled down, it still seemed like you could hear walls crashing around you, or feel the vibrations as the stone crumbled and settled at your feet.

Except, it wasn't brick walls that were sending shock waves over the ground; it was Daryl's footsteps as he paced. You could feel them through your own boots, and sent him a look to try and coax him to sit down. 

"It's a sprained ankle, Daryl. I didn't lose my leg." You said gently, before someone cleared their throat.

You looked down at Hershel, who was in the process of wrapping the bandages, and winced as he raised an eyebrow at you.

"Sorry." You muttered, awkwardly.

Everything had gone mostly to plan. The governor and his men had been driven away, and the others had returned from Woodberry with even more survivors. You hadn't gotten the chance to see them yet, but the ruckus drifted up the stairs and you could feel the marching of the stampede as though they had been part of the army themselves.

The prison remained standing, albeit missing a watchtower and seeming a bit dilapidated in a few places - but your home was once again yours. You'd sacrificed so much for it. Lori, T-Dogg, Axel, Oscar, and Merle had all lost their lives just so that you could sit here now, complaining of flesh-wounds and mild injuries like they were the most perilous problems you could face.

Daryl didn't seem to agree, however, and narrowed his eyes at you - or more specifically, at the bandage wrapped around your head. You'd taken a bit of a fall, but it wasn't like you'd cracked it open. Though, that didn't stop the man from treating you like Humpty Dumpty - trying to fix all of your pieces despite them not actually being broken.

"I don' care!" Daryl yelled, and you felt Hershel flinch as he made another pass with the bandages.

The man slung his crossbow onto the mattress, and you felt the bed dip beside you from the weight of it. His face was all scrunched up into a scowl, and you wanted nothing more than to hold it in your hands and bring his cheek to yours.

"What the hell d'ya try an' pull tha' for?" He asked, but this time his voice had lost its fight. "You could've gotten yerself killed." Daryl said quietly, like it almost killed him to say, too.

The older man stayed silent as he continued to do his job, and you felt guilty for having let him get caught up in this. 

"But I didn't." You reminded Daryl, before shooting a light-hearted smile his way. "Certain victory, remember?"

Your eyes glanced down to his hand, and at the shoddily drawn rune you'd given him with a sharpie earlier in the day. He didn't say anything back, but his pacing had stopped - and he looked straight at you as you spoke.

"And although the governor got away, don't you think he'll be easier to find with a bullet in his shoulder?"

If you had anything to show for your injuries, at least it was that. You offered a teasing smirk to the man - one that probably made him wonder if you had a concussion.

"I think I know a pretty good tracker, too." You joked, nodding in his direction.

Daryl didn't smile back. You watched as the man took a seat next to you on the mattress, and noticed the way his eyes rested on Hershel as he tended to your injuries better than he could have. 

"Ya should've followed the plan." He mumbled, so quietly that you barely caught it.

You let out a sigh, unable to hide your guilt. Daryl had an expression you'd only seen him wear once before, and you didn't like it in the slightest.

"I had a clear shot." You reasoned timidly, like you were trying to convince yourself of your words.

You had done; it was true. Except, you should have taken a moment to consider your actions. You thought that you were in fact the hypocrite - since when the time came, you'd been the one to shoot first, and ask questions later.

"If my aim was a little better we wouldn't even be having this conversation." You told him, and offered a sheepish smile alongside it. "I'm sorry I missed."

Hershel tightened the knot as he finished wrapping your foot. You lifted your leg and outstretched it to examine his work. Tentatively, you wiggled your toes, and thanked the man when you felt no pain in doing so. Daryl sent a nod in his direction too, before turning back.

"I don' give a damn if ya missed." He told you, barely above a whisper.

Hershel ushered himself out of the room as quietly as he could manage, trying not to intrude any longer. As soon as he'd left, Daryl let his head drop onto your shoulder, and you could feel his warm breath over the crook of your neck.

"I only care tha' yer alive." He admitted, mumbling against the skin there. "I can't lose you, too."

You leant back against the man. He seemed so downtrodden, but for the first time since the farm, you felt safe. You remembered that first night after you'd cleared the prison, sitting out in that field around the campfire. You'd asked him then if he thought this could be your home. Now, you decided, it was.

"Have more faith in me, Dixon." You told him, and stroked his hair - letting your nails run along his scalp gently. "I think I must be pretty hard to kill."

Despite the head injury, the events of that morning were as clear as day to you - as clear as the cloudless sky had been when you all took your positions. The strategy had been to ambush them when they came, and you had been the one to dissuade Rick from utilising the watchtowers.

"They'll be their first target." You'd said, and luckily he had listened.

You and Daryl had been checking the guns, before deciding to take one last walk around the perimeter. You'd scouted their vehicles en route to the prison, so you knew it was only a matter of time before all hell would break loose. The day was otherwise serene, and you hoped that once all of this was over you'd get the chance to revel in the sunshine and celebrate your certain victory.

You smiled over at the man, remembering what you'd wanted to tell him. The two of you were checking for breaches in the fences, making sure that the governor's men couldn't infiltrate from anywhere you wouldn't expect. You watched as Daryl pulled on the lattice wire to make sure it was secure, and you slipped your hand into his other, free one. 

He gave you a subtle glance, but didn't make any sarcastic remarks in return. The two of you walked hand-in-hand alongside the fences, as though you were going on a mundane, morning stroll in the sun. It was silent, and you both seemed to just bask in the peace whilst it still lasted. Though, once you had gone full-circle, and had ended up back where you'd started, you stopped in place.

You fished around in your pocket and pulled out the sharpie you'd scavenged from Glenn earlier in the day. Daryl looked at it suspiciously, but let you do as you pleased - just like always. Carol had noted how much of a soft spot the man had for you, and you couldn't even deny it at this point. The two of you had woken up entangled in each other this morning, and it had taken you the better part of half an hour to coax him to let you get up. You could tell he was scared of what the day would bring. Despite claiming to be a man 'not scared of nothing,' you knew that Daryl Dixon was afraid of one thing above all else - and that was losing you. 

"Give me your hand." You instructed, and pulled the cap off the top of the pen with your teeth.

The man eyed the permanent marker, before looking down at your interlocked hands.

"Yer holdin' it." He grumbled, and you rolled his eyes at his dry humour.

"The other one." You clarified, pointing in the direction. "It needs to be on the same side."

You took his hand in yours before he had time to question you further, and pressed the sharpie to it. You drew the simple pattern, watching as the ink bled out slightly over the cracks in his skin.

It was the same rune of Týr that you had tattooed on your hip - the one Daryl claimed 'looked like an arrow.' He stared at it once you'd finished, stretching out his fingers before balling his hand into a fist. Maybe it was a little childish to want to wish him luck in this way, and you thought that Daryl was a man quite capable of victory by himself, but you'd wanted to do it nonetheless.

"Look, we match." You exclaimed with a smile, but the words felt familiar on your tongue.

Daryl must have thought so, too, as you saw some kind of recognition flash behind his eyes. Then, you remembered it. The memory washed over you like a wave coming onto shore. It had been back on the farm, where you lay next to each other on that springy, double bed. He'd had an arrow wound in his side, and your bullet hole matched it nicely. You'd pointed it out to him with a grin, too doped up on medication for your own good. It felt so long ago - back when you'd been more young and naive to the world, and he'd been more angry at it.

"I guess some things never change." You admitted, and you could tell that he understood.

You felt him squeeze your hand, and looked back down at the semi-tattoo you'd drawn haphazardly. 

"An' other things do." He replied.

When the first explosion rang out, your mind immediately thought back to that moment. The front left watchtower had been decimated, just as you had predicted, and the tanks began to roll in through the field. Whilst some of the group were hidden away in the prison interior, waiting to ambush those who came in, you stayed outside with Maggie and Glenn - ready to catch any stragglers who made it back out.

Daryl hadn't wanted you to be in the thick of it, and you could tell why. From the looks of it, the governor's army was partially made of toy soldiers. From your position, you could make out young boys and girls barely through their teenage years, and adults who looked like they had never held a weapon before. You would have found it hard to kill them - even if you needed to.

From your hiding place, however, you couldn't see the governor. The group was too dense, and he was probably lurking somewhere in the middle - just like the coward he was. You stared down the scope of your rifle, trying to get a better view. All around you, you could hear the sounds of crumbling stone, and the flicker of flames as they burned the tower to the ground. There had only been a couple of warning rounds shot at the building, but they'd done more damage than you were comfortable with. You just hoped that Daryl and the others were alright inside. 

The whole thing seemed to last a couple of minutes at most. As quickly as the group had entered the cellblock, they were forced back out in a shroud of smoke and gunfire. Maggie and Glenn had their guns aimed, but it looked to be a clean retreat. The govenor's makeshift suicide army had all turned back, and were fleeing into the forest - so you didn't shoot at them.

That had been the plan anyway, until you caught sight of a familiar eyepatch and the man who wore it. You jumped up from behind the bushes like someone had set them alight, and ran over to the wall for cover. Maggie and Glenn shouted at you, but you continued until you reached it. It was part of the fence you'd reinforced with steel, and you ducked behind it to peer through the gunhole. 

The man was returning back to the tank, mowing down anyone who got in his way. You stared through your rifle scope, finger hovering the trigger. You would have pulled it, but a civilian got in your line of sight at the last second. 

"Shit." You whispered, below your breath, and slung the rifle back over your shoulder.

You hopped the fence and started running, making your way to the blazing watchtower that was set alight like a torch. The base was still steady, and it provided good cover whilst allowing you to move in closer. The calm summer's day had been transformed into a warzone in a matter of minutes. Shouts and gunfire rang out around you as you dashed to the burning building. When you reached it, you quickly ducked down and pressed your back to the stone as you set up your rifle. 

It hasn't been part of the plan; you knew that. Though, you didn't just want to let the man walk free, either. If you weren't the one to do it, it would be someone else - perhaps Rick, or Michonne, or even Daryl. You wanted to pull your weight, especially if it meant that their shoulders wouldn't have to bear the burden of it.

The tower creaked and groaned above your head, and your eyes quickly glanced upwards to catch sight of the flames that licked the sky - creating an amber haze that resembled sunset. You ignored the sound, and locked onto the governor once again. This time, he was clambering into the vehicle, and you knew that it would be your last chance. Your line of sight was clear, and so you let your finger squeeze the trigger - and felt the jolt of the gun as it hit back against your shoulder.

The bullet connected, and you watched the man stagger backwards. He turned to face your direction, and your gazes caught for a split second - like you could see it all unfold in slow motion. Then, you heard a crash, and time resumed as normal.

Glass shattered above your head and fell onto you like jagged raindrops, and the stone debrid came following like lightning after it. The tower shifted, and you watched it crumble for a brief moment before the adrenaline kicked in. You abandoned your rifle and jumped up, starting to run in the opposite direction. Rubble came pouring down and bounced over the concrete at your feet. You felt small pieces nick your legs, but continued to sprint as you heard Maggie and Glenn call your name in the distance. You couldn't outrun the collapse, but you'd managed to dive behind one of the fences just in time to shield yourself.

You'd squeezed your eyes closed as the tower fell, and huddled your knees to your chest to protect yourself. The stone structure made the most almighty crash as it caved to the ground, and suddenly the courtyard was completely shrouded in dust. It wasn't until the smoke cloud had settled and you recognised figures emerging from the fog that you realised you'd made it. 

Your head stung, and you pressed your fingers to your temple only to notice that something had drawn blood there. You must've been struck by some stray piece of rubble, you thought. You were a bit dazed, but you could make out voices clearly as they shouted your name. You recognised one in particular, and your heart sped up in response.

"C'mon, Teach!" Daryl yelled, but you couldn't pin-point where from. 

You tried to call back, but your throat was dry and your voice barely made its way out of your lips.

"Can ya hear me?" He shouted again. "Call out to me if ya can hear me!"

Clearing your throat, you tried again.

"Daryl!" You screamed, and this time it resonated. "I'm here!" 

You noticed a shift in the fog, and figures got clearer as they made their way through it.

"I'm over here!" You yelled again, your voice breaking over the words.

The man came running over to you as soon as he could tell where you were. You'd been hidden behind the sheet of metal, sat amongst a pile of debrid, but he still found you. You could feel the fresh blood trickling down your forehead, but you wiped it away with the back of your hand and sent him a watery smile of pure relief. Daryl took in the sight, and the way your foot seemed to be turned in an awkward angle beneath you - and his eyes widened.

"What did you do?" He asked, rushing over to your side in an instant.

You looked back at him with an equally dumbfounded expression.

"I shot him." You admitted. "I shot the governor." 

After Hershel had left your cell, you and Daryl stayed sitting on the mattress together for a little while. You let him rest his head over your shoulder, which soon turned into lying on your chest as you both slumped back into the pillows. It was a little different from what you were used to, but you held his head and stroked his hair gently. You thought that he needed the comfort, and you were fine with being able to return it for once.

Maggie and Glenn had informed you that they'd seen everything go down - and that you'd actually hit the governor in the shoulder, rather than his chest. It was a bitter disappointment, but they'd reassured you that you'd still done a good job - after they'd given you a scolding, that is. You weren't entirely sure what had possessed you to do it - to abandon the plan. Maybe it was the images of a beaten Glenn and an inconsolable Maggie that you weren't able to rid yourself of, or perhaps it was the nightmares you had of cowering beneath Axel's body. More likely, it was the recent death of Merle, and what it had done to Daryl as a result. Whatever it was, you didn't regret it. The governor had deserved everything that was coming for him, and you'd just happened to be the one to pass the sentence.

Daryl's eyelids seemed heavy, and his breathing had evened out. You knew that if you didn't rouse him now, he'd probably fall asleep within a matter of minutes. It was selfish, but you didn't want that. You wanted to celebrate your victory - no matter how certain it had been.

"I'm sorry, Daryl." You whispered, and gently moved his hair back from his face.

The man inhaled sharply, and you watched his eyes flicker as they adjusted to the light. You let out a soft chuckle, which you were sure he could feel resonate through your chest.

"Can you help me down the stairs?" You asked sweetly, hoping to coax him awake. "I want to meet everyone."

He'd already carried you out of the rubble once today, but you hoped he'd be generous enough to lend you an arm as you hobbled down the metal steps. Daryl sat up and stretched his neck side to side before glancing over at you, his eyes immediately resting over your bandaged forehead to check it was still alright. You offered a smile to reassure him, and eventually the man nodded in return.

"It's gonna get a lot nosier 'round 'ere." He grumbled, but it didn't sound like he really minded.

Daryl had your arm slung over his shoulder as you both attempted the stairs. His other hand was on your waist for support, and he waited patiently as you took each step - going along with your pace. You'd heard the commotion from your cell, but nothing could have prepared you for the sheer amount of people that had been brought back from Woodberry. 

As your foot hit the final step you were greeted by an unexpected round of applause, interspersed with the occasional cheers. You almost stumbled back in shock, but Daryl caught your arm before you could trip.

"There she is!" Glenn yelled over the crowd. "Our suicidal sniper."

You shot Daryl a side-eye glance, but the man just shrugged in response. Your gaze ran over the unfamiliar faces as they smiled, or looked at you curiously, and you suddenly felt inadequate in comparison. You stood leaning against Daryl in your dusty clothes and bandages, and sheepishly lowered your head as they stared. Eventually, Daryl shooed them all away, warning them to 'get out of your face.' 

It made you laugh, and you aimed some teasing remarks in his direction - pestering him if he'd like to become your bodyguard. The chatter buzzed around you like nothing you'd ever heard before. Even in the old world, the atmosphere couldn't compare. You didn't know how long it had been since you'd even laid eyes on so many people at once. You knew that you'd have to clear out some other cell blocks just to make room for them all. This was the start of something; you just knew it.

Someone called your name from amongst the fray, but Daryl didn't stop ushering you over to a nearby seat. You whipped your head around in confusion, but continued to shuffle along until you had the opportunity to sit down. He leant against the table next to you, resembling a diligent guard dog. Daryl was the most loyal man you'd ever met, and everyday he reminded you not to settle for anything less. You wondered how anyone could ever come close to him - past or present. Your ex had been a mere speck of poorly-chosen dust in comparison to Daryl Dixon. 

The man seemed to be able to read your thoughts, as he glanced in your direction with perfect timing - causing you to look away. You heard your name through the thick of the crowd again, and this time tried harder to locate the source. Only a few seconds later, someone emerged from the centre of the room, pushing past everyone so that she could get to you. 

The woman had neat brown hair to her shoulders, and was wearing a sundress that looked like it had been recently pressed. All of the former Woodberry inhabitants looked clean, but she definitely stood out due to how beautiful she was. Her eyes were a warm coffee colour, and her smile was bright as she looked over at you.

You choked on your words, immediately standing up only to stumble into Daryl's shoulder. He quickly got a hand under your arm to steady you, but had a disapproving expression on his face as he did so.

"Vanessa?" You spluttered out, and she gave you an excited nod in return.

Daryl barely had time to step aside before the woman bounded up to you and flung her arms around your neck. She squeezed you so tightly that you forgot how to breathe, but you hugged her back with the same force - clasping your arms around her back.

You were utterly speechless. The last time you'd seen the woman, the two of you were witnessing the complete horror of your camp being destroyed. You'd looked for her in the days following, but she'd seemed to simply disappear into the night. You hadn't even thought she'd made it out alive. She'd been your colleague before all this, and then your campmate. But, most importantly, she'd been your friend.

You stared at her as she pulled away, and she giggled at your dumbfounded expression. Her smile was as pretty as you remembered, and you suddenly felt pale in comparison to her rosy cheeks and honey complexion. She was as quick-witted as ever, and wasted no time in regaining her composure to tease you like you'd never even spent any time apart.

Daryl watched in silence, not wanting to interrupt, but you could tell that he was starting to put the pieces together.

"You were the one who shot him?" She asked, as though in utter shock.

She had her hands on either of your shoulders, and looked you up and down before settling over your one foot that you kept hovering above ground.

"Yeah." You replied sheepishly, and glanced off to the side.

The woman slapped your arm in disbelief, and Daryl shot her a warning look that made you snort. She looked over at the man, too, and raised an eyebrow.

"What on earth happened to you?" She questioned, meeting your eyes this time.

You stared at the floral pattern of her sundress, secretly wishing you had something equally as pretty, and shrugged.

"Well, I hit my forehead and sprained my ankle-" you started, but the woman cut you off.

"I don't mean that." She remarked, with a disapproving tone.

She sounded the same as she did on those days you'd spend your lunch breaks together, or go and get coffee at the local shop - trading gossip and work secrets. She grinned at you mischievously, and it didn't go unnoticed by Daryl.

"Where is the timid girl who sang 'Yellow Submarine' to us from her tent every night?"

The man beside you was the one to laugh this time, and you jabbed him with your elbow in response. 

"I really do miss that tent." You mumbled under your breath, and thought you could hear Daryl weakly protest below his.

Vanessa eyed the two of you, and her mouth upturned into a grin you recognised all too well. It was the one she wore when whispering to you about cute baristas, or when sliding her number across the bar. 

"And who's this?" She said, in a tone that was equally as familiar.

She turned to face Daryl, and gave him a quick once-over like she was checking for any visible flaws. You couldn't contain your laugh; she always did lack subtlety.

"This is Daryl." You told her, and slipped your hand into his. "My-" you paused, furrowing your eyebrows as you did, "boyfriend?"

It came out like a question, and Daryl snorted uncharacteristically from beside you.

"'M too old for tha' word." He grumbled, but it was still light-hearted.

You took the opportunity to have some fun, and pressed your chest against his arm as you got closer to his ear.

"What do you want me to say, then?" You asked teasingly. "My partner? Sweetheart?" 

The man seemed completely taken aback to hear you call him anything besides 'Dixon.' 

"My other half? The old ball 'n chain-" you continued, but were abruptly interrupted as he shrugged you off in embarrassment.

"D'you wan' another head injury?" He asked - a little too quickly and a lot too loudly.

Vanessa laughed her usual dainty laugh, and you'd almost forgotten that she was even there. Daryl's cheeks were dusted a light pink, and you knew he would remind you of this later when you were alone.

"You two are good together." The woman spoke, causing you to look over in her direction. "I'm glad you found someone in all of this." 

You gave her a shy smile, before looking down at your feet. You'd never been good with compliments, but she always seemed to have an abundance of them to give.

"After everything you've been through," she went on, this time glancing over at Daryl with a look that could only be described as approval. "You really deserve someone who can make you happy."

Happy. That is what this feeling was. You'd almost forgotten what the word meant, but you were suddenly reminded. Daryl had made you feel a lot of things since you'd met him - first a lot of nerves and sometimes even frustration, but eventually it became comfort and security. However, you realised that all along there were moments of happiness. Even back at the farm, the man never did fail to make you laugh - intentionally or unintentionally. Whether it was his dry sense of humour, or the wise-cracks he'd make in those days where he seemed younger, and more willing to fight the world. 

You looked over at the man like you'd only just come to the most obvious of realisations. Daryl Dixon made you happy - like nothing else had before.

As the night started to settle down, the atmosphere fizzled away along with it. Everyone had taken to their temporary sleeping arrangements, and you could tell that Daryl was holding back his yawns as he helped you clamber over the people left chatting on the floor. The day felt like it had gone on for a week, and you couldn't wait to just sink into bed and let your bandaged head meet the pillows.

Across the block, you spotted Rick talking to some of the new residents, and urged Daryl to return to the cell ahead of you. The man glanced down at your foot and then back up to your eyes, as though needing to state the obvious. You shook your head, telling him that you'd get Rick to help you up the stairs once you were done. You just wanted to talk to the officer briefly, and didn't want to keep Daryl up any longer than he needed to be.

He didn't seem entirely convinced, but he left you propped up against the wall where you instructed him to. His stubbornness had definitely rubbed off on you, you'd realised, and he could hardly attempt to fight against it.

"Deputy Grimes!" You called, once Daryl was out of ear-shot. "Get over here for a second."

The man looked up from his conversation, and you watched him excuse himself before making his way over. He looked equally as exhausted as the rest of you, and stepped heavily over the stone floor. Still, he gave you a small smile as he approached, and squeezed your shoulder.

"You did good today." He drawled, praising you for the second time tonight.

You rolled your eyes and slapped his chest with the back of your hand. 

"Don't let Daryl hear you say that." You warned, with a teasing look. "I could have died, remember?"

You'd said the words in Daryl's Southern accent, impersonating the man the best you could. Rick laughed in response, and you quickly glanced over your shoulder just to double-check that the archer wasn't still looming there.

"Never knew him to be so uptight." The officer replied, and you shrugged.

"He just needs a good night’s sleep." You explained, glancing over at the staircase leading to the second floor. "I think we all do."

Rick especially seemed like he was dead on his feet, but he held it together well. You couldn't imagine the pressure he felt having to keep everyone safe during times like these. You wanted to ease that burden a little, or even just throw some distractions in the mix to make him forget about it.

"Anyway, I heard that Glenn found a camera at Woodberry." You started, watching as he raised an eyebrow at you.

A few hours ago you'd hijacked it, and briefly kidnapped the Grimes children for that photoshoot you'd been threatening. The polaroid had turned out even better than you'd hoped - and you had almost been tempted to keep it for yourself.

You pulled the picture from your pocket, careful not to bend it, and passed it to the man. His eyes squinted as he looked at it, flat atop his palm. Both Carl and Judy were sporting their sheriff's hats, and the older Grimes had his sister perched on his lap.

"Thank you for everything you've done for us, Rick." You told him, and watched as he brought the picture closer to his face. "I'll never forget how you were always there for me."

It was rare that you ever saw the man speechless, but in that moment you were sure you saw a glimpse of the same Rick Grimes you'd first encountered back at the farm - that officer friendly who would give anything for his family.

He shook his head wordlessly, before tucking the picture into the inside pocket of his jacket.

"You don't give yourself enough credit." He said quietly, before slinging one of your arms around his neck. "And I don't think you ever will."

You returned to your cell soon after that, bidding the officer goodnight at the door. He gave you a quick kiss on the cheek before reminding you to change your bandages in the morning. You laughed in response, wondering why all the men around you treated you like glass.

The room was quiet as you ducked under the sheet hanging at the doorway, and you shuffled inside. Daryl had lit the small lamp on the table, and it cast a warm, golden glow over him where he lay. He had his eyes closed, but you noticed he had your headphones on - connected to the walkman that was left at the edge of the mattress.

You could hear the faint din of the music as some sound escaped, and slowly made your way over to the bed - not wanting to startle the man. He was still fully dressed, and had his arms tucked under his head as he lay on his back. You didn't think he was asleep; rather, he seemed to be waiting for you.

You knelt down onto the mattress, feeling it dip beneath your weight as you crawled up beside him. He didn't react, so you pulled one side of the headphones from his ear, and brought your lips close to it.

"Boo." You whispered, and blew hot air there to make him shiver.

This time he cracked an eye open, and pulled you down beside him gently. He continued to be mindful of your head, and plumped a pillow up for you to lay on. He then removed the headphones, and twisted the ends of them so that the speaker parts were facing outwards. 

You chuckled at the action, suddenly thinking back on your childhood where you'd share a pair with your friends. Daryl placed them in the space between the two of you, so that you could both listen to the songs together. You heard something by The Beatles play muffled, and closed your eyes to take in the melody.

The two of you talked briefly, and sleepily, for a bit. Daryl grumbled about you using him as a makeshift crutch for the majority of the night, and you just hummed in response. You caught him glancing over at you every now and then, but he made no attempt to pull you closer like he usually would have. You knew it was because of your head; he didn't even have to tell you.

"Hershel said it might leave a small scar." You told him, like it was a secret you felt needed to be disclosed.

You didn't really mind all that much, but you knew Daryl had a tendency to look at you guilt-stricken whenever he saw you injured. You just wanted to warn him - just in case.

"Like Harry Potter or some shit?" The man mumbled, and you rolled your eyes.

"Maybe." You replied.

The chatter downstairs had settled, and all that remained was the tinny sound of the music that quietly played near your ear. You swallowed thickly, staring up at the ceiling to see the uneven cracks that marred it.

"Will you still love me if I have a gawdy scar over my forehead?" You asked teasingly - but a part of you felt nervous to hear the response.

Then, your eyes widened as you realised your choice of words. You sat up, immediately feeling the blood rush to your head as you did so.

"Wait-" you stuttered, noticing the man's expression. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean-"

He cut you off before you could finish.

"I will."

You blinked, but he pulled you back down to him - this time letting you lay your head gently over his chest.

"Know I ain't said it before, but-" he paused, "I love ya." 

His heartbeat pounded quickly against your cheek, as though proving his words.

"I love ya so goddamn much, so don't ever pull that shit on me again."

You felt tears start to well up in your eyes, and hoped he couldn't feel them dampen his shirt.

"I love ya - you crazy woman who shot the governor an' took a bullet for me."

You swallowed thickly, trying to hide the wateriness of your voice as you responded.

"I love you too, Dixon." You admitted, wondering why you hadn't done so before.

You'd loved the man almost as long as you could remember; but it was one thing to love, and another thing to be loved in return.

"I won't let anything on this earth take me away from you." You mumbled against him. "You don't have to worry about that."

Daryl breathed in deeply, and you moved along with the rise and fall of his chest. This is what happiness felt like, you decided. Happiness wasn't as perfect as you had once thought it to be - back in the old world. It wasn't that amazing job, or the hard-earned paycheck, nor was it the men who called you pretty whilst giving you an ugly stare. Happiness for you was now walking around the perimeter of a dingy prison, hand-in-hand, as you stared up at the morning sun preparing for a fight. Happiness was those nights you'd stay awake, listening to the laughs down the hall of Maggie and Glenn as they whispered about their future together, and noticing that Daryl was eavesdropping, too. Most importantly, happiness was the man who you woke up next to, and the sound of his voice as he told you 'good morning.'

You looked down at his hand, resting on his chest, and saw the ink there that had smudged throughout the day. The walkman finished its tune, and there was a brief, few-second silence before it skipped to the next one. A familiar melody rang out, and Daryl placed a careful kiss over your hair.

"I like this song." He whispered against you, and you nodded in return.

"Yeah, me too."

A/N It took 20 chapters, 120k words, but they finally exchanged their ‘I love you’s.’ I think it was obvious that they already loved each other before this, but hearing them say it out loud just- 

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[bokuroo-squeals]

"I love you, and you love me. Isn't that enough?"+ Best Friend's Brother with Osamu

If this does well, I might do a part 2 but I seriously don't think this is good. It's written a little to awkward for my liking.

Event masterlist here.

Stolen glances were your favorites, getting to be unapologetically in love with someone and your secret unknown to the world. In silence,you could appreciate him, the color of his eyes, the tip of his nose, how his eyes crinkled in delight when he laughed. Delicious moments where you could enjoy him.

By stolen glances was the only way in which you could reach Osamu like the idiot in love you were, because you knew that if his brother ever found out how hard your heart beats for him, not only would he be scandalized, you also believed that he would also feel betrayed. After all, Atsumu had vocalized plenty of times his disdain at the thought of you and his brother together.

You were a good friend, you really were, and while you couldn't stop from falling har for his brother- yet you admit that you loved every second of your feelings- at least you did stop yourself from acting on them, as much as it was possible. Of course you tried, though it was hard when his own brother looked at you with a glint so fond on his eyes, when his warm hands seemed to find yours with no problem when you were close, but never reaching for them, just enough to brush yours and give you a taste of what they feel like.

You continue to watch Osamu form the distance, in your seat next to his brother while the younger twin laughs at something Suna said, and his laugh could be at his friend's words, but his eyes are on you. He turns his head to the game they're playing, the sofa small with two big bodies like theirs seating in them.

"Say, Y/n" Atsumu calls for your attention, looking at the sealing deep in thoughts. "Would you be interested in me setting you up with someone"

The spit in your mouth makes you choke with his words.

How were you supposed to react to the sudden proposition, and what were you supposed to say? Should you tell him that the only guy you're interested in at the moment was his twin? The brother that he prohibited you from dating since day one?

You're eyes travel again to Osamu, who isn't looking at you, but with the way his eyebrows furrow, you are aware of him listening, and your poor heart can't handle the pressure. By the sight of it, he doesn't seem to happy about the conversation Atsumu is intending to have, and neither are you but it's not like you can't tell him that, so with a sigh, one you hope sounds tired and annoyed enough to convince him, you kindly reject the direction he wants to take.

"No, thanks" cool, calm, you remember, stay cool and calm. Yet, Atsumu can't read the room, or chooses not to do it, as always, and continues despites it.

"C'mon, you can't be single forever. I know this guy, he saw a photo of you and he's interested in meeting you" he moves to face you, a self-satisfied smile on it, as if he is about to make something incredible by setting you up– he's not, in fact, you think he's really stupid in this moment– and his brows nudged towards you like an invitation to say yes.

By now, you're too afraid to turn to steal a glance at his brother, being it for a fear of how pissed you think he might be, or because of the fear of the blond catching you, either way, your eyes stayed focused on your idiotic best friend.

"I don't care, you're lame and so must be your friend" with a hand pushing him away, you're about to end the conversation "Anyways, instead of focusing on my love life, you should start one yourself" you huffed, ending the talk.

Atsumu pouts, and while he's not pleased with your crude answer, he listens, leaving you alone. Although that doesn't mean he's dropping his irritating antics, finding another prey, his brother.

"How about you, 'Samu? There's this girl I already rejected, but I guess she'll be interested on a date with you. Obviously, I am the handsome twin, but you're not that bad yourself"

It's not your place, it really isn't, to say no, to tell your friend to fuck off and leave Osamu alone because you want to be the only one for him. But you seriously want to do it, shout that he can't set up his brother with a random girl because you feel like he already belongs to you. And you know it's selfish, that's why you stay silent, with an invisible scowl and gritted teeth and fists clenching a little too hard.

For the nth time that night, Osamu's eyes land on your figure, meeting your's in the process. The difference is, that this time, he's look is both cold and hot. Cold as if they're telling you how tired they are, and hot as if to tell you he's ready to make you step up your game, almost challenging you.

"Yeah, of course, just know that once she's met me, she'll have clear who's the better twin. Won't even remember a thing 'bout you" Osamu's smirk is teasing, and everyone could say it was towards his brothers, but you knew better. It was dedicated to you.

A pang of something hurts in your chest, maybe of jealousy, and maybe it's the pain of hearing him giving up on whatever you're supposed to have. It's wrong, you're feeling the guilt of those sensations, because you're the one that has pushed him off, denying every single advice that could have been done, and still, you want him just for you.

It isn't until hours later, when Suna has left and Atsumu has fallen asleep when you talk for the first time this day, aside from the greetings.

You stand in the kitchen, a glass of water in your hand, trying to calm how agitated your insides are. At this point, the twins have left a disaster of your mind and heart, coming like a hurricane of emotions that hits you hard enough to hurt. A part of you wants to scream, declare your undying love for him, for his deep voice and calming irises, declare that he's yours and yours only– you remind yourself that he isn't– but the other side of you is too afraid, afraid of hurting the one person that has been next to you through everything and anything, the one who has picked up the broken pieces and helped you come back as one stronger version. You don't want to hurt or hurt anyone, which it's so damn hard in your position, but you know that you'd never forgive your heart if you let down Atsumu, if you even dare to disappoint him.

Osamu's entrance pulls you out of your trance, successfully taking your attention towards him, although he appears to ignore your presence, walking past you without a word. Painful, that's too painful for you.

"Osamu…" you trailed off, trying to make you as small as you can.

"Save it. I'm not in the mood to talk to you" he's cold, and you hate it, he's never been like this to you, but you can't blame him either. While he's cold, there's just the tiniest hint of anger on his voice, making you more unsettled.

"I'm sorry! I don't want to hurt you, you know that, is just that–" he interrupts you. He's pissed, his eyes show it, his chest puffs and shoulders tense, a sight you never want to see again.

"It doesn't matter, it's not like we're anything, anyway" his words cut deep inside you, damn they do.

You wished you could unhear the pain behind what he says, but it's right there, and it shows his vulnerability.

"That's not true… you know how I feel about you"

"Then let's do something about it! I love you and you love me, isn't that enough?!" The raw emotion touches your insides in the most painful but delicious way. You want to hold him close and comfort him, yet you don't think you have the right to do it. "So what if my brother doesn't approve it?! Are we supposed to forget about how we feel? Am I supposed to ignore how much I love when our hands meet? How much do I adore the way you look at me?! Or pretend that I'm burning to kiss you?! I'm sorry, Y/n but I don't care anymore about anything Atsumu has to say at this point."

He comes your way with big steps, and you coward a little at the sudden movement, and then he kisses you. A kiss is full of irritation, annoyance, love, care, all the bottled up feelings showing in a kiss that says more than words.

"I'm not hiding up how I feel anymore, so this is me officially asking you to be mine. You can reject me and we'll forget this happened, or you can accept and we'll face Atsumu, together".

Your answer is obvious, coming in the form of another kiss, one that's more tender, sweet and short.

[bloody-bee-tea]

Hello,

(Sorry about anon, I'm shy)

For the speech prompt thing, most of the surprise ones would definitely work with JC, but I am particularly fond of JC&dogs/animals, so 16 or 15 depending on what way you want to go.

For disgust I am vibing with 2 and 9, and anger definitely 9 - all up to you, of course, and please don't neglect your health or your sleep schedule.

Also, if that is something you would like to try, outsider POV is always nice to read, especially if there are insights into the sects. (maybe the tailor? They do have a lot of nice robes.)

I also like ace!jc or ace!nmj, especially the way you write it. :D

But at the end of the day, I tend to like most of your stories, so don't stress yourself if you do something else than what I asked for!

Thank you very much.

Good night!

9) “You’ve been lying all this time?”

Nothing wrong with being shy, that's what anon is for after all! This turned out more sad than angry, but it is ace!jc so there's at least that. I hope you enjoy!

When Nie Mingjue dozes off, Jiang Cheng curls in on himself. He doesn’t quite feel dirty but he doesn’t feel particularly clean or comfortable either, and he’s itching to get up and clean himself thoroughly.

But that would wake Nie Mingjue and Jiang Cheng can’t bring himself to do that. So he stays curled up on his side, feeling way too vulnerable without any clothes on and he tries his best not to cry.

It’s not always this bad after they have sex but it seems like today is a rather bad day for Jiang Cheng. Nie Mingjue still has a hand on his hip and even that is almost too much for Jiang Cheng at the moment.

“You’re tense,” Nie Mingjue suddenly mutters, turning over to curl around Jiang Cheng’s back and Jiang Cheng tenses even further when Nie Mingjue’s cock nudges against his ass.

Thankfully he’s not hard, though; it’s the only reason Jiang Cheng manages to not pull away from him.

“I’m fine,” Jiang Cheng presses out but he has to close his eyes against the sting of tears.

Sometimes he just wants to tell Nie Mingjue the truth, but he never does. He loves him too much to lose him and so he always keeps quiet.

“Alright,” Nie Mingjue says, easily believing Jiang Cheng as he presses a sleepy kiss to Jiang Cheng’s nape.

They fall into silence again and Jiang Cheng tries to not let it bother him that he’s stillnaked but it’s not really working. He can’t relax like this, can’t fall asleep like this but he also can’t get up to get dressed.

Nie Mingjue never cares if they are naked and it would be weird for Jiang Cheng to get up now.

“Something’s bothering you,” Nie Mingjue mumbles—clearly not yet asleep—and he moves his arm to sling it around Jiang Cheng’s middle, pulling him more securely against his chest. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing,” Jiang Cheng gives back and prays that Nie Mingjue will just let it drop for once.

“Clearly it’s not nothing,” Nie Mingjue sighs and soothingly moves his hand on Jiang Cheng’s stomach.

It would have a better effect if there was a shirt between Nie Mingjue’s hand and his stomach, and it would definitely have a better effect if Jiang Cheng were wearing boxers, just so that he doesn’t have to worry if Nie Mingjue will stray too low with his touch.

“Did you not like what we did today?” Nie Mingjue asks and there’s already the first note of worry in his voice and it’s exactly what Jiang Cheng doesn’t want.

“It was fine,” he lies straight through his teeth and hopes that Nie Mingjue will just let it drop.

There’s a brief pause—making Jiang Cheng believe that they will finally move on from this topic—before Nie Mingjue says “My heart, why don’t you ever tell me what you want to do?”

Jiang Cheng goes still, tries to not even breathe for a moment, before he takes a deliberately measured breath.

“What do you mean?” he asks, as if there could be any doubt to what Nie Mingjue wants to know, but it seems like there is no way out of this now.

“You always ask me what I want to do, but you never said what you like, what you prefer. Do you want us to switch it up sometimes? Do you want us to try something else?” Nie Mingjue asks him and Jiang Cheng’s heart starts to beat faster in his chest.

He has always been afraid that this conversation would come up eventually, but he managed to derail it until now. It seems like his luck has finally run out.

“No, it’s fine,” Jiang Cheng says, closing his eyes when they start to burn again.

He doesn’t want to have this conversation, he doesn’t want to lie to Nie Mingjue and he finally, finallywants to put on some clothes.

“Are you sure?” Nie Mingjue continues to prod and Jiang Cheng wiggles out of his embrace.

“I need to put on some clothes,” Jiang Cheng mutters, as he walks across the room, and he can feel Nie Mingjue’s worried eyes on him the whole time.

It’s only when Jiang Cheng is wearing his usual sleep clothes that he feels a little bit better.

“Wanyin, what’s going on?” Nie Mingjue wants to know, sitting up in the bed and Jiang Cheng is just lucky that the blanket pools in his lap because Nie Mingjue is still very naked.

“It’s nothing. Nothing is going on,” Jiang Cheng says, but he doesn’t quite feel like going back to bed right now and so he stays in front of his dresser.

“Clearly it is, if you can’t even come back to bed,” Nie Mingjue says, much too observant and Jiang Cheng crosses his arms in front of his chest.

“I can come back to bed just fine,” he bites out, but he makes no move to actually go there and Nie Mingjue raises a judging eyebrow at him.

“I see that,” he then says before he gets out of bed with a sigh.

Jiang Cheng silently watches him as he puts on some underwear and he can’t deny that he immediately feels a little bit better.

It makes him feel safe enough that he gets back into bed, though he keeps an eye on Nie Mingjue. Jiang Cheng knows that the topic is far from over, but with both of them at least no longer naked Jiang Cheng feels that he can maybe lie a little bit better about this now.

Especially when he pulls the blanket up all the way to his chin, despite still sitting up in bed.

“Why won’t you just tell me the truth,” Nie Mingjue sighs as he watches Jiang Cheng, and he warily sits down at the edge of bed.

It looks like he’s ready to get up at any sign that Jiang Cheng feels uncomfortable and it almost makes Jiang Cheng cry again.

“What do you like, Wanyin? What do you want to do? Has there been anything you didn’t like?” Nie Mingjue relentlessly asks and Jiang Cheng shrinks further into himself with every question that comes out of Nie Mingjue’s mouth.

“Look at you, Wanyin, clearly something is wrong. Just tell me what it is!” Nie Mingjue says when he notices how Jiang Cheng tries to melt into the bedding and his voice is getting louder as he speaks.

It’s enough to make Jiang Cheng’s heart beat faster in response and he can’t quite meet Nie Mingjue’s eyes anymore.

“Why are you not saying anything?”

“I don’t like any of it!” Jiang Cheng finally shouts, and then he clasps a hand over his mouth.

He never wanted to say that, never wanted to admit to that out loud, but he can’t take the words back and he can see how they hit Nie Mingjue.

“What?” Nie Mingjue breathes out, clearly taken just as off guard as Jiang Cheng is with his outburst. “You’ve been lying all this time?”

Jiang Cheng knows that he has two options now and one of them is going to break him. Either he tells the truth and admits that he doesn’t like having sex at all and he’s going to lose Nie Mingjue over it, or he continues to lie and he has to suffer through it again and again.

He has been doing the latter for years, with partners who weren’t as important to him as Nie Mingjue is and he can damn well continue to do so, if it means that he gets to keep Nie Mingjue.

“No, I haven’t—I—don’t listen to me, I’m tired,” Jiang Cheng tries, but of course it doesn’t work.

He already admitted it after all, and Nie Mingjue is not going to let this go without a proper explanation.

But if Jiang Cheng explains—if he admits that he doesn’t want to have sex—Nie Mingjue is going to leave him. He’s going to leave him and Jiang Cheng will lose the best thing in his life and he can’t do it.

That thought paired with Nie Mingjue’s hurt and clearly disbelieving look makes Jiang Cheng burst out into tears.

“Oh no, my heart, come here,” Nie Mingjue breathes out immediately and he scoots forward to pull Jiang Cheng into a hug.

Jiang Cheng clings to him, because there’s a very real danger that this will be the last time he’s allowed to do that and he can’t bear that thought at all.

“Please don’t leave me,” he gets out between his sobs and they only intensify when Nie Mingjue doesn’t say anything but simply continues to pat his back.

“Wanyin, won’t you tell me what’s going on now?” Nie Mingjue asks when Jiang Cheng finally calms down at least a little bit and Jiang Cheng knows that he has to now but it doesn’t make this any easier to talk about.

“What do you mean you don’t like any of it?” Nie Mingjue gently prods when Jiang Cheng fails to find his words and Jiang Cheng pulls away from him.

He couldn’t bear for Nie Mingjue to be the one to pull away.

“I mean just that,” Jiang Cheng whispers, scrubbing a hand over his face to get rid of the last lingering tears. “I don’t like any of it. I don’t like—having sex,” he breathes out and he braces himself for Nie Mingjue’s reaction but when nothing comes he forces himself to continue. “But you do and it’s okay, it’s fine what we’ve been doing, it’s not—not a problem,” Jiang Cheng gets out, though his voice breaks on the lie.

“Of course it’s a problem, Wanyin! If you don’t like having sex then why are you doing it?”

“Because you do!” Jiang Cheng hotly gives back because what other reason could there possibly be. “It’s either that or losing you and I’m not going to take that chance!”

“Losing me?” Nie Mingjue asks and he sounds honestly taken aback. “Why would you lose me over that?”

“Oh, come on, Mingjue, be honest. Would you really stay with me if we don’t have sex? Hell, you don’t even tell me you love me outside of it. You always only compliment me when we’re in bed together, so it doesn’t take a genius to count one and one together!”

“Is—that what you think?” Nie Mingjue sounds horrified as he asks that question and Jiang Cheng clenches his jaw.

“What else is there to think?”

“I love you,” Nie Mingjue says. “You’re perfect and beautiful and wonderful and I love you!”

“Yeah, right,” Jiang Cheng bitterly whispers and turns away from Nie Mingjue. “We should both just stop with these lies.”

It hurts him to say this, hurts him more than he ever expected it would, but he’s also tired of this. He’s tired of enduring this for Nie Mingjue’s sake and he’s tired of feeling bad und uneasy in his own skin and he’s also tired of Nie Mingjue pretending that there’s anything more to this.

“Wanyin,” Nie Mingjue says much more determinedly than before as he grabs Jiang Cheng’s chin to make him look at him. “I love you. I love you and it’s my fault that I never said it under different circumstances before. That’s on me, just like with the compliments. But it doesn’t change the fact that I think and feel like that, even if we don’t have sex.”

His words bring tears to Jiang Cheng’s eyes again, but he doesn’t dare to trust this. Not yet.

“Never, Mingjue,” Jiang Cheng says, and he forces himself to look at Nie Mingjue. “I never like to have sex,” he reiterates his point and Nie Mingjue nods.

“Okay.”

“Okay? How can this be okay?” Jiang Cheng demands to know, because he knows for a fact that Nie Mingjue loves to have sex.

“Because it’s what makes you comfortable. So of course it’s okay. I wouldn’t have forced you to begin with, if I had known.”

“You didn’t force me,” Jiang Cheng immediately says because he needs Nie Mingjue to know that.

“But you didn’t quite come willingly, did you?” Nie Mingjue lowly asks. “You thought you had to. It wasn’t because you wanted to.”

“That’s not on you, though,” Jiang Cheng reassures him. “That’s—I mean I could have said something. You didn’t—it wasn’t rape if you think along those lines right now,” Jiang Cheng says, because he fears that this might just be where Nie Mingjue’s thoughts went.

“Wasn’t it? I coerced you at best.”

“No,” Jiang Cheng decidedly says and rises up on his knees to put his hands to Nie Mingjue’s cheeks. “You didn’t coerce me. This is on me for not saying anything.”

Nie Mingjue doesn’t seem happy at all, but he raises his hands to gently encircle Jiang Cheng’s wrists.

“Let’s not—agree to disagree, okay? But more importantly let’s move on from this.” He pauses for just long enough to make Jiang Cheng’s heart drop. “Let’s go on and find a balance that works for both of us, okay?”

“There’s no—” ‘balance’ Jiang Cheng wants to say, because nothing related to sex will ever work for him, but Nie Mingjue shuts him up with a soft kiss.

“A balance where I get re-acquainted with my hands, you don’t have to do anything that that makes you uncomfortable, and where I tell you regularly how much I love you, okay?”

His voice is soft enough that tears spill over again and Nie Mingjue leans in to kiss them right off Jiang Cheng’s face.

“I love you,” Nie Mingjue whispers against his cheek and Jiang Cheng clings to him.

��I love you, too,” he gets out, and he can’t believe that he gets to keep this. That he should be so lucky. “I’m so sorry.”

“There’s nothing to be sorry for,” Nie Mingjue reminds him and moves his kisses to Jiang Cheng’s mouth. “Just please tell me in the future.”

“I promise,” Jiang Cheng immediately agrees, because he doesn’t actually want to go through anything like this ever again.

“Okay,” Nie Mingjue says with a soft smile and pushes some hair out of Jiang Cheng’s face. “Now, do you want to get back to sleep, or should I leave for tonight?” he asks and Jiang Cheng can’t help it, he throws himself forward to hide his face in Nie Mingjue’s neck.

“Don’t go,” Jiang Cheng whispers. “Just—can you keep some clothes on?”

“Of course, my heart,” Nie Mingjue agrees and gently pushes him away. “Let me get a shirt, okay?”

Jiang Cheng scoots away so that he can get up, and meanwhile Jiang Cheng gets under the blanket again. He instantly reaches out for Nie Mingjue when he comes back and Jiang Cheng pulls him close.

“Cuddling is okay then, I take it,” Nie Mingjue mutters, a smile tugging at his mouth and Jiang Cheng huffs.

“Cuddling is more than okay,” he gives back and slots himself against Nie Mingjue.

Now that he knows that nothing will happen, it’s much nicer; Jiang Cheng doesn’t have to be on guard, doesn’t have to expect the worst and he can just enjoy this.

“I love you,” Nie Mingjue whispers into his hair and Jiang Cheng presses a kiss to Nie Mingjue’s shoulder.

“I love you, too,” he says again and he can’t believe that he gets to have this, even after everything. “Thank you for not leaving me.”

“Never, my heart,” Nie Mingjue gives back and then they fall into silence and soon enough they fall asleep as well.

Dialogue Prompts

Link to my ko-fi on the sidebar!

[kisekinodrabbles]

Can we get detective Aomine, who gets assigned a female partner but from the start they're always at each other's throats. During an undercover case, reader has to be super flirty and Aomine gets all jealous and mutual confessions ensues. Maybe some sexy times at the end? :') Sorry if this is too specific, feel free to come up with your own interpretation! I'm such a huge fan of your work Sam and I'm so excited that you're opening your askbox even just for a little while!

ngl idk what im doing here but this is the last request in my inbox so i wanted to finish it haha pls enjoy (not proofread so excuse mistakes) - also my first time writing smut in like years so forgive me!!

Sometimes, Aomine thinks that if he isn’t a law and order professional, he thinks he might actually commit murder and hide your body away in some undisclosed, obscure location. Most of the time, you feel the same way about him. 

The two work in different divisions—Aomine in homicide and you in robbery. The two divisions have always been highly competitive especially given how much overlap you both encounter. Things can get territorial, but their teams are used to your snide remarks and Aomine’s verbal assault. It’s just the way the world works. 

After all, the two of you were in the same graduating class. You, a valedictorian by books. Aomine, top of the class by combat. It’s natural that the two of you are so competitive with your conflicting personalities.

The two of you may have also fucked at some point. 

–

“I’m not fucking working with her, are you kidding me?” Aomine spits out at his boss. Any other person would’ve been kicked out of the room or probably fired, but Aomine is the best detective in his division so Akashi would never do such a thing. For now. Aomine’s been wearing his patience thin. 

The red-haired man sighs, folding his hands together atop his desk. “Aomine, I understand you both have had your immaturity in the past. This, however, isn’t the time for such trivial matters. There’s a double homicide downtown during a robbery. She’s the lead for the case on the robbery end because they’ve been tracking a series of these.” Aomine opens his mouth to argue again. “No more buts. She’s already down there getting witness statements. Unless you want to be behind again, I suggest you get in your car and start driving.” 

He grits his teeth. Breathe. Don’t strangle your boss, he’ll probably kill you first. “I’ll take Wakamatsu.”

By the time he arrives on the scene, a crowd has gathered behind the police line, snapping pictures in the hopes of getting something Twitter worthy. He growls past all of them and ducks underneath the tape. “Where’s the officer that called it in?”

“Inside talking to the detective.”

“I’m the detective,” he snaps right back, knowing full well you’re already three steps ahead of him. And you definitely won’t let him forget that.

He marches past the thick front doors, Wakamatsu in tow. From a distance, he spots you talking to another officer. When he finally approaches you, he realizes that you’re in a skin tight dress covered by an oversized police jacket.

Your name slips past his lips. “Did we interrupt a hot date?” He smirks.

You whirl around, knowing full well the irritating voice that grates on your nerves. Aomine Daiki. “Unlike you, I have actual friends and actual plans on a Friday night. Did you decide to give your wrist a break for the night?” 

Aomine bites back, “Well, it’s not getting much rest either when I had my fingers knuckle deep in something tight and wet tonight.” Complete lie but he’s not about to lose this battle. “Not sure you know how that feels though.”

“If you’re talking about the pudding in your fridge, you might want to ease up on that. Doesn’t look like it’s doing you any favors,” you smile right back at him, knowing full well you’ve won this argument.

Aomine growls low under his breath, jabbing Wakamatsu hard with his elbow when he hears the snort escape him. “Brief me on the situation,” he tells the police officer.

“Well, uh, I already told this detective here—”

“I’m the other detective in charge for homicide. Now, you better fucking brief me before I tell your captain.”

The guy glances at you warily and you just laugh. “Told you he hasn’t gotten any in a long time. Come on, sugar, I’ll brief you on the way down to the vault.” You curl your finger in a gesture to get him to follow you and he sucks up his pride for the first time and do as he’s told. If he solves this case, he still gets the credit and you can go back to that sewer where you came from.

There are two bodies at the vault and forensics are already working to collect evidence when they arrive. “Your area of expertise, double homicide. Both are surprisingly the robbers. Four of them broke in, only two were seen exiting with money bags. No other casualties.”

“Fucking weird,” Aomine mutters. It’s not new for robberies to go wrong, but for two of them to die with no civilian casualty? That’s fucking weird.  

“Interesting, isn’t it?” You grin, seeming way too pleased considering there are two dead people in front them. “The ammo is the same as the previous bank robberies in the area. We’re going to assume they’re linked to the Red Dragon clan.”

“Fuck,” he groans, “I fucking hate those guys. Bitches to deal with. Hard to infiltrate.”

You flick your hair over your shoulder, grinning at him. He can’t help but draw his gaze to your neck, a very attractive neck. Now that he notices how tight that dress is, he can’t help but admit that it has been a while since he’s gotten any action. The curves of your breast defined so clearly by the fabric that stretches across the mounds, the flow of your hips, every dip and rise. Your exposed legs further emphasized by your heels. God fucking damn. He feels his pants tighten as he licks his teeth. Get it together, Aomine. 

Of course, the clothes do nothing to remove the memory of your nude body from his mind. He’s seen all parts of you some time ago. A drunken mistake that ended in a brief, but extremely satisfying night of passion. Your tight pussy wrapped around his cock, your nails digging into his biceps. He can still picture the sheen layer of sweat on your skin as he rams into you, your broken moans falling from your lips. 

“Well, lucky for you,” you start again, pulling him out of the hazy cloud of lust. “I already have someone on the inside. They’ve set up a meeting for me tomorrow night meet with the head’s son. I’ll try to get some information done.” 

“Lucky for you, I’m free tomorrow to be your backup. You’re welcome,” Aomine smiles, “Don’t fuck this up. I don’t feel like cleaning up after your ass.”

“I should say that about you, asshole.”

–

Aomine is sat in a dingy van just across the street from the bar you’re having your meeting. You’ve hidden your mic in the perfect spot, a location which you do not disclose to Aomine. However, he has a feeling it’s somewhere promiscuous that he wants to be aware of. They can see the restaurant clearly, their brat hacker Sakurai having plugged into the restaurant’s security cameras. 

“Shut the fuck up, Aomine. I can hear you munching on your stupid sour cream and onion chips.” You mutter into your mic before the guy arrives. You sip your wine and take a deep breath. This isn’t the first time you’ve gone undercover but it is the first time to have Aomine behind you while you do so. 

The detective looks down at the can in his hands. Sour cream and onion. How did you know? He sets it aside, bringing the mic up to his lips. “Maybe you should do your job better and focus on your meeting instead of listening to me. Why are you so obsessed with me, hm?” 

However, a man’s voice on the other side of the headphones has him straightening. “Good evening, I didn’t expect to be meeting a lovely lady like you tonight,” the sleaze says and Aomine can just imagine him kissing your hand. “When Tanaka said I’d be meeting with the right hand of White Claw, I didn’t expect it to be a woman.”

“Well, we are moving up in life, Mr. Ito.”

“Your good looks are certainly quite persuasive. I’m sure there are ways you can convince me to strike a deal.”

Fucking. Sleaze.

“Oh,” you laugh lightly, “what a flatterer. You’re not so bad yourself. I can imagine people fall at their feet for you.”

“Well, I am quite knowledgeable in more ways than one. Perhaps I can show you tonight after dinner.”

The two banter back and forth, trading flirty comments that puts Aomine on edge. You’re supposed to be doing your job and he knows that. He knows this is all an act but you’re a damn good actress. 

“Aomine, where are you going?” Wakamatsu’s concerned voice carries through the speaker.

You freeze. This fucker better not screw this whole operation up. “Well,” you say, “this has been a lovely dinner. I’m sure we both can come to an agreement without doing anything reckless.” 

The double meaning, a sentence meant for the man across from you and the man listening to you rings clear. Aomine growls, sitting back down petulantly in his seat. He was about to rage in there and start a war, but holds himself back. Be professional, Aomine. Job first, dick needs later. 

“The same to you. It’s been a pleasure meeting you,” the man smiles. “Are you sure you won’t join me for the night?”

Aomine snarls low into his mic. Wakamatsu shoots him a weird look. You let out a little giggle and he knows it’s meant for him. “No, thank you, Mr. Ito. I’m afraid I have other commitments to tend to.” 

When he knows it’s safe, he storms into the restaurant where you still sit, sipping your drink. Sliding into the seat across from you, he rolls his eyes. “Enjoy yourself?” 

He didn’t see when you were set up with the mic earlier so he also hadn’t seen what you were wearing. He’s almost grateful because he knows he might’ve lost it if he did. Tight ass dress, deep neckline that shows ample cleavage (he’s always a sucker for this), sultry eyes, red lips. God, all his favorite things packaged into one. 

Your lips quirk up. “The breadsticks here are quite nice.”

“Fucking hilarious. Let’s go.”

“Why the hurry?”

“Unless you want Wakamatsu to hear me fuck you, you better dump that mic and get your ass up.”

You lean back, narrowing your eyes at him. “I’m not sure I like your tone.”

“Trust me, you don’t have to like my tone to enjoy what I’m going to do to you.”

Licking your lips, you consider your options as you bring the wine back to your lips. “Fine,” you mutter, unclipping the mic from the strap of your dress. Aomine moves faster though, snatching it from your hands and dumping it into the wine. Before you can protest, he already has a hand wrapped around yours, tugging you up from your seat and into the back room. 

You’re stumbling in his manic rush, heels barely keeping up with your movements. “Aomine!” You chide as he pushes all the way to the employee break room. The space is fortunately empty and Aomine locks it to make sure it stays that way. “Can you please stop?! You’re such a caveman, I—”

He’s quick to shut you up, swallowing your words with his lips as they slot over yours. He doesn’t waste time, shrugging off his leather jacket as he licks your bottom lip for permission. You gasp a complaint, but he takes advantage of the situation to stick his tongue in, pressing it up against yours. 

All your worries fall away into a moan as he separates from you only to gasp for breath and pull his t-shirt over his head. With nimble fingers, he’s unzipping the back of your dress and yanking it down, leaving your top half exposed. Shivering, you’re about to voice your disapproval but your brain seems to stop functioning the second your gaze lands on his tanned body.

Aomine’s always been attractive. No one can deny. There’s a reason why he’s simultaneously the precinct’s most eligible bachelorette and most insufferable jackass. His confidence matches his skills. His looks live up to his brags. Hard lines and shadows are painted on him like a masterpiece in a museum. His broad shoulders make him look even bigger with his height. His jeans that hang just low enough to be tantalizing with the hint of a v that leads to the space between his legs. 

Your mouth dries up at the sight and Aomine smirks knowingly. You’ve fallen into his bed before, he can make it happen again. “Take a picture, it’ll last longer.”

“Fifth grade humor doesn’t become you, Aomine.” You scowl as he backs you up against the table in the middle of the room. He effortlessly grabs you by the ass to lift you up and onto the surface, the metal cool against your exposed thighs. 

“Did you dress up for me, doll? Knowing full well that this was going to happen,” he grins devilishly, bringing his hands up to shamelessly cup your breasts. 

It’s not as if you’re embarrassed for being so bare before him. You’re proud of your body and he damn well knows that. You let him fondle you through your bra for a little bit. “No, you animal. I dress for the job.”

“You tell me you wear this flimsy thing—” he teases the light coverage of your lingerie. The lace is sheer and barely covers your nipples, the material holding onto your breasts for dear life. “—for the job?”

“I do my job right, asshole,” you spat right back. “So are you just going to stand there or are you going to fuck me?”

A wide grin stretches across his face. The heat in his eyes carry to his hands as he works to unclasp your bra and let it fall to the ground. Aomine doesn’t waste time as you lean back on your palms, granting him full access to fondle and suckle on your tits. His tongue swirls around the sensitive nubs that have grown stiff in the contrast between the cold air and his warm breath. His teeth graze the sensitive skin hard enough to have you groaning in pleasure. His lips close in around them and suck. He uses his hand to tease and tug your other breast, pinching it to elicit that delicious whimper out of you. Aomine alternates between the two, making sure you stay warm. 

Meanwhile, you let your hand fall to the bulge between his legs. He lets out a small grunt at the initial touch but seems to respond favorably to the way you stroke the tent, nudging his hips forward for more friction. “Is that a gun in your pants or are you just excited to see me?”

“You’re so fucking ridiculous,” Aomine mutters, both humored and unamused by your comment. 

“Fuck,” you let slip as your fingers struggle to unbutton his jeans. “Your fucking pants. Don’t you live in sweats? You choose today of all days to wear your stupid tight jeans?”

Aomine chuckles, “Patience, baby. You know you like my ass in these.”

You do, but you’re not about to admit that. He quickly works off his pants, letting them drop to his ankles as he moves towards you again. While he continues to stimulate your tits, your hand begins groping his cock which is rock hard and peeking from the top of his boxers.

“God, I miss having this inside me,” you whine, pulling the flimsy fabric off and letting it pool on top of his jeans. “Condom?”

“You don’t want me raw? You know you want to feel all of my cock,” he grins. You throw him a glare and he just chuckles as he reaches for his wallet on the floor, pulling out a packet and tossing it onto the table. “But first,” he pauses, letting his hands slide down to cup your pussy, which is admittedly already drenched at that point. 

He hisses when he feels your juices drip and coat his fingers. “You’re so fucking wet, goddamn. How long have you been waiting for this?”

“When that robbery happened, I was about to get laid for the first time in months. So fucking sue me,” you snarl at him. 

“Well, I am here to please,” he wets his lips. He slips one finger in, sliding in all too easily. So he adds another finger and feels your walls pulse around him. He begins pulling it out before shoving it back in, repeating the measure to stroke your walls. He curls his fingers inside as he watches your face closely.

Your expression morphs from irritation to blinding pleasure in an instant. Your eyes slide shut, your lips part to exhale shaky breaths. Aomine seems to know exactly how to angle and twist his fingers to induce a heart attack. The sounds falling from your mouth are ephemeral, Aomine wishes he can film this moment so he can replay it over and over again. 

He pumps his fingers into you and ducks his head to take your nipple into his mouth again, tongue circling the tip. “God, you taste so fucking good. I forgot how wet you can get. Don’t even need lube to slide into you, huh? You’re already dripping for me.” 

“Asshole,” you murmur weakly, clearly in no place to retort. 

“Remember the first time I fucked you? God, you were so easy,” he grins, “you were so wet, so turned on already. Remember when I stuck my tongue in your pussy? Licking up your juices. You tasted so sweet.” 

Your breath stutters in your chest, hitching in your throat. “Fuck you, let’s not forget how quickly you came when I sucked you off.”

“I mean, the sight of you on your knees is enough to get anyone off, sweetheart.” 

“Fuck me,” you groan. Any rational thought has fizzled from your brain. The feeling of his fingers inside you is enough to consume you whole, overwhelming you in waves of rapture. 

“What was that?”

“Dickwad.”

He chuckles darkly, licking his lips again. “Beg me.”

“I’m not going to—”

Aomine yanks his fingers out, looking down at you, taunting you. He waits as you internally struggle with your moral convictions. Are you willing to give up your pride for one night just to get fucked out of your mind?

Easy.

Yes.

“Please,” you huff, “please fuck me.” 

“Please fuck me who?”

Your eyes find the ceiling, wondering what in the hell you did in your lifetime to have met the devil that is Aomine. Biting your lip, you lean closer to whisper, “Please fuck me, Da-i-ki.” 

The man is a sucker for you calling him by his first name. And to get what you want, you’re willing to play into his hands. Aomine lets out a low growl before ripping open the condom packet and rolling the thin rubber along his length. Your pussy squeezes at the sight. Just imagining what it’s like to have that thickness inside of you, fucking you full, has you on edge. 

He doesn’t waste a single second, pulling you forward and slowly positioning himself in front of you. He holds onto his cock, letting the tip trace your pussy lips, circling it and letting your juices drip onto his cock. Stroking the wetness along his dick, he uses it as a lubricant before he slides himself inside you.

When he’s buried to the hilt, Aomine leans forward and lets his forehead rest on your shoulder. Your pussy is so fucking tight. It’s squeezing and throbbing around him with the engulfing heat. He feels as if he’s going to explode right then. 

“Fuck, you really haven’t been screwed in a while,” Aomine rasps. 

“Told you.”

Aomine starts off slow, pulling out and pushing back in. With how thin the condom is, he can feel every ridge, every bump in your heat rub up against his cock. The sensations is enough to have his thighs quivering, but he’s not one to back down. He begins to pick up the pace, thrusting deep inside of you repeatedly. HIs mouth latches onto your neck, tongue lapping and teeth nipping to paint purple blooms upon your skin. 

His movements are building a bubbling pressure in the pit of your stomach. You feel your heart tightening with every move, your insides squeezing. The absolute pleasure that crashes over you has you breathless, your hands finding purchase on his arms. 

He mutters filthy words in your ear, one of his hands reaching up to tangle in your hair. He yanks back lightly, just enough to have you moaning. You like it rough, he’s well aware of that. He pounds into you relentlessly, hands keeping you in place as whimpers tumble from your mouth. 

“Fuck, right there, oh god,” you gasp, “fuck me harder. God, your dick feels so good. Filling me up so full with your thick cock.” 

“Keep talking like that and I’ll be tempted to come in you, baby,” Aomine grazes his teeth along your ear, hot breath kissing your skin. “God, I want to just fucking cream inside you.” 

“Better watch yourself, Daiki.”

Aomine grins lasciviously, sweat beginning to bead his forehead as he attempts to keep himself in check. He feels you tighten your pussy, walls closing in around him. “Bitch,” he growls. You know what you’re doing but he’s not about to let you gain dominance of the situation.

So his hands dig deeper into your hips as he fucks you harder and deeper, his cock pulsating inside of you on the brink of his self-control. “I’m about to come,” he says with eyes squeezed shut. If he sees your tits bouncing as he fucks you again, he might actually combust in that second. 

“Me too,” you panted, fingers scraping down his arms. 

With a few more pumps, Aomine spills into the rubber with a grunt. He feels you convulse around him, your entire body trembling in the aftermath of your orgasm. He can feel his come continue to leak from his cock. God, he hasn’t come this hard in a fucking long time. 

His heart is thundering in his chest from the impact of his climax. He slumped forward, leaning against you for support—also partially to feel your tits press up against his chest. “Fuck,” he huffs.

“That was good,” you admit to yourself, still breathing heavily as you begin fixing your hair. “We should do that again sometime.”

Aomine just laughs, huffing against your skin. “You’re the fucking she-devil.”

“Says the guy who’s fucking me in the back room in the middle of an undercover operation.���

“Dick first, job second.”

–

Wakamatsu looks at him when he walks into the precinct that morning. “You do realize the captain is going to kill you for fucking up that expensive mic, right?”

Fuck.

[boxofbadaddiction]

A Reason to Smile

Fred Weasley x Reader

This Story is inspired from a request of my Movie Lines Prompt List.

Prompts: 4, 10 & 16

"Let's put a smile on that face."/"Go ahead, make my day."/"Yippee ki yay, Motherfucker."

Warnings: Swearing. Umbridge.

Y/n woke up in a foul mood. With less than 3 hours sleep after having spent the whole night in detention with Umbridge and just can't seem to find a reason to smile. Even the thought of spending the day with her best friends, Fred and George, fills her with somewhat dread.

She doesn't want to see anyone. Do anything. Or go anywhere. Which is totally unideal for a Saturday. If things were to go her way she'd just roll over and stay in bed.

But she's starving so there's just no avoiding the inevitable.

Begrudgingly she pulls herself from her bedsheets and readies for breakfast.

As she arrives in the Great Hall she keeps her eyes trained to the floor, bee-lining for a place far enough away from the other students in her House to simply eat in peace before disappearing back to her dorm for the day.

But of course, with Fred and George as your best friends, how could she have possibly expected that to go to plan?

"Hey, y/n/n!" One of the Twins shout as they made their way over to her House table for breakfast. Their typical peppy demeanour mocked her, as it seemed impossible to draw herself from her current bad mood. Unable to even muster a fake, courteous smile for the sake of conversation.

"What happened to you last night?" spoke George as they sat either side of their dishevelled appearing friend. "Popped out to hand in some homework and we never saw you again. What'd you get lost?" He teased, nudging her shoulder in the process while his brother chuckled at the remark.

"I'm sorry I disappeared but please guys not today. I'm not in the mood."

"Woah, what's with the tone, love? And not in the mood? Please! You're always in the mood for us" Fred goaded pulling y/n into his side by her waist. A guesture which would usually have her leaning into his touch but not today.

She shook herself from his hold with a huff, leaning onto the table she propped her head up by the palm of her hand.

Neither Twin knew how to react, she'd never been so put off by them before. "Y/n...are you okay?" Fred asked sincerely. Both boys were eyeing her concernedly.

Y/n avoided eye contact, staring fixedly at her, now cold, bowl of porridge as she stabbed at it with her spoon. That's when Fred noticed it. The pink discolouration on the back of her hand. His heart dropped at the sight. She'd obviously been with Umbridge last night.

"Y/n-" his voice was firm as he spoke, drawing her and Georges attention immediately, his eyes flicked briefly to hers before focusing solely on the forming scar. "Your hand."

"It's nothing." Y/n straightened herself tucking her hand into her lap with a slight wince as the fabric of her clothes caught the still tender surface of her wound. Her other hand came to grip at its forearm to distract herself from the dull throbbing pain which now coursed through her hand.

"It's not nothing!" Fred snapped harshly, but as a whisper so not to draw too much unwanted attention.

George delicately reached across her lap lifting her injured hand into the light, his own eyes near shaking as they searched desperately between hers and his brothers expressions before inspecting the words she'd been forced to carve into her own flesh all night.

"I will obey the rules" he read the words aloud, the very phrase causing a sick bile to rise in each boys throat.

"I was busted on my way back. She told me I need to 'be more aware of the company I keep' less something like this happen again" y/n mumbled with distaste, her eyes locked determinedly onto the tables edge.

There was a moments silence between the three, all seemingly afraid to speak, before George stood abruptly, storming from the hall. An action which caused y/n to close her eyes tightly, drawing a sharp breath in, attempting to distract from the tightness that'd formed in her chest in knowing the effect her words had on the pair.

She never intended on telling them about the detention. They'd surely blame themselves for her being out past curfew as it was their idea to meet up in the first place. But it's not like she didn't understand the risk of what she was doing when she did it.

They knew those few words all too well. Umbridge had spoken them to her before, countless times by this point.

The first time, the Twins had been pestering y/n in the courtyard when she approached. They were lounged about one of the concrete benches under the courtyards largest tree. Freds head was in Y/ns lap, as she read, poking her cheek in an attempt to gain her full attention whilst George sat on her otherside, all his weight pressing against her as he sighed boredly.

Umbridge had deemed their behaviour 'not school appropriate' and 'not in compliance' with Educational Decree Number 31; as Boys and Girls are not permitted to be within 8 inches of each other.

The Brothers had laughed at her, a poorly timed 'you're kidding' thrown her way as Fred swung his legs off the bench now sitting upright. A few more cheekily placed comments landed the pair in detention for the night.

She highly disapproved of y/ns relationship with the Twins and had no issue voicing the fact and so before parting she'd issued that very same warning to y/n, stating matter-of-factly; "You should be more cautious of the company which you keep. Such a promising young witch, it'd be a shame to see your talents go to waste or future be tarnished for that matter by the carelessness of others whom are less gifted." She'd uttered the words with sharp glares thrown down her nose to the two Weasleys.

From that moment it'd become somewhat of a catch phrase for her everytime the threesome caught her attention.

Y/ns head dropped, mumbling a soft "I'm sorry, Fred."

"You have nothing to be sorry for, love." He rubbed small comforting circles on the lower of her back before pulling her waist as he had done so earlier. Inching closer so their legs were pushed flush together as he rest his chin atop her shoulder nestling into her neck. A touch which, this time, she did not shy away from - rather craning her head back to rest against his.

"I just don't think I'm someone you'll want to be around today." She admitted sadly, "I can't bring myself to enjoy anything."

"Well that just won't do" Fred pulled his head back to look into her eyes with a cheeky knowing expression. But even that wasn't enough to bring a rise to her saddened features. "Come on," he nudged her shoulder, "let's put a smile on that face." He spoke with a smirk.

"Reckon you can?"

"Of course!" Fred nodded with a tone of absolutely certainty.

"Well go ahead, make my day." Y/n challenged, which brought an excited smile to Freds face. He jumped from his place at the table holding an expectant hand out for her to take which she accepted a little hesitantly.

"Should we go find George? See if he's okay?"

"Nah, he'll be fine. Besides, this way I get you all to myself." Fred squeezed her hand a little tighter as he all but dragged his friend from the Hall.

A few hours had past and Fred were still relentlessly determined to make today one of the best days possible for y/n. Surprisingly he'd started off small with a just few well timed jokes and casual strolls around the Castle simply trying to keep her occupied on anything other than those toxic thoughts that kept her from enjoying the day.

As lunch approached he'd upped his game. Grabbing a few snacks from the kitchens and taking her down to her favourite place by the Lake where they spent the time talking together; sharing various stories while Fred told countless jokes to make her laugh and spoke of their newest inventions for the joke shop.

Y/n was sure she hadn't stopped smiling since the moment they'd left the Hall. Fred just had that effect on her but with every small guesture and tender smile thrown her way there was just no stopping the butterflies that erupt in her chest or the warmth that spread to her cheeks from his flirty comments and kind words.

By this point she'd nearly forgotten the whole reason he were so determined to make today so memorable.

But Georges absence and the light stinging in her hand was a nagging little reminder at the back of her mind which stopped her from falling wholly into the moment.

"Alright, Miss." Fred shot up from his place on the grass, dusting his hands on his jeans as he did so. "Onto grander things!" He held his hands out for her to take, pulling her giggling figure from the ground. "What could you possibly have planned now?" "Oh just a little mischief." He grinned as his tongue grazed his bottom lip before threading itself between his teeth, eyeing her closely. Y/ns eyes narrowed at his words untrusting of whatever plan his brain had suddenly cooked up. There were no time to question however as she were promptly being pulled to the Castle as the Sun fell below the horizon.

"You dragged me back to the Castle like a man possessed for dinner!?" Y/n questioned as they entered the Great Hall alongside countless of the other Hogwarts residents.

"Well yes and no. Yes; because you need to have a proper meal today aside from a couple sad mouthfuls of porridge and a dozen sweets. No; because for my next trick we will in fact be needing our beloved Georgie." "Do you think he's okay?" "One way to find out isn't there? OI! George!" Fred pushed through the dawdling individuals in the aisles between the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff tables, pulling y/n along behind him to where his Twin were currently seated for dinner.

"Hey Georgie" y/n began in a sad tone as she sat beside him. "Are you okay?" She stroked his arm reassuringly as she spoke. "Yeah I'm fine. Sorry I took off this morning I-" "ah-ah!" Fred piped from her otherside, "no morning talk. Look you're ruining all my good work!" He commented pointing to the concerned frown which were now upon y/ns features. "What?" "Dear Freddie here has been spending the day trying to get my mind off things." "Right right...Ginny mentioned something about Fred dragging you around the school all day." "Yes, and until now it'd been working so just...perk up. Which shouldn't be hard once I tell you my plan" Fred rubbed his hands together in anticipation.

"Plan?" "Know that thing we've been dying to try but haven't had the occasion?" he stated vaguely which had concern growing in the pit of y/ns stomach. Concern which only worsened as she watched how Georges features shifted swiftly from one of slight disinterest to immediate excitement. "Really? You wanna do that tonight?" His smile was wicked and a little frightening in y/ns opinion as he questioned his brother who merely hummed in response. "Reckon I can name a few select members of a certain 'club' who would make excellent guinea pigs." Continued George in a whisper over top of y/n "You've read my mind." Fred took a sip from a drink y/n had just poured, for herself mind you.

Y/ns focus was shifting worriedly between the two brothers who sat on her either side sharing an unspoken understanding.

"Stop doing that you're freaking me out!" She snapped which caused the boys to laugh, George mumbling a simple "You're in for a treat" as he turned his attention back to his dinner with a sly grin.

Y/n looked back to Fred hoping for some kind of hint or reassurance but he just smiled, wrapping his arm round her waist and pulling her into his side as he began to eat.

"You really think you're going to get away with this?" Y/ns voice rang throughout the empty corridor. "Only one way to find out" Fred wiggled his eyebrows at her.

The pair were currently hiding around the corner of the 7th floor main corridor. It were past curfew as the Twins plan fell into play.

"Explain to me again what exactly these things are?" Y/n asked as she fiddled with a small cylindrical canister. "Paint bombs." Fred answered excitedly. "Similar to Dungbombs just-" "with paint?" "Pretty much, yeah. You pull this little tab, then you have about 7 seconds before it goes off. This one in particular is my favourite so far." "And whys that?" "You'll see" Fred smiled brightly down at her before the sound of approaching footsteps put an end to their conversation.

George barrelled down the hallway, throwing himself into the pair very much out of breath but with a smile as wide as Fred's had been moments ago.

"All set?" "Yeah. They should be coming through any minute now." The three craned their necks around the walls edge, waiting for their unsuspecting victims. It didnt take long before the sound of several pairs of agitated feet came stomping through the corridor.

Filch followed by a handful of the Inquisitorial Squad were huddled together in shared annoyance by the antics of George which were leading them directly into their trap. Various curses and angry grumbles could only faintly be heard over the distance between them.

"Right" Fred whispered as the three ducked back behind the wall, he gave George and y/n a quick nod before tearing the small tab from it's place. "Yippe Ki Yay, Motherfucker." He spoke dramatically as he stepped out, throwing the Paint Bomb like a grenade towards the befuddled group of Slytherins and accompanying Caretaker.

Quickly shooting himself back behind the wall where all three waited with baited breaths and backs pressed flush to the cold stone wall.

"Not a day goes by that I don't regret showing you Die Hard." Y/n mumbled, a comment which brought a wide smile to Freds face as he looked down to her. A few more seconds past before a loud crack and angry shouts echoed through the Castle.

Y/n looked in amazement to see the Hall covered in multicoloured, sparkling, paint as well as orange and gold confetti. There was something beautiful about it she thought. All the vibrant pinks, blues and purples caught the eye like a giant canvas painting. Aside from the ugly squabbling creature, that had once been the Inquisitorial Squad, at the pieces centre of course.

She was in tears from laughing at the sight when Fred leant down to speak in her ear "whataya think?" "I think it's brilliant!" She smiled up at him, "that's the messiest one we've got." He nodded in the direction of the chaos currently unfolding before them.

The group were slipping over themselves and wiping hands down their faces in disgust over the thick liquid which coated them all, as well as the ceiling and walls.

"It was also the only one." George scowled though clearly very amused. "Worth it though wouldn't you say?" "Absolutely."

Freds eyes turned back to y/n, admiring her laughing figure beside him.

"We'll count that one a success heya, Freddie?" George nudged but his brothers trance was not so easily broken. "Definitely" he smiled not turning away from her.

"Shit!" Y/n exclaimed suddenly. "Yeah, I'd say it's time to go." George stated as he watched the very colourful and very angry group now charging after them.

George took off in a sprint but it weren't till y/n began running, taking a hold of Freds hand as she did so that he fully registered what was going on and started to run too.

Fred and Y/n had ended up in her common room after losing George. Luckily it were late enough that not many people were still hanging about so the two pretty much had the place to themselves. Spending a few more moments just being together and reliving the day by the fire, it weren't till the clock struck 12am that Fred admit he should be getting back to his dormitory. Not that he wanted to but y/n needed to sleep after her restless night prior, he hadn't meant to keep her up this late to begin with.

Pulling her from the couch he walked her to the bottom of her dorm rooms staircase where she stood a couple stairs from the bottom to match his height.

It'd slipped the pairs notice that they were still holding one anothers hand until their joined laughter faltered and the warmth in their palms caused realisation to strike. Fred dropped the hold clearing his throat as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"Thank you for today, Freddie." Y/n smiled warmly. "Pretty memorable, aye? Told you I'd get you smiling." He rocked confidently on the balls of his feet. Y/n shook her head slightly as she absent-mindedly stroked his arm. "Don't know what I'd do without you." "Probably nag George" he joked.

"As much as I love Georgie, it wouldn't be the same" Freds eyes studied her face the whole time she spoke. He could feel his heart begin to race inside his chest. If only she knew how much he wished he could hear her say she loved him.

"Goodnight, Freddie" y/n placed a light kiss to his cheek, grip tightening ever-so-slightly on his bicep before turning slowly to leave.

His heart was thundering now. Breaths rapid as his body urges him to speak. To tell her everything.

How he's in love with her and he's sure she feels the same way.

How she's the first thing on his mind of a morning and the last thing at night. How his whole family has been pushing him to just pluck up the courage and ask her out already. How nothing makes him happier than seeing her smile. How he never wanted to go to the Ball as 'just friends'. How he smells her perfume in Amortentia. That the sight of her at breakfast this morning, so down and distraught, broke his heart. How for the last few hours it's taken near all his strength to stop himself kissing her with as much love and passion as he can to show her how much she means to him.

But how do you convey all that to someone who has been your best friend for the past 5 years? No clue. But he has to try and he knows he'll never get this kind of opportunity again.

"Y/n, wait-" he grabs her arm, taking a step towards her he pulls her into his chest. Before he can process it his hand is cupping her cheek and he's kissing her with such intensity y/n can feel the air leave her lungs as she melts into him. Her arms snaking over his body. A hand running itself along his shoulder, fingers entangling themselves in the locks of hair at the base of his neck, whilst the other wraps tightly around his torso.

When they finally break apart Fred's on cloud nine. Nothing had ever felt so good or so right. But at the same time, he's panicking. God, he hopes she truly does feel the same way and he didn't just completely misread everything about their relationship. Their foreheads are pressed together as y/ns lips form a wide smile.

"If you wanted to give me a reason to smile today...you could have just started with that."

[mrs-dynamight]

Be Nice To Me 5

Part 4.

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Pairing: Katsuki Bakugou x fem!Reader, Denki Kaminari x fem!Reader

Warnings: Eventual mature content, angst, hurt/comfort, love triangle, the reader is lowkey toxic, everything will be adressed in every episode (:

Chapter warning: Swearing, steamy make out session (borderline porn but not really), mentions of other couples form 1A

Chapter: 5/?

Synopsis: You're in love with your best friend Bakugou, and you're cofessing to him but things get a lot more complicated when Denki starts to treat you different *wink wink*

Word count: 3.9k

Author's note: This is sooo long, but I loved writing it, I deeply suggest you listen to the song of the title (here). I'm honestly living my coming-of-age indie kid fantasy with this chapter, as always any suggestion is welcomed.

Chapter 5 First Day of my Life- Bright Eyes

Thank to every single Deity that my weekend was packed with internship work so I didn’t have a minute to think about the emotions bubbling up in my heart and my mind, I came to my room exhausted and directly to sleep.

I didn’t talk to any of my friends that weekend, I had a couple of texts from the groupchats, in one of them there were unresolved questions about my date with Katsuki, and on the other one were the flashes for the Fridays gig and good luck wishes to Bakugo who was going to leave the morning after the show, so they planned a goodbye party in the dorms after the gig, Aizawa surprisingly agreed but under any circumstances we were allowed to having alcohol or any other illicit activity inside the UA facilities, not like that could’ve stopped my favourite trio of dumbasses, Mina, Denki and Sero were already planning on smuggle some liquor to the dorms, that was going to be one epic night.

Monday morning finally came, and as much I would love to just spend the day in my bed sleeping and watching Tiktok I needed education, my muscles were sore of the whole weekend roaming the city with Mirko, who seemed unable to getting tired, but I stilled reunited the forces to get dressed, brush my teeth and tried to look like a decent human being, emphasis in the tried part.

As I climbed down the stairs to the common room for a bite of whatever was in the fridge, I saw a beautiful ash blonde guy drinking his usual morning juice with protein powder.

-Morning Draw, you look like shit-

-Well you look handsome as ever ‘Tsuki, thanks for the kind words of the day, you know how to make a woman start the week in the best way possible- I replied while heading to the kitchen

-But seriously what is that Bunny forcing you to do on weekends? Crack? -

I didn’t reply but instead I just blowed him a kiss and start munching on a toast with excessive amount of jam, Tsuyu and Ochako were eating cereal next to Deku, the three of them saw my whole interaction with Katsuki with those weird eyes that just screamed “marry him already”, I told them I had to talk to them, and they all agreed that lunch time with Tenya and Shoto were the gossip time of choice, I waited for the girls to finish eating and we headed class.

------------------------------------

-YOU TWO FINALLY KISSED?!?- Ochako screamed with excitement

-Is he a good kisser? - Asked Deku pulling out his notebook in the “Kachaan” section

-How’s that relevant to the hero notebook? – I asked Deku

-Wait, isn’t he going to another country on Saturday? –

-Well yes Tenya, that’s the other thing I wanted to talk you guys about-

Then I started to explain the whole predicament of waiting for him and his words about that.

-Wow did he really said that having a girlfriend would be a distraction? - said Tsuyu with a concerned look on her face

I didn’t really thought about that harsh phrase, but it was Bakugo, right? He always says things that hurt other people’s feelings, that’s just him

-He sounded honest, but he shouldn’t have hurt your feelings like that-

-It didn’t hurt my feelings, Shoto, I’m used to him saying things like that all the time-

-That can’t be good Y/N, you can’t just get used to people hurting you, especially if you want to have a relationship, and a long-distance one, where things usually get a little tougher- Said Ochako

-I would consider wait for him to return Y/N, so that way you can both be clear about what you expect for each other- Deku said hiding his face in the Katsudon plate in front of him

I wanted to talk to them about what happened with Denki, but I was afraid they just said that I was overthinking, we’ve always been very close friends; but so were they, why was I so reluctant to talk about me and Denki? Maybe saying it out loud could somehow make it more real.

We finished our lunch and headed to class, the rest of the day went pretty neutral, as well as the rest of the week, but the thought of Bakugo leaving haunted me, he didn’t said or did anything special, we didn’t talked about our kiss or our lovely words, it was like it didn’t happen at all, we came back to being just friends. Denki was purposely avoiding me, I could notice it, anytime I wanted to talk to him he just made up some excuse and leave quickly, the rest of the Bakusquad was busy with the whole party preparations and the Dekusquad was as lovely as always, they told me a million times in that week that they will be there for me no matter what I choose to do; as for me, I was just as confused as Monday morning.

I didn’t wanna go to the party, or the gig, I just wanted to go to my room, listen to sad music, and feel pity for myself until I ceased to exist, but it was definitely off limits, I promised Denki I would go with him to the soundcheck, there was only this last one class, but I wasn’t really in the mood for maths, so I decided the best for me was head back to the dorms and stop thinking so much about everything, missing a class wouldn’t kill me.

When my life crumbles down there is only one thing in the whole world that could make me feel better, and that is loud music, so there I was, headphones to the max, airplane mode on, eyes closed and mouthing every word like a prayer, I felt like every lyric was washing away my worries and doubts, reassuring me that everything was (not) okay, I was so concentrated in my music I didn’t heard the knocking on my door, and didn’t heard a certain blonde calling my name, it was until I felt a big hand in my shoulder that I realized that Bakugo wasn’t in class either, but in my dorm room, with a worried face.

-Fucking dumbass, why aren’t you in class? You’re going to fail math, again-

-I wasn’t feeling like going to class- I said with a bit of guilt, it probably sounded like a lame ass excuse, but at least it was the truth

-Not feeling like going to class? What the fuck do you think this is, a game? Math is your worst subject and if you fail I won’t be here to tutoring you, you can’t fail-

He was worried, I could tell, he just turned every emotion in pure acidic rage, not like knowing this would make his words hurt less, I didn’t want to admit that the thought of being far from him made my heart ache and my eyes water, and it didn’t help the lack of contact of the week, I was looking forward to another one of his tender kisses, or any sign that what happened last Friday was real

-I’m hurt Katsuki, a week ago it seemed like you wanted to be with me, despite everything and this past days you were acting like nothing happened, I don’t know what to think or what to do, I don’t know what's going on with you, how are you feeling, you don’t say anything, you don’t do anything, you just hide your feelings away in your cocoon of rage-

-See, that is exactly why I didn’t want to kiss you in the first place, I knew it would only lead to problems, that’s the reason I didn’t want to tell you I liked you before going away, I knew you would react like this, I told you the truth, I can’t be your Boyfriend, I’m sorry if that hurts your feelings-

And surprisingly I found myself inside his big arms in a tight hug, his face hiding in the crook of my neck, I put my arms around his slim waist and we just stayed there for a solid ten minutes before breaking the contact.

-I don’t want this to hurt you Y/N, I can’t be with you right now, I can’t give you what you need, and as I told you the other night, I don’t want you wasting your time waiting for me-

-I don’t wanna let you go ‘Tsuki- I said with tears in my eyes

-You won’t, think it like this, if this is meant to be, and I know it is, when we see each other again, in a better place, in a better time, it will happen. I don’t know where or when, but I promise you we will be together, but please don’t throw your life away waiting for me-

- That sounded as if we were breaking up-

-We aren’t, this is only the beginning, I promise-

I was being selfish, it was obvious that this was also hurting him, he was being mature and caring, thinking about what was good for the both of us, before the things we wanted, maybe he was right, this was meant to be, just not right now, right person wrong time troupe right, but with a happy ending, right?

That was one of the most bittersweets moments in my life, I was happy to know that Bakugo thought about us as endgame, just like I did, we were still young, we had plenty of time, all the time in the world, I shouldn’t have worried about his feelings, he told me I should never doubt that he liked me, and I was willing to make that compromise.

-Let’s have a good time tonight, ‘Tsuki, for what I know, tomorrow you could be kissing some European woman and forgetting our promise-

-You get jealous that easy, Draw? Already afraid you’d lose me, huh? - He said with a smirk on his face and getting closer to me

I swallowed with nervousness, but I didn’t break the visual contact

-Aren’t you afraid I fall for another guy in the meanwhile? -

-You’ll have to find someone better than me first, and we both know there isn’t such thing, and besides that, you’re not mine, I don’t owe you, I only own the feelings you have for me, and as long as those exist I’ll do everything to be with you. So, that’s a no, I don’t care about any other guy- He said with his lips softly brushing against mines -But right now, I want to be the only thing in your mind- And saying those words he kissed me.

He wasn’t being gentle like the last time we kissed, there was a hunger, a neediness within his kiss, he wasn’t being rough tho, but I could feel the burning intensity in his movements. He pulled apart and looked into my eyes for any sign of discomfort, but when he met my half lidded gaze filled with love, he slammed his lips against mines one more time, his tongue brushed my lips asking for consent to enter my mouth, to which I responded opening it just enough for him to start moving it, massaging it with my own with a rhythmic pace, his hands travelled down to my hips, it seemed like he wasn’t nervous at all, but I on the contrary was almost shaking, we broke the heated kiss with flushy cheeks and sweaty hands, I looked into his eyes and I could see the lust behind his crimson irises. A million questions started bubbling in my mind, does this means he want to have sex with me? Right here and now? He must have noticed the concerned look in my face because his next words were

-Hey, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, sorry if it was too much-

-It wasn’t, it’s just I’ve never, I mean I haven’t… have you? – I asked with an obvious blush on my cheeks

-Just once, it wasn’t bad, but I figured out it could have been better if it was with someone I loved, like you. We don’t have to do anything tho, I just wanted to kiss you-

A strange relief passed my body, he didn’t want me to give myself to him in this exact moment, and I was glad for it, as much as I loved him I felt like this wasn’t the right moment for it, but I still wanted to do other things with him, I mean, this was his last day in the UA, and my first time making out with somebody, we still had a few of hours before the soundcheck. I lead him to my bed and pushed him into it so he could be sitting.

-Y/N are you sure you want to do this? – He wanted to be sure that there was no pressure in doing anything I didn’t want to

-We don’t have to go all the way in, I just want to make sure you feel loved and have fun on your last day, and besides, we already missed math class- And just as this last words escaped my lips I sat in his lap and started kissing his cheekbones softly, his hands went from his sides to my hips as he started to plant open mouth kisses in my neck, sending a shiver down my spine.

-And what about you? You want to feel loved too? – He said against my ear, nibbing at the lobe, I nodded softly, closing my eyes and giving myself in to the feeling of his strong hands in my body, his raspy voice in my ear and the feeling of his lust between my legs.

Our heated make out session made me forgot everything I had in my mind, I was only focused in Bakugo, I couldn’t even began to explain how loved he was making me feel in that moment.

-I have to go packing, but I really like your lips, see my problem here? – He said with a sigh, after a while -I’m actually not in the mood for a party tonight, I would rather having a good night of sleep-

-You’re so boring ‘Tsuki, you sound like an old man with two divorces who is starting to get bald-

-‘Tch, would you rather seeing me drunk and staying up late and doing dumb shit I’ll regret about when I sober up like the rest of those losers? –

-Yes! Only this one time, before you have to go away, let’s get drunk and watch the sunrise, then I could go on with my life in peace-

- Ugh and being hungover in a 7-hour fly? Really, that is your idea of a last night with me? –

I tried to make the best puppy eyes I could as I just said “pretty please” in the most dramatic way possible.

-UGH fine, but don’t you forget that you owe me something for being a fucking loser in Mario Kart-

-Anything for you ‘Tsuki- I said while planting a kiss on his cheek

With a smirk on his face he told me he would tell me what he wanted right before leaving, and I was okay with that, we said goodbye with one last kiss and he went to his dorm room to finish packing. Then I remembered I had my phone on Airplane mode, as I deactivated it I saw a bunch of unread messages, most of them were from my concerned friends asking if I were okay, I answered in the dekusquad groupchat that everything was fine, and immediately they began asking questions about Bakugo and me being both missing math class, I replied a single smiling emoji and they knew we were together. Denki messaged me about ten minutes ago “Hey Y/N I can’t wait for you to come to the soundcheck with me” followed by a cursed image of someone T-posing on top of a drumset, I couldn’t help but laugh, and I replied with an even more cursed image.

-------------------------------------------------------

I was in Denkis car, Katy Perry blasting through the speakers and Denki and I having a carpool karaoke singing Last Friday Night like our life depended on it, it felt like he hasn’t being avoiding me all week, there we were laughing and having a good time. The soundcheck was actually really funny, Jirou who is usually very quiet was obviously the leader, giving orders here and there, I wasn’t completely alone while the band was getting ready to perform, Momo was an official member of the band but she didn’t continue playing with them, but she never missed one of Jirous’ performances, they were obviously very much in love, I couldn’t help to notice the way she looked at Jirou the whole time, and I wondered if that was the same way I looked at Bakugo, I remembered the words that Tsuyu said to me, does everyone knew I was in love with Denki?...

Shit, my mind pictured Denki when my train of though was about Bakugo; it probably were because I was watching Denki plugging his guitar and waving at me at that exact same moment, or did I really thought of Denki when I was thinking about love? A feel of guilt started to build in my heart, just a few hours ago I was making out with Bakugo, and now I was watching Denki going different directions with cables and amplifiers and I couldn’t help but feel like I was in love with him. Momo probably noticed my worried expression because she asked me if everything was right, I just had to lie and tell her that I was okay when in reality I was panicking, I excused myself and went to the bathroom to splash some cold water in my face like the actresses do in every movie to calm themselves down, and apparently it worked, so with more confidence I walked out of the bathroom. When I came back to the table Momo and I were sharing I noticed that people were starting to arrive, I sat next to Momo again and tried to have a casual conversation about school, training, internships and just normal student stuff when I felt a well-known pair of hands covering my eyes.

-Hi Denki- I said as I chucked

-How did you knew it was me? – He genuinely asked

-How couldn’t I? -

-Hey Kaminari, we’re starting in ten- Said Jirou planting a kiss in her girlfriends’ lips

Bakugo arrived just in that exact same moment, I almost forgot he was also going to perform, I didn’t know how to act with other people around us, I wanted to kiss him, but I also didn’t want Denki to see it, I couldn’t help but feel like an awful person for my last thought.

-Hey Draw, long time no see you- Said Bakugo like his tongue wasn’t on my throat a few hours ago

I flipped him off with a smile and blowed him a kiss and continued talking with Denki about who would win in a fight between a bear and a shark, we were currently discussing how long the bear could hold his breath, I turned my head to look at Bakugo and he was already staring at us with the saddest expression I’ve ever seen, and as he noticed my eyes on him he changed it to his usual annoyed one

-You two are the dumbest persons I know- He said, giving us one of his angry looks

-Guys, we’re up- Said Tokoyami grabbing his guitar pick and heading to the stage

-Break a leg guys! - Said Momo giving Jirou one last good luck kiss

Bakugo winked an eye to me and went to the stage without saying anything, my eyes followed his figure to the stage when a sudden voice in my ear made me jump a little bit

-Keep your eyes on me- Whispered Denki in my ear before planting a kiss on my cheek

They started the show, the powerful voice of Jirou quickly caught everyone’s attention, they gotten better over the years, you could tell they were in their prime, usually my eyes were always fixed in the blonde drummer, but tonight they were mesmerized with Denkis fingers skilfully playing with his guitar chords, pearls of sweat in his forehead, a big smile on his face, and golden eyes all over me, he looked perfect.

Suddenly I began to notice everything the boy did, every time his voice intertwined with Jirous’ for a perfect harmony, every movement looked so natural and… sexy? I didn’t noticed I was holding my breath until I heard Shotos’ voice next to me, trying to be heard over the noise coming from stage

-Sorry we’re late, Tenya got lost-

I heard it, but my mind was somewhere else, it was in Denkis’ Kaminari palm. It was almost an hour of absolute bliss, without a single thought crossing my mind just the image of the boy in front of me. I heard the last song of their setlist and prepared for the usual announcement of the end of the show but instead they all waved and came down from stage, all except one, Denkis’ voice was a little shaky when he spoke on the microphone:

-Hi everybody! Thank you so much for coming today, hope you’re doing alright, now we don’t usually do this, but you’ll see, tonight is a very special night, the last one for a while because we’re going to be drummerless tomorrow morning, sooo anyways, I would like to sing a very special song for a very special someone who is here with us tonight, she’s just everything to me, Y/N this is for you-

I felt like I was on fire, the rush of blood went straight to my cheeks, I was suddenly shaking with nervousness, my palms were sweating and I swore everyone could hear my heartbeat, I didn’t wanted to look away from Denki, but I could feel my friends eyes on me. Was this actually happening? The first chords of Denkis’ acoustic guitar confirmed that it wasn’t a dream, his soft voice drowned every other sound, suddenly everything else went dark, it was only the two of us. I paid attention to the words he was saying, he was pouring his heart out, in front of everyone, for me

"Yours was the first face that I saw

I think I was blind before I met you"

This was a love song; Denki was telling me he loved me with every syllable coming out of his mouth and every note from his guitar

"And so I thought I'd let you know

Yeah, these things take forever, I especially am slow

But I realized that I need you

And I wondered if I could come home"

It was perfect, I couldn��t help but tearing up, nobody has ever done something remotely as romantic as this, he sounded so sincere, so drunk with affection, he was obviously nervous, but his eyes were fixed on me

"I'm glad I didn't die before I met you

But now I don't care, I could go anywhere with you

And I'd probably be happy

So if you wanna be with me

With these things there's no telling

We just have to wait and see

But I'd rather be working for a paycheck

Than waiting to win the lottery.

Besides, maybe this time is different

I mean, I really think you like me."

The last strumming of his guitar vanished in the air, and suddenly everything went back to normal, the people around us, the noises, the shocked faces in my friends faces, and the absence of Bakugo.

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Wowowow this was an emotional rollercoster, but what can I say I love drama, thanks to @warrior-princess1 for proof-reading this

Taglist: @mikasalt

[oohfluffy]

TIHM Ch.10 | BBH

Group: EXO

Member: Byun Baekhyun

Theme: Angst | Fluff | Rated M | University!AU | Football!AU

Word Count: 1,930

chapter 10

You grumbled on the table, your face plastered on it as you pushed your papers on the side. You were in the middle of accomplishing your genetics assignment when you felt exhausted all of a sudden.

It was already Friday, and you woke up at 8 to finish your pending school works before going to your class at 12. After your only class on Friday, you'll be running to your work at 4. Aunt Jinah scheduled your shifts at MTFS, 3 hours on Monday and Tuesday nights, and 5 hours on Friday and Saturday, afternoon to night. It was manageable, though a bit tiring. You just motivated yourself to be used to it.

You almost pushed yourself off of your seat when a mug of hot chocolate was placed beside your face. Your eyes quickly looked at the good samaritan, and softened at the sight of your distant best friend. You haven't heard her gossips and late night talks for the past few days. You wonder if she's still—

"I don't like this." Jiwon mumbled as she sat on the chair across yours. She looked back at you with solemn eyes. "You know I love you, right? I care for you."

"So do I, Jiwon-ah." You sighed, looking at the smoke the heat from the mug emits. "I understand if you don't want to be around me anymore—"

"Oh shut up. This is not where we end our friendship, Saejin!" Jiwon incredulously exclaimed, her eyes wide in displeasure. "We made it work alright these years, right? I'm not gonna leave you alone, either you like it or not!"

You let out a cry as you opened your arms for your best friend, immediately feeling warm because of her embrace. She hugged you tight as if she was getting all her energy from you. You pouted your lips in attempt of refraining yourself to sob louder.

"Even if those people continue to leave you in the dark, I won't. I'll be here, Saejin."

You smiled through your tears, nuzzling your head to Jiwon's shoulder. 

"I know you will be. I know."

—

"Oh really?! That's pretty embarrassing!" Hyoseop laughed out loud, slapping his thighs as he doubled over the couch. "I wouldn't want to see anyone after that!"

You just finished telling him how embarrassing your first date was, two months ago. You were too nervous to greet the guy that you pretended you weren't his date by looking away from his gaze, and spilling your coffee on your chest after. You tried looking casual as you wiped your wet chest, until your date finally approached your way. You couldn't handle the embarrassment and rushed out of the shop as soon as he opened his mouth.

"He was kind of cute, but then," You admitted as you chuckled. "probably wasn't the best time to meet me." Leaning comfortably against the cushion, you just found yourself relaxed with his presence.

"When will it be the best time to meet you then?"

Your head snapped back to him in surprise, but immediately pushing any malicious thoughts about what he said.

It's not like he's going to ask me out, right.

"Hmm," You hummed as you calmed yourself before answering. "maybe when I'm ready?"

"When will that happen?"

You started sweating bullets at his question, looking away from his penetrating gaze. 

"Uh, next year?" You stupidly said with a nervous laugh, just trying to get away from the question as fast as you can. You thought that Hyoseop will be laughing with you, but then he didn't. You slowly turned your head to him, uncertain of what was his reaction.

He just nodded with a small smile, eyes gentle as he looked at you.

"I'll be waiting then."

You swore that your heart stopped beating at that moment.

—

"So as I was saying, this new recruit in our squad just feels like she's so pretty that she treats anyone she thinks ugly like shit." Jiwon complained loudly as she walked beside you in the hallways. "Her name's Lisa by the way. Just so you know who the bitch is."

"Uhuh." You mumbled as she continued to drag you along with her. She wanted to walk you to your room, and you just let her do what she wants so she doesn't whine. 

"I think she's so gonna click with your bitch friends." Jiwon laughed crazily as she shook her head. "Haven't seen those girls for a while."

You almost cursed out loud as you saw them come out of the room. It sucks to see those devils most of the time. They just walked past you both, glaring as Jiwon raised her eyebrows at them.

"It's so scary how devils suddenly appear as you speak of them." She mumbled as she rolled her eyes. "They didn't try anything to you again, did they?"

You darted your eyes instantly on your right wrist, flipping it on the other side, so it would be hidden. Thankfully, Jiwon didn't see and continued on blabbering until you were both inside the room. She just sat beside you, waving at people she knew and they politely greeted back.

How two-faced these people are.

"They didn't, did they, Saejin-ah?" Jiwon asked once again with her serious face. You just smiled before shaking your head.

"No, they didn't."

You'll be avoiding those people from now on, anyway. 

It wouldn't matter.

As soon as the bell rang, you took your things and went out quietly. You didn't want to waste time and be caught up with any of Irene's shit again. You looked up at the round clock as you walked past the corner, 3:34 pm. You walked briskly, calculating how fast your walk should be to be able to catch bus—

"Oof!"

Of course you wouldn't be so lucky to be Baekhyun-free today.

His eyes widened as yours just turned into slits. You quickly picked up your bag and walked past him. He looked like he saw a ghost as he bumped into you. He seemed to be in a rush as well. 

We can just treat each other as strangers now.

"Saejin! Wait!"

You glanced around and noticed how some students looked at you in wonder. Probably thinking why is a Byun Baekhyun, the quarterback from the football team, running after you. You let out a frustrated sigh before turning to an empty hallway. 

"SAE—"

"I'm here, stop shouting." You grumbled as you leaned at the wall, tapping your foot impatiently. As soon as he entered the hallway, you looked at his back and confirmed that no one was looking anymore. "What? Wasn't I clear—"

Without consent, Baekhyun gently took your right hand, his hand carefully turning it to the side for a better look. As if he knew what he was looking for.

"What the hell—"

"Who did this? You didn't, did you? Was it them again?!" Baekhyun angrily questioned you, his once gentle eyes hardened in a second. His voice turned deeper and much lower than his chirpy and energetic tone. His touch was warm and light against your skin, contrasting his voice and eyes full of rage. "I'm gonna—"

"What? Kick them out again?" You voiced out the concern of those girls, gritting your teeth as you refuse to be affected by his kindness and worry. "Stop worrying—"

"Why can't I? When you're like this?" Baekhyun let out a humorless chuckle, eyes drifting towards your eyes. You couldn't find it in yourself to pull away from his grasp. It felt okay. You felt safe. "Who would want to leave you alone?"

Maybe because you're too weak, it gets kind of exhausting for people to care for you.

Maybe that's why they betray you. Maybe they couldn't handle your fragile heart.

Maybe you are the problem.

"Let me in, Saejin-ah."

You looked back into his eyes, seeing nothing but clear sincerity and care. You swallowed the lump in your throat before speaking, afraid your voice will break.

"Why would you want that, Baekhyun-ssi?" You whispered, lips slightly quivering under his gaze. "Why would you want to care so much?"

Baekhyun pursed his lips as he stared at you silently. You weren't expecting an answer to be honest. You just want to let out the questions bugging you from the start. Why would he, right? No one would be kind enough to approach you with pure intentions like those people around you. Everyone here knew about your past, about your scandal with a senior, who was allegedly drugged by you.

Unless Baekhyun didn't know about it.

Your eyes teared up as you looked away from him. Maybe he didn't know about it. That should explain his kindness. If he knew, he would be like everyone else.

Or maybe he likes you—

"I don't know how this happened." Baekhyun sighed as he caressed your injured hand, looking down at the neatly wrapped bandage on your wrist. "It's kinda your fault, you know."

"What?!" You almost hit him with your other hand, eyebrows twitching as your tears went back in your eye sockets. He was making you this riled up in a few sentences, huh.

"You wouldn't stop playing around in my head." Baekhyun chuckled as he looked at you through his lashes, a smile forming on his lips. Your lips parted in surprise at his confession. 

"W-What the hell are you saying?"

"I think I like you, Saejin-ah." He proudly admitted as he tugged on your hand gently towards him. Your eyes remained wide as he stared into them admiringly. "Damn, you just won't stop.  I was certain I'm going crazy already." 

As much as you want to push him away and shout some profanities you haven't said to anyone, you couldn't make yourself move away and speak bravely. It was like he sucked every piece of courage you had in yourself, turning the tables his way and to his advantage. He was messing with your brain and feelings BIG TIME.

WHO WAS HE KIDDING? HE LIKES ME? DOES HE THINK I'M THAT STUPID? HE WAS FREAKING MAKING OUT WITH DIFFERENT GIRLS LAST FEW DAYS! I COULDN'T EVEN COUNT THEM ALL! THIS FUCKING BASTARD!

"I can see that you're swearing at me with your eyes, baby." Baekhyun mumbled under his breath, chuckling as he saw your other hand forming into a fist. 

"Glad that you know." You jabbed his stomach with your elbow, earning a pained grunt. "I'm—"

Baekhyun still stared expectantly at you, slightly wincing at the pain on his abs. You looked away, stepping back to regain your space. You wouldn't want to be that close again with him, you'll probably faint.

"—accepting you as an acquaintance then."

His eyes lit up at your declaration until he realized that his love confession was ignored. He opened his mouth to ask when you shushed him. You looked at the clock near the corner and huffed.

"I'll forget what you just said earlier. I'm rushing for work. Bye." You said in one breath before running past him, not giving him the chance to say anything back. Baekhyun just let out a chuckle as he slowly looked at your back, eyes crinkling in delight.

"At least I'm an acquaintance, huh?" He mumbled at himself, glancing down at his hand that caressed yours. "Byun Baekhyun as your acquaintance. Hmp." He pitied himself for being acquaintance-zoned, shaking his head incredulously. "Step up your game, Byun!" He laughed before walking back to the main hallway with a smile on his face.

It's not that bad.

As long as you didn't say no.

—

♫ Ch.11

[bangtancentricsblog]

the fallout

i wasn’t planning on taking forever to update this but i did sorry i hope you guys enjoy it. Thank you again to my lovely wife @boymeetsweevil 😍💜💖

WARNINGS: angst, mentions  of: (emotional abuse, verbal abuse, manhandling, forced sex{?}), idk please tell me if anything is particularly triggering!

<< pre - next >>

Yoongi is buying weed from Jungkook when Jimin comes bursting into the apartment and manages to land a solid punch to his face. He’s not expecting it, hell at this very moment he can’t figure out what prompted it, but it's when he sees her come barreling after Jimin that he understands. Jimin pulls him up to continue his assault and Yoongi just takes it, Jungkook stands to the side alarmed and hesitates to intervene; it's the appearance of Taehyung that shocks the boy into action wrapping his arms around Jimin to pull him off Yoongi. Jimin’s face is an ugly shade of red as he screams his words at Yoongi, it’s been a month and a half since he’s been sleeping with ____ and so far it’s been a well kept secret. He doesn’t know how Jimin even found out, it’s not like she would willingly offer up the information.

“My sister? Are you fucking crazy, did you know she was in a relationship?!” he yells shoving Jungkook off of him.

“Jimin!” she screams eyes wide when Yoongi meets her stare. For the first time since they’ve met her expression is unreadable. She doesn’t deny it, and something in Yoongi doesn’t feel right. He should’ve known, a girl like her certainly wasn’t single, especially not when she was attending a school away from home. He’s blocked out Jimin’s voice, can only hear the way his thoughts grow louder and the tiny voice in the very back of his head reminds him that he deserves this. He chuckles and he can feel the way Jimin stiffens even when he can’t see him. Taehyung is burning holes in his head, so is Jungkook, both of his friends thoroughly confused by the sudden change in Yoongi. He shakes Taehyung off of him, rolls his shoulders, sniffling and wiping at the blood coming from his nose. 

“That’s the first I’ve heard of it, at least she’ll have some nice memories to keep her warm when she leaves.” he laughs, smirking at her, he can taste the blood that's slipped between the seam of his lips. Her cheeks are flushed, the shade looks nice but he doesn’t know if it’s because she’s embarrassed by what he said or she’s thinking of all that they’ve done together. Either way he doesn’t care, he hopes she’s enjoyed herself, enjoyed messing with him and for no reason it seems. He’s quick to leave, yanking his coat off the coat rack and haphazardly sliding his shoes on. The blood hasn’t stopped and he’s wiping at it again when he hears her voice. She's closing the distance between them quickly but he doesn't want to see her.

“Yoongi,” she starts hesitantly and when he doesn't say anything she continues “I'm sorry, but please let me explain it's not what it seems. I know I should've told you from the beginning, but you have to understand I wasn't in the right state of mind. I, he, well it's complicated.” she trails off reaching out to and trying to take hold of his hand. 

“Girls like you are so stupid,” he scoffs and she flinches, her arm falling back beside her. He’s glaring at her, eyes narrowed and teeth stained red from the blood. “I don’t care about your problems or your life. You don’t need to explain a thing because I don’t care. I don’t like girls like you, they’re desperate to try and get out that good girl mold so they fuck around with a guy like me. A guy who won’t make something of himself until his late thirties, while you’ve already married some jock with a stable income and popped out two to three kids. You’ll live in this house in the suburbs and dream about a life that isn’t boring and safe while you day drink. So please save your pathetic excuse for someone who cares, like Jimin.” he spits and he doesn’t want to admit that the hurt that flashes through her eyes affects him. She nods her head and turns on her heel leaving Yoongi alone at the top of the stairs and none of what he just said to her makes him feel any better. 

It's been a week and a half since you last saw Yoongi, truth be told you missed him. Jimin had tried to get you to talk but you couldn’t, not when he’d looked so guilty for not having been successful at warding his friends off. It wasn’t that he’d failed, more so it was that you had sought out Yoongi. Not because you wanted to mess with him, you’d never planned on doing that, you just didn't think that he would’ve been interested in a somewhat emotionally stunted girl like you. It’s one of the things JB had called you whenever you got into fights, you don't like it but compared to other words it was the nicest. 

You liked JB, had been dating for the better part of a year and a half; he was sweet, and handsome, he could be a little demanding and he manhandled you more often than naught but it was because he cared about you. When the semester had ended you and JB had been on a break, but you still wanted to be with him. He’d been the one to encourage your trip home, had told you to give each other some time away from one another and when you were ready to call him and he would be here, and you really wanted him, at least you did. 

That had been before Yoongi, sweet, caring, funny Yoongi. Yoongi wasn’t like JB, he was attentive, he listened to you, but most of all he made you feel comfortable. Yoongi had not once forced you to do something you didn't want, had never spoken down to you, had happily gone with anything you asked of him. He didn't raise his voice but rather spoke to you in a tone so soft, so full of affection it was a wonder he was still single. You liked it, liked the way he treated you, liked Yoongi. His smile, his eyes, his laugh, the way he made you feel was nothing compared to the way JB made you feel. Something was different with Yoongi, something you couldn't quite understand but couldn't help but want to never end. 

And then it had all come crashing down, it’s what you deserved you think as you lay in bed. Maybe broken people like you didn't deserve happiness and the world was just reminding you of it. You couldn’t really say you knew Yoongi well enough now, but you’re sure it was hurt that had flickered across his face when Jimin had told him the truth. Tears stung the back of your eyes and you blinked rapidly to try and keep them at bay. It didn't work, they slowly trailed across over your nose and onto the other cheek before falling into the softness of your pillow and soaking through. 

There’s a knock at your bedroom door, and moments later Jimin opens it slowly. He peeks his head in gaze, taking you curled up in your comforter in the same place he’d seen you since the whole thing with Yoongi went down. “Hey Sweetpea, you feeling any better?” he asks his tone hopeful, he’s seen you through worse so he’s just waiting it out. 

“Please go away.” you say a sob catching in your throat garbling the words as more tears fall. Jimin sighs heavily heart breaking at the sight of his baby sister hurting, he hopes you feel better soon.  It's not like you and Yoongi were in love or anything, right?”

Yoongi finds himself at the convenience store, it’s late bordering on 2 AM  and he can’t seem to make himself go home. He’s by himself, Namjoon is spending the weekend with Hoseok so he’s forced to relive the memories of you and all the places he’s fucked you. The couch, his bed, the kitchen, the hallway, every little nook and cranny taunts him of something he had that hadn't been real. Of a girl he was starting to really like, someone he thinks he could settle down with, someone who had just been looking for a fun time. He scoffs picking up a bottle of beer and two packs of peach rings, he guesses that’s all he’s good for. 

He’s never been in a relationship, he thinks of all the girls he’s been with and his body count. But there had been a time where Yoongi had wanted more, had craved it so much he’d tried to find someone who wanted more than just a fun time. Tried to find someone who wanted more than an orgasm but had found none, had been severely disappointed when the one girl he’d met some years ago had told him in explicit detail how non boyfriend material he was. He hadn’t bothered looking after that, had convinced himself that he liked the fuckboy, booty call thing he had with more girls that he could keep track of. 

Then there had been you, Jimin’s sweet baby sister. A girl he had never met before but had been drawn to, like a moth to a flame, he’d done more domestic shit with you in the month and half you were sleeping together than he had his entire life. You liked to talk when you weren’t fucking, soft whispered conversations. It was like you were afraid to ruin the calm that settled over you after your orgams. He’d learned of your tattoos, of you life as a child, of you major, your favorite pizza topping. So many things he would usually never care about, but had found him entranced. He’d even learned of a nickname your grandma had given you when you were a kid and has stuck even after her passing. 

Had been given permission to call you by it behind closed doors, had tested it on his tongue after you had uttered it. Sweetpea. Sweet because of how you grew into such a sweet young woman and pea because of the green vegetable and how all other girls would be green with envy when you’d finally matured into a woman. He’d laughed before pulling you close as you cried over how much you missed her. Had wiped your tears and even then you were beautiful to him. He shakes his head, upset that he let himself fall back into these memories. That although still fresh in his mind had been happy ones, ones he cherished but now wished he could forget. 

Yoongi puts his items on the counter pulling his wallet from his back pocket and paying with a scowl that the cashier shys away from. He takes his bag from her and just barely hears her soft, ‘have a nice night’ when he bumps into someone. That someone is a man, he’s barely an inch taller than Yoongi, with long hair and piercings, lots of them. He  finds himself most drawn to the anti-eyebrow piercing, and he briefly wonders how painful it was. Yoongi’s  ears are pierced but he doesn’t have any others, he doesn think he could bring himself to put any more holes on his body.  

“Sorry man, didn't see you there.” the stranger says and yoongi wants to laugh because how could he miss a whole ass human. He’s not in the mood to fight though so he just shrugs it off.

“Don’t worry about it.” he mutters making his way out the convenience store. He’s halfway home when he remembers that you like peach rings and he bought them out of habit. He sighs and thinks that he’ll just give them to Jungkook in exchange for a blunt or two. 

🌻(sent at 2:20 AM)

i have a surprise for you 

JB smiles at his phone, before he shoves it in his pocket and grabs a bag of peach rings. 

✧✧✧✧✧

taglist: @boymeetsweevil, @bussy-posts @peachymochimochi​

[lostadrianda]

The house of wolves

Part II

Ссылка на русскую версию: https://ficbook.net/readfic/8551009

I move on along the familiar path. My feet are dragging themselves. I’m getting closer to the aim. I know it, but I won't admit it to myself. I bend the branches of trees that block the road. I scratch my foot on some sticks and don't even pay much attention. My head is spinning… Yes, but no wonder, with such a life it is easy to go mad, it was I who held on for a long time. The noise gets louder. I go to it — the most accurate reference point. It's already rumbling in my ears. I climb up on a black rock, my foot slides a little, but I hold on, jumping on until I reach the edge. The water breaks down, whipping up white foam. Small drops keep falling on my skin. I shiver from the cold. And the answer is so simple. Waiting for five years is, of course, a very long time. I should have met you then, Death. You know, you too have the power to defeat the Fox. But you keep waiting and taking only my loved ones. Here I am! Maybe you needed me all this time.

The river breaks on sharp rocks. It pulls leaves and small twigs down with it. I can't look away. And my heart is so calm… I can't remember the last time this happened to me. I can still control something in my life. What's the difference? A month or two, they'll be done with me soon anyway.

"Have you decided to go down?"

I look back at the voice. Among the spruce branches, the guy stands, only his skin turns white. I look at him and give him some time. Everyone recognize me. But he doesn't say anything. Too bad, I'd like to get this over with.

"Are you a son of the Tsar's?"

"I am. Since when is it customary to talk to traitors?”

Come on, you know what to do. Are you too young and not brave enough yet? No, you're about my age. The guy steps forward.

“I was trained to shoot traitors like mad dogs”.

“Then why do you hesitate?"

“You're not a traitor".

My foot slides down and I have to jump off the rocks. I haven't heard anything like this in a long time. I squint my eyes and can't find any good words.

“Who are you?"

"Go back, or they'll start looking for you in the camp. Tomorrow at dawn, come to the house on the edge of the forest”.

“Why would I do that?"

“What else can you do?"

The grass under my feet rustles, clinging. I turn deeper into the dark trees, and the guy still stands there and looks at me. Where did he come from? Is it possible that someone sent by the Fox wants to check me out? Then I should stay away. But the guy is right, even though he knows nothing about me. What else can I do?

I lay there all night with my head up. Highlights move on the walls of the tent and some vague shadows appear. The camp life is not easy. While we were in the houses, not everything went smoothly either. But here it is unsettling. You are never alone; somebody all the time is keeping an eye on you. You can't hide. And if our camp has already been found and they decide to attack at night, they will kill everyone. The whole life is in constant fear. I thought I got used to it. I turn over from side to side and listen. All the sounds seem to be strange to me. The mind is inflamed, irritated by feelings. It's overreacting to everything now. I don't like these woods. I may not know much about the Islands, but I've heard that there are scary creatures here. I close my eyes. It feels like the world is swaying. I hear the drops begin to hit the tent, one at first, and then dozens, and the trickles run down. I’m about to fall asleep, but thoughts don’t let go. I'll have to leave early tomorrow because of this weather. If only it would be quiet by morning. I don't want to get wet from head to toe. For some reason, of all the troubles, this is the only one that bothers me. People may be digging a hole for me and I'm worried about the rain. But I'm tired of thinking about other things. I'll take my rifle with me, and then come what may come.

Drops clatter… A little quieter, but the storm does not calm down. And it hits the leaves of the trees; you'll see all the fires will be extinguished. Tomorrow the camp will be filled with mud. They can see my tracks, too... that's enough, that's enough with me. Strange, it turns out, I still want to live. I'm still hoping for something. Probably, you can never break it in a person. Why the dream is not…

The first bird screams somewhere. In the morning, drops hang on the needles of fir trees. I brush my shoulder against them as I pass. Everything is silver, and the air is damp. There is no sun yet, but it is already light, and the sky is as smoky as all the days before. How can you tell when it's dawn? A rifle is slung over my shoulder. It keeps hitting my back and I pull it closer to me. A little out of the woods, and on a hillock you can see the house. It is an old, low house that goes into the ground. I am about to get up to it.

“Your sister came to us before she disappeared”.

I turn around. All the way I thought I was being followed by someone from the camp. I thought the Fox was watching. But no, it is the same guy. His eyes are as light as the sky, but his gaze is heavy. And everything about him is so... right. He's not one of the squads, he's local. Too used to everything. He doesn't carry a weapon. And while we were standing on the Islands, one thought each of the camp learned well: a man without a weapon here is more dangerous than ten to the teeth stuffed.

“Why would she need you?" — I say 'you' and I wonder who they are. My sister didn't trust people easily.

“She had to hide something. Something your chief needs so much, that he has thrown all his forces to that place. But he can't find it without your sister”.

So, she went to the teachers, those who govern the Islands. She is a smart girl.

“The Fox, like everyone else in the camp, thinks she's dead”.

“The Fox is more afraid of your sister than of fire. And he'll never forgive you for saving her, do you hear? He prays that she is dead, even though he doesn't believe in any of the gods above. Only he'd already found out that she'd cut him off. He needs you because he knows your sister will come back for you. And without her, the Fox will get nothing”.

“Why do you have such bold thoughts?”

“Those are observations from afar. To make sure, we need you. Your chief is building a permanent camp, decided to lay low here. And soon he'll be looking for your sister. He's desperate. We need to know what actions he is preparing before he covers the whole earth from the South to the North Sea with blood.

“The words are beautiful. But — I look back to where the water runs, further down, among the tall grasses — why would I do that?”

“Your sister still needs you”.

“No, the dead don't need anyone," — I say, not looking at the guy.

"Then help the once who is alive".

All of them, these teachers, are like that. They believe everything is fine. Beautiful phrases are selected. They think high and talk about high. But they don't know life as I have seen it. As if they exist in their own fairy tales. My sister believed them, but I did not…

“I have no one left alive”.

“It just seems to be that way. There is always something to lose and someone to lose”.

I think, closing my eyes. The river is still noisy.

“You want to make a spy out of me?"

“Yes, until you jumped off the cliff."

How desperate I was. But the guy is right, something is wrong with the Fox lately. Not from a good life, he went into the woods and climbed on the enemies. If he knows something, I should know it.

Slowly, slowly, but no matter how solid it seems, this house of wolves will fall brick by brick. The walls will start to crumble until everyone is buried under the rubble. I'll wait for it. I'll do anything to spite everyone, but I'll survive.

Dawn glowed over the mountain, like my sister's eyes once did.

[i-write-fanfics-to-procrastinate]

31.  “If we’re going to keep ending up in life-or-death situations, trust that I will save you every single time " 34.  “Who cares? Who cares? I care!” 37.  “Everything has spiraled out of control, but you’re the only thing that has remained constant.” 38.  “No matter what happens, I will love you.” " Im not sure you understand how much I care about you.” 76.  “We found each other. That’s all that matters " Gruvia duh I'm asking for a lot aren't i😂

Combined two again. <3 Not sure about this one, so let me know what you think. :) I hope you enjoy!

Gruvia: “I’m not sure you understand how much I care about you.” and  “We found each other. that’s all that matters.”

“It’s alright!” Gray gasped, dashing around another corner, feinting left and then right. He knew Juvia was close behind him. “Once we get closer to the palace we’ll have the advantage. There will be plenty of soldiers there to help us apprehend—” He had turned to see how closely they were being followed, but… Juvia!

He had lost her. Damn! He had lost her in all the commotion, and he wasn’t sure how he’d get her back, how to find her again. Panic was setting in. All he could hear was his heart pounding in his ears, his ragged breathing as he ran along the alleyway. Have to keep running. Have to keep running. He wanted to call her name, wanted to scream for her—but he was afraid that if he did the members of the dark guild they were facing would find him, and that would do no good for either of them.

          He turned a corner, skidding to a halt and leaning against a wall to catch his breath. He was new to this town, and it seemed like a maze now more than ever. Why couldn’t anything ever be easy? Juvia! He felt sick to his stomach. Where are you?!

          A hand suddenly wrapped around his shoulder, pressed against his eyes. Gray froze, and then jerked away, panicking for the first time in a long time.

          “Gray-sama!”A familiar voice laughed, “It’s just Juvia!” Gray groaned, spinning around to face her. She was a mess, her hair tangled, blood trickling down from a scrape on her cheek. But she was still smiling—maybe she was relieved.

          “We’re in the middle of a fight and you do that. How am I supposed to react?!” He gasped. “Where were you anyways?” He demanded, crossing his arms. “I couldn’t find you anywhere.”

          “Were you worried?” Juvia teased. Gray narrowed his eyes.

          “Of c—of course not!” He snapped. “I know you can take care of yourself.”

          “I can see it in your eyes,” Juvia giggled, leaning close and clasping her hands together. “Gray-sama really was worried for Juvia!!!”

          “Is this a joke to you?” Gray hissed. And Juvia’s teasing expression vanished—fading into surprise and then concern.

          “W-what?”

          “We’re dealing with this dark guild in an unfamiliar place and I turn around and you’re not there. How do you expect me to act?! I’m not sure you understand how much I care about you!” He froze, only realizing what had spilled out of his mouth after he had said it. He had never meant to admit… He had never…

          Juvia’s eyes were as wide as saucers, her whole face flushed. “G-gray…”

          That’s when he saw the flash of a magic attack. No time! His face still hot, his heart still pounding, he reached out and grabbed her hand—dragging her towards the safety of another alley.

          “Did you mean it?” She breathed as he pulled her along. Gray gritted his teeth, not daring to look back at her.

          “I promise you this: I’ll always say what I mean. As long as you promise not to go too crazy around our friends.”

          Juvia let out a laugh. “Gray-sama, how can Juvia resist?!”

          “Promise,” Gray huffed.

          “Fine, fine,” she giggled. They spun around another corner and Juvia let out a sigh, her hand warm in his. “We found each other, Gray-sama. That’s all that matters, isn’t it?”

          He smiled, but he didn’t look back. “Yeah. It is.”

Thanks for reading! 

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