#sneaks in and posts this in your pride month

[obaex]

(not) my girl - rafe cameron

summary: if rafe cameron is so sure he doesn't need to be seen with you at midsummers, you are more than happy to oblige (or) the time you drove rafe insane with jealousy.

word count: 3.4k

a/n: inspired by this post by the sweet @writingsbychlo ♡

You were curled up on Rafe’s lap, head resting on his shoulder with his arms circled around you and his fingers mindlessly tracing patterns on your thigh as he talked with his friends around the firepit in his backyard.

You had been hooking up for a few months and recently you felt like you were right on the cusp of him asking you to make things official, exclusive. You were spending nearly every night together and every time he asked to talk or wanted to hang out you got your hopes up that this would be the time he brought it up, only to be crushed over and over again.

Deep down, you knew how Rafe felt. People who were ‘just hooking up’ didn’t beg you to stay every morning, didn’t make room in their dresser for you, didn’t wake you up with featherlight kisses to your cheeks, your forehead, your nose, face breaking into a ridiculous smile when your eyes fluttered open to find his drinking you in, they didn’t call you during a panic attack after fighting with their dad, pleading to hear your voice as the only thing that would calm them down. No, you were pretty sure you knew exactly how this boy felt, but you wanted him to acknowledge it. You ached to hear him say with pride ‘that’s my girl’, to mark you as his own.

Your eyes flitted across the fire to your best friend Olivia who wiggled her eyebrows at the sight of you and Rafe together, all too aware of the situationship you were in and how badly you wanted him. You blushed and rolled your eyes back at her, just trying to enjoy this small moment where he showed his affection for you in front of other people. She winked at you before interrupting the conversation.

“Sooo, who is everyone taking to Midsummers?”

You shot her a look that screamed what the hell are you doing!? You were still holding out hope that Rafe was going to ask you, even though it was less than a week away. Maybe he had an elaborate, last-minute surprise planned?

“Feel pretty good about my date” Kelce murmured, pressing a kiss to Olivia’s cheek as she giggled. “What about you Top, still intent on macking on Rafe’s sister?” he asked. Topper threw an empty beer can at him as everyone laughed.

“I don’t know why we even bother with dates” Rafe said. “We’re just gonna dick around together all night anyway, there’s no point.” He took a swig of his beer without meeting your gaze. You felt your cheeks warm in embarrassment and a painful ache in your throat as you tried to hold back the tears that threatened to spring forward. You met Olivia’s gaze again and she nodded encouragingly towards Rafe.

“W-what about me, Cameron?” you asked, trying to mask your feelings, to sound chill as you poked him in the side.

He looked at you sweetly, “C’mon and say what when my dad asks about you? ‘Hey dad, here’s the girl I’ve been sneaking through the back door every night and smashing while you and Rose are three doors down? Hard pass.” He laughed, focusing back on his beer and his friends as you felt his hand slide off your leg.

You allowed yourself to be genuinely upset for three days.

You didn’t sleep at Tanneyhill for the first time in months, you didn’t even answer his texts which grew increasingly more insistent the more you ignored them. You stayed home, you cried, and you contemplated what the fuck you were doing with your life. Was that really all you were to him – just someone he was sneaking around with? Did you somehow become that girl, too naïve and too stupid to see that she wasn’t and would never be anything more than a hookup?

You thought about the way Rafe reached for you and held you in his sleep, the way his hands ghosted over your body, the things he’d whisper in your ear, the times you’d ridden shotgun in his truck or he’d taken you to his favorite spot on the beach… Your heart was so sure about him, but your head throbbed with the echo of his words.

You and Olivia talked incessantly about it, dissecting everything he’d said. “Maybe he just needs a little push, a little… motivation?” she suggested, and the more you talked about it, the more you realized she was right.

If Rafe Cameron was so sure he didn’t need to be seen with you at Midsummers, you were more than happy to oblige.

The last of the hot summer sun was settling over the ocean as you climbed the front steps of the Island Club in daring three-inch heels; the added height gave your figure a perfect sway that simply begged people to watch you as you walked by. Your dress had a thigh-high slit, open back, and was the perfect color for your skin tone, illuminating you; the neckline was devilishly tantalizing, giving the desired effect of drawing all eyes to the dazzling diamond pendant that reflected the setting sun.

Rafe heard you before he saw you; rather, he heard a sea of murmurs rippling through the crowd which drew his attention to the doors just as you walked through by yourself, essentially announcing to the island that you were alone for the night.

“Geezus” he heard Topper mutter under his breath as he took you in. Normally, he would have known better and normally Rafe would have put his head through a wall for glaring at you the way he was, but even though his fists clenched in response and he wanted to turn and say something to him, he simply couldn’t take his eyes off of you; “Geezus” didn’t even begin to cover it.

You were always undeniably beautiful to Rafe: when you wore his oversized sweatshirt around the fire pit, when you were makeup-less in your wet bikini at the beach, and especially when you were wearing next to nothing tangled up in his limbs and his soft sheets, but the dress you had on, the way your hair shone in the last rays of the sun, the way you were positively radiating had his pulse throbbing in his neck, his adam’s apple bobbing and his palms sweating. Fuck, I am so happy she’s mine he thought to himself, smiling and moving to walk towards you as your eyes met his across the crowd.

You were glowing at him and sent him a discreet smile as you greeted people and made your way in his direction. He couldn’t wait to get his hands on you, to have you at his side so everyone knew you were his. You approached your friends, dropping a kiss on Topper and Kelce’s cheeks before doing the same to Rafe. You made to move past him quickly, intent on talking to Olivia when he grabbed your hand.

“Hey, hold up you-you look…” he started to say, trying and struggling to find the words to capture the way his heart was pounding in his chest.

Your wide eyes met his expectantly and just when he opened his mouth to speak, they flitted over his shoulder.

“Oh! Sorry, Rafey! Just saw someone I want to catch up with, I’ll see you later” and without another word you walked away, leaving Rafe Cameron, the King of Kildare staring and stuttering after you.

You were walking away from him? he thought. You had seemed so adamant about this whole Midsummers thing, dropping hints about going together and now here he was, practically ready to get down on one knee at the sight of you, and you were walking away from him? He was speechless. He turned to watch you go… right into the arms of another man. He looked to be about your age, the same height and a similar build as Rafe, because of course Rafe was sizing him up, how could he not? This guy had his paws all over his girl. And then, after a moment’s realization, he thought darkly, she’s not your girl…

You had greeted this guy with a huge hug, and he’d nearly lifted you off the ground, now he had your full attention and you were laughing at something he said, the most sweet and perfect sound that Rafe wanted only for himself.

As everyone took their seat for dinner, you intentionally positioned yourself across the table from Rafe. The slight of not sitting next to him where he could run his fingers up your thigh or tangle them in your own left him fidgeting instead, buttoning and unbuttoning his jacket and swirling his drink. What the fuck did I used to do with my hands? he thought angrily.

You paid him no mind, instead, leaning forward on your elbows and toying with the diamond pendant around your neck, fingering it, twirling it and sliding it back and forth on its chain.

“Holy DIAMOND, girl!” Olivia said as she took note of your necklace and leaned over to get a closer look. “Is it new, where is it from?” her eyes shot from you to Rafe and back again.

He glared at you both over the rim of his glass as he took a deep gulp, trying to act unphased but also extremely curious to hear your answer knowing damn well it wasn’t from him.

Your eyes flitted to Rafe briefly before you leaned towards Olivia, lowering your voice, but not so low that he couldn’t hear you. “It was… a gift from… someone special” you said winking conspiratorially at her.

Rafe choked on his drink just as someone was standing up at the front of the crowd to make a speech, shifting everyone’s attention and interrupting the slew of words that nearly poured out of his mouth.

Who the fuck on Kildare fucking Island was buying his girl jewelry? he thought. And then, again, he reminded himself, she’s not your girl… the thought making his whole body tense, rigid and taught in anger and frustration.

For the next 20 minutes, all he could do was stare at you as you twiddled that ridiculous necklace in your fingers, imagining what it would be like to rip it off of you and replace it with something twice as nice. He was mentally calculating how much he would spend and how quickly he could get it when JJ Maybank passed by their table. Rafe had a snarky comment on the tip of his tongue until he watched JJ do a double take at you and stop in his tracks.

Don’t do it, Maybank, Rafe thought. Don’t you dare do it.

He watched JJ eye you and the distance between you and Rafe and, deeming it safe, peddled back, pulling a glass of champagne off his tray and handing it to you with a flourish. He knelt down next to your seat and when you turned to talk to him, it left JJ perfectly eye level with your cleavage. He was whispering something to you and you rested your hand on his bicep as you leaned forward to hear him. Rafe could see you blushing, and he watched Maybank take in every greedy eyeful of you. Rafe stood up so abruptly, it knocked his chair over and rattled the plates on the table. Everyone looked up at him, including you, and for the first time that night he had your full attention as your eyes widened at his reaction.

“YN, inside, let’s go” he said simply, walking to your side of the table.

You raised an eyebrow at him and his demanding tone.

“And Maybank if you don’t stop staring at her tits, I will put your face through this table.”

JJ quickly stood up and backed away with his hands raised in surrender as Rafe approached you.

“Rafe we were just—” you started.

“— Inside. Now” he said, taking you forcefully by the arm and leading you inside and into the locker room.

“Rafe! Come on! Stop it! I want to spend the night with my friends, I don’t know what you possibly have to be mad at” you said in resistance.

And that was the very last straw for him.

“WHAT I HAVE TO BE MAD AT?!” he said, incredulous, nearly shouting. “Where do I even begin with you!? You blow me off all week, then you waltz in here looking like an absolute bombshell, wearing next to nothing – I swear to God, I’ve seen you in bikinis with more material - every guy here is leering at you. Then you’re talking to that jackass who had his hands all over you…” he said, exasperated.

At this point he was pacing, his voice continuing to rise in anger and frustration. “…And then Maybank?! Maybank of all people?! He was flirting with you right in front of me. Was it to make me jealous? Is that what this is all about? Because I’m about to lose my fucking mind YN” he said running his hands through his hair, giving you sick pleasure knowing it took him probably an hour to style it. A surprised if not amused look rested on your face as you continued to twirl your necklace in your fingers.

“And who the fuck gave you that” he pointed accusingly at the diamond in your hand, not giving you a single second to respond, “No. Absolutely not. Take it off. Right now” he said, walking briskly towards you in an effort to do it himself.

You held out a hand to stop him.

“I don’t know what the big deal is Rafe” you said innocently. “What difference does it make? I’m just the girl you’re sneaking through your back door every night to smash” you shrugged, your eyes burning at him.

His eyes widened as he heard his own words on your lips.

“No, that’s – that’s not – I didn’t mean” he stuttered.

You gave him a vicious look as you watched the gears turn in his head and he tried to string a sentence together.

“Look, I didn’t mean it like that – I shouldn’t have – what I meant was – ahh, fuck it” he said, taking a step forward and closing the distance between you in an instant, one hand holding your face firmly as he pushed you against the lockers and the other coming to rest on the wall beside you, caging you in against him as he pressed his lips bruisingly to yours, devouring you, just like he’d wanted to do all night.

You wanted to stay strong, to argue, to tell him he wasn’t going to win you over like this. But he was. He so so was as he deepened the kiss almost instantly and the pad of his thumb ran across your cheek sending a shiver through your body. When he finally felt you relent and kiss him back, winding your arms around his neck and pulling yourself flush to him he let out a small groan that almost made you forget the whole point of tonight. Almost.

You pulled back, leaving not even an inch between you. The feeling of you kissing him had calmed him down significantly. His breathing had slowed but his cheeks were still flushed and his hair was mussed. He lingered there, his nose brushing yours as he stroked your cheek.

“You’re my girl” he whispered finally.

“Are you asking or telling?” you whispered back.

“Do I really need to ask, princess?” he said, meeting your gaze with his own.

You raised an eyebrow at him threateningly.

He rolled his eyes and said in a sigh, “Be mine?”

You bit your bottom lip and pretended to think about it. “Gosh, I don’t know” you said, pressing a slow kiss to his lips “M’might have to think about it” you said, pressing another kiss there, lingering longer “Mm’might need some convincing” you said, kissing him again and running your hands up his chest.

His voice was low but steady, “I will take you home right now and convince you as many times as you need me to” he said, kissing you back through a smile.

“Deal” you replied sweetly.

You moved to leave but he didn’t let you go and when you met his gaze, his brow was furrowed, his eyes searching yours. “I am serious though, about this, about you” he said. “I’m sorry I fucked up.” He looked uncharacteristically bashful, unsure even. “Really, are you mine?” he whispered.

“Yes, Rafe,” you said as your heart fluttered in your chest “All yours.”

He smiled stupidly, so far gone for you as he kissed you again. You were completely lost in the moment until he muttered against you, “Then please for the love of God will you take that necklace off and tell me who in the hell thought they could buy you something like that?”

You met his eyes strongly, the last embers of your pain crackling there.

“No” you said simply, continuing quickly when he tried to interrupt you. “I’m going to keep it and wear it whenever I damn well please to remind you of what you have and what you sure as hell want don’t want to lose.”

He looked genuinely shocked to hear you challenge him like that and you could see a tic in his jaw as he worked it back and forth in anger.

“I… hate that” he growled. “What if I buy you something nicer?”

You shrugged noncommittally and he shook his head at you. “Fine, let’s get out of here, that dress is killing me and I have a lot of convincing I want to do to you right now.” You giggled as he grabbed your hand and led you back outside, pressing a kiss to the side of your head.

When you rejoined the party there were a few murmurs and glances as you hung off his arm. Were you imagining it, or was he taking the long way back to your table, intentionally parading you around the patio and staring daggers at anyone whose gaze lingered too long? Being seen together at Midsummers was basically shouting from the rooftops that you were official. You were glowing, he was too. You said goodbye to your friends and within minutes you were in his truck headed back to Tanneyhill, his hand rubbing circles higher and higher on your thigh, your fingers in his hair.

He threw the car in park and scooped you over his shoulder, carrying you all the way upstairs like that, which had you shrieking in delight. He didn’t set you down until you were in his room and he kissed you feverishly, his hands cupping your face, before his fingers traced your neck, nearing your necklace.

“Rafe” you muttered against his lips, a warning.

“Just tell me who” he muttered back, unable to let it go and kissing you deeper in the hopes of convincing you. “I’m already gonna to buy you a new one, you’ll never wear this again, but I need to know. Can’t stop thinking about someone else with their hands on you” he said as he guided you backwards towards his bed, pushing you gently onto his comforter and crawling on top of you.

“I don’t like it. I do not fucking like it” he growled against your lips. Under his anger, you detected a hint of vulnerability and you broke your kiss just long enough to look into his eyes, which gazed longingly at you as they searched your face. Perhaps you had tortured this poor boy enough.

You sighed, relenting.

“Olivia” you said.

He looked at you, completely confused for only a moment before the realization dawned on his face and he hung his head.

“There isn’t anyone else” he said in equal parts relief, frustration and embarrassment.

You shook your head at him.

“God I’m so fucking stupid” he said.

You giggled before reaching behind your neck to unclasp the necklace and toss it on his bedside table.

He looked at you with heat and tenderness, “I’m sorry that’s what it took for me to get my shit together. I wish it all happened differently, but I don’t regret it. You’re it for me, YN, no one else.”

He placed a kiss beneath your ear, to your throat, to your bare collarbone. “My girl” he whispered against your skin, enjoying how it felt on his tongue and the sound of your sweet laughter in response.

taglist: @ietss, @gillybear17, @palmwinemami, @moremaybank, @one-sweet-gubler, @m-indkiller, @diary-of-jj, @crlsummer, @jjsbank444

[hyomaslut]

──★ ˙🍓 ̟ !! what is this? boyfriend material.

☆⌒(ゝ。∂).ᐟ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴀʀᴇ ʙʟʟᴋ ʙᴏʏs ʟɪᴋᴇ ɪɴ ᴀ ʀᴇʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴsʜɪᴘ ᴘᴛ. 𝟷

✿ ─ characters: isagi yoichi, chigiri hyoma, reo mikage, nagi seishiro ✿ ─ cw: fluff, gn!reader, no pronouns but there are a few 'fem coded' things referenced like make up or skirts, aged-up!characters, established relationships, pet names, kissing, groping, pda, use of foul language, suggestive themes, proofread so many times so if there’s a typo ill cry ✿ ─ notes: this is my first post ♪(´▽｀) i haven't written stuff like this in a pretty long time so bear with me ‹𝟹 this is some hybrid of headcanon and drabble idk

ISAGI YOICHI is a full-fledged bonafide simp...

he suffers from tragic a condition. when he’s not trying? flirting supreme panty dropper. however, when he tries to flirt with someone he likes? bro is fumbling. at first he seems like such an instant charmer. hes a classic gentleman, great listener, and super attractive. but the second he gets an inkling of a crush, he ruins it for himself. stuttering and getting his words mixed up, saying the most embarrassing jumbled combination of what he actually meant to.

follows you around to all your tasks because how else would he spend his free time except hanging with his baby. to sephora, to the grocery store, to the salon, the the ends of the earth if that's where you're heading that day. more than happy to hold onto your hand as you go about your business, rambling about global soccer statistics and looking at you like you hold the world. yoichi is a prideful purse holder too, his arms and pockets and car being full of your belongings makes him insanely happy for some reason he can’t put his finger on. always ready to press the lip gloss you’re patting yourself down for into the palm your hand, taking a kiss as payment.

he’s bad at planning dates, so don’t put him in charge unless you want to be late to a reservation at a restaurant 2 hours away with mediocre food. he’s good at paying for them though!! the dates he does get to plan are usually to the mall. what can i say, man likes to spoil you.

at the mall isagi can kind of trick you. because typically if he were to offer to buy you a couple hundred dollars worth of things, you would absolutely refuse. buttt if its just one thing from this store and one thing from another, and maybe its the fact that you dont feel the weight of all the items as your boyfriend carries it all, but it flies under your radar. and at some point you look at yoichi… and he has a lot of shopping bags. surely some of those were his right? the little pleased love sick smile on his face says otherwise.

its so worth it to isagi tho. he gets to spend time with you, make you happy, be a doting bf. but it also means that he can pick out clothes for you. as generous as he was, he could be a bit of a greedy gifter - never leaving the mall without a new skirt of his choosing. will personally pick out a pile of things he wants you to try on just for him.

once youre with isagi for a few months, he reveals his true colors. man is a serial PDA offender. he just thinks you’re so pretty, and it gives him such an ego boost to be the guy by your side. better hold his hand or its going in your back pocket. leans in under the guise of giving you a quick, generally acceptable peck on the lips… but all of a sudden he wants another before you even fully pull away from the first and its all downhill from there. sits on your side of the table at restaurants instead of across from you so he can rest his hand on your thigh and sneak in small squeezes when he thinks youre not paying attention. and be careful about walking in front of him, he’s not strong enough to resist the urge to smack your ass.

if the PDA thing wasnt a dead give away, isagi is just very affectionate in general, honestly has a hard time leaving you alone when you’re in the same room as him. he just gravitates towards you no matter what he was previously doing. very easily distracted, very easy to bribe. he’s the type of guy where when he goes to get out of bed in the morning to go to practice, and you cling to him and ask him for just 5 more minutes, theres nothing that could stop him from sinking right back into your arms. his attendance record has definitely suffered because he is unable to deny you a single thing you ask for, especially if that thing is him.

CHIGIRI HYOMA is taken and makes sure everyone knows it…

hyoma’s partner very quickly becomes his best friend if they weren’t before they started dating. it’s not even intentional, but he gets very quickly attached to you. sure, he has a decent amount of friends, but none of them know him like you do. he loves to hear you talk about your life, invested in your daily drama and indulging you with all of his. he likes to hear your input and insights on situations. he takes notes in his phone when he sees things he thinks you would like, or conversations he had that he wants to tell you about. forever surprised by how much he misses you when you’re apart, chigiri is used to not needing anyone the way he needs you. is so much grumpier at matches that have him go abroad without you, texting you often throughout the day, whenever he can get his hands on his phone.

because you’re now his best friend and partner, chigiri’s a bit tied to you at the hip, but he would never admit to being clingy. not that you mind, hanging out with him is fun and surprisingly intimate. he never fails to hold your hand wherever you go or throw an arm around your shoulder. on dates he’ll lean in close to your ear to whisper little observations and jokes about the people around, the two of you sharing witty comments and secretive snickers behind your hands. when hanging out with mutual friends, the way yours eyes meet his wordlessly, both holding the same micro expression, indistinguishable to other people, that says “we are so talking about that later”.

speaking of clinging to your side, hyoma can have a bit of a possessive streak at times. i feel like it’s something you don’t really expect of him until there’s a guy flirting with you in a store. the way your boyfriend is at your side before you can even answer, standing at his full height, squaring his shoulders with a sour look on his face, not at all shy about the way his arm snakes around your waist. “they’re not interested.” he states plainly, as if it were obvious, but if you payed close attention to him (which you always did), you would notice the distasteful curl of his lip or the venom seeping into his tone or the way his usually gentle fingers hold onto your side with a firm grip.

he doesn’t meet your eyes after, already sensing the knowing smirk on your lips. his ears turn red when you break the silence to tell him that green was a good color on him. but, your ever clever boyfriend is quick to reply, “that’s cute baby, but i’m not jealous. you haven’t seen me when i’m jealous.” the mischievous glimmer in his eye and the smug smile he wears reminds you to not test him.

king of matching outfits with you. not in the novelty shirts cheesy way, but he always asks for a fit check before he picks you up on dates. chigiri is outside your apartment within the hour, wearing a jacket that matches the color of your shoes and a sly grin. generally starts to shift his style to be a bit more cohesive with yours, he loves going out and looking like you belong together.

not to mention, matching outfits give him more excuses to take pictures with you. photos of you and him are plastered all over his instagram, your handle in his bio and everything. he’s no amateur either, always able to catch your best side, in perfect lighting. really makes you feel as pretty as he seems to think you are. hyoma is a bit of a show off too, so he gets a bit of an ego boost getting to let everyone know how cute you are, and that you’re all his.

hyoma greatly values the alone time he gets to spend with you. the best part of his week is sitting on the couch as you help him with his hair care routine. you running a mix of the comb and your fingers through his hair as the two of you catch up on the k-drama you started together. your touch and your attention and your warm presence enough to make the stress of a pro soccer career melt off his shoulders. makes you teach him how to do your nails and learns your skin care routine so that he can return the favor, although he’s much better at the latter.

MIKAGE REO is ungodly whipped and more than a little dramatic…

if we’re talking about social media boyfriends, reo is near insufferable. let’s be real, reo was already flexing on the gram before you got with him. constantly posting pictures of his car and expensive watches and exclusive clubs. he just becomes worse when you agree to go out with him. his story is full of aesthetically blurry shots of you, sometimes featuring him, anywhere and everywhere. in his car, on dates, cooking in his kitchen. he even found the audacity to post a picture of you in his bed, your bare back in full frame, the sheets pooled around your waist. “i’m so lucky” was the caption and the only context provided. unsurprisingly the lifespan of that post was quite short once you caught wind of it, with the assurance that he wouldn’t be getting so lucky in the near future.

i totally think reo is the type of guy that tries to act like a fuckboy but is secretly a hopeless romantic. in other words, reo is a huge sap™. has a picture of you in his wallet. you’re his screen saver and all his passwords feature your name. nagi is the last person left that will still listen to reo ramble on about you, all of his other friends having gotten tired of it.

we already know that reo is taking you to fancy dinners on the regular, but more unexpectedly i think he is a big fan of outdoorsy dates. previously mentioned hopeless romantic tendencies means reo loves a picnic way more than he lets on. his favorite is when the summer comes around and he gets to take you to the beach. if reo dies and goes to heaven and it's not you rubbing sunscreen into his warm back in a skimpy swimsuit he picked out for you himself, he's not interested. a close second favorite of his is late night drives with you. all the windows of his luxury sports car down, blasting a playlist the two of you made together, singing loud and ugly down the empty freeway. in these moments you make him feel weightless and he swears it’s addicting.

king of clingy. every time that you feel your phone vibrate, there's a good chance that it's your boyfriend. never with anything important either, asking where you are, how was your day, sending you pics of whatever he is doing, even resorting to imessage games when he runs out of things to talk about. he just always finds himself itching to open your contact. if mikage reo could eat up all of your attention, he would not hesitate to do so.

reo is usually the caretaker. when he obtained status of boyfriend, you automatically went on his list of special people in his life, only really consisting of you and nagi, and this granted you the exclusive privilege of walking all over him if you so please. truly a pushover and weak to your pouts. while we’re on the subject of ways to get him to fold, reo is surprisingly easy to flatter. your compliments are honey to his ears, no matter how many people have said the same to him before. his heart thumps loud in his chest whenever you do any act of service or labor of love for him. just wait for the day you buy this man some flowers. got his hand splayed over his red face, his palm not wide enough to cover his infatuated grin. "they're really for me, babe? god i knew i picked you for a reason.”

reo's feelings for you run extremely deep. scary deep. you make him feel stupid and irrational. he can't think straight, he's impulsive. you have to keep a close eye on him because give reo enough time alone and he'll convince himself that getting your name tattooed across his chest is an amazing idea, a grandiose display of his affection and devotion to you - sick as hell too. god forbid you go on a trip by yourself, there's honestly a decent chance you'll come home to a marriage proposal and explanations on how "no no, don't worry babe, i know its sooner than you expected but i've got it all planned out.” just be glad that up until this point he has resisted the strong urge to drop a fourth of his trust fund on a ring, a price he's more than willing to pay to make you all his.

NAGI SEISHIRO is greedy and will readily take a mile if given an inch…

nagi is… new to the whole boyfriend thing to say the least. not to say he’s bad at it or anything, but i imagine that in the beginning of your relationship, things are a bit, for a lack of better words, lukewarm. he struggles a bit with recognizing that the switch from friends to more than friends is more than just the title, letting you completely take the wheel. but his passiveness doesn’t last long. not when he can’t escape the way you are constantly on his mind. he thought it was overwhelming enough having a crush on you, but now that he’s falling for you it’s on another level. he thinks of you when he first opens his eyes, facing the obnoxious blue light of his phone to send you your daily goodmorning :x . he thinks of you at night, when he’s restlessly fighting to fall asleep before he ultimately caves and facetimes you so that he can drift off to your tired mumbles and even breaths. he thinks of you when practice drags on, the anticipation of seeing you after the only thing keeping him from giving into his exhaustion.

nagi can’t get you out of his head for the life of him, but to be fair he doesn’t put up much of a fight. seishiro is used to getting what he wants, so what does he do when his desire for you becomes a hassle? he makes it your problem. constantly calling you and asking you to pick him up from social functions because he misses you. insisting that he stays the night at your place or that you come to his because he needs his daily dose of you. and he doesn’t have the shame to be shy of telling you everything on his mind either. he unintentionally says very flustering things, unabashedly demanding your touch and your company, no matter who is listening. it’s your fault he’s like this after all, you might as well take responsibility and give him what he wants.

and what he wants is affection from you, as much as he can get. serishiro is mesmerized by your reactions. being in love with you is uncharted territory that he maps out with piqued curiosity and newfound greed. especially kissing. once nagi gets his first taste of kissing you for real, messy and needy and drawn out, he never wants to go back. not after seeing your red face, eyes lidded and lips parted so cutely he just has to steal one more. now his day dreams revolve around you, what flavor of chapstick you’re wearing, what perfume do you have on, are you thinking of him as much as he does you? thats one thing he never really finds the courage to ask, but that he secretly hopes is true.

he loves to find things you can work on together, even if you always end up being the one putting in more effort. nagi will insist on cooking dinner together, and maybe you get his help for a good 10 minutes before he’s slumped in a seat at the counter eating the ingredients. buys tons of lego sets for the two of you to put together and while you’re following the instructions, he’s stealing pieces you need so he can build a little car to push around the table while he watches you figure it out. he’ll even settle for a puzzle and a movie, but your out of luck if you expect him to do anything but the edges.

the lazy genius only really has the time and energy to have a couple of important people in his life, but once you make it into that inner circle, that shit is permanent as far as he’s concerned. it begins with him telling you that it only makes sense to leave some clothes at his apartment, you’re at his place half the week anyway. and then its him smuggling over your favorite pillows and stuffed animals to his bed instead of yours. then he’s asking you to go grocery shopping with him every week. the jokes he makes about the fact that, “you keep all your stuff here anyway. just move in with me already,” are far too frequent to be subtle. but when he hits you with the puppy eyes, which are annoyingly effective, how could you say no?

you’ve put yourself in his orbit after all and now the solar system that is nagi seishiro will use his gravity to pull you inevitably closer. it’s doomed.

is my bias obvious?? cuz i feel like it might be… lmk which one was your favorite!!

© 2023 hyomaslut. please do not copy, translate, or repost any of my content onto any other sites.

[paucubarsisimp]

hiii hope u r okey!!! can you write something about pedri x model!reader? something like pedri going to one of her shows (maybe it could be a surprise) she’s always in the stadium for his games and now he's watching her on the podium then celebrating together at the end of the night,i thought this would be very fluffy. sorry if i made a mistake english is not my native language and thanks luv your works!!!!

model

pairing: pedri x reader

summary: in which pedri surprises you at one of your shows

warnings: none!

taglist: @barcapix, @universefcb, @nngkay, @joaosnovia, @ilovebarcaaaa, lmk if you’d like to be added!

✼ • ┈┈┈┈๑⋅⋯ ୨˚୧ ⋯⋅๑┈┈┈┈•✼

it was a cool, breezy friday evening when pedri found himself pacing nervously backstage at the venue, his hands slightly sweaty despite the chill in the air. he had done his best to keep the surprise a secret, coordinating with your team for weeks in advance, sneaking away from his own commitments just to make sure he could be there to support you. tonight, this was all about you.

for months, he’d been the one in the spotlight, performing in front of thousands of fans in stadiums across the globe, but tonight was a completely different type of moment. this time, he was the one sitting in the crowd, but not just anyone in the crowd—he was there to watch his wife, the woman he loved more than anything in the world, do what she did best.

you had always been there for him. you sat in the stands at every game, supporting him when the pressure mounted, and sharing his joy during the victories. he could never forget the way you’d cheer him on, how you always seemed to find a way to send him a text or post something sweet, even if you couldn’t be there in person. and now, here he was, excited to return the favor and witness you shine on the runway.

as the lights in the venue flickered and dimmed, pedri’s heart began to race. the crowd’s energy shifted from anticipation to excitement as the music started to pulse through the venue. he could hear the murmurs of people around him, but all he could focus on was the moment about to unfold. when the lights hit the runway, his heart practically stopped. there you were, walking with an effortless grace, your eyes locked in a determined, confident gaze, your body moving with a sensual, powerful rhythm that had the audience captivated.

pedri could hardly believe that this stunning woman in front of him was his. he’d known you from the very beginning, seen you work your way up through the industry, and now you were here, in your element, and he was watching you with admiration and pride.

you wore a beautifully tailored outfit, your presence on that stage commanding attention from every corner of the room. but even though he was surrounded by flashes of cameras and the loud applause of the audience, it felt like the world had stopped just for a moment. his eyes were only on you. when you made eye contact with the crowd, there was no doubt he was in your thoughts. he felt it, the connection between you two, despite the distance between the runway and his seat. you smiled for just a split second, and he could’ve sworn it was only for him.

his gaze followed you throughout the entire show, but when the final model strutted down the runway, he quickly made his way backstage. his excitement was nearly unbearable now. he couldn’t wait to see you, to congratulate you, to tell you how amazing you were—though, honestly, words didn’t even seem enough for what he was feeling.

backstage, he found a quiet spot near the dressing rooms, knowing you’d be coming off the high of the show soon. pedri’s heart was racing. he couldn’t wait to see that smile on your face when you realized he was there. for a few moments, he felt like he was in a dream, everything moving in slow motion as the sounds of the after-party spilled into the hallway.

suddenly, he heard your voice, full of laughter and joy as you were chatting with your friends. and then, before you could turn around, he stepped in close, wrapping his arms around your waist from behind, pulling you into him.

“¿mi reina, how did it go?” pedri whispered softly, his voice warm and affectionate as he pressed his lips against your ear.

you froze for just a second, the familiar scent of his cologne instantly filling your senses. your heart skipped a beat as you turned around, your eyes widening in pure shock. “pedri?” you gasped, your voice trembling with surprise and happiness. “¿qué haces aquí? you’re supposed to be—” but you couldn’t finish the sentence. all of your words got caught in your throat as you reached up to touch his face, still in disbelief that he was standing there in front of you, away from his hectic schedule, just for you.

“surprise, mi amor,” pedri grinned, his eyes sparkling as he took a step back to look you over. “you were incredible out there. i had to see it for myself.”

you blinked up at him, still processing the reality that your husband had come all the way to support you. “you’re really here?” you asked again, still feeling like you were dreaming.

“of course i’m here, mi vida,” he chuckled, running his hand gently over your hair. “you always show up for me. it’s my turn to be here for you.”

his words melted your heart in a way you didn’t expect. you’d always been there for him, cheering him on, watching him play with that pride that only a wife could have. but hearing him say that, knowing that he had made all this effort to be there for you, left you breathless.

you smiled up at him, a soft laugh escaping your lips. “i don’t even know what to say… this means so much to me.”

“say you’re happy to see me, mi sol,” he teased, his fingers lightly tracing the curve of your jaw. “say i’m the best husband you could’ve ever asked for.”

you rolled your eyes playfully but couldn’t hide the deep affection in your gaze. “you’re ridiculous, but yes… i’m so happy to see you, pedri. i love you so much.”

“i love you more,” he replied softly, his lips brushing against your forehead in a sweet, lingering kiss. “now let’s go enjoy the night together, okay?”

he guided you toward the main hall, where the after-party was already in full swing. people were dancing, laughing, and celebrating, but to you, it was like the world had narrowed down to just the two of you. you laughed and danced together, letting the music and the joy of the night carry you both into your own little world. pedri’s hands never left you, his fingers tracing the small of your back as you swayed together in perfect harmony.

you couldn’t remember the last time you felt so connected with him. everything about that night felt perfect. even though you had just finished an incredible show and had so many people surrounding you, it was his presence that made you feel truly complete. he was your home, just like you were his.

“mi amor, i’m so proud of you,” pedri said, his voice full of emotion as he pulled you in close again.

“thank you for coming,” you whispered, feeling the weight of the moment. “thank you for always being there for me.”

he kissed you softly, his lips gentle against yours, his smile still lingering when he pulled away. “i’ll always be there, mi princesa. i’m yours forever.”

the night seemed to stretch on in the most perfect way. you continued to dance, talk, and laugh together, surrounded by your friends, your colleagues, but most importantly, each other. it felt like the culmination of everything you had worked so hard for—together, as partners, as best friends, as husband and wife.

when the night started winding down, you and pedri made your way to the exit, hand in hand. as the cold air hit your skin, pedri pulled you closer, wrapping his jacket around your shoulders.

“let’s go home, cariño,” he whispered, his eyes soft and loving.

“home,” you smiled, looking up at him as you walked through the crowd. “wherever you are, that’s where home is.”

he squeezed your hand, his voice low and sincere. “and i’ll always be right here with you, mi vida.”

✼ • ┈┈┈┈๑⋅⋯ ୨˚୧ ⋯⋅๑┈┈┈┈•✼

[bewitched-hours]

AHAJAHAJAJAJA ANYWAY (￢‿￢ ) your cute little muffin alpha skibidi sis is here I'm not really the person who req but heh... ANYWAY aroace!Reader (Killer ofc) x 1 egg PLZ PLZ PLZ DO THIS AND MY LOVE FAMILY SON LOVE AND BODY IS YOURS

(Don't mind my silly little pic

I'd judge you BUT I GET WHY YOU WANT THE EGG- (Maybe I should be judged-)

Reader's pronouns will be She/They because I'm projecting ❛ᴗ❛

Things were... Normal.

Even before being dragged to this strange realm, you didn't really care for much.

You even had your own little gang to cause chaos and havoc with and none of you ever even thought about love.

One of them later learned more about pride month because their niece was queer and you all gathered around and started figuring out some labels that fit to you.

For you, it was Aromantic and Asexual. You didn't really care about romance or sex, you just wanted to vibe with someone and even if you went into a relationship, you figured it'd be more casual and skip the whole 'honeymoon phase'.

But now? Oh, you felt stupid.

And for the embodiment of HATRED of all things.

Here you were, feeling that stupid flutter in your heart whenever they even glanced at you.

You didn't care about love. But OH BOY, DO YOU DO NOW-

And as much as you thought she didn't notice your sneaks, he knew full well. And she revelled in the attention.

It was a huge ego boost for 1x1 but Spectre forbid he ever admit that.

And when you were in rounds, you'd secretly hope that 1x1 was watching so you were more motivated to win. However, you'd quickly catch yourself and try to tell your own brain to stop it as you didn't want to think about this kind of stuff.

Little did you know, 1x1 secretly did the same. Trying to get your attention as well because she'd never admit that he could even feel love.

All that to say... You have no clue how it came to this.

You were a pretty straightforward person, just love was difficult to comprehend and made you shy. And 1x1 got irritated by the fact you didn't act straightforward about your feelings to her.

He shouldn't have to be the one to confess but now here you were.

Pinned to the wall with a class of water while the other killers were all resting in their rooms or out doing their own thing.

Your heart felt like it could explode but with how annoyed she seemed, you just froze up. Did you do something stupid again?

"I shouldn't be lowering myself like this just to get that confession out of you..." Say wha-

"Ah... You know then..." You muttered, quickly shutting up with his face suddenly against your neck.

It was a little uncomfortable but you waited, figuring she was gathering his thoughts before moving up to kiss you.

You couldn't exactly move from the current position but when 1x1 pulled away, you were a little surprised by the string of green(-ish) saliva hanging between you two.

When did she manage to push his tongue into your mouth...? And how is his saliva green-??

"Now let's go before someone catches us and if anyone asks, you confessed first." She muttered, dragging you back to your room and soon cuddling up against you as you slept.

Love was a weird thing...

Anything you'd like to request/ask? Check out my pinned post first and I'll be happy to write up whatever you want!

[choerrysjubiles]

Not Yet

pairing: ningning x fem!reader

warning: no smut but a brief post-sex scene, comphet ning :/ also cheating, light? angst, alcohol

wc: 1k

a/n: wanted to wait to post this bc pride month should be filled with cool people and happy fics! but the song is really good so i kinda wanted to post this hehe

EDIT: part two >:)

song: Sometimes Sunshine - Seasalt

"It'll happen one day but just not yet."

Not yet.

Those were the only words you could think of when you saw Ningning. You’d love to walk up and kiss her, to hold her and lift her chin to keep eye contact with her. Where you could tease her and sneak a kiss onto her face before she’d laugh and playfully push you away.

So often have you thought about that.

The idea of being something solid with her. To call her and talk for hours, to sleep over without the stress of sneaking out before someone comes by. You’ve never been a dreamer, you knew how hard it was to find long lasting relationships. Break-ups happening out of mutual disinterest or from convenience.

But to be taunted by her during every party and hang out. To always be reminded of Ningning and her boyfriend. The thought makes your stomach turn. A girl you’re so fond of, who’s so fond of you.

“Just not yet.”

You could still hear the ringing in your ears. You’d both been flirty, longing stares and holding onto one another for a second longer. You asked her what could be between the two of you.

“I’d like that.” She said, her breathing evening out.

You were a little shocked, you realized how much you were anticipating her words, how much you were begging her to like you back. In a relationship, too, not just hookups or something in between.

“But,”

You looked towards her.

“I just need to figure things out with my boyfriend.”

You nodded.

You can’t deny you’ve had the occasional hookup with taken, straight girls, but it’s never gone on for this long. You’ve never gotten this attached.

Even now, you feel something tug at your heart when you watch Ningning and her boyfriend show off their pda at your friends party. You take another sip of your terrible alcohol, trying to distract yourself from their show.

“Are you alright?” Someone’s voice asked you.

“Yeah, just stressed lately.”

“Drink some more, we have plenty of booze.”

You took their offer, pouring some more alcohol, probably mixing a terrible concoction before drinking it.

The buzz felt a bit better. But you’re more worried drinking will make you focus in on your weird relationship with her. So you stood up and walked around, stating you “need some fresh air.”

You walked around, looking through your friends house. You watched people move around from room to room, moving from their kitchen to bedrooms to their backyard. Having quick conversations with drunk people asking where so-and-so are.

You were finally clearing your Ningning headache when she appeared behind you. Grabbing your waist to pull you into a bathroom.

She locked the door before kissing your jaw and neck.

“I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” She sighed, wrapping her arms around your waist, feeling your back.

“Ning.”

Your voice sounded far more irritated than you anticipated. She pulled away.

“What’s wrong?”

“Don’t you have a boyfriend to be doing this with?”

She laughed, “What are you talking about, he can’t pleasure me to save his life.”

She leaned in before your arm stopped her. Situated below her collarbones, holding her some inches away from you.

“You shouldn’t be doing this.”

Her laugh sounded more forced, lighter and airy, “Why not?”

“You said we couldn’t be together-”

“Yet.”

“Yet.” You repeated, your stomach was turning as this conversation continued.

“We can’t be together yet.” She smiled at you, hoping her cheery expression could change everything.

“Ning.”

“What? We can be together later, but right now-”

“Right now your boyfriend is wondering where you are.”

Ningning paused, a little shocked you brought him up, “You’ve never cared about him before.”

She started walking backwards, moving to lean against the counter.

“You’re cheating on him and you don’t even care.”

“You’ve helped girls cheat plenty of times before.”

“Yes but those were one night stands with strangers.”

You wanted to leave. This bathroom felt stuffy, you needed air and some water to clear your mind. Still, you stood in there sipping your alcohol. Your mind ruminating through all the empty promises of something you could be together, followed by all the sights of her with her boyfriend.

You liked Ningning, hell, you could even say you’re in love with her. But this was too much.

“I don’t think I can do this anymore.”

“What?” She walked closer to you.

Ningning wanted everything confidential, she wanted secrecy. You wanted to know whether or not she liked you. You weren’t against being with her if it meant you were together. If she broke up with him or broke up with you, then you could continue on. But this back and forth between the two, it was irritating.

“Are we going to be something?” You asked.

“Something?”

“Are you ever going to break up with him? Or is this going to be another summer of dragging me along, hoping I can still sneak off to get you off?”

Ningning stayed silent, her nervousness was obvious. The way she looked around the baseboards of the bathroom, her hands holding each other, pinching and twiddling her fingers together.

“This is exactly the problem, Ning.” You scoffed, “If we’re going to be together then we have to be together.”

Your hand moved to unlock the door, “I don’t care how long it will take. You don’t have to tell others but just break up with him. You can’t do that? Being single isn’t an option? You don’t even like him.”

“But-” She cut herself off.

“I need some space then.” You said.

Ningning looked up at you, eyes shocked as you began leaving the bathroom.

“If we’re not going to be together then I don’t wanna sneak around. I want to be with someone who wants me.”

“I do want you.”

“Not enough, obviously.” You replied.

You began walking out, “When you decide to get rid of him, call me.”

You walked downstairs, walking past your host to say you’re not feeling well.

“Do you need a ride?”

“I called a driver, already, it was a good party, though.”

They hugged you, “It was nice seeing you, I hope you feel well, y/n.”

You nodded, stepping outside to call some cab service and rest.

[laursdomain]

could I please request a leo valdez x gn!reader where leo comes back from a quest after like a really long time (a year or smth) and is like 'oh my gods what if they've moved on' and its like this really romantic reunited moment? based on Would You Fall In Love With Me Again from Epic?

you waited?

pairing: leo valdez x gn!reader

genre: angst & fluff

synopsis: unlike other demigods, Leo Valdez took his sweet time on quests. more particularly, its been a year since he last returned to Camp Half-Blood, his especially grueling quest taking up too much of his time. he can't help but think his partner has already moved on. he couldn't be farther from the truth.

warnings: cursing(like 1), overthinking, mentions of deaths, guilt, happy ending!!

w/c: 1.7k

a/n: ahh first leo and gn fic!! i hope you enjoy, i actually listened to the song as I read the fic over before posting haha, its about the same length :3 also this song is so leo coded; i tried making the banner as gn coded as possible, sorry if the hold handing one isnt!!

ྀིleo valdez masterlist

༘⋆♡⸝⸝💌⊹。°˖➴

Leo Valdez took great pride in many things. In his ability to build, the fact that he has a rare quirk as a son of Hephaestus, and his determinism to take risks. Especially when those risks come to quests. Unlike other demigods, such as Percy Jackson or Jason Grace, Leo never rushed his quests. In fact, he took his time on them, wanting to make sure every little detail was set in stone and completed. 

He didn’t intend to be on a quest for a year, really. Leo tends to get sidetracked easily, he can’t help it. Maybe it’s his fatal flaw, as Annabeth calls it. Now, Leo sat atop of Festus, eager to get back to camp. His hair whips in the wind, he could use a haircut. You would have to cut it for him.

The thought of you sends a pang of emotion through Leo’s heart, and he can’t help but be excited to see you. That quickly fades the moment his overthinking nature takes over. What if they fell out of love? Leo had be gone for a year, things like that were bound to happen. 

But, Annabeth and Percy didn’t lose the love they had for each other when Hera removed all of his memories and separated them for months. But those were only months, not a year. Leo sighed in frustration, annoyed with his own burdening thoughts. He attempted to do some breathing exercises, a pathetic attempt to calm his mind—but it didn’t work. The only cure to his overwhelming mind? You. 

Leo’s heart began racing even faster as the familiar landscape of Camp Half-Blood came into view. Shit, maybe he should’ve gotten you flowers or chocolates or something considering he’s been gone for an entire year. Steam rolled out of Festus’ metal nose, his own way of telling Leo he’s not turning around. 

Festus not-so-elegently lands near Bunker 9, his usual resting spot. Leo knew you saw Festus, everyone probably did. And he knew that once he reported back to Dionysus and Chiron, he would have no choice but to face you. 

Leo sneaks into the Big House, waiting outside of Mr. D’s office as he waits for him to finish up whatever mindless game he’s playing.

“Aphrodite, if you’re listening, please help me with this,” he looked up to the sky, muttering out the words. His intentions were true, and he hoped that his friendship with Aphrodite’s daughter, Piper McLean, would grant him some favor with the goddess.

“Are you seriously praying to Aphrodite in front of my office?” Mr. D’s voice comes from behind him, gaining his attention. He sheepishly smiles at the god, not given an opportunity to explain his reasoning before he’s dragged into the room, an expectant Chiron waiting for his report. 

One gruesome hour later, Leo is finally dismissed by the two camp leaders. All he wanted to do was lay in his bed for hours, he desperately wanted a mattress after a year of sleeping on Festus. 

is it you? have my prayers been answered?

is it really you standing there, or am i dreaming once more?

You thought you were hallucinating. You thought your mind was playing tricks on you were you thought you saw the familiar shadow of the metal dragon you’ve grown to love. Alongside his creator. 

When you sought out his usual resting spot, behind Bunker 9, you nearly fell to your knees crying from the mere sight of the dragon. The only thing that stopped you was that there was no Leo in sight. You assumed he was with Dionysus and Chiron, that was the usual protocol after a demigod completes a quest.

So, you swallowed your emotions, patiently watching the Big House from a distance, waiting. Waiting for your boyfriend to eventually emerge. Though, you couldn’t help the overwhelming thoughts. Had something happened to Leo? Festus wouldn’t return without his owner, no matter what…right? You’re pulled out of your thoughts when your sibling nudges you, pointing to a figure coming out of the house. Your eyes widen, the breath leaving your throat as you see him. Your Leo. 

You were sent into flight or fight mode, rushing over to him. “Leo!” Your arms wrap around his neck as he stiffens under you. After a moment, his body relaxes as his arms finally embrace you, making their way around your back. 

You took in everything about him. His arms were warm, they always were. A perk to his ability. He smelled like smoke and grease, a scent that lingers on him whenever he’s near Festus. His hair was much longer, tickling your cheeks as you hugged him. You didn’t mind the longer hair, it gave you even more of an excuse to tangle your fingers in it. And most importantly, his heart was beating, and he was here, in your arms. 

He pulls away, looking away from you. You frown at his action, cupping his cheeks with your hands as you force him to look at you. “It took you long enough.” 

“You waited?” He mutters, uncertainty laced in his voice. 

You furrow your brows, confused by his question. “Of course I waited, why wouldn’t I?” 

“It’s been a year,” he points out, as if it’s the most obvious reason. He takes in your raised brow, probably saying something like “so?” He realizes he has to be more specific, a conversation he didn’t desire to have. “The quest was…heavy.”

“Heavy? Heavy how?” You question, lowering your voice so the conversation can stay between the two of you. Though, it was fall, and most campers were not at camp. Only a couple of campers stayed, yourself included, but you two were the only ones outside. Your sibling was kind enough to go back into the cabin, giving you some privacy.

left a trail of red on every island

hurt more lives than i can count on my hands

Leo gulped, unsure how to word his sentences. “I uh, had to hurt people. A lot of people actually.” 

He watched as one side of your mouth tips down, something you always did. Whenever you did so, he always kissed that side of your mouth, making some cheesy remark that you’re too pretty to frown. 

“Were they bad people?” The question leaves your mouth, and Leo is caught off guard by the question. 

“Some.” He answers, slightly hanging his head. He hated that some of those people, those caught in the crossfire of it all, got punished for simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He felt like a monster. 

I am not the love you knew before

“Hm,” you ring out, eyebrows furrowed as you take in his words. Leo patiently waited for your conclusion, fearing the worst. “Well, we are demigods. It happens.”

Leo snaps his head up, eyebrows furrowed. That was the last thing he expected to hear come from your mouth. “What?”

You laugh, “what?”

“It happens? Baby, I killed people. Plural, not singular.” 

“I understood that, Leo.” You respond, brushing some of his curls back.

“I’m not the same person you last saw,” he whispers, his words holding weight.

You tilt your head, analyzing him. Your finger holds up a couple strand of his hair, “messy, untamed brown hair? Check.” Your fingers go to his white shirt, lightly pinching it between your fingers, “dirty white shirt? Check.” Finally, your hands cup his jaw, “the beautiful brown eyes I fell in love with? Check. I think I would know if you weren’t the same person since I’ve last seen you, love.”

Leo hangs his head, but not in shame. Rather, in embarrassment. He felt embarrassed that he assumed all these things before even speaking to you. He couldn’t help but think the worst, it’s a bad nature he’s always had. He smiles at your words, a light blush coating his cheeks. 

“No matter what quest you go on, no matter who or what you have to eliminate to complete it, you’ll always be my Leo. Nothing can change that. I’ll always love you, and you’ll always return to me.”

“I love you, mi amor.” He whispers, pulling you closer to his body. The silent confession lays over you like a blanket, making you giddy.

“I love you too, Leo Valdez.” You smile, bringing his lips to yours in a searing kiss. 

The kiss is filled with so much love, passion, and longing. A kiss that was long overdue, a year overdue. Leo smiles into the kiss, tilting his head to kiss you deeper. Your hands slide further up his face, the tips of your fingers tangling in his hair. You let out a breathy laugh, and he takes that opportunity to slip his tongue into your mouth, tasting you after a year. Once the need for air starts to become too much, Leo leaves your mouth, placing small pecks around your mouth. First, at the ends of your mouth, then right in the middle. His kisses spread all around your face, causing you to laugh as he kisses your cheeks, your nose, and finally your forehead. 

“You’re not allowed to go on a quest for a while,” you lightly scold, but your words hold no threat.

“Trust me, I’m not planning on leaving you anytime soon.” You smile as his words, your heart melting. “Now, can you please cut my hair for me?”

“Of course, baby. Come on,” you intertwine your hands, leading the way to your cabin. Leo’s thumb rubs small circles along the front of your hand, swinging your interlocked hands back and forth as you close the small distance to your cabin. 

Leo may had been gone for a year, but nothing will ever change the love between you. He may have seen things that make him feel different, but if theres one thing that’ll never change about him—its his love for you. And sneaking into your cabin at night to cuddle with you. If Chiron doesn’t know, it didn’t happen, right?

i, i love you

༘⋆♡⸝⸝💌⊹。°˖➴

[kenzies-love-stories]

Oh COME ON Bella! pt2 rewrite (Felix Volturi X Swan Fem Reader)

A/N: Well, hello it's been too long, I'm going to be completely honest with you guys I have not been making my writing a priority as I should be. I have been learning how to balance my time working full time at a cooperation job is hard, I feel like I never have time for myself but i am learning how to make the time. I don't know how many people are still invested but here the rewrite for part 2.~Kenzie

pairing: Felix volturi X fem Swan reader

Type/ warnings: M for mature

Word count:3,355

Date posted: January 30 2025

Six long tortuous months have gone and passed since I was dragged to Volterra Italy where I met him, Felix, the man who has so effortlessly caught my attention. He feels so close yet so far out of my reach. The only reasons I know that he is actually real is because of the leather book which is on the nightstand by my bed as well as the memory that plays on repeat every night while I sleep.

I find myself more often than not longing for the feeling of comfort that his cold embrace manages to bring to my warm body. I have yet to hear from him but he promised, so I am not going to lose hope so easily. Though I do miss him every day even though I don’t know him very well at all. I am guessing it is the bond.

Today Jasper has dragged Bella and I to the Cullens house after school to work on their Spanish project that is due the following week while I sit on the couch next to Rosealie, she is probably my favorite Cullen as she is unapologetically honest with me. Which I very much appreciate as everyone else isn’t as straight forward as Rosalie.

I see an angry Edward storm into the room with a panicked Alice hot on his heels, “Edward you don’t have the right to do this, it’s not your place. If you follow through with this it is not going to end well for anybody involved.” Alice sped infront of Edward to stop him.

“I am doing this to protect her.” He seethes looking down at alice callously

“Since when have you ever cared about her safety. Trust me Eds you are going to do more harm than good.” Alice grabs the envelope out of his hands as this comment shocks Edward. "STAY OUT OF IT!" she adds loudly.

“Y/n/n this came in the mail for you from a very special someone.” Alice says and passes me the envelope, while wiggling her eyebrows at me playfully.

“Thank you!” I exclaim with a big smile taking it from her hand gently. I let out a barely audible giggle as I run my fingers over the fancy cursive writing that adores the front that reads y/n Swan with the Cullens address. I gently turn it around and admire the red volturi wax seal. After a second I pull open the wax seal then i pull out the parchment and allow my eyes to run over the words.

 ‘To my dearest little dove, I am happy to inform you that I finally managed to get my hands on a phone, that I have yet to accidently break. It took me longer than expected as I kept on crushing them on accident. I put my number at the bottom. Don't tell anyone about this but Aro is planning on sending us to Seattle for a mission soon. I can't say when but afterwards I’ll sneak away to come and see you. it shouldn't be too difficult to do. With much love Felix aka your giant.’ 

With a smile I feel the envelope is still slightly heavy, with curiosity I look in the envelope. I see a very dainty looking necklace. I gingerly lift it out and into my hand, it is a small yet perfect diamond. ‘A diamond for you to sparkle in the sunlight as I do.’  I let out a slight gasp after I read the note, I very carefully put the necklace on. Once it falls into place my chest swells with love and pride.

I pull out my phone and program his number under the name 'Gental Giant'. I send him a picture of me with the necklace on as well as a message ‘it’s gorgeous Fe, I love it very much Thank you.’

A few hours later on at home I hear my phone ping. I check it with a grin. It is a message from Felix, ‘I am glad you love it, I'll come find you next week to visit.’ i read while smiling wide

With a blush that he can’t see I type out ‘can’t wait giant’

I lay down for the evening as i have school in the morning.

I am soon lulled in to a deep slumber dreaming of the tall giant that has started to plague my every dream...in the best way possible of course. In this particular dream I can see him and I cuddled up on the same couch that is in his room in the corner by the fireplace as he reads out loud to me. One of his big cold hands turns the page while the other is placed on my knee, gently resting there covering it completely.

*One week passes by*

The day after I received the letter from Felix, I worked on getting him one in the mail in return. I decided to make him a bracelet out of some black cord, as well as write him a letter in return. I made sure that it got in the mail the same day. I went ahead and put two extra stamps on the envelope even though I don’t think it makes all the difference. I do hope that he got it and that it didn’t get lost in the mail on the way to Volterra. I find myself absent mindedly studying for my upcoming history test.

I am situated in the living room with music playing softly in the background. My therapy has been up for some time now and I have been doing much better overall. It was finally deemed safe for me to be by myself, So I am home by myself. Bella is either at the Cullens or with Jake at Emily’s house. Whist Charlie is at Billy Blacks watching the late-night baseball game. I am brought out of my deep trance by a crash and cursing from my room upstairs. Quietly and full of nerves with my heart racing I grab my pepper spray tiptoeing my way up the stairs avoiding the creaky stair boards. I silently enter my room, heart beating out of my chest, my finger on the trigger of my pepper spray ready to fire. When I see a very much so familiar giant that I have been missing, my body starts to relax.

Throwing my pepper spray somewhere off to the side, I excitedly exclaim, “Felix! Please tell me you are really here in front of me!”

“Yes, dove it is really me.” He reassures me and pulls me into his cold yet very comforting embrace, “Oh how I missed you.” he slightly breaths in my scent as I nuzzle my face into his strong cold chest.

“I missed you to Fe so much. I have a question; so I am in the middle of studying, would you mind helping me study for my history test please?” I ask slightly pulling myself from his embrace to get a good look at his perfect face.

“What time period Kiddo?” he jests as I lead him down the stairs by his hand.

“Kiddo really!?!” I exclaim "It is the 16th Century" I reply handing him my notes and textbook.

He asks me a random question and I answer confidently as I know it is the right answer. I see him furrow his eyebrows, “Dove I'm sorry but that’s not right at all.”

“Yes, it is Fe, it is in the textbook.” I state the obvious.

“Is that really what they wrote! That is totally not how this happened I was there.” He laughs a bit in shock

“Well, that is what they are teaching me. Glad to see that they are lying” I state and grab the textbook out of his outstretched hand, I freeze when I look down at his wrist.

I grab his and gently pull it towards me running my thumb across this cord with adoration, “you’re wearing it.”

“of course, Dove, I love it; I have not taken it off since I got it and I don’t plan to anytime soon.” he responds softly

“Thank you! I only take my necklace off when I sleep.” I state with a small smile.

“I’m glad to hear that.” He smiles "So what do we want to do now?" he asks looking at me.

"Hmm We can watch..." I am cut off by another body speeding down the stairs halting in front of us. “Fe we got to go now.”

I start to panic when I notice it is just Demetri his friend and fellow guard.

“Okay Dem I will be right out.” Felix states defeated as our time is cut short, yet again.

“Oh, and nice to see you again y/n,” Demetri smiles at me.

“Nice to see you too Demetri.” I smile politely back at him, a little sad my mate has to go so soon.

“Alright My Love sadly I got to go. I promise I will message you as soon as I can.” he says pulling me up into a hug he kisses my forehead as he starts to pull away, I squeeze him tighter to my chest, my face in his neck by his ear, “Stay safe please Felix, I need you around.” I softly plea into his ear. He puts me down and we walk upstairs to my room.

“I’ll do my best,” I hear him say as I watch him disappear from in front of me and out of my window.

I sigh with a newfound heartache deep in my chest, it feels like a hole is there. I sniffle as I walk downstairs to collect my things, I am done studying for the night. I am too upset to retain any information tonight anyway. It was good to see him, and I am happy that I got to spend time with him even for a short bit.

I pause when I see a familiar black cloak, slightly gasping I gingerly reach out and bring it to my chest, hugging it tightly. I find myself breathing in his scent, it smells a bit like cedar and is slightly musky with a very small hint of citrus. This oddly brings me more comfort than anything with lavender ever could or ever would again. Felix has ruined lavender for me and I am very okay with it. I gather my study supplies and pack them up into my backpack for easy transport. I grab the cloak and I rush back to my bedroom.

I put the cloak on my bed while I put my school bag aside for the school day tomorrow. I then take off my shoes and quickly get into pajamas. Soon enough I lay down on my side and bring the cloak of comfort over one of shoulders, like a blanket. I can freely breath in the comforting scent radiating off the fabric. I allow myself to reach the deep state of relaxation and in minutes I am out for the night. I am not sure if he left it behind on purpose or not but I am glad he did.

I only keep his cloak for two weeks as the scent of him is starting to fade. It still brings me the comfort, but it now smells like me, and I know he needs it back. Another week goes by, and I make sure to send Felix back his cloak that he left here as well as a sweet little letter. I am not sure if it was on purpose or accident. However, I am guilty of waiting until it no longer smelt of him, instead I sent it back smelling like me, I hope it may bring him the same comfort it brought me during our time of separation.

Now I am having trouble sleeping at night without the familiar smell of absolute comfort as well as the weight of his cloak. That brings us to where we are now; in a Seattle Walmart smelling the wax melts and candles with Alice trying to find one that is close enough to invoke the same comforting feeling.

I carefully grab a box of brown wax melts and gently pull open the corner to smell. The strong scent makes my face pucker in disgust, this one, smells strongly of male musk and palo santo. Nothing like my Felix," Nope!" I say and put it back on the shelf. I smell my coffee grounds and continue my search. Alice bounces off to the other side of the isle.

A small box of blue wax melts catches my eye. I read the notes on this one softly to myself, "Cedar and sea salt." I don't think it'll be this one but I grab it and gently pull the corner open to get a small whiff. Closing my eyes I breathe in softly, it's almost right but the sea salt throws it off for me, it makes it kind of smell like a sweaty man.

I am starting to lose hope in my search but while I am here I decided to get a few candles for the house. I grab a fresh linen and a pumpkin spice candle then start off in the direction of Alice.

"Alice I only managed to find sweaty males and fruity deserts." I state in defeat, "do you need anything else while we are here, I give up."

"Just let me check in one spot, there is a clearance pile over by the five dollar movie bin." She states taking off at a human's pace. I head over to the five-dollar movie bin as I have given up. I start to filter through the movies when Alice comes running at a human pace towards me, “Y/n/n what about this one, it is called Illusion, there is cedar, musk, and whatever the mystery smell is.”

"I will give it a try Alice but I have lost hope." I state before she starts to hand me the package.

I gently take the package from Alice and gently pop open the corner feeling somewhat hopeful I bring the package to my nose and gently breathe in. The smell is very strong, but it is close enough to Felix that in a tired haze it would do the trick. Happily nodding at Alice, “Alice this is almost exact. Is there more than one?”

I close the small box and start to make my way through the isle with Alice, “Sadly that is the very last one here but at least now you know which one it is, we can order you more from online."

We walk to the self-checkout as I muse, “you’re right Alice! Thank you very much for helping me I appreciate it, you are such a great friend." I muse while I scan and pay for our items and we exit the store.

“You are more than welcome, Y/n i am happy to help." she smiles as she gets into her car.

“Hey Alice, please don’t mention this to anyone, it is kind of embarrassing.” I look down at my hands that are folded in my lap. "I know Bella would view this as childish and I don't want to be made fun of." I state quietly.

“Of course, Y/n/n you have my word. You should not feel embarrassed about missing Felix though. It is not your fault that you two have to be separated at the moment. It is not forever even though it may feel like it. Believe me when I say this though, Felix is just as affected by this as you are, if not more so.”  Alice states while keeping her golden eyes on the freeway. That is one thing no one tells you about vampires, they love to drive fast as it causes an adrenaline rush, I have learned to grow more comfortable with the speeding.

“You really think so.” I ask in a hopeful tone, not because I want Felix to hurt but it hurts a little less knowing that we are both hurting together.

“I know so y/n/n.” she says with a smile, “Don’t let Edward or Bella try to convince you any different. If he says anything to you about this, tell me okay. I’ll have Emmett and Jasper rough him up for you. He shouldn't have anything to say he just needs to let you be happy.”

I am thinking of my response when Alice beats me to it, "Now enough of the heavy, let's listen to some music." I see her cold dainty hand reach over and turn the volume dial up on the radio.

The rest of the ride is filled with laughter, off key singing, and crazy dancing on the way back to Charlie’s house. When she pulls up out front it is four fifty-eight, I have two whole minutes to spare. “Thank you again Alice, for everything,”

“You are most welcome y/n/n, tell Charlie I said hi,” Alice smiles and pulls me over the center console in to a tight embrace (not too tight though).

“Of course, Drive safe Alice.” I state knowing that she is going to drive recklessly now that I am no longer in the car.

I close the car door and walk inside after I hear her say ‘always' I make my way inside to put away my candles and to burn my wax in my wax wamer that is in my bedroom.

Felix’s POV

I have been back in Volterra for a little over a week now. The sharp pain in my chest has only grown stronger each day that passes without her. I miss my little human, more than I could have ever thought possible. I have tried to distract myself with working extra hours and picking up extra missions but it never works. I come to realize that this distance thing is going to be a lot harder to handle then I first thought. I have somehow misplaced my last cloak between the constant missions. I unlatch my new cloak and place it over the couch in my room. I then exit to hunt down where Demetri is hiding away at.

I see him walking down towards the library with Heidi, fixing my bracelet I speed over to them before they can get too far.

“Hey Fe, Gianna the new girl is looking for you, you have mail.” Dem teasingly states.

With a smile I start to turn away with a smile to make my way to the front desk, “Thank you Dem, I’ll catch up with you in a bit.”

I don’t wait for a reply, I instead speed down the stairs stopping in front of Gianna's desk. “Hey, Gianna Demetri told me that you have mail for me.”

“Yes, from forks.” she states in broken English handing me a box.

“Grazie.” I state and take the box in confusion, I was expecting a letter from y/n.

She nods as I walk off to my room looking at the box, I see the familiar semi messy writing that I have grown to love. With a smile I put the box down on the table and gently open it. There is a note on red paper that is on top of something wrapped in tissue paper. I pick up the note to read it more closely, ‘Fe, I hope this brings you the same comfort it brought me, love little Dove.”

Curiously I put the note down and open the tissue paper, I am hit by the strong scent of my mate, with a smile I pull out, my cloak? I put it on with a laugh, I must have forgotten it at her house that night. Her scent surrounds me and the pain in my chest subsides just a little bit. She must have been wearing it at night as her scent is imprinted in to the fabric. I smile at the image of her cuddled on her bed, her small frame drowning in my cloak. Maybe this won’t be as hard as I first thought, It’s going to suck but it is going to be manageable…for now.

Taglist: @j-u-hs-world @ellatitanium @melinsk1 @trainboom @trashy-panda777 @small-town-wayward-daughter @venusdelaroix

@kezibear143 @smithmallory13 @im-as-mad-as-a-wax-bananna

@sunsetswurve @believinghurts @xcastawayherosx @iloveslasher

@yikeskatz @ssa-holmes @artaxerxesthegreat @jenfox25 @lacychick @smileykiddie08 @xxx-wounded-angel-xxx

[surpriseelejahmonth]

Surprise Elejah Month - Fan(fic, edits, art & meta) - August 2025

------------~⋆｡°☆

Pre-Event Celebration - [August 1 - August 2] - As a warm-up to the main event, and to get into the right kind of shipper headspace... let us consider some appetizers, if you will:

Fave Stuff Rec Party - Reblog or post links to your favorite Elejah fanworks and share the love (please no reposting; link to the original work or reblog it and tag this blog if the fanwork in question is already available on Tumblr).

Orphan Prompts - Post the answers to the Orphan Prompts that have caught your fancy during the last two months (more about Orphan Prompts here; but in short if there's an Elejah idea you have but don't feel like doing yourself? Send it to the Ask Box from now until the beginning of August 2025)

Adrenaline Jolt to the WIP - Shuffle through your half-finished edits and anxiety-buried half-chapters of your WIPs. Pick that thing up and see what happens, or maybe just post what you have as a sneak peek. Alternatively, and in tandem with Fave Stuff Rec Party, say something nice to the person whose Elejah WIP you still occasionally think about to brighten their day.

-------~⋆｡°☆

Week 1 - [August 3 - August 9] - Meeting of Contradictions - Push together angst and humor. Make something fluffy, but also have it be horror. It's a giggle at a funeral. Both rage and blissful happiness. Alive and dead. There is love within a void. And maybe one has to be lost to be found? Both terror and relief.

-------~⋆｡°☆

Week 2 - [August 10 - August 16] - Week of the Literary Love Story: (each prompt is given a separate day, but that does not mean you must create something for all of them, pick the one(s) you want, or skip the week if none intrigue you).

Sunday - Beauty and the Beast. Monday - Odyssey. Tuesday - The Nightingale and the Rose. Wednesday - Pride and Prejudice. Thursday - Helen of Troy. Friday - Orpheus and Eurydice. Saturday - Hades and Persephone.

-------~⋆｡°☆

Week 3 - [August 17 - August 23] - Significant Memento - the burning letter / the dagger to the chest / a bedroom windowsill / the blood in champagne / gazebo in sunlight / his expensive suit / the red in her hair / the skip in her heart / the trust before a betrayal / the negotiation in the middle of night / a kiss like a lie / a promise in a glass bottle / the ground that crumbles under feet / the taste on their lips / the reflection in the mirror / always and forever.

-------~⋆｡°☆

Week 4 - [August 24 - August 30] - Love Letter to an Episode - take an episode (any episode) from any of the TV series in this universe and make it Elejah. It can be as canon-compliant as you want. Play with American Gothic. Grab an Originals episode and drop Elena in there. Drop her and Elijah both into Legacies. Hell, push a plot of an episode you like from a completely different show onto Elejah, the world is your oyster! (If you're writing meta posts and don't feel like dealing with just the canon Elejah content either, discuss how Elejah would have dealt with the plot from your chosen episode.)

-------~⋆｡°☆

Post-Event Celebration - [August 31] - Now for the last curtain call with all its bows and cheers, so that we may go out with a bang:

No Theme, FREE-FOR-ALL - Let's post as much Elejah content as we want, with whatever focus we want. The more, the merrier after all!

Lost, But Not Forgotten - But if some theme direction is what you want? How about picking up one of the themes that lost the poll after all?

Orphan Prompts - Or, if the adopted prompts took longer than expected, you could always finish up to post that now.

------------~⋆｡°☆

What do you need to do to join the Surprise Elejah Month? Just be a fan of Elejah! Write some meta, write a story (one-shots, drabbles, first chapters of new WIPs, and new chapters of old WIPs are all accepted), make a gifset, fanart, poem, an aesthetic, edit, song playlist, or a fan video created for the event (or if all else fails, crochet their names into a scarf), and tag @surpriseelejahmonth + add #elejahmonth2025 to the first 5 tags.

There are no limits on how many or how few works need to be created to "count" as having participated. Everyone is welcome!

----------------------~⋆｡°☆

Special invitation: @kaizsche, @wholoveseggs, @vorpalmuchness, @jennifersminds, @kol-elijah, @becasart, @elejah-verse, @katherineholmes, @lovelyelejah, @moonysmate, @anphibole, @reina-petrova, @sevensistersofsussex, @sharkboy305, @elejah12, @xneens, @thereideffects, @darknightfrombeyond, @teenage-apocalypse-trilogy, @ao-anonymousobsesser, @coazysdaydream, @myfuchsiadreams, @keepsdeathhiscourt, @bada-bing-bada-boom-pow, and literally anyone else who feels like trying their hand at creating something for Elejah.

[ravenstargames]

✦ LOST IN LIMBO DEVLOG #15 | 02.06.2025

It's February y'all! Actually it has been for a couple of days—yes, I've noticed! The team and I are buried in work and I only found time to start writing our newest devlog right now, with my cat on my lap and a bellyache!

First of all—this is the first devlog where the "Kickstarter vs Public" updates will be noticeable. Our Kickstarter and future Patreon devlogs will include more info (they already did, but now we'll tune down the spoilers we show publicly), which doesn't mean our public updates will be a flop. At least I hope so!

This January, we finished Amon and Ara's reworks completely, and Raquel also managed to pull off Envy and Raeya's. Pride's is ready to see the world, but we'll post it on Discord tomorrow most likely, and then you know how it goes! Poor Raquel has been working her ass off, as per usual.

For the next couple of weeks, Raquel will work on updating the expression charts of every LI! Our plan is to have our first demo update around February 17th, aligned with the start of the Storyteller Steam Festival; that update will include the sprites overhaul, a few fixes, as well as a sneak-peek of the patch notes you'll be able to check in game every time we update not only the demo, but the full game in the future.

A strange building suddenly appears in your quiet town...

Being able to hire Airyn for the Extended Demo is giving us a boost we so desperately needed. Airyn and Astro are incredible background artists and they work together so so well, which I hope you can appreciate in this small sneak peek of the outside of Master Lysander's shop. On January Astro finished the concept and 3D modelling of this background, and Airyn now has it in her very expert hands. Right now, Astro is working on our third and last Extended Demo background, and let me tell you it's looking delicious!

So far, we have 10k+ extra words in the script. I say so far because it's still a long way from being finished. I can say that every LI, as we promised, we'll be getting a new, one on one scene with the MC, but I'm aiming for two—one short, one long. The story will be paced better and you'll get a bit more time with Raeya, who was the most affected by our initial demo being shortened.

Choices were also something y'all wanted to see more of, so right now those are sitting at 75~. Not 75 choice menus; 25 choices so far with 3-4 options each. The current demo version has...like 15~ if I remember correctly.

In my most recent programming adventure, I fixed some stuff thanks to the help of dear Feniks and got ready a pop-up screen that will appear every time the demo / game updates, so y'all can see what's new. The game will remember you've already seen it once and won't make it appear again unless you want it to via a button :^)

A lot of things going behind the scenes this past month! Organizing our taxes, fighting minor inconveniences, talking to our voice actors, checking files, getting the Kickstarter Backer discord role ready, sorting out documents, dealing with our daily lives...

Also, Kayden has been working on more mini cgs, as well as some stuff for our artbook! :^)

Work is going really well! I'm excited for this new month, and I hope everyone is too! I'm a bit tired from work so if you all don't mind, I'm going to keep this short 💜!

As always, thank you so much for supporting us and our game! Please take care, be kind to yourself, and see you in the next one! 🫂

[sometimeslwish]

Champagne Coast

I've been itching to post these past few days, so I'm curving the need by posting this little gay thing I wrote a whole month ago. I hope you guys enjoy. HAPPY PRIDE MONTH FUCKERS (lovingly)

Word count: 3,635

Tags: Xavier x male!reader, non-mc reader (but in the "they all have their own mc" way), experienced!reader, virgin!xavier, reader is "older" than Xavier (remember that the fucker is ancient), also slightly taller (like two inches or something), first time, kissing, dry humping turned handjob, implied bi/pan Xavier, implied gay reader, pet names (for him: bunny, baby, pretty prince/boy | for you: angel), both sexual and nonsexual nudity, mentioned shower sex, multiple orgasms, mentions of alcohol near the end, pinning, clearly it's an au and Xavier might also be a bit ooc but I don't care.

You're on the couch, in his apartment, when it happens.

You don't even know how you ended up making out with Xavier, don't remember anything as one of your hands goes to the back of his head to pull him closer. You just know that kissing him feels like heaven and you never want it to stop.

His chest presses against yours, and you shift so he can rest comfortably between your legs. His arms are on the sides of your head, keeping him from putting his whole weight on you. You become increasingly aware of how hard you are, of his own erection poking you. It's hard not to grind into it– matter of fact, your hips twitch up into his and he responds in kind.

It's not until your hands sneak under his clothes that he tenses, right after you've flicked his nipples with your thumbs. It's a slight stutter of movement, a second of hesitation, one he tries to hide, but you've already noticed. You pull away from the kiss– much to the displeasure of both of you– and look at him. His face is flushed, pretty pink on his cheeks and beautiful hooded eyes that seem deeper when he looks back at you.

"You okay?"

He nods, licks his lips and you can't help but follow the movement all the way to his throat when he swallows, "Yeah, I just–" his voice comes out hoarse, affected, and damn it, it makes your dick throb.

Your pants feel uncomfortably tight and not getting any reprieve is making you restless but you want to hear him out before continuing. It'll haunt you and take away all the pleasure from this if you don't.

Xavier looking hot on top of you doesn't help. His eyes are darker, entrancing in a way they didn't use to be before, his usual soft appearance is sharpened by desire. Seeing the change is doing wonders to you.

"I've never done this before." He admits in a whisper, staring intently at your lips. You didn't think he could blush harder, but apparently the embarrassment is enough for him to do so.

"Oh?" It's surprising to see a usually calm Xavier look so flustered. You kind of want to see this side of him more. "In general or with a guy?" You pull a hand out from under his hoodie to tilt his chin up, wanting his eyes back on yours, lest you throw caution to the wind and kiss him senseless.

"In general." That surprises you even more, but a part of your brain figures it makes sense. He always keeps a polite distance from people, even when he lends a hand, even when being friendly.

Don't get him wrong, he's sincere and he listens with rapt focus– even if sometimes he zones out– it's made clear by the way he'll ask about whatever you talked about weeks later. But there's an emotional distance, like he won't be there for long, like he's already halfway out the door. He's emotionally reserved in a way that requires more observation skills to be able to read him. It's easy to miss it amidst his ability to sleep anywhere and at any time, his seemingly endless appetite and his laid-back nature.

"Do you–" you swallow, throat dry, and slowly pull your other hand from under his hoodie, leaving it to rest on his waist. You have to fight back a gasp then, because his hips twitch in response and the sudden attention makes you feel breathless.– "do you want to stop?"

You don't want to, but you won't force it if he does. You could probably will your erection away and continue watching the documentary or whatever it was on the tv. Never speak about this, pretend it never happened, and mourn not being able to kiss him ever again.

He shakes his head, "No, I want to keep going." He nuzzles your nose, and you smile at the soft little pecks he gives you. It's cute, like he got shy, or he's waiting for you to want this too. They get deeper when your hand moves from his chin to his nape and picking back where you left off comes easy.

"How far do you want to go?" The question comes out in a breathless whisper, and you feel him hum against your jaw as he kisses your way down your neck.

"I don't know." You gasp when he nibbles near your adam's apple and groan when he sucks a hickey close to your clavicle. His hips moving against yours make it harder to think, it makes you feel light headed, barely even there as your body burns up.

"Okay, I'll just– fuck," he leaves another mark, this time under your jaw, "just follow your lead, then." You don't even remember what you're talking about, more focused on the feel of him than anything else.

He pulls away, and you would be embarrassed for the whine that comes out but he takes off his hoodie and swallowing suddenly becomes harder. You want to bite at the skin under his belly button and leave marks all over his v and hips.

"Can I?" You get snapped out of your reverie when his hands slide under your shirt, leaving goosebumps in their wake as they expand over your lower abdomen. They feel a little rough, calloused, and you can't help but shudder and seek out his touch more. You nod, a little too much and maybe a little too enthusiastic, but it doesn't matter because he takes your shirt off before leaning back over you. You're quick to pull him closer, a leg wrapping over his waist as you kiss him like you need him to breathe.

He moans softly against your lips and you swallow the sound down like a shot, chasing it with his tongue. You arch your chest into his and make a little noise of protest as you grab his waist and pull him down, the sound becomes a moan when his erection grinds against yours. He presses his hips harder and your mouth falls open, a whispered curse leaving your lips.

His movements are jerky, like he wants to move faster and chase after the pleasure but he's trying to hold back, hips stuttering with an unclear rhythm. It shouldn't turn you on as much as it does, it shouldn't endear you either, but it does anyways.

"Slow, bunny, like this." Your hands move to his hips and guide his movements, he gasps against your neck and groans before his movements become more steady. He learns fast under your guidance, and pretty soon, your hands aren't really guiding him but simply following his movements.

"There you go, so good for me, pretty boy." You whisper praises and encouragements to him, smile at his whines and whimpers, laugh softly when he hides his face on your neck and moan when he bites at the skin and thrusts harder.

"Fuck, Xavier, can I?" You ask, fingers pulling at his belt loops. You want to feel him, wrap a hand around the both of you and watch him as he loses himself to the pleasure.

He nods, mirroring your enthusiasm from earlier, "Yeah, yes, please."

That's all you need to unbutton his pants and undo his zipper. He shifts his weight, trying to get rid of yours with one hand as you pull his pants and boxers low enough to free his erection. He only managed to fondle your cock before groaning as you grabbed his. It was curved upwards, a little bit thinner and longer than yours, with a pink tip that matched the blush on his cheeks.

You wanted it in your mouth, see what other reactions he'd give you while you gave him head, feel how he'd fuck into your mouth once you gave him permission. You shove that thought aside for another day. Maybe you'll get to do that if there's a next time. This time, however, you unbutton yours before pulling them low enough to free your erection in what feels like a new record time.

You spit into your hand before wrapping it around both your cocks and squeezing as you pump them. He gasps and lifts himself in an effort to pull away. You don't let him, your legs wrapping around his waist to keep him close.

“Wait, wait, I'm gonna–” his voice sounds desperate and his eyes are wild. You only smile and pump faster.

"It's okay, pretty prince, go ahead; cum all over me.” His reaction is instant, his hips still and his abs clench. He curses as he cums all over your hand, cock and abs.

“You look so pretty like this.” You stare, memorizing the furrow of his brows and the way his mouth hangs open, little moans and whimpers falling from it. He keeps thrusting through it all, like he's trying to bury himself deeper into your hand and that turns you on even more. He leans back on his elbows and clings to you, moaning close to your ear.

"M'sorry," he whines, body weight poorly held over you. You take your hand from between your bodies and wrap the arm around his waist, pulling him into you. He collapses then and feeling his breathing on your neck sends shivers down your spine. This is torture, it hurts to be this hard.

"It's okay," you reassure him, softly petting his hair with your clean hand and kissing his cheek as he comes down from the high, "it felt good, didn't it, baby?" He hums an affirmation, it sounds awfully close to a whine, and you coo at him, kissing a trail on his shoulder and caressing his back.

“It's okay, take your time.” He's still hard against you, not a single sign of it going flacid in sight, you're slightly amazed and even more turned on.

"Wanna make you cum too." He mumbles eventually, once his breathing is steady enough, and you have to bite back a laugh because you can hear the pout on his voice and, god, it's so adorable. It should be illegal how he's managing to be adorable and hot simultaneously.

"You're so cute sometimes." You giggle and he raises his head to look at you. The sight gives you whiplash and knocks the wind out of you; his hair is mused, his eyes are blown and lidded in such a way that it makes him look deadly, his lips are swollen and his skin is practically glowing. Although, that last one might be more of your bias in favor of him.

“Don't.” You warn.

“What?”

“Don't look at me with those eyes.” You wonder what he sees that makes him tilt his head in a way that makes your heart race and blood pump, in a way that makes your hips buck up.

“But they're the only ones I have.” He teases, mock innocence in his voice. You hate how that makes you feel, so you glare at him and pull him down for another taste of his lips. He can't look at you or talk if you're kissing him breathless.

The positions change in that moment, metaphorically. He decides it's his turn to hold both your cocks in his hand, so he leans on one arm, and now it's your turn to hold back from moving too fast. You're strung from the wait, from the torture of having him come all over you and witnessing what he sounds and looks like in that moment. The sight of his face is ingrained into your eyelids, you can see it clearly as you kiss.

He uses his cum as lube, and the squelch of it drives you wild. You groan against his lips before pulling away for air, turning to look between your bodies. His gaze follows yours and the broken sound that leaves him makes you throb.

This is the most turned on you've ever been. You didn't get the appeal before– the desperation making it hard to undress, the thoughts after the filth, the control he so subtly surrendered and he's now reclaiming– didn't think it would affect you this much. You guess that's Xavier's effect over you.

“Fuck, just like that.”

His hips move on par with yours, grinding hard and making you see stars. Now that your hands are free, they get to roam over his body. You cling to his back, his hips, leave scratches over his body, play with his nipples, even tangle your fingers on the strands of his hair when the kisses turn messy.

It's not long before you're gasping out a “I'm close.” to which he responds with “Please, I wanna see you cum.”

He sounds wrecked. He's more vocal than he was before, not loud but his sounds become more frequent, talks a lot more. His forehead ends up against yours, and you open your eyes to find him already staring at you, “Please, angel, come for me?”

The pet name is what does it for you, pushing you over the edge and making you add onto the mess on your chests. Admittedly, you’re a little embarrassed about it, but it's okay because he won't know that.

He stares with the same intensity you did and that's what brings him to the edge; the sight of your eyes rolling back as you mutter a sting of breathless yes's and fuck's. It pulls him along and he gladly follows, hiding his face in your neck. He kisses and nuzzles the skin there as both of you try to regain your breath, heaving and shuddering through the aftershock.

Clean up is a quiet and oddly domestic affair. You grab your shirt– it’s an old one you don't care much for, plain and easily replaceable– and use it to wipe both of your chests. He lets you do it with a flaming face, one you tease him for before he retaliates with a kiss to shut you up. Both of you agree to share a shower after that, hating the sticky feeling.

Your clothes go together on the washing machine and you can't help the giggles that leave you as you walk buck ass naked towards his bathroom. Not the worst you've done and you certainly don't feel any shame or embarrassment, but it's still funny. He giggles along, and you look at each other like two conspiring teenagers that are about to do mischief. It's ridiculous but it feels so right.

You take turns standing under the spray of the water and take turns pampering each other– soft whispers and kisses that are just as soft– as you wash up. You get hard again when you feel him poking you as he hugs you in the midst of it and it becomes round two of fucking each others hands. The water grows cold, but neither of you care as you kiss and come down from the high together.

He lends you clothes and you try really hard not to bury your nose in the hem of his hoodie and sniff it like a dog. You order food while he finishes getting dressed and check the damage on the couch before looking up ways to clean it. You don't talk about it when he comes out, but it never gets awkward. Not when you eat and make jokes as you watch a show on tv or play video games, not when you cuddle on the couch. It's oddly natural, like it's always been part of the dynamic.

He falls asleep on top of you, at some point during the night, and you can't help but follow suit when his warmth and soft snores lull you along.

The morning after is bright and quiet, just as domestic as the day before. You wake up to the sound of the toilet flushing and clean up the table from yesterday's contents before he comes out. You have breakfast together, sitting close and chatting about everything and nothing at all, before you have to leave for your apartment and he has to leave for work.

He offers to wait for you when you leave his apartment, but you remind him of Natasha and tell him not to make her wait. He's a little dejected, and gives you a sad puppy look that makes you laugh and kiss his lips. You don't even register what you've done until he leaves and you've closed the door to your apartment behind you.

Xavier had the time to think about what happened when he showered while you slept, even had the time to jerk off with the memory of yesterday. He smiled like a fool throughout all of it, giddy and filled with excitement at the progress.

You, however, were too lost in the calmness of the morning to even consider thinking about what happened last night. It's in the privacy of your own home that you start having a little crisis. Being neighbors with the cause of it stops you from screaming and freaking out loudly, because he will totally hear you and come running to check on you.

You don't have anyone to talk about this with.

Natasha is out of bounds, as he seems to have a complicated relationship with her. You can't trust Simone or to not throw hints about it during normal conversations so she can tease the both of you. And Tara... well... maybe you could talk about it with her, but you're not that close in the first place.

You don't even know if you should talk about it with someone else anyways, so you go for quietly panicking by yourself as you get ready for the day.

You remember the first time you and Xavier kissed.

It was at a party, both of you drunk as fuck. There's bits and pieces missing, so you don't remember why or how it started. You remember dancing with someone before finding him, and the next thing you knew, both of you were making out.

Nothing happened after that, you remember pulling away and going back to dancing again, this time with him by your side. You don't remember how you made your way home that night, but you know all three of you nursed a killer hangover the next day.

You'd forgotten about it, after a while– when he didn't mention it or give an indicator that he remembered.

In hindsight, maybe you shouldn't have. Maybe you should've paid attention instead, because even if he didn't say anything, he started orbiting around you like a newly formed moon. And that should've been your clue, much like he thought your kiss meant something, even if he thought you didn't remember.

You didn't see how that was the start of something new. How his hesitation when it came to you completely left.

How he stayed close to you whenever you were near, always one step away, the twist of your head or within the reach of your arms.

The attention that he paid to your words specifically, willing his mind to memorize them seconds after you said them, grabbing every hint or clue that led him to knowing more about you.

How he slowly started seeking out more of your affections until he himself started initiating them.

An arm around your shoulders here– first to try and get your attention away from the strangers you talked to, then to subtly ward off whoever was talking with you and mistook your kindness for flirtation. You never saw the glares he gave them, the way they hesitated whenever they saw him. You simply helped with a smile before leaving with him.

Some hand holding there– during group outings or even when it was just the two of you. First, a solution; grabbing each other's hand and pulling so you wouldn't fall behind or lose each other amidst the crowd. You never seemed to be bothered about the fact that he never let go, even after the crowds cleared. Second, a habit; it was comforting to simply hold hands, like he knew his warmth would tether you to the moment and keep your mind from going too fast.

Sitting beside you during shared meals– keeping his leg close to yours, and if he couldn't sit beside you? His foot would always find yours under the table, a leg stretched and kept between both of yours. Putting some of his food on your plate for you to eat when he thought you wouldn't notice. You always did, your younger brothers had trained you into eating fast and staying alert for thieving little fingers. You just never stopped him or said anything because you thought it was cute, because you saw it as his way of showing affection.

Seeking out your company– whether it was in your apartments or out, any time spent with you was enough for him, no matter what you did. Arcades, reading, watching movies or stargazing, trying new foods and rough housing each other. All outings that were immortalized with pictures.

Every single text you sent afterwards that said “Thanks man, today was fun, I really enjoyed spending time with you.” or every single time you uttered the words “This is life.” with a pleased smile while hanging out with him, meant the world. A quiet reassurance you didn't know you were giving.

You didn't know it, ever dense when it came to romantic affairs, but those were dates, all slowly organized into a scrapbook with love spilling from the edges.

He wasn't subtle about his feelings for you at all, not even batting an eye when someone else would call him out, because he knew he just had to wait.

Wait for you to catch up and realize that you wanted him too.

[narutoverse-event-reblogs]

Naruto Events Calendar 2025!

Check out our list of known Narutoverse Event Blogs!

June

Kakazu Birthday Event - Prompt Voting: 27th of May - 1st of June

Kakairu Maze Challenge - Theme reveal & sign-ups open: 1st June

Naruto Calendar - Contributor Sign Ups - 1st of June to the 31st of July

Shikanaru Week 2025 - Prompt Suggestions - 1st of June to the 15th of June

Naruto Rarepair June:  All June long

Naruto Rarepair Pride Month: All June long

Itachi Week 2025: June 3rd - June 9th

Fest No Jutsu - Prompting - 6th of June to the 20th of June

Otsutsuki Event - Asura Day - June 8th

Aburame Week 2025 - Event Week/Month - 8th of June to the 30th of June

Karin Week 2025: June 14th - June 20th

Gaasaku Event 2025 - Interest Check - 15th of June to 26th of June

Fest No Jutsu - Prompt Claiming - 20th of June

Naruto AU Year 2026 - Interest Check/Prompts Suggestions - 25th of June to the 1st of September

Kakairu Maze Challenge - Sign-ups close: 30th June

Labour Day Mini Bang 2025 - Interest Check: 22nd of June to the 30th of June

July

Naruto Calendar - Contributor Sign Ups - 1st of June to the 31st of July

Obito & Friends Summer Holiday - All July Long

Nejiten Month: All July Long

Kakagai Month 2025: All July Long

Naruto AU Year 2026 - Interest Check / Prompts Suggestions - 25th of June to the 1st of September

Multi Neji Day: July 3rd

Kisame Week 2025: July 6th-13th

Multi Kiba Day: July 7th

Multi Kushina Day: July 10th

Sapphic Sakura Week 2025 - Event Week - July 13th to the 19th of July

Nara Clan Week 2025 - Event Week: 13th of July to the 19th of July

Sasuke Rarepair Shipping Challenge: July 20th til July 26th

Hashimada Week 2025: July 20th to July 26th

The Akatsuki Gift Exchange – Applications Open: 28th of July to 28th of September

August

The Akatsuki Gift Exchange - Applications Open: 28th of July to 28th of September

Naruto AU Year 2026 - Interest Check/Prompts Suggestions: 25th of June to the 1st of September

Shikanaru Week 2025 - Prompts Reveal - 1st of August

SasuHinaMonth: All of August

Multi Tsunade Weekend: Aug 1st til Aug 3rd

Hyuga Clan Week - Event Week - 1st of August to the 7th of August

Jinchūriki Shipping Weekend: Aug 8th til Aug 10th

Zabuza Week 2025 - Event Week: 9th of August to the 15th of August

Kakazu Birthday Event - Event Day: 15th of August

Multi Temari Shipping Week: Aug 23rd til Aug 30th

Kakayama Week 2025 - Event Week - 24th of August to 30th of August

September

The Akatsuki Gift Exchange - Applications Open: 28th of July to 28th of September

Kakahida Week 2025 - Prompt Submissions - 1st September to 15th September

Multi Kurotsuchi Day:  September 6th

Shikanaru Week 2025 - WIP Sneak Peek - 7th of September

Multi Kakashi Day: September 15th

Shikanaru Week 2025 - Event Week - 22nd of September to the 28th of September

Kakahida Week 2025 - Prompt Voting - 16th September to 24th September

The Akatsuki Shipping Challenge: Sept 17th til Sept 20th

Multi Shikamaru Day: September 22nd

Multi Ino Shipping Week: September 23rd til September 30th

Kakahida Week 2025 - Prompts Released - 26th September

October

The Rookie Nine Shipping Challenge: Oct 1st til Oct 7th

Naruto Banned Books Week: October 6-10

Multi Naruto Shipping Weekend: Oct 10th til Oct 10th

Multi Shisui Day:  Oct 19th

Kakuhida Week 2025 - Event Week - 20th October to 2nd of November

Multi Orochimaru Day: Oct 27th

RarePair Halloween Fest: Oct 29th til Oct 31st

November

Kakuhida Week 2025 - Event Week - 20th October to 2nd November

Naruto OC x Canon Week:  Nov 1st til Nov 8th

Multi Jiraiya Day:  Nov 11th

Multi Rin Day: Nov 15th

Multi Shizune Day: Nov 18th

Multi Sai Day: Nov 25th

Multi Rock Lee Weekend: Nov 27th til Nov 30th

December

Rarepair Nostalgia Week: Dec 1st til Dec 8th

Multi Madara Week: Dec 17th til Dec 24th

The Akatsuki Gift Exchange –  Exchange Period: 15th of December to the 31st of December

Tag us in your event posts for a boost!

PSA: Listed events are subject to change. Please check the event hosting blog for the latest details. Events promoted on this blog do not reflect the views, preferences or opinions of the mods.

2025 - Previous Events

[fayelero]

Hi!! Could I ask for something with Post-Timeskip atsumu miya with a reader who also plays professional volleyball. And like a setter x hitter dynamic.

Thank you! <33

-GIRLFRIEND IN TRAINING ! timeskip!atsumu

➥ pr : timeskip!atsumu x fem!reader

➥ syn : what about Atsumu and a spiker reader ? Setter x hitter dynamic :)

➥ wc : 4.5k

➥ tw : kisses, cuddles and pure fluff. Atsumu is a prover and slightly but soooo slightly a perv…

➥ a/n : thanks for this request!! so good idea ! hope u like it :) (and sorry for the delay) I drifted a bit and it turned out to be long lmaaoooo but I like it.

The afternoon sun streamed through the high windows of the training facility, casting long shadows across the polished court floor. You wiped a bead of sweat from your forehead, adjusting your practice outfit - the white Lululemon set Atsumu had given you for your anniversary last month. Three years together, and somehow every day felt as exciting as the first.

"One more!" you called out, bouncing the volleyball against the floor. Your legs were starting to feel the burn after an hour of practice, but you couldn't help wanting just one more perfect set from your boyfriend.

Atsumu caught the ball with practiced ease, a playful smirk crossing his features. "Tired already? And here I thought dating a national team spiker would give me more of a challenge." He flexed dramatically, making you roll your eyes even as you fought back a smile.

"Just set the ball, you dork," you laughed, getting into position for your approach. After countless hours of practice together - both with your respective teams and during these private sessions - you could read each other's movements like a well-worn book.

The ball left his fingers in a perfect arc, and you could already tell it would be exactly where you wanted it. That was Atsumu's gift - not just his technical skill, but his ability to bring out the absolute best in his spikers. Your feet left the ground as you reached the apex of your jump, arm cocked back.

The satisfying smack of your palm meeting the ball echoed through the gym, followed by the sharp crack of it hitting the court just inside the line. Perfect placement.

"Show off," Atsumu teased, though his eyes were bright with pride. "Though I guess I can't complain when my girlfriend's the best spiker in the women's division."

You wiped your face with a towel, trying to hide your blush. "The set was a little low," you commented with faux criticism, knowing it would rile him up.

As expected, Atsumu's jaw dropped in exaggerated offense. "Low? That was a perfect set and you know it!" He crossed the court in a few quick strides, wrapping his arms around your waist from behind despite your halfhearted struggles to escape.

"Maybe if you weren't so busy flexing and actually focused on setting..." you continued teasing, turning in his embrace to face him.

"Oh? So you weren't sneaking glances at these guns?" He flexed again, making you laugh and push at his chest.

"You're impossible," you declared, though you couldn't keep the fondness from your voice. This was your favorite part of dating Atsumu - the way you could seamlessly blend your shared passion for volleyball with moments of pure playfulness.

The late afternoon light painted everything in warm golden tones, reminding you of how many hours had passed. "We should probably wrap up," you suggested reluctantly. "Don't you have team practice early tomorrow?"

Atsumu groaned, burying his face in your neck. "Don't remind me. Coach Foster's been brutal with conditioning lately. Says we need to be in top form for the upcoming tournament."

You ran your fingers through his damp hair sympathetically. "Poor baby. Though I seem to remember someone bragging about being the best setter in the V.League just yesterday..."

"I am the best setter in the V.League," he declared without a hint of modesty, making you snort. "And you love it."

You couldn't argue with that. For all his showboating and occasional arrogance, Atsumu backed it up with genuine skill and an unmatched work ethic. It was one of the things that had first drawn you to him - the way he poured his whole heart into everything he did, whether it was perfecting a new set or loving you.

"Come on," you said, extracting yourself from his embrace. "Help me clean up and then we can grab dinner? I'm thinking ramen."

"Only if you admit that set was perfect," he bargained, already moving to help collect the scattered volleyballs.

You pretended to think about it as you began breaking down the net. "Hmm... it was adequate."

"Adequate?!" His indignant squawk echoed through the gym, making you laugh. Some things never changed - and you wouldn't have it any other way.

As you worked together to restore the gym to order, you couldn't help but marvel at how naturally you'd fallen into this rhythm together. From national team commitments to stolen moments of practice like this, you'd built something special - a partnership that worked both on and off the court.

"Fine," you conceded as you zipped up your gym bag, unable to resist his puppy dog eyes any longer. "It was a perfect set. Happy now?"

His answering smile was brighter than the setting sun. "Almost," he said, pulling you in for a quick kiss. "Now I'm happy."

You shook your head fondly as you headed for the door together, his arm draped comfortably around your shoulders. Another perfect evening in a long string of them, filled with the two things you loved most - volleyball and Atsumu.

As you walked to your favorite ramen shop, you couldn't help but think how lucky you were to have found someone who understood both your competitive drive and your playful side. Someone who could challenge you to be better while loving you exactly as you were.

"Whatcha thinking about?" Atsumu asked, noticing your thoughtful expression.

You smiled, leaning into his side. "Just how much I love you, you big volleyball nerd."

"Look who's calling who a volleyball nerd," he laughed, pressing a kiss to your temple. "But I love you too."

The small ramen shop was bustling with evening customers, but the owner's face lit up with recognition as you and Atsumu ducked under the noren curtains. Being regulars had its perks - your favorite corner booth was mysteriously always available, tucked away from prying eyes that might recognize either of you from sports magazines or national team coverage.

"Ah, my favorite volleyball couple!" the elderly owner called out warmly. "The usual?"

"Actually," Atsumu interrupted before you could answer, "can we get the special tonight? Y'know, the one with the extra chashu?" He turned to you with that soft smile he seemed to reserve just for you. "You mentioned being hungry after practice."

You felt your heart flutter. After three years, he still noticed every little detail about you. "Always taking care of me, aren't you?"

"Someone has to make sure Japan's best spiker stays well-fed," he replied with a wink, pulling out your chair before settling across from you. His foot immediately found yours under the table, initiating your usual game of footsie.

"I thought Bokuto was Japan's best spiker?" you teased, knowing exactly how to push his buttons. As expected, Atsumu's face scrunched up in mock offense.

"Yer really gonna bring up another man on our date?" He clutched his chest dramatically. "After I set you all those perfect balls today?"

"Oh? They were perfect now? Because I distinctly remember someone getting very defensive when I suggested one was a little low..." You couldn't help but laugh at his increasingly exaggerated expressions of betrayal.

"Mean," he pouted, though his eyes sparkled with amusement. "Here I am, being the most attentive boyfriend in all of Japan-"

"All of Japan, huh?"

"The world!" he declared, making nearby diners glance over at his enthusiasm. He lowered his voice, leaning across the table conspiratorially. "Name one other setter who'd stay late just to practice with their girlfriend."

"Kageyama?" you suggested innocently.

Atsumu nearly choked on his water. "That's it, I'm breaking up with you," he announced, though his attempt at a serious expression was ruined by the way he couldn't stop staring at you adoringly. "As soon as we finish this ramen. And dessert. And maybe after I walk you home. And kiss you goodnight..."

"So tomorrow then?"

"Tomorrow's no good, we have that couple's practice session planned," he mused thoughtfully. "Maybe next week?"

Your laughter was interrupted by the arrival of your ramen, the steam rising enticingly from the rich broth. Atsumu immediately began arranging your bowl, making sure all your favorite toppings were easily accessible - just one of the countless little ways he showed his love.

"Here," he said, picking up a particularly perfect slice of chashu with his chopsticks and holding it out to you. "Say 'ahh'."

You rolled your eyes but complied, letting him feed you. "You're ridiculous."

"Ridiculously in love with you," he countered without missing a beat, preening when your cheeks flushed pink.

"That was terrible," you groaned, but you were already picking up a perfectly boiled egg to offer him in return. His triumphant grin as he accepted it made your heart skip.

The conversation flowed easily as you ate, discussing everything from upcoming matches to the latest team gossip. Atsumu's hand found yours across the table between bites, his thumb absently tracing patterns on your skin.

"Oh! Did I tell ya about what Bokuto did at practice yesterday?" His eyes lit up with mischief as he launched into an animated story about his teammate's latest antics, complete with impressions that had you clutching your sides with laughter.

"Stop, stop," you gasped, wiping tears from your eyes. "I'm going to get broth up my nose!"

"But you love my Bokkun impression," he preened, before his expression softened into something more serious. "I love making you laugh like that."

The sudden sincerity in his voice made your heart stutter. That was another thing about Atsumu - for all his playful bravado, he had moments of such genuine sweetness that it took your breath away.

"I love you," you said simply, because sometimes the straightforward truth was best.

His whole face lit up, like it did every time you said those words. "Yeah?" He brought your joined hands to his lips, pressing a kiss to your knuckles. "Good thing, 'cause I'm pretty crazy about you too."

The owner appeared then with two small cups of green tea ice cream - on the house, he insisted, though you strongly suspected Atsumu had arranged it beforehand. Your boyfriend's pleased expression when you discovered the heart drawn in matcha powder on top confirmed your suspicions.

"You're such a sap," you told him fondly.

"Only for you," he agreed shamelessly, offering you the first bite of his ice cream. "Besides, I gotta make sure I stay your favorite setter. Can't have you running off with Kageyama after all."

You kicked him lightly under the table. "As if anyone could compare to my perfectly adequate setter."

"Oi!" His indignant response was cut short by your leaning across the table to kiss him, tasting sweet green tea on his lips.

When you pulled back, his expression was dazed and happy. "Okay, maybe I can forgive the 'adequate' comment. This time."

The evening wrapped up too quickly, as it always did when you were together. Atsumu insisted on paying - "My treat for my favorite spiker" - and tucked you under his arm as you stepped out into the cool night air.

"Practice again tomorrow?" he asked hopefully, as if you didn't already have it planned.

"Wouldn't miss it," you assured him, rising on your tiptoes to kiss his cheek. "Someone has to keep your setting skills sharp."

His answering laugh was warm and full of affection. "Lucky me."

As you walked home hand in hand, you couldn't help but think that you were the lucky one. For all his dramatics and playful arrogance, Atsumu loved with his whole heart - whether it was volleyball or you.

—

The luxurious bathroom in your shared apartment steamed up as the shower ran hot, fog creeping across the large mirror. You'd both grown accustomed to the little dance of sharing the spacious bathroom during your nighttime routine, moving around each other with practiced ease.

"Babe, can you pass me my face wash?" you called out, holding your hand out of the shower. Atsumu's warm chuckle preceded the bottle being placed in your palm.

"The fancy one with the little gold flecks?" he confirmed, and you could hear the smile in his voice. "The one you insisted was worth half my week's grocery budget?"

"Says the man who spends a fortune on volleyball shoes," you shot back, working the cleanser into a lather. The familiar scent of jasmine filled the steamy air.

"Hey, those are professional expenses!" He was at the sink now, carefully applying shaving cream to the light stubble that had appeared over the past couple days. "Though I guess keeping your skin this soft could count as a professional expense too, considering how many sports magazine shoots you do these days."

You peeked around the shower door to stick your tongue out at him, catching him mid-stroke with his razor. His hair was cutely mussed from running his hands through it, and a bit of shaving cream had somehow ended up on his ear.

"You missed a spot," you informed him helpfully, gesturing to your own ear.

"What? Where?" He turned his head back and forth, examining his reflection in the slightly foggy mirror. "I don't see- hey!" He finally caught your grin in the reflection. "Yer just trying to distract me."

"Is it working?"

"Always," he admitted with a fond shake of his head, carefully finishing up his shaving. "Though I still don't understand how you can support Brazil in tomorrow's match. America's got some amazing servers this season."

You shut off the shower, reaching for your fluffy towel. "Spoken like someone who's never seen Bruno set in person. His technique is absolutely beautiful."

"Oi!" Atsumu spun around, razor forgotten. "Are you saying his sets are better than mine?"

You wrapped the towel around yourself, stepping out to press a kiss to his pouty lips. "Of course not, baby. Your sets are perfectly adequate, remember?"

He groaned, dropping his forehead to your shoulder. "You're never gonna let that go, are you?"

"Nope!" You wiggled away from him, moving to your extensive skincare collection arranged neatly on the marble counter. "Now, speaking of beautiful things..." You pulled out two sheet masks with a flourish.

Atsumu's eyes widened in horror. "Oh no. No, no, no. Last time you put one of those on me, I looked like a swamp monster!"

"But your skin was so glowy afterward," you wheedled, already opening one of the packages. "Come on, it's green tea and cucumber. Very manly ingredients!"

"There is nothing manly about looking like Shrek," he protested, but you could see him wavering. Three years together had taught you exactly how to wear him down - a slight pout, wide eyes, and...

"Please? For me?" You batted your eyelashes exaggeratedly. "I'll let you pick what we watch while we wait for them to work their magic."

He heaved a dramatic sigh, but you could see the smile tugging at his lips. "The things I do for love. Fine, but if Bokuto somehow finds out about this..."

"Your secret beauty routine is safe with me," you promised solemnly, reaching up to smooth the cool mask over his freshly-shaved skin. He scrunched his nose at the sensation but held obligingly still.

"I look ridiculous," he complained, catching sight of himself in the mirror.

"You look adorable," you corrected, carefully applying your own mask before starting on the rest of your routine. Atsumu watched with fascination as you methodically applied various serums and creams.

"How do you remember what order to put all that stuff in?" he wondered, absently reaching for one of the bottles before you swatted his hand away.

"Years of practice. Also, I labeled them with numbers," you admitted, showing him the tiny numbers you'd written on the bottom of each container. His laugh echoed off the bathroom tiles.

"That's my organized girl," he said fondly, wrapping his arms around your waist from behind and hooking his chin over your shoulder. "Though I think you're beautiful without all this stuff too."

You met his eyes in the mirror, both of you looking absolutely ridiculous with your green masks, and felt your heart swell with affection. "Smooth talker."

"Only stating facts," he insisted, pressing a masked kiss to your shoulder that made you giggle.

Twenty minutes later, after finishing your routines and disposing of the masks ("See? Glowy!" "If you say so, baby."), you padded into the bedroom. While Atsumu brushed his teeth, you rifled through his side of the closet, pulling out one of his Black Jackals jerseys.

"Stealing my clothes again?" he called out, voice muffled around his toothbrush.

"It's not stealing if I live here," you reasoned, pulling the oversized jersey over your head. The familiar number 13 stretched across your back, and even though you'd been sleeping next to him for years now, something about wearing his jersey still made you feel specially connected to him.

"Besides," you added as he emerged from the bathroom, "you love seeing me in your jersey."

His eyes darkened appreciatively as he took in the sight of you perched on the edge of the king-sized bed, his name and number displayed across your back. "Can't argue with that."

You crawled under the plush covers while he queued up the pre-recorded America vs Brazil match on the bedroom's wall-mounted TV. The familiar sounds of a volleyball game filled the room as he slid in beside you, immediately pulling you close against his chest.

"Ten bucks says America takes the first set," he murmured into your hair.

"You're on," you agreed, snuggling deeper into his embrace. "Brazil's reception has been solid lately."

As you watched the match unfold, you traded commentary and friendly arguments about technique, occasionally interrupted by sleepy kisses and gentle teasing. When Brazil indeed took the first set, you couldn't resist a smug "told you so."

"Yeah, yeah," Atsumu yawned, nuzzling into your neck. "You're just lucky Bruno had a good day."

"Mmm, keep telling yourself that," you mumbled, feeling sleep starting to tug at your consciousness. The warmth of his body and the familiar scent of his skin care products (which he pretended weren't just as expensive as yours) were making your eyelids heavy.

Atsumu reached for the remote, turning off the TV and plunging the room into comfortable darkness. "Love you," he whispered, pressing one last kiss to your temple.

"Love you too," you managed through another yawn, tangling your legs with his. "Even if your sets are only adequate."

His quiet laugh was the last thing you heard as you drifted off to sleep, secure in his muscular arms and knowledge that you'd wake up to another day of perfectly imperfect moments with your favorite setter.

Ⓒkiesbrainjuice all rights reserved. please to not plagiarize, repost, or translate !

tag : @haechansbbg

[bloopitynoot]

Reading TGCF: Chapter 119

For those who don't know, I am reading TGCF for the first time and sharing my thoughts!

If you have not read it, there will be spoilers! Consider this a warning.

Also- if you want to follow along, I am aiming to post updates daily. You can find all the posts in the tag Bloopitynoot reads TGCF. You can also check out the intro post for context on my read BUT if you followed along with my SVSSS read, the rules and vibe are the same.

Does this look like hot water in a cup? Yes. But no, it is apple tea!

I am so glad it's the weekend; and Pride month eve.

I have this sneaking suspicion I will be finishing TGCF in the gayest of months and I am so happy about it.

Let's go chapter 119!

We are still going deeper with Jun Wu's crimes! Even the fate of the "child" Xie Lian caught was due to Jun Wu's bullshit. p231

LOL The preceptor just going on about it all, no knowing Hua Cheng is indeed that child. p232

"...he doesn't want you to die at all. He only wanted you to become the person he had been trying to forge you into" p233 scummy as hell.

This makes a lot more sense for a secondary motive to be honest. Not only did Jun Wu get his rocks off on his obsession with Xie Lian, but it's super convenient that Xie Lian kept taking out/exposing his powerful enemies. p237

"He...simply couldn't tolerate the idea that a soul so similar to his own could have a different path" p239. oof. I suffer so you must suffer. So awful.

IM DEAD LOL. The Preceptor: Did you turn gay or was it from birth? Was it me?? Was it my teachings??? p240

I'M CACKLING! p243

Hua Cheng your drama queen!

What a way to reveal the preceptor has been talking shit about you this entire conversation without him even knowing it was you XD I can't this is so dramatic and petty, I love it so much for him.

[rubycruzin4abruzin]

behind the curtain

Summary: Sequel to never been (stage) kissed. After shooting wraps, you and Ruby part ways. Eight months later, you see each other again at the premiere screening, and decide to “sneak away” during the after-party. How will you two navigate the paparazzi after they catch you in a compromising position?

Pairing: ruby cruz x actress!reader

Contains: mature language, adult humor, kissing, angst, fluff, hair playing, secret relationship trope, brief mention of an ED, publicity tweets and comments, invasive tabloids, the price of fame

Word Count: 4.2k

A/N: This is a sequel to my previous RPF, so the RPF Guidelines still stand. This fic contains a very brief mentioning towards an ED, and should not be triggering (at least I don’t think so). I am not insinuating anything by this mention, it is simply meant to shed light on how invasive and presumptuous Hollywood can be. That being said, I had the most fun EVER writing this! Enjoy! :)

———

Ever since the first “kissing lesson,” you and Ruby had spent every on-set lunch break in her trailer. Nothing ever progressed beyond kissing, but with the way Ruby’s hands entangled themselves in your hair, and how she shivered every time your hand grazed her thigh, kissing was really all you needed.

Your mid-day rendezvous were kept a secret from the rest of the world. None of the cast or crew knew exactly what was happening when the door to Ruby’s trailer closed, but it was clear that something was working. Since the trailer lunches began, your on-set chemistry became palpable. It even got to the point where the director would shout words of praise after “cut!”

Eventually, like with all movies, filming began to wrap up. The last day on set, you and Ruby spent all of your down time wrapped in each other's arms, tears falling at the thought of parting. Everyone on set sympathized with the both of you, except for the makeup artist who kept having to touch up your alien makeup after every fallen tear.

You and Ruby promised to keep in touch, and you did for a little while. But daily FaceTimes eventually became weekly phone calls, which turned into sporadic texts, until silence settled between you, save for occasional likes on social media posts. You missed her terribly, and while your pride and fear of rejection kept you from reaching back out, you couldn’t help but wonder if she was missing you too.

About eight months after shooting wrapped for “Aliens of Atlantis,” you were going over sides for an upcoming audition when you got a call from your agent. Upon answering, she announced that “Aliens of Atlantis” post-production had wrapped, and the film had a scheduled premiere where the cast would be making an appearance.

A blissful daze settled across your face at this news. Your agent kept on talking about the when, the where, and the dress code of the upcoming premiere, but you were only half-listening. Her words mushed together, flying in one ear and out the other as the only thing that mattered to you consumed your mind.

You were going to see Ruby again.

On the morning of the premiere, you woke up with a knot in your stomach. You couldn’t tell if the cause was nerves or excitement, but you chalked it up to probably being a little of both. You tried everything to settle your stomach, from aspirin to deep breaths to simply distracting yourself with other tasks. Despite your attempts, when your driver arrived later in the day to take you to the premiere, the knot was still there and prominent as ever.

By the time you had arrived and were about to get out of the car, the knot had seemingly spread throughout your entire body, making you feel like an absolute disaster. You took out your phone and checked your reflection in the front-facing camera, just to remind yourself that you weren’t. In fact, you looked good. You were wearing a metallic blue floor-length gown as a not-so subtle nod to your alien character from the movie. Pale blue eyeshadow decorated your eyelids, and you left your hair down in loose face-framing curls. You knew the press would go crazy as soon as they saw you, and that thought alone gave you enough of a confidence boost to calm down a bit.

When the car pulled up to the red carpet, you took a deep breath and stepped out, immediately being bombarded with cameras flashing in your face. You blinked, overwhelmed at the bright lights, and quickly attempted to paste on a smile and act like this wasn’t your first red carpet event.

You stumbled down the red carpet and looked around for Ruby, but the constant camera flashes and bright lights made it difficult to see much. Every now and then you would stop to strike a pose and flash a pretty smile in some random direction, or answer one of the million questions being thrown at you.

“Who are you wearing?”

A fucking blue dress. “Valdrin Sahiti!”

“How do you feel about your first red carpet event?”

Overwhelmed. “So excited!”

“What are you most looking forward to tonight?”

Seeing Ruby again. “Everyone finally getting to see all the hard work from the cast and crew!”

After what felt like an eternity of paparazzi and bullshit answers to trivial questions, the end of the red carpet was finally approaching. You felt yourself let out a breath you didn’t know you were holding. It wasn’t easy, but you managed to make it down your first red carpet without making a complete fool of yourself.

Eventually, the cameras seemed to dissipate, focusing on the next pretty young thing that had just arrived. You blinked, trying to restore your vision infringed upon by the blinding lights. Once you could see in front of you again, you looked up, and a gulp forced itself down your throat at what might have been the prettiest sight you’d ever seen.

There, standing at the end of the red carpet, was Ruby Cruz, radiant amidst the flashing lights.

Her gown was long and form-fitting, sporting bright streaks of color and a slit up one of her legs. Dark brown curls hovered above her shoulders and cascaded down the back of her neck, while glittery red eyeshadow made her blue eyes pop. She looked so natural, posing and smiling for the cameras, that you couldn’t help but feel a bit envious of her.

Upon seeing you, Ruby’s eyes brightened, and a goofy grin spread across her face. She walked towards you, wrapping an arm around your waist and instantly making the cameras go wild. Your cheeks flushed into a bright pink tint. You missed her touch, and having her arm wrapped around you like that almost felt like deja vu.

While the both of you posed for the flashing cameras, Ruby leaned down to your ear and whispered one single sentence, the answer to a question you didn’t need to ask.

“I missed you.”

Unsurprisingly, the movie premiere turned out to be a massive success. The audience was extremely receptive to the storyline, cheering and gasping at all the right moments. Critics even approached you after the screening to rave about your performance and promise a glowing review.

The after-party was held at a nearby banquet hall, decorated to look like the underwater city of Atlantis. Filk music blasted through speakers while an open bar served space-themed cocktails.

You were busy making your rounds, establishing connections with other attendees while sipping a ‘cosmonaut’ from the open bar. While posing for a photo with a fan, you couldn’t help but realize you hadn’t seen Ruby in a bit. You craned your neck to look for her, but she was nowhere to be found. You shrugged it off, thinking it’s just a big venue and you’d probably run into her at some point during the night.

After several photos, impromptu interviews, and business cards you had nowhere to put, you were exhausted. You tried to make yourself as invisible as possible, leaning against a curtain by the back wall and downing the last sip of your cocktail.

While scanning the room, you noticed some of your castmates appeared slightly tipsy. You felt bad for them, knowing their press interviews would come off as less than professional, but there was a small part of you that wished you had more to drink throughout the night. The party was fun, sure, but took a lot out of you, and alcohol was sure to make it more tolerable.

Suddenly, while you were immersed in watching a crew member profusely apologize to an intern she had drunkenly stumbled into, you felt a disembodied hand appear out of nowhere and wrap around your arm. The hand pulled you behind the curtain you were leaning against, causing you to gasp and drop your empty cup.

You whipped around to see who grabbed you, preparing to throw a punch or scream for help if you had to. Instead, your eyes softened and you lowered your fist upon seeing Ruby, standing there staring at you with a devilish smirk.

“Hi pretty girl.” She cooed, taking a step towards you.

“Ruby…” you half-whispered in shock, eyes traveling up and down her body. “What are you doing?”

“I missed you,” she rested her hands on your hips and bit her lip, letting an ounce of vulnerability shine through her otherwise confident exterior. “I missed this. I feel like we barely got to see each other all night.”

“Me too,” you responded, internally melting at the feeling of her warm hands on your torso.

You wrapped your arms around her neck and leaned close to her before a sense of paranoia made you backtrack. “Ruby, it’s a big party, what if someone sees us?”

Ruby simply shrugged, completely unbothered. “Like you said, it’s a big party. Our castmates are drunk, the press is too focused on capturing their embarrassing moments.”

Her words seemed to reassure you, and you pulled her close to you again, feeling the warmth of her body against yours. “I’m glad you pulled me away.”

Ruby crashed her lips against yours, forcing a soft moan to escape your throat. She pulled back, looking deep into your eyes and holding your face in her hands.

“Careful now. We don’t want anyone hearing us.”

You nodded, non-verbally promising to keep quiet before Ruby brought her lips to yours again. Both of you sighed into the kiss, eight months of absence making itself prominent with passion. She tasted like sweet nostalgia with a hint of coconut rum, probably leftover from a drink she had earlier.

Ruby pressed herself against you, and you grabbed at the back of her neck, desperate to be as close to her as possible. She kept her hands planted at your waist, thumbing over the metallic fabric of your gown. Each time her fingertips pressed into your sides sent electrifying shocks through your body, making your knees stutter and causing you to lean more into Ruby for balance.

You brought your hands up to play with one of her curls, prompting a gentle sigh to travel from her mouth into yours. A smirk appeared on your lips, realizing your beloved brunette enjoyed having her hair played with.

Just when you were about to fully take advantage of this newfound information, a sudden crash engulfed your ears, followed by a blinding light and a collective gasp. You and Ruby pulled away from each other, turning your heads to check out the commotion.

One of the interns had drunkenly stumbled into the curtain and pulled it down with him as he fell, leaving you and Ruby entangled in each other and completely exposed to the rest of the party.

All hell broke loose. Interviewers screamed questions from across the room while paparazzi cameras flashed in your face. Those without cameras pulled out their phones and filmed the both of you, desperate for their fifteen minutes of fame.

Anxiety overtook your body as you felt a lump rise to your throat and your heart sink to your feet. You turned to look at Ruby, eyes full of fear, but she wasn’t looking at you. She was looking straight at the flashing cameras, with an expression that made your blood run cold.

You had never seen her bright blue eyes filled with so much anger.

The pit in your stomach grew as you scrolled through the tabloid headlines and Twitter articles featuring your and Ruby’s “stunt” from the other night. This was bad. So bad, that both of your agents had gotten together to hire a public relations manager just for the situation.

Two days after the movie premiere, an emergency meeting was called. Five of you were called to the manager’s office, with both of your agents sitting on either side of him, and you and Ruby placed across from the three of them.

The manager, named Rick, held out his hand and you gave him his phone back, sick of scrolling through the headlines anyway. As far as you could tell, Rick didn’t seem like a bad guy, but it was clear Ruby didn’t feel the same. She hadn’t said a word throughout the entire meeting, instead keeping her arms crossed in front of her chest and pointing a cold glare towards the man in front of her.

She didn’t trust him, and everyone in the room knew it.

Rick gave the both of you a sheepish grin. “As you both can probably see, you’re kind of the flavor of the week right now.”

Ruby’s agent nodded in agreement. “I have a friend in New York, and she heard a rumor about an SNL sketch being written about the whole thing.”

Your agent sighed, clearly having heard the rumor herself. Ruby simply scoffed and rolled her eyes.

“Is it really that big of a deal?” You piped up.

All eyes turned to look at you, making you shrink in your seat. “I mean, can’t we just wait for it to blow over? All we did was kiss at an after party.”

“It’s not like we were fucking, Rick.” Ruby growled through her teeth, causing a blush to appear on your cheeks.

Rick cleared his throat, uncomfortable with Ruby’s candidness. “Well it’s not really that simple…”

“No one knows what you are.” Your agent interrupted. “All the public knows is you were caught going at it like teenagers in a basement, and now the media is going to be on top of everything you do until they figure it out.”

Ruby’s agent nodded. “Before this, we wanted you both to appear single to the public. You’re both very attractive girls. People want you, and we want them to think they can have you.”

“But that’s not really an option now.” Rick pointed out. “Fortunately, both of you have pretty reputable status in Hollywood. People see two of their favorite actresses together, feedback is bound to be mostly positive.”

He opened up a notepad in front of him and started scribbling down something you couldn’t quite make out.

“I’m thinking, we take this relationship and go completely public. Social media posts, dates open to the paparazzi, everything. That way, the media won’t have to do any guess work and this whole thing will blow over sooner.”

Suddenly, Ruby stood up from her seat and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

“Ruby!” Her agent called after her.

She turned to flash an apologetic smile towards all the shocked faces staring back at her. “I’m sorry. She’s not usually like this. I’ll talk to her.”

She ran out of the room after Ruby, leaving Rick and your agent to go over the details of the plan. Their voices faded into the background as millions of thoughts swam through your mind. You had a bad feeling about this ‘public relationship’ idea.

How were you supposed to go public with your relationship, when you weren’t even sure if there was a relationship to go public with?

You adjusted your oversized hat and sunglasses while staring up at the cafe sign that read “Grind n’ Dine,” shuddering at the slightly suggestive name.

One week after the meeting with Rick, he worked with your agents to schedule a public date for you and Ruby, tipping off the press to make sure there was media coverage. Grind n’ Dine, a local business, had apparently paid Rick a large sum of money to schedule your date here in the hopes that the publicity would be good for business.

Taking a deep breath, you walked in through the restaurant doors and looked around. Several members of the press were already present, wearing cameras around their necks and sipping coffee at various tables. You breathed out a sigh of relief that they didn’t recognize you yet, thankful for your agent who suggested arriving in disguise.

In the very back of the restaurant, tucked into a booth, you spotted Ruby hiding behind a menu. She had her body and hair buried under a large black hoodie, and masked her face with sunglasses similar to yours. You made your way over to her, trying to act natural, and making sure to avoid press members as much as possible in case they recognize you before you’re ready.

You slid into the seat across from her and cleared your throat to alert her of your presence. She put down her menu and laid it flat, before tilting her sunglasses down to meet your eyes.

Her blue eyes, once lively and bright, were now bloodshot and emotionless. Dark circles hung like bags underneath them, as if she hadn’t slept in days. You felt a sharp pang in your chest. Ruby had never looked at you this way before, and you wished more than anything that she would stop.

“Ready for this?” She asked, her voice monotone and lifeless.

You gulped, nodding defeatedly. “As I’ll ever be.”

Ruby removed her sunglasses and pulled down her hood, shaking out her wild brunette locks. You followed suit, taking off your hat and slipping your sunglasses into your purse.

Almost immediately, members of the press recognized the both of you, and practically trampled the poor servers and other diners to get to your booth. Cameras were suddenly shoved in your face, followed by microphones and what felt like hundreds of pointless and rather invading questions.

“Is this a date? How would you define your relationship?”

“If you had to describe your sex life using only three words, what would they be?”

“Ruby! Do you think every liberal democrat should take home a migrant to show their support for the proposed open border policy?”

The two of you mumbled terse responses to some of the questions, and completely ignored others. After several minutes of verbal torture, a perky blonde waitress fought her way through the press and stopped at the end of your table. She sported a wide politician's smile not directed at the two of you, instead flashed to the surrounding cameras in search of fifteen minutes of fame.

“Hi guys,” she started, her voice unnaturally high pitched. “My name is Bethany, what can I get started for you today?”

“I’ll have a quinoa salad and cranberry juice, please.” You answered, handing Bethany your menu.

The press murmured imperceptible comments regarding your order, some even scribbling notes on napkins. “Quinoa… salad…”

“Just a coffee’s fine.” Ruby mumbled, order being followed by press comments as well.

As soon as Bethany walked away, the paparazzi shoved the cameras back in your face and bombarded you and Ruby with questions once more.

“Did you order cranberry juice because you like cranberry juice or because you have a UTI? How did you get this UTI?”

“I noticed you were the only one who ordered food. Could it be because you’re eating for two?”

“Speaking of, why didn’t you order food, Ruby? Are you battling some kind of eating disorder? Would you like to comment on it?”

“Enough!” Ruby exclaimed, perhaps louder than she should have.

Immediately, the press was silent, with only the sound of sporadic camera clicks being heard. Ruby turned to look at you, tears starting to well in her tired eyes.

“I’m sorry, I can’t do this…” she whispered, getting up and running out of the restaurant.

“Ruby! Wait, please!” You stood up and ran after her, leaving the paparazzi in the dust behind you.

You found Ruby leaning against a building across the cafe. She had her head resting against the cool brick, and her face pointed to the sky while she blinked back tears threatening to fall.

A lump formed in your throat as you started to approach her. You couldn’t stand to see her like this. She looked so… miserable.

“Ruby…” you muttered softly, reaching out your hand.

She crossed her arms over her chest and glared at the concrete, refusing to look you in the eye. “I just wasn’t hungry! It’s barely ten in the fucking morning!”

You sighed. “Ruby, we both know that’s not what this is about. What’s going on?”

She sniffed, and focused her gaze on something behind you. “Can we… go somewhere else?”

Turning to see what Ruby was looking at, you noticed a teenage girl filming the two of you on her phone. You rolled your eyes, completely exasperated at this point.

“Let’s go.” You muttered, grabbing her hand to pull her away.

It didn’t take long to find a nearby alleyway, deserted except for an empty dumpster. You dragged Ruby into the back, letting go of her hand once the coast was clear.

“Talk.”

The pale brunette pushed her bangs out of her face, blinking a couple times while gathering her thoughts.

“I just… this is why my Instagram is private. This is why I’ve never explicitly labeled my sexuality. This is why I rarely talk about my personal life! I don’t want the media invading my space! I don’t want random strangers knowing intimate details about my life! It’s fucking freaky!”

You nodded, understanding her perspective, especially as you’d been recently dealing with the wrath of the paparazzi as well. She continued.

“I mean fuck! I can’t even order a damn coffee without some tabloid claiming I have a fucking eating disorder!”

Her breathing seemed to be evening out the more she spoke. She let out a shuddering breath and crossed her arms, staring at the gravel beneath her feet.

“I just… I just wanted to kiss you at an after-party. I missed you. And now everyone’s forcing us to be in this relationship and make it public but…”

“But no one asked us if we were even together,” you finished.

She nodded. “Exactly! We never even had a conversation just between us. Everyone just assumed.”

You pulled the brunette girl into your arms, wrapping them around her torso. She buried her face in the crook of your neck as you stroked her soft locks.

“I’m sorry,” you whispered. “If I had known that’s how you felt…”

“No.” She interrupted. “It wasn’t you. You didn’t do anything, I… listen…”

She pulled away, and you felt a pit form in your stomach. You waited for her to tell you that she didn’t want to see you again, that it was too hard, that it meant nothing.

You held your breath as she took your face in her hands, her blue eyes piercing into yours.

“I like you.”

“You… huh?” Shock painted your features as Ruby said the last thing you were expecting to hear.

“I like you.” She repeated, the corners of her mouth slightly upturned. “I meant it when I said I missed you. I couldn’t stop thinking about you the entire eight months we didn’t talk. I should have reached out more, I don’t know why I didn’t. I guess I was scared? I don’t know…”

She was babbling, and you didn’t think she could get any cuter. You took her hands off your face and held them in yours, flashing her an encouraging smile.

“I like you too,” you replied giddily. “More than you know.”

Ruby chuckled, a faint blush tinting her cheeks. She stared down at the gravel again, chewing on her lip before speaking.

“I like you… I really do, but if we’re gonna start this… something, I’d want to take it slow and be completely private. No socials, no media, at least for now. Would… that be something you’re okay with?”

You squeezed her hands, flashing her a goofy grin. “I would… love that, actually.”

As you stared at your former celebrity crush, turned co-star, turned friend, turned… something, a wave of courage suddenly washed over you. Letting go of her hands, you seized her face and brought your lips to hers, tentatively, testing the waters. She gasped, but soon kissed back, sighing as she wrapped her arms around your neck and leaned into your body.

You moved your hand towards the back of her neck, then slowly inched upwards until your fingers were entangled in her hair. An almost inaudible moan escaped her lips and vibrated against yours as you played with her soft tresses. You smirked into the kiss, remembering exactly how much she liked having her hair played with before getting caught at the after-party.

Finally, after what could have been an eternity, you pulled away from each other. The two of you gasped for breath, both smiling like giddy children at the other.

“So… what now?” You asked breathlessly.

Ruby hummed to herself, seemingly in thought. “We could… go on a real date? Just you and me? No paparazzi. There’s this great little hole-in-the-wall place I like to go to when I don’t want to get recognized.”

You tilted your head, shooting her a lopsided smile. “That sounds perfect, actually.”

Before leaving the alleyway, Ruby put her sunglasses back on and pulled her hood over her head again, while you dug your sunglasses out of your purse and readjusted your hat. The two of you were disguised, hidden from the world, but happy to be able to pursue each other away from public opinion.

Ruby reached out her hand, her blue eyes somehow still managing to shine behind her sunglasses. “Ready for this?”

You smiled back at her, taking her hand and intertwining her fingers with yours. “As I’ll ever be.”

[within-your-eyes-if]

May 1st Progress Update

Hello all!

Very long update, so I apologize ahead of time.

April has been an incredibly productive month for me. I've made substantial revisions and have taken some time to reflect on possible changes for the future.

There are decisions I made earlier in the development of this story that, in hindsight, could have been handled better. While I will continue with the upcoming update as planned, I intend to take additional time afterward to revisit and refine various aspects of the game.

I truly love this story and want it to be the best it can be. I aim to look back on it with pride and minimal regrets. These changes will be comprehensive, affecting everything from narrative elements and gameplay mechanics to the presentation on itch.io.

I hope this update doesn't cause any concern; rather, I want to share this as part of my journey in developing this game, a process that occasionally requires stepping back and reassessing to move forward effectively.

With that said, here are some developments I've been working on that I haven't yet discussed. If you have any thoughts on some of these, I'd welcome the insight:

Guilt System Overhaul: I'm currently refining the code for the guilt system. The upcoming changes will significantly alter how guilt is calculated and displayed, emphasizing the impact of your relationships. For instance, lying to a character you're romancing will carry more weight. However, I'm carefully considering how to balance this to respect player agency, recognizing that not everyone may want their character to feel guilty in such situations. Your feedback on this would be appreciated before I start making final decisions — edit: you are welcome to comment on this post! (Sorry ;-;)

Skill System Overhaul: The foundation for the new skill system is done and functional in a test environment. However, I'm still evaluating whether its inclusion genuinely enhances gameplay or if it complicates things unnecessarily.

Extensive Coding Overhauls: Overall, I've done so much coding that I couldn't begin to tell you what all I've done. I combined things to both organize and streamline (though this might just effect me overall).

There is more to share, but I want to keep some surprises under wraps for now.

Future Support Update: I am in the process of setting up a Patreon, which I aim to launch next month. Initially, I considered using Ko-Fi for all supporter interactions, but the exclusive access features offered by itch.io make Patreon a better fit for what I want to achieve.

On Patreon, I will be providing a couple tiers. While one offers more than the other, here's a general overview of what I'll be offering: detailed progress updates, sneak peeks, alpha builds, special acknowledgments, early access, among others.

Ko-Fi will remain available for those who prefer to offer one-time support. Your support, whether recurring or one-time, is immensely appreciated and makes a significant difference in the continued development of my projects.

Beta Testing: Given the aspects of Patreon, how I approach beta testing in the future will be different. However, I will continue as I did last time with this one.

This month, I am aiming to begin the beta testing phase for the new Vice System. In light of changes to the test's parameters, previous applications have been cleared. If you're interested in participating, please reapply.

Please note, this test covers a lot of adult content — you must be 18 or older to participate (though really, you should be 18+ if you're even reading my story *finger wagging*). Ensure you are comfortable with explicit content before applying.

Application is found here.

Tumblr Asks: I will be making a separate post soon to address the reopening of Asks. Please be patient with me as I work through a couple of reasons why it was temporarily disabled. I appreciate your understanding and look forward to hearing more from all of you soon!

Closing Thoughts: Sorry again for the lengthy update, but thank you all for your patience as I continue refining and revising. Work on Chapter 3: Part Two is progressing, though there's still more to be done.

Wishing you all a wonderful month ahead!

[makkir0ll]

setting the past (part two)

ukai x reader

wc: 1.8k

synopsis: you coach a volleyball team, one of the best in the country known for having mostly recruited players. you take pride in the fact that you have led your team to win a national championship title. And with the news of the rising team karasuno, your interest is piqued, mainly because that was your old school. you had known that they were nicknamed the "fallen crows" and such, so hearing about their fast improvement you decide you want to see it for yourself. you call up the school and takeda picks up. you organize a practice match for later that week.

but what you don't realize is that their coach is your highschool ex.

a/n: me when i post a part two after a month. sorry guys i was battling depression, school, and writers block but we survived and now i give you this. shoutout to @cottonlemonade for listening to me rant about this fic for hours.

part one. masterlist

the aura in the gym is awkard. everyone can feel it. and they sure don't miss the way you and ukai keep sneaking glances at each other while the teams warm up. ears turning red when you guys make eye contact.

he's just observing your coaching style he says to himself. but he can't help but notice how pretty you are. your hair tied up so your neck can remain cool in the hot and humid gym. the sweat beads that drip down ur neck and onto your chest. he's starting to sweat a little and not because of the heat anymore.

and you surely think he's changed a lot too. the blonde hair definitely suits him, compared to his buzzed hair in high school (that you helped him with in the bathroom of the sakonishta store). and you for sure don't miss the two silver piercings on his left ear.

but your thoughts are interrupted when your team captain comes up to you "we're receiving first." you nod your head in acknowledgment, pulling out the whiteboard and giving the team the game plan.

"we're going to start out with haru, yoshi and kyo in the back line, for the best defense. and we'll have our tallest in the front." you point to the whiteboard. "remember that no matter what keep-"

"keep the ball in play" they all cut you off. you're surprised with that. do i really say that everytime you think to yourself.

"well since you already know the drill then. go and have fun. don't worry too much since this is just a practice match." you say smiling sitting back down on the chair as you watch them line up.

as the game starts nothing too interesting has happened yet. until you see a ball getting slammed to the ground out of nowhere and you look to see a jumpy first year land back from his spike. your team is frozen in their spots, they turn their heads to you and you turn your's to ukai. he just gives you a smug smile and shrugs his shoulders. clearly he likes to show off.

"don't mind it, get the point back!" you yell at them, as karasuno goes to serve. what the fuck have they been working on?

the game continues as your team slowly becomes accustomed to the first year's insane quick attack. you end up winning two straight sets but the points were really close throughout.

as you pack up your things you see a man with glasses approach you. you assume he's the one you talked to on the phone to plan out this match. you turn your body to face him and he holds his hand out to shake.

"thank you so much for coming all the way here, it must've been a long drive." he starts, still shaking your hand.

"oh it's no problem, thank you for having us. i know it was very last minute so thank you for being able to accommodate us." you reply, releasing your hand from his and bowing down slightly. "i think our bus driver is here, so we'll head out. i hope you see you again."

you hoped to see everyone but your ex, you lied to yourself. but deep down you couldn't help the butterflies in your stomach that would erupt whenever you would catch him glancing at you.

you and your team are walking back to the bus, they are eager to get home and you can see it on their faces how exhausted they are. you told them that you'll stop for food on the way back home and you're going to keep your promise.

once you counted fourteen players on the bus, you reach into your pocket for your phone, except you couldn't find it. with a sigh you turn to the bus driver, " i'm so sorry, but i think i left my phone back in the gym. i'll just go grab it really quick." you explain with an apologetic look on your face. he tells you it's no problem and to take your time. meanwhile he'll turn on the air conditioning because it's hot.

you turn around to walk back to the school, the smile on your face turns irritated. you really didn't want to run into ukai again. how emabrassing would it be to walk back in the gym. he would proabbly say some bullshit like "oh back so soon", with that stupid smirk on his face you thought to yourself. you really liked his stupid smirk.

your thoughts are interrupted when you hear your name being called out. you look up to see the fake blonde running towards you, your phone in his hand. you roll your eyes. of course this would happen to me of all people, this somehow seems worse.

he stands in front of you now. you take notice of how he's grown a couple of inches since you last saw him in highschool. "is this yours?" he asks, holding your phone out.

"yes, thanks." your tone is still sharp, you're really annoyed now. you would've rather just slipped into the gym quietly to grab your phone, not be face to face with your ex.

you grab your phone out of his hand, but your fingers ever so slightly graze each other and you feel his calloused hands from the years of volleyball. i wonder if they- NO NO NO STOP THINKING THAT.

once the device is in your hands, you begin to walk away, pulling up your friend's contact so you can update her on the absolute shit show that happened today.

"i saw they used your little trick back there," ukai says. it makes you stop in your tracks and you slowly turn around.

"what?"

"in the game, your team, they used that trick of yours from high school, right? the one where you would hit the block on purpose to get a rebound?" he explains to you, crossing his arms with that stupid smirk on his face gracing his features.

"so? it's a good technique. and since when were you this observant?" you question. ukai had never really been the one to know techniques, let alone remember yours. it might have made your stomach erupt with butterflies at the comment but you tell yourself its the anger bubbling up. with your frustration growing and all you wanted to do was go home, you turn around. "i'm going now, bye."

"you haven't changed a bit, y'know" he makes you stop, yet again. ukai couldn't help but admire how your passion for the sport never left. the way your eyes lit up everytime your team got a point was the same look that you had when you were in highschool. the way you spoke with so much thought and intent during time outs made him smile.

though you didn't think he meant it in that way. you thought he still thinks your the same dumb girl from highschool. you have changed a lot. you've grown as a person. you are NOT the same person from highschool.

"whatever ukai." you emphasize the use of his last name, walking away back to the bus as you ring up your friend. she picks up asking what happened.

"you will not believe the shit i just went through."

------

"and then get this, as im about to leave he goes 'you haven't changed a bit y'know' like what the hell is that supposed to mean?" you say to your friend who's on the other end of the phone. for the past twenty or so minutes you've been debriefing the utter chaos that happened today, what you don't realize is your team in the background quietly eavesdropping on your conversation trying to put the pieces together.

"i dunno y/n? but anyways why does this matter he is your ex from highschool," she emphasized the last word, "it shouldn't matter now, unless, y'know, he's a good fuck? is he?"

your voice goes to a whisper "i dont see how him being good in bed is related to this?" you know your team is listening to the conversation, they’re not slick about it and you can't have them hear you talk about things like this.

"because! maybe you'll meet again and have some hot makeup sex, and trust me it sounds like you need it." she explains, you cringe at her words trying to not imagine the scenario (you do later that night)

"anyways, i wouldn't know either way. we never got that far in highschool." you explain. you did all the other stuff though, just not the main act.

"what a shame, he sounds like he'd be good too."

"can you please not imagine my highschool ex in bed." you bring your fingers to smooth out your furrowed brows. you don't want to have wrinkles before you hit thirty. "anyways i have to go now we're back at the highschool, i'll talk to you tommorow." the bus comes to a stop and the team stands up to walk out of the vehicle. when they all step off the bus they thank the driver in unison before turning to you to hear any last minute annoucements.

"good work today," you start off. "i know it must've been a long drive but thank you for cooperating. i hope you enjoyed the game." they all nodded their head yes, too tired to express any other emotions. you could tell that they just wanted to go home and sleep. "alright then! go home and rest a lot, make sure you're eating enough and staying hydrated, because next week we're going to the summer training camp. that's all i have to say for today, i'll see you tommorow, goodnight!" they all reply with a tired goodnight mumbled under their breath as they make their way back home while you go towards your car.

once your in the tiny vehicle you immediately crank up the ac because although it is night your car still feels somwhat warm from the summer heat. as you're waiting for the car to cool down you're checking your email, and you see one from coach nekomata, the coach from nekoma highschool who invited you to the tokyo training camp. his email is answering your question that you asked a while ago about the teams that are going to be there.

Hi Y/n! Sorry I got back to you so late. I am still figuring out how to use this phone. But here are the list of teams that are attending the training camp:

Fukurōdani Academy

Nekoma High

Shinzen High

Ubugawa High

Karausuno High

Kozue High

you re-read the list of highschools again, making sure that you read them all right. karasuno high. you read the two words over and over again, rubbing your eyes to make sure you weren't hallcuinating. with a groan you slump into your car seat.

"of course this could only happen to me"