#unless Tumblr changed that and boy would I be embarrassed

[fountainpenguin]

Cover image for a super self-indulgent Double Life songfic of mine... The final chapter went up this morning, so here's its Tumblr post!

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"Here's to the Health of Married Men"

... and their lovers! (x)

❤️ Read on AO3

💛 Complete! - 7/7 chapters - 42k words

💚 More Pixels Imperfect 'fics

Inspired by the song "The Duel" from the musical Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812

Ballroom fluff, introspection, and angst <3

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Synopsis: Scar guides us through an end-of-series party held in the server hub, where everyone's a little tipsy. While the desert duo may not always get along, they do their utmost to enjoy themselves...

... until Ren challenges Grian to a duel over his secret soulmate affair with BigB. Scar watches from the sidelines... and lets it all play out.

Check it out! (First 1,000 words under the cut)

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Here’s to the Health of Married Men

“… and their lovers~”

- “The Duel” - Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812

���  🧡  💚

Ren and BigB arrive at the ballroom in colors that complement, but don't quite match. Maybe that should've been the first clue that trouble still lurked in paradise, tucked underneath the visible lingers in their touch… BigB's hand less steady where it lies pressed against Ren's chest than Ren's firm arm behind his lower back.

(It's not a real ballroom. More of a convention center? Two floors: one of them full of dancing party guests and the mezzanine balcony a floor above. It's shady in here and lit with several dozen tiny lanterns strung on leads. Honestly, Scar isn't sure. It's a Jimmy event, or at least a Jimmy invitation. No one pulls the strings and gets a party or game night together quite like Jimmy; don't worry about it.)

Eyes turn to track the Box Boys as they make their way up the curled stairs together. BigB's vest is dark purple and accented in faint silver leaf patterns with a bow at his neck to match - rip him open like a present; expose bare stomach and rip that open too - and his wild curls are actually tamed back today. He trimmed his beard. Fancy-schmancy moth hybrid of a man. Not hard to tell what Grian sees in him. Scar leans his arm a little farther over the balcony. One of Ren's ears twitches in his direction, as do both BigB's fluffy antennae… though Scar's pretty sure he didn't make a noise. At least, no noise louder than the sweep of feet and skirts down below.

Aw, Ren's all sunshine and phoenix fire. He's dressed just as nice. Look at him, so snug and comfy in that outfit! The pale yellow vest hits like buttercream and cake frosting. The sleeves are rolled up to his elbows. He matches the light walls, though his dark brown hair sets him apart like a statue full of shadowed creases. Took his shades off and everything, but replaced them with neat spectacles.

Scar half-turns, addressing everyone either standing or sitting around the tables behind him. "Hey! Our guests of honor have arrived. Let's make them feel welcome, shall we?"

No one's really listening. Maybe a couple of his friends, who nod absently or turn to catch sight of the stragglers in question. The conversations carry anyway. Their volume doesn't falter. Neither does the music, but that's only fair. The piano's downstairs. And a trumpet? There might be a trumpet; he isn't sure. So Scar doesn't grab his cane or push away from the banister. This position gives him a nice angle to oversee the room anyway.

I'd like to see Grian make a move on his 'secret soulmate' tonight of all nights…

Scar almost dressed in yellow too. For a while, he toyed with the idea of a light shade to match his zookeeper shirt… but this is a Double Life afterparty. Tonight, he and Grian are freshly on their red lives (after a doozy of a session with back to back deaths). While Jimmy had confessed he suspected at least one person to get knocked out of the series today, he probably hadn't anticipated four perma-deaths and the last greens of the server getting knocked down to red.

So in the sparse moments between logging out and arriving here, he switched to wearing black. It's thumb- thneed- thematically appropriate! The shirt cuts a V straight down his chest, exposing at least a little of his pecs. It's actually lacy, showing a lot more of his torso and his arms beneath his sleeves than anything most of his friends are wearing. And he didn't skimp on the fake silver gemstones either. Blue and purple flowers coat one side of his hair, mostly attached with barrettes.

Is this the right fit for a ballroom party? Probably not. But it's accented with black and white, like his on-server red life skin, and that's good enough for him. Scar lifts the wooden cup in his hand to his lips again. Raw binary code prickles on his tongue. He went half and half on this fill, working his way out of 0s and up to 1s. Some of his friends are drinking their 1s straight already. No surprise. They've been here 40 minutes, chatting and laughing even without BigB and Ren around. Maybe the Box Boys feared they'd be overshadowed by Jimmy and Tango. Those two have certainly stolen the evening tonight. But then, Jimmy deserves to. Out of everyone here tonight, he does.

BigB and Ren aren't even halfway up the staircase yet. They take every step together, moving in their ghostly whispered way. Ren keeps a light grip on BigB's wrist. BigB's antennae roll inward. They glint silver in the lantern light. Scar watches his eyes slip sideways. How strange to see him with his chocolate-brown eyes here in the Between dimension, no longer under the influence of a life either yellow or red. It's been a while.

Maybe tonight, he and I can finally talk face to face… without him trying to kill me.

Scar takes another sip of binary, this time more slowly. The 1s prickle and pop against his lips. Why not? BigB's out of the game now. No further need to dance around it, delaying his own gratification with pretty lies of I'll catch him next time; I'll do it on-camera; I want Grian to be around for this.

… He'd maybe like Grian to be around. Just, y'know… if it comes up. Grian's two tables away, one leg stretched out pretty far. His twin's with him… They've been talking for ten minutes by now. Scar can't help but wonder if it's all a front to prevent anyone else starting a conversation.

Or at least one person from starting a conversation.

You know… He and Grian never really did sort out the whole red life thing. If, like, he's mad.

BigB's fingers close around the collar of Ren's vest. He pulls him down, speaking words Scar can't make out from here. They look as though they're spoken through gritted teeth. Ren listens, pointed ears twitching, and finally rasps his tongue up BigB's cheek. BigB sighs, but doesn't say anything else. He leans that cheek on Ren's shoulder. Ren pats his arm, leading him up the stairs again with all the grace of a king.

I wonder if he's told BigB anything about his status as a king back on Hermitcraft. BigB's into history or something, right? Maybe he'd find that neat.

Scar isn't the only one watching the Box Boys from the balcony. As Scar tilts his wooden cup back and forth, debating whether it'd be a bad idea to get another refill, a finger reaches out to tap his shoulder. Oh? Scar turns his head. He's greeted by a face similar to his own, smiling grimly… Similar buff body, well taken care of, though this man's dressed in silver instead of red. He's partly translucent, flickering when you look at him head-on… but then, he sort of always is.

"What?"

BadTimeWithScar tips his head towards one shoulder. He lifts his wrist, indicating his communicator. Scar's eyes fall to his own.

"Oh. Sorry, hang on…"

He presses a couple buttons, pulling open the messages on his comm. The swelling music's incredibly loud right now. But there's a note from BadTime waiting for him, plain and simple. Scar studies it for several seconds, rearranging the blurry letters in his mind.

BadTimeWithScar: tag team the grians? BadTimeWithScar: i mean if youre not going to make a move for us… BadTimeWithScar: I will ;)

[nebula-chao-agere]

Regressor! Chuuya Nakahara

(These are all just personal headcanons of mine and I project onto Chuuya quite a lot, and have for a very long time, sorry if this feels “out of character” or anything. Also, this is sort of an au where Dazai and Chuuya share an apartment or something.)

(Also- to the few IRLs who now have access to my Tumblr, I warned you, and I’m so sorry-)

(!¡!Pull-up/Diaper/Accident mention!¡!)

Chuuya really likes sharks and has a shark plushie that Dazai won for him from a claw machine at the arcade they used to go to. (His name is Finn, but Chuuya refuses to admit he named it.)

He also has a lot of space themed stuff, like those glow in the dark stars that you put on your wall, and one of those moon nightlights.

Very prone to accidents, especially with all of the nightmares he has, and often has pull-ups that he keeps hidden under his bed. He really wants to wear diapers, thinking they’d be more comfortable and with as young as his headspace is, it would help him feel comfortable in that aspect to. However, he would never consider it, refusing to accept he’s anything but a ‘big boy.’ (Unless Dazai coaxes him into it or catches him at a really vulnerable moment.)

You’d think he’d be really difficult during changes, but he gets so embarrassed he just freezes. He wants to argue and kick but he doesn’t want to even talk about the current situation the two are in, and physically can’t without getting unbelievably embarrassed to the point he’ll cry, so he just freezes and lays still for Dada.

Tends to have nightmares about being abandoned by Dazai or his old friends being killed right in front of him. When he wakes up from one, he’s usually immediately a sobbing mess and will cling to Dazai and Finn like he’ll die without them. These tend to result in a large total of accidents.

“It’s alright Chibi. Dada’s here little buddy. I’m not going anywhere.” He holds him close, revisiting the struggle he’d previously endured when just trying to settle Chuuya down for the night. He’d hardly gotten him to sleep before, now after that awful nightmare, they’d probably be up until Chuchu wore himself out and even after that. He’d start to try to lay Chuuya down and he’d scream and cry, clinging tighter to Dazai. “DADA NO! NO LEAVING! YOU HAVE TO STAY!” The fussy regressor would sob. Dazai would lay down next to him, pulling him in close. “Calm down baby…I’m not going anywhere sweetheart.” He slid a pastel yellow blanket and Finn into his arms, then offering up a paci as well. “Shhh…” he’d gently coo, lips right above his head.

Chuuya doesn’t really know how old he is when regressed, but he’s nowhere above three, but can get very itty bitty, even so little the only word he’ll use is “Dada.” Even then, he just says “Da!”

Gets very embarrassed about regressing, ESPECIALLY since Dazai is the only one who he’s told about it. Dazai is the only person he trusts enough to know about it, while simultaneously fearing that he’s went and told everyone about it, or will use it against him like the bet they made as kids where Chuuya is ‘his dog’ and will do things like use a ‘snobby rich girl voice’ in conversations. Of course Dazai would never do that with such a delicate situation, but the fear is there.

Requires lots of praise and reassurance.

When Dazai left the mafia, Chuuya didn’t celebrate like he claims he did at all, he silently sobbed into Finn, holding the shark tight. He never sleeps without it now.

His favorite pacifier is a baby blue one with small stars and a crescent moons design on it. It has a matching paci clip that tends to be clipped to Finn’s dorsal fin. Dazai has only lost it once, and when they needed it, it was not a fun situation for either parties.

Chuuya tries to regress with any free time he has while Dazai has work. Being an executive, that time is hard to find, so he usually ends up regressing while Dazai is home. Even though he’s so accepting and even taken on the role of a caregiver for him, he still tries to hide any and all vulnerability, and usually panics at first, every time Dazai finds or gets him little.

Regresses involuntary almost every time he uses Corruption. If he doesn’t pass out immediately, he’s in so much physical and mental distress when he’s finished with the fight that all he can do is sob to Dazai, telling his Dada he wants to go home, while the brunette’s brow furrows a bit over the redhead’s wet pants. He shivers against Dazai before inevitably passing out, exhausted.

-He tends to have accidents a lot after literally allowing his entire body to be corrupted and attack in a mindless rage.

-Even further, he probably struggles to regress sometimes because he has to let go so much, and let his guard down so much that it can allow his Special Ability to act on its own, sometimes even causing him to experience corruption. Dazai is always nearby during this, quickly nullifying it. This is only an occasional thing though when he’s trying to willingly regress.

Chuuya is usually a fussy and grumpy baby. Clingy and needy, but pouts at everything and whines a lot. Too stubborn for his own good.

-Will probably cry and cry until he’s held but then will fuss, wanting to be set down because “he’s a big boy.” Dazai knows better though. Even casually, he’ll try to act big and pretend he’s a “big boy” and even if Dazai knows otherwise, he’ll play along with him.

“Alright Chuuya! If ya say so! But I was so hoping I’d get to see my little star when I got home! Oh well! Guess we can have a tea party another day! I had some paperwork I need to get in anyways!” But before he walks off, Chuuya grabs his hand. “…tea party?” He asks with a flushed face. Dazai smiles slyly. “Mhm! A tea party with all my baby’s favorite stuffies! But he’s not here right now, so it’ll have to wait for now! Siiiiiigh!” Chuuya whimpers, squeezing his hand. He doesn’t want to say he’s regressed, but he also doesn’t have to. Dazai opens his arms for a hug, and Chuuya slinks into his arms, pressing his face on his chest, hiding in his hands. “And we’d make sugar cookies! And I bought his favorite strawberry milk! I heard Finn was excited too! Such a shame!” As he says this, he’s already lifting up a regressed Chuuya into his arms. “You’re so mean” little Chibi grumbles with a small sniffle. “Hi baby…” Dazai whispered.

Very sensitive and hard on himself. If Dazai even tells him with a gentle tone that he can’t do something, he’ll be completely disappointed in himself and sit himself in the corner, punishing himself. Of course Dazai won’t let that stand, and he’s quick to coax his baby back into his arms.

He clenches his jaw, bites his lips and cheeks, and even grits his teeth when he’s angry or stressed. This tends to end up in a lot of pacis getting bitten through, so there’s always a spare somewhere. Dazai tries to offer alternatives like chewelry or teether toys. This usually ends up in Chuuya just becoming extremely embarrassed with his behavior and being very scared to use his pacis. Like most of his little things, it takes a lot of coaxing and encouragement for Chuuya to feel comfortable enough to use them.

They go on lots of aquarium trips when Chuuya is regressed. His favorite thing is the shark tank tunnel, and always insists all the sharks are his friends.

He also really enjoys arcades and has a fixation with claw machines.

His favorite nicknames are “little star” “little prince” “Chibi” (by Dazai only) “Chuchu” “little pup” (like a shark) and “little buddy”

Prefers sleeper onsies because they cover his legs, and he doesn’t like looking at his scars.

He has a LOT of Tuxedo Sam merchandise, including a sippy cup and a throw blanket that he loves to carry around when little.

Very well behaved in the bath, and likes playing with a bunch of shark bath toys. He thinks bath bombs are silly, and bath crayons are one of the best inventions known to man. Dazai always puts a towel in the drier for Chuuya for when he gets out.

Has one of those special play tents that he hides in when he’s feeling shy. It has a lot of pillows and blankies in it so it’s basically just a cozy little “hide-y hole” for whenever he needs it.

Doesn’t really care for coloring books, but loves drawing

Knows an absurd amount of shark facts, and talks about them nonstop when regressed. He will explain in detail why he thinks Dazai would like a certain kind of shark.

Despises thunderstorms, and will throw a fit if he’s alone during it. Even just waking up to storms is enough to bring him to absolutely hysterical sobbing. Dazai has special headphones for him to wear during storms, but he doesn’t like the way they feel on his ears, so he just continues to throw a fit.

Very shy about it, but loves being bottle-fed. He would deny wanting to and never EVER ask, but he loves it when Dada lets him fall asleep in his lap while being babied in such an intimate way.

Dazai is usually his caregiver, but if he’s also feeling small, Chuuya only trusts Kunikida to see him like that. They both refer to him as “Kiki.”

[your-local-hoemie]

Imagine our favorite gingers with a constantly sleepy s/o T-T s/o just casually falling asleep on a chair during a social event coz her social battery is non existent (this is so me)

-🐢anon

Somehow tumblr is exposing my red flags better than what my therapist did, how ya’ll outing me like this 💀

Also hELLO! Yesyesyes our favourite ginger snacks are bACK!

I legit had to do this instead of catching up with Genshin because I was doing Heizou’s hangout quest and bro had me giggling and kicking my legs istg Hoyo knew what the fuck they were doing with him and I can’t handle it.

Warnings: fluff, swearing, established relationship, gn!reader, not-proof read.

Characters: Childe, Thoma.

Childe~

Dude finds it funny

Seriously had to hold back from teasing you about it 24/7 and it’s starting to break him

Ego boost 2000

At first he was very concerned!

Thought you died again 2.0

Kept asking if you were hungry or sleeping alright since he legit thought you weren’t taking care of yourself

Which you probably wasn’t knowing ya’ll, drink some damn water.

But when you told him it was just because your social battery was akin to a decomposing gummy worm, he immediately started laughing

Him being a extrovert makes it kinda hard for him to understand why social events are exhausting for you

Even if it’s just like 30 minutes

Even so, he loves his baby and will absolutely make sure to be prepared!

Always has something on him that can double as a pillow!

If he forgets it or can’t find anything then he’ll lean you against his arm or lap

He’s so casual about it too 💀

Unless he’s feeling like a lil’ shit and decides to tease you.

If you’re embarrassed about it or feel insecure about not keeping up with his ungodly amount of energy then he’ll be quick to put your mind at ease!

There’s nothing you could do that would make this man embarrassed by you

Gets suuuper cocky and proud when people look at you snoozing away against him

Mans just like-

“Yeah, I know you wish you were me right now”

If someone complains or gets annoyed by it then well

I think we all know the drill by now

He’ll help them take a nice nap too

Permanently

Or at least make em wish they could take the forever nap

Sometimes if the event or meeting is super boring which it usually is for him he’ll get lost staring at your face and admiring all your pretty features~

Ends up feeling bad when he has to wake you up but loves seeing your groggy face change from confused to panic within seconds

Usually ends up with you hitting him because he didn’t wake you up

Which usually ends up accidentally encouraging him to take you home so you can “rest” in bed >;)

Thoma~

You’re so lucky omg you have no idea

He got so concerned when he noticed you acting kinda off during a outing during one of his days off

Boy kept a super close eye on you and made sure you all stopped to eat just because he thought you had forgot to eat ;-;

when you ended up falling asleep on his shoulder he was fROZEN

Like you know when an animal falls asleep on you and you legally can’t move?

That

He panicked

After he tried slightly nudging you he simply just accepted his fate

After this happens a couple more times he eventually figured it out!

He’s good at being social given his close relationship with the Kamisato clan but he prefers keeping to himself a lot

So he’d definitely be able to understand!!

Knows how to help you recharge quickly too!!

He also grew used to you taking naps randomly when your energy was completely used up and prepared for it~

Very similar to Childe in that aspect!

Though he’s get too flustered to let you lay on his lap in public jkfjdkdkk

When it’s time to go he’ll wake you up by softly kissing your cheek or brushing it with his finger while gentle sitting you up

Doesn’t even give you a reason to feel insecure about it!

He’s so sweet and gentle that he’s just naturally comforting to be around

Always reassures you even if he thinks there’s even a slight chance of you feeling guilty ;-;

Occasionally calls you his sleepy angel if you’re being particularly cute!

If anyone gets mad about it he’ll simply tell them that if it’s annoying then you can both just leave

Has zero patience with anyone who dares to get mad at you for things you can’t help

When you both get home after a draining day he’ll make sure you’re all nice and tucked up in bed while he makes dinner

Please show him how much you appreciate him istg this boy is so precious

Look at me being productive uwu

Seriously how do people have the energy to just be social and not pass out the first chance you get it genuinely scares me-

[lem0nshark-writes]

"Winter Coat"

Lindir x Male Reader

Type: fluff

Word count: 1890

Warnings: fluff, reader's an elf, some comedy, reader's in Rivendell's patrol guard, reader and Lindir are courting, reader and Lindir being cute boyfriends, reader's bit clumsy

Summary: something fluffy with the best boi

A/N: Lately been reading a lot of @/aeonianarchives (on tumblr) x reader fics and they inspired me writing this little fic hehe do check their fics out they are really good! 👀 anyways I was gonna post this for Christmas but yeah XD anyways for New Years it is XD Also I wish all those who celebrate a Merry Christmas and all you a Happy New Year! 💕💕

Translations: meleth nin - my love

"Oh meleth nin what has happened to you?" you let out surprised, walking swiftly towards Lindir who had just entered the front door of your small home, his winter great robe ripped from his lower back almost to his knees, one side of his robe underneath drenched in a cold wet smear of frost and rainwater, stressed out expression on his face.

"I was just enjoying some fresh morning air and the beautiful winter view outside and as I was heading back I slipped on the frozen patch on the floor... and ripped my robes in the process too..." he looked so visibly embarrassed with his heated up red cheeks and ears.

"Oh, my darling-", you moved your hands from where they stood holding his shoulders and hugged him tightly.

"How embarrassing..." he quietly let out into your shoulder, arms weakly hugging back.

"Oh it is alright it can happen to anyone," you comforted him, knowing his racing mind would see it as such a big deal when it really wasn't, "Don't you remember last year when I was late for my patrol and was rushing to meet up with Erestor and my foot slipped and I slid all the way right to his feet on my back nearly knocking him over too? And even lord Elrond witnessed that as well, along with you?" you chuckled and grinned a little remembering your embarassing situation, whose consequences followed you for quite some time afterwards with your patrol mates.

Lindir through his flushed cheeks bursted into laughter and giggles, covering his mouth slightly with his hand trying not to laugh at you but the memory was too funny to be able not to, "I'm sorry-," he managed to let out through his laughter.

"No it's alright it was really funny," you laughed along with him, "I did get onto polishing duty that night as a punishment but it was really funny nevertheless," you grinned.

"Yeah, I thought you slid all the way down some hill and Erestor had to pull you out by your armour and that's why you were late that night," Lindir burst into laughter again and you laughed along at the joke on your expense.

"Honestly at one point it was really close," you grinned and started to remove Lindir's great robe off his shoulders, as the two of you finally calmed down from your laughing fit.

"Whatever shall we do with your robes, my little bird? You don't have any other ones thick enough for this cold."

"Yes, but I will be alright don't worry, just going to wear an extra layer underneath-" Lindir began but you cut him off quickly.

"Nonesense, I'll take your coat to get fixed and till then-" you stopped rummaging through your closet, as Lindir quickly changed into new clean robes, pulling something out and getting up and handing him your brand new patrol winter cloak you were gifted recently, its back graced with the well known intricately embroidered crest with a mighty presence of it's own, "-you shall wear mine," you smiled happily.

Lindir looked at your cloak in bit of a shock blushing slightly, "No I-I can't- It's brand new and-"

"Come on darling, everyone knows we're courting, I think. Unless you wish to carry me draped around your shoulders as a coat to warm you up all day? But then you'd have to explain Erestor why I'm not on patrol all day," you grinned then smiled widely.

"You dummy harebrained elf," he chuckled, "Fine I will take it. But I know I'll get so many questions and comments and gazes about it."

"Even better, then you can brag about your sexy boyfriend to everyone."

He blushed at your comment and the funny pose you called "sexy" that you did while saying that, "You silly elf."

You smiled at him warmly, loving to see him smiling and laughing and happy, it made you whole being warm and fluffy on the inside and your heart skip a beat, just like the moment you first laid your eyes on him.

He caught your gaze and blushed again, lips spreading into a beautiful smile.

You smiled even more, slowly coming closer to him and placing a long kiss on his lips before fixing your robe onto his shoulders.

He blushed, looking at you doing it and standing still as you did.

You smiled once you did, taking a look at him, "My sir Lindir you're looking quite dashing today," you spun him around and proceeded to kiss the back of his hand afterwards when he turned back around.

He chuckled and blushed again, "You dummy-"

You grinned at him, pulling him close to your armour-clad chest and hugging him tightly, swaying a bit as if to music as you did, humming a little, "I don't wish to go to work, can't we stay indoors and cuddle all day?"

"I wish.." Lindir murmured through the fabric of your cloak, his face stuffed into your shoulder, " but we should get going. Lord Elrond must be wondering where I am already, and I'm sure Erestor is waiting for you too."

"Mhhh.. you're right," you let out a whine before responding.

Giving him a forehead smooch you peeled yourself off of him and fixed him up, him doing the same to you with a smile.

"Ready?" you asked, sighing a bit dreading the cold outside.

"Yes," Lindir chimed in agreement.

"Let's go then, I'll walk you to lord Elrond's, can't have you slipping and falling again and Eru forbid hurting yourself," you said as you draped your arm around his shoulder as he grabbed a couple of books of the table and then leading you both out, closing the door behind you two once you got out.

"Ah you don't have to, I'll be fine, I'll be more careful-"

"Nu-uh, I won't hear it," you mused intertwining your arms with his.

He sighed knowing there's no arguing with you when his safety is in question and the two of you made your way to Elrond's study where Lindir usually finds him in the morning.

As the two of you made your way through the passageways and halls Lindir's cheeks only grew hotter and hotter as passing elves shot him gazes and smiles.

You returned the smiles when glances were caught and only pulled Lindir closer, proud to have him as your boyfriend and so very proud to be seen with him.

Lindir too was very proud of having you as his and calling you his own, but he just got flustered very easily and was very very shy, despite how long the two of you have been together.

Whenever he'd look away shy you'd just rub the back of his hand reassuringly and shot him a warm smile, melting all his insecurities and bad thoughts away.

The two of you safely found your way to Elrond's study, halting at the big intricately carved wooden door.

"This is where we part meleth nin, all safe and sound," you smiled, placing a soft kiss on his forehead, which made his cheeks heat up and smile warmly.

"Yes, thank you for walking me to here, now rush off to Erestor before he gets mad," he spoke, worried for you getting a punishment for your inattentiveness to the time, "but be careful on frozen bits, don't need you scooping up Erestor this time."

You chuckled, "I won't.. hopefully-," you grinned interrupted by a clearing of a throat beside you.

"I see you've brought my assistant to me safe and sound," lord Elrond stood by half-opened door of his study, sly amused smirk plastered on his face, gaze landing on the long cloak draped across Lindir's back.

Lindir blushed so quickly, eyes widening at the thought of his lord seeing the displays of affection the two of you just shared.

"Yes my lord, I hope you don't mind," you smiled at him and then at Lindir, who was having a internal panic attack.

"Oh not at all," Elrond smiled, grinning slightly, his smile getting wider when his eyes landed on Lindir.

"Now I must leave, patrol awaits," you smiled at them both, shooting a loving gaze at Lindir, not wanting to attack him with kisses right in front of Elrond so he doesn't die of hyperventilation, "my lord," you took a little bow towards Elrond before turning on your heels and taking off towards the meetup spot.

"Haste your step, Erestor has already come asking for you," Elrond chimed after you, "and watch your step too," he commented, reminding you of your past incident.

"Thank you my lord, I shall," you blushed a little on his comment, bit embarrassed he still remembers that, and rushed off to Erestor.

Later that evening you returned quite late to your warm home, words of you day having had come to Lindir already.

Lindir was reading a book by the fireplace, two cups of hot freshly brewed tea on a small table besides him.

Hearing you opening the front door he stood up, smiling at you before making his way towards you, "Quite late this time, rough day?"

You let out a small whine as you slumped down on your spot, " You heard?.."

"Yes. Infamous Y/n strikes again, and this time doesn't miss," Lindir let out a chuckle, straightening you up and pulling you into a big warm hug which you gladly returned.

"It was so embarrassing, he landed right on top of me, and I got extra two hours of polishing duty as punishment," you whined, stuffing your face into his neck.

"So I've heard," he chuckled, rubbing your back comfortingly till you finally straightened and pulled away.

"How was your day? Did someone tease you about the cloak? Were you warm?"

"I-I was," he blushed a little, "so many people stared at me, and kept murmuring about it, even lord Elrond commented-" he blushed profoundly.

"What did he say?" you smiled, listening to your rambling boyfriend.

"He said I look nice in it, that it suits me," Lindir blushed even more.

You chuckled and grinned, "See? I told you."

"Hngghh," now it was Lindir's time to whine as he covered his face with his hands.

You chuckled and pulled him into a big tight hug, smooching the top of his head lovingly and then resting your cheek on top of it.

"Now let's not ponder on it, lets rather relax instead," you smiled, leading his form towards the cozy warm living room.

"I guess you are right," he sighed, "I made tea."

"Oh how wonderful, I love your teas, you make the best ones," you smiled excitedly, moving to your shared bedroom and removing your armour and setting it in it's place and getting all cozy and comfy in some casual robes quickly.

"Cuddles?" you asked with hopeful eyes as you returned to the living room, finding that Lindir has already gotten comfy in front of the fireplace, waiting for you.

"Cuddles," Lindir returned with a smile, blushing slightly.

You grinned widely and flopped besides him, pulling his body close and wrapping your arms around his waist as he chuckled and smiled at you. The two of you finally enjoying your evening with some tea and a good book and of course some very much needed and deserved cuddles.

[alcrystallize]

˜”°• PLOTTING/THREAD CALL •°”˜

•｡ [ hey hi hello! i initially joined during a busy time of the year (i was determined to snatch my boy when engage characters were avail) but summertime for me means that i have more time to make some more relationships for alcryst! ♡ i'd love to get him interacting with more of all of your muses, so i had some thoughts (putting under a read more so not to clog the dash but tl;dr - i'd be open to anything either of us have in mind, winter offers diff writing opps ღ )-

mission task-board (will need an unaffiliated character!)

- [ bow + 1 ]: venturing through a winter hellscape with alcrsyt sounds like a terrible time.... let him join you pls he can't offer much except to be left behind and freeze - [ flying +1 ]: what's better than a winter hellscape? sleeping in a barn full of wyverns with alcryst, sure he thinks they'd rather kick him out, but together we can help the animals :plea: - [ gauntlets +1 ]: a knife to the throat vs alcryst... idk which one you'd have a better outcome with tbh but we can sure see! - crafting! saint seiros charms! that's so cute!

non-mission task board

- would growing taller give alcryst more confidence? i doubt it but it'd sure be funny hehe - [ heavy armor +1 ]: alcryst will do just about anything to get stronger! even wear a leotard! if he doesn't die from embarrassment first :) share the weight of humiliation? :plea: - rustic and cozy retreat... right up alcryst's alley to stay in the corner unless company comes or a change of plan occurs teehee

lastly, i still have 5 asks from the found family ask meme a couple months ago -- i did not expect to receive so many at that time, but it made my heart so happy thank you! ღ any of those can be turned into a thread or left as is -- those help with my characterization for alcryst anyway, so thank you again. ♡

ok i've rambled enough pls feel free to like or hmu on tumblr or discord! thank you for reading! looking forward to potentially writing with you!

[yanderecrazysie]

Candid

Did I put this off because I know nothing about Suna’s personality? Yes. Possibly.

I think this is badly rushed but only because I had writer’s block for so long EEK! I’m so sorry! And to the Tumblr requesters, don’t worry, I’m getting to you all now!

Title: Candid

Pairings: Suna x Reader

WARNINGS: Yandere themes, stalking, non-consensual photography (?), mild gore, death

Summary: Everywhere you go, you can feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand up when you hear the click of a picture being taken and that overwhelming feeling that you’re being watched. You really wish it was just you being paranoid.

Notes: Requested by someone on Wattpad.

candid

/noun/

(of a photograph of a person) taken informally, especially without the subject's knowledge.

The first time you heard the click of a phone camera taking your picture without your permission was when you were walking back to your dorm alone. It was quickly followed by a shattering sound and pounding footsteps. All that was left behind was a shattered screen protector, a product of your photographer’s panic.

You were freaked out, to say the least. But thankfully, the sound of their own phone frightened them away. You almost laughed, picturing some unknown creep’s embarrassed face when they realized they were caught and went back to the safety of your dorm.

But that wasn’t the last time you’d hear that sound. It was the start of a nightmare you could never wake up from.

Click, click, click.

Your photographer had grown bolder, to say the least.

That clicking sound had become far too familiar over the next two weeks. Every single time you left your dorm, you heard it, following you around campus unless others were near you. It got to the point that you no longer wanted your quiet alone time, you just wanted someone, anyone near you. Just so you wouldn’t feel those eyes on the back of your head and see that little flash in the corner of your eye.

Anything to stop feeling like your picture is being taken every moment of the day.

Your roommate couldn’t be there for you every time, and you felt like you were coming across as clingy by asking her to escort you everywhere. She had her own classes to worry about, on top of a job. As kind as she was, you didn’t want to add onto her already-heavy workload.

So when a boy from your Chemistry course offered to walk you back to your dorm, you found yourself agreeing. It was the middle of the day, so he couldn’t try anything without people noticing, and your photographer would back down too.

He wasn’t very talkative, which made the walk a little awkward. His eyes seemed to be glued to you, even if it was just out of the corner of his eye. The intensity of his stare unnerved you.

When you stopped at the door of your room, you felt a confusing mixture of two types of relief. Relief that your photographer never showed up once and relief that your uncomfortable walk with him was finally over.

“I never actually learned your name.” You admitted to the boy, the polite part of you wanting to thank him for walking you to your dorm.

“Suna.” You waited for him to continue, but he didn’t. A man of few words, you supposed.

“I’m Y/n, it’s nice-”

“I know.”

Unnerved, you swallowed back your concern and decided to end this “conversation”.

“Thank you for walking me back, I appreciate it.”

Suna simply smiled. A small, yet genuine, sweet little twitch of the lips. You had to admit, it was kind of cute.

“Any time, (Y/n).”

Walks back to your dorm with Suna became a normal part of your weekdays. The couple days you didn’t walk with him, the snaps of a camera haunted your way home, almost worse than ever before.

But, like all good things, it had to come to an awkward end.

“Will you go on a date with me?”

It made you inwardly wince, how rehearsed those words sounded. You wondered if he’d practiced before the two of you met up.

“I’m sorry, Suna, but I barely know you.” You left out the fact that he unnerved you with his intensely calculating stare and the way he walked just-too-close to you.

“Oh.”

And… that was it. You weren’t sure what you were expecting, but this wasn’t it. Suna’s expression didn’t even change, that impassive face blankly blinking back at you.

He stood and watched, unnaturally calm, as you walked away.

Why couldn’t you shake the feeling that this was just the calm before a storm?

Your mysterious photographer was silent, despite the fact that you no longer walked with Suna. In fact, you didn’t hear the camera sounds at any point of the day. Finally, you wondered if the creep gave up or lost interest. Or maybe you were making it up in your head all along.

You really wish that was the case.

“Damn it- where’s my room key?” Your backpack, purse, and surroundings gave no clue as to where your student card was. Without that, you couldn’t get into your dorm room- which was a big problem, considering the sky was darkening by the minute. You just wanted to watch some Netflix and snack on some chips, was that too much for the universe to allow?

Hastily typing out a message on your phone to your roommate, you continued to pack up your scattered belongings. A ding signaled her reply.

You: Hey, u at the room? Lost my key, gotta get a new one tmrw or something

Roomie: Yeah

It was a strangely short reply for the roommate you knew. Usually, she’d write half a paragraph or at least chew you out (in a light-hearted way) about how stupid you were to lose your card.

Maybe she was doing homework. Either way, all you needed to know was that she was there to let you into your safe haven.

The first drops of rain were hitting your head when you arrived at your dorm. You were beyond grateful that your roommate was there to save the day. To be honest, she was more like a sister to you than anything else. The random roommate pairing system didn’t fail you, like it did most unlucky on-campus students.

Your knuckles barely touched the door when it opened and slender fingers wrapped around your wrist, tugging you inside. But it wasn’t your roommate you came face-to-face with.

No, it was your worst nightmare.

Photographs pasted on the walls and desks, all featuring you, you, you. Photos of every size, with any person other than you cut out of it.

Every click of the camera was now laid out for you to see. But that was no longer your biggest concern.

Dead.

Your roommate… oh god… she laid on her bed, throat slit and blood everywhere- splattered on the walls and soaking the sheets. She was probably napping, you realized, and you prayed that she died peacefully. That she didn’t wake up when her killer loomed over her with your borrowed key card.

Because that’s how the killer got in. How he got in.

The man now blocking your only exit, that small, "sweet" smile gracing his lips again.

Suna Rintarou.

You felt dizzy- your world was spinning. Was that crying and screaming coming from you? It felt so far away… so detached…

Your vision swam with darkness, the shock numbing your senses. As you succumbed to unconsciousness, you heard Suna talking to you… a voice that sounded a mile away, yet right in your ear. With the arms wrapping gently around your form, it was most likely the latter.

“I know you don’t know me well, but I know you very, very well. You have time, Y/n, you have time…”

Why was it that you felt like your time was up?

Like every click of a camera was just the ticking of a clock, counting down to your inevitable doom.

[antiloreolympus]

9 Anti LO Asks

1. What I don't get is ... isn't the ending of LO, is RS is actual accurate, won't that still be bittersweet at best? Because unless she changes the ending completely (and if she does, it firmly proves she doesn't care about the mythology, so I doubt she'd change it) then HxP is still seperated for half the year, Hades is still alone for half his time, and Persephone is stuck with her abusive mom, so they still lose in a way, don't they? How is she going to spin that?

2. Ok so, the much less popular Hooky got on the NYT bestseller list with no promotion from Webtoons, meanwhile LO had them promoting them over all social media for months, had a ton of preorder exclusives, a B&N collectors edition, & a week of promoting it on their website/app and it still didn't get on the NYT list. Even I have to admit that must sting a little. I think they were banking on NYT bestseller tagline and it backfired. And we know sales tail off with sequels ... whoops?

3. For the person wondering in the that old tumblr ask post, yes Apollo in the Canvas/Discover version of LO was Persephone's kinda sucky boyfriend and it played more into a old school "girl leaves crappy bf for a better guy" trope, and there was no SA involved. TBH this version is so much better for so many reasons but especially because it actually let Persephone have a choice and even let her have sex and date other men before Hades. Current LO is such a major downgrade in comparison.

4. there's more random furry creatures in LO than actual creatures from greek mythology. like seriously rachel.

5. I think a big part of the silly "anti"/"pro" binary is that us "antis" just want a healthy discussion and we have other things to do and worry about, meanwhile the "pro" people have made something LO a legit part of who they are and seem to determine their own worth upon it, meaning they think they have to defend it and hype it up as this great thing, because if not that'll look bad on them. I've seen this so many times before in other fandoms and it's sad to see it happening again.

6. Am I the only one who hopes Rachel takes a break? Not because I'm sick of LO, but because I'm seeing so many Webtoons creators burning out and even quitting their comics because the workload is just too much. I realize it might be different in her case, but I think it's pretty obvious there's burnout both in her art and writing that a several months (maybe even a year off) break would be so beneficial to her and her team. As much as we critique her, we don't want her to harm herself either.

From OP: I agree. I feel like a mid season break would be beneficial for her but then again, I don’t know RS personally.

7. It's always so obvious when LO stumbles because Webtoons makes sure to never mention it. They hype it up when it gets award noms, but never mentions when LO loses and yet never mention when other Webtoons do win (side-eying that HARD). Now they hyped up for months it would break book sales, and yet they're now refusing to acknowledge it's actually underperforming and didn't hit the big lists like NYT (which other printed Webtoons have hit). It's kinda embarrassing, tbh.

8. lo hades was already ugly as hell but somehow hes only gotten uglier during this trial. maybe its him snarling like a dog and his piss poor attitude but he's legit giving off the exact opposite of "sexy and romantic uwu emo boy" vibes.

9. not me going to my uni's bookstore today and already seeing the lo book was marked down %25 😭

[smalland-angry]

A Cold Awakening (Wrecker x reader)

This is my first time posting a fanfic on tumblr so be nice! I’m trying my best here. The reader is a female just cus I'm trying to get the hang of this. Hope you enjoy! Also I know what planet Orto Plutonia is from the clone wars, but I mostly just needed an icy planet that wasn’t Hoth for the plot. So don’t get on my case about accuracy *please*.

_

You cursed the force or whatever higher being existed for the situation you found yourself in on Orto Plutonia. It was supposed to be a simple mission, that just so happened to go horribly wrong. Hunter had you split up into groups to infiltrate a supposed separatist base, when a sudden snow storm changed things. You and Wrecker found yourselves stuck in a small cave on the icy planet, raging winds and bitter cold surrounding you. You can only hope the other boys have it a little better. You’re currently curled up against the farthest wall of the cave, teeth chattering and body shaking, regardless of the extra layers you had on. Wrecker was a good foot or two away from you, and could tell that you were freezing, while he was, a tad chilly. Even without his helmet on. The large batcher could handle the harsh cold temperatures with his heater of a body. He looked over at you and immediately felt guilty. He wanted to help you, but you were friends and he didn’t want you to do anything you were uncomfortable with. 

“H-hey (Y/N), if ya want, you can sit beside me and I can share my body heat.” His hesitant voice brought you out of your thoughts. You could see a light pink tint across his cheeks but it was probably just the cold. Wrecker was your good friend, and right now being warmer than you were was the first thing on your mind. You tried your best to muster a smile on your semi-numb lips. 

“T-t-thank y-you W-w-wrecker, I w-would ap-p-preciate that.” You were now shoulder to…arm with him. You always thought all the batchers were cute in their own way, but never thought of them as anything more than friends. So why are you feeling so awkward about being this close to Wrecker? You want nothing more than for him to hold you to make you warmer, but just the thought made your face hot. But he’s just a friend! I’m sure he’ll understand though…right?

His arm was so warm, and after much reassurance to yourself, you wrapped your arms around his large one and held it tight in an effort to absorb his warmth. You hid your face in his armor covered arm to attempt to hide your growing blush. 

Wrecker watched as you held onto his arm tightly and hid your face. Looking at you, an unfamiliar warmth filled his gut. You were just so cute. Wrecker always thought you were pretty, but now that you were alone and so close to him, he wished he had this opportunity sooner. A light smile grew on his scarred face and a short chuckle escaped his cold lips. 

“You okay there (Y/N)?” 

Your eyes trailed up to his to find a warm smile on his face and a face playful glint in his eyes. You shoved your face back into the plastoid on his arm. There was something about the way he was looking at you that sent a million butterflies in your stomach a-flight.  

Why is he looking at me like that?

“No I’m still cold.” You grumbled into his armor. A sudden boldness overcame Wrecker and he picked you up effortlessly in his hands and placed you in his lap. He couldn’t help but notice how tiny you were in his arms. 

“Here! This way you won’t be so cold.” Your brain short circuited and you couldn’t find the words to reply. His arms were still holding your back and legs close to him long after he could’ve retracted. He’s just trying to help me and nothing else right? He’s so warm though I don’t think I care. You were suddenly aware of the warmth radiating off of him and lay your head on your shoulder and leaned in closer. So warm. The breathing beneath you stopped for a moment and you quickly realized that your face was nestled into his neck. Immediately you leaned off of him and apologized for getting too close. You didn’t want to make him uncomfortable. 

“It’s okay mesh’la I don’t mind at all.” His eyes couldn’t seem to stay focused on yours and the tint of pink across his cheeks spread across his face. Wrecker brought his arms around you once more to bring you back against him. 

“Thank you, Wrecker.” Your arms lay lightly against his plastoid covered chest. He was very thankful for the fact that his armor covered how fast his heart was beating. So tiny and soft and pretty. 

_

The next morning you were found wrapped in his arms by Omega and the others. You woke up to their snickering to find Wreckers face much closer than you remembered it to be. Your eyes then found your friends above you chuckling to themselves and all the blood in your body rushed to your face. You failed to notice the exchange of credits from one trooper to another. Quickly you tried to squirm out of his arms, but the weight of his body kept you close. He was still asleep, snoring lightly. You looked back at the batchers not doing anything but watching. 

“A little help guys?” 

_

You completed the mission without fail, but since you’ve all gotten back to the ship, you’ve been a hot mess. That night you saw Wrecker coming out of the refresher in just his bottom blacks. Your eyes immediately went to his body of pure muscle and trailed up to his biceps that flexed lightly. God, did he always look like this? The redness of your face startled him, “Mesh’la are you okay?”

You couldn’t trust your voice so with an aggressive nod you quickly turned away and walked past him. That incident on Orto Plutonia did something to you. He was none the wiser, but the other batchers started to catch on. They all noticed how you stared at Wrecker as he was lifting gonky trying to show off to Omega. He was smiling and laughing with her about a joke you didn’t hear. He’s so good with Omega it’s so cute. Your eyes trailed to his large body. There were voices around you but you were too focused on your thoughts. His body was so warm and comfy. I kinda wanna sleep next to him again. His hands were so gentle. It was nothing like he usually is. Would he always be gentle? 

“(Y/N) why is your face so red?” 

Omegas soft voice woke you up from the daydreaming in your mind. Tech was piloting but Echo and Hunter could see what you were obviously staring at. Everything got quiet in that moment, the four of them staring at you waiting for an answer. 

“N-no reason! I hope I’m not getting sick, I’m gonna go lie down!” You scurried away into the back of the ship in attempt to hide your embarrassment. You found the closest bunk and immediately threw yourself onto it and shoved your red face into the pillow. 

What is wrong with me? Why am I suddenly thinking of Wrecker like this?

-

Unbeknownst to you, Wrecker was having his own internal struggle at the same time. Your usual attire consisted of a jumpsuit, which he was realizing hugged you in just the right places. As you walked past him the night before he couldn’t help but stare at the curve of your behind. Did it always look like that? Wrecker was entranced for who knows how long until he shook his head and went to change. That night while you were sleeping soundly across from him, he couldn’t help but stare at your peaceful form. The light breathing escaping your lips. How soft and plush they looked. What would they feel like? His eyes trailed down to your chest that was tight against a pair of blacks you used as sleepwear. His thoughts quickly took a different turn. How would they feel in his hands? Or pressed up against his bare chest as his hands wandered over your soft curves finding anything and everything that made you whimper and whine- 

Wreckers face instantly blushed a dark crimson. He turned himself over to face the wall. He…he shouldn’t think of you like this. Unless…maybe you felt the same way? He tried his best to sleep that night, but his thoughts always came back to the same place. 

-

After you ran to the back of the Marauder, Wrecker became instantly worried. You never did that before. As he dropped gonky and went to follow you, Hunter and Echo gave each other a knowing look. 

“What?” Omega of course noticed the look they gave each other. 

“We’ll tell you when you’re older.” Hunter replied. 

You almost jumped when you felt a large hand on your shoulder. Lifting your head up you came face to face with the one person you really wished it wasn’t.

“Are you okay (Y/N)?” 

Releasing a sigh, you sat up looked into your lap. You fiddled with your hands in anxiousness. 

“Ya Wrecker, I’m okay. I just-“, when you lifted your eyes up to his, he was much closer than you expected. Another blush grew on your cheeks for the 10th time today. He was staring into your eyes with so much love and sincerity you couldn’t speak. Neither of you noticed how your faces grew closer with each passing second. 

“W-wrecker I-“ 

This time you were silenced by him placing his lips hesitantly on yours. It was brief and left you wanting more. As he pulled back he seemed to realize what he just did. 

“I-I’m so sorry (Y/N)! I don’t know what I was-“ 

It was your turn to pull him in by the armor around his neck and kiss him again. Wrecker immediately kissed you back. Feeling bold you opened your mouth slightly, inviting him to turn this innocent kiss into something a little more. He was intoxicating. You brought your hands up to his face and brushed over the scar that ran over his cheek. He groaned lightly and gently pushed you onto the bunk. His hands that wrapped around your waist held you like glass. Always so gentle. You wanted so badly to touch him without his armor, but you settled with running your hands up and down the plastoid on his chest with a whine. 

“You two know this is my bunk right?” 

A voice from behind you made you jump. You immediately broke the kiss and lightly pushed Wrecker off of you to try to make this situation look a little more appropriate. 

“I’m so sorry Hunter! We’ll just um…go.” With a massive blush and pure embarrassment you took Wreckers hand and pulled him away with you. Once you were far enough away, you felt his breath on your neck against your ear. 

“Guess we’ll have to finish that later mesh’la.” Leaving a light kiss below your ear, Wrecker left your side to join the others. 

[storytellerofuntoldlegends]

an icarus and his sun: chapter 7

A/N: scott's pov, finally!! as well as more of my "the empires smp gals deserve to go off, actually" agenda. also check out this rad art submitted by @dancinglifeboat! i also would like to apologize ahead of time, the updates from here on out are probably going to slow down a bit because while i am still extremely motivated to write this fic, it hasn't been as high as it was for the upcoming chapters as it has been for the previous ones. i honestly don't even know HOW i was so motivated to write several chapters so fast that i actually had a backlog of them for a bit and was able to post them daily. so the updates will likely slow down to being every couple of days or maybe every couple of weeks, depending on time/motivation. but yeah! anyway, enjoy!

Warnings: lying/manipulation, threats of violence, past violence, arguing, heartbreak

AO3 Link - Tumblr Masterpost

-

Scott felt just about sick to his stomach every time he looked at the slimeball Jimmy had given him. It was such a stupid little thing to get emotional over, and it was honestly kind of gross and sticky. But Scott couldn’t bear to get rid of it. It had stung more than he cared to admit when Jimmy had reminded him of how isolated and distant Scott was from everything. Staying up and away from the world kept him safe, kept his empire safe. But being safe didn’t make it any less lonely and isolating. And then Jimmy had looked at him like he was the world, and told him that he should be able to enjoy the little things too. Scott couldn’t bear to get rid of the slimeball, even though the memories were painful now. For as much as bluntly being reminded that he was alone stung, Jimmy telling him to leave stung even worse.

Looking back on it now, Scott didn’t really know why he had sided with Fwhip. It was long before Scott had really felt anything for Jimmy, mostly flirting with him to get a rise out of him. That flirting had always devolved into fighting, and it was after one particularly nasty argument that Fwhip had pulled him aside after the meeting and talked about how the House Blossom Alliance would be the downfall of their empires. And at the time… Scott had agreed with him. He loved Katherine, he really did- but there were too many rivalries in that alliance for it to ever truly work. So he went along with Fwhip’s plan- go along with the meetings until an opportunity arose. Then came the addendum of Scott keeping an eye on Jimmy to make sure he wouldn’t be a problem. And then came the plan of rigging the ballroom to explode and blame it on another empire. And even worse- Scott actually caught feelings for Jimmy, instead of it being an act like Fwhip had planned.

So before the night of the ball, Scott had struck a deal with Fwhip. If there was no argumentative behavior during the ball, then he wouldn’t set off the TNT. To his surprise and relief, Fwhip had agreed- and then went and purposefully antagonized Jimmy. And Jimmy- sweet, impulsive Jimmy- had fought right back. Scott didn’t get a chance to pull Fwhip aside and convince him to change his mind before Lizzie had asked him for a dance, then spun Jimmy right into his arms. Fwhip had been watching them the entire time they danced, then left as soon as the song ended, heading up the stairs. Scott snuck away from Jimmy to follow him- only for Fwhip to have flown off by the time Scott made his way up the stairs. Then Jimmy followed him too, and once he spotted Fwhip in the distance with his crossbow, Scott realized he had been used to draw Jimmy out. So he kissed Jimmy, and then Fwhip set off the explosions. It was then Scott realized Fwhip had lied to him about the plan- somehow he had rigged Katherine’s entire castle with TNT, not just the ballroom, and wanted to be sure that everyone knew it was Fwhip and the Wither Rose Alliance behind it all. A show of power, so that no one would mess with them.

So now Scott was alone again. Jimmy felt like Scott had betrayed him- and frankly, Scott had. He should have told the House Blossom Alliance about the TNT, instead of striking a weak deal with Fwhip. Now the House Blossom Alliance would never trust him again, and all Scott had now was the Wither Rose Alliance- which Scott wasn’t so sure if he wanted to be a part of anymore. And at their next secret meeting, Scott found out that he wasn’t the only one with this opinion. Usually they met in Gem’s hidden meeting room, but this time around, she insisted on meeting in the Grimlands, not giving a clear reason why. Scott had thought nothing of it, until the time for the meeting actually came.

“I’m done, Fwhip,” Gem said, not even taking a seat at the table. Fwhip leaned back in his chair, raising an eyebrow at Gem.

“What do you mean, you’re ‘done?’” he scoffed. Gem slammed her hands down on the table, purple magic sparking in the air. Everyone in the room had ranging expressions of shock and terror on their faces. Gem never got angry like this, at least not as long as Scott had known her. Fwhip, however, seemed unphased.

“You lied to us. You said you were going to make a point at the House Blossom Ball. Instead you blew it up! You could have killed us!” she fumed. Fwhip rolled his eyes.

“Gem, you know me. What other point would I have made that didn’t go off with a bang? Besides, Sausage and Scott knew about the TNT,” Fwhip replied with a shrug. The glare Gem sent him was deadly, and Pearl rose from her seat at the revelation.

“I was hoping that maybe Scott was clever and figured out your plan, and just wasn’t able to get the information to anyone in time- but you told him and Sausage?! And I’m not exactly pleased that neither of them felt it was necessary to tell Gem and I what was going on, but the nerve of you to hide information from your own allies, Fwhip!” Pearl scolded. Scott and Sausage didn’t say anything, a little embarrassed- but to be fair, it hadn’t really occurred to Scott that Fwhip didn’t tell everyone about his plan. He had told Scott one-on-one, and Scott had foolishly assumed that he had told the others as well. Yet another frustrating hoodwink courtesy of Fwhip.

“Because I knew you would react like this! But there’s no sense in arguing about it now, what’s happened has happened. Let’s discuss plans for the future, shall we?” Fwhip said with an overly charming grin.

“No,” Pearl said firmly, and Fwhip blinked in surprise.

“What?” he asked in disbelief.

“You heard Gem. She’s done, and so am I. I won’t be a part of this senseless destruction anymore,” Pearl said evenly. And before Fwhip had a chance to protest, Pearl and Gem stormed out of the room. Fwhip let out a dejected sigh, before sitting up straight in his seat again.

“Fine. Who needs them? We’ll be just fine- won’t we, boys?” Fwhip asked, and the smile he gave Scott made his stomach roll.

“Yeah! Now we don’t have to tiptoe around them anymore!” Sausage cheered, and Scott could only give a weak smile in response. Something in Fwhip’s smile turned sharp as he leaned towards Scott with a dangerous glint in his eyes.

“You know, I never properly complimented your acting skills. You really had Jimmy caught like a fish in a net. It’s a shame though- you got a little too wrapped up in the act- not to mention him- and we lost a valuable chance to deal with the Codfather once and for all. But that’s alright- I’m sure we’ll get another opportunity,” Fwhip said in a low and dangerous tone, the thinly veiled threat very clear to Scott. Don’t get in the way again, and don’t try and weasel out of plans. Or he’d make sure he’d regret it.

“R-right,” Scott said shakily. Fwhip seemed satisfied, and leaned back in his chair once more.

“Good. Now I suppose that advantage with you pretending to like Jimmy is gone now, unless you do a lot more than just kiss him this time around-”

“No,” Scott blurted, before he could really think about it.

“What was that?” Fwhip asked, raising an eyebrow. A lie about how Jimmy definitely didn’t want to see him again- which wasn’t really a lie per se, but it wasn’t the reason Scott said no- was at the tip of his tongue. But he couldn’t say it. And in that moment, he finally decided to do what Pearl and Gem had done.

“I’m not doing this anymore. It makes me sick to my stomach to even think about bringing more pain and destruction to J- to these lands,” Scott said, voice shaking a little but his eyes sharp as he glared at Fwhip. But Fwhip caught the wobble in his voice and how he nearly said Jimmy’s name. However Sausage spoke up and commented on it before Fwhip could.

“You WEREN’T pretending, you actually fell for Jimmy!” Sausage gasped, and the tone of his voice reminded him of simpler times, when Sausage would tease him about his flirting with Jimmy and Pearl would admonish him and tell Sausage to leave Scott alone. Then Fwhip had taken advantage of Scott’s banter with Jimmy, and brought Scott’s world crashing down around him as a result.

“You’ve gotten weak, Scott. What happened to the imposing, cold ruler of Rivendell?” Fwhip sneered. Scott rose from the table at that, glaring Fwhip down.

“I’m finally being the ruler I should have been. I’m not going to let other empires use me for their own gain, and I’m not going to be part of your destructive plans,” Scott fumed, wings flaring and making him seem taller, more threatening. Fwhip chuckled darkly.

“You walk out of here, and you’ll regret it,” he growled.

“I’ll take my chances,” Scott shot back, turning on his heel and exiting the room, ignoring both Fwhip and Sausage’s voices after him. He was done with the Wither Rose Alliance. In fact, he was done with alliances entirely. He was going to stay in the mountains and care for his empire, like he should have been all along.

-

Then the slimeball on the side table by his bed reminded Scott why he didn’t want to stay in the mountains. He would just be exactly what Jimmy expected of him- high and mighty, being too good for anyone. And being alone. Scott had a taste of what a sense of togetherness felt like, and now being alone hurt more than ever. But there was no one he could go to, no one who would trust him. Maybe he could form something with Pearl and Gem, or maybe the two new empire rulers, Shelby and Joey- but it wouldn’t be the same. Nothing would ever be the same, not as long as the mere memory of Jimmy’s goofy grin sent his heart fracturing a thousand times, over and over again.

He couldn’t stand being within the walls of his home any longer. His wings itched with the need to spread and take to the skies, and flying always made him feel better. So Scott did just that, taking to the skies and flying nowhere in particular, just far away from all the empires as much as possible. Maybe if he flew far enough, it would all disappear and Scott wouldn’t have to deal with his problems anymore. And maybe with enough distance, his heartbreak would disappear too.

-

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[moon-light-jukebox]

“All you have to do is ask” Chapter 4 - [Reid x Reader]

previous chapter // series index // next chapter

Summary: The morning after! How awkward could it be when Reader and Dr. Reid meet in the bullpen the next morning? An honest conversation turns smutty and Reader is starting to rethink some decisions.

Pairing: Spencer Reid / (Female) Reader

Word Count: 3.6k for Chapter 4

Content Warnings: No smut actually happens this chapter, but there is a lot of smutty talk. BDSM themes. Fluff. Tiny bit of angst if you squint.

A/n: This chapter was initially just supposed to be filler, but when I sat down to write it, it became really important to me. The way BDSM dynamics are presented is really important to me, so I wanted to do it justice. The actually femdom kicks off in Chapter 5 😌 (Also, tumblr isn’t letting me tag some people and its slowly driving me insane.)

y/n = your name. y/l/n = your last name. italicized text are Reader’s thoughts.

-- Chapter 4 – “Please don’t lie to me.” --

I wasn’t sure what I expected to happen when I got to work the following morning; my mind spun in circles while the elevator slowly brought me to the floor that housed our elite FBI unit. Try as I might, I couldn’t stop my thoughts from straying to last night.

Spencer had fallen asleep with his head in my lap, my fingers moving softly over his scalp, brushing through his curls. I sat there for longer than I wanted to admit, lost in thought. How did I let this happen? I thought over and over again. Did I break my rules because I knew Spencer? I trusted him with my life; I trusted the entire time with my life, I had to. Perhaps that’s why I let him kiss me, let him touch me. I trusted the good doctor in a way I hadn’t trusted anyone I had been intimate with in a long time.

That must be it. I refused to look at it on a deeper level; I couldn’t. I had to keep my feelings in check. I wouldn’t risk my job, my life, my world over unchecked emotions. Not again.

The metal doors slid open; the bullpen was already buzzing with activity at 7:50 in the morning. I usually arrived earlier, but I had stopped for coffee. I reasoned that it was just a treat for myself; not an excuse to avoid the office coffee station, which we all knew was the domain of Dr. Spencer Reid. I hadn’t received any messages from Garcia or Hotch, leading me to assume today was another day of paperwork.

I tried to stop my eyes from searching for him, but it was no use. He was like a magnet for my senses. Most of us typed up our reports and only wrote when we had to, but most of us were not Dr. Reid. He was hunched over, papers scattered over his desk in some pattern of order only he would understand. His pen scribbled quickly over the pages, his tongue poking out the corner of his mouth in concentration.

It wasn’t until he glanced up suddenly that I became aware of the world around me; someone had said my name, alerting him to my presence. Looking around, I shot Prentiss a smile, her gaze already on my face. “Hi, Em,” I said in greeting.

Her smile confirmed my suspicions that she was the one who had spoken. “Did you do anything fun last night? You didn’t answer my text.”

Who, me? “Oh, nothing much,” I said brightly, placing my bag at my desk, setting my coffee down. “I just did some stuff around the house. I’m sorry I didn’t see your text.” I hadn’t seen her text until hours after she sent it. I was so wrapped up in that man I didn’t even look at my phone. For hours.

One of the wonderful things about SSA Emily Prentiss is that nothing phased her; she had lived a life that was too complicated and dangerous to sweat the small stuff. “Not a problem. Are you doing anything tonight? Garcia is trying to organize a girl’s night.”

I could still feel my boy’s eyes on me. “No, I don’t have any plans. If she asks me, I’ll let you know.” Prentiss scoffed, turning back to her work. We both knew Garcia would ask.

Don’t look, don’t look, I kept repeating to myself; but how could I not? Slowly, my head turned towards him, finding him already staring at me. To anyone else, his face would have appeared blank, but after last night, I knew him better than that. He didn’t have his glasses on today, he wore a button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled to his elbows, his messy curls hanging in a state of permanent disarray around his face. Calling his eyes brown was doing them an injustice; not quite hazel, they were filled with so many tiny shards of color, giving them a depth I had never noticed before last night.

No, his face wasn’t blank; his face was filled with uncertainty. When he eventually woke up last night, he lifted his head from my lap quickly, his cheeks red with embarrassment. I hadn’t said anything; I kissed his cheek and walked out of his apartment. My poor nervous, beautiful boy. I offered him a small, soft smile. This didn’t have to change anything. Not if he didn’t want it to.

--

Just because you expect something doesn’t mean you’re ready for it; that’s a lesson I had learned a long time ago that had always held true. I expected Dr. Reid to try and talk to me at some point today. I expected it, but I wasn’t ready when he finally cornered me on my way back to the bullpen from the bathroom. I felt his presence before I saw him; he stepped around the corner, briefly meeting my eyes before he started shuffling awkwardly.

He cleared his throat. “H-hey, y/n. I was…I was hoping that I could talk to you for a minute?”

Still such a nervous boy. I gave him a nod; I knew he needed answers. It wasn’t fair to ignore him just because I was uncomfortable with how I was feeling. I had done this before, Spencer hadn’t. Honestly, I wasn’t sure what Spencer had done before. I turned as he walked past me, following him down the hallway until we reached JJ’s old office. It was filled with old boxes and scattered with case files. It was as private as we were going to get.

I waited for the boy genius to speak first; it might have been cruel, but I really didn’t know what to say, I didn’t know how to begin. How was I supposed to start this conversation when I remembered the noises he made when his cock was in my mouth? When I could still see the desperation in his eyes when he begged me to cum? After I had gone home last night, I lay in my bed until I couldn't resist the urge anymore. I slid my hand into my panties and remembered those sounds, how he looked, as I brought myself to a powerful orgasm.

I had masturbated thinking about Spencer Reid. That probably wasn't as earth-shattering as I was making it out to be, but I didn't do those sorts of things. I didn't do this shit with someone I work with…someone who has some form of power over any part of my life. I wasn't vulnerable; I was never vulnerable.

“Y/n,” his voice cracked on the last letter of my name. “I…I wanted to talk about yesterday.”

“I figured.” I kept my tone light. Despite my complicated feelings about the situation, I really did care about Spencer. I knew that for certain. Seeing him nervous, squirming, and desperate yesterday was one of the sexiest moments of my life. Seeing him nervous, squirming, and desperate today was different; it made my heart squeeze.

He gave me a smile. “I know we didn’t…talk about things before or after. But…I wanted to thank you.”

I quirked an eyebrow at him, earning a beautiful flush rising on the apples of his cheeks. “No, not about that,” his voice squeaked out, furthering my amusement. “I meant for staying with me. Last night. You could have left after we were…done. But you didn’t. You knew I needed to be close to you…and you stayed with me.” Dr. Reid finally stopped fidgeting, his words less rushed, but still tinged in nervousness. “No matter what happens after this, that meant a lot to me. So, thank you.”

“You don’t have to thank me for knowing you needed aftercare, Spencer.”

“Yes, I do.” Those three words made my breath stutter. Did he know? Did he know how scared I was? Could he tell how badly I wanted to run from the feelings he brought up in me? Knowing my luck, probably.

“You’re welcome, Pretty Boy.” Spencer smiled at the nickname, but I could tell he wasn’t done. Thanking me wasn’t the only reason he’d pulled me in here. I decided to speak before he got the chance to again. “Can I ask you a question?” When he nodded, I asked what I had wanted to know since the moment I met him. “Are you a virgin, Spencer?”

He must have known it was coming; he tried to keep his face impassive, but I could see the embarrassment in his micro-expressions. "No, y/n. I'm not a virgin…" Not super convincing, Doc. “I’m really not,” he gave a small huff of amusement. “I’ve had sex before…just not a lot.”

There is it. “What is not a lot?”

My boy shifted his weight from foot to foot then. "I had sex for the first time when I was 24, right after I joined the Bureau. I've gone on a few dates since then…It's lead to some…stuff, but it's never gone that far again."

“So, you’ve had sex with one person? Was that a woman or a man?”

“She was a woman.” I loved that he didn’t seem offended at the question. Spencer didn’t put on airs of hypermasculinity; I wonder if he had ever given any thought to his sexuality, or if he just accepted that it was what it was.

“Okay. Have you ever thought about having sex with a man?” This wasn’t relevant, I was just curious.

Spencer licked his lips; I could tell this conversation required a lot of courage from him. "Yes. I've been asked out…I've gone on two dates with men." He smiled when my eyebrows rose in surprise. “I’ve kissed men, but men are…they’re so aggressive. At least the ones I have been interested in.”

“Is aggression bad?”

“No,” he went on quickly. “It’s not, usually. I just…I don’t pick up on cues very well. I didn’t feel…safe with them. I was attracted to them, and I wanted to have sex with them…but I didn’t want to do that unless I felt like the person cared about me.” His voice shook, but his eyes never left mine, even as his fingers began to fidget with the end of his tie. “With you…yesterday, I knew you wouldn’t hurt me. I knew you’d…you’d stop if I wanted you to. And you made me feel like it was okay.” Fuck, why does he do this to my heart? “You made it feel like exploring my sexuality was okay. With you.”

I took a step towards him then; I couldn’t stop myself. He was the sun, lighting up the entire room, and I was just a mere mortal that wanted to stand in his light. I raised my hand to cup his cheek, gazing up at him; he was so tall, so much taller than me. “Exploring your sexuality is okay, Doc.” My voice was firm, leaving no room for debate. “It’s important to feel safe with the people you explore it with. You should never do something that makes you uncomfortable or with a person that doesn’t care about you. I’m honored that you saw that in me.”

He wanted to kiss me; I knew he did, I could see it in his eyes…but he didn’t. I don’t know if it was because we were at work or because he was afraid that I would reject him. I wouldn’t have. His hand came up to cover my own, pulling it down from his face so he could lace his fingers through mine. Just like my kissing him, it wasn’t lost on me that holding my hand was significant to him.

“I know we didn’t talk about it,” he said quietly. “I don’t want to do anything that would make you uncomfortable. We work together…but, I like you. I trust you. And…if you wanted- if you’re okay with it…I’d like to explore what we talked about yesterday. With you.”

I knew he would want to. Who wouldn’t want to explore the unknown? Especially a curious man like my Dr. Reid? Despite all of that, my heart couldn’t help but swell at his declaration. I loved being dominant in the bedroom. I found that amount of control arousing beyond belief, and I’d never say otherwise. But there was something about the trust that my submissive put in me that fulfilled a different part of me. To be trusted like this…It was something so important and it triggered a feeling of pride in myself. I was worthy of their trust.

I squeezed his hand. “Okay, Doc.” He looked so fucking hopeful. “We can discuss it. This is the unsexy part of any BDSM dynamic. We have to talk…a lot. Communication is what makes this work.” And I do want this to work, which was terrifying. “I want you to take some time to think about this,” I hurried on when it looked like he’d interrupt me. “You need to do some research, Doc. I want you to look at things and decide what or how you want to proceed. Or if you even want to proceed. If you change your mind, that is okay.” He needs to know that. “Then we can have a discussion and go from there.”

Spencer nodded, seeming more comfortable now that he had a task to focus on. “What about work?”

“That’s an important thing to talk about too. Obviously, we can’t do anything obvious at work. There are cameras everywhere. And we need to focus on cases.” He made a noise of agreement. “We need to talk about what works for us. If you’re open to playing together when we’re on a case in certain settings, like back at our hotel, if you want this to be a monogamous dynamic, signals, safe words, and how we establish when a scene starts.”

His eyebrows were so high I was worried they’d disappear into his hairline. “O-okay.”

I smiled. “Good. Think it over; you know where I’ll be.”

--

Again, just because you expect something doesn't mean you're ready for it. I expected Spencer to want to talk to me again, but I wasn't ready for the text message that popped up on my phone at 6:03 pm.

“I’d like to talk whenever you are free.”

A normal person wouldn’t have been able to do the required research in just 40 minutes, which was the maximum amount of time he could have been home for; but Spencer Reid wasn’t a normal person.

Which is why I text Emily and Garcia some lame excuse about backing out of girl’s night before I told Spencer I was free tonight.

“Are you sure? You don’t have to cancel girl’s night.”

Fucking profilers with eidetic memories. “I’d rather do this. I’ll see you in 20.”

--

I raised my hand to knock on his door but felt myself pause before my knuckles connected to the wood.

What the fuck am I doing? It was a valid question. It wasn’t too late to back out…but it was also far too late to back out. Before my fingers could decide if they wanted to knock or not, the door in question swung open to reveal the curly-headed man that plagued my thoughts.  

He was in the same clothes he wore to work that day, only his tie was missing, the first few buttons of his shirt undone. Spencer’s hair always looked like he just woke up, his curls having a mind of their own and he couldn’t be bothered to tame them. They looked different right now; it was like he had been running his hands through his hair.

I offered him a smile. “Hi, Doc.”

“Hi, y/n.” With a smile of his own, he waved an arm, ushering me into the apartment. It didn’t look any different than it had yesterday, not really. It just felt different. I walked over to his couch, just like I had yesterday. I sat on the same cushion, just like I had yesterday. Everything just felt so different.

Spencer sat beside me, just like yesterday. “I feel bad about making you cancel girl’s night.”

“Don’t. You didn’t make me do anything I didn’t want to do, Doc.” I pushed my hair behind my ear; a nervous habit I hope he hadn’t picked up on quite yet. “I want to be here.”

“I want you to be here too.”

It’s unprofessional to swoon, y/n. Get it together.

I mentally shook myself. “Right. So, where do you want to start.”

“Why do you hold your submissives at such a distance?” he licked his lips; he was nervous, but his gaze never dropped from mine. “I respect you and your decisions, but I would really like to understand.”  

“…Well, that’s certainly a place to start,” I gave an awkward chuckle. He didn’t return my amusement. My curious boy really wanted to know. “I told you, I got my heart broken. That’s it.”  

His eyes narrowed. “I don’t want to pressure you,” his voice was so fucking earnest. “I just…I don’t understand. I want to understand. You don’t have to tell me everything, but please don’t lie to me.”

Shame washed over me; I had been stressing how important open and honest communication is and here I am avoiding something because it makes me uncomfortable. This had never been an issue before; none of my previous subs had ever wanted to know. But how could I even explain how embarrassed I was? How stupid I had been? How I gave someone my entire heart when I didn’t even know the kind of person he really was? How could I explain the choices a 22-year-old girl made?

"You're right, Spence," I took a deep breath. "Trust is important. I won't lie to you, but please understand that I'm not comfortable talking about it right now. I've never talked about it with anyone." I reached out for his hand, holding it softly in mine. "It's not that I don't want you, I just…haven't done that with anyone in such a long time."

He didn’t understand, hell, I didn’t even understand, but he accepted what I said…for now, anyway. “Okay,” he squeezed my hand. “We don’t have to do that, and you don’t have to talk about it until you’re ready.”

My mouth couldn’t help but turn up into a smile. This man. “Thank you.” I let go of his hand, clasping both of mine together and putting them in my lap. I wanted to touch him, but I needed him to not feel any pressure from me for the next part of our conversation. “Now, we need to talk about limits and expectations.” He began shifting in his seat. “I know it’s uncomfortable, but this is all part of it. I assume you’ve done some research, so tell me about what interests you and what doesn’t.”

My boy looked so unsure of himself; he was bearing such a vulnerable part of himself to me, and he was frightened. But no matter how afraid he was, my boy was also brave. “I-…I don’t have any real frame of reference. I’d like to experiment with some things before I decide if it’s a hard limit for me or not.” I nodded in an attempt to encourage him. “I don’t want extreme pain. Or things that are…unsanitary.”

I laughed. “I never expected any different.”

Maybe my laugh relaxed him; he didn't seem quite as tense as he went on. "I'd like to…touch you when you allow it. I've never…really done anything with a woman outside of just penetration. I know the basics of how to…I just would like to do those things. With you. If you ever felt comfortable." I'm almost positive I was blushing now. Spencer Reid, Dr. Spencer Reid, the pride of the BAU wanted to do things to please me; and I was tempted to let him. Who would have thought? “You don’t have to decide now…but the moment you feel comfortable, I’m ready.” His eyes ran up and down my body, I could see his throat work when he swallowed. “I’m really ready.”

After a beat, he went on, “Beyond that, I’m interested in being restrained. I like the idea of choking…but I’m nervous about it. The idea of giving up control and following order is what fascinates me. I…I also wanted to tr-try what you mentioned. In Nebraska.”

As I live and breathe. "Spencer, are you asking me to fuck you?" He knew what I meant; I could see it in the way he bit his lip. "Do you want me to tie you to my bed and make you beg for me to fuck your ass?"

He tried to disguise that whimper, but I fucking heard it. “I-I…It’s not uncommon for men to like that sort of stimulation, given that-“

I raised my hand, placing a finger on his lips before I broke my own rules again. I leaned forward and placed a chaste kiss on his full pink lips. “No shame here, pretty boy. None at all, especially with me.” He watched my mouth move, his posture becoming less tense. “I’d love to fuck you. Pegging a man is something I found arousing, Spencer. The thought of doing it to you turns me on. We can work up to it.”

The smile he gave me was so hesitant and sweet. "Okay." He waited a minute before he went on. "I know that you don't always orgasm with your subs…you don't let them make you cum. I don't want to pressure you or make you uncomfortable, but I really, really want to make you cum." I clenched my thighs together. Jesus fucking Christ. “If you’re comfortable, I’d like for you…for that to be part of what we do together. You’re so beautiful when you cum, y/n. I thought about it last night after you went home. I thought about how you taste…I really want to taste you again.”

Fuck. I really wanted him to taste me again too.

-- 

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[freckledbodty]

Stripping Away The Bloat - The Umibe No Etranger Movie Did The Manga Dirty

I finally got around to watching the movie of Umibe no Etranger - a movie I didn’t know existed based on one of my old favourite BL mangas. And oh boy, does this adaptation reflect a painful trend in manga to anime/movie adaptations overall. Allow me a moment to rant, if you will...

TL;DR: READ THE MANGA BY THE LOVE OF GOD IT’S WONDERFUL. Also the movie is super pretty, but here’s a semi-detailed look at why it still really didn’t do the manga justice. You bet I came with receipts.

A few important notes before you start: 

1. Remember this is just my opinion, and I’d love to hear other people’s point of view on the matter, whether you agree or disagree! 

2. I am not fluent enough in Japanese to read the original without a translation, so my thoughts on the manga are coming from fan translations, which 100% might have affected how I view this! The anime I’m a little more sure on as I can generally tell when the subtitles have deviated, but that does mean I may have missed something/something was lost in translation that means something I say here is incorrect. I’m very sorry for this, so remember this is my view based on the media types I’ve consumed. 

3. Also the manga cuttings I use are not the best quality because of tumblr’s sizing, so even more of a reason to go read the books yourself! 

I’m aware I’m very late to this party, but when I saw the other day that this movie had been made, I was horrified that I hadn’t known about it sooner. I read the manga years ago, and adored it - it’s genuinely a sweet and beautifully drawn romance, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone. With that, however, the movie was a huge disappointment to me and I just need to have a moment to gush in a less than positive way. 

The Pros: 

Let’s get this out of the way, I’d still probably recommend this movie to anyone who likes romance anime-style movies. It’s beautifully animated. Seriously, this movie is stunning, with wonderful expressions, bright colours, and a pretty well suited soundtrack too. The animation tries to match the original art style of the manga, and frankly, I think it captures it perfectly. 10/10. Gorgeous. Watch it just for the prettiness. 

I’m also a big fan of any BL/GL adaptations that get a little more into the mainstream. This movie is definitely a huge win in terms of representation, especially when the manga (on the whole) avoided the more negative tropes that the BL/GL genres have historically been known for. (More on that later...) So that’s a win, and I will take it. 

The Bloat Cut: 

To put it simply, this movie fell into the trap of what I call (in my head) ‘cutting out the bloat’. As a long-time anime and manga fan, who has seen countless adaptations over the years, it’s a common theme that tends to make or break an anime. 

‘Cutting out the bloat’ to me means that the adaptors cut out a lot of the ‘smaller’ moments and panels that are seen in a manga. This movie was thankfully very good at following the original plot and took us through the same beats that the manga did (many adaptations don’t bother doing that at all), but they left out a lot of the extra stuff - the aforementioned ‘bloat’. 

The bloat isn’t really bloat in that it is pointless, however: the problem is that these little moments and scenes are seen to be pointless by the adaptors. Again, understandable: they have a limited run time, and it’s hard to include every little tiny moment, especially when they are ones that are easily scanned passed. Some bloat cutting is necessary to make an adaptation viable at all, but sometimes, it can be hugely detrimental to the piece. Umibe no Etranger is a key example of this. 

Setting: 

I watched this movie without rereading the manga, and as such, I was quickly thrown off by how bad the movie was. This was one of my favourite mangas, wasn’t it? Had I really had such terrible taste? (Yes, let’s not go there, but this manga was not one of my high-school bad decisions). 

The characters felt strange. Personalities did complete 180s after the time skip and did some questionable things that I couldn’t recall finding issue with when I read the manga. The two main characters felt so hot and cold that it didn’t feel like the story I remembered. Even the pacing felt off and janky at times. 

After watching, I went back and reread the manga, and this is where I saw all the ‘bloat’, the little intricate moments and minor panels that were easy to overlook but made the story what it was. Here’s a few of the biggest examples I could find. 

Shun:

Oh, Shun. What did they do to you? 

Shun’s character was bizarre. In the first 15 minutes of the movie, he was bubbly, friendly, and even bold enough to flirt with Mio. After the time skip, he was sour, cold, and completely withdrawn from the world. I understood Mio’s confusion because after the time jump he was a completely different character. 

The manga is often focused on Shun and his inner thoughts, and he’s the one who is hurt the most by the bloat cutting. For starters, he wasn’t as over-the-top friendly at the start of the manga as he was in the anime, and we’re able to see his inner thoughts and worries that cause his reservations from the first few pages we meet him. We also get more hints earlier on as to Shun’s past that explain a lot of his behaviour as a whole, as well as getting little hints as to why he’s even more negative and exhausted after the time jump. 

Mio: 

The biggest bloat cut out in terms of Mio is the big plot point of the phone call. For context, before leaving for the time skip, Mio promises to call Shun once he’s gotten to his new home. In the movie, this is never really brought up again, focusing on the relationship in the present, but this was a huge point to leave out. I think it was cut out because it was explained in one short scene in the manga, and therefore easily mistaken for bloat. 

In the manga, it’s explained that Mio does call, but it’s Eri who answers, and there’s a very important conversation that sets up Mio’s whole character development and explains why he returns to the island set on having a relationship with Shun. Eri warns him that calling Shun, despite knowing that Shun has feelings for him, is cruel and unfair, and tells Mio he shouldn’t contact him unless he’s worked out his feelings. It’s a great scene, and a real shame to leave out when it explains firstly why Mio never called back, and secondly why he is so adamant about his feelings and love for Shun when he does finally return: because he saw Eri’s warning to mean ‘don’t come back unless you are serious’.

Relationship:

In the movie, Mio and Shun didn’t really seem to have a relationship until the drama kicked up and then it quickly seem to disappear again. Shun was extremely held back and reserved, and barely ever seemed to return Mio’s feelings (even in the scenes he was instigating) - he even totally avoided anything resembling physical contact at first. 

Compare this to the manga, where there are little hints of their relationship progressing throughout the chapters. For one, Shun is never as cold and blank as he seems in the film, and when he does seem that way, the manga quickly shows a glimpse of his thoughts to explain how he’s exhausted or distracted - without those little bloated thought bubbles, he just seems... a little cruel frankly.

A really good example of this is the beach kiss scene. In the movie, as Mio is about to kiss him, Shun suddenly announces that he’s hungry and avoids the kiss altogether, leaving Mio confused. 

In the manga, they actually do kiss - it’s their first kiss, in fact. Shun seems embarrassed and his ‘I’m hungry’ feels like more of a way to distract them both. He explains he’s exhausted (which is fair enough, this is a big thing for him to process on little sleep that his inner thoughts earlier in the chapter already set up) rather than just outright shunning him. (Ha. Shun. shun. Get it?) 

A more *noted* bloat they cut out is that Shun and Mio get physical in the manga way earlier than the movie, the touches just not quite being everything Mio wanted. Without those more tender moments, where they actually seem like a couple, it seems like Mio is chasing after Shun desperately, whilst Shun couldn’t care less about him. It detracts from the whole relationship. Below are some examples of the two of them actually seeming like a couple that were cut from the movie, including longing looks from Shun, Shun hugging Mio whilst he’s asleep, and Shun asking to kiss and touch Mio. 

The Issue: 

Bloat cutting always annoys me, but usually, if it’s not hindering the story, I don’t mind. What bothers me most of all in this movie, is that without these subtle little panels and moments, the relationship between Shun and Mio seems... forced, frankly. In the movie, Shun seems to be the instigator of the flirting, and then after the time skip he acts practically disgusted, avoiding a lot of Mio’s advances, and we don’t get to hear his inner thoughts like we do in the manga to explain why he’s feeling this way. 

In the manga, during these ‘bloat’ pieces, Shun is an actual willing participant in the relationship, and Mio isn’t just forcing his advances onto Shun. It’s natural. It’s not flipping between hot and cold, or suddenly ramping up after a big moment of drama, it’s slow and careful and a real relationship. 

This would be a bad change in any adaptation, but it’s especially so in this one. Anyone who is a fan of BL specifically is probably aware of the genre’s bad rep historically for having some... questionable consent issues. This manga didn’t have them. The movie? I’m not so sure, and that’s why it’s rubbed me the wrong way. I could spend another 1000 words talking about this issue as a whole, but I’ll leave it there, you get the idea.

Expected? Yes. Okay? Meh. 

There’s no real point to this post aside from to complain a little and point out just how much more the source material gives us. Cutting the bloat always happens, and I don’t want it to stop happening per say, that would be impossible, but I’d kill for adaptors to just take a little more time to work out what is unnecessary and cutable bloat, and what is something they should really keep in. 

The movie is still cute and beautifully made, so please go watch and see for yourself! Mostly, I’d highly recommend the manga: it’s got the same gorgeous art style, only about 5 chapters long, and the story and relationship is that little bit more firmly built. 

I’ll stop ranting now, and I hope this actually made sense? Anyway, congrats on making it all this way.

[spaceorphan18]

I read with interest your view and that of @hopefulobjectmiracle about tumblr Klaine fandom. Is there more shipping these days than 2010-15? I ask because there seems to be a smaller group that only ship Kurt with Blaine but there seems to be a huge rise in Kurtbastian and Hevans shippers. Likewise, there’s many more pezberry or faberry shippers. And a lot more of those shippers trying to discredit Blaine or Brittany as OTP for Kurt and Santana. There seems to be new younger people joining Tumblr declaring a love for all things Klaine, and then a week later shipping Kurt with everybody else!! Has there been a change since the show aired?

Hi Nonny! :)

Hmmm.... There's not really a clear answer to this because the way shipping evolved is different than people just finding things now.

There are kind of two different things going on here -- Kurt related shipping and non-Kurt (blaine/klaine) shipping. I can't tell you much about non related Kurt things -- however, I will say that Faberry was HUGE when the show was on. It's a subsection of the fandom I never interacted with but it was around in season 1, and loud enough that the show makes nod to it from season 2 forward. Brittana was always around, too, and the reason Brittana became a thing on the show was, partly, due to fans crying out that they should be a couple -- and more than the throwaway joke the writers made in the first season.

I don't know what happened to those ships over time, or how the evolved since the show ended -- I'm sorry :/

But now, I will tell you the epic history of Kurt shipping. (Again. i should really dig out my old notes on this, lol)

Here we go long post...

I found it! I'm going to quote myself so I don't have to write it out again, lol. This was originally from an ask about the BBO (Better Boyfriend Olympics), but it'll work here, too.

Okay, so let’s go back to 2010 when there wasn’t a Klaine fandom, there was a Kurt fandom.  A lot of the BBO stemmed out of the Kurt’s Boyfriend Shipping wars of 2010.

Back then, there was just a Kurt fandom, and a lot of opinions about who he should date.  Believe it or not, Kurt was shipped a lot with the other guys on the show, there was a healthy dose of Kurt/Finn, but Kurt/Puck was huge, and there was a smattering of Kurt/Mike (I never really did see much Kurt/Artie now that I think of it, which is kind of funny in retrospect, but I’m sure it’s out there.)  Anyway - when the show announced Kurt was getting a boyfriend – well, things began to get heated up.

Three big ships emerged

Kurt/Sam - because the rumor was that Sam was originally supposed to be Kurt’s bf (probably not, but that rumor was big at the time).  Btw, they were the canoe ship (I have no idea why) and was also known as Kum (rolls-eyes).  This ship’s fanbase was so huge and lasted so long, that the show felt the need to address it head on in Season Two’s Rumours (not a joke).

Kurt/Karofsky - Also known as Kurtofsky, they were also called themselves the Pirate ship (god, Idk why, shipping wars are weird, yo).  These people were also really passionate, mostly about Dave, but liked the whole idea that Kurt would save Dave and they would have this weird - enemies to loves love affair or something.  I don’t know, I could never get past the squicky assault aspect, but whatever.

Kurt/Blaine - which. at the time, was… the biggest possibility? It’s funny cause the other two ships were just as big as the Klaine ship, and really the fighting became over who was going to be the best option for Kurt.

And that’s the thing.  Fans of Kurt were so passionate about who was best for Kurt, because everyone had seen him go through hell and back on the show, so his boyfriend needed to be perfect for him.  And you know who was perfect (at first) – Blaine.  More on that in a second…

However, Blaine brought his own bit of baggage – namely fans of Darren Criss (and/or Starkid fans).  Unlike Chord Overstreet or Max Adler, people knew who Darren was before he was on Glee.  So his own fandom joined in on the Klaine of it all.  At first it was all fine – as the shipping wars continued, it was less about Kurt vs Blaine and more about Klaine vs the other shippers.  Well, that was going to change….

Original Song happened and Kurt and Blaine got together ending the question of who would ultimately be Kurt’s boyfriend.  And things were nice and cozy headed into season 3.  You’d think the Kurt/Sam and Kurt/Karofsky ships would die out, but not really, they stuck around for a long time, and kinda morphed into something else.

See, The First Time happened.  And for the first time Blaine wasn’t the perfect prince that he was in season 2 – he had more of a developed personality, and more flaws.  And… some people didn’t like it.  (Also added to the mix was Sebastian – and the Seblaine and Kurtbastian ships were born, but those kinda go off on their own thing and I’m not really going to bring them up much here.)  Anyway, what really got fandom split was Dance With Somebody.

You had two sides of an argument, people who saw Kurt’s POV and people who saw Blaine’s POV – and guess what happened.  The two sides began to fight with each other over who was “right” in the argument.  (My god…) And thus started what fandom started referring to as The Better Boyfriend Olympics.

See - for reasons I don’t fully understand - instead of seeing that each of the boys have a fault and each were wrong in the episode, each side wanted to say that their side, and their POV was the correct way – that one boyfriend was more oppressed and the other was not as good a partner.

On the Kurt side, though, you had a lot of the old Kurt fans and ships who didn’t like Blaine (and/or didn’t want Blaine as his partner) so they vehemently decided that unless Blaine was the perfect boyfriend again, he didn’t deserve to be with Kurt.  Meanwhile, you had the Blaine fans, many of them Darren fans who wanted Blaine to have more depth to him than just being Kurt’s boyfriend, and not being Kurt fans first (or originally) they were going to push back at the Kurt fans who were lashing out at Blaine.

Compounding this was the fact that during season 3, there were so many cast members and characters that unless you were Finchel, you were begging for scraps and your featured episode to come along.  Meanwhile - Kurt got a ton of screen time, but didn’t sing much, while Blaine sang a lot more, but didn’t get much story.  The Kurt fans resented that Blaine was always singing.  The Blaine fans were annoyed that the Kurt fans resented it, and tried to remind the Kurt fans that Blaine barely got any development.

Either way, a war had begun.  And then The Break Up happened.

Now Kurt fans had a specific reason to point at – Blaine being a terrible boyfriend.  He cheated.  He’s terrible.  The end.

The fandom was not firmly split into sides - you were either a Kurt fan - a lot of them who HATED Blaine - partly because he was getting more attention at the time, partly cause he did sing more, partly because they were made up of Kurt ships that didn’t work out, and partly cause they saw so much of themselves in Kurt that they projected onto him their own feelings, and loving Blaine was not a part of that projection.  Or you were a Blaine fan - who spent a lot of time defending Blaine to the point of exhaustion, and became so resentful of Kurt that they wished Blaine could be with anyone else because Kurt (fans) didn’t understand Blaine and should just stop trying.

Weren’t there any Klainers you ask? Ha, well…. Klainers, people actually liked Kurt AND Blaine were stereotyped into two categories.  Category A) the really really loud fanbase (usually on Twitter) that harassed the creators, RM, Chris, Darren, various crew about Klaine every second that they got – to the point that it started to feel embarrassing (that’s probably my own projection).   Category B) People who thought (think) that Chris and Darren were (are) in a secret relationship.  (Spoiler alert they aren’t, never have been, and never will be.)  The two of these categories overlapped A LOT, and many of the fans of one boy or the other just disassociated completely.

You could still be a fan of the Klaine relationship, but you had a preference to which boy you were actually a fan of – you couldn’t like both, or else you were a Klainer, and that was not cool.  (I spent a long time NOT identifying as anything, and trying to make sure everything I did and said was equal – a) cause I was new to fandom and b) cause I hated that either one or the other of these characters were villainized so frequently.)

Anyway - Season 4 continued.  Adam showed up, and Kurt fans got all excited, but the problem was that a lot of them saw him as the perfect boyfriend again – not a real character but a prop that could make Kurt look good and be everything for Kurt.  Look, I liked Adam, I did, but he was underdeveloped, and this weird idea that your boyfriend needs to be perfect in order to be a functioning relationship is just unrealistic.  I digress.  Meanwhile, we didn’t get a lot of Kurt POV, which didn’t help things, and meant even more projection over his character.

Meanwhile, the Blaine fans had formed their own community, which became viciously defensive of him.  I think the whole fandom was toxic during this time for a lot of reasons, and I really wanted to quit it.  Many people did – the show wasn’t being fun anymore.

Season 5 came along, the boys got back together, tempers simmered, but the whole idea of the Better Boyfriend Olympics came back every time a conflict happened.  Arguments about who was the better boyfriend ensued, gatekeeping as to why their pick was best and why your opinion sucked still ran through the fandom.  Not helping was the fact that Cory had died, and the creators, actors, and crew – as well as media – was tired of Glee.

The one nice thing, though was that a lot of the old crowd had moved on by then, and there was an influx of newer people coming in during season 5 (and season 6) – they weren’t here for the season 3 droughts and season 4 wars, and brought in a newer and fresher perspective.

But still - we had the end of season 5 and the summer of spoilers and season 6 to get through.  At this point, the Kurt and Blaine camps had moved to their parts of the internet and really not speaking much to each other if they could help it.  When an argument happened on the show, the same kind of Better Boyfriend Olympics came up again – one boyfriend was worse than the other, and unless they changed xyz they were not good enough for the other.  But at this point, it was incredibly tiring.  I know that I was just ready for the show to be done with.

I should say, as an aside, not helping things were the rise of some rather vocal BNF-ish fans, who dug their heels in about their own opinions.  The refusal to even acknowledge that one side or the other might be right, or have valid points was not helping anything.  A lot of people on both sides refused to even listen to the points on the other side – and instead of being frustrated at the show, the creators, or whatever, they took it against each other, which wasn’t fun to watch either.

Season 6 happened - Blainofsky happened, and that killed enthusiasm for the season on both sides, most people just kind of wanted it to be over.  And then the ending came quickly, and I think a lot of people who were just plain unhappy about everything left for good.

The Better Boyfriend Olympics, or this weird competition that always pitted the boys and their fandoms against each other in the name of one being better than the other, leveled off after this.  I won’t give myself /that/ much credit - but one reason I created @todaydreambelievers was to give fans of both Kurt and Blaine a safe place where we could enjoy and discuss both boys without the BBO rearing its head.  And you know what – it did mend a few hearts.

For the most part, it’s been pretty quiet since.  Fandom is quieter, but I think the people who have come into it after the show has ended are a lot less judgmental and argumentative.  (I suppose it helps if you know how the story is going to end.)  And the cool thing, for me, is finding a group of people who enjoy Kurt and Blaine equally (or respectfully) – and reclaiming the name Klainer as a good thing.

I’ll end by saying this – it’s been relatively peaceful, even with the influx of new people throughout the years, but I have been seeing shades of BBO pop up again.  Look, you don’t have to like Klaine to be a fan of one or the other of them.  But there are a lot of terrible things going on in the world, a lot of things to be angry and get indignant about.  How a fictional couple was written ten years ago is not one of them.  Be respectful of people, and know that maybe the side you understand better isn’t the only side worth listening to.  ;)

////////////////////

So, I suppose that's part 1 of this full picture. Onto Part 2.

Here's the thing -- I've stayed, mostly, in my little tumblr buble over the past five years -- blissfully unaware that I suppose things were going on around me. Except... they really weren't. Until the pandemic happened, and Glee went to Netflix internationally, and a whole bunch of young kids grew up and started watching the show.

By the time I ended TDB in 2019, there weren't many of us left. I knew there was our small, dedicated group of fans. The tinhatters (the group who thought Chris and Darren were in some kind of relationship. spoiler alert -- they're not). And I know the Kurtbastian fans have been kicking around for a while. But no one was around in huge numbers.

And then boom - pandemic, and I'm shocked (not in a bad way) that this show has already seen a resurgence. The weirdest part, for me, is the fact that not only is history repeating itself -- seriously, people are bringing up old conflicts that have been dead for ages, and old shipping wars I never thought I'd see again -- but I think this new group's relationship with the show is much different.

I think that Kurt is a character whom a lot of people can still identify with. And because he's on his own in the first season, it's still easy to project yourself onto him. And then shipping goes from there. Blaine went from being the exciting option, omg are they really gonna do Klaine?? to -- hey Klaine is the boring canon choice, we can choose who we want for Kurt.

Layer over that years of Blaine hate still circling the interwebs. The echo chamber that Twitter and Tiktok create. And the fact that neither Chris or Darren seem to have the army of fans they once did (well -- Darren does, but they don't really watch Glee anymore). And you get this varied landscape of shipping.

No, some days it doesn't feel that different from the BBO days. The fact that I still get asks about Blaine and TFT car scene or Tested makes me feel like I'm back in 2013. Other times I'm perplexed by resurgences -- such as Kurtbasitan and Kurt/Sam. (Please don't bring back Kurtofsky guys)

But there's a saying -- Same Shit, Different Day.

I think there is an entirely different group of people than the original people watching, and their reasoning for shipping whatever is much different. But they've certainly come to a lot of the same conclusions that brought about the shipping wars in the early days.

At the end of the day - I think Kurt will always been a fandom mattress. But ship what you like and be nice to everyone else. There's enough hate in the world -- no need to dump on people's escapism.

[literaltrashforeverything]

m. osamu | good enough

》 miya osamu x fem!reader

↠ warnings: smut, oral (male receiving), soft sex, mentions of insecurity, slight blood warning

↠ word count: 6,519

↠ a/n: Putting some of my works from Ao3 onto Tumblr so if you see this on Archive don’t be alarmed lmao.  This is one of my personal favorite things I’ve written so I really hope it gets some attention :)

           “They’d make such a perfect couple.”

           “They’re both in love with volleyball and athletics, how could they not be in love?”

           “He’d be perfect for her.”

           “They’re like a match made in heaven.”

           Osamu almost agreed to every word the people around him spoke.  He listened with a forced smile as they babbled on about how perfect of a couple they’d make.  He wasn’t really a part of the conversation, but they spoke so loudly that he could hear every word.

           He wished he could suddenly go deaf the more and more they babbled on.

           “What about the other one?”

           “You mean his twin?  Oh, no, that’d never work out.”

           “Why not?”

           “Well. . . he just opened that restaurant and that’s just not the type of guy that would be good for her.”

           Osamu clenched his fists.  They must not know he’s here, or at least that he’s able to hear them.  Their families had always gossiped, even when they were three young children barely able to walk.

           Why wasn’t he good enough for you?  What made him any worse than Atsumu?

           He didn’t really want an answer, but he still got one.

           “You know. . . she needs to stay fit for volleyball. Besides, it’ll look better for her career if she’s with another volleyball player.”

           “Osamu is pretty fit.  He used to play volleyball.”

           “I know but he’s just. . . well, with that new restaurant opened it’s only a matter of time before he’ll start gaining weight.  Don’t you know how much that boy eats? He can’t keep all that weight away now that he’s out of volleyball.”

           “I guess that’s true. . .”

           Their words played on repeat in his head over and over every time he found himself in the gym, lifting weights.  He panted, arms trembling a bit as he worked on bench presses.  He was determined, and he refused to let himself gain the weight they said he would.

           Atsumu stared down at his counterpart, one brow raised.  He was spotting for him, but Osamu looked angry and he was paranoid it was his fault.

           “What’s with that look, ‘Samu?” he asked.

           “Nothin’.  I don’t have a look,” snapped Osamu.

           He knew it wasn’t fair to take it out on his brother. Atsumu never made any moves on you, not anything beyond the realm of being best friends.  Atsumu was an idiot, sure, but he knew when his brother was in love with someone.  He never mentioned it to Osamu, but they both knew.  You were off limits to ‘Tsumu, and neither of them were sure if ‘Samu was ever going to gather the courage to make a move on the girl he’d loved since childhood.

           Osamu’s biceps flexed as he pushed the weight up again. Atsumu was quick to recognize the signs of exhaustion.  Osamu had been at it for a while, pushing himself more than he usually did.

           Atsumu grabbed the weight from him and set it on the holder. Osamu’s grey eyes snapped up to him.

           “What the hell, ‘Tsumu?!” he sat up and glared at his twin.

           “One more press and you’d have dropped it on yer head,” Atsumu scoffed, “what the hell is yer problem?”

           Osamu clenched his fists.  He got up and grabbed his towel and water bottle.  To his annoyance, his brother followed him.  He completely disregarded his question and wiped some of the sweat from his face.  He took a glance down at his stomach, then flexed a little to check his arms.

           “Someone call ya fat or somethin’?” Atsumu questioned.

           “Shut up,” Osamu grumbled, “I’m not fat.”

           Atsumu didn’t like how quickly his brother defended himself. He crossed his arms over his chest, watching Osamu move to another machine.  He trailed after his twin and continued pushing.

           “Seriously, tell me what yer problem is—”

           “You’re my problem, Atsumu!” Osamu snapped.

           Instantly, Atsumu stopped pressing it.  They hardly ever called each other by their actual names unless it was something serious.  Clearly, his brother was really, genuinely upset.

           “Me?  What the hell did I do?”

           “Yer just so friggin’ perfect!  Mister fuckin’ perfect over here can get any girl he wants! What the hell to you got that I don’t?! We look exactly the same!  I exercise!  I ain’t fat and I don’t overeat jus’ cause I opened my own goddamn restaurant!  Why the hell am I the ‘other twin’?!  Why is it Atsumu an’ the other one?  Why ain’t it just Atsumu and Osamu?!  What the hell do I got that makes me inferior to ya?!”

           Osamu panted as he finished his rant, grey eyes glaring daggers into his shocked blond counterpart.  Atsumu didn’t know what to say.  Had people really been convincing his brother that he wasn’t good enough? That Atsumu was the better twin?

           Atsumu made plenty of jokes about being better, but he never actually believed them.  To him, Osamu was the better of the two.  Osamu knew it too.  He knew that if Atsumu had actually heard what people said, then he’d be the first one to stand up for him.  Atsumu would beat the hell outta someone talking shit about his twin brother, and Osamu knew it.

           And he still snapped it him. . .

           “Who told ya all that shit?” Atsumu muttered.

           “Doesn’t fuckin’ matter,” Osamu got up, shoving past his brother and heading to the locker room.  He could barely stand the sight of Atsumu.

           “You know that shit isn’t true!” Atsumu grabbed the back of Osamu’s black t-shirt.

           Osamu instantly recoiled.  He shoved Atsumu off him with as much strength as he could muster up, which, frankly, was a lot.  He glared at his twin and adjusted his shirt.  Atsumu glared back with the same amount of anger and his fists clenched.

           “Guys?  What happened?”

           Both boys whirled around to face you.  You stood not far from them, dressed in shorts and a tank top. Osamu couldn’t help but stare.  No matter how many times he saw you, even after all these years, you were still so beautiful to him.

           “’Samu’s being a fuckin’ prick is what happened,” Atsumu scoffed. “Said somethin’ about—”

           Osamu has never punched his brother so hard in his life. It was an impulse move, a bad one.  It wasn’t even the type of thing Atsumu would do, which made the dark-haired twin feel absolutely ashamed.

           He flicked his wrist, heaving as he stared at Atsumu who was on the ground covering his face.  You were kneeled beside him, panicking.  Other people in the gym noticed the commotion and came running over. Osamu clenched his fists, then stormed to the locker room without glancing back.

           He felt like the scum of the earth.

           He’d never changed so fast in his life.  He didn’t even bother to shower.  Osamu just grabbed his things and left.  He fumbled with his keys, grumbling under his breath.  He unlocked the door and pulled it open.

           Only for a hand to slam it closed.

           Osamu looked at you, who stood beside him looking furious. He gulped a little.

           “(Y/n)—”

           “What the hell was that, Osamu!?”

           Uh oh.  No nickname. He really was in trouble, and he deserved it, he knows he does.  You didn’t wait for an answer before you were continuing.  He just watched you pace.

           “You almost broke ‘Tsumu’s nose!  What the hell was your fight about that you punched him out of the blue like that and in public!  You and him have an image to uphold, ‘Samu!  Not only that, but you’ve been acting so weird lately!  It’s like you’re distancing yourself!  You’re always at the gym working out, you barely eat anymore, and now you’re beating Atsumu up in the middle of a gym!  And I don’t want any excuses!  I want the truth, Osamu!  Did something happen when we went back to Hyogo last week to see our families?  Don’t lie to me!”

           You were breathless when you finished talking, and staring up at his face with narrowed eyes.

           You knew the Miya twins better than anyone.  You’d been with them since the three of you were kids. You were their next door neighbor, and when your mother and theirs had become friends, so did you and the two boys.

           You were by their side through it all.  From the day they fell in love with volleyball (thus dragging you into it), to when you three attended Inarizaki, up to now with you and Atsumu being pro volleyball players and Osamu owning his own restaurant.  

           You were so proud of them both, and it was obvious that Osamu wasn’t proud of himself.

           Now that you called him out on all his bullshit, Osamu was completely embarrassed.  Luckily for him, he was really good at hiding his embarrassment.  Still, he felt stupid.  He didn’t think you’d notice.  You were busy with volleyball, just like Atsumu, so he never expected you to see that part of him.

           “You noticed all that?” he asked, gulping.

           “Of course I did, you idiot!” you smacked him on the side of the head.

           Osamu rubbed the side of his head, sighing.  He leaned back against his car and crossed his arms over his chest.  You stared at him, waiting for an answer.  He had to hold himself back from laughing, both at himself and you.

           You were probably the only person who had the guts to yell at him and his brother.  It’s not like girls commonly yelled at two 6’3 and very muscular guys.

           “I just. . .” Osamu sighed. “Well. . . yer mom said some things.”

           “My mom?  What the hell did she say?”

           Osamu felt stupider with every word he said.  He was walking a fine line.  He was on a tightrope of whether or not to confess his long-time feelings for you.  It would be easier to lie and say your mom thought volleyball was better than the food business.  Besides, you’d see right through it.  He’s not a good liar, he knows it, and he especially can’t lie to you when all you’d asked for was his honesty.

           Osamu averted his eyes.  He rubbed the back of his neck.

           “Well, uh, she said I wasn’t good enough for ya.  She said you and ‘Tsumu would be better because ya both play volleyball,” he confessed.

           It pissed him off just to say it out loud.  It made that insecurity bubble up again in his chest.

           “’Tsumu and I would be. . . better?  For what?”

           Osamu sometimes hated how clueless you could be.

           “She’s been wantin’ you and him to get together fer a long time, (Y/n),” he sighed, “she doesn’t want a guy like me steppin’ between you and my brother getting in a relationship.”

           Before he knew it, he was babbling.

           “Can’t even blame her.  Who’d want to date a guy like me?  Yer a volleyball player, yer athletic, ya need to stay healthy.  I’m not even playin’ sports anymore.  All I do is cook food and stuff my mouth full. I just. . . I didn’t wanna get fat like she said.  I didn’t wanna embarrass ya just in case I—”

           He stopped and shut his mouth.  You stepped forward, placing your hand on his arm.

           “. . . in case you what, ‘Samu?”

           Osamu turned to look at you.  You were close to him now, looking like the prettiest damn thing he’s ever laid eyes on.  You have always been so pretty to him and he’s so in love with every aspect of you that it hurts.

           He mustered up his courage and swallowed the lump of nervousness that’d built up in his throat.  He reached up to cup your cheek.

           “In case I ever got the courage to tell ya I’m in love with ya. . .” he muttered.

           Osamu loved the way your breath hitched.  He wanted to kiss you, he wanted to pull you against his body and taste you.  He wanted to do all the things he’d been afraid of doing, the things he was still afraid of doing.

           “’Samu, I-“

           “HEY DIPSHIT!”

           Osamu lurched his whole body away from yours.  He looked up to see his twin brother running at him. He choked on air, turning to dodge but ‘Tsumu was faster.  His foot collided with the back of his head and sent Osamu down to the ground.  He groaned loudly, gripping his head.

           “Fuuuck.”

           “That’s fer bein’ a fuckin’ asshole and almost breaking my nose!” Atsumu kicked him in the rib, and for once, Osamu took it because he knew he deserved it. “Next time I’ll break YOUR nose, ya fat prick!”

           “I am not fat!” Osamu snapped, glaring at Atsumu.

           No kidding about his nose.  It was bruised and he had two bloody wads of paper stuffed up in his nostrils.  His eyes were red and he was obviously in pain.  Osamu felt extremely guilty.  Atsumu gave him another solid kick to the ribs, before stubbornly holding out his hand for his twin.  He hesitantly accepted and let the blond pull him to his feet.

           You watched them, tiredly rubbing your temple.  It’s hard to believe that these two are actual adults.

           “Are you two done making each other ugly?” you asked, rubbing your temple.

           Atsumu scoffed.  He threw an arm around your neck and ruffled your hair.  You whined, punching his stomach to force him to let go.

           “Knock it off, ‘Tsumu!”

           “Not until a admit we’re not ugly.”

           “Never!”

           “Admit it, brat!”

           Osamu ran a hand through his tangled, dark hair.  He watched you and Atsumu, jealousy tugging at him to the core.  Like he always did, he put on a fake smile and leaned on his car.

           “I should go,” he said.

           You and Atsumu turned to him.

           “Wait, ‘Samu—”

           “Don’t worry ‘bout it.  I’ll see ya later, (Y/n).  And uh. . . ‘Tsumu,” he rubbed the back of his neck, “I’m sorry.”

           Osamu didn’t wait for an answer before he got into his car and left.  You and Atsumu watched him go.  The blond released you with a long, annoyed sigh.  He ran a hand through his hair.

           “What’a scrub.  I can’t believe he thinks he’s not good enough. . .” he muttered.

           You looked down at your feet, fists clenched at your sides. Osamu looked sad, distant.  He looked like he wasn’t content with his life and now you knew why.  He felt like he was inferior to his twin.  You felt like you should have recognized it, but you always loved him for just being. . . Osamu.  You didn’t compare him to Atsumu, not ever.  To you they were separate.  They weren’t just the twins.  They were Atsumu and Osamu, separate.  Because of your own view on them, you didn’t even recognize Osamu’s insecurity.

           You wondered how long it’d been there.

           “Atsumu. . . he. . . Osamu said he loves me,” you muttered to your best friend, “and I love him back but he doesn’t think he’s good enough for me.”

           “Wait, he finally told ya?”

           You looked up at him. “W-What do you mean ‘finally’?  How long has he felt like that?”

           Like a vice, Atsumu zipped his trap.  He raised his hand in mock surrender and turned away to make his way back to the gym.  You went after him.  You grabbed the back of his t-shirt and tugged.

           “’Tsumu, tell me!”

           “Just go ask ‘im yerself!” he protested, dragging you along as he continued walking.

           “What if he won’t answer me!?”

           Atsumu stopped.  He turned around and looked you dead in the eyes.

           “He will.  He won’t lie to you.”

           Osamu sighed as he entered his apartment.  It was down the block from his restaurant and honestly, he was wishing he went there instead.  It felt more like home sometimes.  He tossed his keys lazily on the coffee table, then kicked off his shoes and made his way to the bathroom for a shower.

           He couldn’t believe he actually told you he loved you then left you there with the guy who’d been his competition for his whole life. What if you liked ‘Tsumu?  What if you were like your mom and you thought the same way?

           He grumbled, standing beneath the hot water of the shower as his thoughts ran rampant.  He felt like a lovesick idiot.  He was a grown ass adult and here he was acting like a lovesick teenager.

           Osamu got out of the shower and got dressed.  He didn’t even bother to dry his hair.  He just glanced at it in the mirror, remembering back to a time when he used to dye it grey.  Now it’d grown out to it’s natural dark brown color.

           With a sigh, he headed to the kitchen to get started on his dinner.  He’d barely pulled out the ingredients before he heard loud knocking at the door.

           “I swear, if it’s Tsumu. . .” he grumbled, wiping his hands on his pants, before going to answer.

           He was not expecting to see you standing on the other side of the door when he opened it.  You jumped forward, practically leaping onto him and wrapping your arms around his neck.  He quickly caught you in his arms, stumbling back a little.

           “W-What the hell are ya doin’ here?” he sputtered.

           You clung onto him like a koala, legs wrapping around his waist while your hands clung onto the back of his Onigiri Miya t-shirt.  He kicked the door shut and brought you to his couch.  You didn’t let go of him until he sat down with you planted right on his lap.

           Your arms released him in favor of cupping both his chubby, red cheeks.  He stared at you with confused grey eyes.

           “How long?” you asked.

           His face went blank. “Huh?”

           “How long have you been in love with me?  ‘Tsumu said you ‘finally confessed’ like you’ve known for a while.” you explained.

           Osamu decided that the next time he saw his twin, he really was going to break his nose.  That damn bastard can never keep his mouth shut. . . He cleared his throat and awkwardly averted his gaze.

           “Ya seriously came all the way to my place to ask me how long I’ve been in love with ya?”

           “Well. . . yes. . .”

           He sighed and chuckled a little. “Wow.”

           “Shut up and tell me.”

           Osamu knew there was no getting out of this one.  He laid his arms over the back of the couch and looked at you.  You looked. . . hopeful?  Excited? He wasn’t even sure what emotion could be used to describe the expression on your face.

           “Probably since middle school,” he confessed.

           He sounded a lot more relaxed than he really felt.  Finally saying it out loud made his heart hammer in his ears, but it also lifted a weight off his shoulders that he didn’t even realize was there.  He didn’t realize the impact of hiding his feelings for all these years and regretted not saying something sooner.

           “M-Middle school?” your eyes were wide. “’Samu, why didn’t you—”

           “Say something?” he sighed. “Because you and ‘Tsumu would have made a better couple.”

           Your eyes widened even more.  Osamu ran a hand through his hair.

           “Ya guys both love volleyball way more than me.  Plus yer both just. . . well, fuckin’ perfect.  I never fit in that equation so I kept my trap shut.”

           Osamu winced when your hands slapped both of his cheeks. He grabbed your wrists lightly.

           “Hey, would ya quit slappin’ me?”

           “No, because you’re an idiot!” you snapped.

           “. . . huh. . .?”

           “You’re perfect, Osamu!  You’re amazing and you’re perfect to me!” you stared him dead in the eyes as you ranted. “You’re not inferior to Atsumu.  Just because you didn’t stick with volleyball doesn’t make you less than us! You love making food, you love it! We would never blame you for doing what you love to do!”

           Osamu was stunned, watching tears pool in your eyes as you continued.  Your arms went slack in his hands where he was holding your wrists.  You hunched forward, laying your head on his chest.

           “I’m in love with you too, ‘Samu.  You’re amazing in every way and you’re so handsome. . . I love you—I’ve loved you for years. . .”

           You fell a silent, letting your words hang in the air for him to process.  He could barely breathe.  His heart was hammering and he felt like he was floating.  You. . . love him?  You’ve been in love with him for years?

           Osamu let go of your wrists and grabbed your jaw, making you look at him.  He was acting entirely on impulse as he leaned forward and pressed his lips to yours. You were stunned for a moment, before returning the kiss.  His lips were warm and made your head spin as they moved against yours with a passion.

           One arm wrapped around his neck to bring him closer against you.  He caught your other hand with his and entwined your fingers.  His hand was big in yours and you were reminded how much bigger and stronger Osamu was, and yet he still managed to be the softest person you knew.

           His tongue swept across your bottom lip, begging for entrance. He wanted to taste all of you.  He didn’t want this to end.

           You parted your lips.  His hand squeezed yours as your tongues danced in a fight for dominance. Naturally, he won, and took his prize by pulling you closer against him.  You could feel his growing bulge press against your crotch.  A small moan left your lips.  You grinded against him, throwing your head back and exposing your neck to his hungry eyes.  Instantly, he was on you, lips attacking the soft skin of your neck.  He was soft with each kiss he placed on your flesh.  He didn’t leave any marks, no matter how much he wanted to.

           “S-Samu,” you moaned, tangling your fingers in his dark hair and tugging lightly.

           He’d be lying if he said he never imagined hearing you moan his name.  Hearing it now sent his heart soaring.

           Osamu grabbed you, holding you under your thighs as he stood up and began making his way to his bedroom.  You clung to his broad shoulders, peppering kisses along his neck as he walked.

           He laid you back on his bed.  You reached to him to pull him back to you.  He slipped off his shirt, before joining you in bed.  You let your hands trail down his chest and stomach.  He was muscular, built from years of volleyball and now from constant exercise. You loved the way he looked, but you felt bad that he’d been pushing himself so far just because he was worried he wasn’t good enough for you. . .

           The pads of your fingers brushed over the dark patch of hair that trailed into his pants.  Your cheeks instantly flushed and you pulled your hand back like he’d burned you.

           Osamu just chuckled a little.  He crawled over you, pressing his lips against yours and holding his weight up on his arms.  You held his cheeks, savoring the taste of him while he all but stole the air from your lungs.

           His lips parted from yours and began peppering kisses down your neck.  You tangled your fingers in his dark hair.  It’s so soft compared to the dyed version back in high school.  He left soft kisses over your clothes chest all the way down to your waist where his hands slipped beneath the fabric of your shirt. You lifted your back off the bed as he began slipping it off your body.

           It’s funny. . . you can’t remember the last time you were embarrassed in front of Osamu.  But now, with him staring down at your body, you could feel embarrassment seeping in. It’s hard to believe someone as attractive as him, best friend or not, would ever be in love with you.  He didn’t even know how amazing he was.

           “Fuck. . .” he muttered, running his hands over your sides. “Yer so damn pretty.”

           You sat up, pressing your lips to his.  You didn’t let the embarrassment set in, and before you knew it, you were pulling off your bra.  Osamu watched your breasts spill from the undergarment, his eyes shining.

           He felt like a virgin all over again when his hands snapped up to cup them.  You were on another level, so perfect and pretty and all for him.  A possessive side he didn’t know he had kicked in and he imagined being the last man on earth to see this.  He wanted to be with you forever.

           Osamu groaned when he felt your hand brush over his bulge.  He was grateful when you unzipped his pants.  He helped you shimmy them off his long legs, kicking them aside somewhere with the rest of your clothing.  He wasn’t satisfied.  He wanted you naked.  He wanted to see all of you.  He wanted it all and for once he was content with being greedy like his brother.

           His hands fervently tugged the shorts off your legs and threw them aside with more strength than he intended.  He ran his hands along your soft legs, admiring them. He had plenty of chances to admire them when you were in shorts on the court, and he couldn’t help but get a little possessive.

           “Osamu,” you murmured, snapping him from his daze.

           You held his jaw and turned his head toward you.  It felt like a dream when your lips were against his again.  He savored the way your hands ran over his chest.  You pushed him down on his back and shifted yourself so you were straddling him.

           His big hands naturally found themselves on your hips. He gulped, watching you pepper kisses down his chest and abs.  You looked anxious as your fingers delicately hooked on the waistband of his boxers. He lifted his hips off the bed as you tugged them off his legs.  He squeezed your lips and let out a small sigh of relief, no longer feeling constricted.

           Still, he was embarrassed to have you seeing him so exposed.

           You cautiously wrapped your hand around the base of his cock. His fingers dug into your skin as you pumped his length.  He couldn’t help but smirk a little because he could tell you were nervous.  At least he wasn’t self-conscious about that department.

           “(Y/n),” he spoke. “Don’t feel pressured.”

           You could practically melt at the sound of his voice in that moment.  It was deepy, raspy.  It was beautiful, just like everything about him.  You wanted to do this.  You wanted to prove that he was good enough for you.  Too good for you, even.

           Instead of answering, you leaned down.  You peppered soft kisses along his shaft.  His breath hitched.  He watched your lips wrap around his tip.  You bobbed your head slowly, savoring the taste and weight of him in your mouth.  Osamu groaned with each pump, throwing his head back into the pillows.  Even so, he couldn’t tear his eyes away.  You were so goddamn pretty.  So fucking perfect and he was on top of the world.

           And, for the first time in almost his whole life, he felt worthy.

           You were so soft.  Everything about you was soft.  Your lips, your words, your skin, your mind.  He wanted to take it all for himself and never share it with anyone. He wanted to be the last guy in your life because he wanted you with him forever.

           He sucked in a breath as he watched you go down on him. Just watching you made it difficult for him to hold himself back.  He would come too soon if you kept on, and that was the last thing he wanted.

           Osamu sat up, wrapping an arm around you and tugging you off him.  You looked at him with flushed cheeks.  He swiped his thumb over your bottom lip, brushing away the saliva.  You were breathtaking, even now, and Osamu Miya was so entirely in love.

           He pushed you back on the bed, resisting the urge to kiss you so he could pull off your last article of clothing.  Even such a small piece made all the difference to him.  He couldn’t believe this was you.  This was the same girl he’d known since his childhood.  The same one who used to bathe with him and Atsumu when they were almost too young to remember.

           “Fuck,” he breathed, “yer the prettiest goddamn thing.”

           Warmth swelled in your chest.  You couldn’t resist reaching up to wrap your arms around him.  Your lips were against his in a haste, moving and tongues entwining.  His hands roamed the expanse of your thighs, pushing them apart enough for his hips to fit between them.

           He brushed his hand over your folds, swiping a finger through them to gather up your fluid.  You moaned into his open mouth, and he drank it in like you were the last drop of water in a desert.  The sounds you made were equally as pretty as you are.  He slipped a finger into you, pumping slowly.  Your back arched off the bed from the minor stretch. You threw your head back and bit your swollen bottom lip.

           “’Samu,” you moaned.

           Fuck, if he wasn’t in love with the sound of his name on your lips.

           “Say my name,” he mumbled, leaning down to press kisses into your jawline, “say it.”

           He needed to hear it.  He wanted to hear it.  If he had a choice, he’d want you to be the only person who ever got to say his name from this moment forward.

           “Osamu, please,” you begged. “I need you.”

           He pulled his hand away.  You breathed heavily, chest heaving as his hips fit easily between your open thighs.  He fit perfectly, like a puzzle piece you always needed.  He lined the tip of his cock with your soaked entrance, gathering up your essence, before beginning to press in.

           You back arched off the bed as he stretched you. He groaned deeply, lips crashing onto yours while his hands shot down to hold onto yours.  He pressed them into the mattress at either side of your head, fingers entwining with yours and you’ve never felt so safe.  Osamu was the definition of safe, you had no doubt.

           You kissed him sloppily as his hips finally pressed against yours and he was fully inside you.  He was warm, big.  He felt so perfect.  To him, you were perfect. You took him so well and he could feel the way his chest swelled with pride.

           “Osamu, more,” you begged, squeezing his hands.

           He pulled his hips back, before bringing them back to yours.  Every thrust was slow, but hard.  He loved the way you sang his name.  Normally, he was quiet during sex but for you he supposed he could sing a little.  It was hard not to.

           “Fuck, fuck, fuck,” he groaned, “yer so fucking perfect.  I’m so in love with ya.  I want more, I want all of ya.”

           “Y-Yours, ‘Samu!  I’m yours!” you cried for him, clinging onto his every move.

           He wanted to kiss you so bad but he wanted to hear your sounds more.  He wanted to keep admiring the beautiful faces you made for him as you moaned his name and let him fuck you like a man driven wild by love.

           “Yer my pretty girl—fuck—I’m so fuckin’ lucky. How’d I get so goddamn lucky?” he panted.

           One of his hands released yours and moved to hold your jaw.  The temptation became too much.  His lips were pressed into yours while his hips snapped into yours.  He kept the same pace, wanting to drag this moment out for as long as possible because part of him was terrified it would never happen again.  Part of him still wasn’t sure if this was a dream or reality.

           He’d savor it no matter what.

           Osamu groaned at the feeling of your nails scraping down his back.  His hips snapped forward harshly, resulting in a squeak from you that he quickly swallowed as he pulled you into another kiss.  His other hand released yours to move down between your legs and rub your clit. You were screaming for him, begging for more and he wasn’t the type of man to ignore what you want.

           He picked up his pace, breathing heavily. You were close, he could feel it with the way your walls squeezed around his cock.  He was close too.

           “Shit, shit, shit!” he panted.

           “Fuck!  ‘Samu, I’m so close!” your fingers tangled in his hair, tugging rather harshly that resulted in another harsh snap of his hips.

           “Come on, fucking let go for me, baby girl,” he groaned.

           Your whole body trembled when he brought you over the edge.  He hissed a little, continuing to snap his hips at a faster pace than before.  He was chasing his own high as you screamed in euphoria for Osamu.

           The arms holding up his weight flexed and wobbled as he finally reached his high.  Your legs were tight around his hips, not letting him slip out as he came.  He breathed heavily, giving slow thrusts as he came down. You whimpered a little with oversensitivity.  He stopped, now just staring down at your face.

           You and him just stared at one another, breathing heavily.  A droplet of sweat slid down the bridge of his nose and dropped down onto your collarbone. You reached up, arms wobbly, and pushed his dark hair from his face.  You could feel his own arms wobbling as he struggled to hold up his weight.  He was exhausted, both from the gym and from this.

           “It’s okay, ‘Samu,” you murmured.

           He let out a long breath, before falling on top of you.  You giggled a little despite his weight crushing you a bit.  He rolled over before he could suffocate you.  You rolled over, resting your head on his bicep as his fingers played with your hair.  You ran your hands over his chest, still breathless but this time it was because of how totally in love with Osamu Miya you are.

           “I love you,” he spoke first.

           You smiled, looking at his face. “I love you too.”

           A soft silence settled in the room.  You shut your eyes, cuddling up against Osamu’s side.  No official question was asked, even though it was itching at the tip of his tongue, but you both knew who you belonged to.  He took pride in being yours, but had even more pride in the fact that you were his.

           “Are ya hungry?” he blurted suddenly, feeling a weird need to make sure you were fed and hydrated.

           You yawned a little. “Yeah, I’m pretty hungry and your cooking is always the best, Samu.”

           He chuckled a little.  He reluctantly dragged himself out of bed and made his way to the bathroom.  He came back with a washcloth and got you and himself cleaned up.  He lazily tossed it aside into the far corner of his room. You grumbled and got out of his bed. With wobbly legs, you slipped on your panties along with the Onigiri Miya shirt he’d been wearing earlier.  He threw on some sweats and a different t-shirt.

           Once dressed, the two of you walked to the kitchen hand-in-hand.

           “Hey.  Have fun?”

           You and Osamu froze in the doorway, staring at the obnoxious blond twink who was sitting on Osamu’s counter eating his cereal straight from the box.  Atsumu’s eyes narrowed.  He had bandages over his nose now and honestly looked like a whole mess.  His blond hair stuck up in every direction and he didn’t even bother to change out of his bloodied t-shirt from earlier.

           Osamu’s brow twitched.  Embarrassment and anger flowed through him.  He wanted nothing more than to punch Atsumu’s lights out but he’d already done that earlier so he decided against it—

           “I expected to come over and find ya guys wholesomely cooking food together,” Atsumu huffed. “Naturally, I had to come steal some but instead I hear ya dipshits goin’ at it like rabbits and now I have’ta eat ceral for dinner.”

           “WHY DON’T YOU EAT YER OWN DAMN FOOD, ‘TSUMU!?” Osamu threw the nearest object at his brother, which happened to be a magnet from the fridge.

           “Because ya owe me for breakin’ my fucking nose!”

           “Can I not have some fuckin’ privacy!?” Osamu hissed.

           You sighed, rubbing your temple tiredly.  You walked to Osamu’s fridge and dug through for something simple to make some food while the twins continued arguing. Eventually Osamu got Atsumu out of the kitchen by bribing him with a clean, non-bloodied shirt.  Now a shirtless Osamu was making you and him sandwiches.

           You leaned your front against his broad back, wrapping your arms around his middle and watching him make the sandwiches.

           Atsumu peeked his head around the doorway, eyes narrowing a little.

           “Ya dumbasses are finally official, right?” he asked.

           Osamu’s brow twitched.  You grabbed his hand to keep him from throwing the butter knife at his brother.

           “Yeah, we are,” you answered.

           “Fuckin’ about time.  I was getting real sick of watchin’ ya fawn over each other for years,” he waved his hand then left the apartment.

           You and Osamu stood there in silent embarrassment for a few minutes.  Atsumu’s words sank in.

           “This whole time. . .” you trailed off.

           “He knew it the whole time and didn’t say a word. . .” Osamu let out a long sigh. “I hate him.”

           You laughed.  You and Osamu sat at the dining table.  He tugged you onto his lap while the two of you happily enjoyed your sandwiches. He was content, more content than he’d ever been in his whole life.  He kept an arm wrapped loosely around your waist just to keep himself grounded because this wasn’t a dream.

           This wasn’t a dream.  You were here.  You were with him, his girlfriend, and you were just as in love with him as he was with you.  He was good enough all along and he felt stupid for never seeing it.

           . . .

           “What will yer mom say when she finds out?” he asked.

           “She can suck my dick,” you huffed, “I love you and that won’t change.”

           “Hm. . . Well, ya know, my mom will be happy that yer finally dating one of us.  She’s been begging us to marry ya since middle school.”

           “Seriously?” you turned to him with a stunned expression. “What did you say?”

           Even more surprising was the fact that Osamu was grinning.  He propped his elbow up on the table and rested his chin in his open palm.  He stared at you with all the love in the world.

           “I told ‘er I was gonna be the one to marry ya.”

[bokutoisbestowl]

Fem!S/O; Meetings, Feelings and Futures: Kenma, Aone and Kyoutani

Thank you so much @kara-grayson04 for requesting!! 💞💞 I hope you enjoy it and that its good enough!!

Also thank you for requesting for Aone that man makes me S O F T 🥺🥺🥺

So I’m going to be introducing a master taglist, but it'll be limited to about 40-50 people, so please don’t hesitate to ask!! SMAU’s will have their own separate, unlimited taglist (unless Tumblr has some limitation I don’t know about) that you'd have to ask to be added to separately. 

The headcanons may be a bit shorter than usual just because of it being multiple characters but I hope you guess still enjoy it! Feedback is always welcome!

As always, requests are: O P E N

Kenma

You two met during high school, through Kuroo of course. see, rooster boy thought that having another game obsessed friend would make Kenma come out of his shell a little bit

little did he know that it wouldn’t change a thing apart from the fact that he now had two nerds to look after

at first, Kenma didn't really think much of it, you were just another person who befriended Kuroo and would most likely see around quite a lot.

when he saw you, he would be polite and node or mumble his greetings but that was about it at first. You were similar in a way and honestly Kuroo almost regretted it. 

almost

Kenma didn't know when it happened, all he knew was that one day he just saw you and blushed like a mad man after realising just how beautiful you were. He didn’t know why you, a simple acquaintance (at least) suddenly became the only thought in his mind

he loved how patient you were with him, even when he was being bluntly analytical of everything, you would simply smile whereas someone else would have complained or just left

he remembers speaking to you about his distaste for hot and cold weather, saying there was not in between. one was too hot, the other too cold and you just nodded along 

“That's why I prefer spring and autumn, they're the transitioning seasons so the weather can be more balanced.”

Kenma is just shook that you didn’t point out the obvious that well, one is summer and the other is winter.

you two just starting talking a lot more and Kenma starting falling deeper and deeper and so you did you

although you managed to keep it hidden a bit better but not by much

you two would always look over each others shoulders when playing games together, trying to help each other out and occasionally will discuss games seriously; their design, animation, mechanics basically a range of things

you two became friends quickly after actually talking to each other and his feelings only really became clear when you were absent from school one day

he started texting you straight away, hearing from Kuroo that you were ill and home because your parents still had to work. Surprisingly, he’d managed to convince Kuroo to let him check up on you after practice since your parents worked late

both were shocked seeing you covered in blankets with a red nose, teared up eyes (from all the sneezing) and an exhausted aura opening the door, Kuroo quickly getting Kenma to take you to your room whilst he looked for food to give you

Kenma made sure you were covered with a blanket, grabbing a cold towel to place on your forehead. But rather than sit in silence, he because quietly talking about the newest game, smiling when you became discussing it as well

honestly this boy was falling in deep

collabs are a must when you two create your youtube channels in University, whether it was gaming, challenges or vlogs, around half of yours and his videos always include the other person

your fans are starting to ship you to together, Kuroo being their leader

little did they know you two had been dating since your third year, Kenma having awkwardly gotten his sims character to ask your sims character out on a date and then asking

“So... should we go out for real or?”

you agreed instantly of course

Uni had gone passed easily and your relationship remained strong throughout the years, going on dates every Thursday (both in real life and on any game you could manage)

when you weren't going out on dates, you two were lounging in your shared room or sitting in the living room of the house playing games or watching movies

Life got better after he proposed

he did it after graduation in the celebratory dinner, with help from Kuroo and some of you University friends

you could tell he was slightly embarrassed but luckily it was a private dinner in your residence so he wasn't that bothered. Of course he wanted it to be private but he also lowkey wants to show your relationship off like

“Look at this beautiful woman I am asking to marry me. Like if she says yes i’ll be shook.”

and he was.

Your daughter came along soon after the wedding which was much more simple than anyone expected. You two got married in the back garden of your childhood friends in front of close family and friends.

Pregancy was difficult, but it did give you time to actually play some games rather than having to work all the time plus your YouTube Channel became a family channel

Kenma was forever supportive, reading up on what to expect and how he can help. He never really asserted himself as the type of partner to tell you not to do something, he knew you understood your limitations and so left you to it

but he was always by your side, no matter what

And when Kanna was born, you both fell in love all over again. She was the perfect mixture of you both, with Kenma’s shy, introvert personality and your socialable, patient personality 

honestly Kenma was glad of it, knowing that being a major introvert can sometimes be harmful, but he knew his daughter would be fine.

if not then BET he will do everything he can to make sure any problem gets solved quickly

his favourite thing though? 

Coming home from work to find his two girls asleep on the sofa

Kanna cuddled up ontop of her mother and you holding your daughter securely in your arms, the two of you breathing softly

calm and serene

it was that he though of when he came up to you one night, wrapping his arm around your waist gently and kissing your shoulder

“...Lets have another.”

Aone

You were on the train when he first saw you properly. Of course he’d seen you around school but didn't really think much of it since his school mates never really spoke to him anyway

something about him being too intimidating to approach (rude)

BUT on the day when the two of you met, the train was way too crowded and you were honestly suffering. getting crushed between bodies or walls daily was getting exhausting and you couldn;t take much more

thankfully you spotted an empty seat and Aone. It wasn;t that you were hesitant because of him, no, you just didn’t want to disturb him if it happened to be that he liked to be alone. but it wouldn;t hurt to ask, right?

so carefully you walked across the train and smiled at him politely, nodding towards the seat next to him

“hello Aone, would you mind if I sat next to you?”

HOLY SHIT HE WAS SOFT IMMEDIATELY

this baby nodded and stiffened as you sat down, he couldn’t believe you’d actually done it and that you seemed so calm and relaxed. did he not scare you??

the two of you sat in silence but that was fine with Aone because someone was sitting next to him

both of you were surprised when you got off at the same stop, you smiling shyly up at him as he let you off first. you were surprised once again to find him walking the same way as you

you walked next to him silently, enjoying his company until it was time to head your separately ways

“Well, thank you for letting me side beside you Aone, I really appreciate it... do you... think I could sit next to you again.. tomorrow?”

he quickly nodded, blush rising from his next to the tips of his ears

you two soon fell into a pattern, whenever you would see each other you would smile and wave, him returning the kind gesture - even at school time which made a lot of people curious and weary 

eventually you began waiting for him after practice, quietly waiting outside the gym and smiling when he would come out. he would always nod, giving you a look that you recognised as him saying “please wait a few more minutes” as he went up to get changed

will forever be surprised to see you still standing outside waiting for him

it would always be the same, quiet routine with Aone allowing you on the train first so you could sit first or get the last seat and he would simply stand in front of you, watching over you like a guardian of some sort

on occasions where the train was fully packed, he would gently guide you to a rail - oddly thankful for his intimidating nature since it would lead to people making room for you

once it starts to get darker, Aone refuses to let you walk home alone and goes out of his way just to make sure you get home safely. 

you were grateful for it though, simply because of the company

your parents met him once and they loved him. it was like they could also see his kind nature, smiling at him and always thanking him for getting their daughter home safely

he would always nod and bow politely

honestly he adores you because goddamn it finally someone isn't scared of him

goes out of his way to ensure your safety, happiness and comfort. listens to your every word. sometimes he’ll respond to you and sometimes he speaks with his eyes but either way he (and you) are content in each others presence 

your relationship moved quickly, dating after only a few months of properly knowing each other but neither of you would have it either way

you supported him in his volleyball career as much as you could, coming to his games or cheering him on when you couldn't make it. If playing is what he wanted to do alongside work then you were happy as long as he was

will bring you flowers and replaces those flowers once they die

all he asks is for kisses 

despite the quick beginning, it took four years for you to get married and another two for you to have your children. 

the wedding was beautiful, all your friends and family there, even his old high school friends (including the third years from back in his second year)

everyone was happy that this guy finally found love

the pregnancy was unplanned, and you were both shocked.

you’d missed your period and decided to take a test, Aone came home to you on the sofa, holding some baby shoes that you had gotten during the day to surprise him with

he was s h o o k

imagine both your surprise when you found out you were having twins

when you went into labour, Aone was terrified that his children would be scared of him, but his thoughts were quickly shoved aside when he heard his son cry out. and then his daughter

his heart was beating so fast, man was thankful they were in a hospital.

your son, Reo, calmed in your arms leaving your daughter, Aoi, to her father.

she cooed instantly and was labelled daddy’s girl

straight away

Reo was a lot like Aone in that he was oddly silent, even for a baby, you guessed he must have picked up on it and just went with it

Aoi was more like you, the talker of the pair and smiles all around

it was one day when he was watching the three of you play that he chuckled to himself, smiling happily.

Once upon a time his concern was that no one would sit next to him on the train

now it was that one day his daughter would get a boyfriend

god bless that boy

“Aoi, boys who are friends are okay. Boyfriends are banned.”

“Daddy... what’s a boyfriend?”

Kyoutani

Okay so ya’ll met under bad circumstances. and by that I mean he shoved passed you and knocked you on your ass, not even sparing a glance to you as you walked passed.

a bunch of the male students were immediately shouting at him for being rude to a girl, female students coming to help you up whilst the culprit just sulked off somewhere

you were a first year, friends to Kindaichi and Kunimi and also lowkey manager of the team

you had heard that Iwaizumi was having to take up some of the role and felt bad, since you were there watching your boys anyway you thought might as well so you spoke to him and Oikawa about applying for the position

You were SHOCKED to find him there, like how did a guy that unsociable get into a club??

you soon found out about the teams troubles with him and realised that it’s just his personality

but he was good at the game, despite stealing a few of Kindaichi’s sets and just being plain rude. But you loved how he was with Oikawa, laughing quietly to yourself as the older boy pouted when he was being ignored

Kyoutani thought nothing of you at first, you were just some girl he’d bumped into but then he saw you in club and was annoyed

did you follow him here to scold him cause it wouldn’t work

but then he saw how kind and attentive you actually were and boy was soon blushing (but only slightly)

it pissed him off whenever you went to Iwaizumi or Oikawa because obviously he saw Iwaizumi as the big dog and Oikawa was.... Oikawa so gross 

was also surprised when you came over to give him a towel, because he thought he’d scared you off with his rudeness

blinks before nodding and wiping he face, feeling your presence move before swiftly catching your wrist

“Sorry... ‘bout before”

you just smiled and nodded at him, when he let you go (he was receiving looks off of Iwaizumi otherwise he could have stayed like that staring into your eyes for the rest of practice) you went back to your friends, laughing at Kindaichi as he demanded for information

Oddly enough he became a lot calmer when you were around because you were call him out for his mistakes

“That wasn’t your set Kyoutani, you need to wait otherwise your spikes won’t be as strong as they usually are and might get blocked easily.”

honestly you didn’t know if your words were actually helping but he seemed to take them in a wait for Oikawa to actually set to him

it didn’t work all the time however, in actual matches he got so into it that he just forgets and acts out

Oikawa and Iwaizumi sometimes look to you to calm him down, again sometimes it works and sometimes all you can do is shrug and say you tried

no one is sure of when you two started hanging out or dating but it just kinda happened

like one day you just kinda went “yeah he’s my boyfriend” and visa versa

he would walk you home on the grounds of Iwaizumi telling him to

you walked home alone because Kindaichi and Kunimi didn't live near you and Iwaizumi just turned to mad dog like “Walk her home. We need to make sure our manager gets home safely.”

everyone thought he’d put up a fight but he just turned, grabbed your hand and starting walking.

will continue to hold your hand and actually intertwine your fingers if he sees other boys walking past you two

kinda like a claim? but a sweet one like

“back off she’s mine”

you were sad when, a year later, he graduated but he always came back to walk you home at the end of day like routine

like I said before, no one was sure when you two started dating they just knew he was soft for you but still growly and glaring

you didn't mind though because he treated you gently

you got pregnant after you left high school and starting working. well, a few years into your job you got pregnant.

totally unplanned and definitely outside of marriage

your mothers were like “excuse me. what”

he proposed a few days later

I say proposed

you two were led in bed and he just turned around and said “you wanna get married or what?”

you legit just nodded all chill like and said “sure why not”

instant grin and kisses because he loves the playfulness

you ended up having a son who was exactly like his father and finally

after all these years

Kyoutani got a taste of his own medicine

“He’s such a fucking little shit.”

“He’s your son smh.”

Itsuki was born with a scowl on his face, Kyoutani was sure of it. he swears to whatever god he can that he saw it with his own eyes

but there are some moments where he remembers just how much he loves his son

but in all seriousness, seeing his son take after him so much fills him with joy and he’s so happy that they have that little mad dog

any future children (daughters) will be well protected

“Mommy... I want a baby brother.”

Kyoutani just sits there grinning

“You heard the rascal.”

●●●●

Master Taglist: Ask to be added whilst you can!!

@reinyrei

[stvllioner]

Busty S/O w/ Nipple Piercings HCs

Tamaki x Reader // Mirio x Reader // Bakugo x Reader // Todoroki x Reader

warning(s): sexual content, hint of debauchery.

a/n: tumblr had originally decided to delete the whole draft to this after working on it all day. :D also big shout-out to @kingtamakimurder​ since it i(wa)s her birthday so happy birthday my beautiful goddess! i hope you enjoy this one~ but i was so excited to write this. thank you anon! 🎂💖

SFW

Tamaki: 

Tamaki hadn’t seen you in what felt like ages and he was so glad to see you again.

when you were abroad for about 7 months and he missed you so much he was practically bouncing in anticipation to see you back again.

when youre finally at his house and in his arms hes ready to have you in his arms and smothering you in his embrace.

it was when he had finally seen you in his eyes again, in the flesh and he could tell something was... off about your appearance.

not in a bad way, but for some reason he found himself staring at your chest but it isnt long until you tell him the news.

“Tamaki I got nipple piercings!”

“N... What?!”

he’s honestly surprised at first that you got something like that, eyes almost jumping out of his skull when you show him the piercing an immediate erection is brought to his dick.

it was hard enough for him to hold back the need to look at you with your normal shirts, but they were calling his name.

“W-Wow... i-it looks l-lovely...” He mumbles not really sure what to say, eyes trained on the silver studs that allured him more than he was anticipating.

he couldnt wait to get his hands on them.

Mirio:

when Mirio first sees you youre in the healing process.

and it takes him a minute to really process the news, eyes watching pure curiosity as to why and how you would even get the piercing.

“Oh wow... It looks super good!” Is all he can really say, speechless for the first time in his life.

without it having any sexual context behind it, he is one too touch them, curious as to how they feel under his fingers.

“Wow! They feel so cool.” 

he’s a tease so he’ll be one to just come up behind you and feel em’, using them to tease you.

“M-Mirio!” “Oh come on, they were staring at me first~”

hes such a dog, you have to make sure to keep an eye on his hands in public so he doesnt do anything risky.

Bakugo:

welp

same story as before.

“Heh, you better careful before you have get them done again-”

“Katsuki!” 

this boi cannot behave. him. self. basically the actual perverted version of mirio. this boi aint pure, he just likes to mess with you.

lets out an obnoxious whistle when he sees you come around, thoroughly enjoying the embarrassed look you get when you try to shut him up.

always has a raging boner cos’ his hot girlfriend makes it stand up.

hes one to try and convince you some other piercings~

to say in the least, hes very supporting and offering to help you heal!

its only what a horny amazing boyfriend will do~

shamelessly stares and doesnt care if youre in public or not.

he makes sure to be discreet about it, relishing in the feeling of having it under the pads of his fingers makes him so incredibly hard, its basically torture before he can play with them the way he wants to.

Todoroki:

Todoroki is amazed, really.

he cant fathom the thought or feeling of having a needle and some other metals going through his nipples -- for any reason at that.

even with that, he cant stop the small bubbling in his stomach at how it fits you so well he doesnt have really much to say.

“It looks... nice.”

“Thank you Sho~”

but he has the weird impulse to want to touch them?

the way they provactively poke out from your shirt (and emphaszied by your breasts) makes him almost on the edge all the time.

he always had a habit of just admiring your looks and looking at you, but it seems like a much bigger distraction with the piercing teasing at the fabric of your shirt.

admittedly he does get a lil hard looking at your chest-

even though most of thoughts are vanilla about your piercings, theres a part to him that just really wanna how sensitive your nipples are now.

NSFW

Tamaki:

he tries taking it slow but he is so eager to just play with them.

at first hes just softly touching them, trying to help you ease the feeling actual pressure of someone else’s fingers.

“D-Does this feel okay~?”

boi is soft.

likes to flick them and watch how sensitive your bundle of nerves are now that youve got piercings.

is very eager to suck on them and use anything he can to tease you and hear all the noises he can get from you~

his favourite thing to do with them is to suck on them, since he doesnt get too wild (most of the time) he likes to give them good sucks.

definitely moans and groans feeling them on his tongue.

he also thoroughly enjoys fondling them and playing with the nipples because of the way your body responds to him.

you getting nipple piercings are probably one of the best things that you have ever surprised him with.

Mirio:

hes a little careless with his handling, but he doesnt hurt you.

mirio is such a dog, he likes tweaking and pulling at your nipples enough to get small moans from you and presses to get louder ones.

most of the time he doesnt really use his mouth in fear he’ll get too carried away.

“Fuck you’re so sexy like this, Y/N~” 

tit fucks you more often to watch how your tits bounce so alluringly because of your piercings.

if you want to get cock up instantly, just wear one of your see-through shirts because it will give him an instant boner.

(he does prefer thing more tho)

hes just so much of a perv, he likes the thought he has to elude what really underlies underneath the top~

definitely prefers you to be on top so he can see them bounce.

avid fan of flicking your nippies cause why not? more opportunities to hear you whine~

goes feral if you wear his favourite piercings.

Bakugo:

well 

so his emo ass LOVES the piericings on you.

his hands are basically glued to your chest.

is not innocent or soft (unless teasing you), hes usually rough and unforgiving.

likes to pull and bite at them, his cock rock hard when you plead for him to be softer but you get wet anyways~ what do you REALLY want, y/n~?

“You’re so wet~ I bet you like me playing with your tits like this huh~?”

isnt afraid to get rough, is calculated tho -- dont get him wrong.

hes a beast but not a full on sadist.

loves to suck on them and roll his tongue over the studs, sucking roughly on your nipples.

(vocal on how addictive it is to suck on em’)

is definitely a moaner when fucking with them.

likes to poke his dick on your tit to tease them and also increases in tit fucking you.

just know that your nipples may now always be oversttimulated now because of all of the attention he gives you.

be prepared to share the same fate if you ever fall through with him convincing you for clit piercings-

Todoroki: 

hes like Tamaki, is slow, sensual and soft.

so soft it makes you more sensitive without him knowing it.

“Tell me if I’m being too rough.”

no sir, youre being too soft.

unintentionally edges you and makes you so frustrated!

when he catches on he is easily one of the cockiest teasers on earth.

he doesnt really change anything in the bedroom, but he definitely gropes you more.

also loves to *change* your studs and give them a nice rub when hes finished, a suck each one for you sitting and obeying him without any complaints.

yes, change. 

Todoroki’s are a different breed of fucking perverted.

isnt much of a titty fucker but does enjoy cumming on your tits because it looks nice~

Shouto is indifferent, but not really.

just keep on your toes for when he’s ready to pounce~

[prettyinlimegreenboots]

It’s been a long time since I’ve put fingers to keys. I’ve had some amazing cheerleaders here on Tumblr who have helped me get out of my writer’s block and actually put pen to paper. As always, feedback is most appreciated!

Warnings: cursing

Prompt: my neighbor’s at my door asking if everything is alright because it smells like something is burning and I was only trying to cook for once and this is embarrassing but they decided to help me fix this mess.

The fire alarm blared as he opened the open to check on the chicken. Smoke billowed out as a cuss word escaped his mouth. Between the blare of the alarm and the choking smoke, his heart beating loudly in his ears as the panic started to creep up his back.

Grabbing the pot holders, he reached into the oven, grabbed the glass pan, dropping it on the stovetop with a groan. “Great.” He muttered, shaking his head as he made his way over to the blaring smoke alarm.

Waving the pot holder in front of the blaring alarm, he sighed as silence enveloped the apartment.

The silence was interrupted by a hurried knock on his front door. Another groan escaped his mouth as he tried to figure out who could be on the other side. Mrs. Wilson was a crotchety old woman who lived two doors down from him and always tried to bring him stale cookies and always told him he could stand to “eat a bit more”. Or it could be the cute boy who moved in the month before. Albert didn’t want to get his hopes up but he was praying that it was the latter rather than Mrs. Wilson.

Walking over to the door, he hurriedly yanked it open as the cute stranger quickly lowered his arm. Albert pushed a sheepish grin onto his face as he leaned against the door jam. “Hi!”

“Everything okay?” The cute boy asked, raising an eyebrow in question. “It smells like something is burning and those fire alarms do tend to blare pretty loudly.”

“Just trying to attempt to cook dinner.” Albert scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. “Sorry about the disturbance.”

The cute boy smirked. “I’ve seen food being delivered at all hours of the day. Why mess up the system you so clearly have down pat?”

“Do you have a name? I can’t keep calling you cute boy in my head. And for your info, I was told by a very important person to quit wasting my money on takeout and learn how to cook.” Albert shrugged. “Clearly it didn’t go well.”

The cute boy chuckled, shaking his head. “Cute boy, huh? It’s Thomas but all of my friends call me Finch. And for the love of everything holy, don’t quit your day job. Also, if you need help, I could help you - that’s kind of my job.” Finch rambled on as a smirk crossed Albert’s face. Finch grinned, shifting his weight to hold out his hand. “And cute neighbor boy, what’s your name?”

“Name is Albert, but a lot of my friends call me Red.” Reaching over, he put his hands in Finch’s, shaking it. “If you’re offering, I’d love some assistance.”

Pushing open the door wider, Albert waved his hand as Finch slipped past him. “So what were you attempting to cook that ended in this disaster?”

“Chicken - thought a nice meal of chicken, mashed potatoes and broccoli. I wanted something that reminded me of home. Didn’t know this whole cooking thing would be so hard.” Albert groaned. “Why do you enjoy it so much?”

Finch chuckled, leaning against the cupboard. “It’s relaxing and you can create a good meal and afterwards appreciate your hard work.”

“Whatever you say.” Albert rolled his eyes as Finch rolled up his sleeves and quickly washed his hands before raising an eyebrow in Albert’s direction. “What are you in the mood for? I’d say your chicken isn’t salvageable.”

Hopping up to sit on the countertop, Albert smirked, giving him a challenging look. “What’s your favorite meal to make?”

Reaching to open the cupboard next to him, Finch chuckled. “Well, now I know why you like to order food in so frequently.”

“Grocery stores scare me. They’re overwhelming.” Albert shrugged. “And most of the time I don’t know where half the items I’m searching for are located within the store.”

Finch nodded, continuing his search for whatever was going on in his mind. “Make sense. That’s why I use a grocery app to get food delivered - problem solved. But you don’t have much here. Let me go grab some supplies from my place and I’ll be right back.”

Albert watched him walk out of his apartment with a shake of his head. He tried to figure out what the hell had just happened and if his life had just changed for the better. Before he could move, Finch was back with some items in his arms, dropping them on the counter to Albert’s right.

“Now where are your pots and a strainer?” Finch asked, looking over at Albert.

A wicked grin crossed Albert’s face. “Why do you assume I have pots and a strainer?”

“Well in my search, I found a zester so if you have that fancy piece of equipment, I’m assuming you have pots and a strainer, smartass.” Finch raised an eyebrow. “Now where do you keep them hidden?”

Pointing to the cupboard below his hip, Albert smirked watching Albert crouch down, ruffling through the cupboard for the requested items. “So . . . uhhh do you have a significant other?”

Filling the pot with water, Finch snorted. “That’s the best conversation starter you could come up with?”

“I mean, I hate awkward silence so yes.” Albert defended. “My brain is all mushy since you’ve taken over my kitchen. So . . .”

Finch put the pot on the stove with a nod of understanding. “Painfully single for the last three months. I had a bad breakup which left me searching for a place. You?”

“No, I haven't had one for a while. Constantly looking though.” Albert grinned, eyebrows raised. “So, what are you making me for dinner?”

Finch rummaged through the cupboard again, coming out victoriously with a grater. “Figured you can’t go wrong with mac and cheese . . . unless you’re allergic to cheese or wheat?”

“Nope and nope. You’re good there. But I am allergic to shellfish.” Albert grinned, as a phone dinged with an incoming text. They both moved to look at their phones. Albert groaned, letting his head hit the cupboard behind him.

“Duly noted. You okay over there?” Finch said adding some salt to the pot watching lazy bubbles bubbled in the water.

Albert threw his phone down on the counter with a sigh. “Big family to do this weekend that I’m slightly not looking forward to.”

“Big family?” Finch asked, opening the box of noodles before pouring them into the boiling water.

He nodded, flipping through the photos on his phone before stopping at a family photo, showing it to Finch. “Adopted family. Jack and Race are my older brothers. Romeo is my younger brother and Smalls is the only girl and my younger sister. Jack and Race’s significant others will be there as well. It’s pure mayhem and craziness.”

“Wow big family. Any nieces or nephews?” Finch asked, quickly stirring the noodles before turning the heat down slightly. “Also, make yourself useful and grate the cheese.”

Albert grabbed a plate from the drying rack before starting to do what he was told. “Jack and his wife Katherine have a little girl named Emmie and they’re pregnant with their second; they’re not finding out the gender because they want to be surprised.” Albert rolled his eyes. “Race and his husband Spot are in the process of adopting a little girl named Noelle. They’re hoping to finalize the adoption in the upcoming weeks. So it’s even more mayhem with littles around.”

“That’s gotta be fun. It’s just me and my younger sister so there’s not much mayhem when we all get together.” Finch shrugged, watching Albert for a second. “I don’t even want to ask but you do have butter in the fridge, right?”

Smirking, a chuckle escaped Albert’s mouth. “Yes, I have butter and milk as well for your info.”

“So when you referenced that a very important person told you to stop wasting your money on take out, who were you referring to?” Finch asked as he drained the noodles in the strainer before dumping them back into the pot. He quickly grabbed the milk and butter from the fridge before adding a bit of both to the pot as Albert dumped the cheese in.

“That would be my sister-in-law, Katherine.” Albert said with a roll of his eyes. “She stopped by last week and couldn’t believe all of the takeout containers in the trash and fridge. One hastily worded text message was sent to my momma and I got a strongly worded lecture on how I’m 25 and should be able to cook and fend for myself.”

Finch threw his head back laughing loudly, taking a brief pause from stirring the mac and cheese together. “Well, I’m 26 and I get the lecture all the time about dusting and vacuuming.”

“So you feel my pain.” Albert exclaimed with a grin. “But I’m thankful for all that momma has done and will happily take her strongly worded lectures on any given day, even if they’re a lil intense and leave me a little bit frightened for my life.”

Finch nodded, and with a final stir, he clapped his hand together. “Alright, I think this is ready. Bowls?”

Albert grabbed two from the drying rack. “Alright, here’s the truest test - fork or spoon?”

“Spoon, why kind of heathen do you think I am?” Finch exclaimed as Albert shook his head.

“The kind that uses a spoon in mac and cheese rather than a fork.” Albert deadpanned, giving him a look as he drew out both a spoon and a fork from the drawer. “You’re an absolute heathen and I’m almost ashamed to know you.”

Finch dished some up in each bowl with a smirk, handing one to him as he grabbed the spoon from Albert’s hand. “Almost ashamed? You mean our beautiful friendship might live to see another day?”

“I mean, we’ll see how you did with the mac and cheese but I’d say this could live to see many days, weeks, and possibly years.” Albert said, stabbing several noodles with his fork before putting them in his mouth. He wasn’t ashamed that the most ungodly moan escaped his mouth. “Holy shit, this is amazing.”

Finch laughed, spooning some into his own mouth. “Want to amend your words about keeping me around?”

“How about you go on a date with me first and we’ll see where things go from there?” Albert raised an eyebrow in a challenge.

Finch nodded. “That can be arranged. What are you doing tomorrow night?”

“Apparently not getting take out and going out with you somewhere?” Albert bit back, before stabbing additional noodles and continuing to eat.

Finch grinned. “It’s a date.”

Thank you for reading! Many thanks to @cutesiewooren for being the ultimate cheerleader! So what did you think? If I was to continue this, what would you like to see? Any feedback would be lovely and would make my day!